A/N: Hello everyone! I hope everyone had a great New Year and wonderful Holiday!
"A child." Queen Noguk laughed silently at Eun Soo's reaction. "Have you or the General ever considered having one?"
For a moment, despite it being such a bizarre question, Eun Soo took the question into deep consideration.
Would I..? Do I want to..?
It was too soon—too early—to think about such life decisions. Eun Soo wasn't even certain how far her relationship with the General would go; though, admittedly, he was far different from the other men she dated. He was neither selfish, nor was he obsessed. Rather, he was quite the gentleman, despite being a cold-blooded warrior, willing to take life after life all for the sake of his King.
Yes, Choi Young was indeed different.
In a good way, he was different from other men.
But still, a child was further down the road. Eun Soo wasn't even sure if she wanted children of her own. From what she observed, children were trouble makers at times; often inducing stress onto mothers and fathers. Additionally, as Eun Soo made herself aware, a parent's circumstances could also induce stress onto their children and ultimately lead to future health problems; both mentally and physically.
Besides, she thought, if I can't keep Choi Young in line, how could I possibly take care of a child? Surely a child would be far more difficult than an adult..
"Where I come from, your Highness, the desires to have children comes long after the dating period," explained Eun Soo, folding her hands. "And sometimes, that comes after marriage.."
Queen Noguk tilted her head slightly, blinking at Eun Soo's initial explanation. "Dating period..?" she repeated slowly. "Pardon my asking, High Doctor, but what is this 'dating period' you speak of? I seem to be...unfamiliar with such a word."
Eun Soo smiled slightly, mentally slapping herself for using modern terminology to confuse the young Queen. "Right.. Dating.. Well.." She paused briefly, losing all formalities as she leaned back into her seat. "How can I explain this… Ah!" Eun Soo sat up straight, nodding slowly. "The dating period is where two individuals who feel strongly for each other use up their time to get to know each other and better understand one another."
Queen Noguk still looked as confused as before. "I see.. Do people...go through this dating period all the time?" For a moment, Queen Noguk looked troubled. "I hope I am not too far distanced from the people."
Eun Soo shook her head to reassure her. "Where I'm from, it's natural to date one another to see who we work well with. But it's different from what you know, your Highness. It's a whole new world that only I know of."
"Correct me if I am wrong then, High Doctor, but does this mean that you and the General are in this dating period?" she asked.
Eun Soo felt her cheeks heat up at the embarrassing question. Obviously, Queen Noguk wouldn't know the embarrassments behind the question. "Well, I would say yes. We sort of are in that period. We're testing the waters of our relationship. It's kind of like a sink or sail experience."
A smile pulled at the corners of Queen Noguk's lips, and she bowed her head to Eun Soo. "Though I still do not fully understand your world, High Doctor, I do see what you are saying." Her head lifted and she made eye contact with Eun Soo. "You are not yet interested in having children of your own. At least, not until you have a better understanding of the General."
"That's right, your Highness," murmured Eun Soo.
"But I do have to say I am a bit surprised. You know the General better than anyone else," commented Queen Noguk, pushing aside her cup of tea. "You have seen sides of him we have not."
Eun Soo smiled warmly at the statement. "That was just luck. Everybody has layers to their being, some of us are just lucky to be able to get past. I think the same goes for you and His Majesty."
"I suppose I am fortunate to have done the same," Queen Noguk breathed out, closing her eyes with a pleased smile. "Thank you for taking some time to come and visit me. I feel as though I have gained some valuable insight by speaking with you. You truly are something special, High Doctor."
Eun Soo was taken aback by the compliment, but she dipped her head in thanks. "I'm glad I could offer some of my wisdom," she joked. Brushing aside her red locks, she reached for her cup of hot tea. "But really," she murmured, lifting the cup up to her lips, "I'm truly glad to have been able to speak to you. Not so much as a Doctor, but more as a.."
A friend, she thought.
"An acquaintance," she finished, believing it to be much more appropriate. Then she took a sip from her cup of tea, scrunching up her face. The tea had grown cold after all this talk. She set down the cup and rubbed her palms together. "Is that all you wished to speak to me about?"
"An acquaintance," repeated Queen Noguk softly. "And yes, High Doctor. I didn't mean to take up so much of your time. I simply wanted to speak with you as a person, not a Doctor. But all of this turned out to be quite a pleasure."
"Likewise, your Highness," murmured Eun Soo, bowing her head in return to her response. "If I'm honest, this is one of the few times anyone has considered my words...wise, so to speak. Usually, people take a doctor's word lightly. Especially since I've changed my career path."
Eun Soo's words earned an odd look from Queen Noguk. She tilted her head slightly, dark strands of hair following along with every head movement. "That sounds peculiar. Doctors are very wise. They deal with birth and death. They are kind of like...messengers, between life and death," commented Queen Noguk, shaking her head. "I very well understand you come from a world different from ours, but...I have a hard time believing anyone would take your words lightly. Doctors are a blessing-a gift, if I may. Without a doctor, I would have…" Queen Noguk's soft voice trailed off into silence as she clutched the fabric of her dress between tiny fingers. Her eyes averted from Eun Soo's as she appeared to be unable to mention the mere word: died.
She would have died.
Eun Soo knew it well. All too well. From the moment she saw Queen Noguk.
Eun Soo shifted in her seat, crossing her legs while brushing her fingertips lightly across her cheek. Had I resisted much longer, would she still be here?
Another thought that intruded her mind often was about history.
History has been set in stone, yet I was able to save the Queen. How is any of this possible? None of this should be possible.. Eun Soo rubbed her forehead, closing her eyes briefly as she hoped for the sudden ache in her head to subside. A small headache, one that these thoughts evoked. It's just far too much for me to even wrap my mind around. I should learn to accept it. But there is one question I still have: can I change the future? Can I rewrite history?
Queen Noguk must have noticed Eun Soo's troubles, because her voice penetrated her thoughts, "Is something on your mind, High Doctor? Are you unwell?"
Eun Soo forced herself to smile, dropping her hand to her lap as she shook her head. "No.. Not at all. I'm just feeling a little tired.." She cleared her throat, speaking louder now. "Actually, because I was taking care of Choi Young these past few days, I've been unable to find a moment's rest. And can you believe it? The guy doesn't even thank me!" Eun Soo was attempting to change the subject, more so by getting riled up and placing her 'troubles' onto Choi Young. "After all this time-and after everything I've done for him, mind you-he goes on his way and doesn't even show me some gratitude. All he did ever since his improvement is resist my help!"
The Queen laughed a little at Eun Soo's rant. "I see. Men can be like that sometimes, I believe," agreed Queen Noguk. "I have seen it with his Majesty. However, we can only advise. They will learn with time, as we will. But if you are feeling exhausted, High Doctor, by all means you can return to your barracks to rest up."
"Thank you, your Highness."
Eun Soo stood up, bowing respectfully to the sitting Queen before making her way to leave. The court ladies escorted her to the doors, opening them for her so she could exit. The second Eun Soo stepped foot outside the Queen's grounds, she was met face to face with Choi Young, who had moved from his position from the wall.
"Ah.." Eun Soo peered over at Choi Young with slightly widened eyes. "What are you doing out here, Choi Young?"
Choi Young blinked at her words, though he remained as calm as ever. "I was waiting for imja. I received Lady Choi's message from you. Why are you surprised?"
Eun Soo rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "I should ask why did you wait.. I was with her Highness for a long time, I expected you had gone to rest, like I told you to."
Choi Young stared blankly at her before glancing away briefly. "Much of what you say is very contradicting, imja."
She shot a glare at him, raising a brow in question. "What is that supposed to mean?" She was slightly insulted by his words.
"Well, first you tell me to come your way, but now you're telling me I should have rested," responded Choi Young. "Would you have been happy if I decided to ignore your message for my own selfishness? Would any of those options have made you happy, imja?"
Her glare softened slightly at his response. She rubbed her forehead once more, still unable to get rid of the headache. "I..I don't know," she mumbled in defeat. There was no arguing with him. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get angry with you. I guess I'm worried about your well being, so I get a little upset when you don't take my advice seriously." She peered over at him, noticing his sudden silence. "..But I also suppose I'm a tiny bit happy because my own selfishness wanted you to be here, even if I say the opposite," she admitted. She dropped her arm once more and folded her arms, glancing away now as she couldn't bear to look him in the eye after confessing such a cheesy thing.
But she was caught off guard when she felt a hand pressed against her forehead. Her eyes darted over to Choi Young, who was now only a few inches away from her, with his hand pressed firmly against her forehead.
"What are you.." she began.
"Is imja ill?" he murmured quietly, dropping his hand from her head now as he peered down at her with genuine concern. "You don't appear to have a fever."
"That's because I don't have a fever," she responded with a small smile due to his attempt. "I just have a small headache. I was going to head back to the barracks.."
"Why didn't you say anything sooner?" he questioned. "I think you focus too much on my health than your own." He grabbed her wrist and began walking towards the barracks, pulling her gently along.
"Well, I never got a chance to," she grumbled, following behind. "Maybe it was my own selfishness again that this conversation is even happening.."
"I will inform Doctor Jang and have him check on you," murmured Choi Young as the two strolled quickly down the hall, passing by servants and court ladies who moved aside for the couple's convenience.
Although Eun Soo wanted to argue, she figured that would only lead her into more trouble with Choi Young. Specifically, more scolding that would initiate another debate between the two. And as much as she wanted to prove him wrong, she knew Choi Young was right; her statements were contradictory. More so because she was his partner as much as his doctor.
If I want our relationship to grow, then I need to learn to be one or the other.
"Well?" demanded Choi Young.
He stood a foot behind Doctor Jang, arms folded. His eyes were focused on Doctor Jang who-under the many requests of Choi Young-checked up on Eun Soo's health. He was bending over her, checking her forehead temperature now, as the last check up, and stood straight. He turned to Choi Young, shaking his head.
"Well," began Doctor Jang, looking Choi Young in the eye, "Nothing is wrong with High Doctor. If anything, she is in perfect shape. Her condition is healthy, as always." Doctor Jang paused a brief, few seconds while Eun Soo sat up. "What was the cause for concern, if I may ask?"
"Nothing. Absolutely nothing," commented Eun Soo, standing up. "I-"
Choi Young brushed past Doctor Jang, sitting Eun Soo back down and planting a hand firmly on her shoulder. "Then rest."
Eun Soo glanced up at Choi Young before continuing on, "I only told him that I had a headache. But I already know why. I'm just tired. I've spent many hours with Choi Young that I forgot to rest properly."
"I suggest that you follow Choi Young's words then," commented Doctor Jang, turning to face the two. "Lack of sleep won't bode well for you. You are Goryeo's High Doctor, if you are to fall even slightly ill.."
"I understand," interrupted Eun Soo, brushing aside Choi Young's hand. "I know I should sleep.. I simply forgot."
"I'm relieved to hear that," murmured Doctor Jang with a small smile. "I recommend good rest, but certain people tend to ignore my suggestions."
Choi Young ignored the doctor's statement, knowing very well who his words were directed to. Instead, he gazed down at Eun Soo, taking in the sight at long last. Dark bags were now very much visible beneath her eyes, which lacked the brightness and enthusiasm they used to carry on a daily basis.
"Doctor Jang," spoke Choi Young suddenly, glancing over at him. The doctor looked his way, clearly willing to listen to his words. "May I have a moment alone with the High Doctor?"
"Of course." Doctor Jang bowed his head before leaving the barracks.
After a couple more seconds of silence, he knelt down in front of Eun Soo. "You need to rest, imja," spoke Choi Young.
"Well, so do you," replied Eun Soo, folding her arms across her chest. "So you should take my advice first. I'll go to sleep, but I'll do so elsewhere."
"How will I know you'll follow Doctor Jang's suggestion?" responded Choi Young. "Perhaps we should take turns.."
"Why do you say that?" mumbled Eun Soo.
He stared blankly at her.
Always have to object..
"Because you worry easily," he replied. "I am very well aware you're going to worry yourself. You will worry so much that you will forget to sleep."
"Then you sleep first!" she interjected, but he also denied her suggestion.
Choi Young sighed heavily. "But you are the one who needs rest the most at the moment. You are clearly tired…"
"Agh!" exclaimed Eun Soo, "Fine! Let's both sleep!"
Choi Young, in agreement, stood up and was ready to rest somewhere else in the room, preferably further from her when she grabbed onto his arm to stop him. He glanced over at Eun Soo, who with a slight pout, stared at him.
"You can sleep right here. Who knows, if I let you out of my sight, you might trick me," she mumbled.
Choi Young, humored by her request, complied with the very persistent Eun Soo.