Hajin slowly opened her eyes. She saw the wooden ceilings above her. Where am I? Have I died? , she wondered.

"Soo-ya, are you alright? Are you still in pain?"

The voice made Hajin turn to her right. An older woman with pale complexion was looking at her with a mixture of anxious and worried expression. Beside her was a girl whose hanbok was plain compared to the other lady.

"Where am I? Who are you, people? Ah, right I died. So is this heaven or hell?", she asked while rubbing her temples.

"You didn't die. You nearly died", the younger girl said cheerfully.

Hajin abruptly got up from her bed. Her head was still hurting but that was least of her concern. She pinched her arm. The pain confirmed her doubts.

I am still alive

"Haesoo-ya"

"Why do you keep calling me Haesoo? My name is Go Hajin."

The two women looked at Hajin with a confused look.

"Agassi, why are you talking like this? Don't you remember you fell down from the stairs two days ago? You have been unconscious since then. Our Lady Hae was so worried about you. "

Fell down from the stairs? But I obviously drowned.

"Where is this place then?"

"You are in Songak. This is the home of the 8th Prince Wang Wook. I am your sixth cousin Myung Hee."

"Songak, you mean Goryeo?"

"Yes, do you remember now?", The lady asked hopefully.

Hajin laughed, "Excuse me. Even if you're joking, isn't it bit too much?"

But the Lady's expression remained unchanged, serious and concerned. Go Hajin finally realized that she hasn't died, she isn't dreaming and nobody is joking with her.

"Who is the king now?", Hajin asked in a low voice. She felt light-headed.

"It is His Majesty who founded this land."

Later the doctor examined Hajin and after asking her some questions, he concluded that the Young Miss is suffering from memory loss. It can be due to shock. As for when her memory will return, no one can tell.

That night, Hajin shut herself in her room and huddled in fear. She turned her head to see her reflection in the mirror. The face is mine but this body...

How did I end up here? This girl Haesoo, where is she now? Did she die? How can I go back? Should I try stabbing or hanging myself? If I die here then maybe I can return to my world. She considers it for some time but in the end, she decides against it.

There's no guarantee that I will be able to return like that. Moreover, it's too painful and ugly. Hot tears started running down her cheeks. She cried at her helplessness.

She wiped her tears away and took a deep breath.

Think about it positively. This is your chance to live. What do I know about Goryeo? King Taejo founded Goryeo unifying the three kingdoms: Silla, Beakje, and Gogoryeo. There were some disputes between his sons. One or two of his sons died shortly after ascending the throne. Gwangjong then took the throne and ruled for a long time.

"Gwangjong Gwangjong", she repeated the name in her lips, trying to remember anything she can of him.

Gwangjong is considered one of the best kings of Goryeo. He is known for straightening the royal power and his notable reforms. But he is also known for his ruthlessness and instigating bloody purge. He received special love from his father. There was something peculiar about his marriage. What was that? Ah, he married his half-sister. How can someone marry his half-sister? No, that's not the point here. What was his birth name?

Even though she tried her level best, she couldn't remember the name.

"Instead of reading about the lifestyle of women in Joseon, I should have paid attention to the teacher when he was teaching Goryeo history", she cursed herself. It would have been better if I was transported to Joseon dynasty instead. At least I have more knowledge about that dynasty.

The knocking on the door and calling of Lady Hae and Chaeryung pulled Hajin out of her thoughts.

But I am not Haesoo. What would happen when they will find out? Would they blame me for the disappearance of Haesoo? I don't even know what kind of world is out there. I am scared. I am scared to death. She was trembling with fear.

Suddenly the door of her room came crashing in and 8th Prince Wook entered the room.

Worry was visible all over his face. "I brought you here, so I will help you through to the end." He holds out a hand. "Won't you trust me and come outside?"

I can't change the way things are now. Until I can find a way to return back to my world, I have to pretend to be Haesoo. If this is the only way I can live then I will take this chance.

She takes his hand.

After arguing with Princess Yeonhwa, Hajin was taken to the library by Prince Wook.

"They say you do not remember anything. Then you must not recognize me either."

"I heard that you are 8th Prince."

"You heard that?"

Afterward, Wook asks her what she plans on doing now. If she wants to go back to her hometown, then he will make arrangements. He assures her that whatever decision she will make he will support her and take care of her.

"Why? I am the one who got hurt. Why would you take care of me? I am not even your wife's biological sister, just a cousin."

Wook was taken aback by her question. But he collected himself quickly and begins to move around the bookshelves of the library.

"Anyway, you don't have to send me anywhere. I am going to get through it and stay in this house". From what I heard from Chaeryung is that Haesoo is an orphan. Her uncles don't really care about her. Lady Myung Hee is the only one who genuinely loves her. It is safer for me to stay here. Also I cannot move places I have to stay here to find a solution for me to get out of this mess. She thought to herself.

Following the Prince from behind, she continued, "I may have lost memories but I am a fast learner. If Your Highness and Lady Hae helps me and be patient with me then I promise I will surely become a person who is needed in this household"

The Prince all of a sudden turned around and Hajin found herself facing him. Their bodies almost touching. She moved back hurriedly.

Wook eyed her curiously. "You seem like a different person."

Did he catch on already? "Maybe because I lost my memory." Hajin nervously said.

"You must not worry my wife any further."

Her face lit up. "Does that mean you are allowing me to stay? Thank you. Believe me, I wouldn't disappoint or burden anyone."

Relieved, she happily started walking away when Wook called her.

"Myung Hee unnie not Lady Hae", he gave a little smile.

"Ah, right she's my sister", she grinned.

It has been barely two days since Hajin arrived in Goryeo but she could already feel that the haughty Princess Yeonhwa is not very much fond of Myung Hee and strongly dislikes Haesoo for some reason. She would find fault in Hajin's everything-walking, talking and even eating. She would always be in search of ways to criticize or trouble her. When the Princess realized that Hajin was utterly hopeless at fashioning lanterns shaped like flowers, she dismissed her and gave her the tiring job of making glue. Aside from the back pain that the task gave her she also had to listen to the teasing of 8th Prince while doing it.

I do not get why that two-faced Princess hates Hae sisters so much. Lady Hae is one of the kindest people I have ever seen in my life. I wish I had a sister like her in my world.

Hajin had managed to induce Chaeryung to show her the stairs where the real Haesoo had fallen from. As she was standing on the Damiwon stairs, several times she had the urge to jump, hoping in a blink's time she would return to the present. Nevertheless, she did not, for she was more afraid that if by any chance she fails to return to modern times, then she would have to live her entire life with a disability. She made her way to the nearby bathing pool and started walking leisurely by the pool, lost in her thoughts. The slippery floor made her lose balance and before she could do something she fell into the water. Hajin knew how to swim but the memories of drowning came back to her which made her mind go blank. She was unable to move her body according to her wish. She struggled to keep her head up. She felt the waves lapping over, and over, and over her frantically waving hand. In the end, she gets tired.

As Hajin sunk slowly beneath the water, a hand grabbed her wrist and dragged her out of the water.

She gasped for air, "Oh I am alive! I thought I was going to die again."

She looked up at the man who was staring at her dumbfoundedly. Before Hajin could say or register anything, he clasped a hand over his left eye, looking ashamed.

"Did you see?", he hesitantly asked.

"Ne (What)?" What did I see? What is he talking about?

Without warning, he grabbed her throat and bellowed, "I asked if you saw!"

Hajin stayed still, paralyzed with fear. The only word she could make out was, "Please."

"Forget me. Erase it all. If you don't, your face will become like this too." He ordered her then grabbed his clothes and left the pool.

Hajin stood still, trying to comprehend the event that just occurred.

Chaeryung arrived minutes later and panicked to see the lady socked and numbed in the middle of the pool. She helped Hajin get out of the water. As Hajin was exiting the pool she spotted a hairpin, thinking it belongs to the man from before she picked it up and kept it with herself.

On the way back to 8th Prince residence, she was shivering with cold. Chaeryung took her hands and rubbed to make them warmer.

"Agassi, what were you doing in Damiwon? Do know how long have I been looking for you? Why did you return to the place where you had your accident? Didn't I tell you it would only bring bad memories?"

"I thought it would help me find my memories back", she lied.

"I heard from some court ladies that 4th Prince was also in Damiwon." She fearfully asked, "Did you perhaps run into him?"

So that person was a Prince.

"Why? What about 4th Prince?"

Chaeryung explained, "His birth mother is Queen Yoo. His adopted mother is Royal Concubine Kang. Although he is a powerful man with two families, he is famous for being cruel and scary. They say he kills people easily too, especially those who have seen his scar."

But he did not kill me. In fact, he saved me. Even though he threatened me later, he looked quite... vulnerable.

Hajin understands how scary rumors are. She recalled the time in high school when one of her classmates was almost suspended because of a false accusation of bullying. "Chaeryung, we shouldn't judge people based on rumors only. Rumors are always half-truth and half-lie."

"But he really did kill every last wolf in all of Shinju."

"We don't know the full story. Maybe there is a part we are still not aware of. We should not pass judgment on someone we don't even know personally."

Chaeryung smiled, "Agassi you have changed."

"How have I changed?", Hajin asked, curious about the owner of the body she is in.

Chaeryung thought for a few seconds then answered, "Before you were quiet and obedient. You used to trust other's words without any question."

"Trust", Hajin smiled bitterly. Seems like you and I are not that different.

When Hajin returned 8th Prince's residence, she was stunned to see the whole household waiting for her. Lady Hae rushed towards her, "Where have you been? Why did you stay out so late at night? Above all why are you in this state?"

"I went to the market to buy some things but then I lost my way and fell into the water by accident." She gestured Chaeryung with her head to not reveal the fact she was in Damiwon.

"You should have informed someone before going somewhere. The whole family was waiting for you." Lady Hae's tone was stern but her eyes were tender.

Family. The word sounded foreign to her. After her parents died her relatives had cut ties with her, considering her a burden and jinx. For the past 8 years, she yearned for family and its warmth. Hearing someone calling her family overwhelmed her with emotions. She threw herself into Myung Hee's arms and cried profusely. Myung Hee was puzzled by her sudden action but she patted her anyway.

Hajin was idly strolling on the courtyard when she noticed a man of almost her height peering through a tear in the door and then hastily running away. Moments later she saw Chaeryung coming out of the room screaming. Hajin immediately understood the situation.

Losers exist in all eras. She thought to herself. She walked to that man and stopped in front of him.

"Apologize", she demanded.

The man laughed as if he just heard the world's funniest joke. "Do you even know who I am?"

"Do I look like I care? Apologize right now." She said with a firm voice.

The man pushed her out of his sight and started walking away. She ran after him and twisted his arms behind his back. He groaned in pain. "I am telling you, you will regret this. Let go of me", he said while trying to free his hand.

Go Hajin had learned taekwondo when she was in middle school. Even though she wasn't in practice anymore it was still easy for her to overpower a man who has zero knowledge of martial arts. "If you don't apologize then you will be the one who will be regretting", she warned him while twisting his arms harder. He kicked her in shin making her fall on the ground.

Enraged, Hajin got up and raised her hand to slap him but her hand was caught on the midair. She was too annoyed at this point. She turned her head to see the person who was holding her hand. She recognized him as the 4th Prince from Damiwon and he was looking at her with an amused look.

"He was spying on that girl", she pointed to Chaeryung who was anxiously looking down. "I asked him to apologize but he refused. Aren't you a Prince? Order him to apologize to her or else punish him."

"How can a Prince apologize to a slave?"

Hajin finally noticed the crowd in front of her. 8th Prince was worriedly looking at her, Princess Yeonhwa had her usual annoyed expression and the rest were looking at her as if she was some joker in a circus.

Prince. Hajin's eyes widened at the word. Does that mean I just fought with a Prince? What will be the consequences for hurting an Imperial Prince?

Realizing she has gone too far already, she decides to continue anyway. No Hajin, you are not doing anything wrong. You only stood up for what is right. Have some confidence.

"Even if h-he is a Prince, it doesn't ma-akes his mistake any less. They say the h-higher you are, the more y-you should care about jus-stice. A Prince should be a g-good example to othe-ers." She paused for a second to compose herself and stop her stuttering.

"Before a slave, Chaeryung is a woman. Just because she is a slave, it doesn't mean anyone can play with her dignity. She is here to work not to sell herself. How can anyone understand how traumatic such incidents are for a woman?" Hajin's hands were shaking with nervousness and she still couldn't dare to raise her head.

"Apologize to her, Eun."

Hajin had expected Prince Wook to interfere but she never imagined that the masked Prince with such a cold aura would take her side. 10th Prince Eun's eyes were filled with shame though he kept his face nonchalant. He casually said sorry to Chaeryung and then stomped off.

Hajin frowned, Not an inch of sincerity but unfortunately, that's the most I can get out of a Prince.

She wanted to express her gratitude to 4th Prince. But she was pulled away by Myung Hee who had watched the whole incident. She brought Hajin to the temple of prayer. While Myung Hee was offering her prayers, Hajin awkwardly stood there, wondering why Lady Hae brought her to such a faraway place.

Looking at the pile of stones Myung Hee addressed Hajin, "Whatever the reason was you shouldn't have hurt an Imperial Prince."

"He pushed me first and he was in the wrong." Hajin tried to defend herself despite knowing it's of no use.

"How does it matter? He is still the son of the King of this nation. You would not be able to escape punishment. Perhaps my husband would be punished too considering you're in his care", she sighed.

Hajin hadn't considered that she is no longer alone. Her actions can affect other people too now. She felt guilty in her heart for being a nuisance to the people who have been good to her.

"This is where mothers come to pray for their children", Myung Hee explained. She pointed to the tower at her left, "This one was made by Queen Hwangbo for her son Prince Wook and daughter Princess Yeonhwa." She looked at the tower in front of her. "And this...I am building it for you."

Hajin glanced at Myung Hee, bemused. "For me."

Myung Hee wheeled around and looked at Hajin with teary-eyed, "Your mother made me promise on her deathbed to take care of you. Our uncles always mistreated you but you never spoke up in fear of being abandoned. Although you never shared your sufferings with me, I could see how dull and sad your eyes were. Even then, I could not do much to help you. So after my marriage, I brought you here at the first chance I got."

Myung Hee wiped Hajin's tears who was crying at this point and held her hand, "I always thought of you as my own child. But on a day like this, I fear my efforts and affection have been insufficient. How can you be so careless? If something happens to you, how am I supposed to face your mother in the afterlife? How am I going to live without you, Soo-ya? She enveloped Hajin in a hug and tearfully requested, "Please get along well here, or else I would be forced to sent you back to our hometown which I don't want to."

The sun had set. But Hajin was still sitting before Haesoo's tower of prayer stones wearing a dejected face.

"Why did I want to return to the modern world so badly? Who is waiting for me anyway?" Hajin chuckled ruefully.

She took one stone in her hand, "You are lucky to have someone who cares about you so much."

Hajin's expression suddenly turned solemn. She placed the stone back in its place.

With a grave voice, she asked, "Haesoo can I stay here?"

"I don't want to return to my lonely and empty life again. I know this is unfair for you and I would have returned this body to you if I could. But...but I don't even know how I came to this body nor where are you now. Please let me stay here. I don't want to go back. Please, I am sorry. I am sorry." Her tone was desperate and her words were rushed. One would not be able to make out what she is saying if not listened carefully.

While sobbing convulsively, she kept pleading to someone who might not even be listening until the sky got dark.

A/N: I always found it odd about how easily and quickly Hajin had accepted her life in Goryeo despite having a mother in her modern time. Enjoy