First Argument

In a few weeks' time, the Foreign King and Native Queen would invite their allies to Joseon to celebrate their royal union. Diligently, today, the Queen and her keepers were helping her choose the finest outfits to wear for that week of festivities. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as they looked through the different fabrics, ribbons, and dresses.

The keepers then went on to discuss the intricacies of the Queen's wedding dress that was being made, but their voices dropped to a hushed tone.

"When we were leaving the tailor today, I heard some news Kimora?" Mi's voice carried a note of excitement.

Kimora responded, her voice lowered but still audible to Queen Asora's keen ears. "What news, Mi?" The Queen continued to look at the fabric in front of her, completely aware that the keepers behind her were scooting closer to each other, she smiled in amusement, she most definitely could still hear them.

"I heard from a reliable source that King Tae-Han is starting to select concubines," Hana revealed with a mix of intrigue and curiosity.

The Jamaican Keepers looked at each other in alarm, "Bomboclaat!" Kimora exclaimed. "He what?!"

"A concubine?!" Jasmine said in English. "Ah duppy dat. Im mek up im mind areddy! He wants to die."

With a mix of disbelief and anger, Queen Asora interrupted her maids' conversation. "What did you just say?" Her voice carried a tone that demanded immediate attention.

The maids turned toward the Queen, their eyes widening in surprise. Keeper Jasmine, nervously stuttered, "Forgive us, Your Majesty. We did not mean to speak out of turn."

"You did nothing wrong," Asora said. "But I'm asking you to repeat what you guys were saying?"

"There have been rumors about the King's intentions of starting his search for concubines," Keeper Nara spoke up. "Some say one concubine has already been chosen."

Asora's frustration grew, her temper flaring. "Fetch me my finest outfit. I will make sure this rumor is squashed today."

They hastily gathered the regal outfit they had been considering and put it away before helping the Queen get dressed.

Queen Asora stormed out of her chambers, her flowing gown billowing behind her as she marched towards the Changdeokgung Hall. The air around her crackled with tension and dirt kicked up in her wake, her maids struggling to keep up with her determined pace.

Reaching the hall, Asora swung the door open forcefully, storming into the war room where King Tae-Han was engaged in conversation with his general and her uncle, Wisemen Hugh. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the incensed Queen.

The King's eyes however widened in surprise as he witnessed Queen Asora's fiery entrance. He politely dismissed his men and motioned for her maids to wait outside. Standing tall, he addressed her with a hint of disapproval in his voice. "Queen Asora, I must say I am not pleased with the manner in which you have entered this hall. Despite your position as Queen of your own nation, respect must be shown."

Asora, her anger intensifies, surprised the King with her growing fury. Her voice shook with intensity as she confronted him. "Respect, you say? How can I show respect when I hear rumors of you selecting concubines? That practice that goes against everything I believe in... I feel disrespected, and as the Queen of my own country, I will not tolerate a cheating husband!"

On seeing Queen Asora's fiery display, the Native King couldn't help but find her anger unexpectedly attractive. But still, he approached her cautiously, trying to find the right words to bridge the cultural divide between them.

"Asora, you have to know I hold you in the highest regard," Tae-Han began, his voice gentle but firm. "But you must understand in our culture, concubines have long been an accepted practice. It is not a reflection of dissatisfaction or inadequacy, but rather a means to forge alliances and maintain stability."

Asora's brows furrowed with confusion. "I don't care about cultural significance! I care about loyalty and respect in our marriage! Do you really expect me to accept this and turn a blind eye to your infidelity?"

Tae-Han's expression softened as he gazed at her intently. "Monogamy would be what I want if I wasn't a King. But the reality is that concubines serve more than mere pleasure. They serve as symbols of diplomatic ties and can strengthen bonds between kingdoms. They bring wealth, connections, and, yes, potential heirs."

Frustration clouded Queen Asora's face. "But must it come at the cost of fidelity? All you need is one child for your kingdom and one for mine! Why must you disrespect our marriage with multiple whores?! That does not make sense, and you know that." Again anger began to pump through her veins. "If you insist on having concubines, then I should have the same right. I will have my own male concubines," she declared with determination.

A brief moment of tense silence hung in the air as King Tae-Han's expression hardened. His gaze pierced through Queen Asora, his features revealing a mix of disbelief and possessiveness. Without uttering a word, he stalked forward from across the room, closing the distance between them in a few quick strides. As he reached her, he firmly grasped her hand, pulling her towards him with a possessive grip.

His presence filled the space, commanding attention and demanding obedience; his figure casting a shadow over her.

"Asora," he said, low and filled with an undercurrent of intensity, "I will not entertain such notions. The idea of you having male concubines is unacceptable to me. You are mine, and mine alone."

Queen Asora felt a shiver run down her spine at the raw authority in his voice. His possessiveness ignited a primal desire within her, but she refused to let it overshadow her own sense of independence.

"But Tae-Han," she began, her voice full of defiance, "if you can seek companionship outside of our marriage, why can't I? It is only fair. Remember where you stand with me, while you need a Queen to rule. I am the King and Queen to my own nation. I do not need a man to rule my country. I could have as many men as I want, and no one would bash me. I'm choosing to stay loyal to you as a wife with my body and heart. You. Alone. So is it really wise for you to find concubines, when I too can look for more men to fill my desires?"

King Tae-Han's gaze intensified as he looked deeply into Asora's eyes and he encircled his arms around her waist pulling her further into his chest. Asora was sure he could feel her bosom through the dress, how peaked they were to the point where they hurt, but she couldn't tell if he felt them because his eyes flashed with a mix of frustration and protectiveness. "All I desire is a legacy, Asora, a family that will ensure the stability of my nation... I am fine with not having concubines but you must be ready to constantly be by my side, fulfilling my needs. Are you prepared for that?"

His words struck Queen Asora like a bolt of lightning, it was a proposition she hadn't fully anticipated, and yet, a part of her found it strangely thrilling.

Asora's cheeks flushed, her breath catching in her throat at the King's words. Unconsciously, her thighs clenched together. She began to stutter, her voice barely above a whisper. "O-of course, I...I would do that. But there will be no concubines, and our first couple of years of marriage is without children. I need to focus on my people first before I continuously stay with child, okay?" The Queen's eyes did not meet the King's as she was embarrassed about what she was agreeing to.

A hunger danced in King Tae-Han's eyes as he looked upon her, his gaze filled with a mixture of desire and admiration. "You would do that?" he asked, his voice low and intimate. "Allow me to fill you to the brim, so we may have children for the years to come?"

Asora nodded, her eyes finally locking with his. "Whether we need heirs or not, I would allow you to. But still, in return, I implore you, no I am telling you, to stop searching for concubines. It ends today."

The King's face softened, and he revealed a faint smirk. "Asora, I have not begun the search. I was planning to discuss this matter with you this evening. Because in all honesty, since I've met you the desire to have concubines is no more. I only desire you."

Blushing furiously, Queen Asora felt a mix of relief and sheepishness, "So, you won't have concubines?"

The king shook his head, his eyes filled with affection. "No, Asora. I promise you, I will not seek concubines. You have my undivided attention." Asora's eyes went to the red pillars behind the King, unable to handle the intensity of the King's eyes. 

King Tae-Han's hand cupped her cheek affectionately, bringing her back to look at him. "Don't shy away from me, we are both navigating uncharted territories, blending our cultures and traditions. Misunderstandings are bound to happen."

Asora took a deep breath, her anger fully dissipating at the thought of concubines, replaced by a newfound understanding. However, as he rubbed his thump on her cheek a smirk made way to her face, "But just as how I am to satisfy your every need Tae-Han, you must do the same. You must always be ready for the times I need you to fulfill my desires."

A mischievous glimmer danced in the King's eyes, he lowered his head by her ear and tightened his grip on her waist. "I am more than ready to indulge you."

"Sure you are," A playful scowl formed on Asora's face, "But there is one more thing, Tae-Han, I need you to do. Promise me that our first and second-born children will have the freedom to choose which country they wish to rule, or if they wish to rule at all. It is of utmost importance to me."

King Tae-Han looked into her eyes, his gaze unwavering. "I promise, Asora. All our children will have the freedom to decide their own destinies. The first two children especially do not have to be a ruler of our nations if they do not want to."

Asora smiled, "Good." A sigh of contentment left her lips. "Now I can rest easy, everything I needed to say is off my chest."

King Tae-Han's smirk returned as he playfully teased his queen. "Well, it seems I have tamed the fiery Jamaican spirit within you."

Queen Asora scowled, her cheeks still flushed, and hastily she pulled herself away from his grasp. "You are insufferable," she retorted, her voice a mixture of affection and exasperation. Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and gracefully left the war room, leaving behind a king who couldn't help but be captivated by her fiery spirit.