A/N: I am sorry for the late update. Next week, it will be on time. I promise no more delay. Thank you for your patience.

Happy reading -AG

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Chapter 3

I was tired and exhausted as I had stayed up last night to review original plotlines and my notes. I have many dangerous things ahead. The plotline was deviating many incidents started to occur early. However, I didn't like the fact that I am going to be blind soon. I started preparing for each incident's worst-case scenarios; certain risk had minimal effect while others were grave. When I go through my notes, I was relieved to find out that my plan was the best course of action. Running away from the plot would have resulted in marry an old guy, and accepting my fate would have resulted in a painful death for others and me. My course is going to save people, which also means putting myself on the front lines. That evening I was invited with Myung Hee and the 8th Prince to distribute food and clothes for people ahead of winter. I went with them to spend more time with Myung Hee, so I applied make-up for her.

We were teasing and gossiping. When we left, I had to walk alongside the couple who were traveling in a human cart. The interaction was cute and lovely. I distracted myself so that I don't like a creepy girl. While 8th Prince, Myung Hee, and servants were distributing rations, I played with village kids. It's been so long since I played with anyone back in the 21st century I used to visit my orphanage to play with kids. Those kids taught me some pretty impressive games. I felt someone was staring at me; I turned to see it was Myung Hee. I waved my hand at her. But it was another figure who waved me back, 8th Prince. These mistakes do happen in the 21st century as well; I can't exactly blame him. I went inside the herbal shop to buy salve for mine and 4th Prince wounds, also some tea for Myung Hee as she was running. There was another customer who walked in when I was applying salve for my wound. It was 8th Prince, stalker.

I gave an inward groan, suddenly, hairs on my back arose; he was brushing my hairs aside. I moved back in reflex, stood up, and ran towards Myung Hee. This time I traveled with Myung Hee on the human cart; she fell asleep on my shoulders by the time we reached home. I accompanied her to her room and helped her settle in for the night as she was exhausted. When I was heading towards my room, I saw 8th Prince waiting for me outside my room. Though I wanted to run away, he saw before I could, so no. He was walking towards me and gave me the prettiest smile. I would have swooned if I didn't know about his jealous side.

"Are you alright, Hae Soo? Last night I came to your room to ask about your well-being, but you were asleep." He must have come to see me when I went to see the 4th prince. I am a light sleeper, so no way he would have come after I retired last night. I stood there silent, looking at my feet. He continued, "If you have nightmares, go to bed with a candle on." I nodded and excused myself, claiming I was tired. I was in my room didn't dare to come out after dinner time. It was late, I went to the 4th Prince room, he wasn't there, so I was waiting till I heard some noise. I rushed to see what it was; it was the 4th prince destroying the prayer stone towers. I ran towards him to stop it. I knew this arc of the story, Hae Soo sees the Prince at his lowest, helps him with her affections and words. I ran caught his hips to pull him aside; I smelled blood when he pushes me down again. This time there were traces of blood on my dress robes and hands.

Though I know it was the blood of people he killed today, I couldn't stop myself from wondering if it was his blood. "Its Blood, Are you hurt?". He replied sardonically, 'Yes, it is the blood of people I killed today." He went ahead, destroying the stone tower and yelling at his mother. I pulled away from him from stone asked him again, "Are you injured?". He replied, "I told you I killed people" I can sense his remaining sentence which will be 'aren't you scared or run away idiot before I kill you too.' Still, I knew he wouldn't hurt me. I stared at him and asked "Why?, did you it for fun?". "If you did it for fun, I would hate you," I continued "I understand you but what can you do now?, you must be feeling miserable right now" I replied. I took his hands and gave the salve that I got for him. "I feel that you need some time alone, apply this on our wounds. Sleep with a candle on helps you from nightmares" I walked away. I know I didn't say the exact words Hae Soo told him in the story, but I cannot play cheesy and optimistic Hae Soo. I felt like whenever I am hurt or down, I don't want people to come to me uttering the words like 'It's fine, It's alright, this is life, and it happens to everyone or words of encouragement to move forward with life.' I want them to say that they understand me and give me space to wallow or grieve or spend some time with me in silence; their presence will be enough for me. Today, 4th presence needs some space on his own.

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Another terrible day for the 4th prince; he was accepted by one parent and abandoned by another.

The day started with meeting the King in the court along with Crown Prince and astronomer. The King, my father, was questioning my intentions on the previous day's actions. Well, I cannot blame him; I know that it was my mother's action that made him question me. I replied, "I was returning a favor for Crown prince, as he was saved my life 15 years ago. Now I plan to find the person who dare hurt the Crown Prince" look like my answer was right. Immediately, he asked the astronomer to delay my return to Shinju.

They went to the prison to investigate the prisoner, but they were shocked to find that he was killed. Simultaneously, the astronomer asked the guards to transfer the dead body to the medical chamber to investigate the cause of the death. In contrast, the Princes investigate the guards who were on duty when the prisoner died. They were reaching a death; I was so frustrated, all his efforts were in the drain. He thought he could find something from prisoners. In defeat, the Crown prince returned to the medical chamber where the astronomer was still inspecting the death. The astronomer said that the prisoner lacked a tongue for a long time, the renounced monk was asked to carry out the mission. Immediately, the Crown prince asked guards to investigate the people who donated to temples. I headed out thinking who could have done it suddenly; my elder brother, the 3rd prince, was standing in the courtyard talking with someone. Yesterday, he was the one who went behind the assassins first, but they didn't even meet in the forest. I met the 8th prince, who joined later. I followed him and pulled him under the stairs, questioned his intention behind the attack; he was the answer to my questions mockingly but froze when I asked him whether the mother was also involved. He froze. I rushed to the temple, which was funded by my mother recently. I killed all the monks and burned the place before the royal guards and crown prince find this place. I know my mother hates me, but that doesn't mean she is not a mother. I had to save her, even endangering my position. I went to my mother to tell her not to worry as I took care of loose ends. I was rejected once again; she insulted me by calling me a beast and didn't care about the suffering that I had to endure during my stay in Shinju; this time, I had enough, I had too much to lose my chance in SongAk and my safety. I could save her and be with her, but she threw me away. I told her that she would regret her choice of abandoning me.

I went to the 8th Prince's place; I saw the tower of prayer stone built by mothers for their children's well -being. That thought itself made me angry; I was on a rampage to destroy these things, but suddenly I was hugged behind, and that person was pulling me. I pushed the figure aside; it came back to pull me aside, this time. It succeeded; it was that girl again. Instead of drawing away in fear like a mother, she questioned the well-being; I told her that I killed her, expecting her to run away. Still, she stood firmly on the ground, asking me whether I killed people for fun. Before I could retort or reply, she said she understands me and worries about my burden, guilt that I had carry after killing people. She took my hand, placed something in my hand, asked me to take care of my wounds, rest, gave the advice to overcome my nightmares, and left me alone to wallow. My legs gave out; I cried, thinking how my mother abandoned me while this strange girl was accepting me.

The next day, I was summoned to court and my mother, 3rd Prince, Crown Prince, and astronomer. The KingKing questioned my mother whether she was behind the attack. Before anyone could say anything, I stepped in front and told the KingKing, "I killed those monks and burned down the temple" before the blame could shift towards me, Crown Prince stepped in front told the KingKing that he was planning to do the same as the court could blame our "innocent queen," I agreed that it was my intention too.

The Crown prince told me that he understands my actions and told me not to worry. I apologized and promised him that I would protect him no matter what from whomever it may be. I went to the hill behind the 8th Prince house staring at the palace. My peace was disturbed, I don't have to turn to see who it was, and I knew it was that girl because she didn't hesitate to voice her thoughts on my choice of the hideout.

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I found Myung Hee was fussing with servants. Suddenly they all turned to look at her; it was trap. She was asked to run an errand by delivering food to the 4th prince, who was on the hill behind the residence. This situation was the same as the story plot where Hae Soo brings food to him accompanies him in silence. That what she is going to do; it was the best course of action after seeing his display of emotions. He will be awkward. My heart went for him, when I heard him cry, I had to stop myself from running towards to embrace him. Chae Rhung questioned dirt on my dress robes; I lied to her that I was attempting to paint something for Myung Hee. She didn't buy but didn't question me further.

The food container so god damn heavy, I can trek any hill with ease. Trekking with weight was a pain in the arse. Damn him for finding a rugged hideout. By the time I reached the hill-top, I was exhausted. Though my task was to deliver food, I was too tired to climb down. I sat down on the same rock where he was sitting. He started eating, and I stood up to stretch and to enjoy the view of the palace. It was so peaceful. I sat down once again. He asked, "why are you still here?"

It took a great deal of effort not to give a sarcastic reply; I simply replied, "I need to take empty dishes back."

'don't tell what happened yesterday else."

"Yes, yes, I know, you will kill me. I have better things to do than gossip about you" I couldn't stop myself. That cheeky bastard gets on my nerve every freaking time.

He was eating quietly while I admired the view; for the first time, I wasn't thinking about anything, just keeping my mind blank and relaxing. After he was done, I packed the dishes to start my trek. I think he was also done for the day. The dishes were heavy even on the way back down the hill; he was following me. That cheeky bastard didn't offer help. I know he will be reaching for it, but he could do it if he made an effort, but lazy arse didn't bother.

Later that night, I checked on Myung Hee, but the 8th Prince was there; I heard a conversation where she asked him to the second wife. I walked back to my room, aware of the entire conversation between them. It broke her heart that Myung Hee and Hae Soo died yearning for love from their loved ones.

The next day, I gave Chae Rhung to drop the hairpin in the 4th prince's room before he realizes it was missing. Initially, I wanted to give it to him, but she would have to explain to him where I found it in the first place. I know what was going to happen. I dressed in multiple layers. Even if Yeon Hwa strikes me, I would feel pain.

Like the plot, Chae Rhung was caught stealing; I went to her rescue, in turn, I was tied to a rope and started hitting. It stung a bit, but I didn't give her the satisfaction by showing my pain. The princes were standing, and some were praising her while others were pleading with her to ease the punishment. She shut them off, telling them that she was in charge of this household and asked them not to interfere in women's affairs. I took two hits before it stopped. 4th Prince came to rescue told her not involved in his affairs as I belonged to him because the hairpin was his. 13th Prince lied to Yeon Hwa, telling her that "I saw Hae Soo picking up the hairpin." With the 8th Prince's final command, I was let go. Chae Rhung told me to my room; I dismissed her asking her to take care of herself and not worry about me. 8th Prince brought medicine and apologize that he couldn't save me. I thought to myself that he never saved Hae Soo despite his promises. I searched for Chae Rhung to give her medicine as she needs it more than I do. I bumped into someone, and immediately I knew it was him, and I pretend as if I was injured to avoid conversation about his claim on me.

He said, "you bumped into me."

I murmured, "Well, it's worth a try; why did you say that 'I belong to you,' you are causing unwanted rumors" I was astonished when he said that I thought he wouldn't because I wasn't caring or affectionate to him like Hae Soo was.

He scoffed. "I saved you from getting beaten; here, you are not even grateful."

I silently whispered, 'Thank you.'

He asked, "where did you find that hairpin?"

I replied, "You dropped in the bath when I saw your face. I kept quiet, not want to tell people as I am promised" I saw his face panicking for a moment before getting relaxed when I completed.

He asked, "Aren't you even scared of me? You are talking back to me."

I questioned him back, "Why, because you are a prince? I should be scared and not talk back". I am not going to say a cheesy line written in the novel which goes like this "I am warry of you, not scared' with smiling face. "However, don't go around telling people that I belong to you. I am not an animal or a thing, I am a person, and I belong to no one but me". I told him, I still don't know why Hae Soo was bothered by it. She probably thinks that she indeed belongs to someone.

He bent and leaned down near my face, "Then, should I call you 'my person.'" That cheeky bastard can be romantic; my face started heating up when he said that. I ran away from him.

The next day, I went to market with Chae Rhung to run errands, I saw some thugs were dragging someone. If it is anything according to the plot, it was 14th Prince. Immediately, I asked Chae Rhung to get Royal guards while I chased behind the thugs. They were planning to cut 14th Prince's arms, and I ran towards them with a tree branch in my hand, screaming like a banshee. That startled them and made them back off. I knew we were outnumbered, but I need to fend them off till the 4th or 8th Prince comes to our rescue. 14th Prince took a protective stance in front of me promised that he would protect me; I scoffed, "Who will protect who?" I am a judo black belt good at hand combat. 14th prince didn't let a single guy near me show off my skills, and our ally came in from the 8th Prince. That stalker prince with hero syndrome came alone without guards; she was tempted to hit the 8th Prince's head. All the attackers fleed when the 4th Prince is riding a horse towards them leisurely. That cheeky bastard knew I was here, but he comes late.

They parted ways; I went with the 8th prince much to displeasure while the 4th Prince accompanied his brother to the palace. He stopped in front of me; I almost rammed into him. Then, he professed his love and told me that he lost me. I almost gagged on my vomit. He bent to attempt to kiss me; I had hands ready to slap him if he behaved indecently. Myung Hee's presence disrupted the weird atmosphere; I ran towards and hugged her while she sighed in relief. I was scolded for being reckless; I told her I had to do anything else 14th Prince would have been hurt. The 8th Prince was nowhere in sight. No matter what she did or say, the story was heading in the same direction. I had the plan to change the tides of the plot once and for all very soon.

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It was a wonderful day; last night, she brought dinner for me. She never said anything but stayed till I finished eating. I am enjoying her company. On my way to meet my brother in 8th Prince tearoom, I only see that girl tied up and getting beaten by Yeon Hwa. "Let her go," I said when I stopped Yeon Hwa's punishment. She cut me off, telling me, "Not to interfere." I told her, "she belongs to me." I knew Yeon Hwa had a romantic interest in me; I never understand why but I didn't reciprocate because she is my little sister. I can never see her like that, but that girl even though she was younger than Yeon Hwa. She charmed her way into my heart. I told Yeon Hwa, "She belongs to me because that hairpin is mine." Suddenly 13th Prince came to her rescue and told Yeon Hwa that that girl picked it up and saw it. With a final command from the 8th Prince, she was let go. I went in search of her, but the 8th Prince stopped me. "This is my household, nothing and no one belong to him," he warned, telling me that girl was off-limits. I never listen to anyone, and his warning didn't scare me. I saw that girl; she bumps into me, fakes an injury, scolds me for his comment, "she belongs to me." I have never seen a person who meets me in the eye and speaks her mind. Even his brothers are scared of him, but this little girl was confusing. I questioned why she wasn't scared of me and talked back to me. Her response made my heart swell up. She sees me as a person, a human being, a prince but never as a monster or beast. Then she went, as usual, rambling about the "belongs" comment. Her reasoning was right, so I asked whether I could call her 'my person.' She blushed before running away.

The next day, I was strolling through the market on my horse before seeing that girl running towards the forest. If my guess is right, she attracts trouble, but my horse was sick today, so I slowly rode towards the clearing. I found my little brother, 8th prince, and that girl standing to fight a group of bandits. As soon as bandits saw me, they ran away. I scolded my little brother, attracting trouble and hurting innocent people because of his actions. I took him back to the palace, I started putting his palace, but he called me a monster and beast. I slapped him suddenly; I was shoved aside by my dear mother, then started fussing over my little brother. She warned me to be touch 14th Prince's shadow that pissed me off. I told him to come out of his mother's skirt and be a man. I know I was harsh, but he deserves it.

I was summoned by the King, who asked about intentions towards the crown and my mother's actions. I told them I am not interested in either of those things. He asked, what do I desire? I told him that I won't stay in SongAk. He was worried about my adopted family, I told him I was tortured there, and I don't want to go back. The King understood me and permitted me to stay in the capital in the palace.

I went back to the 8th Prince household to pack my belongings and move to the palace. also, I wanted to see her. Secretly, I started putting back the prayer tower stone after 'that incident.' I want to finish it off before I returned to the palace. She found me

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A/N: Hope you liked this chapter. Upcoming chapter will have major plot changes and few references to original plot.

Thank you

-AG