So carefully lifted Soo up into his arms and carried her out of the throne room. Hae Soo placed her arms around him and buried her tear stained face in his neck as So continued to his private quarters.

"Please inform Lady Han that Lady Hae will stay with me tonight." He ordered Eunuch Kim, then added over his shoulder. "Have the servants set the meal in the royal bath, then leave. We do not want to be disturbed."

"Yes, Pyeha." The eunuch bowed then hurried to close the doors after him.

Hae Soo blushed at So's command. She felt her eyes begin to drift closed with exhaustion. The news of Chae Ryung's execution weighed heavy on her mind, and despite the 'if only' thoughts and regrets that circled there was a weary sadness.

So brushed his lips against her temple as a soft hiccup fell from her lips. Laying her in the center of his bed, he curled his body around her, holding her as she buried her face against his chest. Tenderly, So ran his thumb over the tears which had dried on her cheeks. "I am sorry, Soo-ya. I never wanted to hurt you."

It's not his fault, she thought. Everything that transpired back then was never his fault. I have to accept that Chae Ryung is not innocent. She could have stopped at anytime. Told me what they were doing, but she choose not to. I have to accept that now. My little sister betrayed me and committed regicide. Peering up at So, she whispered. "You didn't. I cannot blame you for seeking justice for your brothers. It is your duty to do so. I trust you."

"Thank you, Soo-ya." He turned onto his side, pulling her body deeper into the warmth as he stroked her lower back, his forehead touching her own as he nuzzled her soft cheek then grazed the corner of her mouth. Seeking comfort and a chance to forget her loss for a while, she accepted the deepening of his kiss, moving against the hard heat of him trying to get closer. "I love you, So." She moaned as he traced the curve of her neck with sensuous nips, gently biting down on her nape as he pulled her under him.

Soo stretched her body up to align with his, giving a frustrated sound she plucked at the ribbon on his belt, then pushed at his shoulders. So sat up on his knees, boyishly awkward and suddenly concerned for her. "Are you all right? I didn't hurt the baby, did I?" He placed his palm over her stomach. She shook her head against the pillow as she put her hand over his. "No, we're fine, Pyeha." Her eyes darted to his, shy yet seductive. "I want to touch you tonight."

So tilted his head, peering down at her with a provocative smile turning up the corner of his mouth. "Then I am yours to do with as you please." He slid his hand out from under hers, settling his hands on his thighs while keeping eye contact with Soo. "Touch me, Hae Soo."

Slowly she sat up, moving until they were knee to knee, a sigh fell from her lips as she reached around his waist, playing with the string on his gold belt, letting it slide to the floor. So remained in place, his eyes following her languid movement as she found the button to his robe, then glided down to release ribbons on his garments.

Soo pushed the heavy fabric off his shoulders, trapping him within her arms as her mouth found the pulse point along his throat. So growled a warning in her ear that traveled past her navel causing heat to pool between her legs. With a laugh, she quickly dispensed with his robe and undershirt, glorying in the feel of satin flesh covering hard muscle underneath. She reached out to caress his skin, when he caught her hand. Firmly, he held her in place as he stripped off her jeogori, revealing a rosy blush which spread from her cheeks to the nape her neck, along her collar bone, and down to the swell of her breasts. Allowing her chima to loosen and slide around her thighs, he enjoyed the sight of her nipples hardening, the pink darkening into a dusky shade.

"So." A ragged moan escaped her lips as he encircled one of the sensitive globes, running his thumb over a protruding nipple. Her breath hitched as an urgent need pushed her over the edge. She licked her bottom lip as her eyes fell up his mouth, aching for him.

So pulled her against his chest, her knees on the outside of his as he placed heated kisses along her exposed skin. Soo closed her eyes, wrapping her arms around his neck. Feeling every hard inch of him against her, she trembled as his hand slipped under her chima. Soft, wet, and welcoming his fingers slid along her velvety core causing her body to shudder in response. He laid her back against the bed as he settled between her thighs.

Later that evening, Soo awoke as she felt the warmth of his skin against her own as well as the rhythmic beat of So's heart under her cheek. His arms were wrapped around her waist, holding her tight against him. Smiling contently, she bit her lip as her stomach growled.

She gasped as he tenderly tugged her upward until their eyes met. Reaching out her hand, she traced his scar. He looked so much like the Wang So she first met when she was a girl staying with Lady Hae and Wang Wook. The depth of her love for him amazed her, leaving her breathless. Remembering the feel of him on horseback the first time their eyes had met caused her to think that maybe she had known she would wind up here in his arms all along.

So nuzzled her neck, then kissed her nape before gently laying her beside him as he left the bed. "Pyeha?" Soo sat up as she pulled the blanket around her nude body. Awed by the sight of her love flushed skin and the glow in her eyes, So leaned down, sweetly kissing her. He laughed against her mouth when her stomach growled again.

"Our meal has probably gotten cold by now." He said as he picked her up still tucked within the blanket. "I must make sure you eat. Come with me."

Thoughts of Chae Ryung filtered back to the surface causing a pang of guilt. Soo frowned and pushed the thought down. Out of the blue the grief and anger struck her. Suddenly the confines within the palace grated on her nerves. "I can walk on my own." Blushing, Soo said as she attempted to get him to put her down.

So frowned at her mood swing, not releasing his hold. "Soo-ya?"

Frustrated, her chin raised stubbornly as their eyes locked in challenge, feeling the need to fight against him and the reality of the palace. "Put me down." With a deliberate slowness, So let her body slide against his as he set her on her feet. Still imprisoned in his arms, Soo glared up at him. "I am not a doll to be dragged around and left wherever you wish." She barked at him, giving into her need to lecture him on his manners. "I am..." The fight within her spirit dying when she found no answer. Tears welled up in her eyes.

"You are Hae Soo. Brilliant, stubborn, sweet Soo-ya." So declared as he brushed her hair back from her face. "My person. My lover. Mother of my child. And my only queen. I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe."

"I know, So-ya." She whispered, ashamed of herself for taking her anger out on him. "I'm sorry."

King's bath

Hae Soo stepped out of the water and into So's waiting arms as he embraced her in the towel. "Tonight I am your lady in waiting." He quipped, grinning as he caressed the water from her body, then helped her slip into a jade silk robe.

"Pyeha, this is not proper." Soo cast a cautious glance at the door as So tied the scarlet belt around her tiny waist. He took her hand leading her to the table the servants had reset with fresh bowls. With delicate care, So settled her before him on a cushion.

"Stop worrying, Soo-ya." He said as he dried her hair, pulling a comb through her long tresses. "I have orders that we are not to be disturbed tonight. No one will dare."

Sighing, Soo picked the towel up, scooting around behind him. "Now it is my turn to attend to you." She said as she ran the towel through his hair. Memories of the first time she saw his bare back in Seokyeong drifted back. Closing her eyes, she felt her heart skip a beat as she lightly traced the deepest scar.

Soo opened her eyes to find him in front of her. The scar on his face prominent since the make up had all been washed away. "How can you stand to look at them?" So asked, in awe of her as she smiled brightly at him as she held out his shirt. "I wish I could take away the pain you had to endure when I look at them, but they are a part of the man I love. How can I not?" She replied as she pushed back his fringe of bangs from his left eye. "I love you."

An intense light shone in his eyes as he captured her hand in his. "Soo-ya." Soo leaned forward, placing a sweet kiss against the scar on his left eye. "I love you, So." She whispered for his ears alone. So slid his arms around her waist pulling her up against him. Soo placed her hands on his shoulders as she sighed, then kissed his lips. Feeling the heat rise up within him, she pulled back with a happy giggle. "Our food will get cold again! We really need to eat."

"You're right." So gave a tortured sigh as he lifted her off his lap. "You haven't been eating well." His face grew concerned. "How are you feeling? Is the baby all right?"

"We are fine." Soo laughed, shaking her head. He's going to be a nervous first time dad. Grinning, she lifted the lids on the bowls. "I am ravenous."

"Then I better feed you." He chuckled as he picked up a lotus root, bringing it to her mouth. Soo purred as she chewed. Laughing, she returned the favor. Love glowed in her eyes as she watched his every move. I wish to love you forever, she thought.

Full, she reclined against So, Chae Ryung's fate still weighing on her mind. "Pyeha, I have a favor to ask of you." Suddenly serious, Soo sat up, looking So in the eyes. "I want to have her remains sent to her mother." Hae Soo raised her hand up as So frowned at her. "Please. I'm not asking for her. I'm asking for me. I need to do this so I can be at peace."

So brushed a stray tendril of her hair behind her ear as he contemplated her request. "I should be angry that you still hold some affection for her, but I can't bring myself to not give into you." He acquiesced. "I will have Ji Mong handle the task tomorrow."

"Thank you." Soo quickly hugged him, then settled into her comfortable spot against him. Amused, So wrapped his arms around her. "And you say you don't want to be queen." He commented as she yawned. Lifting her easily in his arms, So stood up cradling her sleepy form against him, he carried her out of the room and down the hall to her bed.

Damiwon

Hae Soo followed Head Court Lady Song around the vats and kettles steaming in the kitchen as they discussed remedies for morning sickness. Soo smiled wistfully as Lady Song instructed a court lady in how carefully prepare the ginger root.

"Thinly slice the ginger." Lady Song said as Lady Han diligently took note of the ingredients. "Then let it steep over medium heat. Once the tea is taken off the heat, then add dried lemon and a small spoonful of honey. This tea, as well as porridge, in the morning will help calm your stomach."

"This will be very easy to prepare for Lady Hae." Lady Han nodded.

"Thank you, Lady Song." Soo inclined her head at the woman in gratitude.

Lady Song bowed before Soo, smiling, "I am most honored, Lady Hae." she said as the women left the kitchen. "I will have Yun Di serve you in the tearoom."

Soo sat at the table, nervously fiddling with the folded letter hidden within her sleeve. Chae Ryung's confession of loving the ninth prince so much that she would commit regicide, knowing that Soo would be held accountable, still stung. How could she forgive those two desperate, lonely years without So? Soo took as deep breath and swallowed back the bile.

"Hae Soo." Baek Ah called out to Soo as he and Woo Hee entered the room. Woo Hee happily rushed to Soo's side as she stood up to greet them. "I heard the news. I am so happy for you." She gushed, taking Soo's hands in her own, encouraging the pregnant woman to sit down. "When will you be due?"

"By the end of spring." Soo bit her lip as the princess squeezed her hand lightly. Woo Hee glanced up at her husband, then looked back at Soo. "Then the announcement to the court will be coming soon."

"Very soon. Pyeha is beside himself with joy at the news. Also I feel my brother can't wait to rub the ministers' faces in the dirt." Baek Ah answered back, amused as he stood next to his wife. "However, you wanted to speak to me about an important matter, Soo-ya." He crooked his head.

"Baek Ah-nim." Soo forced a smile at the brother of her heart as she pulled the letter from her sleeve and handed it to him. "When the time is right, please give this letter to the ninth prince. I feel it belongs more to him than it does to me."

Baek Ah nodded, taking the letter from Soo. "I'm sorry, Hae Soo." He tucked the envelope away, adding. "Ji Mong had her ashes sent to her mother and brother. They will be taken care of, I promise."

"Thank you." Soo said quietly. "What will happen to him?"

"Won is already under house arrest." Baek Ah replied. "Not even you can save him, Soo."

Hae Soo nodded, lost in contemplation as Woo Hee clasped her hand, giving her strength. "I know." Soo looked up at him, her voice firm. "I accept that. However, Prince Wook must not die. No matter the crime, Pyeha cannot execute him."

Baek Ah frowned, exchanging a worried look with his wife. He thought about inquiring to Soo's reasoning but was cut short as Lady Han opened the door to three court ladies carrying trays of tea and porridge entered the room.