The chirping birds and the lively sound of life in this city was as joyous and bright as the day. The rain had come and crops were flourishing. Everyone seemed to be happy under this sky.

Jumin tried not to look at the sky too much. The bright light starts to pain him.

"Are you alright?", Young, the captain of the guard, asked.

Young trailed behind him, his hand always placed on the hilt of his sword.

"Is it getting worse?", he asked again.
"I'm fine.", Jumin replied.

They were walking towards the main work room when another regally-clad figure was walking the alleys as well.

"Your Highness! Brother!"

Ran gave a deep bow, together with the two soldiers behind him.

"Who is this….", Young asked lowly.

Both Jumin and Young's eyes fell to a feminine figure the two soldiers had been dragging by the hand. She was limp with hands and legs tied and eyes covered.

"A new girl from the village. They have been rude to you, your Highness! How can they send a girl in this state?!", Ran exclaimed angrily.

Young knelt and caressed the female's hair softly.

"Is she drugged?"
"The chief said she's been fighting so they had to do this. It's like they're sending off criminals now!", answered Ran.

Young eyed the two soldier that went to ready stance immediately.

"You're handling the next bride of the king, she's not a sack of potato you drag around.", he said.

"Enough."

Jumin's voice was deep and it silenced the men.

"It's just one girl. She'll die tomorrow dawn. It doesn't matter. Take her away."

The guard, heeding Young's words, carried the girl on his arms. Exposing the dirty bottom of her jeogori that had been sweeping the palace floors for now.

"Poor girl.", said Young softly.
"Aren't they all?", continued Jumin.
"And I still intend to show kindness to each of them. Whether or not they have only one night to live."
"Suit yourself."

Jumin paced forward, his robe of red and gold flowed behind him. His face not showing any trace of remorse, compassion or regret.

The Cold King of Goryeo.