Sorry for the long delay. Sorry for not replying to all your comments.

It seems Time is never on my side T-T

Part XXV

"Why not?" Ruan thundered.

She winced at his tone, lowering her gaze by instinct. Sheer stupefaction was written all over his face at Soo's supposedly aloofness. Slowly the emperor cupped her chin between his thump and forefinger in order for her to take a good look into his dark eyes.

"You are the Hwanghu of Goryeo and thus ruling over the harem, what's more, you are my sister and we, Yelüs, do not bow down to Fate without a fight."

"I'm not truly a Yelü-"

"You are, in my heart and mind you're one of my kind." Ruan cut her off, "So do not speak such nonsense ever again."

Hae Soo breathed out many sighs while pondering over her brother's words. It was true somehow, it was unlike her to back down so fast. Deciding that he was being ignored for too long, Ruan gently flickered his sister's forehead.

"Select the women for Jeongjong's harem yourself, in which case, future concubines will be easier to control." He advised, "And if by some unfortunate reasons, later on, they proved to be troublesome... I will discreetly get rid of them for you, silly lass."

Mouth agape, Soo looked up to him in consternation for she was pretty sure he wasn't joking at all. "Orabeoni!"

Ruan just smirked, smug and all wolf.

"Did Zhen Eonni actually choose the women in your harem?" Soo wondered.

He nodded while crossing his arms over his chest, "My Empress is one scary woman, Soo-ah, even the Court doesn't dare to cross her."

"Don't tell me... though she is glad about my visit, she's been scolding me nonstop for evading my queen's duties all the same." The young woman grimaced.

Her brother couldn't help but chuckle. He did miss having his little sister around. Jeongjong better realized his chance for he owed Soo more than anyone else in this life.

Hae Soo noticed Oh Sanggung from afar. The woman who was like a mother to her since she entered Songak Palace, seemed to be anxiously waiting at the entrance of Wang Mu's Residence.

The young queen jumped out of the carriage the moment Hwan made it halt, running toward the former Court lady, she squeezed the older woman tightly.

"Soo-yah, you're a queen now, you should always stay composed and dignified." Oh Soo Yeon chided, "Here, let me greet you properly."

Soo hugged her foster mother even tighter if possible, "Don't you ever dare bow to me, Eomoni! I missed you so much."

A lone tear rolled down on Oh Sanggung's cheek as warmth spread over her chest, "I'm glad to see you're well, Child."

Hwan approached the women and swiftly bowed to Soo Yeon, the latter let go of Soo and smiled at him, "You're here. Being her personal guard must be quite a task. Welcome Hwan."

"Eomoni! You made it sound like I am a troublesome daughter."

Hwan blinked, "Her Highness has mellowed over the years... Just a little bit though."

Hae Soo's shocked gaze darted from her guard to her mother, "I wasn't that much of a reckless person." She knew herself she wasn't fooling anyone.

Soo Yeon and Hwan stared back at her wryly, ready to retell the many times Soo got herself in trouble.

"King Hyejong is looking forward to see you, let's not make him wait longer." Oh Sanggung declared in attempt to make peace with her stubborn daughter as the group went to meet Wang Mu.

Along the way, Soo Yeon couldn't help but smile at the bickering couple behind her. Well, truth was that Soo was babbling alone since Hwan was as stoic as ever.

"Wow, you're such a loyal person, aren't you Royal Guard-nim?" Soo mumbled, "Are you sure you're my person? Even though she's my mother, you should've defended me and not agreeing with her about my past situation. You should know me best by now."

"But you were indeed a troublemaker, your Highness." Hwan matter of factly retorted.

Oh Sanggung had to stifle a laugh when she heard the young man's innocent reply while noticing Hae Soo's frozen face.

Wang Mu wasn't entirely healed yet though he was faring way much better than when he was in Goryeo. His dark circles and red spots had dissipated over the past year and since he's been taking medicine regularly, Soo could only pray that Mu's health would maintain a certain balance from now onward.

"Hae Soo is greeting your Majesty." She bowed with deep respect.

Mu looked over her with fondness, "Welcome Soo-ah. Need I remind you that I am the former king?"

"A king nonetheless, your Majesty." Soo retorted with a radiant smile as Mu couldn't help but smile in return.

Oh Soo Yeon, Wang Mu and Hae Soo caught up for hours. Soo, naturally, spoke about Goryeo's Affairs, letting the former king know what was the trend in Court nowadays.

"I can see that Jeongjong hasn't much difficulty with the Royal Court." Mu noted with bitterness, "Unlike I, he has strong back up. It indeed helps to have powerful in-laws."

Soo didn't know what to say other than, "Goryeo is your homeland, your Majesty, whenever you feel like it, just come back home. I will make sure that the King won't be a threat to you or your family."

"As long as I don't want the throne back, that's it..."

Yo's wife assented, "It's a given, your Majesty."

"No worries, Soo-ah, I don't ever want the throne again. It almost cost me my life." Mu explained, "Just tell my brother, I am no threat to his reign."

"Are you implying that others would take the risk?" Soo wasn't an innocent soul anymore. Over the past years, she had been dealing with masters in political games, such as her husband or older brother. So her instincts told her immediately that Wang Mu was aware of something.

Oh Sanggung's gaze bore into her daughter's eyes. Wise and calm. "His Majesty wants to repay all your kindness up until now so please, Soo-yah, stay true to your words and protect his family at all cost, hm?"

Hae Soo nodded. It must be serious matters for her mother to step into the conversation with such precaution.

Wang Mu sighed, "According to my sources, Wang So and Wang Wook might be joining hands in the future."

"Why? How?" the young Queen asked, clueless. One was in exile somewhere in some far south island while the other was Seokyeong's governor up in the north. A whole country laid between them, not to mention their opposite personalities.

"Princess Yeon Hwa." was all Soo Yeon needed to say for her daughter to understand the puzzle. That darn Princess was still hungered for the Throne.

Their conversation went to an abrupt halt when the servants announced the twins and Jo Sanggung's arrival. Oh Soo Yeon instantly forgot her surrounding when she met Soo's babies, these small little beings totally making up for the one she lost years ago.

Wang Mu pretended to let Soo and Soo Yeon reunite and stepped out of the room though in fact, he was just exhausted and urgently seeking rest.

Watching her mother doted on her babies soothed Soo's heart. Her internal turmoil due to the harem's selection seemed very far away from her mind.

"What do you think, Eomoni?" she tried to have Soo Yeon's attention.

Without looking up from the babies in her arms, the older woman spoke, inattentive, "hm, about what?"

"I was saying that I could leave Jo Sanggung and the twins with you, in your residence during my stay here."

At last Oh Sanggung lifted her head, tears of joy shrouding her vision, "Really? You would do that? They are still Wang Yo's heirs... I don't want you to be blamed-"

Soo's smile reached her eyes, "Do not forget that I am the Hwanghu, Eomoni. My husband could only blame himself for choosing me. Furthermore, if I cannot trust my own mother with my children then who else could I trust?" Then turning to Jo Sanggung who was on the sideline, "No offense intended, Sanggung."

"None taken, your Highness." assured her loyal court lady with serene face.

"That would be awesome, Soo-yah. Thank you for trusting me." Soo Yeon couldn't express how grateful she was other than hug her grandchildren against her chest tighter.

-Goryeo-

Since Hae Soo's departure Queen Munseong had it rough and though she would never admit it to anyone, she was fervently praying for Soo's quick return.

First, the Queen Mother who usually, was in her calm and almost normal mode since Soo brought her back to the palace, had been in a frenzied mood for weeks now. Queen Yoo was restless and fretful for some unknown reason, almost getting Munseong, Jung and the Inner palace's servants suicidal.

Second, King Jeongjong who used to be impervious to anything, was exuding black aura all day long thus making him unapproachable. Even the Royal Court was treading carefully while in session. Payback was a bitch as it seemed that Wang Yo was making them regret dearly voicing their request about the harem.

While officials were swamped by never-ending works, noble families were thoroughly checked and under tight surveillance, meaning to all that the King had a watchful eye on them and more importantly he would make them pay one way or another.

Cautious, Munseong glided toward the center of the throne Hall, Wang Yo was seated and looking like the King of the underworld himself. Dark gaze. Dark robes. Everything about him was dark these days. Hae Soo would never know what she had begotten when she left Goryeo.

"I came to Court today to inform his Majesty about the progress of the harem's selection." she faced Yo, head high but with a thumping heart. When there was no response, she added, "Hwanghu left me precise orders and since everything so far met her requirement, I shall proceed with the second installment."

Yo sent her a stony glance, "Shall I assume the decree is ready then?"

"I have it with me." Munseong answered, "Once his Majesty approves of it, royal orders will be dispatched right away for the selected ladies to enter the Palace."

"Has Hwanghu approved of your list?" the King demanded after a long silence, her reply only seemed to unnerve him more.

"The list was double-checked by her Highness, her royal seal laid in there."

So it seemed that Soo was keeping in touch with the second Queen while on the other hand, he got nothing. No letters, no news. Nothing but silent treatment.

Well, it was half truth, Yo certainly did receive letters but it wasn't from Hae Soo, no instead he got the displeasure to read Yelü Ruan's long bragging missives. Yo could tell the Emperor was overjoyed to be able to spend time with his precious sister and if possible he would keep Soo beside him forever. There was this implied threat in his every letter. Too bad for Ruan though for Wang Yo would never allow his Hwanghu to be parted with him. Three months time was the longer he could stand before going berserk.

"Alright." Yo said reluctantly, "The decree will be reviewed."

As tension plummeted every single soul in the throne Hall let out a breath they didn't know they were holding.

"Given that your Grace has come back alive and that Hell didn't break loose in the Palace, shall we assume his Majesty has accepted the decree?" Soon Deok stood up when Munseong stepped inside her reception hall. She and Wang Eun had waited patiently for the second Queen to come back from the battlefront. Because it was definitively a battle, each encounter with the King at present meant a possible death sentence.

Munseong took seat as she sighed, deeply, "His Majesty seems to be tamed only at the mention of Hae Soo. I suppose he will comply eventually."

"Why did Soo leave us with the King? He's like a ticking bomb right now!" Eun whined for the hundredth times.

Rolling her eyes, Soon Deok almost whacked his head, "Since Soo Eonni hates the harem tradition, she is doing her best not to interfere. It must be already hard for her as it is without you complaining about her absence, Seobang-nim."

"Fine." Eun declared while standing up, he smoothed roughly his front robes, "I will go get her back."

Soon Deok rarely witnessed such serious look on her husband's face and couldn't help but be hesitant, "You will?"

Eun must've mustered up all his courage to take this decision. "Soo's accounts needs attendance and since most of her properties are located in Khitan, I will pretext an inspection there. I'm managing the Hwanghu's personal treasury after all."

"I think we should wait a bit more before making our move." Munseong said with a frown, thus squashing Eun's dream to be a hero for once, "Hae Soo isn't irresponsible, she will come to term soon and then come back by herself."

-Khitan-

"Please remind me again, how have we met?" Soo asked, not hiding the irritation in her voice. "Because of what happened exactly?"

Ruan trotted on horseback alongside his sister, much more aware of their surrounding than her scoldings. He shrugged, "I was hunting when they tried to assassinate me. Fortunately that day, you saved me from doom, Sister mine. Is that tale you wanted to hear?"

"Since you aren't subject to some sort of amnesia, why the Hell are you hunting again? What's more, why dragging me along with you, Orabeoni?"

"It's a royal hunt, Soo-ah." he answered, his tone even, "Nobody will hurt you, not when Hwan and Li Lin are around, or I for that matter."

She knew he spoke the truth, even when pandemonium broke in their hideout years ago, her brother made sure she was safe, hardly scratched, "I wasn't concerned for myself, you arrogant man!" she threw him a dirty look, "You are an Emperor and thus bearing heavy responsibilities as of now. Please be more careful."

Ruan's gaze softened tremendously, "Thank you for caring, Sister mine, it warms my cold heart."

Though he said those words and undoubtedly meant it, that didn't prevent him to take out his bow, aim in her direction before ruthlessly let the arrow loose.

Her horse stilled, sensing the danger. Soo's eyes lost not focus even when she felt the shift of the wind, the arrow flying right past her cheek. "Whatever beast you shot at, you'd better aimed right."

"Why? Are you actually questioning my skills?"

"I wouldn't dare, your Majesty." Soo grinned as she looked over her shoulder. A couple of yards away a wild boar lay on the cold hard ground. Obviously dead. "I just noticed that both men of my life are very fond of bow and arrows and quite skillful at that. Is that a coincidence?"

Ruan sighed deeply, "I hate myself for saying this but I think it's time for you to return by his side. You missed him."

"It seems we are for once thinking alike, Orabeoni."

"Like brother, like sister."

Soo's smile widened, "You really made me feel like home, thank you for being present whenever I needed you."

"We're family, Soo-ah, we're a clan."

The following days passed in a blur, Hae Soo had assisted in Ruan's Court session, visited the Elders from the Yelü Clan, managed her properties and lands which were by the way, quite impressive. Ruan sure spoiled her rotten as her imperial Princess title was no joke, indeed, she was ruling over a province vaster than Seokyeong and has her own private army which she wasn't even aware of until this moment.

After settling everything in its right course, Hae Soo said farewell to her family with heavy heart but serene mindset. She promised to come back -soon, which made Ruan snort, "Jeongjong will keep you locked for decades after this journey."

"He may try but since I am a Yelü, quietly bowing down isn't in my nature." Soo declared, knowingly looking at her brother.

Ruan drew close to her, stretched out a hand and rested it against Soo's temple. Ever so slowly, he placed his forehead onto hers, "That's my girl! Now go back and rule over Goryeo."

Take care,