Hey guys! Thank you for all the new year wishes : )
Similarly for this chapter, I included certain storyline progression from the drama as well for the other characters. But I didn't write out the scenes so I just mentioned the timings. As for the scenes that I did write out, there are some changes.
Character Introduction: Ji Ran - 1 of Hae Soo's lady-in-waiting
Thank you for reading & commenting guys!
Disclaimer:
I do not own Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.
~Episode 9: 18:41 - 25:39~
The announcement of the 10th Prince Wang Eun marrying General Park's daughter Soon Deok was a pleasant surprise for the royal family. It was a celebration since the drought ended.
King Taejo praised both Hae Soo and Wang So for their hard work during the rain ritual and stated they may ask for anything, surprisingly the royal couple did not want anything at the moment and King Taejo said he will extend the offer and they can come to him anytime they think of something they would like.
Moreover, more royal and noble families were accepting both Wang So and Hae Soo and Wang So secured his position as the Crown Prince's most trusted right man.
With everyone busy with the wedding preparations, Hae Soo tried to spend as much as she could with Wang So, always reminding him to be patient and understanding with people. Their morning routine changed, as every morning Hae Soo would apply makeup for Wang So.
She knew Wang So was not only happy but also desperate to cover up his scars. He looked at his scars as if they were reminders of his weakness, vulnerability, his suffering. But Hae Soo was starting to love his scars, it represented his resilience to survive, his strength & his growth. Even though Hae Soo was glad that Wang So was more confident and more people were accepting him, she felt a sting whenever she helped him cover his scars. She wanted him to see the scars the way she did. She wanted him to accept and love his scars the way she did.
Just as Hae Soo was about to leave, Wang So gets up from his chair and wraps his arms around her. She starts to tug away but his arms were strong and made her feel warm and safe. She relaxes in his embrace and leans back against him, savoring the warmth radiating from his body.
"What's wrong? Why do I feel like you're distancing yourself from me? Is it because I kissed you?" Wang So gently asks.
"NO! It's not," Hae Soo said a little too sharply. "It's just I'm busy with helping Eun and Soon Deok's wedding preparations. And I'm still learning how to prepare tea and pastries from Sanggung. I think it's taking a toll on me."
"Kure, should I help you with the wedding preparations too? Ani, I mean since I'm a married man, I'm experienced so I should use that and help out."
Hae Soo burst out laughing, she turns around and stares up into his face, "You're experienced? You did not even help with the preparations during our wedding how are you going to help with 10th Prince's wedding?"
"What? I did not help? I did help by…. wait…what did I help with? Ah I was present at the wedding wasn't I?" Wang So proudly announced, his arms still wrapped around Hae Soo's waist.
"Of course you had to be present it was OUR WEDDING." Hae Soo scoffs.
Wang So's smiled, satisfied that he made Hae Soo laugh, just as he was about to respond Chun Yang knocked on the door and spoke. "Forgive us Soo-buin but Lady Soon Deok is here to meet you."
Wang So presses his forehead against Hae Soo's forehead and whispers, "I'll try to come home early today."
Hae Soo's heart skips a beat, she was already looking forward to Wang So returning home and spending time with her. After he leaves, Hae Soo rushes to the living room where Soon Deok was waiting for her.
"Lady Soon Deok! What a pleasant surprise. What brings you here today?" Hae Soo cheerfully asked.
"Soo-buin. Oh please call me Soon Doek. Can I…. can I call you Unnie?" Soon Deok shyly asked.
"Of course you can. You don't have to ask. Kure Soon Deok tell me did 10th Prince say something again?" Hae Soo protectively asked.
"No not at all, it's just that Princess Yeon Hwa was telling me if I become a Prince's wife I'll have to behave a certain way and she said I'll have to give up martial arts." Soon Deok nervously responded. "I don't mind giving up martial arts though, I'm getting married to the 10th Prince. I'll give it up for him."
Hae Soo takes Soon Deok's hands and holds them, "Soon Deok-ah you don't have to give up martial arts. 10th Prince will never make you do something you wouldn't like and you don't have to change anything about yourself."
"Really? Are you telling the truth Unnie? Than maybe can I come over whenever I want to talk to you even after I get married?" Soon Deok asked shyly.
"Of course you can. Visit us anytime you want. I like having the Princes around and now I'll have you too." Hae Soo smiles at the thought of having a little sister like Soon Deok.
After that particular visit, Soon Deok visited Hae Soo daily and with each visit they became closer. And this bond and sisterhood between them was going to play a very crucial role in the future.
Finally, the wedding day arrived, like any other day Hae Soo got ready before Wang So entered their makeup/changing room. Wang So entered the room and noticed Hae Soo was dressed in a maroon and black hanbok with minimal gold designs all over, her hair pulled up in a simple braid with various hairpins. Hae Soo looked heart-stoppingly divine, long lashes framed her warm brown eyes and her glowing porcelain-like skin made her beautiful red lips stand out.
Wang So sat in the chair as Hae Soo started covering up his scar he gazed at her, never taking his eyes off her, not even when the court ladies informed them the wedding ceremony was about to start.
10th Prince Wang Eun & Park Soon Deok's wedding
During Hae Soo's wedding, she was too nervous and conscious to enjoy the full extend of the festivities but during the 10th Prince and Soon Deok's wedding, she made sure to enjoy every moment. She got to properly experience and witness ceremonies that she only read about or watched in sageuk dramas.
On the other hand, Wang So noticed that Hae Soo seemed a little pale, he rushed to her and refused to leave Hae Soo's side. As the bride and groom walked down the aisle together, Wang So took Hae Soo's hand and interlocked their fingers together, smiling proudly at her.
Hae Soo's eyes widened in shock, in front of the royal family and nobles Wang So held her hands and he did not seem to bother with the stares being shot at them. A blush crept up her cheeks, she smiled and she squeezed Wang So's hand.
Baek-ah saw his brother goggling over Hae Soo and both of them were holding hands. He shook his head and smiled, he was starting to like his awestruck brother, and he never knew Wang So could be so romantic.
Wook on the other hand was glaring at the royal couple, he wanted to remove those filthy hands holding Hae Soo's.
Why didn't she fling or remove his hands. Why is she holding onto his hands? Could she possibly…no there's no way. I need to do something I need to get her out of that house out of this marriage. He does not deserve her.
"Look at them, being so disgraceful even at a royal wedding." Yeon Hwa hissed.
Wook snapped out of his thoughts and looked at his sister. He knew despite her remarks she was furious and hurt. She harbored feelings for Wang So since they were kids but she knew Wang So would never look at her.
"What do you mean? They are married. They can do whatever they want." Wook responded, a hint of sarcasm evident in his voice.
Minister Hae and King Taejo witnessed not only the 10th Prince and Soon Deok's matrimonial but they also got to witness how happy Wang So and Hae Soo were. Throughout the wedding ceremony, both of them held hands and were smiling radiantly, oblivious to the people around them.
The nobles present at the wedding were surprised to see Lady Hae Soo and the 4th Prince always together. Some of them wanted to approach the Lady but in fear of what the 4th Prince will say or do they refrained themselves.
Despite their disapproval of the royal couple, they had to admit both of them were a stunning couple. Soo-buin looked heavenly in her hanbok matching the 4th Prince's black and gold robes who looked just as majestic. When they saw the couple holding hands they erupted into exclamations of disbelief and derision.
The gong that sounded snapped them out of their discussions as they looked over to the 10th Prince and his wife bowing as a newly married couple.
The officials and servants were ecstatic as after the wedding they will be able to go on holidays and they even got rewards from the King and Princes. Lady Hae Soo overlooked the wedding preparation and they were certain she requested the King to reward them. They made sure to show their gratitude towards her after the wedding ended.
~Episode 9: 42:13 - 44:04~
Hae Soo
Right after the wedding, the royal family members and noble families blessed Eun and Soon Deok and showered them with gifts. After the royal family members and nobles left, the Princes and Hae Soo approached the newly wedded royal couple.
As the Princes were passing their gifts to the couple, Hae Soo remembered she forgot to bring along the gift she made for Soon Deok. She makes her way to retrieve the gift and on the way she sees General Park watching his daughter and suppressing his tears.
Hae Soo makes her way back to join the royal couple, however, seeing the Princes especially Wang So laughing wholeheartedly she stops and watches them. Savoring the moment.
Suddenly the scene changes, Hae Soo sees Wang So laughing with blood splattered on his face as he swings his sword and slices Eun across the chest. Eun falls beside Soon Deok. In mere seconds the vision ends and she sees the Princes still laughing and chatting.
Horrified by what she saw, Hae Soo staggered backwards and ran until she reached Dongji Lake. Away for everyone she plops down on the grass and clutches her chest.
What was that? What…why did I see that what does it mean? Why why why! I tired to change things I'm trying so hard to protect everyone, especially 4th Prince. Does this mean nothing will change? Were all our efforts futile? Will he ruin everything in the end? Was I wrong in trusting him and myself?
Hae Soo felt as if someone had hit her hard in the stomach and knocked the wind out of her. Tears sprang to her eyes as she thinks about the vision she just had.
Is there really no way I can change anything? Is there really no way I can't help 4th Prince from becoming what I saw. There has to be a way. There has to. But why, why did I see a vision again. Why…
~Episode 9: 48:12 – 59:30~
Wang So
Minutes passed and Hae Soo was still searching for the gift, Wang So sighed as he made his way to their residence. Before he could reach, Ji Mong approaches him and informs him that the King has summoned him. Slightly irritated with the summoning, Wang So reluctantly follows Ji Mong to the throne room.
On their way to the throne room as they pass by a few court ladies, Wang So tells them to inform Hae Soo that he will be in the throne room and he might be a little late. The court ladies bow and rush to inform Hae Soo.
King Taejo assigns Wang So's old tasks to Wang Yo, which requires him to leave the palace. As the King, Wang So and Ji Mong continue discussing court affairs and tasks Wang So will be handling, Wang Yo rushes to Queen Yoo's chambers. Furious with his newly appointed task, Wang Yo informs Queen Yoo who tells him to invite Wang So for dinner immediately.
As soon as Wang So leaves the throne room, Queen Yoo's lady-in-waiting informs Wang So that she invited him over for dinner.
Even with Wang Jung present, there was a palpable tension in the air. Queen Yoo starts off by complimenting Wang So for completing the rain ritual. However, when she mentions the trust he earned from the Crown Prince's and that he will be more involved in the court affairs, Wang So realizes why his mother truly invited him.
As she insists that only Wang Yo is destined to become King, Wang So laughs and declares that even he has a chance to sit on the throne. Queen Yoo laughs mockingly and spits out that a rain ritual will not make such a difference and that his father used him since the Crown Prince was absent for the ritual.
Wang So & Hae Soo's residence
Wang So leaves the chambers and rushes back to his residence. He chides himself for thinking his mother truly wanted to reconcile with him. As he approaches his chambers, he sees Hae Soo rushing out of their hanok with a lantern and making her way towards the lotus pond.
"Soo-yah" Wang So gently calls her.
Hae Soo turns around, shocked she attempts to walk away but Wang So grabs her and hugs her. "Please let me go. Please."
"Just for a moment. Stay with me. I need to rest. Stay with me just for a moment. Please" Wang So begs as he continues hugging Hae Soo.
Immediately, Hae Soo is reminded of the vision, she wrests herself from his embrace. "I don't want to! I'm afraid of you, Wangjanim" Hae Soo exclaims as she trembles.
"You said you were not afraid of me." Wang So responds, refusing to believe what Hae Soo said.
"I thought I could change things. I tried to understand you and protect you but I was wrong. You will ruin everyone in the end. Even yourself. Go. You're better off far away!" Hae Soo declares still trembling.
"Not you too! How could you do this to me? How could you hurt me like this? Don't push me away. Don't tell me to leave. Don't tell me I bring misfortune and that I'm an animal." Wang So says, his voice trembling as he advances towards Hae Soo.
"You at the very least, you can't do that to me. You are…. my person. You are my wife! You are MY person. You belong to me just like how I belong to you. You are mine. Without my permission you cannot leave me. You cannot die either. You are completely my person." Wang So grabs Hae Soo's shoulders as he declares.
Both of them lock eyes before Wang So cups Hae Soo's face and leans in to kiss her. Hae Soo tenses against him and struggles to free herself. After a moment she goes still and tears run down her cheek. Wang So feels the wetness and pulls away. Seeing Hae Soo trembling and tears running down her cheeks, Wang So stumbles backwards, regretting what he did.
He grabs Hae Soo and pulls her after him. Wang So helps Hae Soo onto a horse and they ride off with Hae Soo still shocked over what happened. After riding throughout the night, they reach a beach where both of them watch the Soo sighed and her body relaxed.
"The palace is a suffocating place isn't it? Should we run away? If you want to, I will do it." Wang So whispers into her ears.
"Even if I were to leave Songak someday, I wanted to bring you here. After Pyeha granted us permission to travel I was planning to still bring you here." Wang So adds, a smile in his voice.
Hae Soo gazes around the beach in awe and wonder. She looks at Wang So who just smiles at her.
"I was always forced to leave. I still don't know why I had to leave. I have never brought misfortune. I don't slaughter animals for fun. I don't use my sword so carelessly on people either. Do I still have to leave?" His expression clouded.
"I want you to live with your heart at ease, Wangjanim. Even if it's out of the palace somewhere, I want you to live without being wronged or spilling blood, and live life smiling. "She takes a deep breath, her face so still, so placid it's impossible to read.
"Do you feel scared and alone in the palace? Even though I'm beside you…do you want to leave the palace? I will…. if you go with me." Wang So pleads.
"How can we leave? Our family lives in the palace and everyone is starting to accept you. Pyeha and Crown Prince are relying on you to help them. We can't just drop everything and leave." She swallows hard.
"Then I will not leave either. I promised to stay by your side no matter what and protect you. I promised to never let anyone or anything harm you. If anyone tries to harm you or separate you from me, I will kill him. Regardless of who he is." Wang So stubbornly responds.
"Ne?" She looks at him.
"When I called you mine the day Yeon Hwa was beating you, I already considered you my person on that day. You saw me for who I was. There was no need for explanations or excuses. You said you're afraid of me? I don't believe it. You are the only person on my side. You're my wife. My eternal companion. So, I'm not sorry for anything. Not for kissing you or bringing you out here. Even if I threaten anyone who tries to harm you. I won't be sorry." Wang So says, his eye never taking his eyes off Hae Soo.
Wang So takes out a hairpin with peonies and a butterfly and hands it to Hae Soo. "I always wanted to give you something like this. You can throw it away if you want to."
They fall into a comfortable silence as they looked out into the ocean.
There's definitely a reason why I was send to the past and why I'm seeing these visions. They are either hallucinations or a chance for me to change something crucial. If I'm afraid of him and push him away just like everyone else what difference will it make? I'll be just like everyone else. I promised 4th Prince and myself that I would try to understand him. I will. I can do this.
Hae Soo glanced at Wang So who had a serene smile on his face. Her anger, fear and worry due to the visions evaporated.
I will help you Wangjanim. I don't want you for your past. I don't want you for your future. I want you where we are now. In this moment, because in this moment you are more perfect than any of us could ever hope to be. I will help you in every step of the way. I will be your shield. Your person, your wife, your home. Let me bear all of your pain and burdens with you.
Sneaking back into the palace was more tedious and nerve-racking than sneaking out. Realizing that the court ladies and servants were busy cleaning up after the wedding last night, Hae Soo and Wang So rushed back to their residence.
As they entered their residence, none of the servants seemed surprised and no one questioned them either. Hae Soo and Wang So changed into a new set of hanboks and Hae Soo proceeds to cover up Wang So's scars.
As Hae Soo applies the cream on his face, she gives him instructions on how to make the cream and apply it. She hands him a paper with the instructions written down.
He grabs her wrist and says, "Is this your way of saying it's too bothersome for me so you should do it by yourself?" He stands up and leans towards Hae Soo. "You seem to be trying to push me away. That kind of method is not going to work on me."
Wang So grabs Hae Soo around the waist and pulls her close, "I told you to brace yourself didn't I." Wang So smiles as he leans in for a kiss, Hae Soo covers her mouth with her hand. "Don't worry, I won't do that without your permission anymore." He slowly loosens his grip, still smiling.
~Episode 10: 29:13 –59:36~
8th Prince Residence
"What did you just say?" Yeon Hwa glares at her brother.
"I confess my feelings for Hae Soo in front of Pyeha & 4th Prince. I will also request that she get divorced so she can marry me. I know she's not happy with this marriage. I will leave the palace and live with her in Hwangju." Wook calmly announces unaware to the decree the King wrote before Hae Soo and Wang So got married.
"You think that is possible? You will bring disgrace to our family. Do you want to throw Mother and me aside just for that girl? She's married Orabeoni and to a Wang Prince. For sure you know what that means. Who will protect the Hwangbo household?" Yeon Hwa demands.
"Wook-ah stop saying rubbish. There is no way your requests will be granted. Forget about Hae Soo, she's settling with 4th Prince, don't risk your position just for a girl."
"Hae Soo! Hae Soo! Hae Soo! STOP IT! JUST STOP IT. Isn't it enough that she married Wang So Orabeoni? She stole him away from me. He was supposed to marry me. He was supposed to love me. He was supposed to be mine!" Yeon Hwa trembled with rage.
"Yeon Hwa! You should think before you speak. It is indecent to think of someone married this way. Both of you should stop bothering with Hae Soo and 4th Prince. Wook I will talk to Pyeha about getting you married with someone of a high status and Yeon Hwa don't worry, I will personally look into a royal family for you to get married into. Now let's stop this discussion." Queen Sinjeong says, appalled at both her children.
After Wook leaves, Yeon Hwa confronts her mother, declaring that she does not intent to live as the sister of a King. Instead she will become the wife of one. Yeon Hwa storms off and goes straight to Queen Yoo's chambers to share an "interesting story".
Astronomy Tower
Wang So and Baek-ah were in the middle of having a discussion when suddenly Ji Mong bursts through the door with news of the Crown Prince's family being accused of embezzling the tax money. The ministers were demanding to remove Mu from the Crown Prince's position and to appoint Wang So as the Crown Prince since he successfully completed the rain ritual.
However, the King orders Wang So to return to Shinju for a while.
"Do I have to? Even though all I did was try to help since I arrived. Hae Soo is here too. I can't just leave her here, she can be harmed anytime." Wang So said. It did not matter to him where he was send to anymore, as long as Hae Soo was with him he would go anywhere but he was determined not to leave if Hae Soo did not go with him.
"There are those who wish to make you Crown Prince. Your mother, Queen Yoo is behind it. I'm certain she's just using you to get to the throne. As for Hae Soo, Minister Hae made me promise him I will never send her to Shinju. We will take care of her while you're in Shinju." King Taejo states.
"Pyeha I trust my brother, I'm also certain he is being used. Please don't send him away to Shinju. He did not even settle down with Hae Soo properly due to the drought and rain ritual. You can't send him away." Crown Prince pleads.
"Crown Prince. I do not doubt 4th Prince but in order to protect both of you I need to take this step. I will summon you back in a few weeks Wang So, I will not make you stay there for long I promise. I'm not sending you away like I did before. But I need you to do this last favor for your brother. Will you listen to your father once more?" Sending Wang So away broke King Taejo's heart.
Nightfall in Songak
A senior lady-in-waiting delivers a vial of poison to one of Hae Soo's lady-in-waiting Ji Ran.
"It must be served by Soo-buin in whatever she prepares for the Crown Prince. Make sure." The senior lady-in-waiting states.
"Ye, court lady." Ji Ran bows and leaves quickly.
The lady-in-waiting informs Yeon Hwa who warns her not to tell Queen Yoo anything. However, after Yeon Hwa leaves, the lady-in-waiting immediately reports to Queen Yoo.
Wang So barges into Queen Yoo's chambers and confronts her, demanding answers. Queen Yoo states that on the ninth day of the ninth month, Crown Prince will die from drinking poisoned tea and that Wang So won't be able to prevent it.
Wang So & Hae Soo's residence
"Where were you? Soo-buin had us looking for you. How can you leave without informing anyone?" Chun Yang reprimanded Ji Ran.
"I apologize I was not feeling well so I took a break and I fell asleep. It won't happen again." Ji Ran lied.
"Ah. How are you feeling now? Do you want to call it a day and rest? Please let us know before disappearing like that. We were worried." Chun Yang responds, concerned about her.
As Wang So made his way back home, he kept worrying about everything that happened and that he found out. He leaves on the same day as the supposed poisoning is going to take place. If his mother could be so bold in attacking the Crown Prince, she will not hesitate to harm Hae Soo as well. He had to do something to protect them. Anything, but what could he do?
He snapped out of his thoughts and saw Hae Soo waiting for him in their front yard. As they were having dinner, Wang So gazed at Hae Soo, her mere presence was able to melt away all of his worries and fears. He wanted to tell her that he had to leave Songak but he could not bring himself to say it. He still had time maybe he could convince his father to let him remain in Songak. Wang So pushed his worries and fears aside and just savored the tranquil and mundane moments with Hae Soo.
The next morning, after Wang So left for his lesson with Grand General Park Eun and Jung rushed to their residence. "Soo-yah!" "Noonim!"
"Soo-yah is it true? Is Hyungnim really going back to Shinju? How about you? Are you going too?" Eun bombards Hae Soo with questions.
"Noonim, what's going on? Please tell us it's not true. Why is Hyungnim going back to Shinju? What will happen to both of you?" Jung demands.
"Ye? What are you talking about? Send to Shinju? Why? That's impossible. Pyeha gave us his word that he will not send Wangjanim to Shinju or anywhere else. You must be mistaken." Hae Soo responds, desperately hoping they were wrong.
"Aniya Soo. I confirmed it with Ji Mong, So Hyungnim is leaving on the ninth day of the ninth month." Eun informs Hae Soo.
"But since Hyungnim didn't tell you maybe there's a chance Pyeha might reconsider his decision." Jung says.
"Why? Why is he being send away? He did not do anything at all, instead he helped with the rain ritual. So why is he being punished and why did I not hear of this? If Wangjanim is being send away, I will go with him. No matter what. I need to talk to him." Hae Soo rushes to the martial arts training grounds.
"Soo-yah let's go together." "Noonim we will come along" Eun and Jung follow Hae Soo, trying to keep up with her pace.
Training Grounds
Wang So was in the middle of training when Hae Soo walks up to him and pulls him aside and glares at him.
"You heard. You can hate or resent me, it's entirely my fault. I didn't tell you cause I thought I could think of something and change Pyeha's decision but you found out before that could happen. However, I already caused the problem and you've been hurt." Wang So says.
"Problem? What problem? And what about me? Are you going to leave me here? Don't even think about it cause I'm coming with you." Hae Soo responds, tears of frustration welling up in her eyes.
"Soo-yah Pyeha ordered me to go back to Shinju for a while and he ordered you to stay in the palace. I don't know when I'll be back but I'll come back for you. I promise." Wang So assured her.
"I understand. I won't ask any more questions. I have to go." Hae Soo says.
"Soo-yah. Please listen to-" Wang So tries to stop Hae Soo.
"I remembered something important I have to attend to that. I'll see you later." Hae Soo cuts him off and quickly leaves.
Cheondeokjeon
"Pyeha! How could you do this to 4th Prince? You promised us you wouldn't send him away, especially not to Shinju." Hae Soo demands.
"Soo-yah I understand you're vexed but I have no choice but to send Wang So away. You will be staying in the palace of course. I promise he will come back within a few months." King Taejo tries to reason with his daughter-in-law.
"A few months? And why are you not sending me away with 4th Prince. You granted our requests before marriage why are you not fulfilling them Pyeha? Wangjanim helped the nation by ending the drought so why is he being punished?" Hae Soo pleads.
"Enough Hae Soo. I will not hear of this anymore, it's my final decision. Nothing will have to any of them. I will protect both of you but you will have to endure this separation." King Taejo dismissed Hae Soo and returns to reading his scrolls.
Wang So & Hae Soo's Residence
Hae Soo tried to talk to Wang So after meeting King Taejo but he was busy with some court affairs so she returned home.
"Soo-yah it's Baek-ah. I'm coming in." Baek-ah enters the library. "How are you doing? I heard you met Pyeha to talk to him about So Hyungnim?"
"Ne, but Pyeha is sticking to his decision and sending Wangjanim away. I just don't understand why. There has to be other ways," Hae Soo says.
"Hyungnim is currently being interrogated by the ministers and officials. He won't be able to leave until they are done. He told you to have dinner and go to bed first and he told me to give you this letter." Baek-ah hands a letter to Hae Soo.
"When the water has run dry, sit and watch for the rising clouds." Hae Soo reads letter.
"Wang Wei's poem, Zhongnan Mountain Retreat." Baek-ah adds.
"I had no idea that he wrote so well. There's so much more I don't know about him. I was mistaken in thinking I had him all figured out. How foolish of me." Hae Soo says as she admires his writing.
"He meant it when he said he wanted to leave the palace with you. Now that he has to leave you and go back to Shinju, it's tearing him apart." Baek-ah states.
After Baek-ah leaves, Hae Soo takes out her brush and traces over his characters as her own and repeats the poem over and over again with tears running down her face.
Several hours passed and Hae Soo was still engrossed in tracing over the poem when she heard the servants greeting Wang So. She drops the brush and runs to their chambers in a hurry, desperate to not let Wang So leave alone. She bursts into their chambers and holds Wang So's hands.
"Let's leave the palace. If we can leave the palace I'll go anyway you want to go. Let's run away from here." Hae Soo demands, a lump of emotion clogging her throat.
"Soo-yah, calm down. We are not going anyway." Wang So grabs Hae Soo's shoulders.
Hae Soo cups Wang So's face, "You said if I wanted to run away from the palace you would run away with me. You said you would so let's go. Let's run away. Where do you want to go? Hubakjae? The mountains? I'll follow you anywhere. Don't leave me here. Take me away from here, please." Hae Soo begs, tears streaming down her face.
Her knees felt weak and she grew lightheaded, Wang So pulls her into a hug and Hae Soo clung onto Wang So. He leans in and kisses her forehead as he soothed her.
"Don't worry. I'll find a way, I'll think of something so we won't be separated. Do you think I'll ever let you go?" Wang So whispers.
Hae Soo pulls back and stares up into the face she'd slowly grown to love. Wang So wipes her tears and gazes into her glassy eyes.
"I am right here. No matter where you go or where Pyeha sends you, I'll follow you. I'll run away with you if I have to. I will not leave you." Hae Soo states stubbornly. Wang So's arms tightened around her.
"We will think of something I promise. I will never leave you. I will stay by your side no matter what. Don't worry Soo-yah." Wang So declares as he continues embracing Hae Soo and stroking her hair.
They clung onto each other in a comforting embrace and fell asleep, desperately hoping they won't be separated.
Thank you for reading & thank you for all the comments. Leave a review & let me know what you guys think :)
