"I do not care of what they think of me." 

Daughter of a healer.  

 

Another Heir to the throne.

 

Antonia lived in the palace.  Born and raised within the standards and the expectations that required her to be brought up to understand the sacrifices and importances that made the royal court what it was.  Yet, she found the court was devious. Filled with deceit and the hunger of power within the many that ruled the court.

 

“Watch and learn, Antonia.”

 

Her mother, Freya had said to her while she tended to one of the many concubines the Emperor held.  Her mother worked wonders and remained close to the emperor’s side. And she watched. It was like magic.  Magic how the skin could mend and how it captivated the golden haired beauty.

 

Many said that she took after her mother.  With her beauty and her compassion. However, she held the intellect and resolve of her father.  While her mother still writhed and wrinkled her nose in distaste. Antonia, ever since she was a babe, never seemed to flinch nor grow disgusted at the sight of the unsightly blood and gore she often saw in the house of magnolia that resided upon the grounds of the palace court.  

 

Who was her father?  An illegitimate child.  Born to the Emperor and her mother, Freya.  The close duo where even the sweet compassion of her mother seemed to sway the Emperor.  Enough so to grant Freya a gift of his own. The gift of a child. A heiress to her mother’s position as Royal Physician.  

 

She knew the court, their lies, and their ways to gain power.  They didn’t know of what she was as well. Nor her importance as the upcoming royal physician.  

 

Then again, the kingdom of Joseon was nursing a snake in it’s womb.