The Heart of the Lotus

Born as the illegitimate third son, Chang-Gyeon seized the throne through a brutal storm of violence and political upheaval. His ruthless ascent, however, has left his rule unstable and his kingdom on the brink of ruin. As chaos threatens to consume everything he has built, the young monarch finds solace in only one place: the presence of Sam-Myeong, his closest companion since childhood. Yet what began as genuine affection has gradually curdled into a consuming fixation. Unable to bear the thought of losing the one person who anchors him, Chang-Gyeon’s attachment transforms into an all-encompassing obsession. He will stop at nothing to ensure Sam-Myeong remains by his side, employing calculated schemes and relentless manipulation to tighten his hold. Even if it means systematically breaking Sam-Myeong’s spirit and stripping away his free will, the desperate king is prepared to cross every moral boundary to keep his sole source of comfort within his grasp.