Observatory

So barely made a sound as he mechanically climbed the last few steps to the top of the observatory tower. Ji Mong, the royal astronomer, stood with his back to him, staring down at the courtyard in silent reflection. So took no notice as his bloodstained sword slipped from his numb fingers, clattering to the floor. Eun's words haunted him. "I was told there was only a present you could give me."

In a rage So grabbed the wine on the desk, pouring it in the nearest cup, not caring when the liquid spilled over. Tossing back the contents, So threw the cup against the wall, sliding to the floor. Ji Mong slowly turned around, silently witnessing as papers from the desk settled on the ground, the prince covering his face with his hands. So's body shook, his tears dissolving the make-up to reveal his scar.

After what seemed like an eternity, So raised his wearied gaze to Ji Mong. "Why didn't she tell me?" He muttered as he stumbled to his feet. Gathering his wits about him, he turned to face the rabbit. "You told me Eun and his wife would be hiding in the Damiwon, but that you had not heard about them being there."

"Yes, Wangjanim." Ji Mong solemnly nodded, folding his hands behind his back in an attempt to appear calm. So bent down to pick up his sword. The old astronomer was hiding something from him. Soo had trusted him with the news about his father's death. Why would she stop believing in him now? Especially after all they had promised each other. None of it made any sense. So stared hard at Ji Mong. Why had his father sent for Hae Soo after exiling her to be a masuri?

"Why did my father call her back to Cheondeokjeon the day before he died?" So asked, his tone deadly earnest. "What did he discuss with her?"

Ji Mong raised a brow, then shrugged. "How would I know the reason why your father requested for her to be brought to him that day?"

"Don't lie to me." So warned, gripping the hilt of his sword tighter. "I know father had her investigated the year I was gone. Do you think I trusted my father to keep his word to me?" He growled low as he slowly stalked the astronomer. "I know you, rabbit. Father would have consulted with you."

"She is merely one small ember, Wangjanim. You must fulfill your destiny and take the throne." Ji Mong sighed with exasperation. "She is of no consequence. You cannot save her from her fate."

Frustrated rage roiled through So as he pounced on the older man, pushing him against the edge of the terrace, knocking over the handmade telescope. "If you want to live, you will tell me what you know. Now."

"You won't do it, Wangjanim." Ji Mong stated, his eyes resting on the sword in So's hand. Leaning down, So whispered in his ear. "I have killed before. I even killed my own brother less than an hour ago. What is one more life for me?"

"If you let me up, I will tell you." Sweat beaded on Ji Mong's forehead as he attempted to appease the wolf-dog. Releasing Ji Mong, So stood back as the older man moved away from the ledge. "Your father didn't believe she was Lady Hae Soo." Ji Mong lifted his uncomfortable gaze up to So.

"That doesn't make sense." So glared at him. "Of course, she's Lady Hae Soo."

A sardonic laugh slipped from Ji Mong as he moved further into the room. "She is, yet she isn't." His eyes never left So. "That is what your father found out."

"Explain how she is Hae Soo, yet isn't." So tracked Ji Mong, there was some unknown truth to his words that troubled the prince. He thought back to the first time he peered into Hae Soo's startled, pretty brown eyes. He had felt an overwhelming sense of recognition as he swept her up into his arms. He had fought against this connection even though she fascinated him with her outspoken fearlessness and honesty. No matter how he fought the urge, he had been drawn to that odd girl with peculiar notions about justice and a prince's place in the world.

"The day Lady Hae Soo drowned, she died for two hours and then the physician said she came back to life. When she awakened, she had no memory of being Lady Hae Soo." Ji Mong explained as So wiped the blood from his blade, placed it in its sheath, then leaned against the bookcase. Every gesture and strange deed seemed to fall into place as Ji Mong explained. "You father found out that even Lady Hae Soo's very nature changed after she was revived. She knew things before they happened."

"What else?" So demanded, dreading the answer.

"I heard that she begged him to send her far away from you and the palace." Ji Mong looked out of the window. "She was afraid of what would happen to those around her." Turning around to the prince, he said. "Of what would happen to you. She knows you are destined to be a king. Basically, your father knew she would be the one to guide your way to the throne. But, Wangjanim, there can be nothing more. She is not destined to be queen."

Silence filled the room as So stared pensively at the papers scattered on the floor. There was no way out of their dilemma. He let Ji Mong's information sink in. However, it did neither him nor Soo any good. "You have to throw her away." Ji Mong nodded grimly. So closed his eyes in pain. Then a gruff voice filled the void. "You must prove that you can throw away what you hold dear, then I will follow you." So's eyes flew open to meet those of General Park.

"I guess if I don't want to be used against my brothers, then I will have to be the rabid wolf-dog everyone has accused me of being." A bitter smirk formed on his lips as the only decision became clear for So. It was the only way to save Soo. Jung would be safe from the carnage, but he wouldn't put it past his mother or his brother to turn their attention to Baek Ah. Thankfully, the Silla royals were not thought of as a threat. He had to become king for their sake. "I will be the wolf-dog who bites his master's hand and takes his house. I, Wang So, will be king."

Gyobang

"Pyeha found the traitors." The latest news from the palace was cautiously exchanged throughout the gyobang. "The wolf-dog killed Prince Wang Eun and his wife."

Woo Hee dropped the tray she was carrying, the clay pot shattered at her feet. The tenth prince and his young wife had been found and executed by the fourth prince. Startled, Baek Ah quickly got to his feet the palate he shared with Woo Hee to see her sitting against the wall, her head buried in her arms.

"Woo Hee-ya?" She refused to look at him as he lifted her face. "What's wrong?"

"N-no." Shaking her head, she felt like she couldn't breathe. The sacrifices she was forced to make to be with Baek Ah again. The lies that had come out of her mouth. And now this. It was too much to bear. "It's all my fault." She uttered under her breath, so low that she hoped Baek Ah couldn't hear her. Wiping her face, she looked at her lover. "You need to go find your brother. Now."

"Okay." Baek Ah frowned, worried. Woo Hee tried to smile, but couldn't find it in her when Hae Soo's funny word fell from Baek Ah's lips. Brushing her tears away, he kissed her forehead. "I will be back tonight." She nodded, even though she didn't feel too reassured.

As soon as he stepped outside to put his boots on, Baek Ah heard the ugly name So couldn't run from being bandied about. No, it can't be. So wouldn't do that to a brother. A sense of urgency hit Baek Ah as he hurried toward the palace.

He came to a stop in the courtyard when he saw Jung's ashen face. "It can't be." Jung stood facing the direction the guards had taken when they left the bodies. "Pyeha has decreed that the nation is not allowed to mourn for Eunnie or his wife. He ordered their bodies to be thrown into the woods to rot." Jung stated in a dead voice. He looked down at the blood on his hands then shut his eyes. "Why was I so stupid to believe this was better...?" He muttered under his breath, his voice trailed away.

"Where is So-hyungnim?" Baek Ah asked quietly.

"Who knows and who cares!" Jung spat out as he stalked away, clenching his fists.

Baek Ah shook his head as he watched his younger brother leave. He followed close behind as Jung headed to the wall and quickly climbed the top. "Jung-ie?"

"I can't leave them to rot. I can't do that to Eunnie-hyung." He grounded out, peering down at his older brother. Baek Ah steadied himself, finding his footing in the wall to sit next to Jung. "What are you doing?" Jung frowned at him.

"Then I'm coming with you." Baek Ah stated.