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Okay this is your update. Hope you'll like this chapter. All mistakes are mine.


Ch. 8 Escape

Everyone in the room was looking at His Majesty. After the Moon Ceremony, Jang Byuk Soo insisted an emergency court meeting has to be brought to discuss about the Prophecy. Inside the room court members, general commander Kim Hong Do, Lord Seo and His Majesty were sitting and discussing about the issue.

Sitting on the throne King In Su stared down at the floor. He has headache already. After took a small breath, he lifted his gaze. "I can't declare a war. We didn't know if the North Kingdom will attack this country." He hopes so.

"However Your Majesty, it said that there was a move from North Kingdom. They are heading the border river." Jang Byuk Soo reported. "We have to prepare the army otherwise we can't anticipate if there is an attack."

"Yes Your Majesty. I am agree with Lord Jang Byuk Soo. We have to prepare." Ji Woon added.

"Yes Your Majesty." Other members said in unison.

"Before I declare a war, I need to know if their moving was to attack In Kingdom."

"As Your Majesty also knows we have not done any contact, in any shape, since the last war between In Kingdom and North Kingdom occurred, over a hundred years ago." One of court member said and the others nodded their head in agreement.

"We can't wait any longer or it will be late, Your Majesty." Jang Byuk Soo said slapped the table to emphasize his word.

"We need to tell folks about the war to warn them." Ji woon suggested.

"And make panic chaos before the war. I don't think that is a good idea." Lord Seo said.

"So what do you suggest, do it secretly?" Jang Byuk Soo let out a chuckle before adding. "Lord Seo seems forget something. Secretly or not either way they will know. There will be soldiers everywhere. Especially near the border. We can't hide the truth."

"Jang Byuk Soo was right. If we have to prepare for attack we need almost of our soldiers. With the amount of soldiers people will notice it." Other member said.

King In Su clenched his fist. He has been doing that during the meeting. He hates to make his people lives in fear of war. However, it seems he has no other choice. Sighing in defeat he said. "I need time to decide it."

"Your Majesty can have the time. But we hope it will not take long. We have preparation to do." Jang Byuk Soo said before bowing toward the King.

"I understand. I promise it won't take long." With that King In Su stood up and left the room. Lord Seo and Kim Hong Do followed behind him.

After the other members left the room Ji Woon leaned closer to Jang Byuk Soo. "We don't have much time."

"I know. With the enemy's armies getting closer it won't take long. But we need to prepare if anything happens. I won't miss this opportunity." He smirked at Ji Woon.


Jeong Hyang was standing by the window staring at the Priestesses talking and laughing outside. After morning prayer she locked herself in her room, for she can't talk and laugh to the other while her heart was crying inside. Eun Ae asked if she was alright and she said that she didn't feel good. Her mind kept repeating the Guardian's words again and again. She wanted to cry, scream, cry, scream and cry again. But she can't. So she just stood thinking of nothing.

There was knock on the door. She ignored it. She didn't want to meet anyone at moment. But the knock didn't stop. Sighing she left window and sat down on her bed. "Come in." Min Jee's head popped in.

"I am sorry. I called but there was no answer."

"It's okay. Come in." She patted the bed beside her.

Min Jee entered and sat beside the older Priestess. "High Priestess was looking for you. She needed you to write some letters. But you weren't there so I did it instead. I am sorry, it seemed urgent."

"You didn't have to apologize. I have headache so I left early. I'm sorry you have to do that in my stead. Thank you." She felt a little guilty.

"That's alright. How about your headache? Feel better now." Min Jee looked at Jeong Hyang in worried.

"It's better now. Thank you. I must be exhausted from the ceremony." She said with small smile.

"You need rest." She stood up and turned to Jeong Hyang. "I'll tell High Priestess. Get better soon."

"Thank you Min Jee." After Min Jee left the room, she let out a small sigh and lay down. Not long after there was knock again. Thinking it was Min Jee she didn't bother to sit up. "Come in Min Jee."

"Jeong Hyang, are you feeling better?"

After hearing the voice she sat up immediately. "High Priestess."

"No, just lie down." High Priestess sat beside the young Priestess and reached for her arm. "What happened?"

"I just don't feel good." She didn't want to worry High Priestess. Besides, how could she tell High Priestess that she has been thinking of man.

"You know that I can tell when you lie."

She looked down at her laced hands on her lap. "I am sorry. I didn't mean to lie."

"That's alright. Tell me what has happened. What is bothering my best Priestess?"

Jeong Hyang smiled a little but then pressed her lips together. She couldn't lift her gaze. "I…I…" Before she could let out any word tears has flowed out already and she burst into cry. "I am sorry,"

"Oh, Jeong Hyang." High Priestess reached the crying Priestess and pulled her into hug.

She cried and let out her emotion. She was tired to suppress the feeling. For a while they just sit with High Priestess hugging her. When her sob died eventually High Priestess pushed her body slightly but still holding her shoulders.

"Tell me what had happened?" She noticed there was hesitation in Jeong Hyang's eyes. "Is this about the Guardian?"

Suddenly she felt her breath was caught in her throat. 'How did High Priestess know? How long did she know?' Jeong Hyang couldn't look at the older Priestess' eyes.

"I saw you two at the garden." She dropped her hands and took Jeong Hyang's hands. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I…I am sorry. I know I shouldn't do that." Jeong Hyang started to cry again.

"Jeong Hyang, tell me," She gave little squeeze. "Tell me honestly, do you have feeling for him? Do you…" High Priestess paused for a moment, hesitated to say the next word. "…love him?" When Jeong Hyang nodded her head slightly, she inhaled and looked up at the ceiling. 'What should I do?'

"I know I can't have feeling for anyone but, I let the feeling grew inside me." She tried to hold back tear.

"No, you shouldn't. As a Priestess you can't have feeling for any man. You are not allowed to have any feeling toward them." She raised her hand and cupped Jeong Hyang's cheek lifting her gaze. "But as human being, you are allowed to embrace it." After a pregnant pause she continued. "I can understand your feeling. But you know what the feeling brings. Death."

"You will be punished and I don't want that happen to you." She raised another hand. She had raised Jeong Hyang as her own daughter, how could she let her die.

"What should I do?" Jeong Hyang looked at the older Priestess' eyes.

"As a woman who has raised you, with these hands," She put her hands up. "I want nothing but to see you happy." She took a small breath before adding. "But as High Priestess I would tell you to forget him. Leave your feeling behind. You have duty Jeong Hyang, and you shall not forget it."

Jeong Hyang couldn't fight back tears. She should have known it, she has no choice. She watched as High Priestess stood up and walked toward door, but then she stopped and turned around.

"I have told you before, whatever you do, always follow your heart."


"You got the man?"

"Yes sir."

"I knew it!" Jang Byuk Soo laughed before turning to his son. "Well done son. I'm very proud of you. Now we have to go. We have a surprise for His Majesty." He laughed again and walked toward door. Hyo Won and Ji Woon followed behind him.

"That's absurd!" Lord Kwang-Ho, one of court member, shouted at Jang Byuk Soo. The court members were gathering in King's audience room.

"Absurd?" Jang Byuk Soo clicked his tongue. "Then why Kim Hong Do's man was found near the border. He told us the General Commander himself had sent him. And," He turned to face His Majesty. "He has a letter with sign of Your Majesty's Guardian, Lord Seo."

Jang Byuk Soo then turned to Kwang-Ho. "The evidence was there. General commander Kim Hong Do and Guardian Lord Seo have been taking contact with North Kingdom without our acknowledgement." He smirked when everyone started to murmur. "The question is for what reason?"

When no one answers Jang Byuk So continued. "They were undoubtedly behind the attack."

"They betray our Kingdom." Ji Woon added.

Jang Byuk Soo turned to His Majesty, bowed. "General Commander Kim Hong Do and Lord Seo had betrayed In Kingdom. Thus, they need to be arrested."

King In Su greeted his teeth before replying. "Are you sure the man said it was general commander Kim and my Guardian?"

"I shall be punished for telling a lie. My son had the man in prison at moment. I shall bring him if Your Majesty wills to meet him."

"No need. I gave you order to arrest Kim Hong Do and Seo Jing but, keep them alive. Anyone who lays a hand on them shall be punished."

"Yes, Your Majesty." All the court members bowed.

Soon after they left King's audience chamber, Jang Byuk Soo called his son and told him to bring his soldiers to arrest Kim Hong Do and Seo Jing. The soldiers took Kim Hong Do and Seo Jing at their house and sent them to prison.


Yun Bok was talking with Princess Hye Su after the Princess' lesson when a soldier called for him. "Sir!"

"What's wrong?" He was surprised to see a soldier burst in.

"Lord Seo...They have arrested Lord Seo and General Commander Kim Hong Do." The soldier said while trying to catch his breath.

"What do you mean?" Yun Bok rose to his feet approaching the soldier. Princess Hye Su stood behind him.

"Commander Jang Hyo Won caught General commander Kim Hong Do's man near the border river. He said that he was sent to North Kingdom by General Commander Kim's order. And he brought a letter with Lord Seo's sign on it. His Majesty gave an order to arrest them this evening. I heard the news and came to look after Sir." He explained in one breath.

"That's impossible! My father will not do such thing. They would never betray His Majesty." Yun Bok shook his head in disbelieved. "I need to see them."

"No!" The soldier stepped aside to block the Guardian way. "I was ordered by Commander Kim Young Bok to make sure Sir leaves the Palace."

"What!? Did you tell me to run and leave my father and my mentor!?" He shouted at the soldier.

"There was an order to bring Sir and Commander Kim to investigation. Sir needs to leave Palace immediately."

"Wait, you mean it's King's order?" Princess Hye Su asked.

"Yes Her Highness."

"Where is Commander Kim?" He suddenly got worried over his brother.

"After Commander Kim told me to look after Sir, he left with his horse. I don't know where he was heading to."

"I need to see my father." Yun Bok tried to pass the soldier but the soldier grabbed his arm and stopped him.

"Please Sir, you must leave Palace. Commander Jang and his soldiers will arrive here any time soon. Please."

"He's right. If they have your father and General Commander Kim, they will arrest you too. You need to go otherwise no one will help them out." Princess Hye Su said to her Guardian.

"Please Sir." The soldier pleaded. He looked over his shoulder, afraid Commander Jang and his soldiers will show up.

"Follow me. I know the fastest way." Princess Hye Su took Seo's arm and pulled him with her.

"Wait." Yun Bok turned around to the soldier. "Please go to my house and make sure my mother is fine."

"Yes Sir. Please be safe." The soldier then turned around running toward his horse.

Yun Bok turned to Princess and followed her.


Three days. He has to ride for three days with full speed to the border and then he will reach his destination. He was surprised when the servant came to him saying that his father was arrested. The servant told him his father message: go to North Kingdom and meet General Commander of North Kingdom. He didn't know what had happened recently. There were rumors about war, North Kingdom's army, and then his father was arrested, also his best friend's father. He hopes Yun Bok got his message and leave Palace immediately. He has four days, he will seek for North Kingdom Crown Prince's audience, and move back to In Kingdom to help his father and Yun Bok's father.


Yun Bok followed Princess Hye Su to her chamber. His head was filled with many questions. Why did his mentor send his soldier to North Kingdom? Why did his father relate to that? Did they know something about North Kingdom's army's moving? Why didn't his father tell him? He wanted to punch something to release the emotion.

Princess Hye Su leaded him to her bedchamber. Another time he will think it was inappropriate for he never enter woman's room. He watched as Princess Hye Su tried to move a table at the bottom of the room. He offered to help and moved it aside. Princess Hye Su rolled the carpet up and he saw lines on the floor. It was a hidden door. He pulled the door up and climbed down the stairs first before helping the Princess. It was dark downstairs. Yun Bok shielded his eyes with his hand as suddenly there was light.

Princess Hye Su lighted up a torch that hanging on the wall. She turned around to look at him. "This passage will bring you outside the Palace wall. There is a small house in front of the exit. Tell the man my name and he will give you horse. Take the horse and go to temple. You will safe there. High Priestess will help you."

Yun Bok nodded his head. "I am sorry, I can't protect Princess."

"Your safety is my priority." She looked at his eyes.

"Thank you." He bowed toward the Princess. When he was about to leave Princess Hye Su grabbed his wrist. He was surprised when Princess Hye Su hugged him. He felt her shoulders trembled a little. Did she cry?

"Please be safe. I don't know what to do if something happens to you."

He was hesitant for a moment before put his hands on her back. "I promise I will be careful and back soon. Please stay safe too." He felt guilty that he can't protect her for he was sure the soldiers will come to her. He felt Princess Hye Su tightening her hug. And moment later her voice broke the silence with words which shocked him.

"I love you Seo."

He couldn't utter a single word. Never has he thought the Princess would have feeling for him. Suddenly the memory of his talk with the certain Priestess at the temple's garden flashed upon him. His chest tightened as he saw the memory. He could feel tears come to his eyes. He shut his eyes close, unconsciously replied. "I can't. I am sorry, Jeong Hyang."

"You love her, the Priestess."

Yun Bok's eyes widened as he realized his mistake. Princess Hye Su pulled off from the hug. She wiped away the tear and smiled at him. A bitter smile. "I…"

"It's alright. You don't have to say anything." She let a small chuckle and looked aside. "Silly me. I'm sorry I had said that. Please forget it."

"Please don't apologize. I would be honored to have Princess' cares for me."

"Have you told her?" She turned her gaze and saw he looked down shaking his head. She inhaled and added. "You must go. The soldier will soon ask for my presence." She turned around and took the torch from the wall. She handed the torch to him.

Taking the torch Yun Bok looked at the Princess. "Thank you." She is really a good person, however, he wasn't the person she thought he was. He then turned around to leave.

"Seo,"

Princess Hye Su's voice stopped him. He turned around at her.

"Can I…Can I still have you as a friend, or…brother?"

He smiled nodding his head. "I would be happy to be Princess' brother. Please stay safe." He saw Princes Hye Su smiled before turning around and started to walk.

She watched as his back become smaller and smaller before finally disappeared. She let tears flowing down her cheeks. 'Good bye, my first love'

Yun Bok walked out the hidden passage and headed toward a small house in front of the exit. As Princess Hye Su had told him, the house owner gave him a horse. Mounted the horse, he galloped leaving Palace. He stopped his horse once he was out of city and looked over his shoulder. 'I promise I will be back father, I promise. Please wait for me'


Jeong Hyang knocked the door and walked inside the room. High Priestess was sitting behind her work table, she gestured to sit before her. Jeong Hyang bowed slightly and sat down.

"How are you feeling?"

"I feel better now."

"I need you to listen carefully." Jeong Hyang nodded her head and High Priestess continued. "General Commander Kim Hong Do and Lord Seo were arrested this evening,"

High Priestess paused and looked at Jeong Hyang. She knows what the young Priestess was thinking. "He's fine."

Jeong Hyang dropped her gaze and unconsciously let out a relieved sigh.

"But he isn't safe here. There was an order to bring him on investigation. Of course that was a trap. Once they got him they will send him to prison."

Jeong Hyang rubbed her palm. 'He will be arrested?'

"He needs to leave Palace, and importantly this Kingdom."

"Leave this Kingdom?" Jeong Hyang was surprised upon hearing the word. "Why?"

"He needs to go to North Kingdom and meet North Kingdom's Crown Prince." High Priestess stated. "Since he was the most wanted person right now he can't use the forest road without being caught. You must escort him to North Kingdom, because you are the only one who knows the fast way to border beside the road. You are familiar with the forest."

Jeong Hyang didn't know what to say. She doesn't think she could bear seeing him again. Just heard his name brings back the memory. Meet him will open again the wound on her heart. However, she can't refuse High Priestess's order. High Priestess' squeeze on her hand brought her back from her thought.

"I know you won't like it but we have no choice. We don't know how long his father and Kim Hong Do will survive. He has to leave this Kingdom immediately and meet the Crown Prince."

Jeong Hyang shook her head, pushed away the thought. What was she thinking? This Kingdom and many lifes here were more important than her feeling. Looking at High Priestess' eyes she nodded. "I will go with him to North Kingdom. When are we leaving?"

Before High Priestess could answer the question there were knocks on the door. "It seems now." Priestess Min entered the room telling that a soldier from Palace came to meet High Priestess. High Priestess told her to let the soldier inside.

Yun Bok walked into the room and bowed. "High Priestess, I am sorry for coming at this hour. I need your help."

"Lord Seo, please sit." High Priestess gestured toward the Guardian.

Yun Bok saw a Priestess in front of the table however he can't see her face. He nodded his head and sat beside the other Priestess. His breath was caught in his throat when he realized the other Priestess was Jeong Hyang. She was looking down at her hands. He quickly looked aside and inhaled.

High Priestess noticed the change of air in the room. She glanced at the two in front of her. They were avoiding each other. At the moment for the first time in her life she doubts her decision. She truly wished they have different fate. After took a breath she said. "I had heard about your father and general commander Kim Hong Do." Her voice brought their attention to her. "You need to leave this Kingdom."

"What? No, I won't leave Kingdom." Yun Bok shook his head. He would never leave the Kingdom

"I am afraid you have to, otherwise you can't help your father and mentor."

"Why do I need to leave?"

From the corner of her eye Jeong Hyang noticed he clenched his fists and turned her gaze to him.

"Because it was the only way to help them, and yourself. You will go to North Kingdom."

"That is a good plan, once I enter their Kingdom they will kill me." What was High Priestess thinking? he thought.

High Priestess chuckled at his humor, he was indeed Lord Seo's son. Make a joke at wrong time. "Who said they will kill you, we haven't known their intention yet. That's why you need to go there. Your bother, commander Kim Young Bok was heading there now I believe."

His eyes widened. "He's heading North Kingdom? Alone?"

"For the first question, yes, I just told you. For the second, I didn't know whether he's alone or not." She glanced at Jeong Hyang and turned back to the Guardian. "Jeong Hyang will go with you. She knew the way."

Yun Bok's eyes went wider. "What? I go with…her?" He turned his head slowly at Jeong Hyang.

"Yes. It's for the best."

"Are you sure you know the way?" He asked her.

"Of course I know the way. I've been there many times." She said without looking at him. "Besides, I believe have been living longer than you to know this Kingdom."

Yun Bok dropped his jaw down a little. "I just asked, no need to be rude."

"I'm being rude?" Jeong Hyang finally turned her gaze to him.

"Lady, gentleman, please calm down. We are in the middle of urgent situation." High Priestess sighed lightly. If it wasn't urgent situation she will send them to meditation garden. Suddenly she doubts if it was best decision to send them alone.

"Lord Seo, Priestess Jeong Hyang knows the forest better than anyone else." Turning her gaze she said to Jeong Hyang. "Jeong Hyang, you will go with Lord Seo to the border and do what I have told you before." She saw both nodding reluctantly. "I think it's better you leave now. I have no doubt soldiers will come here tomorrow."

"Yes High Priestess." Yun Bok said meekly.

After changed her dress to black pants and white shirt, Jeong Hyang put breads she got from kitchen into her bundle. Their journey will take at least a week and half, since they will walk once they reach the forest. She took a leather tent, not so big but enough for them, since they have to sleep under open sky. After made sure that she brought everything they might need, she took the bundle and left her room. She glanced at Eun Ae's room, Eun Ae would be worried if she left without leaving a word. But she has no time.

Yun Bok was surprised to see one of Princess Hye Su's servant came with his clothes and some money. His father's issue filled his head that he forgot his uniforms will catch attention. After said his gratitude and left message for the Princess to the servant, he went to change his clothes.

Yun Bok eyed his clothes, brown tight pants, grey shirt, and dark grey vest. He rolled both sleeves up. He has missed this normal outfit. He then put his sword belt on. They might meet robbers or soldiers during the journey. A voice behind him makes he turned around. His eyes wandered on the Priestess' clothes. Jeong Hyang was wearing pants and boots. 'She owns pants?' He thought Priestesses only wear dresses. She has her hair up in a ponytail. Even in pants and simple shirt she looks beautiful nevertheless.

Jeong Hyang cleared her throat. "You're staring."

"I'm sorry. I, uh, didn't mean to… stare." He looked away blushing a little.

High Priestess watched as they blushed, once again avoiding to look at each other. 'How unfair fate plays on them' She sighed sadly. "Please be careful."

Yun Bok said his gratitude before walking toward the horse. He patted his neck and glanced at the Priestesses.

"Please come back safe." High Priestess kissed Jeong Hyang's forehead.

"I will." Jeong Hyang nodded her head.

Yun Bok mounted first and helped Jeong Hyang to sit behind him. They can't have two horses, it will catch soldier's attention. He couldn't help but inhaled when he felt Jeong Hyang's front body accidentally pressed against his back. 'Calm down Yun Bok'. High Priestess' word didn't help at all.

"Try to not kill each other."

"I won't." Yun Bok and Jeong Hyang replied simultaneously. They cleared their throat looking aside. Yun Bok shook his head slightly to clear his mind before saying over his shoulder. "Hold on tight." He spurred the horse to move.

High Priestess watched as they disappeared into dark night. 'Dear heavenly Gods please protect them'


Okay, see you on next chapter, their journey ;)

Thank you for reading.