Chapter 3 is up! Thanks for reading ;D
Oh and SashaBlackHolmes, I'm glad that you found my story and actually liked the premise. Hope you will find the rest satisfactory. :D
"Pyeha, it's time to hold Court." Park Sangseon announced before the doors slid open.
Soo promptly stepped out of Wang Yo's embrace, mortified. The king chuckled though he immediately missed her warmth. Then the Head eunuch's gaze darted from Yo to Soo but he kept his mouth shut. Better be safe than sorry.
"Hae Sanggung, Damiwon is requesting your presence." Park Sangseon informed.
He watched as the Court Lady profusely bowed and left the bedchamber in hurry. One quick glance at the king and the old eunuch instantly remarked his master's good mood. Yo strode off, a faint smile grazing his lips.
The rest of the day, Hae Soo ran all around the palace, duties kept coming at her. As the upcoming Double Yang Festival was around the corner, Court Ladies and Eunuchs were more busier than usual. Preparations ran smoothly for Soo's part, indeed His Majesty's Royal garment was prepared since a week ago, the chrysanthemum flowers had dried nicely for the King's tea and she'd also secured the recipe and ingredients for Wang Yo's favorite snacks. All was well... on the surface.
When dusk descended upon Songak, Hae Soo's unconscious steps took her to the Donji Lake, she stayed there for a moment observing its beautiful colors and... raking her mind about what happened with the King on the morning. Indeed she was still puzzled about the whole situation especially since she received Yeon Hwa's visit in Damiwon hours later.
"Don't be shameless and stop clinging onto His Majesty, just because he's been once merciful with Eun you don't have to whore yourself out to him." Yeon Hwa said in irritation.
"I fear, you've been misinformed. I'm not expecting anything from His Majesty. Should you have some complaints, please discuss the matter with him and he shall dispose of me." Soo answered with aplomb.
Yeon Hwa smirked, "Oh don't worry, when Pyeha will grow tired of you, he will get rid of his new toy."
"If what you said it's true, why are you worrying about your highness? I will get out of your sight in no time." The court lady spoke.
"Because you're an eyesore, the faster you get away from his side, the better."
Soo sighed, "It seems that we have a misunderstanding, I'm the Head court lady unless His Majesty change my position, I cannot decide myself to not serve him... Then have a good day, your Highness."
Her conversation with the Princess still lingered on her mind, "How am I supposed to act around the King then?" Soo muttered to herself. Distant? Uncaring?
Fifteen minutes later, the Court Lady headed back to Damiwon using a path widely known by the guards. Approaching the Damiwon grounds, she seemed to recognize the tuneful sound of the gayageum. Hiding behind some pillar Soo smiled, the 13th prince was so immersed in his music that he didn't even sense the young woman's silent approach.
Wang Yo's brow furrowed when he noticed a random court lady, holding a tray with his medicinal tea. The king's head turned to Park Sangseon who stood there, "Where is Hae Sanggung?"
The old eunuch looked up and tilted his head, "It's her evening's off duty, Pyeha."
"It's already that night...?" Yo said in a whisper as he suspiciously eyed his tea.
Sensing the king's conflict, Park Sangseon tried to ease all doubts, "Hae Sanggung had ground the herbs herself before entrusting the preparation to me."
Wang Yo sighed and motioned for the court lady to proceed. After fulfilling her duty, the servant left the room. The king took a sip of tea and grimaced faintly. Putting his cup down, Yo demanded, "Report."
"Hae Sanggung received Princess Yeon Hwa's visit this morning." Park Sangseon dispassionately replied.
"Where is she now?"
The old eunuch had to guess which one of the women the King was asking about, "In Damiwon. The guards said that the 13th Prince is presently visiting her."
"Baek Ah...?!" Yo cocked his head, he had nothing against the 13th Prince but the latter was more interested in arts and music which Yo found a waste of time and intelligence. Baek Ah would've been a wise advisor if he set his mind into it but his younger was just too sensible. No wonder his bloodline came from the fallen kingdom of Silla. Too weak to rule.
"Baek Ah-nim!" Soo's voice boomed behind the 13th Prince making him pull the wrong string of his instrument.
Looking up, Baek Ah fondly watched at his smiling friend, she didn't seem beaten or anything he noted in relief.
"What are you doing here?" Soo asked, then she eyed her surroundings, "Where's Woo Hee?"
"Am I not allowed to visit a friend? You're free, right?" The 13th Prince spoke, he saw the Court lady nod, "Then, shall we have drink?"
Thirty minutes later, the couple sat in one of the Damiwon's pavilion sipping fine wine like old times.
"So where is Woo Hee?" Soo asked again.
"I really... don't know, she is way too secretive." Baek Ah pouted.
The court lady smiled at his antics, "Yes, she is and then again, she's the woman you chose."
"You don't have to remind me, Soo."
"I don't know her like you do but one thing is certain, she loves you. Just support her in any way you can."
The 13th Prince smiled in understanding, then his feature turned somber, "How are you faring? Did Pyeha mistreat you?"
"I... I'm doing fine... now. His Majesty doesn't... mistreat me." not in the way you think, that is. Soo shifted uncomfortably.
"Really? That's a relief then... when I heard about the purge, I was scared for you... being around Pyeha all the time, it must've been tough..." Baek Ah said clueless.
Soo almost scoffed at his innocence, the best option was to change the topic, "Did you have news... from the 4th Prince?"
Baek Ah seemed at lost for words for a moment, "I-I... Hyung-nim preferred if you don't know his whereabouts. I'm sorry Soo."
Hae Soo's feature grew dark, she felt hurt but tried to not show it, "You're not at fault... the 4th Prince must still resent me."
"Do you want to send him a letter?"
"No, it won't be necessary. He made his decision. Thank you Baek Ah-nim."
And they went on like that all night long, discussing and sipping alcohol. The 13th Prince said his farewell on early morning.
"I won't be back in Songak for a long time. Please stay healthy and take care of you. Don't do anything stupid." Baek Ah implored.
"Don't worry, I will be fine." reassured Hae Soo with a confident smile. And with heavy hearts, they parted ways.
It was still too early when Hae Soo entered the King's quarters but she found Park Sangseon already there. After they exchanged greetings, the Head Court Lady motioned her two subordinates who were holding tray behind her.
"I prepared His Majesty's medicinal tea as well as his Royal garments. The black and golden one is for the Double Yang Festival." Soo informed, then she bowed lightly, "Would you please apologize to the King in my stead for I cannot serve him today due to the Festival's organization?"
"I am aware that you have to supervise the Damiwon's kitchen during the Festival however His Majesty won't be pleased with the arrangement." the old eunuch warned her.
The Court Lady smiled sheepishly, "You are the Head Eunuch, there's no one better than you. I'm sure you will find a way to appease the King."
Watching his smiling mentee, Park Sangseon couldn't help but smiled too, he admitted defeat, "Alright, just go do your duty! I will explain it to the King... and try not get myself killed in the process."
Hae Soo suppressed a giggle, "Don't worry, I will take responsibility."
An hour after Soo's leaving, Park Sangseon delicately woke Wang Yo up and mentally prepared himself for the tantrum. Several court ladies entered the Royal bedchamber.
Yo frowned immediately and growled low, "Where is Hae Sanggung?"
Each person present in the room shuddered with panic, the Head Eunuch called upon Heavens inwardly, "As the Head Court Lady, she is to supervise the whole Festival. She had prepared all her duties toward Your Majesty in advance and asked for your forgiveness."
Wang Yo clenched his fists and rose from the bed. He reluctantly let the servants prepared him for the day, completely frustrated by Soo's absence. Do you really think you could escape me that way, Hae Soo?
Coincidentally the 14th Prince, lightly wounded in war, had returned to Songak a day prior to the Double Yang Festival. As usual, the Queen Mother had fussed about her younger son and so leaving her side was proving more difficult than he first thought. Prince Jung had stayed by his mother's side and they had caught up for hours however since he was back home, his only thought was for Hae Soo and her delicious tea.
Jung found his favorite Court lady in Damiwon, swamped by work. "Soo-ah...?" Was she always this pretty? She looked radiant in her Royal Sanggung garment.
Soo froze for a moment, when she turned her head toward the sound she had the utmost surprise to see the 14th prince, he had matured during his short absence. Well, wars tended to have that effect she guessed. He indeed grew into a brave and nice man, like she predicted years ago.
"It has been a long time." said the Court lady. "Welcome back Wangja-nim."
Her smile was breathtaking, Jung missed Soo the most, he realized. "It has been too long indeed..." The prince replied and quickly closed the distance between them.
They now sat in a gazebo overlooking one of the many Palace pond. Hae Soo was wiping Wang Jung's hands off, they were bruised from holding a sword too much and for too long at such young age. She then applied a soothing ointment and brightened when her mind flew back to the 13th prince.
Soo laughed. "Baek Ah-nim would be scandalized if he knew it..." She finished her meticulous work, his hands were swathed in bandages. She was now serving tea.
"His expensive and precious gifts I suppose... wasting on a rough man like me." Jung flatly stated, looking fondly at his nursed hands, he heard the Royal Court Lady stifle a giggle. Smiling, he took a sip of tea and could finally relish the moment.
"I missed you." he confessed, looking at her, "I missed your tea. I missed your smile." I want to be your support. Always.
Soo only smiled wider. "I missed you too, Wangja-nim." her voice was warm.
"I was afraid you would be gone..." he whispered, looking into his cup of tea.
"Where would I go? Pyeha never let me go out of his sight." Hae Soo informed him, she eyed their surroundings to emphasize her point.
As bitterness washed over him, Wang Jung stood up and turned his gaze toward the horizon, unable to look at Soo. "I'm sorry I cannot do more..."
"The medicines you sent, helped me a lot," she reassured him, "thanks to them, I'm quite healthy now." Standing up beside the young man she suddenly took him in her arms, like she did years ago and once again Jung had to bend low to bask in her warmth but they both appreciated the moment.
"You're already a fine man." she patted his back. "You always look out for me."
"Please, look out at the man I will become Soo-ah!"
"It will be my pleasure, Jung-nim" laughed the court lady. "Fighting!"
Jung clenched his fist for her to see and seriously added, "Hwai-ting!"
Unbeknownst to them, the King was strolling hereabouts and had witnessed their touching reunion from afar. Jung and Soo never saw Yo's tight fists when they embraced each other nor did they see his grim expression when he stormed back to his quarters like a bull.
During the Double Yang Festival, Hae Soo was too busy with her duties to think of unnecessary things. Royal family members were reunited under the same roof and thanks Heavens she thought, not the whole family was present. The King, his Queen and the Queen Mother presided the party. Princess Yeon Hwa, Prince Wook, Prince Won and Prince Jung sat across each other in distant tables. They had discussed, played games and congratulated themselves during hours. When it was time for tea, with renewed energy Hae Soo went to serve Wang Yo first and had carefully avoided his gaze at all cost.
Meanwhile, throughout the festival the King had discreetly kept his eyes on his Royal Court Lady, she was serene, effective and precise. His hawk-like gaze darted from Jung to Soo.
Oblivious to Wang Yo's ill feelings, Hae Soo then approached Jung and served him green tea with his favorite snacks. Surprised and elated by the gesture, the 14th Prince looked up to the Court Lady and gave her a smile that could rival the sun.
"Thank you, Soo-ah. You still remember my taste?!" he added, loud enough for everyone to notice their interaction.
Yo immediately clenched his teeth, irritation swirled within him like a tornado.
"Of course, 14th prince. I hope you will enjoy it." Soo replied with a bow, she then returned to her place next to the other royal court ladies.
Unfortunately, a younger court lady with clumsy moves bumped into Soo with her tray full of hot water. Being Soo and remembering Oh Sanggung advice, she took upon herself to save the brimming pot from crashing down on the floor, in vain hope to avoid a scene and thus a punishment for both court ladies.
"Hae Sanggung?! Oh my god, are you alright?" cried the younger court lady, she was completely distraught.
While Hae Soo had prevented the pot to crack, the hot water it contained, was all over her right hand. She has been scalded but didn't let one sound escape her throat. Eyeing pointedly at the Head Eunuch Hae Soo silently asked for help, in response Park Sangseon prevented the younger distraught maid to dig her own grave further.
If not for her co-worker's fuss everything would have been fine however Heavens were rarely on Hae Soo's side. The King had instantly noticed the incident and narrowed his eyes in concern. As for Prince Jung, in a flash, he was right away beside Soo, holding her injured hand by the forearm. He was frantic with worry.
"Soo-ah! You've been hurt?!" Jung said, he proceeded to drag Soo by the elbow. "Wait a second, I will take you to the physician!"
She protested, "Wangja-nim, that's fine! I can go by myself... I-I'm not important-" Halting them in the process.
"Jung-ah! Let her go at once! She's just a servant!" ordered the Queen Mother, fuming from her seat.
"Mother! Soo... Soo is not-" retorted Jung.
"Wangja-nim." Soo shook her head, gripping his sleeve with her healthy hand she didn't want him to go against his mother, "please calm down."
Jung was a filial son, so he didn't mean to raise his voice at his mother but Soo was important to him. And if he couldn't take care of her properly then there was no way he could call himself a man.
"I will take responsibility." he firmly stated. "Don't worry Soo-ah." Wasting no time, 14th prince carried Soo in his arms, bridal style. Royal family's members froze. No exception.
"Wangja-nim!" yelped the Court Lady.
Jung didn't listen to her anymore and bowed himself to the King, "Pyeha, please allow me to take her back to Damiwon."
Soo hid her embarrassed face in Jung's chest. Both brothers looked at each other, Wang Yo wore an expressionless mask. There was a challenge in his younger brother's eyes, there was... true determination? Though the King couldn't possibly let Jung touch Hae Soo like that, the young woman's health came to his mind anyway. Yo chuckled to himself, Soo had succeeded... He had to admit defeat. He, Wang Yo -like all his brothers before him- cared for her. She became his weakness too.
"Go." Was the King's simple answer. He saw Jung running toward Damiwon, Hae Soo safely secured in his arms.
When Soo arrived in front of the King's chamber this evening, the Head Eunuch was pacing back and forth. Eunuchs and Royal court ladies just stood there listless. Suddenly she heard a monstrous din coming from Wang Yo's room.
"Park Sangseon! What is the matter?" asked Hae Soo clueless.
"His Majesty just needs to calm down. We better leave him alone for now." only replied the old man. The royal court lady nodded and was about to leave her tray in Park Sangseon's care when the royal chamber's double doors slid open. For many seconds, Soo held back her breath.
The king was beyond mad, his eyes were colder than usual, she never saw him this frightening. Even that day in Damiwon when he had seized the throne, Wang Yo wasn't so scary. The royal court lady bowed her head in fear. Wang Yo's anger decreased a bit the moment he saw Hae Soo standing there with the Head Eunuch, she was holding a tray. Oh yes, his medicinal tea.
"I will take my tea in the Atrium." Yo declared, blazing eyes still on Hae Soo.
Park Sangseon assented. "Very well, Pyeha."
By night simply lit by lanterns, the Palace Garden was a beautiful sight as much as the night sky was breathtaking thanks to its millions stars. Warmly dressed, King Jeongjong sat in the Atrium, Hae Soo flanked by his side prepared his medicinal tea with utmost precision.
The silence was deafening.
Park Sangseon and the rest of the party waited several feet away. Very far away.
"I had dinner with Queen Mother and Jung-ie." Wang Yo said evenly, he was still observing his Court Lady who seemed serene. "He asks for impossible things. Must I send him away like I did with Wang So?"
She didn't breath a word and kept on doing her work when Hae Soo finished the preparation, she poured the liquid into a golden bowl. Once more, she had no idea what the King was talking about and yet supposed that he was talking about the 14th Prince. Something must have happened during the dinner, her worries increased a bit without reason. Prince Jung was a dear friend. He was precious to her.
Yo seethed. "Why aren't you talking? Are you so afraid that I might send another of your beloved ones away?" They stared at each other, silently.
"My apologies, Pyeha... but I have no idea-" Soo calmly replied.
Yo interrupted her. "You expect me to believe that you and Jung did not form this plan together?" He grabbed his bowl and drank it before throwing it away in frustration.
"A plan...? What kind of plan?" the Court Lady retorted, she heard Wang Yo's 'humph'. Very uncharacteristic of him.
"Your marriage." he said almost in disgust, "Or are you planning to elope now that you don't have my Royal consent?"
Take care Chingudeul!