So was practicing at the courtyard where the exorcism ritual will occur with all his brothers. Shortly after the practice halted, all of them took out their masks, revealing their faces to each other. The Crown Prince started to spoke proudly, addressing all of his younger siblings.
"The king will be proud to see all of you here", the Crown Prince smiled down upon them. "Once this ritual is over, we will have a great feast"
"Yes, Crown Prince", everyone agreed, with the exception of Yo.
Meanwhile, Eun suddenly ran towards the 8th Prince Wook, bombarding him with a question.
"Brother Wook, will your wife and Hae Soo be attending too?"
"Yes, I think so", Wook confirmed.
"Is that so?" Eun suddenly smiled to himself upon learning that his crush was coming, but Won suddenly butt in and started to tease the young 10th Prince.
"Why? Are you going to get beaten for being a bad performer this time?"
"No, this time I will really give her a piece of my mind!" Eun exclaimed, feeling extremely flustered.
"Are you going to get another black eye?" Yo teased as well, making the other princes laugh at Eun's previous predicament. Jung was the loudest of them all and he even stride towards Eun, directly laughing at his face.
"Stop laughing", Eun said, but when Jung laughed louder than the last, Eun got pissed again. "I told you to stop laughing!"
The 10th Prince raised his fake sword and chased Jung around the court yard. So saw the scene unfold before him, and he couldn't help but smile at his younger brother's playfulness. When Eun finally caught up to Jung, he attempted to body slam him, but the 10th Prince ended up hurting himself. So he used that and faked it by shouting out in pain, making himself drop on the floor just to look convincing.
Obviously, Jung took the bait and asked Eun if he was okay. Once the 14th Prince crouched down to examine Eun, the latter took the chance and trapped Jung in between his legs and arms. It looked funny to everyone and So could not help but laugh heartily at the scene, making Wook notice him.
So found out that Wook actually witnessed him laughing and cleared his throat, his face forming an emotionless expression. Suddenly, a servant came to Yo, whispering to his ear about something. The 3rd Prince only nodded and faced the Crown Prince as his servant walked away.
"I just need to check something at the archery field", Yo announced. "I'll be right back"
The Crown Prince only nodded in understanding as Wang Yo started to walk towards the direction of the archery field. Upon his arrival, he saw Sae Woon, who was dressed up in robes of red and black, and also sporting a white fur coat. She was doing archery in the target range, her arrows always hitting the central red circle. Her last arrow hit the very arrow that was in the bull's eye, splitting it in two.
Wang Yo chuckled to himself and clapped slowly, making Sae Woon turn to his direction, sporting a mildly surprised look on her face.
"Good shot, Sae Woon", Yo commented, making Sae Woon roll her eyes in annoyance. "I see you are still good with your bow and arrow"
"Like I didn't know it already", Sae Woon spoke, sarcasm evident in her voice. "So, what brings you here? And don't tell me that it's because you simply want to see me"
"And if I do want to see you?" Wang Yo smiled mischievously, making Sae Woon's cheeks tint pink before she realized it.
"Don't be ridiculous", Sae Woon shook her hand as she took another pack of arrows. "So are you going to shoot arrows or not?"
"Hmm, I prefer teaching you instead", Wang Yo commented, making Sae Woon raise her eyebrows.
"And what could you possibly teach me that I don't already know?" Sae Woon challenged, putting the arrow in the bow.
At the tone of her voice, Wang Yo suddenly smirk as he took his time and walked by her side. Sae Woon only shook her head as she raised her arms into position, pulling the string on her right hand as she was ready to shoot. Only then did she noticed that Wang Yo was actually at her back when she felt his cold palms against her waists, adjusting her posture.
"Stand tall", Yo whispered in her ear, causing goosebumps on Sae Woon's nape. She felt his hand travel from her waists to the back of her arms, adjusting her elbows as he prepped the correct posture for her shooting stance. Sae Woon didn't know what her expression is, but she could tell that she was actually blushing because of the heat that she felt in her cheeks at the touch of his hand.
"Use your mouth as an anchor", Yo whispered once again, holding Sae Woon's hand that is gripping the bow, adjusting it as well. He lifted her elbow to match the arrow that is in line with her mouth. He almost felt her back touching his chest, and he could feel his heart beating fast at the sudden contact.
"Release the arrow"
At his words, Sae Woon released the arrow, shooting it at the very previous arrow that split the first arrow, splitting it again in another half.
"Good job, Sae Woon", Yo commented, but he didn't release his hold on the 1st Princess yet. His hand was still gripping her wrists, while her back was still in contact with his chest. He only released his grip when he heard another voice calling to him.
"My Prince!"
Sae Woon abruptly distanced herself from Yo and turned around, only to see a fine-looking lady with a purple hair piece clipped into her braided hair. She was wearing robes of indigo and apple green, and was regarding Sae Woon with a cold look, her eyes mysterious but calculating. Her eyes suddenly shifted to Wang Yo, who suddenly looked tense, his eyes sporting a look Sae Woon could not decipher at the moment.
"What brings you to the archery field, Lady Shin Gong?"
"I was told by the Crown Prince that you will be here", Shin Gong smiled before turning to Sae Woon. "I do not believe we have been introduced, lady"
Sae Woon raised a single eyebrow, scoffing in her head at the tone of voice that the new lady sounded. It was as if it's a challenge on her royal status, and if someone dares to question her birth right, backing down is not an option. She smiled sweetly and subtly putting her right hand in her heart, which is actually sporting a ring that belongs to the clan of Chungjo Yoo. Her family's symbol.
"Yes, we have not", Sae Woon answered. "I'm the first princess of Goryeo, Sae Woon. Daughter of our Majesty, the King, and our Queen Yoo"
Sae Woon would have loved to capture the expression now playing on Lady Shin Gong's face, now well aware that the lady's challenge to the princess's royal status backfired. Shin Gong quickly recovered herself without a bow, her startled expression never leaving her face.
"I'm terribly sorry, Princess", Shin Gong apologized. "I was just wondering what was your relationship with my husband, so I -"
"No need to apologize, Lady Shin Gong", Sae Woon cut in. "Rest assured that I am yourhusband's younger sister, so there is no need for misunderstanding between us"
"Of course, Princess. I meant no offense", Shin Gong replied, bowing her head again as if in shame of the scandal she caused.
"Well, be thankful that I'm nice enough to offer my forgiveness", Sae Woon said. "Just a friendly advice, Lady Shin Gong. A woman such as yourself must know yourplace. That will guarantee your survival in the inner court"
"Yes, Your Highness", Shin Gong answered.
"I will be going now, Brother Yo", Sae Woon announced to the couple. "I'll see you and your wifeat the exorcism ritual"
END OF CHAPTER EIGHT.
