Unmasking Souls

Before the Storm

"I see you, Min Ho-yah..........stabbed to death with a painful expression on your face....."

Jung Jae massaged his temple, "What I'm wondering is, why is it never me?"

The question hung between them as Jung Jae opened his eyes and stared at his brother.

"Why, Min Ho-yah? I see all the people I care about dying in my nightmares, but it's never been me. I see Father over and over again.........with his bluish face, dying as we sat

beside his bed."

Min Ho felt a lump in his throat, definitely hearing his brother's voice shook.

"I started to want to see myself dying horribly in my dreams. I would have felt relieved.

But no. All I see is all the people I want to live forever dying. Why is that, do you

think?"

"Because that's more horrible than death itself," Min Ho answered. "It's what you fear

most."

"........true. I've been wondering, why hasn't Park Hae Soo poisoned me, yet? Why does it

have to be my son? And why does it have to be your wife that he dishonored?"

"Because your guards are more trustworthy than father's, Hyeong. He can't penetrate your safety precautions. And because he knew hurting who you care about would make you be more desperate."

"Min Ho-yah?"

"Ne, Hyeong?"

"In my weakest moment, I thought of giving this throne away. You know? If Park Hae Soo wants it so much, I want to give it to him, in change for our safety. I can manage losing this throne. Or my life. As long as I don't have to see any of you getting hurt in front of me."

"Well, thinking to give up is fine, Hyeong. As long as you only keep it in your mind."

Jung Jae went silent for a while after that.

"I know you disagree with this banquet."

"We've had this discussion before."

"I want this conflict to end. If he really attacks me, we will have a solid reason to

execute him as soon as possible. If I don't do this, this would go on and on, Min Ho-yah, you know that, right? He'll continue to fight us in his own way, and we would be helpless

trying to increase and increase our security, having more guards, but it will never

stop."

"Algesseumnida."

They stared into each other's face, seeing the same expression.

Fear of the worst that could happen, but determined that it must be done.

"Min Ho-yah, if I die, you would be—"

"You won't die, Hyeong"

"But if—"

"I said, YOU WILL NOT DIE!!!"

He had yelled the last four words so loud the entire guards outside would have all

heard it.

"Min Ho-yah, if I die, wipe out the Park clan, have fair trials, and be a just

emperor."

"I refuse to be the emperor because you will survive this banquet."

"Min—"

"Please. Stop this topic. This is useless."