The Unwelcomed Guest

The morning had dawned, and the sun cast a golden glow over the palace courtyard as King Tae-Han, accompanied by his trusted wisemen and advisors, took a leisurely stroll. He had wanted to stay in bed with his wife but he knew this routine walk was a way for his advisors and wisemen to speak with him. The scent of blooming flowers perfumed the air, creating an idyllic atmosphere. Little did he know that troubling news awaited them.

The Wisemen and Advisors exchanged worried glances, their expressions lined with concern. They knew they had a delicate matter to discuss with the newlywed king. They had just finished their breakfast, and now, with heavy hearts, they felt compelled to share the unsettling news.

King Tae-Han, sensing their unease, broke the silence, "What troubles you all? You wear a grave expression this morning."

Wisemen Hugh spoke, "Your Majesty, we must address an important issue. The King of Spain, who was a guest at your wedding, has expressed a desire to speak with you. He has chosen to extend his stay, seeking an audience with you"

King Tae-Han's irritation was evident as he furrowed his brow, recalling the King of Spain's previous interest in Queen Asora. This was their third day as official newlyweds, and he found the request untimely.

Wisemen Tae-Jeong, known for his wisdom, stepped forward and suggested, "Perhaps, Your Majesty, it would be prudent to consult Queen Asora. Her guidance and insight might shed light on the best course of action."

The king's face hardened at the suggestion, and he shook his head decisively, causing a flicker of surprise among the Wisemen.

"No," King Tae-Han replied firmly, his voice laced with determination. "This is a matter I must handle alone. Inform the King of Spain to meet me at the Changdeokgung Hall at noon. And ensure that Queen Asora remains unaware of this arrangement."

The Advisors and Wisemen exchanged concerned glances, their loyalty to the king and to the Queen was conflicting in this delicate situation.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Queen Asora, she was engaged in a meeting with Wisewoman Lydia, Wiseman Japh, Advisor Do-Joon, and General Ki-Yong. They were immersed in a discussion about implementing strategies to combat theft within the kingdom. Their focus remained on the task at hand, unaware of the brewing tension surrounding the King's unwelcomed guest.

As the noon meal approached, Queen Asora eagerly anticipated meeting with King Tae-Han. However, her excitement was met with surprise when the king requested that she start eating without him, claiming to have something urgent to attend to. Though hesitant, she reluctantly agreed, a nagging feeling of unease settling in her heart.

As Queen Asora turned towards the table where the Wisemen and Advisors were beginning to sit, she noticed something peculiar. None of them met her gaze, their eyes avoiding contact with hers. Confusion etched across her face as she sensed their discomfort. Determined to find answers, she approached Advisor Daru, seeking the truth behind the king's sudden departure.

"Advisor Daru," Queen Asora said behind him, stopping him from scooting in his chair. "Where exactly is the king going? I sense something amiss. Please, be honest with me."

Advisor Daru's expression faltered, a mixture of worry and hesitation clouding his features. He glanced around, desperately searching for help or guidance from his fellow advisors and wise men. Yet, their avoidance of eye contact only deepened Queen Asora's growing apprehension.

Queen Asora, her voice firm and demanding: "Daru, I demand to know the truth. Do not keep me in the dark any longer. Tell me where the king has gone."

Unable to find support among his companions, Advisor Daru reluctantly succumbed to Queen Asora's persistent inquiry.

Advisor Daru, his voice trembling, "Queen Asora, I must tell you... the king has gone to meet with the King of Spain, who has extended his stay and wishes to speak with him privately."

Queen Asora's eyes widened, her initial concern turning into annoyance and frustration. Her fists clenched at her sides, her regal demeanor momentarily shattered by a surge of raw emotion.

The Wisemen and Advisors finally looked up, their faces reflecting a mix of guilt and remorse. They knew the gravity of their silence and the consequences it had on Queen Asora's trust in them and in her own husband.

At that moment, Queen Asora's resolve solidified. Her eyes blazed with determination as she realized that she would not allow her voice to be silenced or her worth to be diminished. She would confront King Tae-Han and demand answers, holding him accountable for his actions.

"Where is he?"

Advisor Daru's eyes opened wide, "I do no-"

"Where. Is. He?" The Queen said lowly.

Wisemen Hugh spoke up, "In the Changdeokgung Hall they will meet at noon."

The Queen stared at her uncle for a little bit, unsure whether to be hurt or not, that he hadn't informed her, "I am going to go, but when I get back, this will be addressed. I think you all forget who I am, me being a newlywed wife does not disqualify me from knowing things like this!"

With that, Queen Asora stormed out of the dining hall, her heart set on finding her husband in that moment, the palace seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the clash of wills between a livid Queen and a King whose actions had stoked the flames of her anger.

Inside the Changdeokgung Hall, King Tae-Han stepped into the war room to find the King of Spain awaiting him. The Foreign King's smirk spoke volumes, a confident and mischievous gleam in his eyes.

Tauntingly he asks, "Ah, King Tae-Han, I trust English is a suitable language for our conversation? Or would you like to fetch an interpreter?"

King Tae-Han fought to maintain his composure, refusing to succumb to Ramiro's provocation, since his wife's arrival his English had improved a hundredfold more. "English is quite adequate, thank you. After all, I did have to converse with various foreign rulers during my wedding celebrations."

With a hint of arrogance, Ramiro stood up, walking over to King Tae-Han. He extended his hand, playfully challenging Tae-Han's resolve. "Well then, King Tae-Han, allow me to introduce myself properly. I am King Ramiro of Spain, pleased to make your acquaintance."

King Tae-Han stared at the outstretched hand for a moment, his reluctance evident. Eventually, he begrudgingly shook it, releasing his grip as quickly as possible. He moved to the table, intentionally sitting a few chairs away from Ramiro, maintaining a physical and metaphorical distance.

Ramiro's eyebrows shot up in amusement, "Ah, such a cold reception, King Tae-Han. But I suppose that is to be expected. Straight to the point, aren't we?"

"Indeed," Tae-Han agreed. "I have no time for pleasantries. What is it that you want, Reina Ramiro?"

King Ramiro's laughter filled the room, echoing off the walls as he settled back into his chair, relishing the power dynamic that unfolded before him. "Oh, King Tae-Han, always a man of directness. Very well, let us not waste any more time. I have come to discuss the future and the opportunities it holds for both our kingdoms."

King Tae-Han's gaze narrowed, skepticism coloring his expression. He had not forgotten Ramiro's previous interest in Queen Asora, and he remained wary of the Spaniard's intentions. "Speak plainly, Ramiro."

King Ramiro leaned forward, his voice dropping to a lower, more conspiratorial tone. "My dear King Tae-Han, there is much we can gain from a closer alliance between our nations. I have been impressed by the strength and beauty of Queen Asora, and I know you understand the allure she holds for other rulers. But let me assure you, my interest is not solely in her."

King Tae-Han's grip on the armrest tightened, and his jaw clenched. He could sense the underlying implication in Ramiro's words and was determined to protect both his kingdom and his marriage. "You will find that I am fiercely protective of my queen and my kingdom. Do not mistake my resolve for weakness, Ramiro. I will not tolerate any encroachment on our alliance or any attempt to undermine our union."

"No need to get upset Tae-Han," King Ramiro teased. "I understand your hesitation and the doubts that plague your mind. Allow me to clarify my intentions. I seek an alliance against the British, who have been making plans to regain control over Jamaica. They see an opportunity to reclaim their former colony, and we, as neighboring powers, have a vested interest in thwarting their ambitions."

King Tae-Han's brow furrowed as he tried to grasp the significance of Ramiro's request. He wondered why the Spanish King believed he needed their help to face the British threat. "But why do you need our assistance? Surely the Spanish Empire has the resources and military might to face the British on its own."

Ramiro chuckled softly, his tone tinged with amusement. "You misunderstand, King Tae-Han. I do not seek your assistance. I merely wish to extend an invitation. An invitation for you and your Queen to join me in discussing this matter further. To share information, strategies, and potentially form a united front against our common foe."

King Tae-Han's confusion deepened, his suspicion growing. "And what is your true motivation for inviting us? What do you hope to gain from this alliance?"

Ramiro's gaze intensified as he locked eyes with Tae-Han, his voice dropping slightly. "Consider it an opportunity for mutual benefit, King Tae-Han. By aligning our forces and sharing intelligence, we can strengthen our positions and ensure the preservation of our respective realms. As for what I hope to gain... well, let's just say I have a keen interest in the preservation of the Queen's safety and well-being."

King Tae-Han's eyes narrowed, a mix of suspicion and protectiveness washing over him. "You may meet with Queen Asora, but remember your boundaries, Ramiro. She is my wife now, and her heart belongs to me alone. Do not overstep your bounds."

And as if the Queen herself heard, with a resounding bang, Asora swung open the war room doors, her regal presence commanding attention. As her gaze swept across the room, she locked eyes with both King Tae-Han and King Ramiro. A flicker of amusement danced across Ramiro's face as he, the ever-audacious one, allowed his eyes to roam shamelessly over Queen Asora's form an action that did not go unnoticed by Tae-Han, who seethed with anger.

Queen Asora, undeterred by Ramiro's insolence, called out to her husband, her voice resonating with authority.

"Tae-Han! Who do you think you are, holding a meeting with my ally without even consulting me? This is not how a partnership works!"

King Tae-Han's gaze shifted from Ramiro to his enraged wife, sensing the gravity of her words. His anger at Ramiro's audacity transformed into concern for the rift that threatened to widen between them.

King Ramiro, still smirking, attempted to interject, but Queen Asora's gaze turned towards him, silencing his intended interruption. "And you, King Ramiro, I expect you to show proper respect in my presence. Your actions and demeanor have not gone unnoticed."

King Ramiro's smirk wavered, replaced with a mix of surprise and annoyance. He realized that he had underestimated Queen Asora's resolve and the boundaries she demanded. "My apologies, Queen Asora. I did not mean to offend."

Queen Asora's piercing gaze held Ramiro accountable for his actions, her eyes expressing a warning that could not be ignored. "And let's get this straight, matters that concern my people, my kingdom is my domain. Any discussions regarding alliances or meetings must involve me, you will not scheme and go to my husband. Understood? I will not be sidelined or ignored."

King Ramiro smirked and leaned back in his chair, "Ah, a fierce queen indeed. Tae-Han, it seems you have a formidable ally in her."

Queen Asora's and King Tae-Han's eyes narrowed on the Foreign King, their focus was unwavering as she addressed Ramiro directly. "Remember, Ramiro, I am not just a Queen, but a formidable leader in my own right. Disregard my authority at your own peril."

Ramiro's smirk slowly faded as he realized that he had underestimated the strength of Queen Asora's character. "My apologies, Queen Asora. It seems I may have misjudged the strength and determination that you possess. I assure you, I hold the utmost respect for you and your people."

"Good," The Queen said. "Now, let us all proceed from here with this openness and collaboration."