I must be going crazy, for waking up after midnight just to write this. I'll be doing some works abroad for about a week. It's a miracle to be able to update now. Grab your popcorn!
Previously ...
"Do it," Eun Soo spoke without hesitation, no second thought of what she would lost should they carried out the plan.
There was too much risks if she went back to the Palace as a Heavenly Doctor, too much at stake, things would most likely turned out ugly like it did before. Once people heard that the Heavenly Doctor was back at Goryeo, everyone would be tempted to get their hands on her. Especially now that her knowledge of the future had been proven right, she would become a fair game in a wild hunt.
Choi Young had wanted to ask her to think about it, to give her enough time that she would not regret having to make the decision, but the King had come before he could tell her the details. She had been listening quietly when he spoke to the King, the three of them sat in the dimlit room discussing the best way to ensure her safety if she was to stay in Goryeo. When he had mentioned it was best that people never knew she was from Heaven, the King had voiced Choi Young's thought like an echo; "The Doctor ... shall be known as someone else. A lady of this land, not a Heaven's sent."
The King had been thinking for hours. It wasn't an easy decision to make. He still thought that it would benefit the country shall the Heavenly Doctor sat in the council, a blessing from Heaven that would surely shone a light on his throne. Those who doubted him as a chosen King would most likely be on his side, another winning in one strike. But Choi Young would probably resent him for the idea. After everything he did to keep the General on his side, the King couldn't recklessy ruin his trust.
As for the heavenly Doctor, he could see why Choi Young insisted on waiting for her and turned down all the offers from those nobles who were willing to wed their daughters to the fearsome General. Her determination was truly remarkable, one look into her eyes and any dying man would have had the courage to hold on onto dear life. It was odd to see how two completely different people finding their way to one another. Choi Young, despite his contribution toward the country, was a mercenary. Words had it, that wherever he went, blood would spill. While the Doctor did the opposite, with her hands, she saved lifes. The King felt a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. The two were like darkness and light, brought together by fate. If the Doctor was truly a Heaven's sent, She wasn't sent for Goryeo, but for Choi Young instead. The fact that the Woodalchi General was there to serve the country, was a sweet compliment of destiny.
The King moved on with his scrolls. He had yet to tell the Queen about the good news that came with the bad. It was past midnight and he knew she might just came in to stop him from overdoing himself should he not finish his work soon. After he witnessed the way his right hand and the long lost Doctor looked at each other, he didn't want to end the night alone. The two had planted the seed of jealousy that grew exceedingly without him knowing. Tonight, he needed to see the Queen. His Queen.
Chapter 7 – A Name Royally Given
"Will you stop it? You're giving me headache!" Man Bo almost spilled his drink as he stood abruptly, his chair toppled backward. Choi Young had been pacing back and forth in front of him, asking about the Doctor every once in a while, looking ready to land a punch at whatever came to sight every time he got 'no' for an answer.
"Why did you let her leave? I've told everyone to wait until I get back. Why didn't you-" he stopped short, biting back a growl. He shook his head a second later, heaving a sharp sigh, "I can't just stay here. I have to go find her."
Man Bo stood by the door frame, blocking his path. He looked just as annoyed as the General. "Don't you trust your aunt? Ji Ho and Shi Wool also went with her. Besides, it's not like DaeMan will allow anyone else to get closer than five meters away from her. He's quite the bodyguard- that boy of yours."
"Some bodyguard," Choi Young said inwardly. I told him to keep her here, I clearly ordered him not to get five feet away from this place and now- "He should have made her stay."
"She's been doing well without you in the past five years, didn't she? Do you wish to lock her up to make sure of her safety ... or yours? Are you that scared of her getting hurt, or you're afraid that it will break you?"
Choi Young could not answer. The old man was right. He was being selfish, he realised. He sat on the wooden chair with a huff. Still, would it be too hard for her to give him a little peace of mind? He had not seen her since the day before, after he returned to the court. He had fled to the refugee camp shortly afterward to check on the two Yuan's soldiers the Woodalchi had captured. The Vice General had the reason to suspect those two men. They weren't mere soldiers. Choi Young spotted the mark under their arms, one similar to something he had seen a long long time ago. He could be wrong, but to know for sure, he would have to question them further. He had given his order to transfer the two men to the prison.
The visit had left Choi Young with a nagging feeling of someone watching from afar. He could sense the change in the air, a cold touch of danger not so far away. His intuition had always been correct and this time- that warning came like a loud blast of thunder crashing and his first thought was of Eun Soo. He had left her with the Suribang, and DaeMan was supposed to be there as well, delivering some of the clothes she had left in Choi Young's room. Those pretty dresses he had bought for her when he thought he had to send her away. He was in so much fright then, when he found out that the only antidote for her poison was destroyed, and yet she insisted on staying. He was even more afraid now, and she still went out without him.
"What was she thinking?!" He grounded outloud, glaring at Man Bo who had only been a few seconds relieved that Choi young finally sat. The old man almost choked, his face went red, but that was not from the drink.
"What was what?" Eun Soo stepped into the inn, Ma-ma and DaeMan was busy talking about something, their laughter followed.
The moment he heard her voice, Choi Young stood bolt upright. Man Bo had been worrying that the angry General would strike anyone else who walked through the door, he was ready to give Choi Young a good old kick, but the built up frustration the size of a volcano he saw just a moment ago, was gone in an instant. Upon seeing the Heavenly Doctor, Choi Young swallowed, the sharp look in his eyes that screamed 'murder' suddenly took a soft color of relief.
Ma-ma was wondering why Choi Young looked like he was ill, when she asked her brother with her eyes, Man Bo could only shrug. There was no words really, none that he knew could explained what he saw back then and what was happening now.
When Eun Soo's questioning frown turned into a smile, Choi Young wrapped his arms around her, causing a collective hum of knowing from everyone in the room. Ji Ho nudged Shi Wool with his elbow when he saw his brother grinning, DaeMan didn't even bother to look away, smiling to himself.
"Don't. Ever. do that again," Choi young breathed against her hair. He pulled away after a moment, her face in his hands, "Don't go anywhere without telling me, hmm?"
She nodded. Her face felt hot, all eyes were on them. "When did you get here?" she asked, pulling him to sit. "Did you look for me? I only went out for a while, everyone's coming along." She added, offering another smile.
Man Bo was the one who answered. "He came before lunch. Next time you ladies decided to go, make sure not to leave me here. This thwart-" he pointed at Choi Young with his jug, "nearly gave me a brain damage. I've told him you'll be back soon, but he searched the entire market, scaring off some of our old customers. He walked around like a fool doing a sick dance. Owh, the sight!" He shook his head, while everyone except Choi Young was watching in awe, befuddled.
Choi young looked past Eun Soo toward the twins, he could tell that the two were trying their best not to laugh. It wasn't a success. He eyed them stoically and they rushed outside, far as they ran, he could still hear them laughing over the story. In other circumstances, he would- without question, make them pay in tears for the humor. This time, he let it slide.
He turned to Eun Soo, as calm as he could, he asked; "Where did you go anyway? 'Cause like what Uncle had said, I've been here for a while and you- ... have been gone for more than two hours."
Eun Soo simply stared at him. The fright was still visible in his eyes, and she knew he wasn't someone who would worried for no good reason. "Did something happen?" She asked back, frowning.
"I said-" Choi young pressed on without answering, "where did you go?"
She could hear DaeMan shifting his weight on his heels uncomfortably behind her. "I went to pay my respect to Dol Bae," she said finally, "I know I should have told you, but I coudn't wait, I'm sorry."
It was an answer he didn't expect and he was at lost of words. She gave his hand a little squeeze, her voice was soft. "He was proud to be working with you, he told me this once," he had his questioning eyes on her and she went on, "When I first became a Woodalchi, the others were so busy asking me to tell them about the Heaven's world that I got so curious of what they thought about you. Each time you went for a fight, whenever I asked DaeMan, his first answer would be 'It's alright, the General is there! Nothing can beat the General!'..." She paused, the way she imitated DaeMan had made Choi Young snorted a suppressed laugh. "Dol Bae would come to me the next day, asking me if I was worried. He told me I shouldn't, he was so confident that you would win in any fight, and that you have all the Woodalchi behind you."
"He said that?" Choi Young stared at their hands on her lap.
"Mhmm," Came her answer, "he also told me how annoying you were when you first came to the barrack. 'He slept like a dead person, but when we tried to wake him, we ended up getting beaten. The General didn't even seem to have lifted a finger, and soon he was back asleep after sending us away. I've got this size of bump on my forehead!" Eun Soo mimicked Dol Bae, her fist rested on her forehead as she made a face.
Choi Young laughed, the little tension that was left had already gone. It took a long moment before they realised they were alone, the others had left without them knowing. They sat in the comfortable silence, the afternoon sunrays breached through the small holes on the wall, sending shimmering lights that shone a golden red as it touched her hair. Eun Soo felt the steady beat of her heart went a little frantic as she found Choi Young staring at her lips. Now that he had cleaned up and shaved, she could see the line of his face clearly. The five years gap had sharpened his feature and she was at lost at the depth of his dark eyes. Still, the way he pulled back abruptly when he heard a noise outside- was endearing. He cleared his throat unnecessarily as he stood, stil refused to let go of her hand.
"The food is ready, since we all skipped lunch, call it an early dinner." Ma-ma flashed a knowing grin, though neither of the two aware of what the grin was for.
Choi Young watched as Ma-ma went back to the diner just outside the inn, looking happier than he had ever seen her. The warmth in his chest slowly growing.
"It's today," he said, lowering his eyes to look at her, "you'll have to be at the court soon. It's not too late to change your mind... "
Eun Soo rose from her seat, smiling reassuringly at him. Soon, at late afternoon, the King would introduce her as one of the refugee who escaped from Yuan. She would be sheltered in the Palace, under a different name. She was able to speak the dialect and knew how to dress like a local now, that the only problem left was her hair. That was the first thing people might notice from her. She had tried to dye her hair back to black several times a hundred years back, but the ink had soon wore off after a few days that she decided it was best to leave it at that. If she could act well during today's hearing, she might be able to convince everyone in the court that she was not the Heavenly doctor they had met five years ago. It was going to be a tough fight and she felt her anxiety rising up, but she had to face it anyhow. Because there was someone who clearly looked more worried than she was, and she needed to show him that she was okay. It was going to be okay.
"I'm hungry," she said at last, "It's best we eat before the food gets cold."
He followed her to the diner, where everyone else had been waiting. The Suribang had arranged two tables into one, even the twins were joining them. Choi Young flashed them a glare as he pulled a chair for Eun Soo. The two stiffened on their seats, head lowered to the point their foreheads nearly touched their bowls as they ate.
DaeMan coughed to hide his own laughter. Choi young poured a drink. He set the cup in front of DaeMan with a thud and then sat, poker faced. The young Woodalchi was too shocked that he swallowed a crunchy fish head in whole, bones and all. Everyone was afraid when they saw his face turned purple. They paused for about a second, and then dug into their dinner happily while DaeMan forced the whole cup of water down his throat.
He looked apologetically at Choi Young, something that said; 'Never again, General. I swear!'.
xxXxx
The sky had turned a bright red as the sun set in the west side of the horizon. The nobles had taken their seats at the main hall, the first two chairs near the podium where the King and Queen sat were occupied by the Great Woodalchi General and the King's Minister. Drinks were served, words were exchanged between the King and Subordinates. Choi young was too distracted to pay attention to any other issue the nobles were discussing as his mind travelled a couple of hours backward.
"You should go now. I'll be there soon." Eun Soo had urged him, as he had to see the King before the hearing started. The court would start without her, and she was to be invited moments before it ended to avoid any question should the nobles started to suspect anything. Only a few of the nobles had seen her personally last time, and they were wise enough to see the King's intention to go against it, hopefully. The others had not been sitting in the court that long to know too much, so there should be no problem.
He wished they could go together. He had imagined spending all day with her, but ever since they went back to the capital, he could barely see her on a daily basis as she had to stay with the Suribang while he remained in his post at the Palace. His longing had only been increased since he found her by that tree, and everytime he wanted to kiss her, someone- anyone would appear out of nowhere, telling them to eat or even asked if his horse needed to get washed.
DaeMan was waiting by his horse that afternoon, reminding him that the court would likely be started soon. He stared at her then, trying to figure her out. This wasn't just any court. After it was over, she would be known as someone else. It started out as his way of finding any trace of regret, but soon as he looked at her, his eyes would ended up on her lips and it was frustrating that everyone seemed to be waiting for him to make the move so they could talk about it behind his back.
He gave up after a long moment and started toward the door. He paused at the door frame to look back at her, hesitating.
Eun Soo had a good time watching the mixed emotions played accross his face. He looked defeated, standing at the door frame with one foot dangling outside the door. Her own heart was thumping expectantly, but her legs refused to move. It was when he turned around after his final goodbye than she had the courage to call out his name.
She went on and gave a little peck on his cheek. He froze. A second too long for the others not to notice as he followed her with his eyes, walking into her room with her light steps without looking back as if nothing had ever happened.
Choi young touched his cheek unexpedtedly on his way to see the king, the feel of her lips lingered and he smiled without knowing.
Back at the court, it was time for Eun Soo to come forward. The King stood up and everyone followed. He took a short glance at the General before he spoke, voice loud and clear; "These past few months we have retrieved our lost men and women from Yuan, thanks to General Choi Young, who had effortfully searched and resque the escaped refugees back to Goryeo,"
Everyone in the room listened as the King went on, Choi Young remained stoic, his face showed no emotions as he stood his full height. Some of the nobles were murmuring behind, some nodded at him with a smile, giving their acknowledgements.
The King opened up an old scroll. "These are the names of the noble families who were sent to Yuan in the past fifty years," the King read the list of names, "The house of Lee, the last descendant was a seven year old son, died at war; the house of Sung, all were excecuted at the border,"
"The house of Yoo ..." the King paused for a moment, "had been known as the philosophers, scolars, and one of the well-known line of healers in the past. This record showed that the whole family were excecuted, leaving only a scholar that was sent to teach literature to the late king of Yuan. None was heard of him ever since. But our Woodalchi General had come accross his descendant as she was escaping from Yuan after the war. This- is an evidence of our strength, that many of our people who have been captured are finally coming back to our land. Although many have been killed in their run, we have retrieved soldiers, farmers and scholars back." With the signal from the King, the eunuch escorted Eun Soo through the entrance.
The Queen who had been waiting expectantly, made a gesture too much not to be noticed. She quickly restrained herself and acted as if she was fidgetting on her robe. Eun Soo stood before the audience, her face partly hidden as she bowed, the way she had seen a royal guest did the formalities to the King a hundred years back, her hands were leveled with her eyes before she put them down gently.
Eun Soo lifted her face to look at the King. She had apparently did the courtesy correctly, since the King and the Queen both shared a look, surprised at what they had just seen. Lady Choi shifted on her heels, her eyes searched for her nephew.
The General stood motionless, but the stoic look was stripped off from his face. It was a good thing that everyone else was looking at Eun Soo, so no one would be able to notice that he couldn't take his eyes off of her, except for his dear aunt.
The room was filled with murmurs. Eun Soo wore a sea-green colored satin dress, the high neckline embordierred with pink and white flowers, a small pouch decorated with red jade was hanging on her belt. Her hair which had grown longer was pulled up in a bun, held with a carved wooden clip, the rest of her hair- which was in a darker color, was let loose. The soft-light fabric of her dress swept the floor as she inched forward, her eyes locked with the Queen's and she smiled. It was the first time they met after their parted.
"Lady Yoo Eun Sung, I- the King of Goryeo, welcome you back to your homeland," the King spoke, "how was your journey? I heard that you were hurt on the way here."
Eun Soo counted until five before she answered, "I was, your Highness, but the Royal Guard has saved my life and escorted me here. For that- I am thankful."
"So I've heard," said the King, "General Choi had come accross you when he was carrying the Royal order at the north border," at this, Eun Soo turned toward Choi Young. For the first time since she entered the court, their eyes met.
Choi Young was the first to bow.
The King continued, "I know you must be exhausted, so I'll make this short." He turned toward the scholars. "Lady Yoo is a descendant of a noble who served the court in my great-great grandfather's reign. Because of the unfortunate turn of event, she had grown in Yuan's territory and the fate has brought her back here today. Therefore, I have decided that she should enter the Palace, and I'm here to ask all of you; Have I made the right decision? Can we let her stay in Goryeo, or is there any of you that thinks she should be sent away because she has grown in Yuan's land?"
Choi Young held his breath. The King never mentioned that he needed the scholars' permission to get Eun Soo into the Palace. Hie eyes went to Eun Soo. She had done very well so far, he hoped she could hold on a little longer. He knew she didn't like politics and all the lies in it, it must be hard for her to stand there with all eyes looking at her, judging.
"My King," Minister Seo, who had once been a head scholars and questioned the Heavenly Doctor, stepped forward, "If I may, your Highness, I would like to have a word with Lady Yoo."
The veins on Choi Young's fine cheek were visible in all sudden as he clenched his jaw, his fists tightened.
"If you shall- Minister, you can have my permission," Eun Soo felt a hard thud in her chest, but she remained silence as the King continued, "But I'm afraid today isn't the right time. As you have heard, Lady Yoo had come a long way and she's still recovering from her injury. You will have to ask her yourself as to when she's well enough to have a cup of tea in your presence," he turned to Eun Soo, "Will that be alright, my Lady?"
It took a moment for her to answer, the words came in a raspy voice. "Yes, your Highness. I shall inform the Minister with your permission, once I'm fully recovered."
"Very well, then." The King sat back, with a gesture of his hand, the audience allowed themselves to sit back comfortably. Murmurs were still audible amongst those who sat at the back row, while the others seemed to be interested in watching Eun Soo who was still standing in the middle of the Vast chamber. "I take it everyone here agree to let lady Yoo to continue the family business in serving the court. Do I hear ay objection?"
"Your Highness," One of the scolars stood, "We'd like to know where the Lady should be seated, since the court has just been reformed, would it be possible to save her a space?"
"Ah, about that!" Replied the King, "Lady Yoo has been working at the infirmary for the past seven years, am I right?"
Eun Soo bowed a little. "Yes, your Highness. I've been helping in Yuan's Royal infirmary to treat the injured soldiers."
The King wore a winning smile when he said his next words, "Seven years is a quite long time. I bet you know one or two things about treating petients, don't you?" without waiting for a reply, he continued. "We have appointed a new Royal doctor three months ago, but it seems that he still needs help at the Royal Clinic. If you don't mind, would you serve as one of his assistance?"
Eun Soo came to her knees. "It will be my honor, your Majesty. Thank you for your generosity. May you live long and prosper."
"General," A soft whisper came from behind him. Choi Young found a senior Woodalchi standing so close, the front of his shoe supported the point of Choi Young's sword that was about to fall. The General nodded slightly to thank him. Choi Young gripped the hilt of his sword so tight that his knuckles turned white. At the very moment, he wished he could just snatch her away and ran. It was hard enough to see her standing there. It was even harder to think of how she had learned all the courtesy she had shown before the King. He remembered she accidentally told him that she had to run from two dozens of soldiers who chased her a hundred years back. What-in the world- had happened to her back then?
The King took a glance at the Minister before he spoke toward the audience. "So, It has been decided; Lady Yoo will work under the Royal Doctor, her position forbid her to act or contribute in any political issue and therefore, there is no need to shuffle the reformed court order. Have your worries been answered?"
One of the scholars who had asked about Eun Soo's position at the court finally nodded sheepishly and sat, pursing his lips.
"General Choi," The King looked at Choi Young who then stepped forward, "I believe Lady Yoo needs to rest. Escort her to the guest room. I would like to speak to her afterward. Lady Choi will take her to see the Royal Clinic and prepare her room."
Choi Young excused himself and stepped toward Eun Soo. He had seen her hands curled up as she pressed her knuckles onto her sides, her face had lost some of the colors. He bowed his head before her. She watched as he shifted, his eyes a deep ocean she wanted to drown herself in them. He turned his back on her, gesturing her to follow behind as he left the hall.
He remained silent as he walked toward the south wing of the Palace, where the guest room had been prepared for her the night before. When the main hall was out of sight, Choi Young abandoned all of his reserves as he grabbed her wrist and marched along the wide corridors, so fast that she had to run to come along.
Two female guards were placed in front of the room, they had bowed right when the General appeared after the turn from the last corridor. Choi young didn't bother to look at them, nor did he slowed his pace. Had he not care of people watching, Eun soo didn't know. She was too busy trying to keep up as he pulled her with such urgency, almost dragging.
"The lady wishes to make sure the room is secured. Until I approve it is safe for her to stay here, don't let anyone get close." He spoke to the female guards with voice as hard as steel, veins pulsing on his forehead that the guards bowed again in unison. Only then that he let go of her hand and opened the door.
She followed him into the room, a chamber large enough to fit a penthouse in one of Seoul's Skyscrapers. Eun Soo heard the wooden lock being pushed into the holder and she was once again pulled by his strong-callused hand into the far corner of the room. He turned to have a good look at her, taking both her hands in his.
"I'm sorry," was all he could say. Her hands were cold and he held them tight, rubbing his thumb at the back of her hand, "are you okay?"
She gave him a weak nod and he felt a pang of guilt making its way up his throat. "Look at me, are you sure you're okay?" he repeated, cupping her cheeks in both hands. She bit her lip, her eyes swam with tears that he felt like crying with her.
"It was ... scary," she admitted. "Do you think- my Mom will get angry that I changed my name?" she asked, her lips trembled as she forced down a smile. The little humor she tried to add was a total failure as one teardrop made its way down his fingers.
"I'll take all the blame," he said, wiping her tears away before he kissed her forehead lovingly, pouring all his untold feelings into the one-heartfelt gesture. She clutched onto his shirt as he wrapped his arms around her, burrying his face in her hair. "Have I told you ... that you look stunning today?" he asked with a smile, kissing the soft lock of her hair that smelled of spring rose, "and you combed your hair,"
She choked a small laugh, "I've always combed my hair,"
"No, you didn't," he breathed against her shoulder, refusing to let her go when she tried to pull back, "how did you get so beautiful? Everyone's bewitched by you back there, at the court."
"Everyone?" she asked, voice so soft that only the two of them could hear.
"M-hmm," he closed his eyes, smiling as she allowed herself to relax in his embrace. The soft-silky fabric of her dress felt so smooth in his touch. A shiver ran down her spine at the feel of his lips on her ear as he answered, voice full with emotions; "EVERYONE."
xxXxx
The carriage trugged along the rocky path, moving a bit slower than usual since they traveled through a different route because of the rockslide the night before. The road was blocked and it forced the Woodalchi to take an alternate route which was further and tough enough that the horses neighed in protest.
"At this rate, we will only reach the prison at night. Do something with the horses, will you?" said DeokMan who'd been frustrating over the delay. He wanted to finish the transfer of the prisoners soon so that he could see the Heavenly Doctor. Cheung Sik had gone ahead, checking for any other hindrance to make sure that their path was secured.
DeokMan climbed down his horse to help the two new recruits push the carriage as the wheel stuck on rocks. Cheung sik was seen coming back from the hilltop, the sun was on his back, casting a mishapen shadow onto the ground below. DeokMan waved a hand at him, and cried out in pain when one of the prisoner suddenly stood, thrusting something painfully sharp onto his middle.
"Watch the prisoners!" Bellowed the Vice General. Soon he was on the ground, his sword unsheated.
The Woodalchi fell into formation, but soon as they gathered, the two prisoners broke ong out of the carriage, white-thin smoke rose from the steel door where the lock was, followed by a strong unpleasant smell that forced the Woodalchi to back away.
Cheung Sik went to DeokMan's side, who collapsed after he tried to lift the spear. Blood gushing from his wound as he struggled to stand back up. "Don't mind me, get them!" he groaned aloud.
"Don't let them get away!"
A blows sent Cheung Shik spiralling on the ground, a long claw-like mark bled an angry red on his right cheek. The other Woodalchi were scattered, and when the Vice General was back on his feet, the two prisoners had gone from sight.
It was silent for a moment, and the last thing they heard was the sound of DeokMan's body, falling onto the ground.
Ends of Chapter 7
