Disclaimer: I own nothing.
The disappearance of So's mask and scar was a stir among people. Someone felt surprised, someone felt bewildered and some were even fell in state of utter disbelief. If there was anyone who was purely happy with it then that person was only 13th prince Baek Ah. Somehow, 13th prince knew exactly who had helped So getting rid of his mask. And then rain drops falling from sky were like a bonus which doubled his happiness. He glanced at his dear friend Hae Soo to share the joy, yet caught a frightful face of her instead. His smile disappeared. She held her chest, breathing hard. The scene was familiar to him. What was happening to her? Visions? Baek Ah recalled the word. The nonsense words might make perfectly sense once we understood. He needed to know what was happening to her. Soo ran away and he followed
"Soo" Baek Ah called her once seeing the girl crying her heart out in a corner. Because of what? He was dying to know. The prince knelt down beside her, gathered her up so that Soo looked at him. And once more time he saw the terror in her eyes.
"What's wrong? What happened to you?" He asked in anxiety.
Soo pushed him away to hug herself alone but Baek Ah didn't give in. He pulled her against his chest and ran his hand back and forth on her back "I'm here now, don't worry. I'm always here for you" He didn't know how to help her, so this little comfort was the only thing he could offer. And then, Soo let herself sob hard in his arms.
They were standing in the rain, among the people, watching 4th prince on his palanquin receiving the praises he deserved. Baek Ah turned to Hae Soo. Her gaze fixed on his 4th brother with something, he guessed, that could be a deep dilemma. He turned again to look at his brother who now was brought far away. Soon they were the two left standing on the street until Baek Ah broke the ice
"It was because of So hyung, wasn't it?" Soo didn't answer and kept her gaze at a faraway empty space.
"Do you scare of So prince?" She asked almost like whispering. Beak Ah studied her, try to find a reason behind her question but found none so he cleared his throat.
"I was scared of him" The prince replied. "Everyone was" He looked away, stared at the empty space like her "But when I get to know him, understand him, So hyung is more likable than scary. I am not scared of him any more and I won't in the future."
"What if people change and he betrayed us all?"
13th prince gave her a surprised look, was about to say something but interrupted by a maid who brought cloaks to them. He took them, waved to dismiss the maid then himself put the cloak on Soo. She stayed unresponsive, seemed deeply lost in her own thoughts. What was the reason she had doubt on 4th prince, Baek Ah wondered. But then he needed to assure her
"He won't. So hyung is not that kind of person" He slowly led Soo to stand under an eave. She was benumbed but at least followed him. "Tell me why you doubt him? What has he done? Or someone said bad rumor about him?" He asked, pleading for answers but Soo stayed silent. He sighed "Of all people, you shouldn't doubt him. You two will get married soon. As it rains after the rain ritual, the king will grant favors to celebrate. He will pardon a criminal or hold a fest for an elder or allow court ladies to leave their service, also he will allow a royal wedding."
"I don't want to marry him" She whispered, made Baek Ah's face turn serious
"What's wrong with you?" He asked desperately. "It's you who covered his scar. I know it was you. Just minutes ago you helped him with his biggest pain in the heart. You changed his life..."
"Is it because of me?" She suddenly interrupted him, widened eyes in realization "I changed his life?" It was more a statement than a question. The terror came back on her face.
"Soo" 13th prince was scared of whatever happening to his friend right now. He grabbed her hands but Soo pulled away.
"I need to find out" Saying those incomprehensible words, the girl ran away under heavy rain, leaving the 13th prince in an awful bewilderment.
Jimong was always proud of his good hearing. Even among the loud noisy cheering of people when it rained, he was still able to catch on a mutter of the girl standing right behind him.
Gwangjong was what Lady Hae Soo had muttered.
And if everything went as his prediction, she would come to find him soon.
The door burst opened, running in was Hae Soo who got soaked from head to toes
"Do you know who the next king will be?" She asked while panting hard.
"I suppose it will be the crown prince as long as nothing happens" The astronomer answered with calmness, in contrast with the girl before him
"Then what's about... after the crown prince?" Soo thought hard, tried her best to remember the order of the kings in Goryeo era, yet came up with nothing.
"Gwangjong" Jimong's voice pulled her out the train of thoughts "That's what you said, what you called prince Wang So" Hae Soo held her breath. Her body was trembling with each word Jimong said "I suppose we are alike, people who died then came back alive with the knowledge of history which I would like to call it the gift of foresight in this era. Now ask me the questions you truly want to"
"Did he..." Soo hesitated "Will he... I mean... Is it because of me? Because I covered his scar? I changed his life?"
The astronomer was surprised a little at her question, then simply asked "Was he on his way to the ritual, before you covered the scar?" The girl nodded and Jimong's lips curled up a smile to assure her "Then no, it's not because of you"
His answer made Soo heave out a sigh of relief but the heavy weight on her chest was still there. Jimong continued "I think people like us are merely observers. We came here just to see how history unfolded. We have no power on it. Therefore, do not try to get involved..."
"What if we can change things?" Soo interrupted "We can stop trouble from occurring!"
"Or that's how to make trouble occur." Jimong snapped back. But once seeing the girl was on the verge of tears, he lowered his voice, slowly explained "I can see that you don't believe in fate or heaven's will. You want to change things. However, did it change or was it always meant to be? Who know these things?"
Silence took over the room before Soo asked her final question
"What should I do?"
"Leave things to play out the way they are meant to be."
"But yes, you can always try to change history. But I doubt that you can do anything, as history is like water, whatever you do to block it, water always find its way to flow. And you only get hurt on the process" Jimong's warning rang in Soo's head.
She felt mentally exhausted as her emotion swung back and forth between Wang So and Gwangjong. Where was she during his transformation from the vulnerable, thirsty-for -love prince to the evil, cold-blood king? Did she have any influence on him as a financée, a wife. How could she not get involved when she was someone so close to him? Questions after questions as if she had fell into a vast maze without escape. And suddenly an arm pulled her into a waiting embrace. In an utter shock, Soo looked up to meet a familiar pair of eyes. The cold glare of Gwangjong in her vision came back to her, and Soo forcefully broke free from 4th prince's hug.
Didn't expect such strong reaction from her, So was hurtfully surprised. But soon recovering from it, he innocently smiled at her "I'm sorry. Did I scare you?"
His gentle voice helped her gaining back composure. Soo looked up at him again to only see a happy Wang So with his soft gaze. She shook her head and his smile went wider.
"For the first time in my life, I called the king "father"" He turned his eyes to look at the dark rainy sky "It's been 15 years since he looked at my face and my eyes properly. He told me to be more confident. After hearing those words, all the pain has just disappeared. I'll have to be a great support to the crown prince, like he said..."
The words were muffled in her ears as Soo got immersed into the happiness on his face. And when he reached out his hand for rain drops, she couldn't help wondering whether an innocent man like this was going to become that cruel. Questions popped up inside her head again that she didn't realized So had turned toward her. Slowly and gently he pulled her into a hug. And all of sudden, her mind turned off. All the questions disappeared. There was only the warmth spread across their bodies despite their soaking clothes.
"It's all thank to you, Soo" He tightened the hug and Soo closed her eyes. "Thank you for being with me" If his embrace could stop all the noise inside her head, then she would rather stay forever like that in his arms.
A hot tear drop escaped her eye. She couldn't believe it. She couldn't accept that he would become someone she was dread of. She couldn't ignore it and do nothing. She wanted to change things, to change his life. And changes she would make
"I want to leave" Soo whispered loud enough for him to hear. "I want to leave the palace" Leave with me, the voice in her head added.
So loosened his arms and held her before him "Why do you have to leave? We are getting married soon. Father will grant our wedding to celebrate the rain" His crooked smile reached his eyes, thinking about their happy marriage, yet that wasn't what she meant.
"How about leaving SongAk after the wedding then?"
So's smile faded away. He frowned at her then saw tears forming in Soo's eyes, his eyebrows loosened. "Let's talk about it later" His hand came up to caress her cheek. Soo closed her eyes again, leaned against his warm hand just to enjoy a short tranquil moment after a long emotional roller coaster day.
Their walk back to Damiwon was silent, comfortably silent for Wang So as their fingers intertwined. Before bidding goodbye, he mischievously pulled her close by the waist, which took Soo off guard. Their eyes met for a brief moment but long enough for her to read his intention. So leaned down to close their distance. However, the girl turned away, avoided the kiss, which made the prince look awkward. He pulled back, glanced around at some court ladies walking pass them.
"Wait until we're alone then" He smirked, supposed that Soo was too shy to show affection in public. His arm slowly let go of her waist. He turned on his heel, was about to leave. But then surprisingly he turned back, pecked on Soo's cheek, winked childishly at her before actually leaving.
Soo stood on her spot, watching him walk away till his silhouette disappeared in the darkness. Her hand touched the cheek where the kiss was landed.
"You could have me, all of me, once we leave this toxic palace."
Everyone had expected the royal wedding of 4th prince to celebrate the rain. Everyone here included even the court ministers who expressed obviously their interests in 4th prince for the first time in courtroom. King Taejo knew them like the back of his hand and saw through all their hidden intentions. He would like them to acknowledge So but not to use 4th prince as a golden card to go against his crown prince. So must always be after Moo. Though the king had thought about granting the wedding but considering the situation, it might not an appropriate time to give wings to So or So's supporters. Therefore, he assigned 4th prince to be in charge of military supplies in stead.
"I hope you won't be upset with me delaying your wedding" King Teajo told his 4th son in private, after having assigned new tasks for Yo and So.
"I accept all of your arrangements, your Majesty" So politely replied despite the disappointment of not getting married to Soo anytime soon.
"Good" The king nodded, satisfied "Do you want anything else? Anything to compensate the belated wedding? Tell me and I can give you"
"No, your Majesty. Your trust is enough for me" 4th prince declined the offer. However, on his way out, he remembered something "On a second thought, Father, I would like something custom-made for me" A present to compensate for Hae Soo.
The king raised an eyebrow, interested.
It became a routine for Soo to help her fiancé with his make up every morning, though she had taught him how to do it himself.
"You should start to apply your own makeup, without waiting for me" Soo said while doing the final touch on So's face "One day, I might not be there to help you"
"Where are you then? Shouldn't you always be there for your spouse?" So kept his look on her the whole time with a contented smile.
"Just in case"
She put the brush away, leaned down at the same eye level with sitting So to have a final close look at his scar. Satisfied with her job, she was about to turned away when 4th prince cupped her face, held her in place. Their eyes met and Soo saw the longing in his eyes, the desire to get what he wanted for days but hadn't had yet, their first kiss. His lips reached out for hers but Soo abruptly straightened her back, avoided the kiss, left 4th prince once again in his awkwardness. The girl pretended busy with her makeup kit but in fact she was hiding her reddened face. She heard a deep sigh from So who was wondering why she had avoided his kiss everyday. Her reason was simply because the prince had dropped out the topic of leaving SongAk every time she mentioned it. Suddenly, Soo felt his hand pulled her down sitting on his laps.
"If you don't let me kiss you, at least let me hold you like this for a moment" His arm circled her waist.
This time, it was Soo's turn to sigh when So buried his face in the crook of her neck to inhale her pleasant scent. They stayed like that until Soo broke the silence
"Why can't we leave SongAk?"
So sat straight up at the question but hands still held her waist.
"I thought you like the palace where you could see Eunie and Jungie everyday?"
"It's you who said palace was a scary place"
"Yes, it is. But I also have my responsibilities. I must become the support for the crown prince. And so do you, as the representative of Hae clan in Song Ak"
"Is it only because of the crown prince or do you have other reasons?" Hae Soo asked indifferently while staring into empty space. 4th prince's body went rigid as he titled his head to look at Soo's face with a frown
"What do you mean?"
At that moment the door opened and walked in the mighty court lady of Damiwon. Soo immediately stood up, took a step away from So in embarrassment. Court lady Oh gave her a quick glance then turned to 4th prince, who wasn't embarrassed at all and only felt annoyed with her untimed arrival.
"The crown prince is looking for you, your Highness" She informed and So slowly made his way out, leaving 2 women behind in an awkward silence.
"I heard you wanted to leave the palace?" The court lady broke the ice
"Isn't it what you want me to?" The girl answered with a question, occupied herself with the herbal tea.
"With 4th prince?" The court lady raised an eyebrow at Soo, who stayed silent, so she continued "Prince Wang So was sent away from SongAk since he was a child. He grew up outside the palace, unlike other princes, unlike his brothers. Do you know how much he desired to live in SongAk, how he threw away everything just to stay in the palace? It's not easy to convince him to leave again"
"What if I can change his will? I can change his life?"
The older lady took a deep breath as she was too familiar with this naive thought of the young girl. Mind-absently, she told Soo the story before she came into the palace, about the man she had given her heart to and now he was out of her reach.
"People do not change for others. So you need to throw out the belief that you can change a person"
Soo went silent again, lost in her deep thoughts until court lady Oh spoke up
"The king granted some court ladies in Damiwon to leave their service. And I think I can leave the palace now" Soo looked up, surprised at the news "I once promised to take care of you as long as you stay in this palace. But now you have grown up enough. I have taught you everything I know, so you can take care of yourself, right?"
"Oh sanggong" Hae Soo called softly. The court lady gave her a smile and caressed her cheek gently
"4th prince will replace me to protect you in this palace. I know he will because I can see it in his eyes. But listen to me, my child. As soon as you have a chance to leave, you must leave. Alone or with your beloved one. Just leave the palace. Don't expect to stay here and have a happy life. Do you understand?"
Soo threw herself into a hug with the court lady like a little child sought the comfort from her dear mother.
Hae Soo needed fresh air to ease her mind. That was why she sat alone in the deserted pavilion, practiced her writing by old poems of So. It was just one month ago that they had sat there and bickered at each other, but she felt like it had been a year. And the happy days living under 8th prince's roof felt like ages ago. A lot of things had happened and sometimes she couldn't get a hold of what was going on around her.
"Sis! Hae Soo sis" A voice pulled her back to reality. Looking up, Soo saw 14th prince running toward her. "What are you doing here all alone?" He eagerly asked but didn't wait for her answer, Jung seized the papers in her hand to have a look. Soo just smiled as the young prince reminded her of his older brother.
"Poems?" Jung tossed the paper aside, uninterested.
"Why are you happy all of sudden?" The girl asked once seeing the unhidden joy in his face.
"I've seen So hyung"
"4th prince?" Soo asked surprised
"Yup!" Jung nodded "Mother asked him to have dinner with us tonight. And I've just sent the words. It will be the first time I have dinner with him, like a family" His smile reached the eyes and had contagion effect on Soo.
"It's such a good thing, isn't it? Please be nice to him from now on. Prince So has been through a lot outside the palace"
As if her words triggered something in Jung that his smile faded away. She studied him in confusion.
"Do you know that Eunie hyung is going to leave the palace?" Jung explained
"What?" Soo widened eyes in surprised. She had been too caught up with So to pay attention to any other princes these days. "When? Why?"
"I don't know when but father granted his request already so I guess it's just the matter of time. He said he liked to build a toy store in SongAk in order to play as much as he wanted" The youngest prince said with sadness in his voice.
Soo remembered that 10th prince told her about his dream once. Building a toy store, it was not something unexpected from the childlike prince Wang Eun. And the most important thing was he would leave the palace.
"You should be happy for him, it's his dream, isn't it?" Soo gave Jung a small smile.
"I am happy for him. But with Eun's leaving, it rests only me in the palace with no one to hang around, or even no work to do. All other brothers have work to do or dreams to chase. And me, I have nothing" Jung pouted slightly, just enough to remind Soo that this youngest prince was still a child.
"You love martial arts, don't you? Just work hard and do what you're best at. I can see you will become someone important of Goryeo. A great General?" Soo's encouragement brought smiles back on the young prince. Just until then, she realized Jung had the same smile eyes as her 4th prince. They were brothers by blood indeed.
On their way back to Damiwon, Jung and Soo met Eun. The young prince eagerly told them of how he had prepared for his store. Hae Soo felt relieved. As long as you didn't live in the palace, or involved not in the game of throne, you would be safe. He would be safe. Soo assured herself. If she couldn't convince So to leave, if the blood battle happened, she wished at least the innocent to live.
They soon departed to different paths with Eun happily waving goodbye to Soo. At that very image, the girl was attracted by a new vision. Suddenly all hell broke loose. Soo ran back to her room, collapsed on the floor and fell into a dark world alone where her deepest nightmare reigned. Even in her unconscious state, tears streamed down on her cheeks.
When Hae Soo gained consciousness, darkness had come over all the palace. Gathering herself up, in the sombre cold room, she silently cried alone. She couldn't change him, couldn't change anything, and the worst of the worst was even the innocent would die. Wang Eun would die under the sword of his 4th brother. She could never look at her fiancé under the same light again. How to see the lovely Wang So without being haunted by the maniac Gwangjong in her vision?
In another quarter of the palace, a so-called family dinner didn't go well. Despite all the excitement in the afternoon, 14th prince Wang Jung, for the first time, witnessed the ugly truth of the palace, of royal family, of his dear mother and brother.
And while it wasn't the first time for 4th prince Wang So, he still got hurt. So told himself a million times that he would not let her agonise him anymore, but her words stabbed him in the heart yet again. His feet led him to Damiwon where he could find the comfort to tender his aching heart. Hae Soo.
4th prince was standing in front of the dark unlit room of Soo. His hand was about to knock but then scared of waking her up. So he just stood there, stared at the closed door until tiredness took up his whole body. So slid down on the floor, leaned his back on the door. Slowly closing his eyes, he imagined to be lying in the warm embrace of the girl behind this door. For the first time, he considered it, to run away with her from the palace.
"I will go wherever you want as long as having you by my side" That was his final thought of the day before falling into a dreamless slumber.
At the same night, in residence of 8th prince, Wook was walking back and forth in front of the old room of Hae Soo. After Soo's departure from his residence, he allowed Chaerung to keep the room in tact in the memory of her Lady. And for the first time in months, tonight, the room was warm lit again. It was a sleepless night for 8th prince as he stared at the door with mixed feelings, thinking about what he would do tomorrow when the sun was up.
4th prince was waken up by a forceful shake. It appeared not a good start of the day as the first visage he saw was no one but the astronomer Choi Jimong.
"What is it?" So asked in irritation
"There are big problems." Jimong urged So to follow him but the prince didn't appear to be in hurry at all.
So glanced at the closed door then gently knocked. No reply from inside. He raised an eyebrow in surprise then knocked again. Still silence. He pushed the door with force and it burst opened, revealed an empty neat room.
"Where does Lady Soo go at this early in the morning?" Jimong peered into the room, asked.
But Wang So knew better.
Hae Soo didn't go anywhere in the morning because she hadn't been in her room since last night.
It was absolutely a bad morning as the prince tightly clenched fists to hold the rising anger inside.
