"The king's daughter must inherit the throne, but an illegitimate
son plans to seize power before she can carry on her father's legacy."
 

Hello guys! So, because I am infamous for working on multiple titles at a time, I am working on a new story! For now, the working title is 'The Second Heir.' It is a historical story that takes place in either the Joseon or Goryeo era - I have not chosen yet. It will primarily be a romance and melodrama. Please notice that the male lead's name is left blank because 1) I haven't chosen yet haha and 2) because I want it to be a surprise!

My main priority is to make this story resemble a Korean historical drama as much as possible. I'm putting a lot of research and time into it, so I hope you will all like it when it comes out! C:

Without further ado, here's the excerpt:

"You shouldn't touch me."
 

"But I..." he hesitated, then slowly dropped his hand back down to his side. Eunryung stood still. Her back remained stiff. She closed her eyes, her brows pinched together in that severe, stoic manner that had made his heart skip that first day he saw her. But when she opened her eyes, a gentle softness was there - it was forced, but he could tell by her trembling pupils that she was trying. Her lips quivered, and he reached up to caress them, but he hesitated, his fingertips lingering inches away. She placed a hand on his wrist and entwined her fingers with his, moving her gaze to the floor as his fingers dropped to hold her hand. They lingered like that in silence for some time.
 

"You shouldn't. But..." Eunryung looked up little by little, her eyes darting back and forth nervously.
 

"But... I'll let you," she murmured. With her free hand, she cupped his right cheek in her palm and studied his face. His large brown eyes avoided hers. She reached for his other hand, but he pulled it away. She tried again, but once more he moved his hand out of reach, curling it into a fist. Eunryung's eyelids dropped and her lips parted, the softness gone from her gaze. She released his hand and took a step backwards. Just as she was about to turn around and stalk back to the palace, ______ uncurled his fist and held out his hand. It was crusted over with dry blood, and crimson was still oozing out of a jagged gash in the center of his palm. Eunryung stopped and stared at the wound. She lifted a hand as if to reach out to him- but then dropped it.
 

"Who was it?" she asked gloomily, her voice bitter and resigned. _____ remained still. He made no move to approach her now, knowing better.
 

"General Shin," he said matter-of-factly. Eunryung's brows furrowed together just as they had earlier. She rubbed her upper arm and gave it a rough squeeze. Her head lowered. ______ curled his fingers together as he watched a single tear crawl down her cheek, knowing he could not comfort her.
 

"I wish..." Eunryung mumbled. "I wish you didn't have to..."
 

"Eunryung." Startled, Eunryung looked up into _______'s face. His expression had hardened, and his eyes glowered with seriousness.
 

"You choose. A bloody, cruel and hateful game of war, or your brother on the throne."
 

He took a step forward and grasped her wrist with his bleeding hand, smearing the blood across her cold white skin. The contrast was startling. Eunryung's damp eyelashes fluttered. She searched his face.
 

"What if I can't choose?" she croaked.
 

"Then..." His grip on her wrist tightened- it was almost a begging, pleading grasp. "You will lose everything."