Wang Yo watched as Sae Woon walked away from him and Lady Shin Gong, his emotions in turmoil at the encounter that happened earlier. He turned to his wife who was fisting at her robes, sporting a frown on her face.

"Why did you talk to Sae Woon that way?" Wang Yo snapped. "You could have asked nicely who she is"

"Is it my fault that I felt suspicion when I saw you two back there?" Shin Gong snapped back, clearly irritated. "You two looked like a couple rather than siblings. Could you blame me for acting like that?!"

"But still, it's irrational of you to talk like that to the 1st Princess of Goryeo", Wang Yo said. "And like she said, there is nothing going on between us because we're siblings. I don't want something like this to happen again, understood?!"

"It won't happen again", Shin Gong said, grasping Yo's hand. "I promise. I'm sorry for acting that way towards your sister"

"Good. Now, let's go to your mother", Wang Yo answered. "It's been long since I visited her"

"Yes, my Prince"

Sae Woon went back to the Damiwon, still fuming over the last encounter she had with Wang Yo's wife, Shin Gong. She never liked the lady one bit, as her rudeness and arrogance was way off the charts. Shin Gong could have asked her nicely who she is, but she even had the guts to challenge her royal status, which puts her on edge.

Is that really the reason why you were fuming earlier? Her subconscious nagged, but she shook her head as her thoughts slowly drifted to the one emotion she unexpectedly felt.

Jealousy.

It's wrong of her to feel that way, but she was very confused of her feelings towards Wang Yo. One day she hated the man, but a day later she liked him. Then it shifts back and forth to hatred and liking, which does not bode well for her heart and mind. Because for one thing - her rational mind was screaming that what she felt was entirely wrong in all aspects and ways.

But it never felt so right, her heart argued.

Sae Woon slapped her cheeks repeatedly, all in an effort to wake her rational self. She never should feel anything special for Wang Yo in any shape or manner. No special feelings at all.

And thankfully, a distraction finally came her way in Jeong Mi's arrival at her resting quarters.

"Your Highness", Jeong Mi greeted, brandishing a letter from her robes and putting it down on her table. "A message from the Crown Prince"

"Thank you, Jeong Mi", Sae Woon sighed in relief as she unfolded the letter, reading it before her very eyes.

Princess Sae Woon,

I've already informed the King of your wishes. As of now, I'm still waiting for his favorable response for your request to be the Head Martial of the Royal Army.

I'll be meeting you and Wang So at the very back of the assembly hall tonight. Be discreet - many eyes are watching us. I expect you to be there at 7th hour in the evening.

Crown Prince Moo

"I'm glad the Crown Prince is keeping his word", Sae Woon said, folding the letter once again and giving it to Jeong Mi. "Burn this letter once you get out of here"

"Yes, Princess", Jeong Mi answered politely. "And I also have news for you"

"What is it?"

"I've received a tip that there will be another attempt on the Crown Prince's life tonight at the exorcism rite", Jeong Mi reported, making Sae Woon's eyes widen in alarm.

"Where did you get this information?" Sae Woon asked frantically.

"I've heard word from the inner court, and rumors fly fast, you know", Jeong Mi said. "As of now, I think it would be best if we stay alert and take this threat seriously"

"You're right, thank you for your advice, Jeong Mi", Sae Woon said, taking it into consideration. "Bring my crossbow and my sword, and stay by my side during the duration of the ritual. Be discreet in bringing my weapons, we do not want to attract attention. Bribe someone if you have to"

"Your wish is my command, Your Highness"

A few hours later upon the request of the Crown Prince, Sae Woon arrived at the place where they were supposed to meet. She sent Jeong Mi first hand to the courtyard grounds where the exorcism rite will take place. At the next minute, Wang So finally arrived together with the Crown Prince and Jimong. Sae Woon immediately bowed in respect towards the Crown Prince.

"Good evening, Crown Prince"

"Good evening, Princess Sae Woon", the Crown Prince bowed back, wearing red robes like the other princes. Wang So is now wearing black robes, acting as the Crown Prince who is representing the rite.

"My servant, Jeong Mi, received word that there will be an attempt on your life tonight", Sae Woon reported.

"Yes, we've received the same news as well, Princess", Jimong confirmed.

"Will you be alright, Brother So?" Sae Woon said worriedly. "I don't want you to get hurt - both you and Crown Prince Moo"

"I won't get hurt, Sae Woon", So said, grasping Sae Woon's hand reassuringly. "I promise"

"Be careful, So. And you as well, Crown Prince", Sae Woon warned. "Stay alert and vigilant"

"We will be, Princess Sae Woon", Crown Prince smiled, also grasping Sae Woon's hand. "Once this night is over without any assassination attempts, then we should all not worry"

Shortly, both the Princes wore their masks once more, assuming their respective roles in the ritual. So and the Crown Prince took a separate route, while Jimong escorted Sae Woon to the spectator's side where the royal family will be watching the ritual.

"I hope nothing happens, Jimong", Sae Woon spoke. "I don't want my brothers to get hurt"

"I share your wishes, Princess Sae Woon", Jimong answered.

They finally reached the royal family's podium, where the King is situated at the very center, surrounded by his queens on both sides. Queen Hwangbo was at the left side of the King together with Princess Yeon Hwa and Lady Hae, while Queen Yoo was on the right side, along with an empty space reserved for her. Sae Woon first bowed in respect towards the King, sending her greetings.

"1st Princess Sae Woon sends her greetings, Your Majesty"

"I'm glad to see you back here at Songak, Sae Woon", King Taejo smiled serenely at her. "You are looking radiant in your robes tonight. How is my first daughter doing?"

"I'm doing fine, Your Majesty", Sae Woon answered. "And I look forward to my stay here in Songak. I would very much like to make tea for you"

"Hmm, now that you mention it, you do make good tea, Sae Woon", the King smiled at his bundle of joy, subtly reminded of Soo Yeon. "Let's do chat over a cup of tea that you personally made"

"Yes, Your Majesty"

"I'm glad that the 1st Princess is knowledgeable about the customs and manners of the court", Queen Hwangbo commented, making Yeon Hwa roll her eyes in the background. "Her future husband would be lucky"

It was in that time that Sae Woon blushed faintly, her first thought drifting to Wang Yo.

No, stop this. She shook her head out of her train of thought as she bowed her head.

"I'm thankful for your compliment, Queen Hwangbo", Sae Woon smiled. "If you would permit, Your Majesty, I shall take my place beside Mother. The ceremony is about to start"

"As you wish, Sae Woon", the King nodded before Sae Woon bowed again, later on taking her place at her mother's side in time for the ritual to start. Jeong Mi was now at her side, carrying a box that Sae Woon assumes to be containing her weapons.

The ritual finally started as So, dressed and masked as the Crown Prince, went out with his bladed spear. He twirled and brandished his sword as he rehearsed, and as the drums sounded, it signalled the entrance of the remaining princes, dressed in their masks and red robes.

Another masked prince wearing a brown fur coat entered the scene with all the other dancers of the ritual. They all slowly halted, while Jimong suddenly faced the King and delivered his next words.

"The Jin Jas have gathered. We will now cast out the evil spirits!"

The King finally raised his right hand, making the main drum sound. The ritual officially started, the prince all doing a sword dance as they rehearsed. The drums all sounded in sync as they went around the floor, doing their respective steps.

Suddenly, black masked men entered the scene, acting as the evil spirits of the rite. The next act started as So in his role as Crown Prince, played his part as the one repelling the evil spirits.

"The Crown Prince is very good at his role", Queen Hwangbo commented.

"He has practically lived on the battlefields", the King said proudly, making Queen Yoo look apprehensive.

Sae Woon, meanwhile, smiled inwardly to herself as the King unknowingly commented on So's excellent martial arts skills. But she remained vigilant, looking at her surroundings for any signs of unusual activity.

Suddenly, the inevitable came as four black masked men entered the scene, clearly not part of the act. Jimong finally made eye contact with Sae Woon, and the 1st Princess knew that the threat is finally happening.

They four men landed, and one of them thrusted his sword at So, but he defended himself with his shield. Sae Woon turned around and signalled Jeong Mi to open the box.

"Protect the king!" Jimong shouted as Sae Woon finally removed her fur coat, brandishing her cross bow and sling bag full of arrows as she picked one and targeted the one who thrusted his sword at So.

Sae Woon finally fired a shot, her arrow flying at the man's chest, killing him on the spot as he dropped to the floor. Everyone at the podium looked at her in surprise, especially the King. She pulled her sword out of her scabbard, finally running towards the scene where her brothers are..

"Sae Woon-ah!" Queen Yoo shouted, but to no avail, as Sae Woon fired another arrow towards the black man that is about to swing his sword at Wang So's back.

Wook and Jung took off their masks, surprise evident on their faces at what they witnessed on their sister. Sae Woon wielded her sword at the nearest opponent, her hidden martial arts skills now put to good use as she easily killed the man with a few strokes of her sword.

The remaining princes took off their masks, fear evident on their faces at the attack that is happening everywhere. At the podium, Yeon Hwa and Lady Hae were looking fearful as well, along with Queen Hwangbo.

Jung and Wook finally joined the fight, their swords clashing with the other black men. Sae Woon kicked her recent opponent in his chest, making him drop on the floor. Her sword was swung directly at the fallen man, killing him on the spot. She ran immediately to Wang So's place, defeating other opponents on her way.

When she finally got a hold of Wang So, he angrily shouted at her.

"What are you doing?!"

"What else? I need to protect you", Sae Woon shouted back as she swung the sword once again to another black man advancing at her. Only a few calculated strokes and the assailant was on the floor, bleeding to death from Sae Woon's sword.

The other remaining black men surrounded them, and Sae Woon took the chance to sheath her sword. Now using her crossbow, she took an arrow from her sling bag and fired one shot at the person before her. Three more arrows and the man knelt, falling to his death.

The fight resumed as Sae Woon used her arrows and fired at the oncoming opponents. She was at So's right side as she fired more arrows, killing her assailants one by one.

But she never expected an attack from behind her, and she suddenly heard So groan in pain as she turned.

"Moo!" Sae Woon heard the king shouted, making her face her brother So as she saw him kneeling, his arm bleeding profusely from the blade that hit him.

"Brother!" Sae Woon shouted as one black masked man finally took the chance to advance, attempting to kill him off. She picked three arrows and placed it on her crossbow, raising it slowly towards her target.

The arrows fired, penetrating the assailants chest as he knelt. Sae Woon dropped her crossbow and brandished her sword, injuring the man in one strike. His blood splashed in her cheeks as she swung the sword outward, killing the man on the very spot. She kicked the man away, her aura of pure bloodlust slowly emanating as her eyes flashed pure anger and mercilessness.

She glared at the remaining masked men, as if challenging them to come at her. But they slowly retreated, fleeing the scene.

Wang Yo, in his brown fur coat, removed his own mask, looking at the masked men who fled. Then his eyes turned to Sae Woon, feeling her bloodlust emanate through her eyes. The blood of the man she killed last still tainted her cheeks, her hand gripping the sword tightly as her eyes met Wang Yo.

END OF CHAPTER NINE.