Epilogue

The gentle breeze swayed the willow branches, their delicate tips brushing the surface of the tranquil lake. The sun cast its golden light over the water, making it shimmer like liquid gold.

A tall figure walked slowly along the lakeside, his steps steady yet careful. His hand was firmly wrapped around the delicate fingers of the woman beside him.

Jeon Jungkook.

The woman who once entered the palace as a political pawn, a discarded bride, and a humiliated wife, now walked with her head high, her presence radiating warmth and grace.

The Queen of Joseon.

She was heavily pregnant, her rounded belly showing the life she carried within her. Every step she took, her husband, King Seokjin was by her side, his hand never letting go of hers.

Jungkook looked toward the horizon, her dark eyes reflecting the past, the years of struggle, of pain, and of unexpected happiness.

She let out a small, wistful sigh.

Seokjin turned to her, his gaze soft yet filled with knowing.

"What is it, my Queen?" he asked, his voice deep yet laced with warmth.

Jungkook smiled, her fingers tightening slightly around his.

"I was reminiscing," she said. "Thinking about the past… how I came to the palace, how I thought I would die in loneliness. But instead…" she looked at him, "I found love."

Seokjin halted his steps, causing her to stop as well.

His grip on her hand tightened, and for a moment, he simply stared at her.

Then, he chuckled softly.

"You always surprise me, my Queen."

Jungkook tilted her head in curiosity. "Why is that?"

Seokjin's lips curved into a smirk.

"Because you say things like that without realizing how deeply they affect me."

Jungkook felt warmth creep up her neck.

She lowered her gaze slightly, but he cupped her chin gently, lifting her face toward him again.

"If anyone should be grateful," Seokjin murmured, "it is me. I am the one lucky enough to have a strong wife… a woman who had every right to abandon me, yet she stayed. A woman who waited for me, who trusted me despite everything."

Jungkook swallowed the emotions rising in her chest.

For years, she thought she had suffered alone.

But now, looking into the eyes of her husband, she saw it, he had suffered too.

And he had fought, not just for the throne, not just for his people…

But for her.

Jungkook exhaled softly.

"I was foolish back then," she admitted. "I thought you never cared. I thought I was merely a burden, a decoration in the palace."

Seokjin sighed, brushing his knuckles against her cheek.

"And I was a fool for making you think that."

Jungkook smiled.

She rested her head against his shoulder, her free hand rubbing her belly gently.

"Our child will have a father unlike any other," she whispered. "A father who loved not just his people, but his family more than anything."

Seokjin pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"This child will be born into a peaceful kingdom," he promised. "A kingdom where their mother is the most cherished woman in all of Joseon."

Jungkook chuckled. "Flattery, Your Majesty?"

Seokjin smirked. "Only the truth."

They stood there for a while, watching the lake, the world around them moving forward.

For five years, Seokjin had ruled Joseon without any more concubine.

Lady Hayeon was stripped from her title and as the King's grace she had been resided inside Queen Dowager's protection but no longer a concubine and no longer had any title.

The court had tried to replace Lady Hayeon. They had pressured, they had feared his lack of an heir, but no one dared to push him too far.

Because during the coup of Lord Seowon and the Queen Dowager, Seokjin had shown them what kind of king he truly was.

A ruthless strategist.

A calculating ruler.

A man who protected what was his at all costs.

And Jeon Jungkook was his.

Forever.