A/n:

For those of you who have been patiently waiting for more Eun scenes and for eundeok to happen, I hear ya! Check out what this chapter has to offer. Good things are worth waiting till the end for. :P

Also, I have not forgotten that Sinye is very popular with you guys. Therefore I'm giving her another chance to shine. Enjoy~

(Heunghwa Palace, Songak)

~Chronicler's POV~

The 4th Prince was led by the astronomer Choi Jimong to the Crown Prince's residence. He was curious as to why his presence was requested by Prince Mu, early in the morning. He had only hoped that he would not be delaying the Crown Prince's daily meetings with his own council.

So greeted his eldest brother formally and was allowed to take a seat. "What can I do for you?" He asked humbly.

Slightly apologetically, Mu asked So if he had recovered from the injuries he had sustained during the assassination attempt the night the exorcism ceremony was held. So was recovering quickly, but it was still unsettling for Mu to think that it could have been him getting hurt.

"I'm sorry. I wish our father the King could have been more solicitous about you," Mu replied with a sigh.

So nodded curtly, uncomfortable with the show of concern. "I appreciate the concern, but I am not worthy."

"I owe you one, 4th brother. I will repay you," said Mu seriously.

"You honestly don't have to do anything for me," So insisted respectfully.

"Even if it's not for you, I want to do what I believe is right. I will find a suitable time and place to put forward a request to our father the King. One that I think will be good for you," Mu revealed. "I will ask that His Majesty allows you to stay in Songak for at least awhile longer. I'm confident that you will be allowed to stay for the New Year, at least."

So's eyes lit up and gladly met his brother's. He wouldn't have to go back to Shinju. There was hope after all.

(Gyeongchun Palace, Songak)

If you have very strong feelings for someone, you'd notice it quite effortlessly if and when that person feels troubled, or is acting differently, or both. That was the case with Lady Park Moongong. She had detected that something had changed within her husband, the 3rd Prince. Something was off. She wanted to know what was wrong, or why he was so irritable for the past week, but he wasn't willing to open up to her.

However, Prince Yo was much more willing to confide in Lady Sinye, and Lady Moongong knew that painful fact all too well. In quest of answers, she had to resort to a tactic that was cheap but was proven to be effective: eavesdropping.

After putting her kids to sleep by humming a tune to them, Moongong made sure to appear as if she was asleep too in her own bedchambers. But after a while she snuck out of her bedchambers and crept up to Sinye's, leaning close to the door so she could hear their conversation.

She felt like a teenager all over again, sneaking out of her room in the middle of the night. She did it mostly because her elder sister Moongeum did it a lot and it was usually to meet up with her lover. Other times they would try to spy on Father and see what Minister Park had been up to that he wouldn't disclose to his daughters. It was fun, until their younger sister Moonsung would get excited and make too much noise and the three sisters would have to retreat or risk getting caught.

But of course this time Moongong was serious and she was on a mission. It wasn't one of their childhood games anymore. She had managed to keep quiet, every step a tiptoe, until she found a suitable spot where she could crouch and eavesdrop.

"Truth is," she heard Yo say to Sinye, sounding truly troubled, "I'm afraid to lose her. She's supposed to be my light."

Moongong frowned to herself. Who was this woman that Yo was talking about and held in such high regard? What kind of a relationship did they share? Why was she so important to him? A series of questions had popped up in Moongong's head. She tried to make some guesses of her own. The only woman that Yo ever really cared about was his own mother. For now she thought it was unlikely that they were talking about a woman he was romantically interested in, since Sinye was allowed to know. Moongong deduced that it had to be something that they knew she'd be displeased with if she ever heard about it. Maybe even heartbroken.

"Prince Yo, I think I might have a suggestion," said Sinye, sleekly, a tone and a voice that disgusted Moongong. "It's going to sound wild and even risky, but given our circumstances…"

Moongong huffed to herself. She didn't seek to disparage Sinye; it was the other way around. She felt helpless and hopeless for not being able to give him counsel, for not being able to be the kind of wife that Yo needed, so that whatever he couldn't get from her, he'd get from Sinye, and that was why, she thought, he needed Sinye so much.

"I'm all ears," said Yo eagerly and urgently. "I'm really counting on you to help me. Please tell me there's still a chance I can get her back. All along I thought I just...wanted her. But this week without her, I didn't get to see her smile, or feel her touch, or hear her voice...I'm suffering. And it's really making me believe that it's more than just attraction. It had to be something more. I think...I think, in some way, I need her."

Moongong bit on her lip as she heard her own husband say these words. Why...why did she have to be so affected by him? She knew, she married him for political reasons, an alliance between their families. But then she fell in love with him...and the more she tried to hide it and deny it, the more she was reminded of it, and the more it hurt.

"You will get her back, if that is what you desire. You must have confidence, my Prince. Do not forget that it's one of the things that she liked the best about you," Sinye asserted. Now Moongong was livid. She would never talk to His Highness using that tone, but Sinye dared, and what had made Moongong even more indignant was that Yo seemed to like it and appreciate it when she spoke to him like that. Yo had his own reasons for that, but it was just unfortunate that they were unfathomable to Moongong.

"Tell me what I need to do," Yo replied, awaiting Sinye's instructions. He'd only act this way with Sinye; there was nobody else who could tell him what to do without getting on his nerves or landing themselves a harsh penalty.

"Propose to Princess Yeonhwa," Sinye revealed. Moongong's eyes widened and she fell back onto her bottom, covering her mouth to swallow the gasp that she would otherwise have let out.

"How would that have helped me with my situation with Lady Hyeong?" Yo questioned, muddled.

At the same time as listening to Sinye's explanation, Moongong frowned but was, in a way, pleased that she had the name Lady Hyeong as a clue as to who Yo was so stressed over.

"It would help only if you do it at the right time and at the right place," Sinye emphasized. "It has to be right after the lunch hour, in Yeondeok Palace, preferably in the courtyard closest to their front gate."

"Why…?" Yo asked. Moongong desperately wished she could see his reaction with her own eyes.

"You'll see, Your Highness," Sinye said cryptically. "In the meantime, there's something else I can do on your behalf, as long as you approve of it."

(Yeondeok Palace, Songak)

~Yeonhwa's POV~

It was a half-hour before lunchtime when my maid Chaeryung had informed me that I had a visitor. Normally Lord Geolha would not come over in the morning since he was supposed to meet with the Crown Prince that he was so staunchly loyal to, so it was unlikely that he'd be showing up at my door now. But when I went outside I found that my visitor was someone even more unlikely — my 3rd brother's first wife, Lady Park, one of Minister Park Younggyu's daughters. She was even with her young son Lord Woongdo, and one of her maids was carrying her infant daughter Lady Younggi.

Before I could open my mouth to query after what Her Ladyship could be here for, my nephew had let go of his mother's hand and had scuttled toward me.

"Auntie!" He squealed and embraced my leg wholeheartedly.

I didn't know how to react. Fortunately Lady Park piped up. "Your Highness," she said, smiling thinly. "I hope we are not imposing on your time. It's been a while since Your Highness visited us at Gyeongchun Palace, and Woongdo misses his aunt."

"As I can see," I replied neutrally, obviously without a child's enthusiasm, but I was just unaccustomed to it and just surprised by their visit. I welcomed them into my residence anyway and had Chaeryung serve tea, and allowed them to stay for lunch.

"I haven't yet congratulated Your Highness on your courtship," she said to me once she got her son to sit quietly, occupying him with a toy. "How are things going between you and Lord An Geolha? Good, I hope?"

"Of course. The King's Majesty has chosen well for me," I replied smoothly.

"I am delighted to hear that," she replied perfunctorily. "Do you think you will be getting married soon, Princess Yeonhwa?"

"I leave everything to the King to decide. Should it please His Majesty for me to get married tomorrow, I will be ready and willing," I claimed. It was important that I presented the image of being an obedient and subservient daughter, even though I knew that I would never submit to any man. That way, they wouldn't even see it coming when I'd rise above them. Goryeo must belong to me.

Even though Lady Park claimed that she was bringing her son to see me because he missed me, I knew that she wanted something from me too. Information. Here she was, asking about my plans for marriage when she ought to know I had little say in it. Unless she was confident that somebody would be proposing to me, directly and personally. And she could only be troubled to come here personally because it concerned somebody she cared deeply about, which could only be either her own Park clan or her husband, my 3rd brother. Ah, that was it. I understood her concerns right away. I didn't sympathize with her, but I could understand it.

"Relax, Lady Park," I drawled nonchalantly. "Your status as a powerful Prince's first wife won't be shaken. I know what it means to you, and the power that comes with it."

She no longer eyed me as if I were pernicious to her marriage to my 3rd brother. I'd say she was surprised that I knew what she was thinking. "Do you think it's all about power, my Princess?"

I smiled nicely. "What else could it possibly be about?"

She faltered once more. "What about family, Your Highness?" She suggested.

"Well, you're not wrong," I replied, sticking to my usual sugary tone. Only inexperienced players like Lady Park would allow her emotions to flicker across her eyes so carelessly. "But only if you're sure that they're truly on your side."

"I...I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean, Princess Yeonhwa," she admitted.

"And I hope Your Ladyship never would have that misfortune." Even if I was bothered to explain it to her, there was no way she could possibly understand it unless she'd walked in my shoes. Come on, her most powerful rival was her husband's lowborn concubine, her father would never send her into exile, and she'd never have to worry about being sold as a bride to barbarians. She had none of my burdens. She just couldn't relate.

Chaeryung reentered the dining parlor, bowing at us. "Princess Yeonhwa, you have another visitor."

"I'll receive Lord Geolha in the side hall," I said to Chaeryung casually.

"Pardon me, my Princess. It's not His Lordship," Chaeryung said softly. "It's His Highness, the 3rd Prince."

Little Woongdo snapped to attention immediately, no longer interested in his toy. "Appa!" He said excitedly to his mother and broke into a smile.

Together with Lady Park, her children, and the maids that she was here with, we stepped outside. My 3rd brother looked exceptionally pleased to see me, but of course he was up to something. However, his facial expression changed, for a short second, when he saw that his wife and children were also here.

"Have you come to join us, 3rd brother?" I asked. My smile was an inviting one as I was curious as to what he would have wanted to say to me had his family not been around.

"Perhaps not today, Yeonhwa," he answered calmly. "I've just come to pick up my wife and kids."

Sooner than Lady Park could walk up to him, their son had once again bolted to his side and leaped onto his leg energetically. I watched as they made their way back to Gyeongchun Palace, the very image of a happy, loving family. I felt even colder watching my 3rd brother take off his cloak and wrap it around his wife's body. Even if it were just an illusion, it was something I never had, and I could not expect to ever get to experience it either. It was one of the sacrifices I had to make, but it was alright. It would be worth it. Everything would be worth it in the end, when I am Queen and Goryeo is mine.

(The royal court, Songak)

~Eun's POV~

I had just finished lunch with my mother at our residence. The meal was alright, but I was sadder than ever because even when pear juice, my favorite drink, was served, I found it to be tasteless. I knew, it must be because Hae Soo wasn't around.

Bored and disheartened, I decided to go out for a walk. My mother urged me to bring a thicker cloak with me, but I paid no attention. As I meandered on, I felt a few drops of something small and cold on my nose. I scratched my nose and ignored it at first, but this continued. I looked down at my sleeves and at the ground, then up at the sky. It was snowing!

Normally, my reaction would be one of elation and thrill as that meant soon I'd be able to play in the snow. A snowball fight with my brothers was just the best thing ever. However this time, I just couldn't bring myself to be exhilarated. I just pouted and inspected my fingernails to find that snapweed did remain; my nails were still dyed orange.

Hae Soo told me that I only needed to wait till the first snow, and my first love would come to me. But then why wasn't she here? She was still miles away in Hwangju with her cousin and my 8th brother. Shouldn't she come to me by now? Was she on her way? How long would I have to wait? So many questions.

I huffed and let my shoulders slump. Could it be that she was lying to me?

No, Hae Soo would not be so cruel to me. She didn't seem like that type of person. Maybe she was on her way already. I might get to see her very soon.

Perplexed, I kept loitering, and soon reached the stables, where I saw my 13th brother.

"Baekah!" I called out and marched toward him. Seeing that he was preparing a carriage, I asked, "where are you on your way to?"

"I'm going to go to Hwangju, 10th brother," he answered.

"Oh! That means you'll see Soo, right?" I pressed on urgently. "Will you tell her that I miss her?"

"Of course," he replied lightheartedly. "I'll tell her that you miss being punched and beaten up, Eun."

"It was what led to my friendship with Soo. The black eye was worth it," I stated breezily. "Actually, Baekah, how come you're the only one who's allowed to leave the palace and go to Hwangju to visit Wook? I want to go too. I want to see Soo."

He laughed. "That's because I've a royal decree. Our father the King has instructed me to dress less like a Prince and mingle with the common people, then report to His Majesty what their lives are like. I also get to draw them."

"Oh...but can't I join you?" I requested pleadingly. "I can draw matchstick figures quite well," I boasted, doodling a human figure with my finger in the air.

"Most likely not this time. Sorry," he said. "But don't worry. Even if you didn't ask me, I'll still send Soo your regards. You must be really sad without her. If you weren't so down, you'd be asking me to postpone my trip so I could play with you."

"You understand me then, Baekah, but do you understand what it feels to not get to see your first love every day?"

He chuckled and looked away for a moment before answering, "I don't know, Eun. Maybe."

As soon as Baekah was out the gates, I heard the guards welcoming this guy, General Park Sukyung, back to Songak. He was on horseback and apparently his daughter was with him and both of them were wearing armor. A rare sight that a woman would be armed. Maybe my 14th brother would be interested, but I was not. I turned on my heel and, with a pout, decided to return to Rongjang Palace.

A/n: OMG...I got really excited writing this and the foreshadowing because I ship (and miss) eundeok. :3

P.S. Do you think Sinye's plan is going to work? What else is she up to? Do you want Yo to get Hyeong back? Let me know in the review box below! *bows and exits the room*