Chapter 119

• The atmosphere in the grand hall of the palace was charged with expectation and tension. Today, the King would announce his last contest, the challenge that would finally decide among us who would become Crown Prince. My brothers, Yi Hon and Yi Geum, and I stood side by side, each of us lost in thought.
• The King entered, and all eyes arose. The hall was quiet while he took his seat on the throne, flanked by ministers and officials. Minister Jang, Minister Han, Yi Hon's maternal grandfather, and my own grandfather and uncle were there each somber. They knew full well how grave this was going to be.
• "My sons," the King began, and his voice reverberated through the hall, "you have been tried, each one of you exhibiting both strength and will. Now, it is time for the final test, which will show who of you deserves to be Crown Prince."