Hello there, happy you're coming again, and thank you for those reviews :) no name, hehe I'm sorry for the cliffhang :p and for making you wait, you are very welcome ;) AceLey, haha it's alright actually, but thanks for letting me know :) I got the feeling it was you :D, and yeah there will be many in this one ;p thanks, glad you like the prev chap :) Hookedonreading, hi too! I'm really happy to know that you enjoyed my first story, and glad can help you :) haha I will do my best, and you're welcome ;)
Okay, your update. I don't own POTW and all mistakes are mine.
Ch. 9 Forbidden Love
Morning sunrays pierced through leaves with twitter from birds accompanied him as he sat under a tree waiting for his brother. Today he would go with his mentor for the task from King, but Young Bok insisted that they had to meet. It seemed to be something important so he spared some time before his mentor coming. Yawning he stood his painting holder between his knees putting an elbow over it. "What takes him so long?"
Once again he opened his mouth for another yawn. But then his mind drifted back to a certain person. A couple of weeks passed quickly with King's task occupying him.
'…but he is not the one whom I give my heart to.'
He pulled lips to thin line. He meant what he had said to her that night, although at the same time he wouldn't deny another feeling, if she could embrace a happy life with the King. But that night he didn't see it. She was afraid that King would get to know about them. "Of course she…" His hand halted on the way to his head when one of his former classmates ran up toward him.
"Here…you are…"
"What's wrong?" He watched as he bent for catching breath. "Don't tell me they have a competition again? Seriously, if he didn't stop doing that I will…"
"Your brother,"
It caught him. "What's wrong with my brother?"
"He's at headmaster's room. They're going to punish him for breaking in school library last night."
"Hold on, what are you talking about?" Yun Bok rose from the bench. "My brother broke into library?" The man nodded. "Wait, you said they are going to punish him?" When the man once again nodded he didn't waste time, darting on. He headed straight into Headmaster's office but before he could enter someone grabbed his arm. It was his step-father. "Father, what has happened?" He asked his father who looked really worried.
"They told me he sneaked into library last night, looking for record book."
His father said it with low tone and he got it immediately what his brother was doing in library. He lowered his gaze.
"I don't understand why he had to break into library, like a thief. And he's after record book. You know something about it?"
He lifted gaze up, he knew the reason but shaking his head instead. "I don't know." His father released his arm, palming his head.
Leaving his father behind he burst in to the room without bothering it was the leader of the school's office. Everyone in the room turned their gazes toward him but his eyes were looking for his brother. He found his brother, on his knees before the principle's desk. "Hyungnim," He ran to his brother's side.
"Who give him permission to come in?"
Yun Bok turned his body to kneel beside his brother. "Please don't punish him."
"Yun Bok, what are you doing here?" Young Bok glanced at his brother but when his eyes caught his father among teachers he brought gaze down. Now it was done, gone the hope that his father would look at him. All over the years his father had always concerned only about Yun Bok but never for him. It wasn't that he envied his step-brother, but for once he wanted to be recognized by his father, although he was not a talented painter like Yun Bok. Just for once.
"It's me, I told him to find something in the library."
At his brother unexpected statement Young Bok twirled his head. Yun Bok kept gaze facing floor, looked calm like he was only confessing that he just caught his friend cheating on exam. He opened his mouth but Headmaster got the question first.
"What do you mean by saying that?"
"It was me who sent him to library." Yun Bok replied with steady voice. To tell the truth there was a racing in his head.
"No," Young Bok shook his head looking up at Headmaster. "He didn't. I went by my own."
"Yes, I did." Yun Bok added. "It should be me who get the punishment, not him."
"Don't believe him, he is lying." Young Bok said to their school leader, turning to his brother sending telepathy. 'What are you doing? You'll ruin it up'
'I can't let you get expelled because of me. I can't' Yun Bok said by looking to his brother's eyes.
"Enough."
Headmaster's voice got their attention back. The racing was still on in his head, desperate for an answer.
"You said that you sent him for finding something,"
"No, he didn't…" Young Bok cut in but the Headmaster stopped him by an unhappy look for interruption.
"What do you mean by saying that? What are you looking for in the library?"
Yun Bok drew a breath and with steady voice replied. "I'm in charge for a task from King, and I need book relates to my painting."
"Task from King?"
Yun Bok caught slight change in the man's tone. "Yes, but I'm not allowed to reveal it to anyone unless the King says otherwise." He brought gaze up. "It's my fault, he just do what I told him." Headmaster's sharp eyes caused him to draw in a breath. He knew that the man and his mentor was not in good relationship, meaning he was not in the Headmaster's favorite pupil list. He was confirmed when the older man narrowed his eyes.
"You're right, it should be you."
"No." Young Bok raised his head in protest. His father joined in, pleading for forgiveness.
"What's going on here?"
Yun Bok lifted his gaze to see his mentor coming in with confusion over face. He pursed his lips, lowering his gaze, now he dragged his mentor into his problem too.
"What is happening here?" Kim Hong Do asked the elders before turning gaze to his student. He approached his kneeling down student but before he could take his arm another teacher stopped him. "Why? What did he do?"
"He said King gave him a task to carry on, and he sent his brother to break into library, without permission, for something relates to the task. You are his teacher, you must have known about it."
Yun Bok felt his heart throbbing inside his chest by the silence in the room. He couldn't dare taking a glance toward his mentor. He closed his eyes, he was going to get expelled and his efforts to find the truth of his past now would vanish. Adding to that, he was going to lose his precious mentor.
"It's my order."
The surprising reply caused him to open his eyes. He, also his brother and everyone in the room, turned to his mentor in surprise. His mentor looked calm despite the gasps and murmurs that started ro rise in the room by now.
"You order a student to break in to school library? Do you realize what it means?"
"Actually," Kim Hong Do put forefinger up. "I locked him."
Yun Bok exchanged confused glance with his brother before looking back at his mentor who remained calm. He wondered where his mentor would take this to.
"I ordered him," Kim Hong Do moved the finger pointing at Yun Bok. "But apparently he's too lazy and asked his brother help." He moved it to Young Bok. "I was supposed to meet him," Now back to Yun Bok, he gave we-will-have-a talk-later look. "At library, but I forgot our appointment and let him waiting for me until late." He pulled hand back to his side and turned to face Headmister. "And you caught him. That's the truth, so nothing to fuss about." He put smile on face.
"So, he didn't break in?"
Kim Hong Do shook his head convincingly. "No."
"Is it true?"
Yun Bok glanced at his brother from the corner of his eyes before nodding. His brother did the same. "Yes, sir."
"But he went to prohibited area, only teacher's allowed to enter the room."
"And tried to bring out a book, he shall get punishment for that."
Yun Bok, palms and knees still against floor, looked up shaking his head as they started to argue. He couldn't let his brother get the punishment in his behalf. The argument raised, his mentor and step-father stand against school leader and half of Dohwaseo's teachers. He was about to glance at his brother when it happened. One of teacher pushed his mentor and, as expected, his mentor pushed him back. The teacher's body fell against Headmaster's desk and something fell down right onto his hand. The crack sound was audible enough to his ears and he let out a loud cry of pain.
"Yun Boka!"
Jeong Hyang drew in evening fresh air. She was at Palace garden, her favorite place. Tonight, unfortunately, the moon was nowhere to see. Still she wandered her eyes over the garden that lit up by stone lanterns. She walked away from the light instead, toward the pond. It reminded her about her meeting with the painter before, when he was just an apprentice and she was a geumgi. She chuckled lightly at the memory.
"There is something funny about the garden? Or is there any cute ghosts here and you can see them?"
The small smile turned to a grin as she spun body around. Her eyes met his playful one. "You are here." She didn't realize that her servant had stepped back leaving her alone, now with him.
"I am," Yun Bok replied. "And I'm not a ghost."
Jeong Hyang giggled. "I have to make sure for that."
"Sure." He held both hands out.
Her gaze immediately fell on white cloth wrapping his hand. "What's happened to your hand?" She was too worried that she tripped over her chima.
Yun Bok quickly, in automatic mode, caught her falling body. His hands were on her back as she leaned body half against him. He could smell her sweet scent and felt something banging his chest, his heart.
"If you keep a little longer they will get a heart attack watching their queen hugging another man."
Yun Bok was snapped out and stepped back, as quick as he had caught her earlier. But it wasn't a good move for the next moment a pain running up from his hand. He couldn't help wincing.
"Are you hurt? Let me see it." Jeong Hyang reached for his hand.
"No, it's alright…just," He gave in since she had his hand already. "Just a little pain."
"You're bleeding." The red spot over the cloth that grew bigger by now worried her more.
"Or maybe no." Yun Bok offered a smile and she pinched his upper arm. "Hey, what was that for?"
"Your hand's bleeding and you are smiling?" She said but only to get another grin. Shaking head she unwrapped the cloth. A small gasp escaped from her mouth as she found bluish-purple fresh wound. "What has happened?"
Wincing a little he replied. "There's some accident at Dohwaseo, a stone fell over my hand."
"A stone?"
"Briefly, I was called to principle's room, there was argument went on, not a fighting like fighting," He tilted head subtly. "And ended up headmaster's favorite stone crushed my hand." He glanced at her, she kept staring at his wound. "It's ugly, isn't it?" He chuckled despite the pain.
"It must be hurt."
"What are you doing?" He watched as she cleaned the blood off with the cloth.
"You must have been crying a lot, don't you?" She giggled at his vigorously-shaking head.
"No, I didn't." He denied, actually he did when his mentor brought him to a doctor and during treatment. She raised an eyebrow doubtfully. "Well," He cleared his throat, turning gaze aside. "I kind of did, but just a little." Her giggles brought his gaze back to her. She then lifted his hand bending slightly, blowing breaths over the wound. It was a little embarrassing, but made him smiling nonetheless and feel his chest warmed. She took a handkerchief out from the sleeve of her dangui before wrapping it around his hand. "It will ruin your handkerchief."
"It doesn't matter." She held his hand still. "I wish there is something I can do to make it painless."
He couldn't help a smile. "How about sing a song?"
"Singing?" She knitted her brows in confusion and he nodded. He then started to sing a song. She couldn't play gayageum since she became Queen, but she could sing a song for him. She let out a giggle while listening to his song.
Seeing her smile and hearing her giggle ceased the pain. It was still there actually, but she had 'healed' it.
At one morning at Minister office, some Ministers gathered around their leader. No one dared to raise a voice, only exchanged uncertain glance to each other, waiting for their leader. But when the silence seemed to be last forever, finally one of Minister spoke up.
"We want to know what your plan is. I heard the messenger is still here, in Hanyang, why? What is she doing here?"
Minister Han lifted gaze up, looking at his unfaithful colleagues before him. It felt like having talk with ten-years-old kids who needed assurance for everything. Sometimes he wondered why he still kept these people with him, but of course there were reasons. They were useful pawn on his plan, and he knew what they wanted.
Power. Rank.
If it wasn't for those they wouldn't come along with him. And people who were thirst with power would do anything, just like him. But there was one thing that made him different from them. He didn't do it himself, he was the master behind screen, the puppeteer. But playing with human was more stressful than a bare puppet sometimes.
Minister Han drew in a breath and was about to share his plan when there was a knock on door. The door pulled open and a tall and strong man in uniform came in. "Commander Jang, such a pleasure to see you this morning."
"I'm sorry for interrupting, but I have something to tell you Minister Han."
"I hope it is good news you bring." Minister Han kept gaze at the staring curiously Ministers before him as the commander whispered in his ear. His brows rose at the surprising news and a pleased smile startsedto form. "Are you sure with what you've just said now?"
"Yes, sir. I've seen it with my own eyes."
Minister Han let out laugh, making his colleagues confused more. "Gentlemen, it's the time."
"Time for what?"
Stretching shoulders up, Minister Han replied with smirk on. "Our future." He paused to wait for their reactions but again they were just an old folks in officer dresses. "Time for King to make decision, keep the throne or see it taken away."
...
King seated upon his throne for what felt like hours although in fact it was just few minutes since the Ministers came in. It wasn't about the meeting, but the matter of it. "Are you implying, now, that I need concubines?" He dropped his mouth a little looking down at them. "It's such a disrespectful thing toward Queen."
"Please forgive me Your Majesty, but I have no intention to disrespect the Queen." Minister Han looked up at the King. "Months have passed since the Royal wedding, but we still haven't heard any news about Queen's pregnancy."
"That…" King looked aside clearing his throat. "…is not something you can get easily."
"Your Majesty," Minister Han plunged in. "The future of this Kingdom is on Your Majesty's hands. We need, no," He shook his head. "This Kingdom needs heir to rule the Kingdom, brings bright future to our people."
King held back a sigh at the matter-of-fact. He had actually expected they would bring this up, and to be honest he was not ready for it.
"Of course it is not something we can get in one or two days but," Minister Han paused to glance at the secondary Minister whose daughter was the Queen. "Just in case the Queen has any difficulties, and I wish there is none," He turned back to King. "To bear the next King. Your Majesty should consider taking concubine."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
King clenched his jaw at other Ministers' plea. He took a glance and saw Minister Park lowering his gaze with ashamed expression.
"Your Majesty should consider taking a concubine."
This time King clenched his fists. The primary Minister looked up at him before bowing but he caught the small smirk. 'So this is your way to escape'
A month passed away as fast as a fresh trained-horse in a battle. King had taken the advice of court, now there was another woman inside Palace who had the right for King's visit beside her. She should be happy since it took King's eyes from her, but things were surely not that simple as it was seen if it came to politics or affair inside Palace. There was something about the concubine that kept bugging her since their first meeting. Something that she hadn't found it out yet.
"Your Highness, are you alright? Lately, Your Highness seemed to have trouble about something."
Jeong Hyang inhaled offering a smile to the court lady who was in charge to serve her. "Yes, there is a thing that bugging me. It's about the concubine."
"What's wrong with her, Your Highness?"
"No, it's just…" Jeong Hyang trailed off, couldn't put it into word. "Do you know her? Where is she from, from which family?" The older woman tilted head aside, a sign for thinking.
"I heard she is daughter of a noble, a trader. She just came back from overseas."
"Overseas?" The lady nodded and she lowered her gaze. Now she got what made her wondering about the other woman. Her attitude was a little different, she recalled their first meeting. "That's the reason?" She asked, rather to herself.
"Yes, Your Highness?"
Jeong Hyang shook her head. "The King won't come tonight, will he?" She caught the lady's puzzled look before giving a sign of no with shaking her head. She couldn't blame her because she just asked to confirm that her husband wouldn't come to visit her. "I'm thinking to have a walk before sleep."
"Yes Your Highness."
Moment later, accompanied by her servants she strolled in the Palace garden. She thought to have little relaxing time before bed, but didn't expect to meet the painter. He walked across yard, perhaps from administrative office. She told her lady-in-waiting to call him. He looked confused at first but then recognized the lady. She then left the garden.
Yun Bok headed garden behind library, the place where he had met Jeong Hyang before, now their secret meeting place. Holding a lantern in hand and smile on face, he kept on. He found her standing near the bridge, the same spot. "I don't expect another secret meeting tonight actually."
Smiling she turned around. "Well, I saw you passing and it just came across my head." He returned the smile. "It's been a while, how is your hand?"
"It's healed now." He lifted his right hand showing the almost completely healed wound. "Thanks."
"You make me worried."
"I'm sorry," Yun Bok said. She just nodded slightly. He then remembered something, the new concubine. "And you, how are you doing?"
Jeong Hyang gave small shrug. "Just like you see, doing fine too."
He pursed his lips wondering whether he should question it out or no. He decided to ask. "I heard the King took a concubine." There was slight change in her eyes at the statement. "I don't know about those stuffs, but, I've heard from my friends when I was in Dohwaseo that there is always competition thing between Queen and concubines, or something like that." He plunged in. "Are you really doing fine?"
Jeong Hyang couldn't help a smile seeing his concerned look. It brught courage to her. She took some steps forward while keeping their locked eyes. "You know," She raised a hand to take his cheek. "I've asked before to King to set me aside." There were crinkles between his brows now. "I know it myself that this is unforgivable, this love is forbidden, but I can't help it. I tried to forget you, I did." She shook her head. "But I can't."
Yun Bok could only stare back at her deep eyes. Now tears welled up in those eyes. 'If only you know, I also feel the same thing, but there is something you don't know about me'
"I can't forget you, I couldn't." She took a breath before pulling hand back to wipe unshed tear from her eyes. "I'm sorry, I…"
"Meet me here three days from now," He wished for tomorrow night but unfortunately he had task from King so he would leave with his mentor to another city. "There is something I need to tell you."
"Alright." She gave a nod for agreement. "Until then." She smiled at him before turning around. But after a step she stopped looking back at him. She leaned in to give a kiss on his cheek. "Good night." After biding goodbye she left him. She couldn't wipe the small smile on her face, she had to hide it from her maids, and something fluttered inside her stomach.
Leaving behind at his spot, Yun Bok was torn between his feeling and the reality.
'She loves you'
His inner thought said pointedly. He breathed out a sigh. "But she has no idea about who I am."
Jeong Hyang sat on her seat while the maids working on her hair. Today they made another royal hairstyle: put thick braid of fake hair on her head with ribbon and ornaments decorating it. After they finished with her hair she stood up and left her chamber. She thought to have a walk outside since she had nothing else to do. She had meeting with Queen dowager, the King's mother, but afternoon so she had some free time.
They were heading to library when she caught someone from other side. The concubine. Dressing in light blue dangui with scarlet chima she looked beautiful, she was two or three-years older than her. The concubine noticed her and halted to give a bow.
"Good morning Your Highness."
"Morning." Jeong Hyang replied the greeting. She looked ahead starting to walk on but the woman continued.
"The air is fresh, isn't it? I would love to have a walk in fresh air."
Jeong Hyang remained silent as the concubine approached her, didn't know where the small talk was heading to. They never had small chat before.
"Especially at night."
Jeong Hyang knitted her brows a little but remained silent and the woman added.
"Recently I found that Your Highness love to have a walk at garden, with someone apparently."
At the word Jeong Hyang turned her gaze and saw small smile, or to be precisely a smirk, from the other woman. "What are you talking about?" The concubine leaned closer to whisper.
"Why don't you let me help you with the painter?"
Jeong Hyang's eyes popped out in surprise and jerked head aside to look at the other woman. "What do you mean?"
"No need to worry, I won't tell King about this. Have a great day, Your Highness."
Jeong Hyang gripped her chima tightly, breath was caught in throat. The concubine gave a bow, glanced at her with sly smirk, walking on. Suddenly it felt like her heart dropped down from its place. Cold sweats started to form over her forehead. 'That woman, why...?'
"Your Highness, are you alright? Did she say something rude?"
"No," Jeong Hyang drew in a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "Let's go." Now her enthusiasm for a walk had vanished, also her meeting with painter tomorrow night. 'I have to change the place. How on earth she knows about me and the painter?' The questions wrapped her mind in a turmoil for the rest of the day.
Yun Bok didn't expect to get another 'pick up'. The lady told him that the Queen changed their meeting place. He followed the lady, this time it seemed their meeting place was quite far. They walked past office buildings and Palace yard. After walking for a while in silence finally she stopped and turned around to face him. They were in front of a small building with no guards arround, usually there were guards everywhere.
"The Queen is waiting for you inside."
The lady caught his attention back to her. He gave a bow, and stepped on the stairs pulling the door open. An empty room welcomed him, it had a set of table and chairs with furniture but no one inside. He then noticed there was another room. He walked toward the back room and there he found her. But she was pacing back and forth, looked worried. She stopped once she noticed his presence. "I thought we will…" But she cut in, with a little trembled voice.
"She caught us, she saw us, this is my fault, this is my fault, I shouldn't…"
"Hold on," He stepped to her front to calm her. "What are you talking about? Who did see us?" She drew a deep breath and told him about the concubine. It surprised him as well. "She's threatening you?" He asked after Jeong Hyang finished.
"I don't know, but I'm worried she will bring this to King." Jeong Hyang took his hand. "Take me out of here, please, far away from here. I have enough with this prison-like living, I have no privacy, they follow me everywhere, I can't do what I want, and I can't be with someone I love."
Seeing her desperation and silently falling down drop of tear tore him. He would do anything he could to take the pain and tears away, but sadly, as the King had said before, she was not his. Also, there was another thing. He wiped the tear off with his thumb. "Jeong Hyang, there is something I need you to know."
She watched in a little confusion as he pursed his lips looking down. "What is it?" He pulled back his hand, still avoiding her eyes. "Painter," Finally it brought his gaze back at her. But it looked at her with hesitation, and uncertainty, that seemed to her that he was afraid of something.
"I'm…"
Sorry this one is past story only, and again for the cliffhang ;p
Hope you like it. Thank you for reading until next :)
