It was another day before Hae Soo could fully recover from the wound she sustained from yesterday's ordeal. For some reason, her cousin Myung Hee summoned her in her quarters, and she needed to go to tend to her.
She kept the small jar of ointment in her chest drawers, subtly being reminded of the generosity that the 1st Princess of Goryeo displayed. She couldn't believe that someone like Sae Woon wants to be friends with a commoner like her, but deep inside she was glad. As much as she hated to admit it to herself, she need friends if she wants to survive in the new world that she's currently in.
And besides, Princess Sae Woon seemed pretty sincere in her offer as well. Which reminded her that she must also speak to her cousin about the princess's invitation to them for tea next week.
It was not long before Hae Soo reached Myung Hee's quarters, gently knocking at her door to announce her presence.
"Lady Myung Hee, it's Hae Soo"
"Come in", she heard Myung Hee's voice before she opened the door. Shortly, she was mildly surprised to see the 8th Prince Wook, eating dinner with Myung Hee. But she quickly recovered herself and faced her cousin instead.
"I called you here to come eat with us", Myung Hee said, smiling serenely. "You've been sitting in your room all day and barely eating. I thought it might be better if we ate together, so sit down"
Hae Soo just nodded gingerly in approval before seating herself in a chair between her cousin and Wook.
"I know it was for the 14th Prince, but it was dangerous to go alone", Myung Hee said, pertaining to Hae Soo going alone and taking matters in her own hands to save the 14th Prince from danger. "You don't know what could have happened if Wook hadn't come"
"Yes", Hae Soo acknowledged, turning towards Wook. "Thank you for saving me"
"I only did what I should", Wook said quickly, before shortly rising up from his seat. "I'll get going first. I have some books to read"
Myung Hee and Hae Soo only nodded as Wook went out, closing the door behind him. The two sat down once again as he left, eating by themselves.
"You're getting into trouble because you:re always out and about. You are never interested in household affairs either", Myung Hee continued, eating her soup. "What about sewing, or knitting cotton?"
"I'll look for something to interest me", Hae Soo nodded. "Ah right, you spoke to me about 1st Princess Sae Woon once"
"Right, I did", Myung Hee agreed. "Why are you speaking about the princess?"
"She wants to be friends with me, and I accepted her offer", Hae Soo said. "Did I do the right thing?"
"There is nothing wrong with that, Hae Soo", Myung Hee assured. "But still, she is a princess. Even if she offered her friendship to you, you should still know your place and treat her with kindness and respect. Understood?"
"I will, Lady Myung Hee", Hae Soo agreed. "Ah right, she asked me to tell you that she invites us to tea the day after tomorrow in the afternoon"
"Did she really? I know she offered me the same thing when we met at the exorcism rite", Myung Hee said, remembering her encounter with Sae Woon. "I will send her a message regarding her request, and let's think of a gift that we could get her"
Hae Soo smiled, finding herself excited to meet Sae Woon once again.
Lady Hae Myung Hee and Hae Soo visited the queens first, offering their gifts of soap to them both. Shortly, the King passed by, recognizing Soo as the one who injured Eun. She soon earned his favor by expressing not her fear but her awe at his wisdom and grace to rule Goryeo. Her statement greatly amused the King, earning herself a Persian rug from him as a gift.
Soon after, Hae Soo waited for Myung Hee to finish her talk with Queen Hwangbo before proceeding to the Damiwon palace, where Jeong Mi, Sae Woon's handmaiden, was waiting for them at the gates. She escorted them to Sae Woon's quarters, and opened the door, signalling them to come in.
Sae Woon was sitting at the dining table she set up, along with variety of snacks and tea she personally concocted. To the great confusion of the court ladies in Damiwon, Lady Oh allowed Sae Woon to use their kitchen for the time being to make her meals. She was certainly proud of her daughter's skills in medicine, food and drinks - and she had to count Jeong Mi for teaching her the niceties of the inner court.
The princess stood up as soon as she saw the new arrivals, nodding politely at them.
"I'm so glad you could come Lady Hae Myung Hee, Lady Hae Soo", Sae Woon greeted.
"We are honored by your invitation, Your Highness", Myung Hee bowed in respect along with Hae Soo. "Thank you for your benevolence"
"It is nothing. Have a seat", Sae Woon said, gesturing them to sit. "Jeong Mi, you can join us"
"Thank you, Milady", Jeong Mi thanked as she took her place at Sae Woon's side. She poured the tea for everyone as they all started to eat and drink.
"I hope you like my tea", Sae Woon smiled shyly. "I haven't brewed tea in months, so forgive me if the taste seem lacking"
"Not at all, Princess. It is a good tea", Hae Soo said almost informally, making Myung Hee looked at her. "Oh, I mean. It is an honor, Your Highness"
"It's okay, Lady Myung Hee. Let's drop the formalities, we are all friends here", Sae Woon chuckled in delight. Myung Hee could only smile serenely as she eyed Hae Soo knowingly. Hae Soo somehow took the signal, and then brought out something from her lap and set it on the table"
"We have a gift for you, Your Highness", Myung Hee said, pertaining to the silk box.
"Really?" Sae Woon asked excitedly, opening the silk box to see various handmade soaps of different colors and shaped like a rose arranged neatly inside. Her eyes twinkled in delight as she picked up one white soap made like a rose and smelled the fragrance. "My word, this is beautiful! What is this, exactly?"
"It is a handmade soap, Princess", Hae Soo said excitedly, explaining about her area of expertise. "If you use it always when you bathe, it will make your skin soft and smooth"
"Thank you so much for these", Sae Woon thanked them excitedly, putting the soap back inside. "I will use it well"
Myung Hee momentarily excused herself for a bit to use the bathroom, and Sae Woon have Jeong Mi accompany the lady to safety. For now, only Hae Soo and Sae Woon were left at the room.
Sae Woon went to her makeup kit, examining the powders and deciding on which color would suit her face.
"Do you know anything about makeup?" Sae Woon asked, suddenly facing Hae Soo.
"Pardon?"
"I can't seem to decide what powder should I put on my face", Sae Woon explained gingerly. "I have to meet some officials later, and I can't seem to find something that suits me"
"Can I help you with that, Princess?" Hae Soo asked excitedly, shortly before reverting back to her polite self. "With your permission, of course"
"Really? Will you help me?" Sae Woon asked, grasping Hae Soo's hand while she nodded in enthusiasm. "Then, I give you my permission then, Lady Hae Soo"
It took thirty minutes for Hae Soo to get used to Sae Woon's make up. She decided based on the colors that would match the Princess's current robes of dark pink and red. She managed to enhance the princess's complexion, and brought the subtle tint to her cheeks using a light rose hue. She finished her look by blending some stuff to make a burgundy rose type of lip tint. Once she enchanced her eyebrows, Hae Soo smiled, quite proud of her handiwork.
"I'm done, Princess Sae Woon. You can open your eyes now"
Sae Woon took the time to open her eyes, and she saw herself, looking beautiful in the mirror where her reflection is staring back at her, unable to believe it.
"I-is this really me?" Sae Woon asked. She never considered herself to be the most beautiful person in the kingdom, but she felt like she is once Hae Soo was done with her. "Thank you for helping me, Hae Soo".
"You are welcome, Princess"
Myung Hee and Jeong Mi finally returned, making Sae Woon and Hae Soo turned to them at their arrival. The handmaiden's jaw almost dropped to the floor as soon as she saw her mistress, looking more elegantly beautiful. Myung Hee was surprised as well, but initially recovered herself by offering her compliments.
"You look beautiful, Your Highness", Myung Hee smiled in admiration.
"It is all thanks to Hae Soo", Sae Woon smiled back. Myung Hee could only look at her cousin proudly, as she is the first witness to her hidden talent in cosmetics.
Hae Soo was glad that she had finally put her skills to good use.
Sae Woon went back to the palace after her early afternoon tea with Lady Myung Hee and Hae Soo. She met with the other military officials as soon as she assumed her post as the Head Martial. They welcomed her presence and complimented her for her appearance. She shortly thanked them before proceeding with some important matters regarding the upcoming training of the royal guards.
"We have already sent word to the Grand General last week", the Minister of Defense said. "General Park Soo Kyung will send someone to be your lieutenant. We could expect his representative within this day"
"Thank you, Minister"
After the meeting, Sae Woon took the chance to walk around the palace. She was smiling in admiration at the white roses blooming nearby.
"I see you still like white roses", a strangely familiar male voice broke her out of her trance.
She turned to her right, and her eyes widen in surprise at the sudden visitor who is now before her. He was smiling excitedly, striding slowly towards the princess and bowing in respect.
"It has been a long time, Princess Sae Woon"
"Park Mun Seong", Sae Woon smiled, feeling genuinely happy to see someone she knew for the first time in her life.
It has been a long time indeed.
END OF CHAPTER TWENTY.