A/n: A big thank you to all of you precious readers. I appreciate every review. :D

(Hyunhui Mansion, Songak)

~Hyeong's POV~

My mother had dressed me in quite a flamboyant manner today. All because it was my birthday. I was turning 16, and was to be treated like the special lady that I was, she said.

Just as I was ready to exit my chambers, Woljin entered the room. "My Lady," she said gently. "The 14th Prince Jung is already here."

"So early!" I commented, and went downstairs hurriedly.

"Hyeong-ah!" The 14th Prince marched up to me once he saw me.

"Good morning, Your Highness," I said delicately and genteelly, since I was supposed to be older now and more ladylike, although I was very delighted and excited. "You're very early today."

"Yes, that's because today's your birthday and a special occasion," he remarked. "That's why I came over extra early to celebrate it with you. If you'll have me, of course."

"Of course I'll have you, my Prince," I grinned.

"I even have a present for you," he said exultantly. "Here." He handed a jewelry box to me. It was of a deep mahogany color, and at first glance it had 3 levels, but when they were opened, the hidden capacities showed themselves.

"Oh, it's so thoughtful of you, Prince Jung," I beamed. "Thank you so much."

"I hope you like it," he said merrily. He didn't have the kind of outward confidence that his 3rd brother would have walked around with. If Prince Yo were here he'd be all "I knew you'd love it" with a sassy tone. But Jung was so sweet and a great friend. And such good company too, always a source of joy and cheer.

"I like it very much!" I gushed. "Like many other noblewomen I've got jewelry a plenty, but rarely do people think of a jewelry box as a cuter alternative. This is equally lovable, and I love it!"

He looked incredibly pleased with himself. "I'm just happy that you're happy, Hyeong."

"With Your Highness around, I wouldn't be anything but happy," I smiled.

"But tell me this, Hyeong, am I the first to send you birthday gifts this year?" He inquired, tightening his lips to ensconce what could've been a pompous smile.

"Well...it would've been you, if I exclude the bracelet that your royal sister had sent yesterday. I'm not sure Her Highness is aware that it's my birthday though," I answered.

"Ah, I didn't know that you and Yeonhwa were friends too," he replied. "If anyone beat me to it, I'd have thought that it would be my 9th brother Won. We all know you're best friends with him."

The Princess and I were not friends actually, and I wasn't even sure if she remembered my name, but I didn't correct him, because then I'd have to explain Geolha's encounter with Her Highness, and that was way too complicated. Instead, I said, "Woljin told me that Prince Won and his wives have also sent their wishes and regards, and left the message that they will come over at a later hour. It must be because it's getting colder, and I'm sure Beom and Bon would not like to get out of bed just yet."

"We all spoil our two youngest nephews," he smiled. "Though it's still hard for me to believe that my 9th brother is a father now. It's been months, but still. He doesn't feel like the type to have children. He feels like the type to have many wives but no children."

"But what about you, Your Highness? Are you going to have many wives but no children? Or not many wives but a lot of children? Or many wives and many children? Or few —"

"Whoa, whoa," he was overwhelmed and had to stop me. "I really have no clue. I haven't been thinking about it. Not a lot of my brothers are married, so I don't think I have to give it much thought so soon. Most likely my mother will make these plans for me. It's important that I marry someone that she is in favor of."

Ah, yes, the formidable Queen of the Yu clan from Chungju. She did not have a reputation for being very likable, but she certainly was a powerful and influential figure at Court, and few of us could afford to not be subservient to her.

"Or maybe your father the King's Majesty will give his blessing for you to be married to a noblewoman of his choice," I suggested. "After all, the royal family is always in need of alliances with other aristocratic families."

"That's right. And now that you're 16, I do suppose your parents will be setting up for you to get married soon, right?"

"Yes, but there's no hurry. I know they'll be meticulous in choosing a husband for me," I replied.

"Hyeong-ah! Sister!" Geolsang's voice was loud and bright as he jogged down the stairs. When he approached us he noticed the jewelry box in my hand and said, "Do you like this? It would be a relief if you do, because Prince Jung has been worrying day and night about it and asking me if you'd want this for your birthday. His Highness has asked me this at least a dozen times. He needs to make very sure he's getting this right. Because he thinks it'll be a catastrophe if you reject his present."

"Hey!" Jung admonished, smacking my brother's shoulder. "I teach you so many things about martial arts and you betray me."

"I'm just telling the truth as it is," Geolsang said casually, shrugging.

"It's only a disaster because you ruined it," Jung protested. "Every time you're here, you just bring bad luck. I hope we get rid of you as soon as the exorcism ceremony is held." He sounded so serious but both Geolsang and I giggled.

"No matter what gift Your Highness has for me, I'll appreciate it. It's the thought that counts," I said happily. It was just early in the morning but I was already sure today was going to be a good day.

~Woljin's POV~

I observed how happy Lady Hyeong looked to receive presents. My birthdays would never be celebrated so extravagantly — or celebrated at all — nor would I get to spend it with my family. I wasn't too envious of the luxuries that nobles had, but I did miss my mother and my brother.

Thanks to Lady Hyeong's status as an aristocrat she had drawn the attention of a number of Princes and even made friends with them. Naturally that's something that only a noblewoman can do. A humble maid as myself could not dream of befriending a royal. It was already a blessing that Hyeong treated me as a friend.

Hyeong had more visitors than just the 14th Prince Jung. I suddenly felt elated when I saw that it was the 13th Prince Baekah who had arrived at Hyunhui Mansion. It was only when I also saw Chaeryung's familiar face that I realized that the Hae ladies were also here. Immediately I bowed at them, and then allowed myself to stare at the 13th Prince a little longer than any maid would have.

However, I did not get to stay in his presence much longer, as Lord An and Lady Choi had instructed me to bring refreshments for His Highness and Their Ladyships. I didn't even get to have a look at what Prince Baekah had prepared for Hyeong as a birthday present.

I returned quickly and served tea and some snacks to our guests, hoping I could just get Prince Baekah to notice me. I took my sweet time when I laid out the plates and dishes and cups in front of His Highness on the table. Even just a glance would satisfy me. But I did not have that luxury, as he was focused on chatting with Lady Myunghee. Hyeong was right to say that His Highness cared deeply about Lady Myunghee. It felt weird to think this way, but I kind of wished that the 13th Prince could look at me the way he was looking at Lady Myunghee right now.

I was a little disappointed, but honestly, what could I have expected? A Prince noticing a lowly maid? Not likely.

I looked around the vestibule and found the 14th Prince and Lord Geolsang making jokes on the other side of the room. By the table, Lord An and Lady Choi just looked so proud of their daughter. Hyeong was chatting with Lady Hae Soo, whilst Chaeryung was waiting patiently in a corner. I approached my friend then. But it wasn't long into our quiet conversation that more guests have arrived. This time, it was the 9th Prince Won and his wives and their sons.

As I saw their family with Hyeong all the time, I was accustomed to this sight and I might say I was even bored by it. I thought I could resume my conversation with Chaeryung. Yet, she seemed distracted, and only grunted when I tried to talk to her. I then noticed that her sight was on the 9th Prince, and she looked captivated.

This was not the first time I had caught her like this. Perhaps her feelings for Prince Won were somewhat similar to mine for Prince Baekah. After all, Chaeryung did get assigned to serve in the 9th Prince Won's household for a short while before she got transferred to the 8th Prince Wook's household. Or maybe it wasn't admiration or affection. It could just be gratitude that she had for Prince Won. Or perhaps a mix of both. Feelings could never be that simple, right?

Sometimes I did wonder if Chaeryung wanted to swap places with me. She could be Hyeong's handmaiden whilst I could serve the Hae ladies. This way, she'd get to see the 9th Prince so much more often, whereas I could see the 13th Prince a lot as well. But I smiled subtly to myself and pushed that silly thought away. My place was here in Hyunhui Mansion and I was content here. Hyeong treated me very well and I had no complaints. I ought to do my job well and earn money for my mother and my brother. That was pretty much all that my life would be about.

~Hyeong's POV~

Finally, Prince Won and his family had arrived. Lady Kang and Lady Kim very heartily wished me a happy birthday, and even their sons had learned to clap and wave their hands. Their Ladyships handmaidens had handed to me, in boxes, the accessories that were my birthday presents. I smiled instantly and thanked them, and invited them inside for food and drinks whilst Won and I chatted.

"What is it with you? My wives aren't even half as thrilled when it's my birthday. Did you bribe them or blackmail them?" Won joked.

"Both, actually. How else would I get them to be in such good spirits?" I replied without missing a beat. "It works like a charm."

"Won't work on me though," he declared.

"I don't need to make you feign exhilaration. I know you're very excited and happy for me deep inside. You don't need to tuck it away with a poker face. Just let it show," I said singsong.

He smiled willingly. "You're right, Hyeong. Turning 16 is a big deal and I am indeed very happy for you. Happy birthday." He then pulled me into a hug and I smiled too. Although for so many years we'd refer to each other as best friends, I didn't think we ever really hugged much.

"Thanks for the silver and gold, by the way," I said to him as we pulled apart.

"How did you know I was going to give you that?"

"Are you kidding me? You give me that every year," I rolled my eyes. "It's so uncreative, yet so characteristic of you."

"Yes, you know me best, Hyeong," he said jovially. "How could any gift possibly top mine? Just think of all the things you can do with the gold and silver. Endless possibilities, I tell you."

"Mm hmm," I uttered dully. Won was always like this. I doubted there was anything he loved more than money. It made him a bit boring at times, although of course he didn't think so. But like I said to Jung, I would happily and gracefully accept any gift, and enjoy my special day.

(The royal court, Songak)

~Won's POV~

We would have stayed longer with Hyeong and her family, but it was again the time of the afternoon for my sons to take their naps, so we took our leave and my wives had returned to Okrin Palace to put the kids to sleep. I on the other hand was free to swing by the library. I had planned to ask the astronomer Choi Jimong to lend me a few books on alchemy and potions.

I saw my 4th brother So at Jimong's library too, but as he seemed to be entirely focused on whatever he was reading, I decided not to disturb him. I did want to figure out what he was all about, but I could do that by inviting him to come over and visit his nephews in a few days' time maybe.

On my way back home from Jimong's library, I passed by Joyun Hall, a small hall just right behind the grand Cheondeok Hall. Normally I wouldn't pay any notice to it, but I happened to see my 3rd brother Yo exiting Joyun Hall. I decided to walk up to him and ask what business he had there since I'd never had a reason to go there before.

"It's just usually where I go when the King had assigned administrative tasks for me to handle. A lot of official records are stored there, and it's quiet so I can work undisturbed," Yo explained.

"You get disturbed a lot at your Gyeongchun Palace?" I asked.

He laughed. "When your sons are as old as Woongdo, you'll see for yourself how noisy they can be. They run around all the time. I can never have a single moment of silence."

"Come over to Okrin Palace then. My sons are sleeping all the time," I offered.

"Sure, I'll see if I can swing by next week," he replied, then smiled and pointed at the books I was carrying. "'Advanced Alchemy', eh?" He read from the cover. "Just last week you were reading 'Introduction to Alchemy'. Brother, you do learn quick."

"I've got nothing better to do. I'm not as fortunate as you. Our father's Majesty hasn't assigned any work for me," I said, with a chuckle. He would be smart enough to pick up on my hint that I would like to get more involved with administrative work, like Yo and Wook got to.

He did get it. He nodded and said, "I'll put in a word for you when His Majesty sends for me again."

"I would be grateful to you for that. You're the only one I can count on, brother. My mother isn't of a high enough ranking to intercede or ask favors," I added. I knew that Yo liked to be praised and reminded of the high status that his mother had. He never made that obvious, but I could tell, judging from how he always looked down on the Crown Prince for his late mother's low status.

"You can count on me. Anyone who exhibits a willingness to learn is someone who will prove to be useful, sooner or later. If I were King, I would give you an important position at Court and entrust you with important tasks."

I raised my eyebrows and said nothing in reply just yet. He did praise me, but weren't his words treasonous?

"But of course, I know I'll never be King. Naturally, it's our eldest brother Mu who'll be King," he added laxly. "Nobody can take his place."

I smiled knowingly. "Of course."

(The library, Pyongso Residence, Songak)

~So's POV~

I didn't pay my 9th brother much attention just now as I was focused on reading. But once he had left, I casually asked Jimong what Won was like.

Jimong sighed and answered warily. "I'm going to be be very honest with you and tell you what I think of him. Out of all of the Princes who've spent their lives inside the palace, he's the one who's most knowledgeable of the passageways and such, secrets that this Court holds. But he'd never make it obvious. I'd never have known had he not been willing to chat with me because he could benefit from spending time here at my library."

"He knows a lot then," I remarked.

"Perhaps unfortunately, yes, Your Highness. But if you can get close to him, it's possible that you can learn a thing or two from him. I think I've observed that that's what the 8th Prince Wook has been doing as of late," Jimong replied. "The 9th Prince, he's good at pretending that he's oblivious. I don't know if this makes sense, but he'll carefully do minor yet seemingly thoughtless things just to make others believe that he's clumsy. He'd crack a silly joke or say something out of turn then quickly apologize for it, as if it were a careless mistake, but I just feel that he actually knows what he's doing."

"In that case, it'd be our mistake to ever underestimate him," I concluded.

"Indeed, my Prince," Jimong nodded. "You see the 10th Prince Eun and the 14th Prince Jung are younger and truly oblivious. They're innocent, really. Prince Won mingles with them to create the convincing impression that he's just as clueless as they are, but he's actually not. He's crafty. He won't be openly hostile —"

"Like the 3rd Prince Yo," I uttered.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean you can't let your guard down with him, Prince So. If he exhibits a wish to socialize with you, entertain him. Don't shut him out. It's the only way you can get a better idea of what he might have up his sleeve," Jimong advised.

"I see," I replied.

The way Jimong spoke of my 9th brother had reminded me of something that my mentor General Park Sukyung had taught me when I was little. It was more than 10 years ago, but I still remembered it well, and now I thought that even though I hadn't yet been able to put his advice into action, I suspected that somebody had been teaching Won the same thing and he'd been living up to it all along.

"Always keep your foes confused," said the General seriously, placing a hand on my shoulder. "If they are never certain who you are or what you want, they cannot know what you are like to do next. Sometimes, my Prince, the best way to baffle them is to make moves that have no purpose, or even seem to work against you. Remember that, Prince So, not just when you're on the battlefield, but also when you come to play the game when you shall one day return to Songak."

"What...what game, General?" I asked tentatively.

"The only game, Your Highness. The game of thrones."

A/n:

Did you guys like what Jung got Hyeong for her b-day? More people will come to celebrate it with her. :P

Woljin has a tiny crush on Baekah. What do you guys think of that? Did you like reading in her POV? \^o^/

Also in the drama, Won and Yo did hang around each other a bit. I thought I'd make them bond. There'll be more sibling interactions as we go. XD

Won is a snake as we know it. Luckily So has both Jimong and Gen. Park on his side, right?

Don't forget to let me know what you think of this chapter and review! Cheers! :D