Epilogue

"I heard the Goryeo Expo has exceeded expectations." Baekah stated as he gazed over at Jun So. "Did they finally convince you to come back?"

"Not for long." He casually commented.

"Are you feeling restless again?" Concern in Baekah's voice. "It's been a year since the accident, hyung. How are you doing? Do you still have the dreams?"

Jun So's eyes narrowed as a young woman appeared ahead of them at the entrance of the Goryeo gallery. Her porcelain profile so familiar he felt his chest tighten. Why do I feel like I know her? He followed behind as she strode ahead.

"Hyung?"

Baekah tried to get his cousin's attention as the So faced the ceremony ritual at the entrance. He closed his eyes as male voices and the clank of steel on steel flooded his memory. "You. You're the 4th prince." Aguish filled him as his father shouted for his brother. A forest, he's holding her tight against him as her tear stained faced looked up at him in fear. He hears a man say "she's an innocent girl. let her go." "I don't want to." Jun So opened his eyes searching for her. "She belongs to me" "My person." Each phrase a vow. He saw the startled look on her face when he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her slender body close to his.

"Do you remember? I said before, right? You're mine. Whether it was then or now, or the moment you touched my face, I made up my mind, I will make you mine. Brace yourself from now on I will never let you go."

She slowly moved from one painting to another until she halted before a stark drawing of Gwangjong facing the entrance of the palace. As though in a trance, they both stood facing the drawing. Surprised, he watched as she covered her mouth, emitting a choked sob, then crying out in a low, trembling voice, "I'm sorry. I left you there all alone, I'm sorry." Her sobs filled the room as she fell to her knees, So reached out to catch her onto to be shocked as the memories flooded in, the moment of his death hit him as he got sucked into a grey stillness of the palace courtyard, staring into his own eyes.

"If we are not from the same world I will find you, my Soo."

Pain washed over Jun So as the memories of Goryeo, loving her and losing her due to his blind jealousy, poured into him. Without her there was no life. Tears slid down his cheeks as he wrapped his arms around the woman's shaking body, pulling her close to him, determined to never let her go again. "Hae Soo. Soo-ya. I'll never let you go again." He whispered as she fainted against his chest.

The walls of the gallery started to return to focus as Hajin regained consciousness. "Soo-ya!" Someone was holding her, shaking her. Am I back in the courtyard? His voice. Where am I? "Hae Soo!" Hajin moaned softly as she opened her eyes to see the Goryeo paintings on the wall. Wook's pictures of her with him and Lady Hae. Baek Ah's drawings of So and the princes. Blinking back the tears, she felt his arms tighten around her.

Why do I hear his voice? "So?" Turning, she clutched his jacket, meeting his eyes. Those eyes which held such sorrow within them now. She gulped back a sob as she searched his face. Slowly, she touched the scar, tracing the edges around his right eye. A hand span. "How?"

The memory of their last few days in the palace together burned into her memory. That afternoon stroll by the lake when they stopped near their tree. "If we had met in another world and at another time, I was thinking how great that would have been. If only that could be I wouldn't fear anything. I could freely...truly, I could freely love you all I wanted."

"I warned you. I will never let you go, Hae Soo." So stated as he stood up, pulling her with him and into his embrace. "You are mine. You will always be my person, Soo-ya."

Hajin smiled up at him as she wrapped her arms tight around him, basking in the familiar heat of him pressed against her. "Yes." A sigh of contentment spilled out of her as she hugged him to her.

"Please forgive me, Soo." He whispered against her neck as he held her in his arms. "I love you."

Giving a choked laugh, she whispered back. "Don't you ever forget it." Then she brushed his mouth with a kiss. A cough sounded from the entrance of the gallery. Blushing, she peered over So's shoulder at the two familiar men, her eyes going wide. Aigoo! Was the curator? Baek Ah? Are they all here? Am I dreaming again? She rubbed her eyes.

"It's not like you to kiss a stranger, hyung." Baekah grinned at So as he turned around to face the two men standing in the entrance, her hand tightly gripped in his. "Oww. Oww." Hajin laughed as So awkwardly stared at the men as he releasing his grip. He watched her gracefully walk over to Baekah with a bright smile, offering her hand with a slight bow of her head. Her dulcet voice summoning up distant emotions. "I'm Go Ha Jin." That name. A distant memory of a book bound in blue silk with mysterious words written within surface. Why is her name familiar? He shook his head as Baekah introduced himself to her.

"How do you know my cousin?" Curiosity getting the better of the man as he grinned down at Hajin. "I.." She turned back to So, giving him a look for help.

"It's a long story, Baekah." So coughed as he caught Hajin's hand in his again. So noticed as the curator pushed him glasses up wthe bridge of his nose, his eyes hooded. So turned to the modern-day Ji Mong as the man gave him an enigmatical smile. If you long for someone too much, you will become like me. Thoughts of the other life as Wang So pasted through Jun So as he scrutinized the curator suspiciously. The rabbit always has more than just one escape route. What are you up to, Ji Mong?

**Go Ha Jin and Kang Jun So have been married for approximately six months when she becomes pregnant and begins to lose her memory. So locates Ji Mong to find out why he's losing her again.*

Jun So's office

"I remember in Goryeo you told me that if I missed her enough I would become like you." So refused to budge as Ji Mong cryptically dodged his inquires, pretending not to understand. "I know you, so do not lie to me." He grabbed the older man by his shirt, pinning him to the wall. "You were always the clever rabbit. So, what is the escape route, this time? How do I save her?"

"It would do you no good to threaten me." Ji Mong coolly said as So loosened his grip. So leaned his hand against the wall in near defeat as the time jumper stepped out of his hold and straightened his tie. "I see our little kingmaker has gotten herself in an interesting dilemma. Her spirit is trapped in the between. What will you do, Peha? Re-order history? Just for her?" He mocked.

So turned, growling low with frustrated rage. "Ever the wolf dog." Came the taunt. "Nothing can be fixed with rage. If you truly want to save your wife, then you must find and read her book in Goryeo."

"How do I do that?" So's gaze burning a hole through Ji Mong.

"By meeting yourself in the middle." Ji Mong merrily suggested with a laugh, sitting on the edge of his desk, he picked up a book from a stack and tossed it at So. The younger man easily caught the book on quantum physics in midair. Silently he flipped through the pages. "How will this help?" he queried, then a distant memory slipped into the cracks.

"What were her last words?" He stood beside Jung as he watched his daughter playing from a distance. Jung's eyes filled with sadness as he replied, "She said she wished to forget everything. She didn't want to remember us, even in her dreams." Gwangjong closed his eyes in pain as Jun So opened his eyes at the revelation.

That night So held Jin's sleeping form next to his as they snuggled in bed, the day's encounter with Ji Mong circled in his head. Meet myself in the middle? He closed his eyes, breathing in the scent of her silky hair, and reached out into the void.

Goryeo

Cheondeokjeon Palace

"Pabo. how could you let her die like that?" Gwangjong heard his voice echo in his head as he leaned against her bed, his tired eyes resting on her urn. A year had passed since her death, yet he could still feel her at times. The pain of missing her worse than any wound he had ever received from wolf or sword. He closed his eyes as something important tugged at him, urging him with a memory of a book wrapped in blue silk with her unusual script written inside it. The book he hid from prying eyes, relieved he didn't destroy it. He got to his feet, walked to the urn, and kissed it as he left her room.

Determined to find it, he entered his quarters, heading for a chest near his bed. Kneeling, he unlocked the chest and pulled the book out. "What is so important about this book? I can't even read the script, yet I need to know."

"Yes, you can." A whisper replied in the back of his mind. "Open the book."

Tentatively, Gwangjong opened the book, frowning down at words that were at once foreign but all so familiar now. He sank down as he read Go Ha Jin's diary to the last page. With dawn broaching, he shut his tired eyes, a deep weariness settling into his body. "If only I could go back to that day and make it right. I would take this burden from her heart. I could save her."

Sleep overtook him as his troubled mind drifted into the void. Meeting in the middle. "We would move the heavens for her, re-order space and time, and change history to save her." Said the man standing before him. His hair was cut short with bangs brushed to the side, but the scar was prominent. Gwangjong frowned at this strange version of himself.

"We need to save her, Peha." This strange So said as he knelt before him. "She didn't have the heart to tell us that she conceived that night in Seokyeong nor that she was dying. She was given no choice and had to leave to survive."

So stood up, pacing the room. "However, we did it. We became like Ji Mong and found her again. But we will lose her if we do not bring the pieces of her spirit back together. She is lost and slowly forgetting." He explained, a terrible sadness weighing on him. "She cursed herself before she died. She wanted to forget the pain of loving us."

Gwangjong quickly got to his feet and grabbed So by the neck. A distant memory of watching Jung lift Soo up in his arms while he fussed over her returned as So pulled his hands from him. "The child." came a hoarse response as his staggered back. "I never thought. She was Jung's wife."

"You know now." So stated bitterly, turning his head away as his mind floated into the past. "I did not know until a child bumped into me near Soo's stone tower. Soo's spirit shone in her eyes. Jung told me about Soo's request to not raise her within the palace. I couldn't break his promise to her since he cared for her when I foolishly abandoned her. Jung deserved to raise her."

"Go Ha Jin?" Gwangjong picked up the fallen book. "Hae Soo?"

"The same woman." So nodded in confirmation.

"How did she?" Confusion filling him even with the evidence staring him in the face. "Why?"

"Ji Mong needed a kingmaker and Jin is a descendent of Hae Soo." A sardonic smirk twist his lips as he thought of Ji Mong's far reaching manipulations of his life. "He used her as the bait which forced us to fight for the throne."

"Soo." Rage filled Gwanjong as he flung the book across the room. "It's too late. It's all too late to save her."

"No, it isn't too late." So growled back, as he closed in on the king. "I will not allow it to be too late. I did not cross heaven and hell for it to be too late. Trust that we can go back. Make it right. Save our Soo-ya. Keep this burden from her shoulders. We have the knowledge of what we did wrong. We can stop him from making the same mistakes." Touching his forehead to Gwangjong's, So whispered, "Sleep, Peha, trust me."

Seokyeong

A sense of peace fell over So as he sat next to Soo as she pointed out the constellation Pegasus. He laughed happily as he attempted to pronounce the name of the constellation. They relaxed, just happy to be together even for a short while. Soon it will end and she would have to return to the palace before the king knew she was missing from the Damiwon.

Jun So subtly crept into the back of the prince's mind as he held her hand in his. "Ji Mong will appear before long with the news that Jeongjong is weakening. Your brother will die on that day. You must not leave Soo alone with him. You must get to Jeongjong before he dies to secure his decree."

So frowned as this other consciousness filled him. A feeling of recognition and wonder poured over him. How is this possible? She was here with him. Cheerfully grinning down at Soo as she peered up at him, he leaned forward and kissed her soft lips just as Ji Mong appeared, surprised to see them together. So let go of Soo's hand and patted it as he greeted the man.

So led them inside his living quarters and sat next to Soo as Ji Mong gave him information on Jeongjong's health. "The king is very ill." he continued on in a mocking tone, "Envoys from East Jurchen were bringing tributes; so, I arranged a day of dry thunder to frighten the king, I had no idea the envoy would be struck by lightning and die right in front of him. The royal physician said that he was startled so much he became weak."

So sat at attention, listening to Ji Mong urge him to move forward with his plans. "The time has come. Princes Wook and Jung have left the palace. Grand General Park and the Shinju Kang clan are on standby, controlling all the royal army and the clans." Ji Mong stood up. "You should make the decision."

So placed his hand over Soo's, "Remain here." he commanded gently as he followed Ji Mong outside. "There is no decision to make." He informed Ji Mong. "Tomorrow you will inform the guards to open the gates upon the king's command."

"What are you planning?" Ji Mong inquired, intrigued.

"My brother will want to see me before he dies." So gave a slight smile. "Remember the gates must be opened just before he calls for Lady Hae to come to him."

Ji Mong narrowed his eyes suspiciously but nodded at the command in So's voice, then left to return to the palace.

So felt her presence behind him. "Do you want the throne?" Soo asked softly. He turned around to see her sad eyes. "I did want the throne. It was one of the reasons why I left you. I wanted to put an end to the bloodshed between us brothers. I thought it would give me the freedom to never be treated as someone's dog, but I know that the throne will only tighten the leash around my neck. It will place us both in greater danger, but I have no choice. I was born under the star of a king."

Sadly, she whispered, "I wish..."

Pulling her close, he embraced her, "I know." Gazing down into her eyes. "I never stopped loving you. Will you follow me?"

Soo wrapped her arms around him, holding him tight against her, afraid to let go. "Yes."

"Baek Ah will be here before too long." He brushed another kiss across her lips. "It will be over soon, Soo-ya. I promise." So said as Soo closed her eyes against the threat of tears.

Late that night

"Make sure she arrives safe." So instructed Baek Ah as he lifted Soo up to him, "Peha must not know she's been away."

"Don't worry." Baek Ah said as he helped Soo arrange her chima. "Woo Hee is waiting for her just inside the Gyobang gate. She will see her back to the Damiwon without anyone noticing."

Soo looked down at So, "Please be safe." Not wanting to let go of him. So patted her hand with a confident smile. "I promise I will be safe." He turned to Baek Ah and handed him a slip of paper. "Send this message to Wang Jung on your way to the palace. He must arrive just after we've taken the palace."

"I will make sure it reaches him and I will return with Grand General Park." He told So as he galloped off.

Songak
Cheondeokjeon Palace
Just after sunrise

Hae Soo trembled before Jeongjong as he ranted. She jumped as he threw his tea cup at her, the clay shattering at her feet. She held her breath as Queen Yoo rushed into the room in a panic.

"So is coming...So is coming to the palace!" In fear, she halted before her oldest son as Soo slowly backed into the wall, trying to get away from mother and son, not daring to take her eyes off the exchange. "Wang So is revolting against you!" Jeongjong got to his feet in shock, then sank back down onto the edge of the bed.

Queen Yoo rushed to the side board, grabbing paper and brush. "Yo, Yo..You need to write this down now." Bewildered, Yo got up to follow her, panic lacing her words as she attempted to force the brush into his feeble hand. "Write down that you will be abdicating to Jung. Hurry now."

Confusion slid across Yo's face, "What?"

"We cannot lose the throne." She cried out, then coldly commanded, "Hurry. Write down that Jung will be the new king, then we can plan for a future. Go on."

Yo stared at this woman as though seeing her for the first time, "Then...what about me?" Realization sinking in as he gazed into her blank stare as Wang So and General Park entered the chamber, So motioning the guards to stand down. "Am I even your son? What am I to you, Mother? Just something that exists to sit on the throne."

So glanced at Soo to make sure she was not hurt, before returning his gaze to his brother and mother caught up in their struggle. Yo shut his eyes as they rested upon his middle brother standing just inside the room, then he laughed bitterly as he fell to his knees before the wolf. "Now, I think I can relate to So. I know how he feels."

"Peha! Mother!" Jung strode in with sword at ready to defend them against So.

"I told you that I would abdicate to So, Mother." Yo leveled his gaze at Jung, then smiled cruelly at her. "In the temple, I told you I would make So my Crown Prince."

"What are you saying? Do not do this!" Queen Yoo furiously screamed at Yo as he collapsed further to the floor.

"Peha!" So called out as he rushed to his older brother's side, holding his slumped body in his arms as he ignored his mother's cries to get away from her son. She rushed at So in rage. "My blade should have found its mark that night. Instead of your face, I should have cut out your heart. Why did you have to live?"

"Take the queen back to her chambers." So ordered. The older woman clutched at her youngest son, pleading with him as the guards seized her. "Jung, you must kill him. You will do that for me." Pity filled his face as he shook his head, his sword dropped to his side. "I can't do that, mother."

Soo's knees buckled under her as the room began to spin, she closed her eyes against the overwhelming sense of fear and relief. Queen Yoo's fearful howls echoed down the hall. From a distance, she heard Jung's hoarse voice after Yo ragged breathing ceased. "Greetings to the new king. Manza, manza, ma manza". Then the room rang out with the command to great the new king.

So lifted Soo's unconscious body high into his arms as Ji Mong and General Park called for the guards to fall to their knees before him, acknowledging him as king. His barely paid attention, brow furrowed in concern for her. The stress was not good for her heart. There were too many details he would need to address therefore he could not leave to take her to the Damiwon so she wouldn't wake up to this hell. Jeongjong's body was still warm at his feet. She had been witness to too much death. His eyes went to Jung as he strode purposely toward his younger brother. If nothing else he could trust about Jung, it was that he cared about Soo as well.

"Please rise." So looked down at his kneeling brother. Jung stubbornly stared straight ahead as he remained on his knees. "Rise." So ordered. "I need you. Take her back to the Damiwon so she doesn't open her eyes in this room."

Jung blinked up at So, then got to his feet. So kissed Soo's forehead, gently giving her over to Jung. He watched his brother take his lover out of the room, the doors closing after them, then he turned to face his destiny. His eyes met Ji Mong's, challenging the older man. Nothing in this world or the next will make me give her up, he thought.

Damiwon
Hae Soo's bedchamber

Jung sat on the edge of Soo's bed as he angrily pondered over So's behavior toward Soo. Why did she get involved with So? Why did Jeongjong abdicate to So? It didn't make sense when he could have chosen his son as Crown Prince. Ever since So returned to Songak nothing had been the same since. Hae Soo was always defending his fourth brother, but he couldn't believe that she wanted this.

Soo opened her eyes in confusion. "What happened?" she inquired as she raised her hand to her head. Was it a dream?

"Peha abdicated to Wang So." Jung frowned down at her. "Are you hurt?"

"No." Soo sat up slowly on the bed. It wasn't a dream. So will become Gwangjong. She felt the anxiety tie a knot in her stomach. What will happen to us? I must remain calm, fear will do no good, she told herself.

Jung watched the internal struggle in Soo's eyes. "Will you remain with him now?" he asked bitterly. "You never wanted to be a king's woman." he reminded her. "Our eighth brother could help you leave this place."

"No." She shook her head against any thoughts of Wook, she reached out, her hands resting on his sleeve. "Please, stop, Jung." she pleaded. "He needs you now. Please understand him."

"Why do you defend him?" he demanded, concern filling his gaze. "What hold does he have over you? I can protect you from him. Trust me. Why are you taking his side?"

Soo touched his face as she met his eyes, "I will never take sides, but the truth is that I love him. That is the only hold he has on me. He has stood by me even when doing so might have cost him his life. Even when no one else dared to do so."

"He abandoned you for two years." He spat out, standing up.

"He protected me from Peha for those two years." She gently countered.

"He killed Eun!"

Soo got to her feet. "There are so many things I want to take back and that day is one of them. So did only what Eun requested he do that day." she grabbed Jung's forearm, frowning, trying to make him understand. "Please."

Jung stubbornly faced her, despair slipping over his features. "Please, Jung." She entreated. "We need you."

Without a backward glance, he walked out of the room, not seeing his thirteenth brother standing near the door. "I cannot accept this." He growled through his tears as Baek Ah caught his shoulders, turning him around to face him.

"Jung, you should know better than anyone who she would choose." Baek Ah's voice seeping through the sorrow. "If you truly consider Soo to be a friend, then do not fight with your brother any longer. She has spent her life caught between all of us. She does not have the freedom to spend her life doing this or that. Knowing that, will you make Hae Soo even sadder?"

Jung pulled out of his brother's hold, tears spilling down his face. "Soo-ya."

"You don't actually..." Realization swept over Baek Ah, "How foolish of you." he softly said as Jung sobbed in his arms.

Soo stood outside her bed chamber witnessing the brothers. She felt a tug of guilt at not knowing how much Jung cared for her, but he would always be her younger brother. Her dear friend whom she trusted with her life. Too much had transpired, he had lost a king and brother he looked up to, and sadly the day was not over. She hoped he could learn to give that trust to So. Finally, can see his middle brother without the poison of his mother or Jeongjong blinding him.

Jung pulled away from Baek Ah when he saw her worried expression. "Soo-ya." He knelt in front of her. Baek Ah silently watched on as Jung continued, "I will always treat your life as my own. I will stand by you. And because it is for your sake, I will stand by my fourth brother. I give you my loyalty and my word, I will keep you and all that you hold dear safe and protect you with my life."

"Wangja-nim." She softly spoke as she attempted to bend down. Jung shook his head, stopping her, and got to his feet, clasping her hands in his. "Thank you, dongsang."

"We must return to Cheondeokjeon to prepare for the burial ritual and for the coronation." Baek Ah reminded Jung, then he turned to Hae Soo. "Please remain here and rest. He would want to know you are taking care of yourself so he doesn't have to worry."

"I should be there for him." Soo gathered her wits together, preparing to go with the men. "He will need me."

"No, you stay here." Jung said firmly.

Baek Ah agreed, "You still look pale, Soo. I will let him know that you are resting. It will make him feel better if he knows you are safe. I will inform one of the court ladies to bring you some tea to help you sleep."

Soo was about to stubbornly refuse. The need to be near So was making her anxious. A feeling of helplessness filled her as she realized there wasn't anything she could do for him. It was all so overwhelming. What will happen to us now that he has become king? Too many thoughts swirled around her mind but she smiled up at Baek Ah, hiding her unease, "Please go to him. I will call for Chae Ryung. I will be fine. I promise."

Later that evening
Damiwon

So sat on the edge of her bed as she slept, his amour and sword lay on the desk. Exhausted, he curled around Soo's warm body, pulling her close into his embrace. He placed a soft kiss on her forehead just as she opened her sleepy eyes. She touched his cheek with gentle concern, "Have you eaten?" She asked as she searched his eyes.

He smiled at the question. "Not yet. I just need to hold you." Brushing her hair behind her shoulder, he quietly said, "I need to make sure you are safe."

Hae Soo blushed as she struggled to sit up. "I am not harmed...Peha." So tugged her back to him and shook his head, "I don't want to hear you call me that tonight."

"Wangja-nim?" Her eyes widened as he rolled to peer down at her, heat reflected in his gaze. Butterflies of anticipation flitted around in the pit of her stomach as she let her eyes drop to his mouth. Soo sighed at the first tender kiss as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Languid peace filled Soo as curled up against his side, amazed at how much a necessary part of her life he had become over the years. His hair spread across the blanket as he slept, spent from the having to deal with his brother's death and his upcoming coronation. Soo slowly disentangled herself from his arms and sat up, trying not to wake him. She sighed at the slight twinge in her knee, but determined that the pain was well worth the price. She couldn't say when he started to infiltrate her heart, but she knew now he was deeply imbedded there.

He hasn't eaten all day, I should get something from the kitchen and bring it back for him so he can eat when he wakes up, she thought as she attempted to leave the bed just to have her wrist captured by So. "I am just going to get some food for you."

The distant memory of Soo delivering food to him while he stayed with his eighth brother amused him as his thumb gently brushed over her tender flesh. "I'll come with you."

They roamed through the kitchen, laughing as she served him. Soo pushed the thought of the morning to the back of her mind. It could not be helped. Nothing could have stopped this day from coming. She knew he would be king. So reached across the table to smooth away the worry from her brow. "What's wrong?"

I wish this night would never end, she smiled brightly at him. "Nothing."

"Tomorrow will take care of itself." So tenderly soothed, then he smiled mischievously as he caught her hand in his, pulling her to her feet. "Where are, you going?" Soo queried as she nearly had to run to keep up. He laughed as he swept her up in his arms. "To the royal bath."

So set her on her feet at the foot of the stairs to the pool. "I've been curious why you dared to sneak in here." He said as he tugged at the ribbon on her under garment, the white shirt slipping from her bare shoulders. Soo blushed as she faced the water, embarrassed by the memory. "It was so long ago." Not wanting to say she withdrew as she watched the steam rise from the water. She shivered as he brushed a kiss against the nape of her neck, the heat of his skin against hers, holding her close.

Leaning back, Soo nestled into So's embrace as she stared at the stones across from them. It all started there. Sorrowfully she thought of Eun and Soon Deok's last moments. "I'm sorry." A tear slipped down her cheek. "I thought I could save them. If I could help them escape." She turned around to meet his eyes. "I.."

"Stop, Soo." So said, as he wiped the tears from her face. "There was nothing you could do. The 9th prince and Wook knew about the cave and had guards waiting."

"I should have trusted you, but I tried to stop…" she broke off.

"The visions." He finished for her. Surprised, she stepped back, nearly tripping. "How?" she rasped out.

So caught her hand in his, "I learned that Taejo brought you back into the palace because you are like Ji Mong." He tilted his head to the side. "I'm sorry, Soo, he wanted to use you until the end." Soo tried to pull away from him. "No." he calmly commanded. "I know you saw me kill Eun in your vision and tried to stop it from occurring. It's all right, I know everything."

The room began to spin for Soo as she sank to the floor. So knelt with her, catching her in his arms, holding her against his chest. "I love you. It wasn't your fault." He crooned as she sobbed in relief. "Once I'm on the throne, I'll put their spirits to rest. I promise."

"What else do you know?" She quietly inquired as the tears abated.

"I know Wook was the one you meant when you said you had someone in your heart." His eyes narrowed. "Is he still in your heart?"

Soo sat up to face him, shaking her head. "I don't know if I really loved him or really knew him. We shared Lady Hae. I considered him family and his home was the only home I ever really knew. And I so desperately wanted to go home that I wanted to believe in his promises." She nervously bit her lip, returning his gaze. "I would have married him to get away from the palace. I wanted to trust him and to be safe. Then the girl in me died with Lady Oh and you would not let me turn away from you. I tried to forget you when you left for Jin, but you wouldn't let me. I begged Taejo to send me far away from you. I didn't want to love you, but I couldn't stop it from happening."

Soo touched his face, her lips meeting his. "Now, do you need to ask who is in my heart, Wangja-nim." So deepened the kiss as he hauled her into his arms. The hard heat of his body pushed against her sensitive skin causing her to issue a low moan. "So." He pulled back, a knowing smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. His eyes dark with passion.

Soo blissfully stretched as she slowly opened her eyes to the sight of So as he sat in pensive repose. She reached her hand to trace the deepest scar just under his shoulder blade, his strong muscles moved under his satiny flesh. Surprised, he turned around with a sweet smile. "Good morning." Desire hit her hard again as she sat up, crawling into his embrace. "Yes, Wangja-nim." she sighed against his neck, placing a kiss against the claw mark on his shoulder.

"Soo, we don't have time." He gave a painful laugh as she drew back with a disappointed pout. They looked out the window as the beginnings of the sun's rays touched the lake outside. "Ji Mong will be here soon." So kissed her forehead as he stood up, slid his arms through the sleeves of his shirt, tying the ribbon. He strode to his amour and sword. "You will be at the coronation. I will have Chae Ryung bring in your dress. Baek Ah will come for you after you are dressed."

"Wanja-nim, I am a Court Lady, I shouldn't be there." Soo draped the coverlet over her as she got out of bed to argue with him. Her eyes following his movement as he buckled his amour in place, then she gasped as he purposely pulled her into his arms holding her against him. So gave her a knowing smile, "You are my woman and you will be where I say."

He dropped a kiss on her mouth as her eyes narrowed at the declaration as the blanket slipped down to bare her shoulders. Then he glanced up at the muffled sound coming from the doorway. Chae Ryung immediately dropped her eyes and bowed before him. "Peha." Four court ladies did the same as they filed into the bedchamber each carrying an ornate silk parcel.

So pulled the blanket up to cover Soo. "You are my person. You belong to me." He continued, allowing no argument. "And you will be my queen." Then he picked up his sword from the desk, passing the startled court ladies as he left the room. His movements slowed as Ji Mong approached the stairs, their eyes meeting as the king's advisor stood waiting for him. As So strode down the steps and past him, Ji Mong respectfully followed behind him and out of the Damiwon where royal guards waited for the man who would be their new king.

"Peha." Ji Mong lowered his head. "Lady Hae Soo must not be at the coronation."

So quirked his lips, "She was not born under the star of a queen." he said sarcastically, then rounded on Ji Mong with a low, threatening growl. "From here on out, we will make our own destiny. She will be known and remembered. And you will not stop me from saving her."

Cheondeokjeon Palace
Coronation

Hae Soo stood next to Jung dressed in an elegant gown of royal blues, bright crimson, and embroidered with small gold dragons. A gold belt emphasized her tiny waist and delicate earrings dangled against her alabaster neck, her hair pulled back in an understated braid. Soo attempted to calm her nerves under the scrutiny of the curious stares from the clan nobles. She felt out place.

She noticed Princess Yeon Hwa's clenched fists. She met Queen Hwangbo's guarded eyes as she took in Soo's status. Soo's eyes jerked from her as the doors opened. Fourth Prince, Wang So marched forward, dressed in ceremonial black robes, the beads of the head dress swinging as he proceeded toward the throne. Grand General Park, the king's advisors, and eunuchs trailed after new king as he mounted the stairs then turned to lift the royal seal out of an ornate dark blue box Ji Mong held. So turned to face the General, the court, and his ministers, holding up the golden lion.

The Grand General's voice echoed throughout the room. "Panji, Peha." The entire court bowed deep before So. "Manze, manze, ma'manze."

Soo watched the man she loved with pride and amazement, Gwangjong. He's the fourth king of Goryeo. He is Gwangjong. She smiled with thoughtful consideration. Now, you will no longer be remembered in history as a bloody monarch. I will be here to help you.

"My son would not abdicate to you!" All heads turned as a woman's voice declared from the entrance. "He is a traitor. He revolted against the king." Queen Yoo fiercely yelled as she stalked to where So sat on the throne. "Fourteenth Prince, Wang Jung should be king. I will summon the Yoo clan and fight you."

"Please stop, mother." Jung pleaded as he stepped forward, kneeling before his older brother, as whispered murmurs filled the room. "Forgive her, Peha."

So's eyes hardened as he tilted his head at her audacity. Standing up from the throne, he descended until he was eye to eye with her hatred. "You were greedy when, Third Prince, Wang Yo committed treason against our father's decree and the Crown Prince, Wang Mu." He said calmly as the royal guards surrounded her. Hae Soo held her breath, fear for Jung's fate filling her as So stood before Queen Yoo. "Do you honestly think Jung would survive a revolt against me? Are you still that greedy to sacrifice another son?" So asked as she seethed, the guards holding her.

He turned his back on her as he ascended to sit on the throne, then he coldly peered down at her. "For all the attempts of regicide against our brother, the Crown Prince, Wang Mu and against myself, I should declare you and your clan as traitors to the throne."

Her eyes widened. "I am First Queen. You cannot command me!"

"Peha is not here to protect you nor to turn a blind eye to your crimes." So stated clearly before the court. "Ji Mong, was I not born under the star of a king?"

"Yes, Peha." The court astrologer confirmed.

"And on the day that you informed the queen and King Taejo Wang Geon that Crown Prince Wang Mu and I were born under such a star, did she not attempt to take my life and rob the king of a regent to Crown Prince, Wang Mu?"

Ji Mong's eyes coolly fell upon Queen Yoo. "Yes, Peha, she did."

"No." The older woman growled with venom. "You were my mistake. I should have made sure you died that day."

"Peha, forgive her." Jung begged, helpless to stop his mother and his brother.

So considered his younger brother's plea. "Fourteenth Prince, Wang Jung, where does your allegiance lie? If you and the Yoo clan stand with Sinmyeongsunseong then you will be considered a traitor and dealt with as such. However, if you consider me as your brother, then I will spare her life and exile her to Chunju. She will be stripped of her title as queen mother. She will remain within her clan home, never to leave nor enter the palace within her lifetime ever again."

"I pledge my life and my allegiance to you, Peha." Jung lowered his head to his brother. "Thank you for your mercy. Neither I nor my clan will stand against you, Peha."

"Please have this woman removed from my sight." So ordered, then calmly considered his brother. "Please rise, Fourteenth Prince, Wang Jung."

That evening
Throne Room

Gwangjong tossed another scroll onto the table, then opened a map of the northern region, as Wang Jung and Grand General Park strode into the room and bowed before the king.

"Khitan remains a problem. Wang Jung, go to the northwest region and find out how many forces they have there. I will have you go as my ambassador and general to oversee the building of two fortresses in the northern territories. Take a small force of soldiers and builders with you."

"And if I need more men, Peha?" Jung inquired, as he studied the map.

"I will have General Park prepare a force of 400,000 to ride out soon after you." So replied. "Those forces will remain hidden along the Yalu River." He pointed to the area.

"Yes, Peha." Both men bowed, then left the throne room. So turned to Baek Ah, "Moving the capital to Seokyung..Issue a decree that it is completely canceled. The forced laborers displaced by this construction will be repaid per the duration of their service and returned to their homelands. I will handsomely compensate the workers and their families who remain and travel with Wang Jung to help build the fortresses."

"What about those who died in service?" Baek Ah asked.

"Do whatever their families want." So ordered, watching his brother scribe his commands. "Guarantee them jobs or compensate them with goods. Do the same for those who got injured." He sighed, giving a tired smile. "Then are we done for the night?"

"Yes." Baek Ah put the brush down.

"Peha." The King's eunuch bowed. "Damiwon's Court Lady Hae is waiting for you."

"Hae Soo is?" A sense of relief and urgency hit So as he hurried out of the throne room and down the hall toward his quarters, Baek Ah and his eunuch trailing behind. He grimaced at her sleeping form as she leaned against his bed. Stubborn woman, he thought as he lifted her into his arms and laid her on the bed, gently brushing her hair back from her face. So smiled as his name fell from her lips.

"Peha!" the eunuch exclaimed at the breech of etiquette. The king's cool gaze met the eunuch's, "Lady Hae Soo is no longer a court lady, she is to be treated as my wife. My door will never be closed to her."

"Draw the drapes, so Lady Hae can rest." So ordered as the eunuch scrambled to comply. "Then have a light meal sent."

"You plan to marry Soo." Baek Ah said as he contemplated the news. "The clans may fight you on this decision."

"Then they will find that I am still the wolf-dog." So growled low, then faced his brother with a quick smile, "I'll deal with that problem when it arises. Bring Princess Woo Hee with you tomorrow morning."

"Peha?" Baek Ah inquired with surprise.

"No Peha." So requested. "Not here. I am your brother. You and Soo are my family." His eyes resting on the soft bundle of woman in his bed. "I will not stand in your way if you still want to marry Woo Hee."

Baek Ah grinned at So, "Yes, Peha."

So shook his head, "Do you want to stay and dine with me?" He laughed at his brother's pained expression, "I thought not. Go and tell her the news." Baek Ah bowed and quickly left the room.

King's bedchamber
Cheondeokjeon

The sound of So's voice filtered into her dream waking her up. Where am I? Soo wondered as she felt the silky pillow under her head. She bolted up, remembering she was in the king's bedchamber. Embarrassed, she stood up, biting her lip, uncertain of her next move. She grasped the bed post, not wanting to startle the two servants setting food on the table. Her eyes searched the room for So. Through the thin crimson drapery, she watched as the king's eunuchs took off his belt and royal robes.

The servants bowed as they left the room. Soo tilted her head as the eunuchs folded the robes, placing the gold belt on top, then followed behind. So stood with his back to her, dressed in his undergarments. Memories of their first night drifted through her mind. The feel of his warm skin, the definition of his muscles under her hands, tracing his scars with her fingertips.

She moved the curtain out of the way, moving down the stairs and made her way to stand behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "I love you." Soo quietly said, closing her eyes as she laid her cheek against his back. Her eyes flew open as So gently grasped her hands, pulling her yielding body around into his hard embrace. "Peha." Soo's gaze drifted down to his lips in anticipation. With a soft sigh, she slid her arms around his neck and brushed his mouth with a kiss which was quickly captured and deepened by So.

Giddy pleasure coursed through her body as she tasted his kiss, enjoying the heated flutter deep within her belly making her knees weak until her stomach growled. So lifted his head, an amused grin at the sound. Soo blushed as she stepped out of his embrace, "I was waiting for you and fell asleep, Peha." she bowed as she attempted to explain.

So brought her face up and gently caressed her cheek, his gaze warm with love, then he took her hand and led her to the table. "Since you waited all evening for me, then let us dine before we retire for the night."

"Peha, I should return to the Damiwon." Soo stopped, remembering that he was now a king and no longer simply her lover.

"Soo, I am not Peha here." So stated as he met her eyes. "You are not a court lady, but the woman I will make my queen. I will marry you. In this room, I am your husband."

"But I don't expect you to do so." Soo frowned. "I'm not sure if I want to be a queen. I'll be happy just being by your side."

He leaned forward until they were eye to eye, "Remember I told you to brace yourself because I will never let you go. You are mine." Soo backed up until she bumped up against the table. Wide eyed, she coughed, attempting to evade him. "The food is getting cold, Peha."

"Let it." So commanded as he placed his hands on the table, trapping her within his embrace. She caught her breath, raising her chin up. "Not without my permission. You promised."

With a hooded gaze, he lowered his forehead to hers, he picked up her hand, placing a sultry kiss on her palm. "I will gain your permission, Hae Soo." She closed her hand around the tingling sensation branded into her palm. A soft ragged sigh slipped from her mouth, as he tugged at the ribbon on her belt, peeling back her jeogori to expose her collarbone, skimming hot kisses over her bare skin.

"So." Soo moaned, as her hands slid to his shoulders, gradually guiding him to sit down on the chair. So peered up at her as she stepped between his thighs and plucked the pin out of his hair, releasing his sangtu. Placing the pin and golden headdress on the table, Soo slipped her fingers through his hair, allowing it to fall from his top knot and down his back.

"Does this mean I have your permission, Soo?" He looked up at her as he gently gripped her waist. Flushed with need, she nodded then kissed him. Standing up, So swept her up into his arms and strode to the bed. He set her on her feet, a seductive smile on his lips as her jeogori and undershirt tumbled to the ground at her feet, and with a calculated yank, her chima spilled to the floor.

Damiwon

Woo Hee glanced at Baek Ah as he stopped before the door of the royal bath, "Why did you bring me here?" she asked, curious about his elated mood.

"I didn't want prying ears to hear." He said as he lovingly pulled her down to sit next to him by the water. "The king has consented to our marriage. We will meet with him tomorrow at dawn."

"Baek Ah, are you sure?" Woo Hee bit her lip, worried frown flitted over her face. He nodded as he tenderly held her hand in his. "Also, I wanted to prepare you for the news. He found where Foreign Minister Park sent Bok Soon and had her placed with Lady Mong."

Tears filled her eyes, spilling over at the news, "When will I see her?" she choked out as Baek Ah slid his arms around her, settling her against his chest. "Soon, Woo Hee." He kissed her temple as her body shook with sobs. "We will see our daughter soon."

That morning

Princess Woo Hee of Baekje tightly gripped the 13th Prince, Baek Ah's hand in hers as they stood before Gwangjong. Her face remained calm despite her anxiety over news of her daughter. "Because of the information, you and my brother have gathered over the last two years, I am able to order the arrests of the traitors who aided in the assassination of King Hyejong." So smiled down at her and Baek Ah. "I am grateful and I welcome you as a sister."

"You no longer have to worry about Foreign Minister Park Young Gyu." Baek Ah said, squeezing her hand gently. "He has been imprisoned for treason. His execution will be this evening."

"As we discussed before, Princess Woo Hee, the decree of this marriage will unify the people of Baekje and bring them under Goryeo's protection from Khitan." So picked up a scroll from the table in front of him, handing it to Ji Mong to give to Baek Ah and Woo Hee. "I have troops under Grand General Park and 14th Prince, Wang Jung riding to the northern territories. This will give the refugees in Jeongan protection against Khitan soldiers."

Woo Hee regally met So's eyes, her head held high. "As the last royal representative of my people, I accept your protection, but under the condition that the Baekje slaves be freed."

"Agreed." So said with ease, then turned his eyes to his brother as he motioned for the head eunuch to open the door to show Lady Mong Ryang Won, followed by a maid with a toddler in her arms, and Grand General Park Soo Kyung into the throne room.

Woo Hee and Baek Ah turned to greet the general and his wife. Her voice catching as tears filled her eyes at the sight of the child. "Bok Soon?" She rasped out, afraid to reach for the girl. Lady Mong nodded with a sad smile as the maid handed the child to her mother. Woo Hee tenderly kissed the fussy toddler as she held her against her chest. "You are with eomeoni and appa." Baek Ah wrapped his arms around both his girls with a bright smile and tears in his eyes, he leaned his head against Woo Hee's as he noticed his eyes staring at him with curiosity. "Thank you." He whispered as he brushed a kiss against Woo Hee's cheek.

Baek Ah and So looked up at the General's cough. "She is a good girl. She would follow me around like my daughter did at her age." So's smile fading at the haunted expression on the face of his mentor. "Prince Baek Ah, I order you to have the bodies of 10th Prince Wang Eun and his wife Soon Deok, daughter of Lady Mong and Grand General Park, to be exhumed and brought to the palace." The king commanded, his eyes never leaving the general's. "Ji Mong, send order the monks to prepare for a burial ritual to ease their spirits."

"Yes, Peha." Ji Mong said as he sent a eunuch to give a message to the monks.

Baek Ah smiled up at So, gratitude shining in his face. "Thank you, Peha." He kissed Woo Hee then faced the general and Lady Mong. "I promise to bring Eun and Soon Deok home."

To be con't