The next few weeks were filled with happiness that I hadn't known since before my parent's death. My daily schedule was much the same, with our morning walks and daily tutoring sessions, but something inside of me had changed. I guess that love did that to people. My heart felt so light that even the most mundane tasks were enjoyable. I truly thought that I was the luckiest girl in the world, but there was still one thing that bothered me.

Every once in a while, I would see a strange look cross Soo-Won's face. Several times it looked like he was about to say something to me, but he always stopped himself or said something else instead. It did trouble me, but the rest of the time he was so perfectly kind and loving, that I determinedly pushed it from of my mind. I knew that he would tell me when he was ready.

One morning I went down to the dining room for breakfast. I was eagerly anticipating seeing Soo-Won and receiving the kiss on the cheek that I had grown accustomed, but he was nowhere to be found. Eventually, a servant came with the message that Soo-Won had an unexpected guest and would be occupied for the rest of the day. Concealing my disappointment, I thanked him and made an effort to finish my meal. I asked Ayura and Tetora about this mysterious guest, but they were equally clueless. I spent the morning reading, but my attention was elsewhere, and I didn't make it through more than a few pages. Finally, after eating lunch by myself I had worked up enough courage to go to his room. Even if he was busy, he could have at least taken the time to tell me himself, I reasoned.

I marched myself down the halls and stopped outside his room. I could hear heated voices within. It was obvious that they were arguing about something. I put my ear close to the door and listened.

A vaguely familiar, angry sounding voice was talking about finding something, but I couldn't make out the rest. A voice that I immediately recognized as Soo-Won's answered, clearly trying to placate the other person. The conversation continued back and forth, and although I couldn't understand most of it, I could tell that what they were talking about was important. Finally, I heard the same angry voice yell, "Have you forgotten why she came here in the first place?"

I was still trying to figure out what he meant when I heard heavy footsteps coming towards me. Before I had time to react, the door swung open and knocked me hard to the ground. When I looked up, I was staring straight into the scowling face of General Joo-Doh.

I had met him once before, during my first day at the palace. He had been in the throne room with Soo-Won and Hak, and had not been happy when Soo-Won chose me, a mere servant girl, to be his wife. I had later asked Soo-Won about him, and he had explained that he was the chief general of Kouka kingdom. He had also apparently been Soo-Won's advisor when he was younger. Now that Soo-Won was old enough to rule on his own, I had heard that he was stationed at a military base on the coast.

As I gazed up at his immense form, I couldn't help thinking that he was even more intimidating than I remembered. It was easy to see why he had been charged with the task of commanding the country's military. He was no longer a young man, and was far from handsome, but something about his presence commanded respect.

I could tell by his face that he had still not warmed up the idea of me being queen, and I honestly didn't blame him. He looked like he was about to walk away, but apparently thought better of it and reached to help me up.

"My apologies," he bowed stiffly. "You're Lady Lily, correct?"

I nodded speechlessly.

"Were you listening?" he asked.

I nodded again without thinking, still too awed to speak.

"I see," he said thoughtfully. "Come on, then," he took hold of my arm, "you must have questions."

He led me out to the garden. Once we took a seat and he made no move to speak, I asked hesitantly, "Um…what were you and Soo-Won talking about back there?"

General Joo-Doh cleared his throat and began, "It's a long story, but to put it simply, there's a rebel group that seeks to undermine his majesty's authority and take over the government. They call themselves the Red Tiger."

I started at the familiar name. Thankfully, I remembered my promise to Hak before responding.

"I see…," I answered carefully, feigning ignorance.

"They've been causing problems for years now," he continued, "but recently the situation has grown worse. In order to stop them, we have to take down their leader, Hiyou. However, he almost never leaves the group's headquarters, and we've yet to find their location. Unless we find it fast, a full-scale revolt is almost certain."

My head was spinning as he spoke. A revolt? But if that happened, Soo-Won would surely be in danger…

"There must be some way to find them!" I said desperately.

"Well there is one way," he answered slowly, "but it's risky."

"What is it?" I leaned forward eagerly.

"Their leader, Hiyou, is a famed womanizer," he explained in a low voice. "Besides the groups' members, the only people allowed inside their headquarters are beautiful women who he captures to use for his own pleasure."

"How awful," I murmured softly. "But how does that knowledge help us?"

He looked at me strangely, and I felt myself blush as understanding dawned.

"So I would be the bait?" I asked in astonishment. "But I'm not beautiful…there's no way that he would want me."

"Just the fact that you are the emperor's concubine makes you desirable," he said matter-of-factly.

I sat back and took in this information.

"You want to help Soo-Won, don't you?" he asked with an air of impatience.

"Of course!" I answered without hesitation.

"So? What's your answer then?"

I knew what I had to do. "If it's to help Soo-Won," I said fiercely, "then I will do anything."

He smiled and looked pleased. "Very well, then. I admire your resolve."

For the next several minutes we went over the details of the plan, and then he rose to bid me farewell.

"Tomorrow then," he said as he stood, "and may fortune be on your side."

I nodded my thanks, and watched as he reentered the palace. I remained in the garden alone, deep in thought, for another hour before finally heading inside.

I was actually grateful now that Soo-Won was busy. I wasn't sure that I would be able to go through with what was I going to do if I saw him.

After a sleepless night, I rose early and ran through the plan in my mind for what must have been the hundredth time. Once Ayura and Tetora dressed me, I went down and was relieved to see that the dining room was empty. Just like General Joo-Doh had said, it looked like Soo-Won would be busy again today. I gulped down my breakfast, then told Ayura and Tetora as naturally as possible that I wished to take a walk in the garden for a while. They offered to accompany me in Soo-Won's stead, but I assured them that I would be alright on my own.

As soon as I was out of eyesight, I dashed to the oak tree that Soo-Won and I had climbed up before. How I would get past the palace gate had been a problem until I had remembered this. Now I just had to hope that I really could climb it by myself.

Ten minutes later I was exhausted and had lost most of the skin on my knees, but I was finally standing safely on the other side of the gate. I waited at the base of the tree until I heard a loud, clear crowing sound. That was the signal. I started my trek into town, and resisted the temptation to look over my shoulder to see the men that Joo-Doh had said would be trailing me.

I wandered aimlessly through the capital, pretending to be a fascinated tourist, yet my eyes weren't really seeing anything. I struggled to still the fluttering in my stomach. It's far too late to be having second thoughts now, I told myself sternly. Minutes passed, and now worry competed with the pressing fear in my mind. What if it didn't work? What if he really doesn't find me desirable, and they never come?

Just as these thoughts were passing through my mind, a carriage suddenly pulled up beside me and yanked me inside. I could feel rough hands binding me tightly and holding something over my mouth as a nasally voice breathed in my ear, "Well, well, if it isn't the emperor's little miss? Lord Hiyou will be sure to have fun with you." The last thing I heard before losing consciousness was loud, cackling laughter all around me.