The Flower Palace

Today was going to be a life-changing day for Dohyun, one that would hinge entirely on the decisions of the royal officials. After eleven long years of working like a slave, it was finally the day of his promotion, but the position he was assigned would determine his fate.

Three soldier trainees were to be given newly designated posts. Dohyun had his eyes on a very specific one. After all, he needed to prove his loyalty and that he was not the son of traitors.

He stood between two other men, both as well-built as he was, but he raised his chest proudly, demonstrating his strength and capability. Today, they all wore the royal uniform: a deep maroon robe adorned with exquisite golden embroidery and a golden flower blooming on the chest, the symbol of Hwachon, the town of flowers.

"Hey…I heard there's going to be two royal guards. You think you'll get in? I think I'm definitely getting in, though."

Song Minjae, the man on Dohyun's right, leaned toward him. 

Dohyun knew better than he would. Of course, he would. 

He was placed in the top ranks among the finest swordmen of Hwachon, proving the best of his abilities. In fact, he had also beaten Song Minjae in the tournament. He made sure there was no reason left to disqualify or remain idle in his position. 

He certainly deserved this position, so he believed. 

"I am only one step away from living my dream,” his eyebrows narrowed, the determination firm within those stormy grey eyes, “Of course, I’m getting in.”

The royal doors swung open, sunlight spilling into the room. Two men entered, clearly royal officials of the Prince of Hwachon.

The first wore pristine white silk under a dark brown coat trimmed in gold. A sword hung at his hip, partially concealed by the coat. His hair was cut short, as if he had trimmed it himself - uneven strands of his hair falling over his forehead. His black eyes scanned the room, and the scar stretching from his upper left lip to the lower right gave him a dangerous edge.

He was General Ahn Sugeom. The juniors liked to call him “Sir Ahn.”

One glance confirmed his high standing among the officials.

Behind him came another man, gentler, with a soft smile and warm brown eyes. His hair was long - the sides braided gracefully and crowned with a golden Sangtugwan, and he wore a blue coat over white silk. He held a fan, possibly a sharpened metal one, instead of a sword.

Dohyun's chest tightened.

That man was Hwang Inhu, his uncle.

The man who had given him life after his parents had been branded traitors, who had fought for him to have a place in the royal court. He was one of the main officials of the court, and the only reason Dohyun had survived this far.

"I won't take much time. Let's be quick." Sir Ahn's voice was deep, with an edge of urgency. He pulled an envelope from his robes and began reading aloud.

"Kim Tae-jin. Position - Front Royal Escort of the Princess.

Song Minjae. Position - Royal Guard of the Prince.

Wa -" He paused, eyes narrowing at Dohyun, "Dohyun. Position - Royal Guard…of the Princess."

The decision was made in a matter of seconds. Sir Ahn gave no further look or explanation and left the room, leaving only Hwang behind. He smiled politely.

"Congratulations. You may assume your new positions immediately. Seek guidance from your seniors as needed. As for the Royal Guard of the Prince, follow me." He glanced at Dohyun, whose bowed head betrayed nothing, neither shame nor happiness, but Hwang Inhu immediately sensed the turmoil.

Minjae, riding the high of his new post, shoved Dohyun aside with his shoulder, flaunting the position Dohyun had worked eleven years to earn. Serving the prince was a dream now gone.

Why? Why must it happen to me? Dohyun thought, chest tightening heavier than before.

He had bested Minjae in every trial, in every test of skill, yet he was relegated to serving a princess he had never seen, someone who rarely appeared in public.

Hwang gestured for the others to leave. The room cleared, leaving only the uncle and Dohyun.

"What is this, Dohyun?" Inhu asked gently.

"Samchon… you know this is wrong, don't you?" Dohyun's stormy grey eyes, muffled with the dark clouds, lifted slowly, blurred under a mist of frustration.

"I have more experience than anyone here! Why can't I serve the prince? The officials… Sir Ahn did this intentionally, didn't he? Because he resents my father! Everyone knows the story behind that scar -”

"Wang Dohyun!" Hwang Inhu’s voice rang, grabbing his full attention. "I know you feel wronged but listen. They didn't want to give you any promotion at all. I had to insist that talent, not favoritism, be recognized. This position is the closest they would allow."

He stepped forward, placing strong hands on Dohyun's shoulders. "This is all I could do to help. The Princess's province operates differently from the Prince's. Prove yourself there, and you may earn a far greater position. Don't belittle this chance. Use it to climb higher."

"But… the flower palace… hardly has any men. I'll feel awkward being surrounded only by women." Dohyun glanced away, his cheeks holding a faint hue of red.

Hwang Inhu chuckled. "That's not a problem. Who knows? Maybe you'll even find your ideal woman there."

"Samchon…!"

"That's enough for now. I have to meet with Song Minjae. Pack your things for the flower palace." He drew an envelope from his sleeve and handed it to Dohyun. "Here. Deliver this to the princess. I've included a special request on your behalf."