My Ultimate Ambition

"No, my lady! Not that dress."

A courtmaid tossed aside a fiery velvety dress with a blend of golden hue her mistress picked out for her selection and took it upon herself to make perfect selection according to the theme. Conservative behavior was stereotypically associated with the mother of the nation, flashy clothes were labeled for the concubines and not fit for a future empress.

Yoona has always loved fashion. She doesn't follow trends... she starts them. She never emulates trends. Instead, she follows her own look from start to finish, allowing her innate sense of style to try new things and follow her own trends.

Fashion has always been what made her feel most alive, whilst it's paramount to be dressed properly and low-key, she wouldn't dare dress shabbily so as to make impression on those that mattered not. Living while not 'living' scared her. In the passage of life, she feared not to be remembered at all. Her significance and existence should skyrocket it would be recorded in the annals of time; that's how big her ambition is.

Tired of her lady-in-waiting disapproving rants and criticism, she opted for the floral trends of spring and decided to cast a darker color over the vibrant royal robe. Pulling out an edgy top of darker shade and a dress in her favorite hue, she wore it in such a way she stayed cool while still looking hot. Her jewels were selected first-hand by her and make-up styled diligently on her in such a way that screamed gothic glamour.

Lady Song had not one word of criticism as this mistress of hers was exceptionally different with a strength of willpower quite unparalleled. If only her former mistress wasn't such a weak sweet creature and had one-tenth of her strength of will, maybe, just maybe...

She knelt before her and other servants copied her stance as she vowed to serve and protect her.

"My lady, whatever be the results tonight, I would like to serve you for the rest of my life as my master, forever!"

"My lady, take us under your wing too. We will serve you till we die and protect you with out last breath!"

This show of unwavering support and loyalty left her seeking for a physical support as lady Song rushed up to hold her up. Yoona was overwhelmed with tornadoes of emotions as bite her fingertips nervously. She felt their sincerity in the pitch of their voice, the worried look on their faces and the una.d.u.l.terated love they had shown her right from her arrival till that moment. She knew not what to feel as she was rendered speechless. What had she done to deserve this support, practically, she was nobody who strived to be somebody. She had no achievements to her name, no tangible wealth, not even a powerful clan or revered status yet people pledged fealty to her cause.

What was she to do with this massive support?

Lady song led her to her elevated seat and watched her catch her breath.

"My people, I have not much thing to say, rather my actions will speak for me. All those who protect me I shall protect too, loyalty shall be rewarded and you guys shall be taken care of for the rest of your lives. Heaven be my witness!"

"Thank you my lady," and foreheads touched the bare ground as lips sang of unending praise for her.

Only a true queen can elicit such reactions from people! One born to rule is truly different from her peers and counterparts.

...

Perched on his Dragon throne, the emperor kept a watchful eye on every person in the selection hall. Dowager and grand dowager smiled coyly at each other, their eyes bright and their auras shining brilliantly for all to see, after all, each of them had a favorite contestant and only one would emerge victorious. Aristocrats shuffled across the hall arranging scrolls and whatnot to ensure smooth process. The two beautiful women twirled around the hall, flashing their titles and regal robes as they familiarized themselves with their faction . On their lips, coy smiles hung as they emitted auras of powerful women.

Sure, they were excited but they were also undeniably nervous. When they were informed of the contest few nights ago, they figured that winning was a long shot. But now, here they were, getting into the state hall to meet up with the elders of the harem, the top ministers, judges well-versed in arts and of course Daejong, the emperor.Of a truth, this was going to be a day they would never forget.

Soon, the stage was set and first stage of selection began; music!

Dark veiled barricade separated the contestants from the judges to dispel partiality and favouritism. Few court ladies assisted them to their seats as Seo-yun started first behind the scene. Behind them was a large mahogany table filled with music scores, varieties of instruments was left behind it. Dr.a.p.ed on the inner curtain was a name tag and a particular music and instrument meant to be played by them, right by it's side, just behind them were chief maids of highest level supervising their activities. Once their preference were made, they took to their seats with Seo-yun taking the first lead.

As she plucked the strings of her instrument, a deep tune reverberated throughout the hearts and minds of anyone who listened. The instrument which served as a backdrop to the Shu's classical music has always ignited passion in individuals since the last decade. Her profound look as she plucked away left all astonished, the palace ladies couldn't help but fall in awe of her demeanor, poise and grace.

Zither has always been her favorite instrument as it's balance was synonymous to her nature; quiet, soft, melodious and commandeering. Easily she chose nirvana in fire which was also a classic but difficult to play as not anyone could pull it off.

At the last string of her instrument, her countenance changed to one satisfied with her performance. She had a smug look dancing provocatively as she silently challenged her rival to beat that.

Yoona smiled calmly at her as she swiped the surface of her violin delicately and smiled satisfactorily. Her unperturbed look unsettled Seo-yun who felt unless she was a goddess of music, her beats can't go higher than hers in terms of performance or scores.

"Second contestant start," a voice echoed from across the barricade and she obeyed as her music started.

A sweet veiled melody pierced the silence as she plucked the violin; her articulate control of the instrument was enough to bring anyone within miles into a deep trance. The masters were in awe of such authenticity and purity, her emotion was riled up as she got stuck in the music. It was a popular song yet sounded so unfamiliar. Dreamy and idyllic, the music led it's listener to a sleep-like trance; one so full of bliss that they hoped to never awaken

One judge whispered to another as he nodded the curtains be opened after they had scored them. Perfect mark wasn't enough to be awarded to her so they wrote it down and stamped, dropped their dripping brush and turned over the scroll. This was to prove this mark was awarded based on the skill, not the visage of a favorite contestant.

When those who had been inspired by the meticulous style of music lifted their heads to the emperor for approval to lift the curtains, image of a powerful woman twirled before their eyes in all aura of greatness as she seemed so lost in her music to notice she was under surveillance. Every one was shrouded with enveloping emotions as her tunes were out of the word, her grace unparalleled.

Her beauty has always been unconventional, which historically has not served her well on the pageant circuit as it mythically was acclaimed to cause downfall of nations.

Proud of her signature look, Daejong swelled up with love. By instinct, he knew it was only her that was capable of arousing such feelings within him through music, and by conviction he allowed them break the rule of the competition as he couldn't wait to feast his eyes on her.

The melody soon trailed off as she was done, and at that moment, she realized sea of eyes were rested on her.

Daejong beckoned on them to come closer. The court was silent as they both sauntered to the center of the grand hall to await judgement.

For moments, the emperor sat silently, listening to his subjects squabble over minute details about how to score them. They mistook his silence for indifference, however, as he mulled over every point made with sharp, analytical judgement, he announced his final decision...and he wouldn't stand to hear any objection to the dismay of the fickle-minded ones who initially agreed the second competitor was far more better.

Obviously, Yoona rose to stardom as the winner of the first competition giving way to two subsequent stages of selection.

They both took to a specially designed seats as they awaited the next stage selection.

Intensely, Seo-yun critically analysed her rival, while her beauty may be intense, her valiant spirit thwarts her outward appearance. She had relished in getting down and dirty with her experience as a harem woman resulting in her being renowned as the most skilled in their nation, yet, Yoona let her face defeat callously. She vowed to come out victorious on the next one as they already knew what the last stage entailed; emperor's personal selection of his empress, and he wouldn't choose her. Never!

"She is truly an amazing woman! Dangerously amazing!" Seo-yun mused.