Sorry for the long delay and thank you for sticking with me -still.

Part XXI

"Greetings to His Majesty!" The whole Hall said in chorus and grew tensed instantly, never expecting for the busy monarch to be here personally. Wang Yo, clad in royal sumptuous black regalia sauntered into the room. Instinctively, servants and siblings bowed their head low as Yo drew closer to his startled wife.

"It looks like you recovered quite well, Soo-ah," The king purred into her ear, his hot breath tickling her, "since you have the guts to badmouth your own husband."

"I wasn't badmouthing you-" Soo retorted in the same hushed tone, then remembering that she was supposed to be furious at him -still-, she scowled, "What are you doing here, Pyeha?"

Nonchalantly, the King eased himself onto a chair, at the head of the table before asking loudly, "Why? Am I not allowed to visit my Queen?"

Soo rolled her eyes heavenward, "It wasn't my point, Pyeha... aren't you... busy?"

"I am." He assured her smugly, then turning to the 13th Prince whose head was still ducked down, "Is it a crime for a king to just want having tea with his wife, Baek Ah?"

The latter raised his head in surprise, "Of course not, your Majesty. It's even a privilege for you to be here."

Soo glared at her brother-in-law, thank you for the support, Baek Ah-nim! Uncomfortable, Baek Ah avoided her gaze altogether. Sighing, she took a seat, "Jo Sanggung, please bring the chrysanthemum tea for his Majesty."

"Very well, your Grace." assented the Head Court Lady before leaving the Hall.

"Do take a seat." Yo ordered to his siblings as they obediently took place around the table. Before an uneasy long silence engulfed them, Jo Sanggung walked back into to room with a tray in hands. She placed it in front of Soo, who without a word uttered, started the tea ceremony with deftly hands.

King Jeongjong watched his wife prepared his tea, with grace and mastery. His Hwanghu was the only person able to put his mind at ease, whenever he felt down or tired, just by her soothing presence.

He had missed her during these past weeks however ruling a nation was a demanding job and though Goryeo was in relative peace he needed to be watchful anyway.

Besides, Soo wasn't in condition to hold a proper meeting with him lately as she was still infuriated by his royal decree. It was even reported to him that her ire also traveled to Khitan, in the appearance of a letter, complaint, obviously addressed to Emperor Shizong who has yet to reply in return.

Wang Yo decided that letting his wife cool off on her own wasn't such a bad tactic, indeed, for he knew that when coerced too harshly, Soo's reaction could backfired and ruined his grand plan. His silly wife often had unexpected odd reactions after all...

Her task finished, Soo ceremoniously poured the hot liquid into a cup as Jo Sanggung immediately served it to the satisfied monarch. Yo inhaled the fragrance before letting the taste roll on his tongue, savoring the tea until its last drop, "Is that a new blend?" He asked while gazing directly at Soo.

His molten stare made her go weak to the knees, the young Queen had to clamp her hands together in order to calm her nerves and keep her voice even, "Indeed, Pyeha." Here we go, he's attacking me with his sexy stare... Whenever Soo and her stubborn husband had a disagreement, especially when he was on the wrong side (in Soo's mind anyway), Yo used that unfair tactic to get to her. He wasn't one to ask for forgiveness like normal people did. Why would he by the way? Whatever he did so far, he did it for Soo's sake. She was just the one who didn't understand his benevolence.

"Do not serve it to anyone else then." Wang Yo smirked, "Only for me."

Soo nodded for lack of coherent words, once autocratic, always autocratic...

His Majesty looked over at the babies, resting peacefully in their crib, "I heard you sent a letter to the Queen Dowager..."

"It's only proper to inform her of her Grand-children's birth," Hae Soo spoke in earnest, "She is still your mother, Pyeha."

Jung looked grateful to his sister-in-law for a moment. He brought their mother's matter up several times already however his Majesty had refused all discussion so far.

"She isn't lucid anymore-"

Soo cut Yo off, "That's partially false, there are times the Queen Dowager is perfectly sane and asking for you..."

"Don't you dare go down that road, Soo-ah!" Yo warned her, knowing full well what she was planning to say next.

Soo's smirk could match one of his own, less the ruthlessness though, "I will be Hwanghu in a fortnight, Palace's Inner Affairs are therefore mine to rule... Wasn't what you wanted, Pyeha?"

"Indeed, but-"

"I've decided to bring the Queen Dowager back in Songak. She will stay in her former quarters which she loves so much."

Yo groaned inwardly for he knew that any plan involving Soo usually went awry, "You cannot do that, I forbid-"

"Why couldn't I?" Soo pressed stubbornly, "Is she exiled? Is she a some kind of threat to Goryeo? Or the Royal family?"

"Is foolishness also one of your trait or... have you so little memory?!" the King growled as the audience grew anxious once again.

"It's all in the past now, Pyeha." the young Queen smiled, "I won't make a good Hwanghu if I wasn't able to let off the resentment. The nation's mother has to set the example, especially when it comes to filial piety. If you're not a forgiving person then I will be for the both of us."

Wang Yo sighed heavily, "Alright, since the Inner Affairs are yours... do as you see fit with this situation... you will learn that every decision shall bear its consequence."

Her radiant smile lit up the entire Hall, then turning to Jung who wasn't sure whether he heard right, Soo ordered, "Jung-nim, please escort the Queen Dowager back to Songak and bring a Royal Physician with you, she might need sedatives in order to travel in good condition."

The 14th Prince got on his feet swiftly and with unrestrained emotion bowed to both his brother and sister-in-law. "Thank you for your benevolence, your Majesty, your Grace! I will take my leave and make preparation for the journey then." Yo nodded and watched his younger brother stride off with a disgusting smile on his happy face.

"Since your brought the topic yourself, the enthronement ceremony shall be grander than you previously planned." declared the monarch.

"Why? You know how I dislike being a show-off? We could use the expenses to feed the People-"

"Royal family, officials, nobles from all around Goryeo will be gathered for your enthronement, I have yet to mention the neighboring envoys... They will expect to be well-received hence the ceremony should be re-planned..."

Hae Soo made a face and refrained herself in time from banging her head onto the table. Grim reaper, where are you? Just take my soul now, please?

Yo went on, "Since it has nothing to do with politic affairs, Eun-ie could help you with the ceremony. His household used to hold grand festivities."

The 10th Prince's eyes widened, since he was advised not to take part in Politics, he was merely passing the time at home, reading or observing his wife practice her sword forms. Having the King himself propose to plan Soo's enthronement was quite unexpected.

Eun stuttered, "It would be an honor, your Majesty." then grinning to Soo, "I will pay you back for that birthday party you prepared for me years ago. Do trust me, hm?!"

Soo almost lost it at that moment but Eun's glowing face prevented her from exploding. Looking over Soon Deok for support, she realized that as long as her husband was happy, Soon Deok was a pleased woman too. Soo's last ray of hope resided in Baek Ah however her dear friend let her down flatly.

"I will help with the list of guests, distinguish the people greeting you that day will be easier." proposed the 13th Prince.

"Good thinking, Baek Ah!" complimented Wang Yo. Not used to be praised and certainly not by his 3rd brother, Baek Ah stayed frozen mouth agape. Yo rose from his seat as Soo's group followed suit. He closed the gap between he and his wife, leaning into her ear, he snickered, "I know you will not fail me, Hwanghu."

If Soo thought her marriage was grand back then, today her enthronement ceremony was phenomenal. Wang Eun had over-exerted his talent, from the decorations to her ceremonial robes, he left nothing to chance. Every single detail was double-checked by him and Soo had to admit that Eun did a wonderful job. The only satisfaction the new Hwanghu had with the ceremony, was that at least People of Songak would be offered a royal meal in her name. Needless to say that with her simple gesture, the People already loved their nation's mother.

Like Wang Yo had told her, guests from the 4 corners of Goryeo swarmed into the Palace in order to witness her holy day. Empress Zhen's procession was first to arrive, she entered Soo's bedchamber while the latter was being dressed and prepared.

"You're finally looking like a true Hwanghu, little sister." Zhen said. "It's about time."

Hae Soo wore a magnificent black and red regalia. Her braid was adorned with numerous golden hairpin but the important one to Zhen and their clan, the jade hairpin was proudly hung there.

"Greetings Eonni!" Hae Soo pouted, "You really do know how to comfort me."

"I'm not the cuddling type, Soo. Your brother is already being too soft on you."

"Are you calling his attitude toward me 'soft'?" the new Hwanghu humphed, "Because of his deal with my husband, I had to endure all of this! None of you had condescended to hear me out when I said I didn't want any of this... and you said Orabeoni is soft?! Where is he anyway? I-"

"That's it?!" declared Empress Zhen sternly, totally unimpressed by Soo's sudden outburst, "Or do you need to vent out your build-up anger more longer?"

Soo sighed, regaining her wits, "I'm sorry for freaking out... It isn't like I had a chance to win against you all anyway..."

"I'm glad you finally understand your situation." Zhen said, then she took Soo's hand in hers and earnestly smiled, "You will do fine, I'm sure of that."

Hae Soo didn't know whether to be touched or burdened by such faith in her however with a blossoming warm feeling in her heart she took the first step toward her role as mother of Goryeo.

Hae Soo didn't remember much about the ceremony in itself, she just remembered Wang Yo's triumphant smirk when he proclaimed her Hwanghu and the immediate clamor that rose thereafter. Whether it was fake or sincere, Soo will never know.

She was henceforth the First Queen, a task proving to be quite challenging but which will be fulfilled to the best.

The following day, Empress Zhen found Hae Soo in deep conversation with Queen Munseong in the Royal nursery.

"I don't understand-"

"It couldn't be any clearer than this..." Soo spoke. Little Princess Mungong who was 1 year old now, was there, sleeping in her own crib alongside her siblings. "Princess Mungong is his Majesty's firstborn child, as such she ought to be in the Wang family book. I put down her name on it, she will be 'Wang Mungong' from now on. The Clan is her family too."

"His Majesty had refused to make her part of his clan because of me and my father wrongdoings. What do you hope to achieve in doing so? My gratefulness? My loyalty?" Munseong retorted.

"I'm not doing it for you, Queen Munseong. I'm doing it to protect the little Princess, she is the daughter of a king, at the same level as Wang Dan."

Queen Munseong made a sad smile, "Mungong will never be at the same level as your daughter, Hwangu."

"A child shouldn't bear his parent's mistake, Princess Mungong is a Wang and she will be treated as such. No favoritism should be allowed even if it's by the King himself." Soo informed while Munseong grew pensive. Perhaps her life would be more peaceful if instead of fighting against Soo, Munseong worked with Soo.

"I thank you for your benevolence, Hwanghu."

Soo realized that it was probably Munseong's most sincere words over the years. "Do no thank me yet," Soo grinned, "I have a meeting with His Majesty today, my head might be hanging in front of Cheondeokjeon later on..."

Queen Munseong tried hard but she couldn't keep her stoic face for long, she broke into a smile which soothed the tension within the nursery.

"You really are something, Soo!" Zhen said while approaching Yo's wives, "On the first day of your rule, you're going against a King's decree."

Soo and Munseong curtsied at the Khitan Empress, "He wasn't yet king when Princess Mungong was born." Soo retorted. "Do you think I should be prepared to flee to khitan?"

"If your husband is similar to mine, the odds are high for you to be exiled in a faraway land. Your brother had exiled his own Grand-mother and Uncle for their attempted assassination on his person. Both died in exile..." Zhen informed her.

"Is that your way to tell me that Orabeoni won't be on my side?!"

Zhen smiled, "He will gladly take you in if you ever happened to divorce King Jeongjong."

"I'm sure Orabeoni will be thrilled..." Soo smiled back, "I suppose he is very busy since he didn't come for the enthronement?"

"After his recent, yet failed assassination, the Court grew restless-"

Soo patted Zhen's forearm in anxious manner, "How much recent? How is Orabeoni? Is he alright?"

Zhen smiled reassuringly as she took both Soo's hands in hers, "Your brother didn't even get a scratch, don't fret, it's the reason why he wasn't able to write back to you... instead, he sent your future son-in-law."

Zhen made a gesture for the nanny to approach, she was holding an handsome little boy of 4 by his tiny hand. The Imperial Prince, Soo assumed, was clad in golden robes, his big innocent eyes were looking up at her.

"Yelü Xian, here is your Aunt. She is your father's sister." His mother said.

Xian grinned, showing perfect white teeth, "Greetings... Aunt mine!"

Hae Soo was immediately drawn toward her little nephew, sweeping him in her arms, she pressed her cheek against his tender one, "Wow, Xian-ah you really are your father's son, aren't you? Calling me yours, already?!"

"But you're my Aunt." Xian blinked innocently

"I am." Soo sighed as she let him go in his nanny's embrace, "Your father gave me great responsibilities."

"Nothing that you cannot handle, Soo." Zhen assured her, "Your brother has keen eyes when it comes to people. He wants to protect his niece at all cost, he cannot allow her to marry into a random clan or worse, be sent to a faraway nation. Little Dan will be well treated in Khitan and you know it. Besides, the Emperor said he will wait for her to come of age... Who knows she and Xian could grow fond of each other by that time?"

"You're probably right, Eonni. I tend to forget that women's future is first determined at birth and then at their marriage."

Dusk was already descended upon Goryeo when Soo stepped into the throne Hall. At this hour, it was desert save for the Head Eunuch and Head Royal Court Lady to whom Wang Yo, with a flick of his wrist, demanded dismissal after her arrival.

She was alone with the King, she standing at the bottom of the throne while he was royally sitting on it.

Seeing his dark looks, he must've suffered another severe headache, she just hope it wasn't entirely her fault.

"Are you afraid of me, Soo-ah?" Yo drawled, tilting his head to the side. Dressed in black robes and surrounded by this somber aura, he did indeed look like one of the Grim reapers, in Soo's mind.

"Why? Are you going to punish me?" the young Queen shot back.

His smirked turned nasty, "Do you think I could not?"

"I am very well aware of what you are capable of, Pyeha..."

"Then why in the world did you defy me again? First the Queen Mother, then Princess Mungong..."

"She is your daughter too, just as Wang Dan is... You did suffer from favoritism at younger age and then again, you're intended for history to repeat once again. I won't let that happen, Pyeha."

Yo motioned for her to approach him, when Soo didn't bulge, he growled menacingly, "Come to me, Soo-ah!"

She ascended the stairs as dread constricted her heart, she finally stopped at arm length from her husband. In a blink of an eye, Yo swiftly grabbed her wrist and pinned her down under him, onto the throne large seat.

"Py-Pye-Pyeha! What are you... doing?"

His wolfish smirk meant nothing good, "Filling the Royal nursery... that's best punishment for you!" Without warning, his hungry lips crashed upon hers, his tongue searching for hers as if it was the first time.

(Charly, are you feeling better now? Hope you recovered from the flu. Lots of hugs!)