YoSoo fam hello!
Don't know where I'm going with this story but well... here's the first chapter.
Please, just let me know what you think, ok? I will be grateful.
As always, all advices are appreciated.
Take care,
The course of true love never did run smooth
-William Shakespeare
-First year of King Jeonjong's reign-
She didn't know what possessed her to do it but here she was, arms wide opened trying to protect Wang Eun and his wife, the latter was already wounded. As Soo's small body shadowed the 10th Prince and Soon Deok, all the guards froze for moment.
"Pyeha! Do you really have to do this? Are you so afraid of the 10th Prince that you have to kill his entire bloodlines?" Hae Soo shouted at Wang Yo.
Her outburst gave him pause, the bow that he was holding dropped along his side. Yo frowned and cocked his head.
The Court lady urged, "If the Heavens really chose you to be the King of Goryeo, then no man can go against it."
Wang Jung and Wang So arrived on the spot as the surreal scene greeted them. Hae Soo, a simple court lady was holding back the King's wrath. Both brothers stayed at bay to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Wang Yo observed the young woman below him. Her eyes, albeit unshed tears, were blazing. Such recklessness and backbone were a deadly combination and then he had to admire that in a woman. He slowly took his stance, aiming the arrow at her and shot.
"Soo-ah!" cried So and Jung at the same time.
The court lady glanced over her shoulder, "Don't come closer! Protect the 10th Prince and his wife." The brothers stopped dead in their tracks for a split of seconds and then fought off the Royal guards who were charging toward them. Minutes later shielding Eun and Soon Deok behind them, So and Jung turned their attention toward the unimaginable scene.
The arrow had grazed Soo's left cheek, blood dripping, her gaze flickered back to Wang Yo and she spoke again, "If you're adamant this is your Destiny, then prove it by ruling Goryeo wisely and cease this unnecessary bloodshed, please!"
Another arrow grazed her right biceps, blood soaked her uniform and still Soo wouldn't back down nor flinch. After what it seemed like hours, seeing the stubbornness and selflessness of his Court Lady, the King gave his bow to one of his servant. He could've killed her on the spot but something in her eyes challenged him. Her words had sunk into him. True that he was the ruler of this country so he will prove to her that it was indeed his birthright.
"10th Prince Wang Eun, you are exiled to your hometown, step a foot oustide and you'll be sentenced to death!" The king spoke finally.
Hae Soo sighed in relief then bowed low, "I thank you for you benevolence, Pyeha."
If Wang Yo was surprised at her reaction he didn't show it, instead he just strode off without a backward glance however as he left the gazebo he ordered to his Head Eunuch, "See that Hae Sanggung is tended and summon her to the throne hall."
"Very well, Pyeha." The old eunuch assented.
"By Royal decree, Hae Sanggung is to assist and serve personally His Majesty as such she is promoted as the Head Court Lady of the Royal retinue."
Instead of a promotion it felt like a death sentence.
Hae Soo was sitting on her knees in the middle of the Royal throne hall. The Head Eunuch folded the parchment and handed it to her. She discreetly glanced at King Jeongjong, 3rd ruler of Goryeo and ultimately her master. He was sitting handsomely on his throne, mischievous eyes paired up with a wicked smirk.
Wang Yo was a dangerous man, Hae Soo knew it better than anyone else.
How could she have forgotten that he had pushed his older brother Wang Moo -while the latter begged to spare his life- into the royal bath thus causing prematurely his death?
How could she have forgotten that he ordered Wang Won to slit her throat unless the 4th Prince bow to him as the new King?
Soo bowed, hands and forehead onto the floor."I shall obey."
"I cannot thank you enough for all the things you did for us." Wang Eun said, he tried to be brave but couldn't help the tears rolling along his cheeks.
"Unnie, thank you... very much." Soon Deok added then to Soo's surprise, Eun's wife took her in her arms as the 10th Prince put a warm hand on the Court Lady's shoulder.
"Please stay healthy and live happily. I will miss you both." said Soo in a strained voice.
They broke apart and Jung who had assisted to the whole interaction, pressed his brother and sister-in-law, "Let's go quickly, Pyeha is watching."
Soo waved her hand at them as the group walked away, relieved that she could've at least saved her dear friend Wang Eun.
"Soo-yah."
She turned her head to see Wang So standing three feet from her.
"You were the one who hide Eun-ie in Damiwon, weren't you?" So asked, frowning his brow.
Hae Soo looked downward for a moment, "Yes, I did."
"Why didn't you tell me a thing? Did you really think that I would've killed Eun-ie?" The 4th Prince demanded, he felt clearly betrayed.
The Court Lady looked up, unshed tears in her eyes she smiled sadly, "I'm sorry that I didn't trust you enough. I couldn't let anything happen to the 10th Prince... I-"
"You never trusted me, did you?"
"I'm sorry Wangja-nim."
"Let's stop now." Wang So stated before turning his heels.
"Lies. You're lying." whispered Hae Soo making him halt. Tears rolled along her cheeks, realizing that the man before her was deadpan serious.
The 4th prince mirthlessly smiled before adding, "We promised to not lie to each other."
"Hae Sanggung? Hae Sanggung!" she was pulled from her musing at the sound of her title.
Focusing on the Head Eunuch who worried about her silence, she managed to smile shyly. "Excuse me Park Sangseon... you were saying?" she said, this time much more attentive.
The old Head Eunuch leaned in and murmured, as if sharing a secret. "The King will grow impatient."
The young woman immediately understood the message and then looked at her tray where tea set and medicine were placed. The young monarch will probably throw a tantrum, he usually did anyway. Staring off at the Royal chamber's doors, she took a deep breath before stepping into the dragon's den.
"What took you so long?!" immediately yelled the King as she made her way towards him, ever cautious.
"My apologies, Pyeha."
The court lady placed her tray on the royal bedside table. She began to prepare the decoction under the inquisitive yet reassured gaze of King Jeongjong. He would never tell a soul but every time Hae Soo seemed to be a bit late for her duties, his mind was screaming that his toy might just have run away from the palace. Oddly enough those thoughts infuriated and unsettled him all the same. She was only his hostage, wasn't she? Cold eyes rested on Hae Soo. "I ordered you not to stall, didn't I?"
"Indeed, Pyeha."
Unfazed, the court lady only concentrated on her work. After a few minutes, she served the medicinal tea in a small bowl and presented it to the King. Resuming her position beside the table Soo stood there, head down, hands on her stomach praying he would just drink it quickly.
Unfortunately, Wang Yo didn't move an inch but continued to observe her with curiosity. Soo was quite good at avoiding his eyes, however his piercing gaze obviously made her feel uncomfortable. Smirking, he reached out towards the cup and then stopped short. "Taste it!"
The shock made Soo lift her head, at last, he locked gaze with her. She seemed to fume inwardly, her eyes took on a darker shade and her lips trembled very slightly.
"The tasters have already checked the ingredients." Soo retorted, "It's not poisoned." She saw the man smirk and shake his head in mock humor.
"One is never too careful." Yo sneered, more threatening he thought fit to add, "Taste it in the cup you have just served me!"
"I cannot decently drink in Your Majesty's bowl … I...I-" Hae Soo protested.
The King tilted his head. "Shall I harm one of my dearest brothers for you to obey?"
She quickly fell silent when she saw the dangerous expression of the man in front of her. Soo took the golden cup with her right hand and while carrying it up to her lips, she kept a watchful eye on her captor.
Once she took a sip, Yo immediately grabbed her wrist and pulled the bowl -she was still holding- towards his own lips. He watched as her eyes grew in utter horror, squeezing firmly Hae Soo's wrist, he drank the decoction very slowly and while doing so his cold eyes never left her face. He saw rosy cheeks and then indignation in her pretty face. Inwardly, he chuckled. She was undoubtedly amusing.
"Pyeha!" Soo chided.
What he had just done was scandalous. Conscious of their closeness, Soo tried to pull her hand back but to no avail for Wang Yo tightened his hold.
Try me, he thought with a smirk.
The touch had her heart pounding and heat washing over her whole body. Tension was tangible as they stared at each other in challenge. After what it seemed like eternity, the king finally released her hand, she drew back immediately trying to calm her heavy breathing. He perfectly knew how to affect her and she didn't like it one bit.
Yo laughed frankly this time, feigning ignorance, "What is the matter, Hae Soo?"
Hae Soo tended to be chatty whenever she was panicking. "You thought it was poisoned then why did you drink it... ju-just after me? Why?"
"I am the King, I do what I want!" he replied flatly, clearly amused by her flaming cheeks.
Obviously he couldn't tell her how it was refreshing to have her around, how she made him curious like no other, how he understood now why all his brothers were attracted to her at some point. A shame he didn't interact with her sooner, things might have been different then. "Do not be late for morning attendance..."
"Very well, Pyeha."
"You may go now." added the king as he prepared to go to bed. Soo grabbed her tray and almost reached the door when a shiver ran along her back.
"You are actually the jewel of the crown." Wang Yo murmured coldly. I will not get rid of you.
-Three months later-
During summer, State's affairs took all the King's time. His Majesty and his advisors were busy from dawn to dusk, several days in a row. A heat wave had affected the country and People of Goryeo started to suffer from heatstroke.
Hae Soo wasn't an exception but she endured it with courage. Wang Yo's health was affected as well, lack of sleep combined with the heat weakened him gradually. He never let it show though but Soo was no fool.
Unintentionally, she happened to know him better than she would care to admit it. She then noticed that the King was irritated about something but his dark circles and menacing aura prevented her from investigating the matter further.
"The king is with the Queen mother. Do not serve him tea." the Head eunuch warned Soo when she arrived in front of the Prayer Hall.
"Very well, Park Sangseon." she bowed and then entered into the room.
"Yo-ah... make Jung-ie the crown prince..." Soo heard the Queen Mother's unremitting plea and she'd wished being elsewhere at that moment.
"Enough Mother! There are things more important-" Yo replied. He stopped himself when he noticed Hae Soo.
The Court Lady bowed low, missing Queen Mother's disgusted face and Yo's appreciative eyes, she then proceeded to serve Queen Yoo.
The King just stared at his court lady who after serving tea, stood on the sidelines. She saves me from another headache.
Soo, even head bowed, sensed His Majesty's scorching gaze on her. While serving the Queen Mother's tea, she had glanced at her Royal son, he seemed tired and weaken however, oddly Queen Yoo didn't seem to be worried for her son's condition at all and kept imposing futile matters on him.
Hae Soo's presence prevented the King's mother from nagging at him any longer. "We will discuss the matter later..." Queen Yoo concluded.
In the distance, a thunderbolt could be heard, Wang Yo froze, his expression turned somber. "Mother, the matter is closed." It was her cue to leave, Queen Yoo huffed in indignation and then walked out of the room.
The king was lost in thought, his brown eyes were dark with some unfathomable emotion. Hae Soo cautiously approached Yo in order to take tray and tea set away but the sight that she witnessed tightened her heart. The king looked so... vulnerable at that moment. Is it fear I see in your eyes, Pyeha?
Lying in bed, Soo thought of air conditioner, ice-cream... of iced-tea?! She sat up in amazement. Of course, fresh sweet tea.
"Hae Soo, you're a genius!" she congratuled herself.
Thunderbolts were frequent in summer especially in afternoon or evening. And tonight, the night sky featured a natural firework. Soo's thoughts drifted back to King Jeongjong. Lately, he seemed to be on edge, his gaze often wandering skyward- like earlier.
"Am I worried... for him?!" Hae Soo grimaced. Unlikely. She then shook her head and went to bed. Tomorrow will be another tough day and she had lots of work to be done.
Wang Yo, who didn't have a wink of sleep, was having an afternoon meeting with Prince Won and Prince Wook. They sat in one of the many outdoor pavilion, discussing.
Wook noticed the King's weary eyes. "Pyeha... you seemed unwell."
"I've been busy with State's affairs as of lately... I'm fine." Yo replied, then he pointedly smirked, "I appreciate your concern."
"Even thought His Majesty says so... It's normal for people who really care for you to worry..." Won said with a shifty look. "In contrast to someone..."
"What are you talking about?" asked the King. Wook looked interrogative as well.
"Rumor has it... that Hae Soo ran all around Damiwon with a beaming face, disappeared from time to time and came back with untidy uniform." Won glady answered.
The King said nothing but his eyes darkened.
"Perhaps Hae Soo is planning something...?" concluded the 9th Prince
Wook interjected. "And then again, she has always been a cheerful child." Won chuckled.
Coincidently, the Head Eunuch flanked by several court ladies made their appearance. As Won stated it, Hae Soo was radiant despite the heat wave, the 9th Prince pointedly smirked at her. The court ladies proceeded to serve the three men, Soo placed Yo favorite's snack in front of him and was about to pour some tea, when Won stopped her. "Even I know that His Majesty doesn't drink tea lately... How dare you act so unconcerned?"
Hae Soo's eyes grew like saucers and darted from right to left. Glancing at the King, she noted his dark expression and her heartbeat increased immediately. Bowing her head in panic, she stammered, "I-I... thought-"
"You really are fearless, aren't you?" said Wang Won with wicked smile.
Park Sangseon stepped in. "Hae Sanggung wanted to surprise His Majesty with a brand new sort of tea."
Soo could have died of shame, even if he came to her rescue the Head Eunuch didn't have to exagerate... it wasn't really a surprise. She saw the King flex one of his eyebrows.
Then Yo directly looked her. "What kind of tea, Hae Soo?" Smirking widely he saw her reddened cheeks. She wanted to please him? That was unexpected.
"A fresh sweet tea, Pyeha." Soo replied in a whisper.
The King motioned for her to serve him, he carefully took a sip then another and emptied his cup eventually. It was refreshing to say the least, the sweetness combined with his favorite flavor took him by surprise. It felt good to drink such beverage on hot days like today. Never had he tasted a fresh sweet tea but he lied. "It is not so bad."
"Hae Sanggung brew the tea and let it cool down in a bottle. She then immersed the whole bottle in the stream running under the Damiwon's cave to keep it cool." explained proudly Park Sangseon. "She was restless since His Majesty refused to drink hot tea for so long."
Soo looked at the Head Eunuch, dumbfounded. He didn't have to explain it all like that. The King will misunderstand her gesture for sure.
"It's that so, Hae Soo?" asked Yo with a glint in his eyes.
Hae Soo sighed heavily. "Park Sangseon is most kind. I only did my duty, Pyeha."
Wang Yo pointedly smirked at Won, the latter seemed to feel uncomfortable suddenly.
Wook chuckled softly, "How thoughtful of you to care for His Majesty's well being, Soo."
The Court Lady narrowed her eyes, she must've missed the hints.
Thunderbolts and lightening bombarded the night sky as Hae Soo quickened the pace to give the King his medecine. Once she stepped into the Royal bedchamber, she was greeted by an eerie atmosphere. Wang Yo seemed frozen in his bed, haggard look painted his face as he was gripping his chest tightly.
"Pyeha...? What is the matter?" said the court lady while approaching the bed.
Another crashing sound could be heard, Wang Yo closed his ears with his hands, really scared. Soo worried immediately, sitting on the bed she shook him by the shoulders.
"Pyeha... it's alright, there's nothing to fear..." Soo tried to calm him down. She came to realize that the King was afraid of thunders and instead of laughter, she couldn't help but feel empathic. "I will call someone... maybe the Queen Mother will-." said Soo frantically.
With revulsed eyes, Yo reached out and grabbed her hand. "Do not dare to call for help!" He loathed the look in her eyes, she felt pity, he assumed.
Soo was simply alarmed. "But-but... you're not alright, Pyeha-"
"I said no!"
"You're trembling... How can I be of help then?"
Without warning, his large hand circled around her throat and he squeezed. "Do you take me for a fool? You are not here to help me. You're like everyone else, just expecting something in return. Do you really think I cannot kill you?"
Soo tried to steady her erratic heart and with courage, she reached up for Yo's hand around her throat. Resting her warm palm on his cold fingers, she said in a hoarse voice. "I do not wish anything from you, Pyeha. If you just want support then I'm here, I'll be on your side... If you wish to kill me then my life is yours to dispose."
Wang Yo stared into her brown eyes, she looked so sincere that his hand dropped down from her throat.
"Can I really trust you?" he wondered, more to himself than her.
Sensing his conflict, she asked hesitantly. "Shall I go? Then I will leave you alone."
With pained expression he just stared at her, unable to answer anything. Hae Soo then stood up from the bed and was ready to leave when Yo abruptly seized her hand once again, pulling her down next to him. "Stay." I want you by my side.
They stayed like that for a moment, hands linked. It began to thunder again, Yo trembled instantly. Without realizing it, she started to hum in order to divert his attention. Wearily, Yo lay down on his side, turning to face her. Then, she sang the same song she used to sing at Wang Eun's birthday party. Wang Yo relaxed gradually, the lyrics affected him while her voice soothed his soul oddly. He never let go of her hand until his eyes dropped shut. Why did it have to be you? Why are you the one who can console me?
Well...?