"M-me, Your Majesty?" Mun Seong asked, thoroughly confused.

"That is correct, Mun Seong", King Taejo said. "I am selecting you to be one of the candidates to become Sae Woon's husband. What do you say?"

At that moment, surprise and anxiety plagued Mun Seong's mind all at once. He did not know whether he would be happy about the fact that he already has a chance to marry the love of his life or not. He was more worried about how these turns of events will affect Sae Woon, as he is unsure of her real feelings yet.

"Does the princess know about your plans for her marriage, Your Majesty?" Mun Seong couldn't help but ask.

"Yes, I've already discussed this with my daughter", Taejo said. "But why are you asking me that? I only asked about your thoughts on this marriage"

"If you think that I am suitable enough to become the princess's groom, then it is my highest honor, Your Majesty", Mun Seong said respectfully, bowing before the King as he delivered his thoughts aloud. "Did she already know that I am also being considered as one of the candidates?"

"She doesn't know your participation, but she will be informed soon", Taejo smiled thoughtfully. "Perhaps you might want to tell this to Sae Woon herself"

"I will do as you wish, Your Majesty"

"Perfect", King Taejo beamed, glancing at Soo Kyung and Soon Deok slowly before standing. "I expect you to be here tomorrow at the 9th hour of the evening to meet the princess officially as your potential wife"

"As you wish, Your Majesty"

***
Cheon Suk was contemplating many things in his mind, weighing one thought after another. The promise that Princess Sae Woon had given to him echoed in his head all night long, giving him something to think hard about. Sure, she might be sincere with her way of words at him. But he could never forget the sins of her father, and the horror of having to go through life without his family.

Her eyes. It is the expression conveyed in her eyes that clouds Cheon Suk's better judgment. Her sincere and powerful eyes spoke louder than the assurance she gave him, and it sparked his temptation to believe every promise that she is going to make.

Finally, he decided that he would take his chance at freedom with the princess. Only if it means that she will be helping him find his sister as she initially promised.

The morning finally came, with Cheon Suk sleeping on the desk before him. A Goryeo guard finally woke him up, telling the commander that he was being summoned to the palace.

At the assembly hall, Sae Woon was situated in front of the King. Beside her is the leader of the Khitan soldiers, Cheon Suk, whose hands are still chained together. They are waiting in trepidation over the final verdict of the King regarding the fallen crown prince's fate.

"I therefore proclaim Cheon Suk, commander of the Khitan forces, be released from prison and cleared of all charges", the King announced, reading from his scroll. "And he shall be the official bodyguard of 1st Princess Sae Woon. Protect the princess at all costs and ensure that no mortal danger and harm would come to her. Understand?"

"Ch-cheon Suk -", Cheon Suk stuttered in his words, but as his eyes meet Sae Woon's encouraging ones, his energy was renewed. "Your loyal subject, Cheon Suk, shall follow your orders and thank you for your benevolence"

At that moment, Cheon Suk bowed and thanked the King with no grudges or regrets. He was willing to start a life anew, and he was one step closer to fulfilling it by being free and having the opportunity to find his little sister and be extended the same courtesy.

As soon as they exited the palace, Sae Woon withdraw the keys from her pockets and unlocked Cheon Suk's chains, letting it fall to the ground with a loud clang. He turned to Sae Woon with a genuine smile, which made the princess's heart soar with happiness.

"You should smile more often", Sae Woon beamed. "It really suits you"

"Thank you, Your Highness"

It was from that moment that an unlikely friendship bloomed between the remnants of an old feud.

Sae Woon went back to the Damiwon after escorting Cheon Suk to the military office for his registration as an official soldier of Goryeo. It has been so long since she graced its walls, and now that she is back, she couldn't wait to see it once again.

Jeong Mi was waiting for her outside the gates when Sae Woon finally arrived. The handmaiden momentarily forgot her place as the princess's servant and tackled Sae Woon in a close embrace, worrying greatly for her as her best friend.

"Not too tight, Jeong Mi", Sae Woon chuckled as she returned her best friend's embrace. "You'll choke me to death"

"Don't you dare joke about death, Your Highness", Jeong Mi pouted, dried tears evident in her eyes. "I've been worried sick ever since you've sent me here to deliver that blasted message"

"It's alright now, Jeong Mi", Sae Woon smiled serenely, consoling her dear friend. "I'm safe, and that is what matters"

"Come along, Your Highness", Jeong Mi said, reverting to her old self as she smiled. "Lady Oh would like to hear from you as well. She's been more worried than I am"

The two walked together on the main doors, as the court ladies greeted the princess in respect. Lady Oh, at that time, was issuing orders to Hae Soo when they saw the princess. Hae Soo smiled upon seeing the princess and waved happily at her.

"Princess Sae Woon!"

"Hae Soo! Lady Oh!" Sae Woon shouted gleefully, striding towards their direction to greet them. As soon as she got close, she suddenly found herself in the Head Court Lady's arms, much to her surprise.

"Lady Oh! I'm so glad to see you", Sae Woon said happily, returning her embrace.

"I'm happy that you returned safe and alive, Your Highness", Lady Oh hugged her tight, tears of relief streaming down her face. She wiped it as soon as she disentangled herself from Sae Woon and took a good look at her. "I'll be arranging the necessary preparations for you in time with the 10th Prince's birthday, please proceed with Jeong Mi to the bathing room"

"I will, Lady Oh. It's good to be back here", Sae Woon smiled, bidding farewell to the Head Court Lady before going with Jeong Mi to her quarters to prepare for Eun's birthday later in the afternoon.

END OF CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE.