That night, Hana sat alone in her room, the sliding doors closed, her shadow visible against the paper walls. Seated on the floor behind her low table, she contemplated her encounter with Lee Sun.
Hana had known everything about him since she was a little girl. She had adored the prince even without ever seeing his face — not even from afar.
Today had been the first time she laid eyes on the man whose beauty was spoken of throughout the nation. Maidens dreamed of seeing him, of marrying him. His imposing posture, refined features, and remarkable skills made even married women sigh in secret. Yet it was also well known that he possessed an arrogant personality and a cruel demeanor. He tolerated no one who dared oppose his will.
Since the death of his father, the late king, he had ruled with an iron fist.
But these were legends — stories circulating through the country and the Court from people who claimed to have seen him, which was nearly impossible. The new king was rarely seen in public. His life was dictated by his status. He had been raised to be cold, to prioritize the well-being of the country above all else.
Love was a foreign concept to him.
A king could not afford softness or be swayed by tears or sweet words.
"Happiness makes a man weak," his father used to say.
The late king had never allowed him to cry or show emotion. He had treated his firstborn more like a soldier than a son. His words were orders.
His mother, the Queen, was not much different. She had entered the Court through an arranged marriage to fulfill her filial duty. The marriage gave her status — nothing more. Love was not permitted. She had to be the Queen, the mother of the nation, and most importantly, the mother of the future king.
And the next queen would have to do the same.
Lee Sun knew he had to choose a future queen — a young lady suitable to bear the heir to the throne. The nation required stability, and an heir would ensure the royal lineage remained secure.
He was required to marry one year after the late king's funeral, once the mourning period ended. His father had died the previous October. Since then, his mother had pressured him constantly to choose a bride and prepare for the wedding.
The woman who would become royal consort had to meet strict conditions.
Her family status had to be impeccable. Her body flawless. She had to be a virgin from a high-ranking and respected family. She must be pure, untouched, dignified, and morally upright. She must never have been seen alone with any man outside her family.
Most importantly, she had to be healthy in every way. The future queen carried the responsibility of giving birth to the "Son of Heaven," and the child had to be born without flaws. Therefore, the candidate could have no illness, no hidden weakness, no imperfection of body or mind.
A future queen was not allowed to have even the tiniest scar or birthmark on her body.
Hana thought about how cold and rude Lee Sun had been. She knew he was not one to filter his thoughts, but she had not expected him to dismiss her so bluntly.
"My lady, how are you feeling?" Nara asked softly, sliding the door open.
Hana lifted her gaze and shot her a sharp, angry look. After the encounter, she had begun to believe her mother's subtle warnings about Nara's presence around her. In her frustration, she convinced herself that all the unpleasantness had been caused by the maid.
"Yes. I would like to rest now," she said coldly.
"Very well, my lady. I will help you change and prepare the bedding—"
"No! I will change by myself. I want to be alone, Nara," Hana raised her voice.
Seeing the fury in her eyes, Nara bowed and left quietly, wishing her good night.
Moments later, from outside the room, Nara heard a scream and the sound of objects shattering. She looked up at the clear moon and the sparkling night sky.
"Mother… I think I did something wrong."
The next morning, Lady Jang entered her daughter's room and found her lying on the floor, still dressed in the previous day's clothes, her elaborate hairstyle undone but untouched by sleep. The bedding remained unused.
Expensive ceramic ornaments lay shattered. Books and decorative items were scattered chaotically across the floor. Her makeup had smudged from tears, leaving her face streaked and swollen.
Lady Jang's expression darkened.
She could not bear to see the apple of her eye in such a state.
"Hana, dear… Hana? Wake up, my love," she said, kneeling and lifting her daughter's head gently into her arms.
Hana opened her puffy red eyes.
"Mother…" she whispered, then broke into tears.
"What happened, my dear? What upset you so deeply?"
Hana clung to her, sobbing.
"Why was he so cold, Mother? He didn't like me?" she cried between breaths.
"No, Hana. It was merely an unfortunate encounter. We were not prepared to meet him, and he did not expect us. It was not about you. You know the stories about his temperament. And the Queen seemed to have quarreled with him beforehand. Do not exhaust yourself over this."
At that moment, Nara entered quietly — and immediately felt Lady Jang's icy glare.
"Where were you, you ungrateful girl?" Lady Jang shouted, still holding her daughter. "Could you not hear how distressed our young lady was last night? Why did you not stay with her or inform me?"
Nara lowered her head.
"I apologize, my lady. I wished to remain with her, but she asked me to leave."
"How dare you answer back? And what do you mean she asked to be alone? Do you not possess a mind of your own?" Lady Jang snapped, standing abruptly. "I showed mercy and allowed you into my household. I feed and clothe you, and this is how you repay me? If it were not for Minister Jang, you would not have remained here a single day. You are as useless as your shameless mother was. Get out of my sight!"
Nara bowed deeply and left in silence.
Lady Jang turned back to her daughter, cradling her again.
"And it is all because of her clumsiness. She ruined your image before the king. She reminds me too much of her mother," she muttered.
Then her tone softened.
"Enough, Hana. I will not allow anyone to make you suffer again. Wash your face. Change your clothes. I will do whatever it takes for you to meet the King properly — and to become Queen. Whatever it takes."
Hana looked at her mother uncertainly.
"Are you truly that confident, Mother? You know the rules. I may not pass the selection because of the—"
"Nothing will stop you," Lady Jang interrupted sharply.
Hana hesitated, then placed her hand over her left breast.
"You know there are no scars allowed on the body of a future queen."
Lady Jang held her gaze steadily.
"If there is a will, there is a way. I know the rules. I know how the selection works. The Queen Mother has already shown favor toward you. That alone gives us advantage. We simply need to ensure you meet the Court's criteria."
She leaned closer.
"Everything is possible, Hana."
"Even removing a birthmark, Mother?" Hana whispered.
Lady Jang's expression did not waver.
"Yes. Even that."