the heart's desire

(The Palace of New Chin – Confrontation with Eun-Ji)

Eun-Ji: (shouting) Where is Ying? What have you done to him?

Third Prince Hyeon: (calmly) Eun-Ji, we are doing everything we can to find him. We don't know…

Eun-Ji: (angry) Don't know? You accused my husband! This is your fault!

Third Prince Hyeon: (firmly) We are investigating. We won't let anything happen to Ying.

Eun-Ji: (suspicious) You've always been jealous of him. Are you using this as an opportunity to get rid of him and take his place?

Third Prince Hyeon: (indignant) That's absurd, Eun-Ji. Ying is my brother, and I will do everything to find him.

Eun-Ji, unconvinced, crossed her arms and glared at Hyeon with eyes full of distrust.

Eun-Ji: (sarcastic) You've always been Father's favorite, haven't you? Becoming Emperor has always been your secret dream.

Third Prince Hyeon: (patiently) That has no relevance now. Ying is my family, and I am just as worried as you are.

As the argument unfolded, a messenger rushed into the office.

Messenger: (breathless) Prince Hyeon, we found something near the palace grounds.

Third Prince Hyeon: (alert) What is it?

Messenger: (handing over an object) This belongs to the First Prince. We found it near the gates.

Hyeon took the object and immediately recognized it—an ornament that Ying frequently wore.

Third Prince Hyeon: (determined) We need to intensify the search. Ying could be in danger.

Eun-Ji: Then let's find him, Hyeon. And if anything happens to Ying… I won't let you forget.

The temporary alliance between Hyeon and Eun-Ji was fueled by their concern for Ying, while the Palace of New Chin found itself entangled in mysteries that threatened to unearth long-buried secrets.

Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows of the corridor, Fong watched from a distance. He smirked as he saw the temporary alliance forming among the princes, but his true intentions remained unclear.

(Vide's Warning – A Frozen Moment in Time)

A mysterious figure materialized before Claudete/Mi-Suk, freezing time and everyone around her.

Vide: Claudete, the pieces of the game are moving. Be careful with the alliances you form. Not everyone is who they seem.

Claudete/Mi-Suk: I know. But right now, our priority is finding Ying.

Vide: Claudete, you're playing a dangerous game. Remember, shadows hide truths that can destroy kingdoms.

Claudete/Mi-Suk: (smirking) I know exactly what I'm doing.

Vide: Aren't you going to ask me how I stopped time?

Claudete/Mi-Suk: No! I've watched enough dramas and anime. I know everything.

Vide sighed in frustration as time resumed its normal flow, and he disappeared.

(The First Prince's Captivity – Inside a Dark Chamber)

Deep within the First Prince's Mansion, Ying awoke, disoriented and bound.

Ying: What is happening?

A shadowy figure entered the dimly lit room.

???: (smiling slyly) Master Ying, I regret this, but it's necessary to achieve our goals.

Ying: (furious) What have you done? Why betray your own master?

???: Master Ying, loyalties are fluid. I serve those destined to rule.

Ying: (seething) Betrayal… I never thought it would come from someone so close.

A familiar voice echoed through the chamber—Fong, stepping out of the shadows.

Fong: (sinister smile) Master Ying, your days of glory are numbered. Soon, you will understand that true power lies in the darkness.

A low-ranking conspirator chuckled from the corner.

Minion: Sir Fong, The Shadow will be pleased to know we have the First Prince in our hands.

Ying's eyes burned with rage. He had been outmaneuvered—but he was not defeated yet.

(The Search for the First Prince – Palace of New Chin – Night)

The flames of the lanterns flickered gently, casting eerie shadows across the carved columns of the Grand Hall. The air was thick with tension, heavier than usual.

At the center of the hall, three figures stood firm: Third Prince Hyeon, Second Prince Victor, and Claudete/Mi-Suk.

Each had their own reasons for being there, their own secrets hidden beneath carefully controlled expressions.

Hyeon was the first to break the silence.

Third Prince Hyeon: (resolute) The Shadow may be expecting us. Every step must be calculated.

His gaze was sharp as a blade. He knew that Ying's disappearance was no mere coincidence.

Claudete, on the other hand, maintained an enigmatic expression. Her eyes studied every detail of the surroundings, every person present.

She smiled slightly, as if she knew something the others didn't.

Claudete/Mi-Suk: (calm but firm) I'm ready to face whatever shadows reveal themselves.

Victor watched the exchange between them, an amused smile playing on his lips.

Second Prince Victor: (raising an eyebrow) You speak as if you're marching into battle. But tell me… aren't we always at war in this palace?

Hyeon shot him a brief glance but did not respond.

Nearby, a woman watched the scene silently. Her name was Eun-Ji, and her eyes were locked onto Claudete.

She did not trust her.

Eun-Ji kept her face neutral, but inside, her thoughts swirled with suspicion.

Eun-Ji: (thinking) Claudete is an enigma. I need to keep an eye on her.

A distant noise interrupted the conversation.

A guard rushed into the hall, kneeling before the princes.

Guard: (breathless) Your Highnesses… We found something in the west wing of the palace. It may be a clue to the First Prince's whereabouts!

Silence fell over the hall.

Eyes met.

Hyeon gripped the hilt of his sword.

Victor smirked.

Claudete tilted her head slightly, evaluating the situation.

Claudete/Mi-Suk: (murmuring) It seems the shadows are beginning to reveal themselves…

Eun-Ji frowned deeper, her distrust growing stronger.