《Her Poison His cure: Behind The Mask》 Chapter 1 Birth Of A Special Being BUYEO PALACE. Queen chamber. ¡°Arghhhhh!¡± A desperate feminine voice cried out from inside the room. A man is seen pacing up and down outside the room nervously. Beside him is a small little boy who cringes at the loud cry he hears from inside the room. ¡°Father!¡± The young boy called tugging at his robe.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. An adorable young boy. he looked to be around ten or eleven year of age, and he was dressed up in a white long mid- knee shirt and golden trouser, with a long golden robe on top of the shirt, coupled with a pair of matching leather shoe. he was the very picture of a little gentleman or more urate, a young boy of royalty. The king crouched down next to his height and took his hand in his own Patting it slowly. ¡°Go back to your chamber¡± he ordered, looking at him closely. ¡°When will she give birth?¡± the young prince asked. The king shrugged his shoulders slightly ¡°we don¡¯t know yet?¡± ¡°Why is mother in such pain? ¡°he asked innocently, his dark brown eyes borne into his father¡¯s own. ¡°Whenever babies are about to be born, all the mothers in the world go through the same pain,¡± The king exined, and took his hand into the little prince¡¯s hair, using his finger to brush his hair sideways. He ced his hand on his chest ¡°will it happen to me, too?¡± The kingughed lightly ¡°No, but it will happen to your wife¡± His eyes suddenly lit up like a child who has just been offered a candy ¡°My wife?¡± The kingughed again seeing the expression on his son¡¯s face. ¡°Yes, the prettier your child will be, the more pain you¡¯ll feel¡± ¡°Seeing how much pain she¡¯s feeling, it must be a very pretty child. ¡°he quizzed, and his father nodded. An abrupt and loud cry pulls them out of their talk. ¡°Arghhhhh¡± it wasing from inside the room. ¡°Hurriedly. Take the prince to his chamber¡± The king ordered facing the maid that was beside the door. ¡°Yes your majesty¡± The maid bow courteously before leading the prince away. ¡­. In the delivery room, the queen sweat had soaked through the bedsheets as she clutched the protective clothes that were hanging on either side of her. The clothes were tied on the rail of the ceiling before dropping down to the bed level. On either side of the bed are one maid each, making three if the midwife is included who is kneeling in the middle of her leg. Her hold on the clothes tightened. her knuckle turning white. ¡°Argh! it hurts!¡± She cried while enduring the Pain that tore through her abdomen. ¡°You are doing well Your highness, keep pushing harder¡± the mid-wife encouraged. The heaviness she is feeling on her pelvic keeps increasing every passing second. her heart was raising heavily as she closed her eyes and groaned forcefully. she gasped as she opened her eyes, and bursted into tears knowing that what she was pushing was still not out. One of the maids wiped the bead of sweat that gathered on her forehead with a towel and the other removed the clothes that were put in her mouth as it seemed wet with saliva, recing it with a new one. ¡°I¡¯m tired¡± she cried out piteously protesting against the searing pain that shook her whole body, but the pain didn¡¯t show any sign of stopping as she continues to groaned in pain The midwife smiled lightly at her ¡°You need to go on, Your highness. it¡¯s dangerous to stop at this moment¡± she said She folded her lip and let out another another push ¡°Mmmmhhh¡± the heavy weight instantly moved to the entrance of her Vagina like it wanted to burst it open ¡°keep pushing harder. I can see the baby¡¯s head¡­.¡± ¡°Arghhhhh ¡± she let out a frightening scream at the strange feeling. her hold on the clothes tightened. hot tears streamed past her cheeks uncontrobly ¡°it¡¯s the heade on¡± the midwife urged. She used the intensity of the pain and heaviness to push the baby out and just as if a round ball had been fixed into her. it pooped out of her Vagina, and the next thing that followed was a loud gasp from her, holding her breath. Silence¡­. ¡°Wah___¡± a loud baby¡¯s cry resounded in the deadly silent delivery room, heralding the birth of a new life The midwife handed over the little baby to the maids, and they moved over to the other side of the room to take care of the baby. They wiped her body with a wet towel, cleaned off the blood on her body and wrapped her in a pink nket. The midwife on the other hand is cleaning off the blood on the queen¡¯s body and clothes. After she is done. the maid gently ce the baby in the cot beside the queen The midwife moved closer to the door. ¡°Your majesty. It is a little princess¡± she announced from inside the room and immediately the door burst opened, and the king rushed in. The maids and the midwife bowed their heads,¡±Congrattions Your majesty¡± they chorused, and moved to the other side of the room. He moved closer to the queen who wasying ashen-face on the bed, so weak and drained that she couldn¡¯t lift a finger. ¡± You¡¯ve done well My Queen,¡± heplimented her, and she smiled weakly. He picks up the tiny baby from the cot, holding her in his hand and smiles happily. The overwhelming joy that hits a person when they are confronted with happiness is something you can¡¯t really understand unless you experience it. it affects people differently and that¡¯s exactly what he is feeling at the moment After a few seconds of essing the newborn princess. he ce her back in the cot and turned his full attention back to the queen He tugged a strand of hair that was scattered on her forehead behind the rest, and took her hand in his Patting it slowly. ¡°Thank you very much My queen for giving us this little bundle of joy¡± he strokes her hair gently and smiles. ¡°It was all Your majesty immeasurable grace¡± the queen whispered softly Suddenly the door burst open revealing the young prince ¡°Mother¡± he called smiling, disying a perfect set of pearly- white baby teeth The queen¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°It¡¯s my little prince,¡± she tried standing up, opening her arm to embrace her son, but the king immediately restrained her back. ¡°You are too tired to get up so rest back¡± he said andid her head back on the pillow. He turned to face the prince. ¡°So hyun¡± he called ¡°Yes Father¡± he replied dreary. he must be angry his father has stop his mother from hugging him The king noticed his Moody face and sighed deeply ¡°Your mother is still weak. she doesn¡¯t have the strength to get up yet, try to understand her.¡± ¡°Yes Father¡± he replied, his gaze fixed wholly on the little princess wrapped in her yellow nket. the king trace his gaze and itnd on the princess sleeping peacefully ¡°So hyun, you now have a little sister¡± the king said looking closely at the prince whose gaze is still on the princess His gaze melt into softness as he jab a finger toward the little princess though gently ¡°little sister?¡± he asked The king nodded¡± You are her elder brother. you must always protect her¡± There was a childish gleam in his dark brown eyes as he stared at the princess like he was essing her ¡°Mother I now have a little sister to protect,¡± he said proudly that it is hard to believe a ten year old boy will says that The queenughed lightly nodding her head ¡°Is she sleeping already?¡± the young prince asked, staring at the cute being in her cot. ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± the king replied with a smile. ¡°But her eyes are closed¡± ¡°Yeah. all babies are born blind¡± cing his hand on his chin. There was a short silence as the prince wondered about that fact. The queen smiled seeing the look on her son¡¯s face. He lifted a finger to the baby pink lip, and touched it. it was so soft, and tiny ¡°Father is right, the prettier your child the more pain you feel. now look at how beautiful she is¡± the prince added touching the tip of the princess nose. The queen and the king exchange a nce smiling, warmth surged through their eyes as they stare at their son in a gentle gratitude. ¡°My wife has to to undergo a lot of pain too, in order to give birth to a very beautiful child¡± he said dreamily The kingughed loudly at his words, while the maid and midwife smiled happily where they stood. They all knew the young prince to always be inquisitive. ¡­.. A strong wind started blowing vigorously causing the maid outside running about in a great despair, stumbling and falling, stomping and fighting for a way to survive the raging wind. Tree swayed furiously, causing a disastrous whirlwind. It¡¯s very obvious something unpredictable is happening. Suddenly a golden butterfly appeared and flew around the pce leaving a trim of light behind. As soon as the butterfly flies from a particr ce, the wind blowing in that ce stops as if nothing ever happened there. It continues that way until it stops in front of a particr building. The butterflynded on the floor and started reducing in size. The maids and guards in front of the building looked curiously at the butterfly. Suddenly a bright light emanated from the butterfly and shone brightly around the ce. Everyone covered their eyes because of the ray of light and almost immediately in ce where the butterflynded, now stood a very beautiful youngdy. The guards immediately assumed a defensive position ready tounch on thedy when one of the maids released a loud gasp, and immediately fell on her knees. She seemed to be the oldest among all the maids outside. ¡°It¡¯s the Oracle¡± she shouts, and bows her head The youngdy looked around the pce intently. She was dressed in a white gown, and her silvered hair wasbed back beautifully entrapped with silver hair pain. on her feet is a white leather shoes The guards dropped their weapon and fell on their knees lowering their gaze to the floor, and the other maids followed them immediately dropping on their knees ¡°Oracle¡± they chorused together with their head bow. Chapter 2 Oracle The Oracle neveres out except for an important asion or if she has a message to pass, and it¡¯s been twenty years since she wasst seen. she still looks young as ever, of course that would be the case since she is immortal and never aged. She took a step forward. ¡°Announce my presence to the king¡± she said to no one in particr and the maid who was the first to recognize her stood up and dashed inside the hallway to carry out her orders. The queen was sleeping peacefully together with the princess on the bed, and the king sat on the chair that was in the middle of the room. He was busy reading a scroll when an announcement from the eunuch at the door distracted his attention, and shortly a courtdy entered. She bows. ¡°Your majesty. The Oracle is here¡± She informed him Oracle? the king thought surprisedly, Why is she here? The king turned to the courtdy whose head is still bow ¡°Escort her in¡± She raised her head slightly ¡°Yes Your majesty¡± she bow again and leave Shortly the door opened revealing the youngdy walking in elegantly toward the king. the king stood up keeping the scroll in his hand on the table. She stop in front of the king and they both bows to each other ¡°Wee¡± The king greeted. He gestured to the chair that was on the other side of the table ¡°please have a seat¡± The Oracle nodded and sat on the chair she was offered. the king also sit on the chair he sat on earlier ¡°What brings you here?¡± the king asked. curiosity lurking in his eyes. She looked around until her gazended on the princess, and she smiled delicately. ¡°I have a message to passed to you¡± she replied her gaze linger on the princess The king turned back to look at his wife and daughter. Wondering why the oracle was giving his daughter such a scrutinizing look. He struggles it off after a few seconds and faces her back to continuing with their talk. ¡°What¡¯s the message about?¡±He asked.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org. She stood and stretched her middle finger toward the princess¡±Before I say anything I need to do something¡± she said abruptly that it startled the king which made him scoff loudly. Suddenly a light in the form of a butterfly appeared on the princess¡¯s shoulder, it started glowing brightly. The king¡¯s eyes widened and he held her hand immediately he stood up¡±What the hell are you doing?¡± He asked. She snatched her hand from the king¡¯s grip and stretched her hand toward the princess¡±Something I must do¡± she simply stated. The king roared¡±you think you can juste to my pce and do whatever you_____¡± she interrupted him before he couldplete his statement. ¡°Mind yournguage. this is something I must do for your daughter safety¡± she admonished grimly and the light die down. She sat down back and waited for the king to sit but it seemed like he isn¡¯t ready to sit back ¡°Won¡¯t you sit?¡±she demanded and reluctantly he sat but not before throwing her a re which the oracle didn¡¯t miss but pretended not to see. ¡°Your daughter was born with the energy of fire and water deity,¡± She said and the king raised his gaze up in confusion. ¡°What I mean is that she will be able to control fire and water,¡± she added. ¡°Fire and water?¡± He asked. ¡°Yes but she can¡¯t control them yet, and won¡¯t be able to use them now.¡± She finished with the exnation. ¡°Did you mean that she¡¯s still young to control them?¡±The king bemused rubbing his forehead tiredly She pointed toward the left side of the room ¡°No, she can only control them if he is with her,¡± The king looked around the room in confusion, searching if there¡¯s any one with them in the room. ¡°if he is with her at this moment.¡± She went on. ¡°She certainly will be able to control them, and at the same time he hold the will of her controlling her power¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t understand what you were saying. Who is he that you are referring to¡± ¡°You will understandter on,¡± she replied and smiled. The king inhales deeply ¡°But why is she born with such power? I didn¡¯t have any power neither does her mother¡± He pointed at the queen. The oracle followed his hand that was stretched to the queen and countered. ¡°Yes you are right. there was no one in your generation born with power, this child will be the first to be born with power in your family. all of this is predetermined by the heavens. it¡¯s a fate which she cannot escape from¡± she paused and rested her elbow on the table. ¡°She is the promise child who is destiny to bring unity and happiness to the people of Joseon¡± The king looked at her dumbfounded, not able to get anything from what she was saying. He Hoop out of his marvelled state and nodded his head reluctantly. ¡°I have a favour to ask though¡±She said her ocean blue eyes bore Into the king. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± He demanded ¡°I would like to name the child¡± She requested in earnest as if she was afraid her request wouldn¡¯t be granted. ¡°You want to give her a name?¡± He asked surprisedly ¡°Yes,¡± The king looked at the queen ruefully ¡°I¡¯ve promised to let her name the princess¡± he mumbled silently and sighed deeply before facing the oracle. ¡°Go on¡± he said ¡°How does Suk sounds¡± She inquired ¡°Suk?¡± The king called slowly ¡°Yes. It¡¯s a beautiful name right?¡± ¡°Not bad. It is an honor for me. I am truly grateful¡± He bows slightly. She nodded and smiled ¡°I have fulfilled my duty, I will see you when necessary again¡± she said, stood up and left the room. ¡­.. Outside the queen chamber the maids and guards were all in circles discussing the incident that took ce some minutes ago. ¡°I have never seen the oracle. this is my first time seeing her¡± one of the maids said. ¡°Same here. This is also my first time seeing her, but I expect to see a very olddy judging by the rumors. I heard that she has exist from the beginning of life¡± another maid chimed in ¡°What? since the beginning of life¡± One the guards eximed loudly. ¡°Lower your voice¡± Another maid rebukes. The guard quickly sped his mouth shut and muttered an apology. ¡°I heard that whenever she wanted to show herself, she came in a different form¡± The maid who has imed she has existed since the beginning of life added. ¡°What did that mean?¡± Another guard asked ¡°I am not sure, but my grandmother told me that, thest time she showed up which is twenty year ago, she appeared in form of a phoenix, and look at this time she appeared in from of a mere butterfly¡± She replied ¡°Watch your mouth, that butterfly you called mere is the one who causes disaster some minute ago¡± the first maid whispered. They all nodded their heads in agreement. ¡°My grandmother also told me that she had appeared in the form of a white tiger, turtle snake, and even a dragon before,¡± the first maid to talk whispered in a clipped tone. They all murmured in surprise. Unknown to them the head courdy is behind them listening to their conversation. ¡°A-ahem¡± She coughed slightly to gain their attention. They all turned toward her and bows their head in respect ¡°We are sorry Mydy¡± they apologized, and the guards moved back to their post. ¡°Go back to your assigned ces¡± she instruct them ¡°Thank you Mydy¡±They chorused and immediately dispersed. The head courdy sighed deeply and looked through the hallway all the way to the door the oracle was. ¡°I wonder what she came for this time around¡± she thought, and right Immediately the door opened and the Oracle stepped out. The maids and guards bows their head She nces at them briefly before transforming back into a butterfly leaving in the same path she came from. The wind started blowing again as the butterfly flew away leaving behind a trim of light. FIFTEEN YEARS LATER The early morning Sun shines brightly all over the pce. The head maid divided the maids and assigned them into different positions and ces. Some were assigned to the kitchen, while some to theundry room and some were busy sweeping the pce floor. In theundry room. The maids chat away happily while doing their job. ¡°Did you hear the rumor?¡± one of the maids suddenly whispered and everyone divertedl their attention to her. ¡°What rumor?¡± Another one asked ¡°There are rumored that the reason the king ban everybody from entering the pce prison is because there was a monster in there¡± she replied almost in whispered ¡°Monster?¡±one of the maids eximed She stood up, and looked around checking if there¡¯s anyone around the premises. After making sure there¡¯s no one around that may implicate her, She crunch down slightly and covered her mouth ¡°Yes, there was rumoured that there was a monster In thest cell inside the prison¡± she whispered softly ¡°Don¡¯t believe her¡± another maid scoffed loudly ¡°always spreading fake rumoured¡± she added and hiss ¡°Hey Soha. I¡¯m not talking to you. it is your choice to believe it or not, and if you do not, don¡¯t discourage other¡± She retorted back. ¡°If what you just said is true, then why is the pce prison guard still alive? howe the so-called monster didn¡¯t kill them yet?¡± She asked directing her questions to the other maids. They all nodded their heads in agreement. The first maid¡¯s face contorted with anger as she clenched her fist tightly. She moved closer to her and jabbed a finger at her. ¡°There¡¯s another reason for the king banishing everyone from entering the pce prison, not this story you cooked up. You are just sputtering a ton of rubbish right now. No one will believe such bullshit. So, Na ji hye if you have time at your hand don¡¯t use it to spread fake rumors, use it to work hard¡± she said. ¨C in a mocking tone. ¡°Remember your brother is also a pce prison guard, I wondered how he was able to survive then¡± she scoffed and bursted intoughter along with the other maids. She turned back to leave but before she couldn¡¯t take a step Na jihye pounced on her, giving her the beating of her life. Na ji hye couldn¡¯t control his anger so she did what she was best at. kicking, stomping and punching Soha. For a while the crowd was thrown into Chaos as some of the maids tried to separate them. They kept shouting, attracting the attention of the other pce maids. In a few seconds everywhere became crowded. Tears curled up at Na ji hye eyes as she poured all her anger in the beating. On the other hand Soha is trying her best to defend herself, but seemed like today is her unlucky day ¡°Inhye that¡¯s okay¡± ¡°You know it an offence to fight in the pce¡± ¡°She might die at this rate¡± ¡°we have to do something¡± Those were thements from the other maid but Na ji hye refused to heed to their words. Jihye changed their position in a way she was sitting on her ¡°You think you are the only one with a sharp mouth right?¡± she said, giving her a p on her face. Soha wince in pain at the impact of the p, but that didn¡¯t stop Na ji hye as she continues dealing with her ¡°How dare you bad-mouth my brother¡± shended a punch on her stomach making Soha cry out in pain. Chapter 3 Royal princess The fight was getting hotter with each passing second. Na ji hye dragged Soha up by hair, pulling her toward a basin of soap water, and dippings her head inside it. Soha struggled to pull her head out but Na jihye didn¡¯t give her any chance to do so. ¡°Next time when I am talking you don¡¯t interact with me!¡± she said, yanking her hair hard. The voice of the Courtdy boom loudly suspending Na ji hye hand as she was about to release another punch in Soha¡¯s stomach with her head still in the soapy water. ¡°What the hell is going on here?!¡± The courtdy said walking further inside theundry room. She stop on her track when she saw the situation on ground. They all bow their heads to her in respect. The courtdy¡¯s eyes widened in fear when she saw Na ji hye holding Soha¡¯s head inside a soapy water. ¡°What the hell are you doing!¡± She shouted rushing forward to pull Soha¡¯s head out of the water. The mistiness in Na ji hye¡¯s eyes cleared off as she turned in the direction of the courtdy and bowed her head slightly. Soha was badly shaking as a result of the water, and red marks were printed all over face, her clothes were torn in several ces making it look like a piece of rag on her body. her with hair loosened and scattered over her face. Even with the water that was supposed to wash her face clean, blood was stilling from her bruised face. Words can¡¯t describe her as she looks miserable. Na jihye did a very good job on her. Na ji hye grimace in disgust at the sight of her, for she didn¡¯t feel satisfied and felt like beating her over again. ¡°I asked you a question¡±, Having made sure Soha was covered with a nket and was left in care of the other maids. The courtdy turned her full attention to Na ji hye. She sneered angrily ¡°can¡¯t you answer my question? Are you trying to kill her?!¡± Na ji hye opened her mouth to talk but she found herself stammering ¡°I.. didn¡¯t.. didn¡¯t¡± She isn¡¯t afraid to talk but the anger in her body is still high up and her heartbeat rises with resentment toward Soha. ¡°Mydy, Soha didn¡¯t do anything to Na jihye. she just suddenly attacked her¡± one of the maids said, making Na jihye turn back at her. She was one of the Soha minors, Kim So young. Her blood boil in anger at the fake allegationsid against her and she re hard at, So Young ¡°Is that true?¡± The courtdy asked referring to Na ji hye ¡°No.. N..¡± she stammered again. The courdy took in a deep breath before turning back to, So Young ¡°You tell me what happened¡± ¡°Yes mydy, we were just doing theundry when all of a sudden Na ji hye just came in and grabbed Soha. she started beating her up. we all tried to separate them but she overpowered us¡± came the exnation from Kim so Young with utmost innocence. ¡°You wench. how dare you lie against me¡± Na ji hye shouted ready to bounce on So Young, but before she could take action two court maids immediately held her back making her kneel on the floor. ¡°You¡­¡± The courtdy was lost at word, stunned by Na ji hye¡¯s reckless behavior. As far as she remembers, it is an offence to fight in the pce, and seeing the young maid in front of her trying to break into another fight in her presence when she hasn¡¯t know her fate with her current offence ¡°it only been a few minutes you just fought and wound your fellow maid and you are about fighting again in my presence¡± ¡°I am sorry mydy, she is lying against me¡± Na ji hye replied coolly. ¡°Shut up! Didn¡¯t I ask you in the first ce and what did you do? you are standing there stammering, not able to say a word!¡± The courtdy scolded angrily. Na ji hye gritted her teeth and re balefully at Soha where her other minors are taking care of her before averting her gaze to So Young whoid the fake allegations on her. So Young gulped down nervously when she met Na ji hye gaze. malice coloured her features. ¡°Even if I didn¡¯t want to believe her before, your attitude right now gives me the impression to do so. Right in my presence you were about beating her up¡± she crossed her arm as he eyes Na jihye with a disappointed look. ¡°I can¡¯t believe a mere court maid like you behaving so arrogant¡± ¡°Is that what really happened, to everyone?¡± The courtdy asked, referring the question to all the court maids present in theundry room before the fight erupted. They all looked at themselves warily before answering ¡± Yes mydy¡± They chorused together Betrayal shed through Na jihye¡¯s face. she bawled her fist tightly. ¡°They are lying, that¡¯s not truth¡± ¡°You wench, You are mere court maid but your arrogance is intolerable. you¡¯re trying to kill your fellow maids, and you are still proving stubbornness on top of that¡± The courtdy barked grimly at her. ¡°I¡¯m not trying to prove stubborn Mydy¡± She defended herself. ¡°Do you think I am your friend? how dare you talk back at me forgetting your position?. Take her to the inspector courdy immediately, and flog her 100 times¡± she ordered and eyed Na ji hye with disgust. Her head snapped up at the Order. ¡°Please forgive me, Mydy. I beg for your mercy!¡± So Young, who made the allegations, eyed Na ji hye with wicked amusement. ¡°Yes mydy¡± Two court maids moved closer and reached for Na ji hye arm and began to pull her out towards the door. ¡°please I beg for your mercy, Mydy!¡± All her pleas fell on deaf ears as the maids continued dragging her out, but as she was about to plead her case with all her might again. A childish but calm and collective voice sounded from the doorway. ¡°Release her right now!¡± Upon hearing this. Everyone turned to look in the direction where the voice came from. An adorable little girl had, at some time during the ruckus, shown up unnoticed by the doorways. She looked to be around fifteen or sixteen years of age, and she was dressed up in a white and golden hanbok dress, her dark brown hair wasbed back beautifully entrapped with golden hairpin in the shape of a flower. The edges of the hair were twisted back and tied with a ribbon matching her dress. Coupled with a pair of matching leather shoes. She was the very perfect picture of royalty. ¡°What an adorable child!¡± ¡°She¡¯s such a little cutie¡± ¡°What¡¯s she doing here¡± ¡°who¡¯s she¡± Most of the people at the scene had never seen this child before but it was clear that they found her endearing as they appraised her.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org. Na ji hye too, was gazing at the child in surprise. She had a chubby little face, but angr petite features. one could only imagine how devastatingly beautiful she would be once she grew up. Those who are familiar with her quickly bow their heads in respect. Presently, even though the child was only of tender age, she still looked somber with her feature set in a grim expression. She even looked authoritative, like she had a wizened soul hidden inside her miniature figures. ¡°You¡± she began in a clipped tone. Her gaze icy as she jabbed a finger at So Young ¡°You should apologize.¡± So Young was shocked at first but she quickly turned furious as she snapped. ¡°Whose brat is this, you don¡¯t even know what you are saying. why should I apologise?¡± ¡°You little brat just¡­..¡± she was unable to finish her statement when a pnded on her cheeks cutting her off from whatever she was spouting from her mouth. She gasped and held her cheek in pain. The p was from the courtdy that was with the child. ¡°Who do you think you are?! how dare you talk to the princess in such insolent manners!¡± Princess! So Young drew back In surprised, and couldn¡¯t wrap her head around the title. The courtdy, on the other hand, pressed a palm to her forehead when she suddenly recalled that the little girl was none other than the young princess of the royal family. The only royal princess of this country. At the recollection of that. The courtdy hurried up to the little girl with a grin on her face and greeted courteously ¡°Your highness, what brings you here?¡± To the side, So Young froze when she heard this. What? This brat is the princess. The king¡¯s daughter? The little girl looked impassive and though she sounded young there was still an intimidating edge to her voice as she said ¡°I was just passing through here when I saw everything that happened before my eyes. All what this maid say is a lie¡± Meanwhile Na ji hye was moved by how the little princess came to her defence even though she didn¡¯t know her. Warmth surged through her eyes as she stared at the young princess with gentle gratitude andpassion. So Young, however, swallowed convulsively when she heard the princess¡¯ exnation. She tried to hide her fear with a nervous smile as she pointed out soothingly, ¡°Your highness. You do understand one must have a proof before making such im, and you can¡¯t go around making false usations¡± The little princess scoffed, and her face was still grim as she countered. ¡°And what makes you think I will need proof when I happened to witness everything with my maids?¡± She pointed toward her maids who were standing behind her. So Young¡¯s heart plunged to her stomach when she heard this, and she was rendered speechless, unable to retort against the princess. Soha on the other hand where she sits re maliciously at the princess. Her expression was tight with fury as she thought menacingly. damn it! I was this close to pushing that wretched Na ji hye into the depth of hell! I can¡¯t believe it was all ruined by her. ¡°Everyone will be punished ordingly, but before that I need the head courtdy to be here¡± she uttered facing her maid. ¡°Yes Your highness¡± Her courtdy replied and motioned for one of the maids to carry out the order. Everywhere fell into silence that even if a pin was dropped, it would certainly make a sound as everyone was upied with their thoughts awaiting what the princess¡¯ punishment would be. After a few minutes the maid appeared with the head courtdy walking ahead of her. ¡°Your highness¡± The head courtdy bows courteously ¡°What brings you to this shabby ce?¡± she added, looking around theundry room. The princess ignored her questions and cleared her voice. ¡°I will be pointing out everyone¡¯s crime to you. Get ready to punish them¡± She said looking intently at the head courtdy. ¡°I¡¯m at your services¡± The head courtdy bow, awaiting her order. Chapter 4 Showing Her Authority The princess crossed her arm together, imposing that she had authority as she talked, giving out their offences. ¡°That one over there!¡± She points toward Soha who has been ring maliciously at the princess all these while. ¡°Her offence is that she taunts her fellow maid and has been throwing a death re at me since the beginning of this matter.¡± She exined and shock crept into Soha¡¯s face. All the coloured drain from her face as she wondered how the princess knew she had been ring at her. The head courtdy turned to Soha. ¡°You wench! you are still sitting down!¡± The head courtdy fired terribly at Soha not minding her condition, making Soha drop down on her knees immediately. ¡°Please forgive me, Your highness.¡± She apologized. ¡°Hold it!¡± The princess warned- shushing her. ¡°And that one!¡± She pointed at So Young. ¡°She ndered her fellow maid, and also used me of making false usations when actually she was the one giving out fake usations¡± She snapped at So Young mercilessly. So Young also dropped down to a kneeling position and raised her gaze slightly from the floor. ¡°I am sorry You¡­..¡± She was unable toplete her statement when the princess re stopped her and she gulped down nervously. The little princess was probably only two three feet in height but he sounded like an old soul not to mention imperious. ¡°Those were their crimes. what did you think we should do?¡± she demanded seriously, staring at So Young with pointed indifference. The head courtdy croaked in a low voice.¡±They do not deserve to be shown mercy for disrespecting Your highness. I will make sure they get their appropriate punishment¡± ¡°What is this appropriate punishment you are talking about?¡± She asked, crossing her arms underneath her corset. ¡°They will be cane,¡± The head courtdy dered. Murmuring among the crowds as everyone has piteous looks on their faces. ¡°I don¡¯t think they deserve that?¡± ¡°What did you mean, Your highness?¡± The head courtdy asked in confusion. ¡°I will forgive them for their rude behavior toward me because if I really want to punish them for that, then everyone here deserved to be punished along with them¡± She replied, her gaze scanning the crowds. Panicking, all the other court maids bows their heads and apologized ¡°We are sorry, Your highness¡± ¡°You don¡¯t even know your offence and you are asking for forgiveness¡± she scoffed rhetorically. ¡°None of them paid their respect to me when I came in. I am sure they would try to make an excuse that they didn¡¯t know me since this is their first time seeing me, but can¡¯t they recognize me through my dressing and grace?¡± she added, referring her question to the head courdy. ¡°Please forgive us, Your highness.¡± They apologized again, with their head bow. ¡°I agreed with you on one thing though.¡± she said, turning to the head courtdy whose head is still bowed. ¡°That maid needs to be flogged,¡± She pointed at So Young. ¡°Not because she tarnishes the dignity of the internal court¡¯s but because she disrespect me. She need to be punished for that¡± ¡°I beg your pardon,¡± The head courtdy said. ¡°I should forgive her like other but I can¡¯t forget what she said to me. How dare she call me a little brat¡± she red malicious at So Young. At that moment it was as if her mind imploded. All coloured drain to her face as she considered the pain she will pass through once ashnded on her. Her face nched. She bows her head and apologized In trembling voice. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Your highness. I truly am. I didn¡¯t mean to use you like that. As you can see I didn¡¯t notice your highness spontaneous unmerited gift on time, and I wouldn¡¯t dare try to argue ory an usation on you. You are an honorable person unworthy of me to disrespect.¡± ¡°How dare you make an excuse aftermitting a cardinal sin?¡± she red at So Young with ming eyes. ¡°Have mercy on me, Your highness¡± she stuttered. ¡°I.. I.. mean to but¡­ but¡­ i.. she¡­¡± She doesn¡¯t know what to say. The princess merely looked contemptuous as she stared at So Young, a trembling figure. Is that all it takes for you to crack under pressure? you seemed pretty brazen when you were framing another person earlier. ¡°I can¡¯t go back on my words. take her away and cane her fifty times.¡± she ordered. ¡°Yes Your Highness,¡± Two of the maids bow. In one long stride, they dragged her up. She tried to struggle to get out of there grip but to no avail, after all they have overpower her. ¡°Your highness please show your mercy¡± She pleaded loudly as the maid dragged her out. Her voice echoed as the princess could still hear her voice from outside theundry room. ¡°Too noisy¡± The princess mumbled silently. ¡°And for the other maid. do not give her wage for a whole year¡± ¡°Yes Your highness¡± The head courdy nodded. Not paid wage for a whole year? This made Soha blood run cold, and she was ashen-face as she thought Wildly. No, if I don¡¯t get paid for a whole year, then I won¡¯t be able to pay my debt. I can¡¯t let that happen. ¡°Your highness, I really need¡­.¡± ¡°Should I make it two years?¡± The princess cut her off coldly. Gulping convulsively, she shakes her head slowly lowering her gaze back to the floor. Almost immediately a deafening silence fell over the room. Everyone was amazed by how the young princess radiated such unquestionably and intimidating authority even though she was only a child. She is, indeed, from the royal family. There¡¯s no doubt about it. However the little princess couldn¡¯t be bothered about what the other thoughts of her as she turned to eye Na jihye curiously, and at that moment she seemed to have shield her icy demeanor. Na ji hye too held her gaze steadily. The little princess has shell-pink lips and while her features are yet to set, she was already quite the delicate and beautiful little woman. She looked stoic when she didn¡¯t smile, but it was precisely how stern she looked that made her all the more endearing, so much that one would be filled with the urge to pinch her chubby cheeks. ¡°Deduct her sry for four month¡± she ordered, staring at Na ji hye. Everyone gasps at the sudden change of behavior of the princess. They are all surprised the princess would still give Na ji hye punishment since they believe she was on her side. ¡°Your highness, what did she do wrong?¡± The head courdy asked surprisedly. ¡°For fighting in the pce to the extent of wounding her fellow maid. I can¡¯t overlook that¡± She replied, her gaze not leaving Na ji hye down. ¡°The reason why your punishment isn¡¯t severed is that, since she was the one who frustrated and mocked you. it is only natural that you get angry. so I will consider this reckless behavior of yours as an act of nature¡± she added. ¡°Thank you for your boundless generosity, Your highness.¡± Na ji hye bow. She turned around to leave. All the maids bow courteously. She was about to reach the door when suddenly she turned back. ¡°I almost forgot, All the maids that were in theundry before the fight, sent them to the stable to clean the horse dung.¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. The head courdy raised her head up. ¡°Why?¡± She asked. ¡°Must you always question me?¡± She snapped at her. ¡°Just do as I ordered. That is their punishment for testifying falsely against her. ¡±she pointed at Na ji hye. With that she dash out with her maids trailing behind her. Everyone released a breath they didn¡¯t know they were holding. ¡°Go to the stable after you are done with yourundry.¡± The head courdy ordered the maids. ¡°Yes Mydy¡± They chorused and the head courdy left with the other courtdy trailing behind her. Chapter 5 Giving Advice To Her Brother The sky was clear that night and the moon was perfectly round, shaped like a big round bulb. it was night full of star that shine brightly In his dimly lit, quiet room, Prince Kang Sohyun sat beside the window staring at the bright moon. After a few seconds he averted his gaze away from the moon. I wondered what could be the answer¡± The now twenty five year old man stared at the paper in his hand curiously. Shortly the door opened revealing the princess as she walked elegantly toward her brother who hasn¡¯t notice her presence yet as he seemed totally in his thoughts. ¡°Brother¡± She called but the prince didn¡¯t flinch as he was engrossed in his thoughts. ¡°Brother¡± she called again and tapped him lightly which got his attention. ¡°Huh,¡± He said, rubbing his forehead.¡±when did youe¡± ¡°Brother, are you okay?¡± She asked worriedly. ¡°Is it already our reading hour?¡± He ignored her questions. ¡°What book did we agree to read today? He smiled barely. ¡°Is it history or a Chinese anecdote?¡± But giving to the kind of person she was. The princess pressed forward with her questions. ¡°You looked deeply worried,¡± Her voice was neutral but there is a thread of underlying concern in it. ¡°Do I?¡± The prince mirrored his own worry and concern. ¡°Did something happen at the pce today which I¡¯m not aware of? or maybe¡­¡± She trails off. The prince looks up expecting her to continue. ¡°Is your teacher giving you a hard time?¡± Heughed. ¡°No, that¡¯s not it, but he has caused me a rather difficult task¡± he spected. ¡°What¡¯s it? Tell me perhaps I can help.¡± The prince stood up and walked toward the wooden chair in the middle of the room with the princess behind him. He sat down. Not wasting time, the princess also joined him on another chair. ¡°Will you help?¡± he asked, leaning his arm on the table. ¡°With pleasure¡± ¡°Father has deeply misunderstood me and the cause of it is my literature teacher,¡± he sighed deeply. ¡°I am not sure how to get him to open up to me.¡± ¡°A misunderstanding?¡± The princess¡¯ brows creased in confusion. ¡°That¡¯s not all. Understandably, he might not befortable with me since I am the crown prince but he doesn¡¯t have to put me in a tight spot¡± he injected. The princess¡¯ face flushed in sadness hearing her brother¡¯s situation. There was slightly ting of pity in her eyes Seeing this the princeughed lightly. ¡°I have made you worry over nothing.¡± He said in a whisper ¡°Do not worry. A knot can always be undone.¡± The princess raised her head up and looked at her brother with a confused look. ¡°He gave me a riddle to solve and I was unable to get the correct answer. because of that he went ahead to report me to father¡± ¡°I am sure he isn¡¯t interested in teaching me to begin with,¡± he added. ¡°Brother¡± she called with her gaze down. ¡°I am listening,¡± the prince replied. ¡°You wish to win his trust, am I right¡± ¡°Do you know a way?¡± he replied eagerly. ¡°Any heart can be won through ttery and leniency. no matter howx his teaching attitude is, you can give him the best score.¡± He was rendered in awe.¡±What a simple solution¡± ¡°But favour won through ttery doesn¡¯tst. And what is the point if his affections are not sincere?¡± The princess added before he could conclude his thinking. He nodded ¡°Well said,¡± he smiles with gratitude. The princess returned his smile before continuing. ¡°It¡¯s easy to be a false student and difficult to be true, but first you should consider what is best for your teacher¡± She saidpassion filled her eyes. ¡°Rather than used ttery to win false affections. Give him good advice no matter how harsh to the ear?¡± His heart was filled with happiness as he said those words. ¡°I guess I will be the teacher for a while then¡± he added andughed lightly. ¡°He misunderstands you now, but some day your sincerity will get through to him. Do not give up brother¡± She encouraged with a wide smile spread on her lips. Unknown to them the king was at the door listening to their conversation. He smiles happily at his daughter¡¯s intelligence. She raised his gaze up incredulously. ¡°Bute to think of it, how can he bodily go ahead to report you. We¡¯re talking about my brother? the great crown prince himself and you surrendered to him.¡± She japes, teasing her brother. ¡°He must be bold because father gave him the right to scold and report me if Imitted any crime or ck in my studies¡± the prince replied with a deep frown on his face. The princessughed out loudly and the prince looked up at her wondering why she wasughing. ¡°What¡¯s funny?¡± He asked ¡°I was just awe what a remarkable young man he is to be able to make you surrendered like this¡± ¡°I¡¯m not doing anything because his Majesty ordered me not to try and use my authority on him. If not, who the hell is he?¡± He defended himself. ¡°Really¡± The princess replied teasingly. ¡°You carried water in one hand and fire in the other. You are too much¡± he replied pretending to be annoyed.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. Herughter enrode louder than before and the prince red angrily at her. The king smiles at their bond and leaves with his eunuch and maids. ¡°Okay I am sorry¡± She apologized afterughing to her heart¡¯s content. ¡°My next problem is how to solve the riddle, and he says if I didn¡¯t get the answer correctly he would resign from teaching me. And I also ept to stop learning literature if I didn¡¯t get the correct answer¡± ¡°What is the riddle?¡± The princess asked. ¡°This can light up the world in a moment. Yet can also darken the world just as quickly¡± ¡°I have a condition if I help you¡± she replied ¡°You will get anything you want. You have my word, don¡¯t worry.¡± The princess ced her hand on her chin thinking. After a few seconds she banged her hand on the table. ¡°Let me help you with that. Here¡± she motions for him to move closer. The prince leaned closer and the princess whispered something in his ear. The prince broke into a smile and nodded his head. ¡ï¡ï¡ï The moon petals flower scattered all over as the cool breeze blew on it. Some of the moon petalsnded on the prince where he sat down in the pce pavilion. In front of him are his teachers sitting a few meters away from him on the neatlyid covers, essing his books one after the other. The king sat next to him as he listened to the teacher¡¯s report. The maids and eunuchs lined perfectly outside the bridge leading to the pavilion with their head bow. ¡°It is a pass,¡± The head eunuch announced loudly as one of the crown prince teachers ced a piece of wood on the table to indicate his failure or sess. The prince smiled happily when he saw that his teacher gave him a pass. ¡°In such a short time, you have mastered both Eojesanghun and Eojejuhun. I am just impressed¡± his history teacher¡¯spliment. ¡°It is all thanks to you, master,¡± he replied. ¡°hem¡± his political teacher cleared his voice and smiled at him as he checked his book. He stared at the book and read it out. ¡°Politics is like fame that you can gain and lose at any time.¡± The political teacher read out before returning his gaze back to the prince. ¡°I am satisfied with Your highness¡¯ answer. You are just amazing. Heplimented him and ced a wooden pass on the table. ¡°It¡¯s a pass,¡± The head eunuch announced again. The king smiled proudly. ¡°Since we haven¡¯t started anything on literature. I will just like you to provide an answer to yesterday¡¯s riddle¡±, his literature teacher stated. ¡°Forgive me¡± he twisted his lips slightly ¡°I didn¡¯t know the answer¡± The prince replied heedlessly. ¡°Hmm¡± The teachers sighed deeply because of his behavior. ¡°Please let me know the answer to the riddle¡± The prince demanded. ¡°Zisi¡¯s doctrine of the mean states that with perfect bnced heaven and Earth will be at peace and all will make progress.¡± he replied, intuition coloured his features. ¡°Therefore if the king rules with benevolence and virtue, and achieves a perfect bnce, his subject life will be brightened. And if he does the opposite their lives will be darkened. He raised his head up proudly. ¡°Therefore the answer is sovereign rule.¡± he finished. ¡°But that¡¯s not the answer I was looking for.¡± The prince replied, which earned him a nce from his father. ¡°That¡¯s not the answer. Then what is the answer?¡± The teacher petitioned. ¡°The answer is¡­. eyelids¡± he replied and everyone looked at each other in confusion. ¡°Is this some kind of joke?¡± The teacher replied enraged. ¡°Mind the way you talk to me¡± he fired back at the teacher. ¡°I am Sorry Your highness¡± he apologized but one could still see anger lingering in his eyes. ¡°If you do not like an answer to a question, does it make it a joke?¡± he replied, answering his questions. ¡°What did you say?¡± The king asked beside him. ¡°If the answer is not found in a book does it make it foolish¡± the prince replied, answering to his father¡¯s questions but his gaze is not leaving his teacher alone. ¡°Then is that childish wordy the correct answer?¡± The teacher quizzed. ¡°Through the eyes of a child the world is filled with problems. And the solutions are also found in that same world¡± he pauses his eyes and bore Into his teacher¡¯s own. ¡°There are two pitfalls in teaching. One is arrogance in thinking that you knew every answer to a question. The other is prejudice and judging by your own standards.¡± He said in a challenging tone, mock sweetness coloring his voice. ¡°Your arrogance and prejudice are clouding your eyes and mind. That¡¯s the truth. You talk of sovereign¡¯s rule? What you said is true. But, how will you look after your students with your eyes closed tightly? How will you teach those students?¡± The king gives the prince a scrutinized look amuse at how he is handling the situation. ¡°Being a king is simr to being a teacher, because they both had something alike. They must listen attentively to their people and students like a mother listening to a child whining, in order for them to rule and teach them peacefully¡± he replied, raising his voice a little. ¡°First and foremost, you must be willing to teach,¡± he concluded. A deafening silence fell upon as everyone including the maids and eunuchs looked at the prince with amusement. The literature teacher stood up and folded his hand tightly together, sping it on his stomach. ¡°After our lesson, I would like to chat with my student and just to get to know him, I would like to pay my respects and apologize. Please forget my past behavior and ept my respects¡± he said and went down on his knees bowing. My son has grown up. The king thought showily, staring intently at the prince with a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Chapter 6 My Family After the morning ss. All the other teachers depart leaving the crown prince and his literature teachers behind to talk They both sit facing each with a table of refreshments ced in front of them. The eunuch served them their tea and stood beside them awaiting any order. ¡°I have a question to ask Your highness¡± he revered, and sipped his tea. ¡°Go on¡± ¡°If I had guessed the correct answer. Would you have stopped learning literature as you im?¡± He demanded. The prince inhaled deeply ¡°that was my resolve.¡± ¡°I took you for a mere student but your determination is respectable¡± He replied with a smile. ¡°It was my sister who gave me this courage¡± The prince esteemed dreamly, a wide smile spread on his lip ¡°What an intelligent young princess,¡± heplimented. ¡°How old is the princess¡± ¡°She is fifteen.¡± The teacher couldn¡¯t help the surprise look that clouds his face. ¡°Fifteen? You discuss your worry with such a young sister¡± He wondered. ¡°Your royal highness, the tea is getting cold. please enjoy the tea before it loses its fragrance.¡± The eunuch reminded them. ¡°Right,¡± The prince nodded. ¡°I have a gift for Your highness¡± He expressed his gratitude, opening a bowl of Taffy on the table. ¡°Please help yourself,¡± he offered, pointing at the Taffy ced on the table. The prince smiled and reached forward to take some Taffy but paused when a hand stopped him. He looked up confusedly at his teacher. ¡°In other words, the rebuke came from your sister, not you.¡± He asked. ¡°Yes, I suppose so since she is the one who motivates me.¡± ¡°Then it is your sister who deserves to eat this precious Taffy.¡± ¡°What?¡± The prince eximed. The prince looked at him, calcting. He must have guessed what his teacher was thinking. He cleared his voice. ¡°I am sorry, Your royal highness. I will have to wrap up the Taffy. I¡¯d like to give them to my unseen students, not the one sitting before me¡± he added with a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. The prince smiled, a lopsided smile. ¡­¡­ The sound of the birds and the tinkling of wind chimes resounded in my head. The fragrance from the garden gently drifts through the window creating a heady floral scent in my room.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org. I sat on the chairs in my quarter andy down my head on the window frame while looking at the garden. There was a gorgeous range of flowers; azalea, butterfly bush, calibrachoa, Angelonia. Carved hedges depicted strange shapes all around the array. I love the sound of tinkling wind chimes, birds, burbling fountains, waterfalls, colored lights and nts gently rustling in the wind. When these soundsbine, it¡¯s really amazing. The birds, butterflies, bees and other small animals are also attracted to the sound of water and every year there are numerous frogs and toads thate here to live. I like seeing tiny frogs and toads in and around the pond situated beside butterfly bush flowers. My other love is the sounds of moving water- which may seem strange given the fact that I am afraid of water. I have always been afraid of water and fire since I was a young child. It still puzzles me on how I enjoyed the sound of water and crackling fire despite being afraid of them. ¡°You and your nature again¡± A shrill cry pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned in the direction of the voice to see my brother sitting on a chair . ¡°Brother¡± I called while walking toward him and sat down on a chair facing him. ¡°When did youe in?¡± I added. ¡°Well it¡¯s been long, but you are so lost in your thoughts that you didn¡¯t notice me,¡± he responded. I smiled with difiture.¡±you should know me for that¡± He ced a box on the table in front of her. ¡°From my teacher?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± I inquired, looking intently at the box. The box was wrapped with a white silk material. He smiles. ¡°It¡¯s a gift of gratitude¡± Gift of gratitude then means it was from his teacher. Why is he giving this to me? Seemed like he noticed my confused daze and he chuckled lightly. ¡°I confess that you give me the courage to rebuke his actions.¡± He said with a reassuring smile. ¡°You what? What did he say?¡± I eximed loudly. I am not a fan of big gestures and I like not being noticed by people, but hearing him say that he told his teacher I was the one who helped him kind of surprised me. ¡°He called you his true student and prepared this gift for you¡± came his reply with a benign mirth cleared in his tone. ¡°Is that so¡± ¡°Yes¡± I guess I am left with no choice but to ept it. I reached for the box and moved it to my front, opening it I dipped my hand inside and came out with Taffy. My eyes suddenly lit up as if I just encountered something important. ¡°Isn¡¯t this Taffy?¡± ¡°Yes. Go on and eat¡± he said I put the Taffy in my mouth and closed my Eyes mourning in pleasure. ¡°Wow. This is delicious¡± ¡°How did your riddle go?¡± I asked. my mouth full with taffy He smiles, his eyes glistening with gratitude. And that gives me my answer that It went well. ¡°That¡¯s good¡± I missed with utmost relief. ¡°The answer to the riddle?¡± I demand I have been curious to know so I couldn¡¯t stop the question from escaping my mouth. ¡°Eyelids,¡± he muttered. ¡°Eyelids¡± I repeated slowly with surprise clearly shown on my face. ¡°Yes¡± ¡°How is that the answer?¡± If I could remember well. The riddle was what can lighten the world yet can darken it immediately. So how did hee up with that answer? Knowing me, my brother quickly started with an exnation. ¡°Think about it yourself. Put yourself in my shoes and assume you are the one given the riddle, to solve.¡± He ordered. I took in a deep breath and closed my eyes, taking in my surroundings. After a few seconds I opened them. ¡°You are right. Eyelids are the answer! Close your eyes and the word goes dark¡± I gestured with my hand closing her eyes. ¡°But if you open your eyes, the world is bright!¡± I said, opening my eyes. Chapter 7 My Family(2) My brotherughed slightly at my childish gleaming. ¡°That¡¯s right, and the eyes are the only part of our body that tolerates darkness but epts brightness.¡± He exined further. ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± ¡°The eyes are the most important key to listening to your people, not your ear¡± I heard my father ¡®s voice from behind. We both turned back to see His Majesty walking in with mother who is heavily pregnant. ¡°Father!¡± We both called at the same time and stood up to acknowledge our parents. Father and mother walked further into the room and sat down. My brother and I followed. ¡°You used your hand to give out to your people and used your ear to listen to their worries. Every part of the body has their own function that they perform to a nation, but the eyes perform the biggest function. Once you close your eyes there is no way you can see the other part of your body, you might be able to use them but it will be more difficult to utilize them than when your eyes are opened.¡± Father exined my questions. ¡°Oh¡± I nodded at the exnation. Father had always been the type that liked to lecture. My brother got that from him though. I guessed if he wasn¡¯t a crown prince he would have be a teacher. ¡°Mother, are you okay?¡± Brother¡¯s voice boomed my ear, jolting me out of my thoughts. I looked at his face and noticed he was looking at mother so I traced my gaze to her. ¡°Are you okay mother¡± Noticing the ufortable look on mother¡¯s face. I also couldn¡¯t help but ask. We all turned our attention to her. ¡°My queen, what is the problem?¡± Father asked. Mother looked at us and chuckled lightly. I don¡¯t me her because the look on our faces is not a thing to write about. I mean we have a panicked look on our faces. She ced her hand on her protruding tummy, rubbing it lightly. ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious. The baby has been kicking frequently these days¡± She smiles looking down at her stomach. Father smiled and took his hand to his wife¡¯s tummy, stroking it gently. He suddenly gasped.¡± I felt the baby move¡± he said and smiled curled up at our lips. ¡°If your subject should see this side of you, I guess they will be shocked to the bone¡± brother teasingly joke. Fatherughed lightly.¡±I guess you are right¡± ¡°His Majesty told me how you handle the situation with your teacher earlier today. I am really proud of you¡± mother suddenly said to the brother which earned her a smile from him. ¡°The person that I think deserves that appraisal is the princess,¡± ¡°What did you mean?¡± Brother sought. ¡°Isn¡¯t she the one who gave you the answer to the riddle?¡± He replied. I exchanged a weary nce with my brother in surprise. ¡°What is going on?¡± I blurted out. ¡°I know she is the one who gave you the answer to the riddle. I didn¡¯t want to flop your y earlier with your teacher. I heard when you both were talkingst night¡± Father answered. What is he talking about? We bursted intoughter when we realized what he might be thinking. Perhaps he heard our conversationst night. ¡°Why are you guysughing?¡± mother asked when she saw her husband tense in anger. We quicklypost ourselves and mutter an apology to him. He easily gets angry and that¡¯s what happened right now. Seeing his tense shoulder means he is already angry at us forughing at his words. ¡°I didn¡¯t provide him with the answer¡± ¡°But I heard when you guys when talkingst night¡± He queried in confusion. I knew it. Of Course that would be the case. My gaze move to my brother who is still staring at father in surprise, I nudge him slightly to start his exnation. He cleared his voice. ¡°I guessed you didn¡¯t listen till the end. It is true that she helped me with my worries yesterday, but all she does is give me some encouraging words. It was those words that motivated me to rebuke my teacher earlier today and she gave me hints on how to solve the riddle¡± Brother exined and my mind drifted back to what it was yesterday night. ¡°I am sure your teacher wants to test your brain and find out how determined you are, and this riddle has something to do with your studies which I am sure of. He is trying to know if you can easily be intimidated. So sit tight and think carefully what the answer to this riddle might be¡± Those were my exact words yesterday night. Recalling that I even prank him yesterday made me burst intoughter and as if my brother already know what going in my mind he throws me a yful re. ¡°What is funny. Don¡¯t think I forget what you did yesterday¡± brother examined, staring a me with that y re still on his face. He was so happy when his sister volunteer to provide the answer to the riddle to him yesterday night but was disappointed when I tease him instead of helping him by telling him to bribe his teacher and the problem will be solved and he on the other hand was nning on doing so but I startedughing and told him it was a prank. After our bickering I then gives him hints and motivational words to solve the riddle on his own without requiring help from anyone and it was those words that encouraged him greatly. he didn¡¯t sleep till daybreak busy thinking what the answer to the riddle might be until he finally got it. I looked at his face and saw his lip curled into a smiling pace. He must recalling yesterday incident as well. ¡°I believe you will be able to get the correct answers, which you did.¡± I said, smiling with utmost respect for my brother. ¡°I won¡¯t have done it without you,¡± He replied with the smile still stered on his lip. ¡°I am proud of you two¡± Father said and the whole family smiled. Seeing my family sitting down and having a happy conversation like this is something which happens once in a while. Everyone is always busy with his or her duty making it impossible for such gathering to always urred. I need to explore this opportunity well. ¡°I have a favour to importuned you with father¡± ¡°What is that¡± he raised his gaze to meet mine. ¡°There¡¯s this maid. I want her to be transferred to me¡± ¡°Maid?¡± ¡°Yes Father. I will really appreciate it if you could granted my request¡± ¡°If that is the case, then your mother is the one who you should ask,¡± he replied, turning to mother. ¡°She is the only one who has the right to give out order concerning the internal court¡¯s¡± ¡°Or what did you say my queen?¡± He added. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty,¡± mother replied, bowing her head slightly. ¡°Who is this maid you wish to recruit?¡± She asked ¡°I didn¡¯t know her name but she is working at the pceundry room¡± ¡°It must be the maid that you took side with yesterday,¡± brother chimed in making me turned to him. ¡°How did you know that?¡± ¡°I heard the maids gossiping about it. it is circting rapidly among the maids, they are talking about how you took her side without knowing her before. some are even saying maybe you know her.¡± He exined. That¡¯s is the deadly and sweetest poison or antidote in the pce. Rumour. Once a bad rumour spread about, that could certainly took something important in your life if not your life itself. And the case reversable to a good rumour, it can also add something important to your life, if not your safety and life itself. ¡°I didn¡¯t know her, and I didn¡¯t take her side either. I just defend her against injustice but I won¡¯t lie that I havee to take a liking to her and wished to make her mine.¡± ¡°I will see what I can do about it¡± mother replied ¨C which me smiled happily. ¡°Thank you very much mother¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org. ¡°With that being solved¡± Father said and turned to his wife ¡°My queen would you mind excusing me and the crown prince. I must have a word with him¡± ¡°Yes Your Majesty¡± mother replied and stood up with the help of Father holding her by her waist. ¡°And you too suk¡± Father said turning to me. I smiled happily and stood up. ¡°Yes Father¡± I replied and joined my hand with my mother¡¯s own. ¡°Mother let us go and have our own mother and daughter talk as well¡± I pout and the whole family bursted intoughter. ¡°Sure let us do that¡± mother replied and we both bow to father before turning around and leaving the room with our hands joined together. I could see Father and my brother smiling while looking at us as we walk out. Chapter 8 Finding Information About The Monster A deafening silence fell upon as soon as the queen and the princess left the room. The king looked at the prince carefully, desperate for what he was about to say. ¡°I hope the pce prison is heavily guarded,¡± The king grilled. ¡°Yes, Your majesty. you don¡¯t have to worry. No matter how strong it is. there¡¯s no way it will be able to escape ¡± came the exnation from the prince.. ¡°I don¡¯t know why, I am feeling restless about this. we can¡¯t rely on the pce prison guard alone. Inform the royal guards to join them immediately tomorrow morning. I want the prison to be tightly secured¡± ¡°Yes Your majesty¡± ¡°I am having a bad feeling about this,¡± The king insists, exhaling loudly. ¡°Try not to worry too much. Everything will be fine¡± The prince reassured. ¡°I hope so,¡± The king entailed, not feeling satisfied. ¡°Crown prince.¡±He called. ¡°You might be twenty five year old and still think you are still a child but I want you to know that you are no longer a child. You are the heir to my throne. Always be on your toes at anytime¡± he directed. ¡°I will keep that in mind Your majesty¡± ¡°The reason why I am involving you in all of these, is because I want you to learn from me, inorder for you to rule the people well when I am no more¡± ¡°Father You do not have to worry. I promise to be a great king like you¡± ¡°That¡¯s good to hear¡± I hope everything works out well. The king whispers and releases a deep breath. ¡­. Mother and I sat down on the neatlyid cover. In front of us each is handmade embroidery and with the embroidery needleying perfect in our hands. We are both massively immersed in our embroidery but the look on my face shows depression. Why won¡¯t it be when my mind is upied with the thought that is nagging me since we left Father and brother alone. Beside us are other materials such as quills, beads, sequins and pearls. An embroidery hoop and embroidery flossy next to these materials. Suddenly I cried out when the crewel needle pierced my finger since I wasn¡¯t paying full attention to it. ¡°Suk. Are you okay?¡± Mother asked worriedly, moving closer to me, and taking my hand on her own as she blew air on my finger.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org. ¡°Mother. I¡¯m fine. I was thinking about something else¡± I replied with a small smile. ¡°You need to pay better attention when doing your embroidery¡± She cautioned and took a nce at me before continuing to blow on the wound. ¡°You read difficult books so easily but your embroidery is terrible¡± she went on, trailing her finger on my embroidery. Yes she is right I won¡¯t brag about it. I can clearly say that I am more versed in academics than most schrs out there, but ording to mother embroidery is something all women of buyeo must do, not only buyeo but joseon atrge. So I am left with no choice but to do this. ¡°I will work hard to improve¡± ¡°Of course you must¡± She sat back and resumed her embroidery. ¡°I wonder what Father and my brother are talking about? I hope all is well¡± I said looking at my mother. ¡°I am sure it¡¯s not something serious and if it is Your father will take care of it,¡± mother replied without raising her head from her embroidery. ¡°Okay¡± I just don¡¯t know but I have a feeling something that will change my life forever is about to happen. I just can¡¯t shove the feeling off my mind. ¡°I have a bad feeling about something happening soon,¡± I said absent-mindedly. ¡°Why did you say so?¡± Mother asked. ¡°Nevermind¡± ¡ï¡ï¡ï I opened my eyes and squinted in the sunshine streaming in through the open window. I stretched, feeling more rxed than I had since. I sat up and looked around the room until my gazended on the back of a maid cleaning the room. I was unable to see her face since she was backing me, but I still knew it wasn¡¯t one of my maids. I have always been familiar with my maids and will recognize them even at a distance far. ¡°Who are you?¡± I asked, which alerted the maid of my presence and she swiveled around immediately bowing her head. ¡°Did you have a good night¡¯s sleep, Your highness?¡± The maid greeted courteously. I yawned loudly saying some inaudible words and the maid chuckled lightly. ¡°What is wrong with you?¡± I demanded, throwing her a nce. ¡°I am sorry Your highness¡± she apologized with her head still bowed. ¡°Who are you? and where is my maid who is in charge of cleaning the room¡± ¡°I am your new maid, I was transferred here this morning,¡± The maid replied. Why does her voice sound familiar?. ¡°Raise your head¡± With that being said, the maid raised her head up and I gasped in surprise. ¡°You¡­ Aren¡¯t you the maid at theundry room¡± ¡°Yes Your highness,¡± she replied slowly. ¡°Why are you¡­.¡± I trailed off when I remembered I asked my mother for the request yesterday. Has my mother granted my request? My mother is the best. ¡°I was told to resume here this morning,¡± She exined, seeing the confused look on my face. ¡°But if Your highness is bothered by my presence, I will quickly go and change my assignment¡± she bowed and turned to leave but my voice stopped her. ¡°Come back here!,¡±I replied as calmly as possible. The maid turned back. ¡°Move closer¡± I ordered and the maid moved closer to me. ¡°What is your name?¡± ¡°Na ji hye Your highness¡± ¡°Na ji hye¡± I called with a smileing on my lips. ¡°Yes Your highness¡± ¡°Since you are already here. There¡¯s no problem, just do your job diligently. ¡°I won¡¯t let you down Your highness¡± ¡°Your highness it¡¯s time to get ready for the day¡± A voice boomed outside and the door opened revealing the courtdy and the maids. They walk in carrying different boxes and washstands including what I need to get ready, starting from my undergarments to ornaments and other necessary things. Na ji hye bowed and moved back, falling in line with the other maids while the courtdy moved closer to me. ¡°Did you have a good night rest Your highness¡± The courtdy bowed and greeted courteously. ¡°I guessed so¡± I simply started stroking the back of my neck. ¡°We will get Your highness ready¡± With that being said the courdy pped her hand once and the maids moved closer to me, kneeling beside me. They kept the box with them on the floor and opened it revealing different beauty marks and ornaments. Two of them watched my face by cleaning my face with a wet towel. They dipped another towel in a bowl of water and used it to clean my neck and arm to my finger, and helped me into a flimsy white cotton gown after removing the previous one. After they are done with that, they move to my hair, loosen it down and brush it back before styling it with different ornaments. With that being done the other retreated back leaving two maids to do my makeup. Chapter 9 Finding Information About The Monster(2) The two maids moved to my face and began applying make-up and beauty marks on my faces. By the time they were done, another set of maids entered with my dress. They moved back while two other maids helped me into my dress. From my undergarments to my inner drawers, the main drawer and underskirt before topping it with my corset and petticoat. They all moved back and bowed their heads before leaving. The courdy moved closer to me, essing me in my beautiful hanbok dress. ¡°Your beauty is so ravishing that it¡¯s blinding my eyes ¡® ¡®Na ji hyepliment. She is the only one left in the room with me apart from the courdy. ¡°Your dangui is blinding my eyes, with other garments,¡± she added. I smiled appreciatively at her. ¡°The maid will bring in your breakfast¡± The courdy broader, bowed and turned to leave. She stopped when she noticed Na jihye wasn¡¯t following her. ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± She growls slowly at Na ji hye. At the realization, Na ji hye bowed and turned to leave when my voice stopped her step. ¡°Let her be, there¡¯s something I must asked her¡± The courdy looked back at me giving me the look *what did you want to asked her* before averting her gaze to Na ji hye. She shrugged, bowed and left the room. ¡°Come closer¡± I gestured beside me. She moved closer to me and sloped down in front of me. ¡°There¡¯s something I need to confirm from you and I won¡¯t want you to lie to me¡± ¡°Please ask me. I won¡¯t dare lie to Your highness¡± ¡°About that monster you were talking about the other day. Is it really true?. Is there truly a monster in the prison?¡± I asked curiously. Na ji hye looked hesitant but cleared her voice when she met my pleading gaze. ¡°It was my brother who told me, but I am not sure since I didn¡¯t see it with my eyes. But my brother will never lie about something as risky as that, so I guessed it¡¯s the truth¡± she replied. ¡°Your brother is part of pce guards right?¡± ¡°Yes Your highness¡± ¡°I guessed it was the truth then.¡± I inhaled deeply and puffed out air. ¡°How did you think I could get in?¡± I asked slowly like a child knowing that what he/she is trying to do is dangerous. ¡°Your highness, that¡¯s dangerous. Besides, if the rumors happened to be true, then it is not advisable for you to go in there¡± Na ji hye said worriedly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, just told me how to get in¡± ¡°I can¡¯t do that Your highness¡± she bows ¡°Hurry and tell me what I need to know now. It¡¯s a royal order.¡± I threatened.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org. I don¡¯t want to use my authority on her but I know she won¡¯t answer my question if I don¡¯t threaten her. Na ji hye took a deep breath nervously. ¡°Your highness cannot go in without being interrogated by the guards. It is entirely impossible for you to go in because of tight security. I heard his Majesty order the royal guards to join the prison guards this morning. So the prison is heavily guard¡± Na ji hye exined, hoping I will be convinced. ¡°Besides, his Majesty has banned everybody from entering the pce prison,¡± She added. ¡°But there must be a way out somehow,¡± I sighed. ¡°Forgive me for crossing my boundaries. But what did Your highness hope to achieve from doing these. You are just putting yourself in trouble.¡± She told me and that hit me really hard but I just couldn¡¯t stop my mind from going there. ¡°I am just curious. I really want to see the monster in there¡± I replied, looking gloomy. ¡°Your highness. an adage said that curiosity killed the cat. You shouldn¡¯t be curious about such a thing¡± ¡°If I was not curious all my life, how do you think I would have been able to save you the other day? Didn¡¯t you think what was I doing at theundry for me to witness your fight with the other maid¡¯s. I was curious about theundry room and came there that day to satisfy my curiosity. That¡¯s how I was able to witness everything that happened¡± I scoffed. I had only gone to theundry to see how the maids operate and didn¡¯t expect to witness her fight with the other maid¡¯s but as I have, I just couldn¡¯t walk away. Na ji hye was rendered speechless as she couldn¡¯t argue with me. Well she knows arguing with me might turn into an offense for her, she nodded but I could see she just agreed to my words out of fear of offending me. ¡°I will try and get some information from my brother,¡± ¡°I doubt it, if the crown prince will really release any information to you¡± Na ji hye replied calmly. I chuckled. ¡°I guess you don¡¯t know. My brother is ready to do anything for me. I get whatever I want¡± I said proudly and smiled. Na ji hye nodded reluctantly. Chapter 10 Monster The pce prison was heavily guarded with royal guards and prison guards. Everywhere looks isted as there aren¡¯t any single souls in sight except for the guards. They were d in some kind of uniform and armed with their weapon standing at alert as if searching for a prey to fall in their trap. The king is seen marching toward the pce prison with the crown prince beside him. All the guards bowed their heads at the sight of them. The head royal guards immediately rushed forward to meet them. He bowed when he reached the king¡¯s front. ¡°Your majesty¡± He greeted courteously. The king nodded acknowledging his greetings. ¡°Everything is fine right?¡± He inquired, his eyes scrolling around. ¡°Yes Your majesty¡± The king nodded. He walked further into the entrance and entered the prison with the crown prince trailing behind him. Everywhere looked darkened inside if not for the fire ced at the entrance of the door that lightened the entrance a bit. One could have stumbled if not careful. The crown prince took a firewood lighter and followed the king leading the way with the lights. All the cells theye across are empty but one could certainly tell that there have been people there before because of the blood and mistiness in each cell and of course the smelling from the cell. They walked until they reached the end of the cell where there isn¡¯t anything except for a wall indicating that they have reached thest cell. ¡°Father¡± The crown prince called. ¡°I didn¡¯t see anyone on our waying here. Where is the monster? All I know is that there¡¯s a monster in here ording to you but I haven¡¯t seen it before.¡± He asked curiously. He was expecting to see a huge animal or anything that defines the monster but the ce is empty without a single being in view. The king chuckled. ¡°Have a patient son. Of course you can¡¯t see it yet. I won¡¯t be careless enough to let such a dangerous animal be seen by people easily¡± The king replied huskily. ¡°You will see him soon,¡± he added, facing the wall and walking down the left side of the wall with his hand ced on the wall as if searching for something. ¡°Him? I thought it was an animal¡± He asked The kingughed lightly without replying and continued what he was doing. The crown prince nodded in understanding and awaited what magic his father was about to perform, following behind him quietly. Suddenly the king stopped and removed his hand from the wall. He gestured for the crown prince to bring the light closer. He immediately rushed forward and pointed the light to the wall. To his utter surprise a heavy metal door came to his face. ¡°Surprised?¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org. The king asked, pride colored his tone. The crown prince blinked his eyes several times, his mouth slightly open. ¡°One would have found it hard to believe if they were told that there is a door here,¡± He said in utter surprise. ¡°Of course you are right and this is the best solution to keep the monster under control. If not only heaven knows how much havoc he would cause on the earth¡± The king said and opened the big padlock that was used to lock the door with a key that was hung on the wall The door snapped open making a cricket sound. With that being aplished he entered followed by the crown prince. They stroll down the ce with the king lurking eyes roaming around the ce searching for his prey until his eyesnd on a young boy curled up like a cat at the corner of the cell. The boy looked to be around Neen year old. His clothes were torn in several ces and soaked in frigid water. At the top of the ce he curled up at is a very tiny hole. The water ising from the hole and at each drop on his body the boy whimpers in pain and shakes as if hot water is being poured on him. There were several wounds on his body, both old and fresh scars were imprinted on his skin. There wasn¡¯t a ray of sunlighting in and everywhere was dark, if not for the light that was with the crown prince which erased the darkness. The crown prince¡¯s mouth dropped open in shock, confusion and pity as he saw the boy where he curled at. To his surprise his father moved closer to him and used a thorned whip that was ced beside the boy to whip him, for him to know there¡¯s someone in the room since he is closing his eyes. The little boy cried out in pain at the impact of the whip on his body. He opened his eyes slowly, but closed it back immediately because of the light in the room. He wasn¡¯t expecting the light since he was already used to darkness. The king whipped him again for him to open his eyes. The crown prince shuddered in pain as if he was the one being whipped. The boy opened his eyes fully after it had adjusted to brightness in the room and a red eyes surface. No! not red, they had the color of mes or theva from a volcano. Such eyes were rare or maybe even not seen by people before. The little boy tried sitting up but fell back immediately as a bone in his body made a cracked sound, indicating that the muscle in his body must be weak due tock of cirction of blood since he has been imprisoned in the same ce for a very long time unable to move around not even in the room. The king picked a long stick from where he picked the whip earlier. ¡°A monster like you deserves no mercy, but since this is necessary. I guess I am left with no choice but to help you. Used this to stand up¡± he said and threw the stick at him. The boy without wasting time picked the stick up with his trembling hand and tried standing up. It was still not easy to stand up with the help of the stick but he tried bearing the pain. More bones in his body started making crackling sounds as he stood. He groaned in pain as it got to the level that the pain was bing unbearable from the water dripping on him and the crown prince was moved to help him. He rushed forward to help but the king¡¯s hand on his own stopped him. He turned back to his father. ¡°Let him stand up on his own. We have offered him enough help with the stick¡± He said his face was void of mercy or sympathy. ¡°But father the pain he is__¡± ¡°I said don¡¯t help him!¡± The king thunderous in anger leaving the crown prince with no choice but retard his step back. ¡°A monster will always be a monster. what if you moved closer and he tried to harm you¡± he added. The crown prince eyebrows furrowed ¡°Father he is just a little boy¡± The king chuckled ¡°Little boy you say. Don¡¯t be decisive by look or else you might fall a victim of this kind of people¡¯s wrath¡± The king replied pointing at the boy where he is still trying his best to stand. The crown prince frown deepened, he sighed deeply and squinted his eyes looking at the boy. ¡°No matter how evil he might be. I don¡¯t think he deserved all this maltreatment and what¡¯s that water that¡¯s dripping on him¡± he asked rhetorically but the king answered anyway. ¡°That the thing that kept him under control, without those water he would have broken free from here. He doesn¡¯t deserve to be treated as a human because he will always be a bloody monster. You won¡¯t understand even if I tried exining to you¡± ¡°Father___¡± ¡°We will end this matter here. As you can see, he is already as good as dead because there¡¯s no way he can have a child without thinking of an heir to seed his monastery sides¡± he said, leaving no room for argument. ¡°Heir? What did he mean by that¡± The prince wondered mentally. By the time they are done with their argument. The boy had managed to stand on his own. ¡°Ahjussi¡± The boy called weakly referring to the crown prince, paince in his voice. ¡°How dare you call him ahjussi! That¡¯s my son. The future king of this country¡± He shouted and the boy quickly bowed his head courteously. ¡°Forgive me my king¡± ¡°I am not your king, and will never be. I am only a king to my people. Don¡¯t you ever use that Stinky mouth of yours to call me your king again. I can¡¯t be a king to a monster who causes my people nothing but pain¡± he shouted. The little boy lowered his gaze down and whimpered in pain by the words. ¡°You are a monster, always remember that¡± The king added hatred clouding his face. After a few seconds of silence the boy raised his gaze up steadily. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask to be born like this!¡± he shouted. The king drew back in surprise. He knew the boy to always be silent no matter what he called him but seeing him like this. He knew he already crossed the line. ¡°I am not born to ruin havoc on the world as you imed. I am not a monster!. I am just different from you. This is not my choice I just found myself like. I also want to be born like a normal human being. Do not try to discriminate against me! You should at least fear the heavens!¡± He ranted angrily, pouring all his frustration and pain into the words. ¡°I am not born for any of you to maltreat.¡± he snivels, dropping the cane offered to him.. Guilty shed through the king¡¯s eyes, but it was gone in a second. He stormed out without sparing him a nce. The crown prince inhaled deeply and shook his head in pity before going after his father. The little boy stumped down in a loud thud and began crying. ¡°Is it my fault that I was born like this?¡± He whispered to himself and continued crying. Chapter 11 Rainmaking Ritual. ROYAL CONFERENCE HALL. Buyeo pce. The royal throne hall was buzzing loudly as the minister kept murmuring among themselves. They kept themselves lined up at the downstairs of the throne of the king, which is set up with borate pomp raised, with steps, and golden in colour glittering over the hall. Immediately the king entered, everywhere died down in silence. The minister bowed courteously. Their heads down till the king sat on his throne. Without wasting time they raised their heads up as soon as he sat down. ¡°Regarding the abolition of the policy for public service, the conversative and progressive parties are split in opinion. I will like to know what are your own opinion on this?¡± The king asked. All the ministers looked at themselves as if they were finding the one who would provide an answer to the question. ¡°The progressive party demands to abolish the public service policy, but that will lead to enormous financial damage. I advise you to follow the conservative party¡¯s idea to gradually reduce the policy.¡± One of the ministers proposed. ¡°You are right,¡± The king said. ¡°I would like the minister of finance to work on that immediately¡± he ordered, his gaze directed to the minister of finance. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty,¡± he bowed. ¡°Your majesty¡¯s people areining about the shortage of food,¡± The minister of agriculture said. ¡°The people are suffering a lot. The drought is making things even moreplicated¡± he added. ¡°Even if your majesty ordered substantial subsidies and incentives to the farmers to grow crops. There¡¯s no guarantee that it will favor the people¡± another minister chimed in. The king sighed deeply. ¡°Your majesty the royal priestess requests your audience¡± A voice boomed outside indicating an announcement from the eunuch that was standing at the royal hall door. Almost immediately a middle aged woman entered. She was dressed in a white and ck dress, her hair rolled up leaving some strands to fall on her face. ¡°Your majesty¡± she greeted courteously, and stooped down on her knees with her head bow down a little. ¡°Forgive me for intruding on you, Your majesty. I bring great news.¡± she announced with courtesy. ¡°We found a helper for the monster rainmaking ritual¡± she added. ¡°You found a helper for the monster rainmaking ritual?¡± The king asked surprisedly. ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. I was offering a prayer to the heavens concerning the misfortune that¡¯s befalling on our people when I saw the sign.¡± She replied calmly. ¡°The heavens are ready to show us mercy, Your Majesty,¡± She said with a tone of happiness and relief. ¡°Who is he/she?¡± The king asked slowly, almost getting up from his seat. ¡°It¡¯s the royal princess. She is a special child with the energy of water deity¡± Energy of water deity? Everyone looked perplexed by the revtion but the king still remains calm since this isn¡¯t new to him. ¡°What did you mean by that? How is the princess connected to this?¡± One of the ministers asked. ¡°All the solutions to our problemy with the princess. We need to sacrifice him¡­.¡± She paused and looked at the minister¡¯s face before continuing. ¡°But before we can¡¯t do that, the princess¡¯s blood is needed,¡± The royal priestess uttered. ¡°Are you saying we must sacrifice a human being?¡± one of the ministers inquired. ¡°You must withstand the pain and make the decision for your starving people¡± she continued. How dare you say such a thing? We follow Confucius and daosim¡¯ teaching, and we can not do such a terrible thing¡± another minister chirps in. The royal priestess turned slightly toward the direction of the ministers. ¡°My lords. Have you forgotten what happened Fourteen years ago? Droughts and famine have gued us for eight years. Sacrificing his life is the only way to lift his mother¡¯s curse.¡± She exined to them. ¡°How dare a mere priestess speak her mind in this great hall?¡± Another minister questioned. ¡°You called yourself the royal priestess but you are talking about taking another human being¡¯s life¡± the minister who talked earlier quizzed. ¡°A monster is different from a human being. We aren¡¯t sacrificing a human being but a monster?¡± The king finally talked.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org. All the ministers turned to look at him in surprise even the royal priestess was not left out, she didn¡¯t expect the king to approve her revtion immediately but he did without a doubt which confused her. They all knew the king was dissatisfied and hated the monster but they didn¡¯t know the hatred was this deep to the extent of sacrificing the boy¡¯s life. It was as if he had something against the boy. ¡°The monster rainmaking ritual will be held. Make all preparations. Do you understand¡± He ordered, standing up from his throne. ¡°Yes, Your majesty¡± the ministers chorused together left with no choice. He walked out with his eunuchs. ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï It was a cold autumn night. The herdy floral scent and fragrance from the flower fill the air. The hot steamy bath water wasforting and rxing, making me moan out in pleasure at the impact of the water on my naked body, apart from the flimsy cotton gown that was thestyers of my dress, and that was the only thing covering my body. The maids work swiftly among themselves, and add more hot water into the basin when they notice it is getting cold and sprinkles more flowers into the hot water. I closed my eyes and used one of my hands to rub my neck to shoulder, messaging it smoothly. ¡°Your highness let me do that,¡± Na ji hye offered and moved closer to the bathtub and began massaging my body from my neck to shoulder, down to my arm. She applied some bathing oil on her hand and repeated the process for a few minutes. She stood up when she saw the courdying in with a little box in her hand. The courtdy bowed courteously. ¡°Your highness we are going to mix peonies in the water for a special medicinal bath today.¡± The courdy announced opening the box in her hand. ¡°Go ahead,¡± I said, smiling with my eyes closed. The courdy nodded and two of the maids quickly moved forward collecting the peonies from her and began sprinkle it in the water. After that they went ahead and added a natural aromatic substance from floral like orchids and rxing gills mixing it together. ¡°That hit the spot¡± I mumbled silently. ¡°We will be adding the herb next¡± The courdy announced again. Without waiting for approval she gestured for one of the maids to pour in the herb, which she did immediately. After a few minutes but what seemed like hours, I stood up from inside the hot tub, Na ji hye immediately stepped forward, picked the robe and used it to cover me up. She helped me out of the tub and led me to my dressing room where they helped me into my nightwear and loosened my hair letting it cascade down my back. The courdy and maids left the room leaving Na ji hye behind to take care of the rest. ¡°Did Your Highness get any information yet?¡± Na ji hye asked after making sure everyone was out of sight. ¡°I thought you were nagging me about that before, why are you curious now?¡± I chuckled. ¡°You see This thing called curiosity, it is a disease and everyone is capable of contracting it, which you just did¡± I teased. ¡°I am not curious. I am just trying to look out for you¡± She defends herself. She began tieing up the rope on my nighties. ¡°Really? I can really feel the sincerity¡± ¡°I am really serious, Your highness,¡± She insisted and finished tying up thest rope on my nightie. ¡°Okay, okay I believe you¡± Iughed. ¡°Well to your question I didn¡¯t get any information yet. I haven¡¯t met with my brother. I am sure he is waiting for me in my chamber, since it¡¯s time for our reading hours¡± I exined. ¡°So you will ask him then¡± Na ji hye inquired. I nodded and stood up. I smiled at Na ji hye and went directly through the doorway that led to my room. ¡­¡­ Chapter 12 Rainmaking Ritual(2) I stopped on my track when I saw my brother waiting for me. I studied him for a few seconds and inhaled deeply. He was sitting with one of his arms on the table, his head bent down slightly with his free hand supporting his head. What is he thinking about this time? He is always worried every time I see him He yawned softly from tiredness and it clearly showed on his face that he needed to rest but he kept fighting it and resumed his thoughts. I sighed and moved closer to him. I didn¡¯t bother calling him or tapping him, I just sat on one of the chairs looking at him. We remained in that position for a few seconds until he finally raised his head up and was surprised to see me looking intently at him. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± He queried. ¡°Like how am I looking at you¡± I raise my brows up at him. ¡°As if I took your husband. I am not ady you could enter a rivalry with, you know that right. Go find the one who steals your husband and stop giving me that creepy look¡± he jokes andughs lightly. ¡°Brother what is it this time around?¡± I asked, discarding the joke he cracked. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t try to y dumb, did you know when I have been standing over there¡± I point at the doorway. ¡°before sitting down here observing you¡± ¡°You have been standing there. didn¡¯t you just get here?¡± he questions. ¡°This is what I am saying. look, you didn¡¯t even notice my presence at all¡± I replied feigning to be annoyed. ¡°Okay I am sorry about that. But what bugging me this time around is not something to involve you with, I will sort out my thoughts myself. Don¡¯t worry about me¡± he declined and pinched my cheeks. I looked stunned at first but regained myself after a few seconds. I knows my brother well, the crown prince never considered me a child whenever he need my help and had always not hesitate to ask for my help which I always dly do but seeing that he is willing not to let me in his problem this time around is surprising but at the same time he said it was nothing serious. So I believe he will settle it well on his own. ¡°Okay no problem, but whatever it might be don¡¯t let it bug you down okay¡± I gave him a reassuring smile. ¡°Okay¡± he returns the smile. ¡°What are we reading today?¡± He said, searching for a book on the table. ¡°Brother¡± I called and he raised his head up. ¡°Remember three days ago when I helped you with your riddle. I have table a condition for you and you said I will get whatever I want¡± I uttered. ¡°Yes, I remember. I was practically waiting for you to ask me what you want but you didn¡¯t, so I thought I should wait till you are ready. Seems like you are ready. Tell me what you want¡± he replied. ¡°Will you really give me what I want¡± ¡°Have I ever gone back on my words? Whenever my mind goes back to three days ago I am always grateful to you, you don¡¯t know how embarrassed I would have been if I was unable to get rid of the riddle. I won¡¯t have been the only one embarrassed but the royal family would have been stained if not for your words of encouragement.¡± I nodded and rested my chin on my palm. If I should ask him directly he will definitely suspect I am up to something. I need to use some logical ways. ¡°Ask me what you want and stop giving me that look. Seeing that look on your face is making me think that what you want from me is definitely not clean¡± ¡°Come on. What I want is something clean. I am just wondering,¡± I paused and bit my lip. ¡± Did you know why the prison is tightly guarded?¡± I asked. I already know why it is heavily guarded but I need to make him believe I knew nothing about this except from the rumour. ¡°How did you know that?¡± The crown prince questions back. I throw my hand up waving it in demonstration.¡±The rumour is over the pce. How can I not know when everyone in the pce is gossiping about it¡± ¡°Then you must have heard the reason from the rumor as well¡± he replied huskily to my disappointment. Is he trying to stall me?. ¡°The reason? Oh you mean the rumor that there¡¯s a monster in there¡± I echoed, remembering what Na ji hye told me about my brother not wanting to give out any information to me. I need to get information from him by all means. ¡°Yes and that was the reason¡± The prince simply nodded. ¡°I thought it was only a rumor and I didn¡¯t expect it to be true.¡± I said, rubbing my chin lightly pretending to be thinking while my eyes nced at him slowly. ¡°It is not a rumour but the truth. there¡¯s a monster in there¡± the crown prince stated. Time to set the bait, Almighty heavens let him bite it, I prayed mentally. ¡°But don¡¯t you think putting the monster in there is dangerous? It is supposed to be isted outside somewhere not here in the pce prison¡± worried clearly shown on my face. ¡°Are you afraid it might escape from the prison and cause damage?¡± The prince quizzed seeing the worried looks on my face. Only if he knew that look was just a facade. ¡°It is entirely possible¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. That¡¯s the reason why the security in the pce tightened and the people has been ban from going to prison and they must not been seen around the vicinity either¡± ¡°Poor guards¡± I shook my head sadly ¡°Why? Is something wrong with the guards¡± ¡°No, I just feel pity for them. They won¡¯t be able to leave the prison which I am sure of, I was wondering how they are eating and doing other stuff¡± I shake my head miserably. ¡°I heard there are this maids who brings food to them and once they are done they vacate immediately¡± ¡°There are maids who bring food to them¡± I touched her chest pretendly. ¡°I am relieved, I thought they would starve in the name of fulfilling their duty¡± I added. ¡°Don¡¯t worry His Majesty is considerate of them as well¡± He assured I nodded and smiled. The maids are the answer to my problem. ¡°Don¡¯t even let your step mistakenly turn to the pce prison way not to think of going in there. Do you understand?¡± The crown prince warned, knowing I am always the curious type. I might go in there out of curiosity, if only he knew that is exactly what I was nning to do. ¡°Of course I am not stupid. I will never go there. I still want to live¡± I smile triumphantly.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. ¡°What is your request? We differ from there earlier¡± He asked. ¡°A-a-actually I am not sure yet. I will l-let you know when I have a request¡± I stuttered, nit-picking on my finger. I had forgotten I tricked my brother with that and didn¡¯t expect him to ask me that so I was caught off guard. ¡°I thought you said you have a request earlier¡± ¡°I am not interested in that anymore¡± I replied nonchnt ¡°Okay if you are ready let me know¡± He opened the book in his hand, ready to start reading. ¡°Brother, you should go to your chamber and rest. Let¡¯s cancel today¡¯s reading, you need a lot of rest¡± I opined. ¡°I am okay don¡¯t worry about me¡± ¡°Of course you are, but I am just tired today, that ¡®s why I needed to sleep early. You too should go and have your beautiful sleep¡± I intensify and as if to confirm my words a loud yawned escape from my mouth ¡°Alright. Have a good night¡¯s rest¡± he said standing up. He smiles, a beautiful heart- felt smile and pulls me closer for a hug. ¡°Dream well¡± he added and pecked my forehead before turning around and leaving the room. I smiled as I watched my brother retreating until he was out of sight. I sighed deeply when alone in the room. ¡°The next step is the maids. I will get Na ji hye to find Information about them tomorrow¡± I mumbled silently and yawned loudly. I went directly to my bed, lowered my body on it and tucked the nket over myself then closed my eyes, waiting for the beautiful sleep to carry me into the dreand. Chapter 13 Dream Small me stirred at the trunk and crawled away through leaves of brushwood of a burning tree. Producing cracking sounds as the tree burned peacefully. I stood staring at it, immersed in its sounds. The sound created a beautiful feeling in my heart and it seemed all my worries in the world had vanished just by listening to the sounds. This ce is so peaceful and calm. If only the world could be as peaceful as this ce?. ¡°You are right but the greedy human being wont allow it¡± A very calm and collective voice sounds from my back. I turned back to see the owner of the voice. A very youngdy appeared by the shade. She was leaning on another tree branch and on her head was a bowl. She approached me slowly, her hand crossed behind her with her mouth moving. I guessed she was eating something. It must havee from the bowl on her head. With the bowl on her head, I am surprised it didn¡¯t fall as she walked. ¡°It would have been so peaceful with no worries in the world. So sad it will always remain a dream for me and you.¡± She added stopping beside me. ¡°Who are you?¡± I quizzed. My eyes are essing her from her head to toes. I didn¡¯t forget to notice her silvered hair that was glittening. That is the only thing that captivates me in her. ¡°I am someone like you¡± she replied smiling disying porcin teeth. ¡°What did you mean by someone like me¡± She chuckled before speaking. ¡°We both have the same mindset, to see the world bing peaceful like this ce¡± She picked a branch of trees and began crawling the leaves on it down. ¡±Dreams must be realized by someone, I hope you will be that person that will make our dreame true.¡± She tossed the stick away after crawling on the leaves on it to the ground. ¡°Our dream?¡± ¡°I just told you now that it is also my dream and since it yours as well then it is our dream¡± She exined. cing the bowl with her on the floor. She started twisting her hair looking at the burning tree. I was moved to touch her hair but my hand mistakenly touched her hand and I suddenly shook like I was electrocuted and started feeling a burn on my shoulder. ¡°Ha¡± I winced slowly and tried rubbing my shoulder when her hand stopped me. ¡°He needs your help¡± She said. I couldn¡¯t miss the way her eyes bore holes in mine, her hand still holding my hand from touching the burn. I stole a nce at my shoulder and to my surprise I saw a very small butterfly glowing on my shoulder. ¡°What?¡± I eximed in surprise. This is my first time seeing this on my shoulder. There is nothing on my shoulder so how did thise there and why is it causing me so much pain. I stared at thedy in confusion and as if she heard my thoughts, she released my hand. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that, it is just telling you that you are needed¡± She replied and touched my shoulder where the butterfly is and like a miracle the butterfly disappeared and the pain stopped. I breathe out in relief. ¡°Needed? By who?¡± The pain has stopped but I am still feeling a sting there. She tapped me slightly. ¡°By someone special to you. you must protect him at all costs. It was through him that we will be able to fulfill our dream¡± she answered. ¡°I don¡¯t even know this person, neither do I know you¡± I said, looking at her like a person who grows two heads.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org. ¡°You don¡¯t have to know me, let ¡®s just help each other to fulfill our dream. If you can¡¯t trust me at least believe in me¡± What brings belief and trust into this matter. I thought I was just enquiring about her name and the person she talked about but I decided to answer anyway. I chuckled dryly. ¡°Believe in you?¡± I shrugged my shoulders and nodded. ¡°Okay let¡¯s say I believe in you, but you are just a youngdy like me and I am sure there was just a little age gap between us. What can you do? and beside how did you even get to know all what you are saying¡± ¡°Youngdy?¡± She shakes her head like she can¡¯t believe what I just said. ¡°Okay let¡¯s agree I am a youngdy¡± she replied using the same tones as me. ¡°I am a youngdy but I am still older than you. That little age gap between us is a year of knowledge for me. What I knew in what you called a little age gap you haven¡¯t known half of it¡± she said proudly and twirl her hair back. ¡°So kiddo, be mindful of what you said to others because you might be talking to your ancestors¡± she pointed at herself and I scoffed loudly. This girl is really getting on my nerves. How dare she mention my ancestor. I took a step forward to close the little distance between us. ¡°Ancestors my foot. No matter how old you might be, how can youpare yourself to my ancestor that¡¯s rude of you¡± I bite my lip slightly to suppress my anger. I expect her to move back but she doesn¡¯t do so. She only rolled her eyes and bursted intoughter. ¡°Rude? You are the one being rude here youngdy. Talking down on me without even knowing who I am¡± she said sternly. ¡°Who are you then? I asked you then but you didn¡¯t answer¡± I asked seriously. ¡°I am Samsim by name. You are the only one among the humans to know my name¡± She moved back, twirling around in delight. ¡°Samsim. Then what¡¯s special about that? Look at you talking as if you aren¡¯t human as well¡± I scoffed as my eyes ball rolled at the same time. She stopped twirling and scoffed back. ¡°It is a waste of time arguing with you.¡± She smirked. She bent down, opened the bowl on the floor. I strain my neck to get a glimpse of what is inside and bulgogi (marinated beef) is ring back at me. She picks one of the bulgogi and throws it in her mouth, salivating at the taste. She licks her lip with her tongue as if mocking me. ¡°Do you care for some?¡± she asked mockingly. I closed my eyes, gritted my teeth and red at her ready tosh out on her but at once I felt a spine down my chin at the colour her eyes change to, I yelped loudly and jumped back holding my stomach as I suddenly felt sick and felt like vomiting. ¡°Now on a serious note. I hope you don¡¯t forget all we talk about. Let¡¯s save the people and bring peace to the world, Your highness¡± she said seriously but I could feel a hint of mockery in it and I found myself nodding my head to her words. ¡°Good girl. See you next times¡± And like that she used her middle finger to push me back and I gasped loudly in fear as I felt myself going back. My eyes snapped open and they stared into darkness. I heard the faint rustling of the tree branch against the window. I sat up and my hand located the table candle, I lit it up, and stared around the room frantically. ¡°It was all a dream¡± I mumbled silently and took in a deep breath. I suddenly gasped when I remembered something. The butterfly glowing on my back in the dream. I quickly shift my nightie from my shoulder to check but there isn¡¯t anything there. ¡°Dreams are not to be trusted.¡± I scoffed and hissed slowly. *Let¡¯s save the people and bring peace to the world* I suddenly heard a voice saying that in my head. *Someone special to you. you must protect him at all costs. It was through him we will be able to fulfill our dream* I looked around the room suspicious and paranoid in fear that the horror might have followed me. My head was already hurting but now it hurt more because of the voice I am hearing in my head. Those words keep ringing repeatedly in my head increasing my headache. I hold my head groaning slowly, and my eyes closed on their own will. ¡°Stop!¡± I shouted mentally when I could bear the headache again and like that everything dies down in silence. I inhaled deeply when I didn¡¯t feel the headache again and stood up from the bedding, stripped the nket off my body and walked to my chamber, then sat down on the neatlyid cover. My mind is preupied right now. I don¡¯t even know where to start my thinking from. Who is this person that I must protect and that girl in my dream even though she is a child she sounds like an old soul. ¡°Gosh¡± I ruffled my hair frustrated. At this rate my head might just explode. Besides, my headache might start again and I am sure it will get worse this time around. ¡°Since things turned out this way, I¡¯ll be on night watch.¡± I said mentally and stared away into the long night. ¡ï¡ï¡ï My body felt rigid, surprised by the pain that blossomed inside of me at the unfamiliar sensation on my skin. Sitting in one ce for such a long time is something my body has never experienced before. I really give acknowledgement to those practicing Buddhism, so this is what they feel?. My neck felt stiff and my eyes were heavy as if a big load was hanging on my eyelids. ¡°Ugh¡± I groaned silently as I strain my neck, stretch my body and finger. ¡°Your highness it¡¯s time to wake up¡± I heard the courtdy¡¯s voice and the door opened with the courtdy and the maidsing in with their usual boxes and washbasin. They bow courteously. ¡°Your highness. Were you unable to get any sleepst night?¡± The courtdy asked worriedly. She must have noticed the dark circles under my eyes. ¡°I have a lot on my mind so I couldn¡¯t get any sleep¡± I rubbed my eyes to numb the sleepiness I am feeling. ¡°I am worried you might put a strain on your body.¡± She added, which made me sighed. She is right but what can I do? ¡°Courtdy Chun¡± I called her. ¡°Yeah¡± ¡°Send someone to the royal kitchen and ask them prepare bulgogi and ssamjang as the main dish for my regr breakfast¡± ¡°Yes Your highness¡± She bow and went out to carried out the order It¡¯s always rice and guk (watery soup) for the main dish which is the same with themon people, the only difference is that there are different kinds of banchan ( side dishes) added to the royal family food but I have been craving bulgogi since midnight when I woke up from my dream. it¡¯s all that little wench fault. My blood boils in anger as I remember the young girl in my dream. I am sure if she hasn¡¯t brought the bulgogi with her I won¡¯t be craving it seriously like this. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± I asked Na jihye. My gaze fixed on the bowl in her hand and I reached out my hand to collect it. ¡°Your highness. It is your juk (gruel)¡± Na ji hye said, handing over the bowl with her to me. I collected the bowl and began drinking the pea soup. ¡°This¡¯s nice¡± I said, dropping the bowl back on the small table in front of me. ¡°But Your highness hasn¡¯t washed up and you are already drinking your¡­.¡± Na jihye was saying but a re from me shut her up leaving her word uplete. ¡°I like the fact that it¡¯s pea soup today instead of the regr rice soup¡± I added looking at Na ji hye. ¡°I asked them to change your guel today to pea soup¡± she answered smiling. ¡°No wonder. I know they can¡¯t be wise enough to do that on their own, they must have received the advice from someone. Good job ji hye¡± ¡°Thanks for understanding Your highness¡± Na ji hye bow. I nodded and smiled. ¡°Hey. You are all dismiss¡± I said to the other maid¡¯s who are still waiting to get me set for the day. ¡°Yes Your highness¡± They chorused together and walked outside the room with their backs. ¡°I have an assignment for you,¡± I said to Na ji hye. ¡°I am at your service Your highness¡± ¡°Find out information about the maids who served the guards at the pce prison¡± I ordered. Na ji hye eyebrows furrowed instantly. ¡°Your highness what did the maids had to do with this¡± I am not surprised. I expect her to at least question me or protest as usual but it really bes annoying to hear her nagging and objection every time. ¡°It has a lot to do with this. So stop asking questions and do as I order¡± I snapped at her. She is actually getting me angry with the all the time question. ¡°I want the information early. if possible today¡± I added. ¡°Yes Your highness,¡± she replied courteously without any argument. She bowed and left the room. My eyes focus on the direction of the door. I kind of feel remorse for snapping at her but my pompous attitude won¡¯t give in. ¡°Whatever¡± I shrugged my shoulders reluctantly and sighed. Chapter 14 His Rescue on The Way PALACE PRISON. In the dark end cell. The young boy stirred in his sleep at the clicking sound of a presence. There is no one in there but his sixth sense could detect that there is someone in the room with him, he opened his eyes slowly and tried to blink severally to see but it was still dark, Strange. He had always been able to see clearly in darkness. Well to the king who imprisoned him here he must have thought that putting him in darkness is part of punishment but that isn¡¯t a problem for him because his vision is even more better in dark than in light. He tried to sit up but remember he is tied down with a chain, he nced up at the water dripping on him and hissed slightly, if not for that water, he would have used his power to escape from here long ago. What if he used his thoughts to untie himself. He knew he couldn¡¯t escape but at least he would be able to move and change his position. ¡°There¡¯s no need to try that because it won¡¯t work¡± A voice echoed, sending chills down his spine. He quickly looked around in panic trying to find who the voice belonged to but he saw no one. ¡°Who are you?¡± he hissed but there wasn¡¯t still no change. Everywhere is a deadly quite. ¡°I said show yourself¡± he repeated. Slowly a figure appeared from the shadow and a tall man with long hair wearing a white robe surface. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you¡± There was a raw power in his voice. ¡°It must have been hard for you,¡± He interjected and nced at the water dripping on him. ¡°Who are you?¡± He repeated his questions. ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter. Just know I am an Ally not an enemy¡± The man imed. He stared at him in confusion waiting for him to continue his talk. ¡°It¡¯sing to an end soon. You just need to bear it for a few more days¡± The man said, his Sapphire blue eyes bore Into his. ¡°What did you mean?¡± ¡°Your suffering ising to an end soon. She will be here¡± He exined and the young boy brows creased into confusion. She? Who is he referring to? ¡°She ising to save you from this misery. She is the only one who¡­¡± ¡°Just answer my question. Who are you?¡± He shouted frustrated, cutting him off. As if topel him, the man drops on one of his knees and bows slightly in front of the boy. ¡°I am your guardian spirit¡± ¡°Guardian spirit?¡± He looked at him skeptically. ¡°Yes, master,¡± he replied. Master? The boy drew back in surprise. Why is he calling him master? If he should calcte it well the man in front of him is not his mate, he isn¡¯t even close to being agemate with him but he is calling him master. The man suddenly stiffed the air. ¡°Forgive me master but I need to go now¡± he implored, stood up and turned his back at him. ¡°Wait! What is your name?¡± ¡°You can call me Noh bum tae master¡± He uttered with his back to him and without allowing him to utter any words he slowly disappeared into the darkness. ¡°Noh bum tae¡± The boy whispered the name slowly in darkness. A rice ball (Jumeokbap) rolled in from outside the cell toward him, and he didn¡¯t need a prophesy to tell him that was his breakfast. That has always been the case since he was imprisoned here. He didn¡¯t used to see the face of the one who brought his food but he knew it was one of the maids. He was grateful to the maid because he once remembered a time when none of the maids wanted to bring in his food in fear of being eaten by the monster, and he had to starve for several years before this maid started bringing his food to him three year ago. In those three year he had been familiar with her scent not her body scent though because he won¡¯t be unable to detect that but he at least knows the smell of her clothes. He is sure the reason why they feed him is to keep him alive, but even without their food he would have still been alive but might be weaker than he is right now. The rice ball stopped in front of him and his hand found its way to it. He picked it up and began eating silently. ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï The maids just finished with my daily routine of cleaning and dressing me up a few minutes ago, and right now I was about having my breakfast. It was a feast for the eyes and a certain delight for the pte: bulgogi (marinated beef) with lettuce and Ssamjang, bowl of rice mixed with barley, two bowl of Tang, one bowl of miyeok soup, gomtang soup, jjigae(stew), jjim(steamed food), Samyang ramen and jeongol(seafood chowder). I immediately jumped on the bulgogi, wrapping it with lettuce and Shoved it into my mouth while licking my hand. Forgetting about all the courtesy and table manners. Damn those rules though because I didn¡¯t see any good reason for it. I keep licking my hand and lip. I didn¡¯t know marinated beef was this delicious. I could see the maid in the room with me giving me a surprise look. I turn a blind eye and pretend not to see her as I continue with my meal. I moved to Ramyeon and scooped some into the te with me and slopped it into my mouth while drinking the soup.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org. ¡°That hit the spot. This is the perfectbination I have ever tasted¡± I noted, referring to the Ramyeon and marinated beef. ¡°Come and have a bite¡± I said to the maid and shock crept to her face. She looks back before facing me, and bows slightly. ¡°Did you mean to me Your highness?¡± She reaffirmed my words. ¡°Is there anyone here with me apart from you?¡± She gulped down nothing and shook her head. ¡°No Your highness¡± ¡°So I am talking to you. Have a bite before I change my mind.¡± ¡°Thank you for your boundless generosity Your highness¡± She moved closer and stooped down beside me. ¡°Do excuse me then¡± ¡°Go ahead¡± I shift the bowl of Ramen closer to her. She picked a te and chopsticks ready to scoop some Ramyeon into her te when the door opened and Na ji hye entered. The maid drop her chopsticks and te and tried to stand up when my voice stop her ¡°What are you waiting for? Hurry and have some¡± ¡°Yes Your highness,¡± She replied, picking up her chopsticks and scooping the Ramyeon in her te. She turned her head away from me, and slopped the Ramyeon into her mouth. Na ji hye bow courteously and smiles seeing the position I and the maid are in. ¡°How is it?¡± I asked. The maid moved back a little to create a space between us and bowed her head. ¡°I am nothing but a lowly servant but your highness show your generosity and let me dine from your te. I am more than grateful to Your Highness for letting me taste this special delicacy.¡± She said with her head still bowed. Is this some kind of speech? Why is she preaching to me now? People can be funny. I chuckled silently. ¡°I only ask you about the taste. I didn¡¯t ask for a sermon.¡± I smiled warmly at her before continuing. ¡°I might be a princess today bute tomorrow I don¡¯t know where I might be, and as you are a servant today, you don¡¯t know where you might be tomorrow. Tomorrow you might be the queen of a country, or did you think that is impossible?¡± She nced up at me without saying a word and averted her gaze back to the floor when I resumed talking. ¡°Nothing is predictable in this life. things can change at any time, any hours, any minute, any second and at any day¡± I express with a smile. ¡°I think I also returned your sermons¡± I added teasingly andughed. The maid raise her head up slightly and smiles ¡°Thank you very much Your highness¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. Here take this with you¡± I handed the Gyeranjjim (steamed Egg) over to her. The maid looked at Na ji hye who gave her an approval smile and She collected it from me. ¡°Thanks you very Your highness¡± ¡°Hun. You may leave now¡± Imand with an overly sweet smile. ¡°Yes Your highness¡± She stood up, bowed courteously and left the room. Chapter 15 His Rescue on The Way(2) Na jihye went down on her knees sitting in front of me. ¡°About the information Your Highness asks for.¡± She said and my mind drifted back to when I snapped at her earlier. You make enemies of people but people are not the only victims of hatred. Some tangible things are also not an exception. Things like Wind, thunder, storm and other nature. There are different reasons for making an enemy. Some because of personal gain, and for some people under a situation they found themselves in but there is this one thing people can¡¯t make enemies of and that is food and it¡¯s father¡¯s water, which is also important for the people, since that¡¯s the essential thing and most important in our life. You can use this powerful tool to turn many people around as you wish whether the one you hurt or the one who hurt you. That¡¯s exactly what I am going to do with Na ji hye. Since I am feeling guilty about how I snapped at her and I am pretty sure she is angry at me about that. Since the word sorry is like a taboo for me. I will use this human savior to lift off her anger and quench my own guilt. ¡°Before that, have this¡± I offered, putting some bulgogi in her mouth.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org. She looked at me strangely but opened up when she saw I am not going to give up unless she took it from me. She chewed on it for a few seconds and immediately I added a steamed egg with it. I continued feeding her until I saw she was satisfied and made her gulp down some water. ¡°Thanks Your Highness¡± she smiled and I cleaned her mouth with a wiper. Mission aplished. ¡°So what did you find out? Who are these maids¡± I asked and poised my hand on the table carefully so as not to knock the food on it away. ¡°They are three. I heard they just take food to the guard and vacate immediately after they finish eating¡± came the exnation from her. ¡°What¡¯s their names and did you know how we can contact them¡± I asked Sucking in breath Na ji hye rubs her palm nervously ¡°Yes. apparently Your highness might be familiar with one of them¡± My brow sloped back ¡°Familiar with one of them? What did you mean?¡± ¡°One of them is the maid I fought with back then in theundry room. I don¡¯t think she will be willing to help Your highness¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care if she is willing to help or not. She had no choice but to obey my order anyway¡± my voice sounded pinched like it was squeezed through a straw. ¡°I remember punishing you guys then. What is her punishment?¡± I added using my finger to poke my cheek, trying to remember the punishment I gave her. ¡°Your highness has given out order not to give her sry for a whole year¡± That too harsh, I sometimes wonder if I truly was the one who passed out an order when I heard some decisions I made in regards to punishment. I only do things as I see it right at that moment. I don¡¯t think of the consequences it will cause for me or the personter on. ¡°Is that so? Bring the three of them to me immediately¡± I ordered and Na ji hye immediately stood up and left the room to carry out the order. ¡­¡­ My eyes go forth and back as I stare at trembling maids kneeling in front of me. Na ji hye stood next to them silently, and gave me a look urging me to start talking at least to ease their nervousness. I cleared my voice.¡±No need to be scared. I just have some questions to ask and I need a favour from you guys¡± I saw them sighed in relief. ¡°Since we are not wise enough. I am not sure if we can answer your question, Your highness¡± one of the maids said courteously. I have never done this before. Asking for someone¡¯s help, I mean I got everything I want, so this is a problem for me but the situation is different this time as I am left with no choice but to ask for their help. I sighed deeply. ¡°It¡¯s about something you know very well. The pce prison¡± They all look at each other¡¯s faces. I guessed they didn¡¯t expect me to ask that, they must be thinking what was a princess like me going to do at the pce prison. ¡°I will just go straight to the point. Actually I need your help to get inside the prison.¡± I dropped the bombshell. ¡°We are not allowed to pass less than the prison entrance. there is no help we can render your highness on that, I suggest Your highness should drop the idea of going to the prison because you might end uping out in half¡± one of the maids blurted, less concerned in a rude tone and that earned her a re from Na jihye. The other two maids gasped loudly at the way she talked to me. Judging from Na jihye¡¯s reaction, I think I already know who she is. The gut of thisdy. How dare she talk to me like that. What gives her the liver to talk like that to me. It is an offence to disrespect any of the royal family. Will she im not to know?. I guess her hatred for me has clouded her sense of reasoning or else why would she address me like that. Does she want to die? Iughed silently.¡±You are the maid from theundry right¡± ¡°Yes Your highness¡± she replied calmly but I can still detect hatred from her voice. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± I quizzed standing up and walking around them in a circle, and stopped in front of her. ¡°Soha Your highness,¡± she stared at me nkly, locking gaze with me. I chuckle dryly, ¡°No head or tail?¡± ¡°Ku Soha Your highness¡± I nodded my head slowly ¡°Ku Soha. I mustment on you for your courage¡± her brow creased in confusion waiting for me to borate. ¡°It¡¯s an offense to look at the royal family directly in the eyes but you don¡¯t seem to care and you seem pretty bold when talking. I am really impressed.¡± Her gaze dropped down. ¡°I am not sure of what you are saying Your highness¡± She said but we could clearly hear her voice shaking. Her face went up and dropped down anxiously. She kind of looked scared but she is trying to hide it. The two other maids beside her look at Na ji hye with pleading eyes. They Know the punishment thates to anyone that disrespect the royal family. Na ji hye looked away sighing as a way of telling them there¡¯s nothing she can do and they both kept their gaze back to the floor in disappointment. ¡°Wow! Just wow!¡± I was simply awed by her rudeness. She is still proving to be bold. ¡°Help?¡± I scoffed loudly. ¡°Did you just say there¡¯s no help you can render to me on that¡±. I rolled my eyes. ¡°What kind of help can you actually render to me in the first ce?. Actually I was going to make a deal with you, and trust me it was definitely going to benefit you but your sharp mouth and arrogant behavior left you at disadvantage¡± I let out a deep breath. ¡°If you give the less privileged a slight opportunity to go on a power trip, they start misbehaving and abusing the privilege given to them blindly. They actually forget that the power was given to them out of unforeseen circumstances¡± I said rhetorically tilting my head. My eyes hardened and narrowed into slits. ¡°It¡¯s well though. Since there is no help you can render to me then I think I should render you a help then.¡± There was still no sign of remorse or guilt on her face. ¡°Courtdy Chun, are you there?¡± I said, making sure my voice was loud enough to reach outside. The door opened and Courtdy Chun entered. She bow courteously, her eyes scanning the maids that are kneeling on the floor. ¡°This court maid here needs the help of discipline and you know me to be a very generous person. Since what she need is within my reach, I will do her the honor of rendering her with it¡± ¡°Take her out right now and floged her with a bamboo strip. Do not hand her over to the inspector courtdy, I want you to do it yourself and make sure I am hearing her voice from outside¡± I pointed at Soha and that seemed to do the work because her eyes suddenly widened in fear but that didn¡¯t stop me from giving her punishment. ¡°Do not stop until I tell you to, and after I order you to stop, make sure she is brought back to me to apologize¡± I snapped mercilessly. ¡°Yes Your Highness¡± and like that she was dragged out by my courtdy. Chapter 16 A Gift I looked at the trembling maids in front of me and smiled lightly. ¡°I have no issue with you guys¡± I said and they sighed in relief ¡°just help me with my request or did you also think you can¡¯t render any help to me?¡± I sat back on theid covered. They immediately shook their heads.¡±No highness. We will do everything in our possible best to help Your highness¡± I raise my eyebrows at them. ¡°I am relieved. I would have been so disappointed and had many hurdle to tackle if you had agreed with Ku Soha that you can¡¯t render me any help¡± ¡°We are honour Your highness¡± they chorused in unison. ¡°So back on the matter we are here for. I want¡­¡± I was talking when a loud scream interrupted me. ¡°Ahhhhhh¡± I used my hand to close my ear dramatically and hissed slightly. I don¡¯t need proof that my maids are carrying out Ku Soha punishment. her agony scream continued but I didn¡¯t let it distract me as I faced the maids back to continue our conversation. ¡°How will I get in?¡± ¡°Your highness,¡± The third maid who hasn¡¯t spoken since the beginning called me slowly. I looked at her closely and noticed she was kind of shaking in fear and that made me wonder if I am that strict or has she seen me somewhere before where I was giving out punishment. ¡°Did you have something to say to me¡± ¡°Yes Your highness¡± ¡°I am all hear then¡± ¡°A long time ago. Imitted an offence, and because of that I was deprived of the right to my sry till I will stop working in the pce.¡± Her gaze moved up and down. How heavy is that crime of her, for her to be deprived of a sry for life which means she isn¡¯t getting any money for her work till she dies bute to think of it, how is that connected to my problem. ¡°Forgive me for crossing my boundaries.¡± She started as her gaze once traveled from the floor up to my face. ¡°If Your highness could help me get my right to my sry back, I surely know a way for you to get in without any problem¡± I raise my gaze up at her angrily, Is she trying to make a deal with me with this matter? I should be the one striking a deal here, not the other way round. As if she knew what I was thinking she immediately bowed her head down apologetically and said in a trembling voice. ¡°Forgive me, Your highness.¡± So she knew it was a crime. Maybe she wants to try her luck. ¡°I want you to know that you didn¡¯tmit any sin toward me but you did to my title¡± I said and the first maid including Na jihye looked at me in confusion. ¡°What you just did is disrespectful to my position as a princess.¡± I went on.¡±You don¡¯t do the talking here I do. you know you have a problem which I can certainly provide a solution to, then you are supposed to ask for a favour not strike a deal with me. For you to used the word *if* that isn¡¯t right¡± The maid¡¯s face dropped down at the realization of what I was trying to exin and she immediately shook her head.¡±Forgive me Your highness. Please do not misunderstand my intention, I didn¡¯t have it in mind to disrespect Your highness.¡± ¡°It is okay but you should know when to strike a deal and when you do not. Do you understand me¡± ¡°Yes Your highness¡± ¡°I am not interested to know what your offence was then but you do not have to worry anymore because your sry will be paid to you henceforth¡± I said and her eyes immediately lit up in happiness mixed with gratitude. She moved closer to my feet and bows down making sure her head touched the ground. ¡°Thank you very much Your highness. I am really grateful to you for everything¡± ¡°Everything¡± my eyes bore Into her and she raised her head up slightly.¡±Why? You can only thank me after we finished our deal¡± ¡°Deal? But I thought Your highness said that she isn¡¯t supposed to make a deal with you¡± Na ji hye pointed out. ¡°Yes she didn¡¯t have the right to make a deal with me because I strike and make the deal here¡± They all nodded their heads at my exnation.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org. ¡°So what is this way you say you know¡± She took a deep breath ¡°Actually because of the crime I told you Imitted, one of my punishments then is to make sure I bring food to the monster in the prison since none of the maids want to¡± Her face seemed nd like a person recalling a nervous incident. ¡°I was afraid at first but it a punishment and there¡¯s no way I can refused or escape from it, so since three year back I have been bringing food to the monster¡± Incredible. How did this monster look? It was even given food to eat. ¡°What you are saying now is that you have been seeing this monster for the past three year¡± ¡°No. I haven¡¯t seen it. not even once¡± What nonsense is she saying? how can you be giving it food and you won¡¯t see it face to face. ¡°Why? I mean since you have been close to him for three year, you should have seen it face or don¡¯t you know you are the one that is closer to him¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t seen it and I didn¡¯t seek to see it because I was just doing it as a punishment then and I didn¡¯t think about it but as Your highness just said I guess I should have tried to find out its face but on the other hand I am scared. What if I tried to find out and I end up getting hurt¡± she didn¡¯t falter and still insisted on what she said. ¡°Well you are right. All of that is in the past now. So what is the n?¡± ¡°Your highness will have to¡­.¡± She began ¡°Wait!. We are not more than four here today and I know how fast rumors spread in the pce, so be careful not to let your mouth slip. If I ever heard what we are discussing here today anywhere. I won¡¯t try to find the culprit but hold all of you responsible for it. Do you understand?¡± I cut in, moving to stand close to the maids kneeling on the floor. ¡°Yes, Your highness!¡± They chorused together. ¡°What the n¡± ¡ï¡ï¡ï¡ï My heart beat a lot as I came out onto the veranda of my chamber and saw the condition of Ku soha. She was tied down in both hands with a rope on a long bench and a continuous strokended on her buttock. At the impact of the stroke on her body she released a very loud scream. They stop when they notice my presence and bow courteously. My maids did a good job on her. She was beaten up badly and was dripping in water from head to toe. I guessed they must have woken her up with the water when she fainted. I know I am the one who gave out the order but I am kind of feeling pity for her right now. ¡°Untie her ¡± I order and the two maids who are carrying out the punishment immediately lose the rope on her hands. They pushed her down from the bench, then she dropped in a loud thud on the floor. I stoop down next to her.¡°Aigoo. A person can onlye back to their sense after a good beating¡± She raised her head up slowly groaning in pain. Her face was crumpled and freckled. ¡°I guessed you have something to say to me. For example forgive me Your highness¡± I huffed but she still remained silent staring at me with so much anger in her eyes. I chuckled silently and stood back on my feet. Look at the brat I am feeling pity for I thought menacingly, my gaze tight with fury as the anger in my body riled up to the fullest. ¡°You wench!. Apologized immediately¡± Courtdy Chun shouted at her but there¡¯s still no reaction. Na ji hye and the other maids also had a sympathetic look on their faces. They started urging her with their faces to do the right thing, which is apologizing. I guess they think she will apologize before I even start to talk but it looks like she gets nine life. ¡°I guessed you haven¡¯t learned your lesson yet¡± I taunt with a small smile ying on my lips. ¡°No matter what you did¡± her breath chokes and she coughs. ¡°I will never open my mouth to say the word sorry to you¡± her dark brown eyes pierced through my own I snickered, shaking my head in disbelief and wondering at the determined look on her face. I am really impressed. I used to think I am the most stubborndy ever but I think I just got a boss here but only a lunatic knows how to deal with another lunatic. Chapter 17 A Gift(2) I face courtdy chun.¡±I think you know what to do next¡± She nodded her head and used her eyes to signal the maids. Immediately two of the maids wrapped Ku Soha up with a mat and carried her away.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org. I let out a deep sigh as I watched the maids and courtdy Chun heading toward the other end of the pce. ¡°We will meet tomorrow as soon as the early morning sun rises,¡± I said and the two maids with me bowed their heads courteously and left the premises. I looked at Na ji hye, looking serious ¡°I will go to my mother chamber¡± ¡°Yes Your highness¡± Na ji hye bow and lead the way with her hand. I turned to the direction of the queen chamber walking elegantly with Na ji hye behind me. All the maids and eunuchs we met on the way stopped and bow courteously when they saw me. In no time we got to the queen chamber and the maids at the door announced my presence. The door was open after mother granted me ess and I walked in. Mother as usual was doing her embroidery. She lookedfortable on theid covers she is sitting on like a person with zero worry in the world. Well that¡¯s the truth, mother has always had no interest in politics unlike some queen of a kingdom who can do anything for power. I sat in front of her staring at the embroidery she was making. She is applying yarn to decorate a fabric. It was baby clothes. It looked so divine, like I wasn¡¯t even worth looking at it. ¡°What brings you here?¡± she finally asked after a long period of silence. ¡°What did you mean? Can¡¯t Ie and greet you again¡± I pout sadly ¡°I know you suk. You don¡¯te here unless you have something to ask or do¡± she replied and raised her head up staring at me with narrowed eyes. I gulped down nothing and crossed my hand underneath my breast. ¡°I didn¡¯te to greet you as you said since you believe that as well¡± She raised her head up fully and adjusted on her seat. ¡°I came for my little prince¡± my gaze fixed on her protruding tummy. She chuckled softly.¡± And who told you the baby is a boy¡± ¡°Of course it is a boy. I will soon have a younger brother who I can protect as a big sister¡± a smile stered on my lip as I said the words. Mother chuckled again.¡±Well sorry to disappoint you. This baby is a girl.¡± She said and I raised my eyebrow at her with a small frown on my face. ¡°A princess, who will have time for me and together we will both sit and do embroidery. who I can gist with all the time and she would tell me how her day went by and we will do a lot of fun things together¡± she said with a big happy smile on her face while rubbing her stomach gently. I know I am the opposite of all she just mentioned. I don¡¯t like embroidery and she has always forced me to do it and I prefer taking care of my matters without anyone knowing about it, which I know she wants me to share with her. Sucking in breath. I deployed my hand from my breast and pinched the edge of my nose, then dropped them on the table gently. Mother was trying to cast my crime or more urately what she prefers I do with her to me. ¡°Mother are you trying to let me know my crime toward you or what¡± Her expression changed to that of an innocent face. ¡°No. I am just stating what I will do with your younger sister after she is born¡± ¡°Younger brother not a sister.¡± I correct and she scoffed loudly. ¡°There is no point in arguing with you. What brings you here exactly¡± I released a deep sigh, my gaze lock with her ¡°Mother. Actually there is something I want to talk with you about¡± ¡°Go on¡± I rubbed my palm together nervously and breath some air into them dropping my hand on my skirt ¡°I need your help on something and if father should find out about this, it will reallynd me in trouble and only you can help me out¡± ¡°I am hearing you,¡± mother replied, bringing her gaze to meet mine. ¡°I want you to tell¡­.¡± I was talking when suddenly a voice in my head stopped me. *I thought you were smart but I was wrong about you. How can you have it in mind to tell her something like that* That¡¯s right. It dangerous to let her know, beside I don¡¯t have to get nervous, I only do the right thing Mother voice bring me out of my thoughts ¡°What did you want to tell me¡± ¡°It is nothing serious. Please don¡¯t worry¡± ¡°Hey. When you know you aren¡¯t going to tell me why you brought it up in the first ce¡± She demands throwing her hand in the air in annoyance. I smiled, a disarming smile and shrugged my shoulders. ¡°Your highness. It¡¯s Courtdy Chun¡± We heard an announcement from the door and Shortly Courtdy chun entered after mother had granted her ess. She bowed courteously and moved closer to me. She dropped a small box on the table. ¡°His Majesty sent you a gift,¡± She said, pointing at the box on the table. ¡°What is that?¡± Mother asked. I was the one sent a gift but mother¡¯s own is too much as she is stretching his neck to know what is in the box without even opening it yet. I opened the box and a diamond bracelet shone brightly inside the box. Letter S was bodily embroidery on it which represents my name. ¡°A. It¡¯s pretty¡± I said and picked the bracelet up from the box. I lock it on my wrist. Courtdy chun picked the box and stood up. She bowed before leaving the room. ¡°What did you think?¡± I looked at my mother who was smiling at the bracelet. ¡°It¡¯s catchy.¡± She replied and resumed her embroidery. ¡°His Majesty sent me a ne this morning to celebrate your brother crown princess selection in advance. I guess that¡¯s your own gift¡± mother added. Oh I totally forgot about that. My brother will soon be choosing his bride who will be the crown princess. At this time all nobledies who are interested in bing the crown princess are expected toe to the pce for the selection process. I guessed there will soon be some fun inside the pce because most of thosedies will certainly cause trouble. I smile at the anticipation, fight and fun involved in it. ¡°Mother I want to spend the rest of my day with you, by making clothes for my little brother but I will make some for a girl as well¡± I said and mother looked up at me surprisedly. ¡°I know my embroidery is the worst, that ¡®s why I want you to teach me¡± I added and stood up then sat next to her. She looked at me for a few seconds and together we smiled and mother started lecturing me on how to make embroidery. Chapter 18 Telling Her A Story After a hectic and memorable day with mother, I retired to my chamber. I reminisce on how my day went and smile happily. Today I fulfilled my mother ¡®s wish by spending the whole day with her making embroidery and talking about random things. I haven¡¯t done that before and at that moment I realized the feeling I have been depriving myself. It was fun. I tucked my nket over my body and rested my head on the pillow. I don¡¯t enjoy my sleep when I have less than three bedding but today even with the one bedding that I am sleeping on I feel rxed. Not long after God of sleep came knocking and I drifted to the dreand. I found myself in the same ce I was yesterday night. I looked around until I spotted a familiar figure sitting on one of the tree boughs__ Samsin. Her back was facing me with her hand crossed behind her back and beside her is her usual bowl. I walked slowly toward her. She turned back when she noticed my presence and smiled. ¡°I have been expecting you¡± she stood up and moved closer to me, her warm breath on my face. ¡°You again¡± I looked at her stupefied. ¡°Why are you surprised? It not like this is the first time we are meeting¡± I rubbed my forehead frustrated and sighed. I moved back to create some space between us. ¡°What brings you here¡± ¡°I think I should be the one asking that question¡± her voice became firm. What the hell is she talking about? I always found myself in this godforsaken ce without knowing how I got here and I am sure it was her doing. She leaned in closer to me and I almost gasped. ¡°Your highness. I mean no harm.¡± She raises her hand up in surrender. ¡°I am truly here to protect you and I will do everything in my best to make sure I fulfilled my duty¡± ¡°Your duty¡± I mutter wondering what she meant by her duty. She looked at me for a long time and I felt her gaze bore Into my soul and finally she spoke. This time her voice was gentler and there was a weing expression in her eyes. ¡°Yes. Which is protecting and looking out for you¡± Hearing that I breathe out in relief. I don¡¯t know but I kind of believe her words and suddenly felt drawn toward her forfort. ¡°Please take a seat¡± she shifted and made way for me, pointing to where she stood up from. I sat down obediently as my eyes wandered around. Surprisingly this wasn¡¯t as hard as I imagined. Samsin sat next to me and stretched out her bowl to me offering me the danguik (Chicken leg) that was inside the bowl. I looked at her face and she gave me an encouraging smile. As though she had cast a bewitching spell on me, I obeyed and dipped my hand inside the bowl and picked one of the chicken legs, throwing it into my mouth. Good heavens, how did this youngdy always have her way with food? This is so delicious that I feel like asking for more but I won¡¯t want to stain my dignity because of the food. Even though this isn¡¯t as delicious as the bulgogi I had before, it still takes away my soul. ¡°How is it¡± ¡°It¡¯s manageable¡± I said less concerned. I don¡¯t want to give her the impression that it was more than I¡¯d imagined. ¡°I am happy it satisfied you¡± she seemed pleased and put away the bowl from my sight. I have so many questions running through my mind like a cloud drifting aimlessly but I just feel myself bing a little like a zombie. I looked at her curiously, wondering if I should ask her the question that was bothering my mind and entire body. I heard a loud sighed beside me and looked up at samsin. She smiles and gives me a knowing look which lights out to me that she knows I want to ask questions. ¡°About the person you talked about the other day,¡± I quirked my mouth. ¡°How can I help this person¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to help him for now when it is the right time, you will render help to him without even knowing but right now all he needs from you is to save him¡± I move my hair back. ¡°Then how can I save him when I do not even know who he is¡± ¡°Let me tell you a very short love story between two close friends,¡± samsin said. I stared at her meticulously awaiting her to start her story. She releases a huge sigh and clears her throat. ¡°There lives a youngd who is the crown prince of his kingdom. He was always alone, trapped in the big pce with no one to share his happiness, pain and burden with, not even his parents. So he was more like an outsider, an introvert more urate. One day a young man from a noble family came to him and asked to be his friend but he rejected and embarrassed the boy. Notwithstanding thed continued showing up even with every second of disgrace the crown prince gave him. After several days the crown prince has no choice but to befriend him since he won¡¯t leave him alone¡­¡± ¡°I understand the crown prince situation very well because I am also in that position¡± I chimed in, cutting her off. Samsin looked at me eagerly, waiting for me to borate on what I just said. ¡°Being part of a royal family. You will not enjoy the privilege of being given attention by your parents and if you decide to leave your family out and get close with your servant they will still not treat you like you are one of them but with some annoying utmost respect¡± my face crumbles in anger. Samsin chuckled lightly. ¡°Then is your highness one of these people ¡± I raise my gaze at her. ¡°Did you also have difficultymunicating with people other than your family¡± she added ¡°No. I am a very simple person, I don¡¯t expect any special attention from my parents because I know it won¡¯t be easy for them to give me that. It is not like I am saying they didn¡¯t love me. I am sure they love me more than they love each other¡± ¡°Of Course No parents in the world won¡¯t love his/her child. You can¡¯t trade parent love for anything¡± Samsim whispered as she gently tucked my hair that was flowing in the breeze behind the rest. I yawn loudly and I rubbed my eyes to numb the fatigue and dizziness, ¡°They have a huge responsibility for the nation which isid heavily on their shoulders and I can not put forward my whining or demand any special attention from them. So what I am trying to say is that the crown prince must not be a fan of big gestured and must be used to loneliness but seeing someone offering a friendship might seem suspicious to him¡± Samsin nodded and smiled before continuing. ¡°Their friendship started randomly but in a short time it developed into a very strong bond. They were always at each other¡¯spany and had taken confidence in sharing their worries and secrets with each other. The boy took the crown prince outside the pce one-day to see the world beyond the pce wall. The crown prince was surprised to know that there is another world beyond the pce, he believes only in the world he has always seen.¡± ¡°I have always been curious of how the wall beyond the pce also looked and I want to explore it one day¡± An amused smile curve at the corner of samsin mouth after hearing me say that. ¡°And you will one day¡± she assured and proceeded with the story. ¡°After tasting the world beyond the pce the crown prince became so addicted to it that he always pleaded with his friend to take him outside the pce. So they both would sneak out every day and explore around the world. On one of these visits they met an orphan girl who has always fends for herself all her life.¡± I can¡¯t fight the dizziness again and I gently ce my head on Samsin¡¯s shoulders. She didn¡¯tin. She just smiled and took my hand into her own. ¡°It was love at first sight for both friends. One thing led to another and they became friends with the girl. They would explore the world and dine with each other, doing a lot of fun things together. They hide their identity from the girl telling her that they were justmoners. unknown to them, the girl also has a secret she is keeping from them. I yawned loudly and squeezed my hand gently with Samsin¡¯s hand. ¡°The both friend keep their love for the girl with themselves without telling each other about it, and on the other hand their love for her kept increasing every single day.¡° I raise my head slightly to look at samsin face. ¡°Wow the girl must be lucky to have two man of high nobility fall for her at the same time¡± Samsin smiled and adjusted my head back on her shoulder. After making sure I amfortable on her shoulder she continued. ¡°One day the crown prince took the courage to confess to the girl whereas the second boy was also nning to confess to her on that same day. The crown prince and the girl met and after a lot of hesitation the crown prince finally let out her feelings for her. however the second boy was also present at the scene and had witnessed the crown prince confessing his love to the girl.¡± ¡°Oops why did he have to witness that.¡± I grunted, which made samsinugh lightly. ¡°It¡¯s not the boy¡¯s fault¡± she said and resumed her story.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org. ¡°The boy left the scene heartbroken and he decides to leave the girl for the crown prince for the sake of friendship they share even when he knows it won¡¯t be easy to forget her. He still wants to make that sacrifice for his friend but the heart chooses whom it wants. you cannot force it to make a decision against its desired ones. The girl declined the crown prince and told him the one her heart beat for is his friend. Both friends were down that day with a broken heart and they both stayed in their separatenes without trespassing to each other¡¯s boundaries.¡± I don¡¯t know but right now I feel like I will soon be engulfed in deep sleep as I feel my eyelids bing heavy. ¡°Are you listening?¡± Samsin cooed as she pinched my palm lightly and I nodded my head to let her know I was with her, then she continued. ¡°As time went on the crown prince started distancing himself from his friend and was doing everything in his best to convince the girl to ept his feelings for her but his parents had another n for him which shattered his chances with the one he loved. They announced marriage between him and another nobledy. ¡°Oh that¡¯s bad for him. But on the other hand it just gives the second boy an opportunity to express his love for the girl.¡± I blurted and quickly used my hand to cover my mouth when I realized I must have said something not appropriate but samsin just chuckled and went on with the story. ¡°He was so aggravated but his parents already made the final decision. Fortunately for the girl and second boy, they both start their own love story and the crown prince also gets married to his chosen bride and ascends the throne. The other lover bird without wasting time also got married, living happily. One day the secret the orphan girl was trying to hide was exposed to her husband. I yawn again and snuggle my head closely into samsin shoulder Samsin smiled.¡± I think we will continue with our story another day, ¡°she said. I tried to keep my eyes open.¡±No, don¡¯t worry. You can continue I am listening¡± ¡°You should sleep. you seemed tired.¡± With that being said. She took her palm to my face and used it to close my eyes and like that I felt sleepiness engulfed me. Chapter 19 Going Inside The Prison The early morning sun Pierce into the room, straight into my face. I frowned with my eyes still closed and slowly dragged them open, I stared around in confusion and groaned holding my head with my hand as I sat up. Wait, this is my chamber. Howe? am I not just having conversations with samsin a few seconds ago. Aigoo don¡¯t you see that the sun has risen, a voice whispers inside my head and that prompts me to stand up from the bedding and moved to the window. I opened it and leaned in, the sun shining brightly to my face. I suddenly gasped. ¡°No. Don¡¯t tell me I had another dream¡± I mutter. Of Course that is the only reasonable reason for my puzzle. I sighed deeply and smiled. ¡°She is caring¡± I whisper as I reconcile how my dream went by. ¡°Your highness. It¡¯s time to wake up¡± I heard courtdy Chun¡¯s voice as usual and the door opened immediately with courtdy Chun and the maidsing in. ¡°It¡¯s time to get ready, Your highness¡± Na ji hye announced and Courtdy Chun signaled the maid to get to work. I moved away from the window side and sat on theid covered. They surround me and begin my washing and dressing. After a few minutes they finished with my dressing and I waved them off leaving only courtdy Chun and Na ji hye behind. ¡°Did Your Highness have something I must do for you?¡± Courtdy Chun asked. She must be wondering why I asked her to stay behind. ¡°Coutdy Chun¡± I called. ¡°Yes Your highness¡± ¡°I hope you take care of her¡± She looked up at me with a guilty face and I saw her mps her hand together nervously before she gulped down nothing. ¡°Y.. Yes Your h¡­highness¡± she stuttered. This is unlike courtdy chun to be stuttering or feel nervously which gives me a hint that something is wrong somewhere. ¡°Is everything okay?¡± I asked, my eyes roaming over her body and monitoring every action of her body. ¡°Of course Your highness. Everything is perfectly fine. Please do not worry¡± she rushed her word and bowed, then exited the room in a hurry like a person whose pants are on fire. I released a loud sighed and gesture for Na ji hye to move forward which she did immediately and kneel beside me. ¡°Your highness. I think something is wrong with courtdy Chun¡± Na ji hye said. ¡°You also notice that. I thought I am the only one who notice it¡± ¡°Don¡¯t Your highness think that courtdy Chun had something she is hiding and I am having some feeling that Your highness might get hurt because of it.¡± ¡°I also think that but courtdy would never do anything to harm me¡± ¡°Your highness must be careful. No one is trustworthy¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org. ¡°I Know but courtdy Chun had been serving for a long time. If I could remember well, I think it is when I turn three. She had be like my second mother and had always watch out for me¡± I said sadly ¡°I understand where Your highness ising from. I also trust courtdy Chun but in this situation I can help but question her trust and loyalty.¡± I nodded my head and sighed deeply. I am also doubting Court Lady Chun¡¯s loyalty right now because my subconscious would not let those thoughts off my mind. I feel like courtdy chun might hurt just as Na ji hye assumed but I quickly discard those thoughts not wanting to think like that of her. An announcement from the door that some maid wanted to see me brought me out of my thoughts and after giving permission the two maids from yesterday entered. They bow courteously. ¡°Did you have a good night rest Your highness¡± they chorused together. ¡°You are both wee¡± I smile warmly at them. ¡°Thank you, Your Highness,¡± they said quietly. ¡°Let go¡± I instructed and Na ji hye went to the jar ced by the corner of the room and took it in her hand. I stood up slowly, adjusted my skirt and walked out of the room with the maids and Na ji hye behind me. Courdy Chun and the other maids tried to follow me but I discarded them with a wave of my hand, ordering them not to bother. We walk along the hallway leading to the open vacade before continuing on the path to the pce prison. In no time we get to the premises of the pce prison, with the prison a few meters away from us. ¡°Your highness please excuse me for a minute¡± one of the maids said and bow courteously before leaving in a hurry to go back from where we areing from. ¡°Where is she going?¡± I asked the other maid. ¡°To bring the food we will take to the guards¡± she replied calmly looking at the direction the maid went. I inhale deeply and Puff out air. I turned to face them and coughed lightly. ¡°What now?¡± I whisper slowly. The maid handed over something wrapped and tied in a silk material to me and Na ji hye carefully dropped the jar with her before collecting it from her and untied it, bringing out a maid uniform. My gaze went to the maid and down to the uniform in Na ji hye hand. ¡°Your highness, we didn¡¯t have much time. You need to change this.¡± The maid pointed at my dress, and quickly snatched the uniform from Na ji hye and shoved it into my hand. ¡°This is my uniform. You have to wear it¡± she added. Heaven. Is this really happening? Actually the n was to dressed me as one of the maids and I will go in disguise of the maid who take food in for the monster and the real maids will take Ku Soha ce and together with the other maid, they will served the guards outside and keep them upied incase I took time toe out so they won¡¯t have any idea what going on but I am just not sure if I am doing the right thing. Not wanting to give into the hesitation going on in my mind I quickly handed the uniform over to Na ji hye and without another words she began to take off my hanbok dress while the maid used her body to cover me. She turned back once we were done and nodded her head. I looked at myself and sighed at my transformation. seeing my appearance I now look like one of the maids with the uniform I am putting on and it would be hard for the guard not to know that I am not a maid. I am sure they won¡¯t recognize me because of the uniform and given to the fact that they certainly might not have seen me before. I was still in my hesitation running mind stage when the voice of the maid brought me out of my thoughts. ¡°We should get going now, Your Highness,¡± The maid said. It was the maid who left earlier. I guessed she came back when I was still lost in my thoughts and with her are two wooden buckets. I took a peek inside the buckets and Manduguk (dumplings soups) and Rice cakey silently in the buckets begging to be eaten. A separate small bowl was with the fist maid and she stretched the bowl forward to me. ¡± Here¡± I raised my gaze up at her and scoffed. ¡°What is this¡± ¡°This is what you need to take in with you. The monster breakfast¡± Oh I forget what I will go with in disguise. I collected the bowl and opened it and there was a rice ball (Jumeokbap) inside. ¡°Won¡¯t there be any side stew with it?¡± I asked, directing my question to the maid. ¡°No Your highness. It¡¯s just Rice ball with no soup. That¡¯s the order from above.¡± Order from above my foot. Chapter 20 Going Inside The Prison(2) I nodded my head, Not wanting to argue with her. I looked at Na ji hye and she handed over the jar to the maid, who collected it with a confused look. ¡°Give those to the guards while serving them breakfast¡± I said. Her face contorted with curiosity. ¡°What is inside your highness?¡± she asked. ¡°Open it¡± She opened the cover of the jar and gasped loudly. ¡°Your highness drinking while on duty is considered a crime.¡± ¡°Just give it to them. You just make sure you remind them to be mindful of how much they drink. They will be so happy to taste wine after a very long time. Besides, the reason why I am asking you to give them this is because they will be kept off guard.¡± ¡°I understand Your highness¡± She nodded. I strain my head forward toward the direction of the guards and my eyes moving around them. It looked like a camp with soldiers guarding it. After I make sure to have ess to their position and every necessary thing about them. I turned back to face the maids. ¡°Direction¡± I whisper almost inaudibly. ¡°Once you enter. You keep going straight passing each cell. When you reach the end of the wall, Go straight to your right. There is a small hole at the bottom of the ground. Just pass the food through the hole.¡± She answered, her gaze fixed on my skirt. I looked down at the skirt and chuckled softly when I saw what she was looking at. Different knot was tied on the skirt forming a circle, it certainly was her doing and she must be feeling embarrassed because of it. I bent down, my hand going to the skirt and began tackling the knots formed on it. ¡°If I pass the food like you direct, then I won¡¯t be able to see the monster¡± I said while priming my skirt. That¡¯s how I have been bringing food to it. I don¡¯t know another way you could see what you desired¡± she hushed and that made me lift my hand away from my skirt and straight my body up. I bend my head dolefully like a child who has been denied ess to her favourite toy. ¡°Okay no problem¡± I mutter, almost inaudibly. The maids chuckle at my behavior but immediatelypost themselves when they meet my yful re. ¡°We are sorry Your highness¡± they apologized with their head bow. I smiled and winked at them which made them giggle happily. ¡°We will bete to serve the breakfast sung duk im¡± the second maid said to the maid whose uniform I am wearing and she nodded her head in agreement. ¡°Oh. Sung duk im is your name¡± I asked and she nodded shyly. a blush appearing on her face. ¡°What a pretty name for a pretty damsel¡± Ipliment and she blushed harder ¡°Thank you Your highness¡± I faced the second maid ¡°And what is this epitome of beauty name¡± I said to her and like a magic a wide smile spread on her lip. ¡°Nam oh Jun Your highness¡± she replied and smiled. ¡°The name fits you perfectly¡± I said and her smile widened. I giggled and nudged sung duk im ¡°shall we go now¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org. I looked at their faces one after the other. They all nodded and Sung duk im, took the lead, heading towards the guards while the remaining of us followed behind her. I bowed my head like I used to see my maids do and I made sure I changed my walking step. It was not easy but I was able to manage and do it. I was still walking with my head bow when I heard a sh of a weapon and everyone stopped walking, halting my foot as well. I raise my head slightly and my eyes meet with the guards who are standing at the entrance of the gate. The sound produced from the weapon is as a result of them using their spear to block the road. They were d in armor and with their uniforms I got to know that they were the prison guards because the royal guards were always d in some sort of a uniform not an armor. Since I have always seen some of the royal guards with my brother, I got to differentiate them from the other guards . The guards looked at us for a long time and I started wondering what exactly they were finding in us. It¡¯s not like this is their first time seeing Sung duk im and Nam oh jun. After some minutes of staring without a word, One of the guards finally moved forward and opened the bowl in my hand. He nodded and moved to look inside the buckets in Nam oh jun hand, after that his gaze drifted to Na ji hye, his gaze linger on Na ji hye and he finally moved back whispering something to the other guards Another guard moved forward together with the first guard. ¡°Why are you four today?¡± he asked. God. I totally forgot about Na ji hye, I should have known they would question us about her, since the maids are always three. they would certainly ask why they are four today. I looked at Nam oh Jun and Sung duk im and I could see fear in their eyes. What am I expecting? It is obvious they would be afraid. My gaze moves to Na ji hye and she still looks confident without shaking or showing any sign of fear. I clear my throat, ready to say something when Na ji hye¡¯s voice stops me. ¡°The maids have lodged aint about a shortage of service rendered when they came to serve you and in return to theirint the head courtdy sent me to support them to relieve them of their stress¡± Na ji hye said smoothly without faltering. I looked at her surprised, it was hard to believe how she came up with such a smooth lie so fast. It was as if she knew what¡¯s going to happen. I could see the other maids too rendered in surprise with their mouths wide open. I quickly cleared my voice to make them aware that they can blow up Na ji hye lie with their expression and thankfully they quickly understood the message andposed themselves and nodded their head to confirm Na ji hye words. The guards looked at each other before removing their spear from the ways and allowed us to go in. We entered the open hallway or rather the camp. Immediately the army of guards spotted us they began gathering together and without wasting time Sung duk im and others began serving them. She signals me with her hand pointing toward the entrance of the prison and I quickly walk to the entrance. I heard them howling in joy and I took one look behind me and nodded my head when I see Na ji hye serving them the wine and without another look I dash inside the prison. Chapter 21 Meeting The Monster Inside the prison. The youngd was grimacing in pain when suddenly a figure appeared from the darkness and a man surfaced bowing before thed. He looked up at the man, his eyes filled with unshed tears. ¡°Noh bum tae,¡± He called weakly. ¡°Yes Master¡± The man bow courteously. Pity and anger show on his face. The pity for his master and the anger toward himself for not being able to do anything to help his master. ¡°When is sheing¡± he asked and Noh bum tae eyes beam.¡±The person you talk about. When is sheing?¡± he asked in his weak voicey with excruciating pain. ¡°She is here master and soon she will show herself to you¡± came the reply from Noh bum tae. He nodded his head and closed his eyes trying to endure the pain that blossomed his entire body system while the man looked at him closely, he inhaled deeply and stared away from his direction. ¡­¡­ The dark prison didn¡¯t show any mercy to me, even with the light in my hand. It was so dark that it was hard to control my foot as it wagged in darkness. It was neither easy to see properly despiste with the aid of firewood in my hand. I want to quickly get rid of this darkness so I quickened my steps. I almost stumbled to the ground but quickly diverted my falling toward the wall and my back hit the rocky wall in a loud thud not sparing my leg as the rock bruised my soft milky skin. The firewood light in my hand traveled to the other side of the room. I screamed lightly and rubbed my feet soothingly. I quickly stood back up and took my firewood lighter. Thankfully the fire didn¡¯t die down when it hit the floor. I continued with my step gently and after hanging my life on with determination I finally reached the end of the cell. I stopped walking when I came face to face with a rocky wall, standing rooted with my eyes roaming on the wall in front of me. What next? I wondered ruefully when I couldn¡¯t find any door connected to the wall. I released a deep breath and closed my eyes but immediately opened them when I remembered Sung duk im direction. She had asked me to go to my right hand side, so without sucking I quickly moved toward the direction until I reached the end of the wall and truly there is a small hole at the bottom of the wall. I want to get rid of the pain that has blossomed my entire body so I immediately passed the rice ball(Jumeokbap) through the hole and turned to leave. I need to take care of my wound. I started limping toward the direction I came from but I didn¡¯t make it far when a loud banged of metal stopped my movement on the spot. What the hell was that?Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. I turned back and surveyed my environment, scrutinizing the ce properly but I didn¡¯t see or find anything suspicious, then where did that sounde from. After waiting for a few seconds and nothing happened I turned back to resume my escape, but the sound came again and this time around in a repeating mode. That¡¯s how my curiosity kicked in and without wasting time I started tracing where the sound wasing from. I kept walking toward the sound until I reached the end of the wall and the sound stopped as well. I point the light to the wall and to my surprise a big metal doores to my face. I stood dumbfounded with my mouth slightly open. I could never have imagined that there would be a door here. I mean it is so hidden that one would believe it. I shook my head to get out of my daze and inhale deeply. My eyes roaming on the metal door in front of me until itnded on the big padlock. I creased my brow in curiosity with different thoughts running in my mind. Why is there a door here and it was locked with a padlock, then that means there is someone in there. I close my eyes and the first picture thates to my mind is the imagination of me and the monster. Couldn¡¯t it be that the Monster is in there? I opened my eyes and gasped loudly at my ridiculous imagination, but this might be true or else why would there be a heavy metal door here. Come to think of it, the loud noise I heard came from this direction. A nail was driven into the wall and a key hung on the weight of the nail. My shaking hand reached for the key that was hanging on the nail, and I inserted it into the padlock which clicked open immediately. Taking a breath, I pushed the door open which made some creak sounds at the impact I used on pushing it. Leaving all negative thoughts behind. my foot found its way inside the opened room taking scrupulous steps. The first thing that wees me is the chilly draft which numbers the soul of my feet. I pulled my skirt tightly against the wind and wrapped my hand around my body for warmth. My eyes are roaming around in panic. Did I make a mistakeing in here?. Why is it suddenly chilly here? As I stood, the cold seeped through my uniform sending a bone shattering chill to my body. ¡°It is okay. Nothing will happen¡± I assured myself while Patting my body with my hand. I heard a distant agonizing grunt. It was as if a person was trapped somewhere and undergoing several torture and that confirm my fear that there was some one here and who would it be if not the so called monster. I froze at the realization and almost immediately regained my senses. I ran back toward the door but before I could make it to the door, it went shut on its own making me stumble back to the ground. ¡°Heaven please if you help me out of here, I promise not to get curious again in my life¡± I facepalm my face and pray mentally. I was still praying in my mind when I heard a low whimper very close to me. ¡°Heaven I surrender myself to you¡± I whisper slowly. Losing all hope of getting out of this ce alive because I know that the whimper I heard must belong to the monster. I opened my eyes and let them trace where the whimpers wereing from until theynded on a young boy. I froze in shock when my eyes met with the boy eating a rice ball(Jumeokbap). He stopped eating when his gaze met mine and the food dropped from his hand in shock. His red eyes, which look likeva from a volcano, were staring back at me. It was as if the time froze for both of us. What the hell was this?. Why is a young boy here?. What¡¯s he doing? Those were the thoughts running through my head. I gasped when a thought nagged at me. It is impossible, it is entirely not possible. How would this young boy be the monster? No one in his or her right sense will hate such a little boy like him. ¡°Where are you here¡± I heard his tiny voice and that snapped me out of my thoughts. I disconnected my eyes from his and ask the most stupid questions I never thought I could ask. ¡°Are you the monster¡± Of course he is, seeing the rice ball I pass through the hole in his hand, but my grail-barely voice couldn¡¯t stop but spout the question out. The boy looked at me with some kind of disappointment before lowering his head down. I saw tears streamed down his cheek. ¡°What should I expect? You will believe in them as well, of course you are one of them¡± he whispered as another tear made its way down his cheek. Chapter 22 Meeting The Monster(2) What did he mean by I will believe in them? and he sounds like he knew me before and like I am a person he is relying on but was disappointed by. Hot tears streamed past my cheek without realizing it. I touched my face and scoffed when I saw the tears. Why am I feeling terrible by my own words and for this young boy who turned out to be the monster. It feels like my words are dagger and they cut my heart into pieces but he should be the one feeling pain from my words. Why am I feeling guilty?This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org. The boy was still crying with his head down. I looked at him closely, his skin was covered in different scars and he was so scrawny that I could see his bone. His ck tangle hair was scattered over his face that it reminds of a swamp. and The up and down shorts on his body are turned in several ces and soaked with water. I moved closer to him and picked up his food. Making sure to clear the sand on it, I took his hand and ced the rice ball on his palm. He looks up at me surprisedly and I smile warmly at him. ¡°Eat. You need to eat to have strength¡± ¡°You aren¡¯t afraid of me¡± he mumbled, his red eyes resting on my face. His eyes void of unknown pain He was right. I wasn¡¯t afraid of him, I should be but I just can¡¯t bring myself to hate or dread him like others. rather I feel guilty knowing it was my father who imprisoned him here. I tried to convince myself that my drive to bepassionate is the one surfacing but I couldn¡¯t trick myself though. I feel connected to him, I have no absolute exnation to why I have been kind to him instead of hating him. ¡°Did you want me to be afraid of you?¡± I whispered. Our gaze locked and I was once trapped by the mesmerizing colour. The pain beneath the eyes and the history written within it. ¡°Did you want to?¡± He asked. A dry chuckled escape from his perfect lip. ¡°No. I don¡¯t want to but if you want me to, I will dly join them in hating you¡± I rolled my eyes because of his cocky demeanor. It was annoying that he kept replying to my question with another question. I could clearly see it in his eyes that he doesn¡¯t want to be hated by me but seeing him using some cold demeanor with me is kind of irritating. ¡°Why have youe in today?¡± he asked, looking at his food. I nced at his food and sighed deeply. ¡°I need an answer on¡­¡± ¡°On¡± he asked, raising his eyebrow. I took a second to admire his face before looking away. Even though he looked malnourished, I still couldn¡¯t deny how devastable handsome he is. His perfectly pointed nose and pale lip. I imagine how handsome he would be if he was not in this position. I guessed so manydies would faint once they set their eyes on the incredibly attractive boy. My blood boiled in anger at the thought of anotherdy gagging on him and I gritted my teeth, my hand clenching and unclenching at the same time. I took a deep breath to quench my anger and sat next to him. That¡¯s when I noticed the water dripping on him. It was a single drop but his cloth is soaked which means that it must have been dripping on him for a long time non-stop. ¡°Why did youe in today?¡± he questioned. Hearing his voice. I snapped out of my thoughts and stared at him without saying any words. Instead I found my hand going to his face. I cleaned his tears with my thumbs and smiles. Though I wonder why he keeps asking me the same question. ¡°Thank you for everything¡± he said, his voice dark and huskily but melodic that my heart skipped a beat. Heaven what is happening to me?. Why did I find myself getting rxed with him at each passing second?. ¡°For the food and this warmth right now¡± he added. That¡¯s when I realized his head was resting on my shoulder. ¡°You are so kind. You showpassion for a person like me, that everyone dreads. For a monster¡­.¡± ¡°You aren¡¯t a monster. You are just another special being that¡¯s different from us¡± He removed his head from my shoulder and looked up at me. His emotionless eyes filled with gratitude and admiration. And again tears found their way down his cheek, I cleaned his tears and pinched his nose before bringing his head back to my shoulder. ¡°How long have you been locked up here?¡± I questioned and he released a sigh. ¡°Since I was three years old.¡± He said and it was my turn to look at him. Three years?. That¡¯s a long time and looking at him now, if I should guess his age he must be up to sixteen or more than that. ¡°That must be hard.¡± I said and he looked at me waiting for me to borate. ¡°Enduring all that since you were young¡± I added and sighed sadly. He smiles. A smile that shows his sad emotion. ¡°You are right. There are many times I wished for death instead of this suffering¡± All this was caused by my father. Your suffering and pain were all caused by my father, so how could I possibly let go of this guilt I am feeling. I deserve it. Don¡¯t I?. I sniveled and cleaned my running nose. ¡°Are you crying? Because of me¡± The boy said and tried to take his hand to my face but his hand refused toe out. I looked at his hand and noticed a bulge forming on his wrist. Just above the bulge is a tattoo. I squinted my eyes and locked my gaze with the tattoo. It was a snake tattoo disying his tongue. A ck huge python. ¡°I have had it since birth,¡± he said and I nodded. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful¡± were the words that came out of my mouth and his lips curled into a smile. It was the most beautiful smile I have ever seen, bringing his dull eyes back to life. I would certainly pay any amount to see those smiles every day. I unhook my bracelet and put his hand on myp. I lock the bracelet on his hand exactly where the bulge was. He stared at me in surprise and was about to say something when I beat him to it, by not allowing him to say a word. I am sure he wants to ask why I gave him the bracelet but I don¡¯t even know the reason as well, I just feel the bracelet would cover the bulge. ¡°Eat your food¡± Without another words he started eating and I stared at him as he ate. The rice ballcks the nutrients it requires as I couldn¡¯t see the appropriate ingredients in it. I didn¡¯t expect them to add meat or vegetables to it but the sesame oil and sesame seeds that are required iscking in it. It was just in cold rice. I took in a deep breath and closed my eyes. ¡°You are beautiful¡± My eyes snapped open at thepliment. I feel butterflies dancing in my tummy and happiness leaps at me. I smile appreciatively at him. He had finished eating and was just staring at me. ¡°You are a maid but your beauty will surely surpass all those nobledy out there¡± That¡¯s when the realization hit me. He must think I am a maid not knowing I am the daughter of the man who imprisoned him here. Will he hate me if he found out my identity? Inside the prison. The youngd was grimacing in pain when suddenly a figure appeared from the darkness and a man surfaced bowing before thed. He looked up at the man, his eyes filled with unshed tears. ¡°Noh bum tae,¡± He called weakly. ¡°Yes Master¡± The man bow courteously. Pity and anger show on his face. The pity for his master and the anger toward himself for not being able to do anything to help his master. ¡°When is sheing¡± he asked and Noh bum tae eyes beam.¡±The person you talk about. When is sheing?¡± he asked in his weak voicey with excruciating pain. ¡°She is here master and soon she will show herself to you¡± came the reply from Noh bum tae. He nodded his head and closed his eyes trying to endure the pain that blossomed his entire body system while the man looked at him closely, he inhaled deeply and stared away from his direction. ¡­¡­ Chapter 23 Meeting The Monster(3) The dark prison didn¡¯t show any mercy to me, even with the light in my hand. It was so dark that it was hard to control my foot as it wagged in darkness. It was neither easy to see properly despiste with the aid of firewood in my hand. I want to quickly get rid of this darkness so I quickened my steps. I almost stumbled to the ground but quickly diverted my falling toward the wall and my back hit the rocky wall in a loud thud not sparing my leg as the rock bruised my soft milky skin. The firewood light in my hand traveled to the other side of the room.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org. I screamed lightly and rubbed my feet soothingly. I quickly stood back up and took my firewood lighter. Thankfully the fire didn¡¯t die down when it hit the floor. I continued with my step gently and after hanging my life on with determination I finally reached the end of the cell. I stopped walking when I came face to face with a rocky wall, standing rooted with my eyes roaming on the wall in front of me. What next? I wondered ruefully when I couldn¡¯t find any door connected to the wall. I released a deep breath and closed my eyes but immediately opened them when I remembered Sung duk im direction. She had asked me to go to my right hand side, so without sucking I quickly moved toward the direction until I reached the end of the wall and truly there is a small hole at the bottom of the wall. I want to get rid of the pain that has blossomed my entire body so I immediately passed the rice ball(Jumeokbap) through the hole and turned to leave. I need to take care of my wound. I started limping toward the direction I came from but I didn¡¯t make it far when a loud banged of metal stopped my movement on the spot. What the hell was that? I turned back and surveyed my environment, scrutinizing the ce properly but I didn¡¯t see or find anything suspicious, then where did that sounde from. After waiting for a few seconds and nothing happened I turned back to resume my escape, but the sound came again and this time around in a repeating mode. That¡¯s how my curiosity kicked in and without wasting time I started tracing where the sound wasing from. I kept walking toward the sound until I reached the end of the wall and the sound stopped as well. I point the light to the wall and to my surprise a big metal doores to my face. I stood dumbfounded with my mouth slightly open. I could never have imagined that there would be a door here. I mean it is so hidden that one would believe it. I shook my head to get out of my daze and inhale deeply. My eyes roaming on the metal door in front of me until itnded on the big padlock. I creased my brow in curiosity with different thoughts running in my mind. Why is there a door here and it was locked with a padlock, then that means there is someone in there. I close my eyes and the first picture thates to my mind is the imagination of me and the monster. Couldn¡¯t it be that the Monster is in there? I opened my eyes and gasped loudly at my ridiculous imagination, but this might be true or else why would there be a heavy metal door here. Come to think of it, the loud noise I heard came from this direction. A nail was driven into the wall and a key hung on the weight of the nail. My shaking hand reached for the key that was hanging on the nail, and I inserted it into the padlock which clicked open immediately. Taking a breath, I pushed the door open which made some creak sounds at the impact I used on pushing it. Leaving all negative thoughts behind. my foot found its way inside the opened room taking scrupulous steps. The first thing that wees me is the chilly draft which numbers the soul of my feet. I pulled my skirt tightly against the wind and wrapped my hand around my body for warmth. My eyes are roaming around in panic. Did I make a mistakeing in here?. Why is it suddenly chilly here? As I stood, the cold seeped through my uniform sending a bone shattering chill to my body. ¡°It is okay. Nothing will happen¡± I assured myself while Patting my body with my hand. I heard a distant agonizing grunt. It was as if a person was trapped somewhere and undergoing several torture and that confirm my fear that there was some one here and who would it be if not the so called monster. I froze at the realization and almost immediately regained my senses. I ran back toward the door but before I could make it to the door, it went shut on its own making me stumble back to the ground. ¡°Heaven please if you help me out of here, I promise not to get curious again in my life¡± I facepalm my face and pray mentally. I was still praying in my mind when I heard a low whimper very close to me. ¡°Heaven I surrender myself to you¡± I whisper slowly. Losing all hope of getting out of this ce alive because I know that the whimper I heard must belong to the monster. I opened my eyes and let them trace where the whimpers wereing from until theynded on a young boy. I froze in shock when my eyes met with the boy eating a rice ball(Jumeokbap). He stopped eating when his gaze met mine and the food dropped from his hand in shock. His red eyes, which look likeva from a volcano, were staring back at me. It was as if the time froze for both of us. What the hell was this?. Why is a young boy here?. What¡¯s he doing? Those were the thoughts running through my head. I gasped when a thought nagged at me. It is impossible, it is entirely not possible. How would this young boy be the monster? No one in his or her right sense will hate such a little boy like him. ¡°Where are you here¡± I heard his tiny voice and that snapped me out of my thoughts. I disconnected my eyes from his and ask the most stupid questions I never thought I could ask. ¡°Are you the monster¡± Of course he is, seeing the rice ball I pass through the hole in his hand, but my grail-barely voice couldn¡¯t stop but spout the question out. The boy looked at me with some kind of disappointment before lowering his head down. I saw tears streamed down his cheek. ¡°What should I expect? You will believe in them as well, of course you are one of them¡± he whispered as another tear made its way down his cheek. What did he mean by I will believe in them? and he sounds like he knew me before and like I am a person he is relying on but was disappointed by. Hot tears streamed past my cheek without realizing it. I touched my face and scoffed when I saw the tears. Why am I feeling terrible by my own words and for this young boy who turned out to be the monster. It feels like my words are dagger and they cut my heart into pieces but he should be the one feeling pain from my words. Why am I feeling guilty? The boy was still crying with his head down. I looked at him closely, his skin was covered in different scars and he was so scrawny that I could see his bone. His ck tangle hair was scattered over his face that it reminds of a swamp. and The up and down shorts on his body are turned in several ces and soaked with water. I moved closer to him and picked up his food. Making sure to clear the sand on it, I took his hand and ced the rice ball on his palm. He looks up at me surprisedly and I smile warmly at him. ¡°Eat. You need to eat to have strength¡± ¡°You aren¡¯t afraid of me¡± he mumbled, his red eyes resting on my face. His eyes void of unknown pain He was right. I wasn¡¯t afraid of him, I should be but I just can¡¯t bring myself to hate or dread him like others. rather I feel guilty knowing it was my father who imprisoned him here. I tried to convince myself that my drive to bepassionate is the one surfacing but I couldn¡¯t trick myself though. I feel connected to him, I have no absolute exnation to why I have been kind to him instead of hating him. ¡°Did you want me to be afraid of you?¡± I whispered. Our gaze locked and I was once trapped by the mesmerizing colour. The pain beneath the eyes and the history written within it. ¡°Did you want to?¡± He asked. Chapter 24 Meeting The Monster(4) A dry chuckled escape from his perfect lip. ¡°No. I don¡¯t want to but if you want me to, I will dly join them in hating you¡± I rolled my eyes because of his cocky demeanor. It was annoying that he kept replying to my question with another question. I could clearly see it in his eyes that he doesn¡¯t want to be hated by me but seeing him using some cold demeanor with me is kind of irritating. ¡°Why have youe in today?¡± he asked, looking at his food. I nced at his food and sighed deeply. ¡°I need an answer on¡­¡± ¡°On¡± he asked, raising his eyebrow. I took a second to admire his face before looking away. Even though he looked malnourished, I still couldn¡¯t deny how devastable handsome he is. His perfectly pointed nose and pale lip. I imagine how handsome he would be if he was not in this position. I guessed so manydies would faint once they set their eyes on the incredibly attractive boy. My blood boiled in anger at the thought of anotherdy gagging on him and I gritted my teeth, my hand clenching and unclenching at the same time. I took a deep breath to quench my anger and sat next to him. That¡¯s when I noticed the water dripping on him. It was a single drop but his cloth is soaked which means that it must have been dripping on him for a long time non-stop. ¡°Why did youe in today?¡± he questioned. Hearing his voice. I snapped out of my thoughts and stared at him without saying any words. Instead I found my hand going to his face. I cleaned his tears with my thumbs and smiles. Though I wonder why he keeps asking me the same question. ¡°Thank you for everything¡± he said, his voice dark and huskily but melodic that my heart skipped a beat. Heaven what is happening to me?. Why did I find myself getting rxed with him at each passing second?. ¡°For the food and this warmth right now¡± he added. That¡¯s when I realized his head was resting on my shoulder. ¡°You are so kind. You showpassion for a person like me, that everyone dreads. For a monster¡­.¡± ¡°You aren¡¯t a monster. You are just another special being that¡¯s different from us¡± He removed his head from my shoulder and looked up at me. His emotionless eyes filled with gratitude and admiration. And again tears found their way down his cheek, I cleaned his tears and pinched his nose before bringing his head back to my shoulder. ¡°How long have you been locked up here?¡± I questioned and he released a sigh. ¡°Since I was three years old.¡± He said and it was my turn to look at him. Three years?. That¡¯s a long time and looking at him now, if I should guess his age he must be up to sixteen or more than that. ¡°That must be hard.¡± I said and he looked at me waiting for me to borate. ¡°Enduring all that since you were young¡± I added and sighed sadly. He smiles. A smile that shows his sad emotion. ¡°You are right. There are many times I wished for death instead of this suffering¡± All this was caused by my father. Your suffering and pain were all caused by my father, so how could I possibly let go of this guilt I am feeling. I deserve it. Don¡¯t I?. I sniveled and cleaned my running nose. ¡°Are you crying? Because of me¡± The boy said and tried to take his hand to my face but the hand refused toe out. I looked at his hand and noticed a bulge forming on his wrist. Just above the bulge is a tattoo. I squinted my eyes and locked my gaze with the tattoo. It was a snake tattoo disying his tongue. A ck huge python. ¡°I have had it since birth,¡± he said and I nodded. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful¡± were the words that came out of my mouth and his lips curled into a smile. It was the most beautiful smile I have ever seen, bringing his dull eyes back to life. I would certainly pay any amount to see those smiles every day. I unhook my bracelet and put his hand on myp. I lock the bracelet on his hand exactly where the bulge was. He stared at me in surprise and was about to say something when I beat him to it, by not allowing him to say a word. I am sure he wants to ask why I gave him the bracelet but I don¡¯t even know the reason as well, I just feel the bracelet would cover the bulge. ¡°Eat your food¡± Without another words he started eating and I stared at him as he ate. The rice ballcks the nutrients it requires as I couldn¡¯t see the appropriate ingredients in it. I didn¡¯t expect them to add meat or vegetables to it but the sesame oil and sesame seeds that are required iscking in it. It was just in cold rice. I took in a deep breath and closed my eyes. ¡°You are beautiful¡± My eyes snapped open at thepliment. I feel butterflies dancing in my tummy and happiness leaps at me. I smile appreciatively at him. He had finished eating and was just staring at me. ¡°You are a maid but your beauty will surely surpass all those nobledy out there¡± That¡¯s when the realization hit me. He must think I am a maid not knowing I am the daughter of the man who imprisoned him here. Will he hate me if he found out my identity? My heart ached at the thought of him hating me and it felt like a thousand dagger pierced my heart. There is no need to let him know, I will just let it remain as it was. He must think of me as a maid who helps him, not the daughter of the man who causes him pain. What if I help him escape from here? It is cruel that he has been passing through pain in the hand of my father and so it is my duty to correct my father¡¯s wrongdoing.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org. ¡°Have you ever thought of Escaping from here?¡± I asked. ¡°Of course I have thought of doing that so many time but it just not possible for me¡± He paused and bit his lips slightly and that riled up some feeling deep down my stomach. I suddenly wished I was the one biting those lips. ¡°I know it is impossible because of this¡± he pointed above his head and my eyes traced his hand and theynded on the water dripping at a drop. ¡°What did you mean?¡± I asked, my eyes still on the water. ¡°This water is keeping me weak. I can¡¯t do anything with this water on my body, it¡¯s my weakness¡± he exined. Why ismon water a weakness?. I re hard at the water that if it was a thing I could get my hand on. I surely would have given it a good beating by now. ¡°I hope someone could get rid of the water but no one can,¡± he added. ¡°What if I do.¡± I joked and he looked up at me before chuckling and shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°I will be d if you could but that is not possible¡± he answered. I don¡¯t know why I said those words but hearing him say he would be d if I could do that suddenly made me wish for power. If only I had some hidden power in me I would have been able to get rid of this water. I looked at the water wishfully. Suddenly my eyes started itching as if sand was pouring inside my eyes and before I concluded what was happening to me a bright white light shone brightly from my eyes toward the hole. It started circling the hole and it patches the hole close. The water dripping from it also stopped. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I heard a distant voice asking but my mind was nk. I couldn¡¯t understand anything going on around me. My body was engulfed in a tight hug and that is what brings me back. My breath rising heavily and a hand patting my back gently drifts me to look at the owner¡¯s face and a red eyes staring back at me in concern lessened down the pace of my breathing. ¡°What is going on?¡± I asked when I saw the look on the boy¡¯s face. ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked. I nodded wondering why he looked ashen and scared. He inhaled deeply. ¡°You never told me you have a supernatural power,¡± he asked. Supernatural power. What the hell is he talking about?. Wasn¡¯t I just wishing I had or maybe it was not a wish in my mind, I must have said it out loud or else why would he have asked that question. ¡°What supernatural power are you talking about? I didn¡¯t have anything of such¡± ¡°But you¡­¡± He was talking when he suddenly stopped. He looked at me for a long time and nodded his head as if he just realized something. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he said and looked at me one more time before removing his eyes from my face. I shrugged my shoulders and adjusted my sitting. ¡°I really wish to help you escape but since you said you can¡¯t go unless this water is gotten rid of¡± I looked up at the hole but gasped at what I saw. Chapter 25 Meeting The Monster(5) There is no longer hole there and the water has disappeared. What the hell happened?. Seeing the surprised look on my face the boy chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s a miracle. The miracle must have happened because a generous soul like you intended to help me out¡± he said I looked at him and scoffed. What kind of miracle is this?. An open hole suddenly disappeared. Did such a miracle exist? I didn¡¯t want to think this hard but make use of this unexpected opportunity to amend my father¡¯s sins. So I grabbed the boy¡¯s hand. ¡°Let¡¯s get you out of here¡± I whisper and start pulling him toward the door without waiting for his permission. will just let it remain as it was. He must think of me as a maid who helps him, not the daughter of the man who causes him pain. What if I help him escape from here? It is cruel that he has been passing through pain in the hand of my father and so it is my duty to correct my father¡¯s wrongdoing. ¡°Have you ever thought of Escaping from here?¡± I asked. ¡°Of course I have thought of doing that so many time but it just not possible for me¡± He paused and bit his lips slightly and that riled up some feeling deep down my stomach. I suddenly wished I was the one biting those lips. ¡°I know it is impossible because of this¡± he pointed above his head and my eyes traced his hand and theynded on the water dripping at a drop. ¡°What did you mean?¡± I asked, my eyes still on the water. ¡°This water is keeping me weak. I can¡¯t do anything with this water on my body, it¡¯s my weakness¡± he exined. Why ismon water a weakness?. I re hard at the water that if it was a thing I could get my hand on. I surely would have given it a good beating by now. ¡°I hope someone could get rid of the water but no one can,¡± he added. ¡°What if I do.¡± I joked and he looked up at me before chuckling and shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°I will be d if you could but that is not possible¡± he answered. I don¡¯t know why I said those words but hearing him say he would be d if I could do that suddenly made me wish for power. If only I had some hidden power in me I would have been able to get rid of this water. I looked at the water wishfully. Suddenly my eyes started itching as if sand was pouring inside my eyes and before I concluded what was happening to me a bright white light shone brightly from my eyes toward the hole. It started circling the hole and patches the hole close. The water dripping from it also stopped. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I heard a distant voice asking but my mind was nk. I couldn¡¯t understand anything going on around me. My body was engulfed in a tight hug and that is what brings me back. My breath rising heavily and a hand patting my back gently drifts me to look at the owner¡¯s face and a red eyes staring back at me in concern lessened down the pace of my breathing. ¡°What is going on?¡± I asked when I saw the look on the boy¡¯s face.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org. ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked. I nodded wondering why he looked ashen and scared. He inhaled deeply. ¡°You never told me you have a supernatural power,¡± he asked. Supernatural power. What the hell is he talking about?. Wasn¡¯t I just wishing I had or maybe it was not a wish in my mind, I must have said it out loud or else why would he have asked that question. ¡°What supernatural power are you talking about? I didn¡¯t have anything of such¡± ¡°But you¡­¡± He was talking when he suddenly stopped. He looked at me for a long time and nodded his head as if he just realized something. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he said and looked at me one more time before removing his eyes from my face. I shrugged my shoulders and adjusted my sitting. ¡°I really wish to help you escape but since you said you can¡¯t go unless this water is gotten rid of¡± I looked up at the hole but gasped at what I saw. There is no longer hole there and the water has disappeared. What the hell happened?. Seeing the surprised look on my face the boy chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s a miracle. The miracle must have happened because a generous soul like you intended to help me out¡± he said I looked at him and scoffed. What kind of miracle is this?. An open hole suddenly disappeared. Did such a miracle exist? I didn¡¯t want to think this hard but make use of this unexpected opportunity to amend my father¡¯s sins. So I grabbed the boy¡¯s hand. ¡°Let¡¯s get you out of here¡± I whisper and start pulling him toward the door without waiting for his permission. Chapter 26 Caught Before Escape For an infinite amount of time. It felt like I could run. one foot in front of the other and I just kept pushing. The pain along my leg went numb a long time ago but I was starting to feel the fatigue and pain from my wound. I know my body might give out but seeing the young boy gives me the courage to erase the thought from my mind. I can¡¯t stop now. I need to get him out of here safely. With the new found determination. My hold on the boy tightened and I increased my speed pushing him along with me. Since I havee in through this way, it is not that difficult again. Suddenly his hand disconnected from mine. I looked back to see the boy on the ground. ¡°Let¡¯s stop for a minute!¡± He whispered in one breath, his heartbeat rising heavily. I crouched down next to him. That when I notice the difort look on his face, his face wrecked and his lip mps tightly within his teeth. He groaned silently. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked. ¡°I am just tired. The bones in my body are weak and it seemed like I might pass out¡± he replied. I understand. Being in one ce for such a long time. He must be deadly tired and weak but we can¡¯t stop now. He needs to get out of here fast before anyone suspects anything. ¡°You need to gather your energy. We have to get out here fast.¡± With that said. I quickly helped him up by wrapping my hand on his waist and cing his hand around my shoulder. I was finally able to get him up after trying for a few seconds. We started walking slowly and this time around it wasn¡¯t my leg that wagged on the floor but his. ¡°What is your name?¡± I suddenly asked. ¡°Heo Yeong ho,¡± he whispered. Yeong ho. The name sounds perfecting out of his mouth. It feels like it is the most beautiful name my ear has ever heard. ¡°Why did you give me this?¡± he asked, holding up his wrist for me to see my bracelet on it. We stopped walking and I turned to face him while I caressed the bracelet on his hand.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org. ¡°Because I want you to get out of here alive. I didn¡¯t forget it, you must return it back to me if you want to live. At all costs it must get back to me.¡± ¡°Did you know why I can¡¯t release it to you forever?¡± I asked and he shook his head. ¡°Because it is a gift from my father. I have always received presents from my father but this particr one is special. This is the first gift I receive from my father which is as a result of a ceremony¡± He looked at me wearily but nodded his head. I guessed he didn¡¯t understand my exnation but just decided to go along with it. Father had always spoiled me with different gifts, be it a ne, hairpin and so many items that I can¡¯t remember but he had never bought me a gift formenting on an asion in advance. Knowing this gift is as a result of my brother crown princess selection process, it makes me cherish the gift deeply. ¡°You must return this back.¡± I said to the boy and he nodded his head. ¡°What the hell are you doing here!¡± I heard a deep thunderous voice from behind and turned in the direction, only to see someone whom I never wished could surface at the moment__ My Father. Father was standing with his gaze tight with fury as he stared at the boy beside me. There was a haughty tilt to his chin as he looked down his nose at Yeong ho, a look I have never seen in his eyes before and there was something behind it which was none other than hatred. Behind him is my brother and some guards. I shudder in fear at the sight of my father, for I didn¡¯t expect to see him here. Father squinted his eyes and moved over to us, the sound of his shoe clicking against the floor echoed throughout the room. When he came to a stop in front of me he sneered angrily. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± ¡°I am sorry f¡­.¡± Before I couldplete my statement a pnded on my face sending me down to the ground immediately. I held my cheek in pain and looked up at my father in disbelief. This is the first time my father had ever raised his hand on me. I have never seen him scolding me not to talk of him raising his hand to beat me but that just happened all because I am trying to correct his wrongdoing. He moved his eyes away from me to Yeong ho and I saw the innocent boy shrunk back in fear. His face turned pale white and his body became still. Yeong ho¡¯s body was silent as her body turned stone cold. ¡°Take him out. The rainmaking ritual willmence immediately¡± He ordered and two of the guards grabbed Yeong ho and began pulling him outside. Rainmaking ritual. What did he mean by that? Father eyed me with disappointment. He turned back to leave but I quickly grabbed hold of his leg, which stopped him from leaving. Tears brimmed in my eyes as I swiveled around, to the front of Father. ¡°Father, please let him go?¡± I pleaded. ¡°He didn¡¯t do anything wrong. He is a monster only because he was born as one.¡± My voice sounded shaky and it seemed like blood had drained from my lip, turning it pale white. He turned back to look at me and the expression on his face was still not pleasant rather his face turned sore. Like he is in pain at seeing me beg for Yeong ho. He let out a deep sigh. ¡°I know your fear father but I assure you that is never going to happen¡± I added, tears streamed down my cheek. He crouched down beside me and raised my chin up with his middle finger. ¡°What is my fear?¡± he asked as he cleaned my tears with his thumb. I snivel and change my position into kneeling down. ¡°That he might cause trouble for your people and I am sure that what the people believe as well but I can promise you he won¡¯t do anything of such, being born a monster doesn¡¯t mean he will behave as one.¡± ¡°Thing will get easier, people mind will change and you should be alive to see it¡± He hugged me closer to himself and held my face in his palm, cleaning my tears with his thumb. ¡°Suk¡± he called softly that I almost melted into his voice. Yes this is the father I used to know, not the one who hit me a moment ago. My cheek hurt from the p and the pain in my wound resurfaced like fire ring red. Height wasn¡¯t something my parents¡¯ gene has bestowed upon me so I clung tightly to my father ¡®s embrace. Hugging him tightly for warmth. ¡°I heard you but I can¡¯t grant you what you want this time around. He must be killed for our people to live.¡± He said while stroking my hair slowly. The glint of hope in my eyes faded away instantly. Biting down on my lip I mumbled. ¡± Please¡­¡± ¡°Ha¡± I wince when I feel a sharp pain on my palm, only to find out my father had cut me with a dagger. It doesn¡¯t look like an ordinary dagger because of its structure. A small heavenly daggery in my father ¡®s hand with my blood on it. Blood seeped from the wound. The pain from the cut shot up my arm like fire. I cringed and whined softly. With a pain voice, father uttered.¡±Thank you my princess, for releasing my people from their suffering¡± The next second, a tremendous force pushed against me, causing me to crash heavily on the floor. Father stood up after pushing me to the ground. He nced at me one more time before storming out with my brother and the remaining guards. Chapter 27 His Death My heart rose in my chest as I stared at the direction father passed through. I willed my hand to stop shaking as I slowly stood up. Furious and frantic, I ran to the direction. Taking two steps at a time, I was finally able to make it out but what Iid my eyes on halted my step and my body turned stone cold. Guards were everywhere standing at alert blocking all the entrance to the prison yard. It looks like a ceremony is being done. Right before me are my biggest nightmares. Several women dressed in a white clothes, all round Yeong ho. They were chanting some words that I couldn¡¯t understand. I looked at Yeong ho and my heart dropped at the sight of him. The innocent boy just kneels silently awaiting whatever they were going to do to him. Suddenly something caught my attention, I saw the heavenly dagger father used to cut my palm, on a middle aged woman¡¯s hand. My blood was still on the dagger dripping red, my mouth dropped open but no words came out. The woman was standing in front of a table and on the table was a small pot, fire was injected inside the pot. A small separate pot was next to the firepot and the woman was mixing something into the pot and some other item like feathers, and a big flower vase rested on the table. The woman stopped mixing whatever she was doing and came closer to Yeong ho. The daggery in her hand begging to be used. She raised her hand up toward Yeong ho¡¯s neck and I released the deepest scream ever. Hearing the scream the woman¡¯s hand stopped midway and she looked to the direction where scream came from only to see me. Yeong ho also turned back toward the scream, his eyes grew big when he saw me. He smiled sadly and muttered something I could never forget in my life. ¡°I love you¡± he whispered as tears wail down his cheek. It was a very inaudible word that couldn¡¯t be heard by people but surprisingly I heard it clearly. My heart pounded hard and tears filled my eyes as I thought of all those hours we spent together and a stab of pain skewered my gut when I realized I had also fallen in love with the boy in front me. My hand fisted and shook as I ran to rescue Yeong ho from the onught of the dagger about tond on his body but I felt a hand grasp my wrist. ¡°Your highness. You shouldn¡¯t get involved. It was the king¡¯s order¡± A guard said, nudging his head toward a direction, his hand still holding my wrist. I looked forward to the direction and saw my father standing quietly staring at me, behind him were his ministers. So this was all nned. ¡°What are you waiting for? Go ahead with the ritual¡± Father growled loudly at the woman. She nodded her head, and positioned her hand again to carry out his order. ¡°Why are you doing this?. How did you even know I was here? ¡±I shouted savagely at my father and that seemed to hold the woman¡¯s hand again. I saw him inhale deeply and he stared at a ce, his eyes fixed toward the ce. Not wasting time I took my eyes toward his gaze and my eyesnd on my maids and Courtdy Chun.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. I creased my brow but they grew big when I saw someone I thought I should not have seen again__ Ku soha. She stood behind courtdy Chun and was supporting most of her weight meant for her leg on a cane in her hand. She looks refreshed and it shows that she has received treatment. She limped forward to me, standing a few meters away from me. She smirked as she said. ¡°Forgive me, Your highness. I was the one who informed His Majesty¡± Mock sweetness colouring her tone. What the hell is happening. Ku Soha was supposed to be dead, why is she here and sputtering nonsense from her mouth?. She is meant to be dead because I remember clearly I ordered courtdy Chun to dispose of her body in the widely cold pce forest. No one could survive the raging wind in that forest and given her condition before she was supposed to be disposed of, I don¡¯t think she could have been able to survive it. Then what happened. I looked at Courtdy Chun and I saw the most guilty look in her eyes and that gave me the answer to my question that Courtdy Chun betrayed me. She looks down as if regretting what she has done. My eyes turn pure red as I feel her betrayal go deep inside my bone. How could she?. Her of all people. ¡°I guessed you got your answer now¡± Father said and I looked at him with bloodshot eyes. My body shakes uncontrobly as I feel different emotions inside me: betrayal, pain, drain and guilt knowing that Yeong ho is about to die because of me. ¡°You can¡¯t do this¡± I insisted stubbornly and he gestured for the woman who Iter knew to be the royal priestess to carry out his order. Everything happens in a twinkle of eyes. I heard a loud grunt from Yeong ho followed by a loud gasp from everyone present and before I couldprehend what had happened I saw Yeon ho¡¯s body going back until his body hit the ground. The royal priestess has stabbed Yeong ho with the dagger. At that moment it feel like my whole world has copse as I didn¡¯t even know what to do, whether to cry or scream I just be automatically dumb with my gaze rested on his face. Yeong ho smiled weakly at me, blood sputtering from his mouth. I just stood watching him until he closed his eyes, his body turning cold and he breathed hisst. Chapter 28 Showing Her Authority The silence that followed was deafening that one could hear the sound the cricket were making far away. I red at the scene in horor__ The blood spilled on the floor, Yeon ho cold body and what infuriated me more, the damn smirk stered on my father ¡®s face. It is a smirk of aplishment for him at freeing his people but a smirk of mockery for me at killing my lover. This couldn¡¯t be happening. My body refused to believe the scene in front of me. I shook my head frantically and couldn¡¯t control the tears that wail down my cheek uncontroble He died right before my eyes and I couldn¡¯t do anything but stand as I watched him getting killed for my selfishness. Ku Soha moved closer and leaned closer to my ear as she whispered. ¡°I hope you understand how it feels now and toment, that death really suit him¡± Hearing that from her mouth, I looked at her angrily, the vein in my neck popping out. My eyes changed colour to red, the same colour as Yeong ho eyes and were glowing brightly before turning golden. Ku Soha moved back seeing this and shakily asked. ¡°What are you doing?¡± I couldn¡¯t miss the fear in her voice. She was probably horrified at my eyes. ¡°It¡¯s pointless to know when you are going to die anyway?¡± I growled snarky. I don¡¯t think I am the one in control of my body, it seems like another person is controlling me but it certainly is me.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org. She turned to run for her life but she couldn¡¯t make it far when suddenly she was in mes. She was burning as if someone set her on fire but I was still standing in the same ce. I didn¡¯t even move an inch. Her scream filled the room as she rolled on the ground. Everyone releases the most ear-wrecking scream at the sight. So bad. it is so sad she had to die in such a way. She should have enjoyed the easiest death I chose for her earlier. The sight was horrifying and my eyes were busy scrutinizing the ce looking for the next victim. Everyone hurdle together in fear and the guards immediately surround me, aiming their sword at me. I look up toward my father and the look I see in his eyes is terrifying, his heart must have certainly leaped out of his chest by now, seeing his beloved daughter in a demonic form but I haven¡¯t done anything yet. I took a step forward but the guards also took a step forward at me, as a warning for me to stop. ¡°Stop moving Your highness¡± The head guards said in a shaky voice. I didn¡¯t let his stupid warning stop me as I tried to move forward again but he unsheathed his sword aiming it at me as well. It was as if I was in the middle of the battlefield where the enemies gathered their weapons against me after being defeated. ¡°I said stop moving¡± he repeated with a louder voice but his voice betrayed him as it came out in a terrifying tone. ¡°Stop me if you can,¡± I said, moving forward. He rushed at me, ready to swing his sword but before he could get to me he was already on the floor in a pool of his own blood. I didn¡¯t raise my hand on him either. Everyone releases another earth shattering scream. All the remaining guards moved back seeing their leader dead, fear clearly showing in their face. Seeing no one obstructing my path, I resumed my march toward my father but the one that decided to stop me next was my brother. He immediately stood in front of me, spreading his arm. ¡°Don¡¯t do this Suk¡± He whispered, tears brimming in his eyes. The fire in my eyes still remains there, my eyes still rotating in its golden color. ¡°Move¡± I warned him. He shakes his head and the unshed tears in his eyes stream down his cheek. He moved forward to me but before getting closer to me, my hand found its way around his neck and I lifted him off the ground. His leg dangling in the air as he chokes uncontrobly. His air lung blocked with his eyes almost popping out of its socket,ce with tears. ¡°You don¡¯t have any right to stop me,¡± I said in a deep growl. My brother¡¯s eyes turned red as he silently begged me to let him go, my grip only tightened more. ¡°Su.. k.. pl¡­ease. I am b¡­¡± he swallowed his words back. He stopped struggling and surrendered himself. My grip tightened more hearing his plea and surrender and I decided to grant him his request. I was about to snap his head when I heard a loud voice behind me. ¡°Stop!¡± Heaven. Another person to stop me, I thought menacingly as I turned back to look at the one who dared interrupt me only to see my mother. Mother stood a metre from me, tears filled her face and her cloth was stained with blood. My eyes roamed her body and I couldn¡¯t find her baby bump again. What the hell happened to her. Mother moved a bit closer to me and the answer to my puzzley with her walking. She walked slowly, parting her legs as if she was afraid to close them and that gave me my answer that mother just gave birth. Then what is she doing? Someone must have gone and informed her about me. She stops in front of me and kneels down. My eyes remain cold but I started feeling a strange feeling of guilt inside me. ¡°Suk, It¡¯s your mother. Please stop it. Your younger brother who you used to promise to protect won¡¯t be happy to find out his sister caused havoc to people on the day he was born. So please for my sake¡± mother said with continuous tears rolling down her cheek. My body refused to surrender it¡¯s anger but mother smile at me understandingly_ much more understandingly. It was one of those rare smile with quality of eternal reassurance in it, that I have nevere across in her lips before. My heart breaks seeing my mother on the ground begging me. Nothing hurt more than seeing tears in your mother eyes. No mother in the world should experience what my mother has experienced today but hearing her soothing voice my body beganing back into control. I released my grip on my brother¡¯s neck and he dropped to the ground coughing and gasping for air. Mother release a breath of relief. She started walking toward me but before she could get to me, my head started spinning and before I could get myself together everywhere be blurry and darkness engulfed me. Chapter 29 You Didn鈥檛 But Save Him The unconscious princess was about to hit the ground when Prince Kang Sohyun¡¯s hand went around her waist as shended in his arm instead of the ground. His breathing is steady and he doesn¡¯t look like someone who was about to lose his life a moment ago. Queen Shin bu young moved closer to her daughter and kneel beside her cing her head on her thighs. She stroked her hair gently and ced an appreciation kiss on her forehead. The royal priestess quickly regained herself from shock of what happened and moved forward to the table. She picked up the pot she had mixed a ck greenish substance in and the feather, then went to Yeong ho cold body using the feather to take some of his blood before putting it inside the pot. She began chanting some words. The sky suddenly darkened. Big cloud moving vigorously in the sky apanied by a loud thunderous p and immediately heavy rain started to pour. It was raining cats and dogs. Everyone howled in joy at the sight of the rain, some began dancing in happiness. Everyone suddenly forgets the incident that urred and we¡¯re preupied with the joy that hit them. It¡¯s been a long time since rain poured in buyeo kingdom. Drought and famine have affected the people in thest eight years. The king still stood lost at word. He didn¡¯t even look like a happy person. He was staring at the unconscious princess whoy in the prince¡¯s hand, his heart still raising in his heart. He couldn¡¯t believe his daughter would have killed him if not for who stopped her and couldn¡¯t wrap his head on the truth. ¡°Let¡¯s take her to her chamber,¡± The queen whispered. ¡°Yes mother¡± The prince immediately scooped the princess in his hand and rushed toward the entrance of the prison, their mother behind him. He increased his pace and in no time reached the princess chamber. Her maids who had been following them from the prison quickly rid the bedding and the prince carefully dropped her on it, resting her head on the pillow. ¡°Call the royal physician quickly,¡± The queen said to courtdy Chun. ¡°Yes your highness¡± She bowed and went out to carry out the order. The queen sat next to the princess bed. She looked directly at her and inhaled deeply. Her mind had gone nk when she received the news from her maid that her daughter was causing havoc at the ritual ceremony. She had just given birth after some hours ofbor and was waiting for the king and her children toe and check on her when suddenly one of her maids rushed in and gave her the news. She immediately left the newborn with the maids and went out, running toward the prison yard, Ignoring all pain she was feeling in-between her leg and body. Nothing was in her mind at that moment other than to get there and save her daughter. An excruciating pain intensifies in her heart upon seeing her daughter about to kill her brother and looking at the mess she has caused only made the pain worse and she didn¡¯t know when she shouted for her to stop. She saw her body tense in anger as she turned slowly to see the one who had stopped her only to find out it was her. Seeing the cold look on her daughter¡¯s face, she knew the situation had already gotten out of hand and she wouldn¡¯t be willing to listen to her. So she did the only thing she could. She isn¡¯t even sure if it will affect her but she has hope that it will, so she carefully went down on her knee. She couldn¡¯t stop the tears that wail down her cheek and thankfully it does affect her and she lets go of her brother¡¯s neck. The door opening interrupted her thoughts. She raises her head to see the physicianing in. He bowed courteously to the queen and prince before stooping down beside the princess. He put the box with him on the floor and opened it revealing different thin needles and treatment medicine. He moved closer to the princess and checked her pulse. After that he checked her eyeball. he inhaled deeply and picked up the needle in the box and began applying acupuncture by inserting the thin needle in her body. After he is done he turns to face the queen. ¡°How is She?¡± The queen asked worriedly. ¡°She is fine now. She fainted from exhaustion but will soon regain conscious¡± he replied. ¡°That¡¯s a relief¡± The prince said and the queen nodded. ¡°If Your highness excuse me¡± he said and stood up, then bowed his head before leaving the room. Shortly the door opened again and the king walked in. He sat next to the queen looking at the princess. After staring at her for a long time he released a deep breath and turned to face the queen. ¡°My queen¡± he called and the queen looked at him. ¡°You should go back to your chamber and clean up, beside you need to rest.¡± He said to her, ¡°Yes mother. You should go and rest. I will stay with Suk.¡± The prince nodded in agreement. The queen looked at herself and sighed. She had actually forgotten that she was still in her bloody clothes. She still wants to stay with her daughter but seeing the pleading gaze of the king and her son, she was left with no choice but toply. Besides, her newborn baby also needs her, so she gently gets up with the help of the king and they both walk out leaving the prince with his sister. ¡ï¡ï¡ï The cold carved bone deep, apanied by thesh of wind, iced by the drowning rain gushing from the bloated sky. Such was what weed me in this forest. It seems like heaven is even mourning Yeong ho¡¯s death. After a long time the rain finally stops and the sun shines brightly as if announcing a new regime. Though I kept walking in that rain and until the rain stopped, I didn¡¯t know where to go. My eyes were exposed to my environment but I couldn¡¯t find the one I was expecting. I have been walking in this forest for some hours now looking for Samsin. Eyes watering, I looked out over this strange forest I used to find myself in. My drench dress has dried from the sun. This is strange?. Samsin has always been avable without me doing anything but why today of all that she desired to be absent. When I need her badly. I miss her friendship and feel like she is the only one I can let in my heart to see how badly hurt I was but she is nowhere to be found. Tears wail down my eyes uncontroble and I snively. ¡°I am always here for you¡± I heard a familiar voice behind me. I turned back slowly and there she was __ Samsin. She is sitting on one of the tree boughs. She changed her clothes today which is strange, instead of the brown yellowish gown, a white floral gown grace her skin. Wow, she is pretty. At my present condition I could help but notice how beautiful her skin is glowing in sunlight. ¡°Samsin¡± I called loudly as I moved closer to her. She smiled at me and nodded. She spread her arm open for me and without wasting I quickly embraced her and bursted into tears. ¡°Samsin. He died because of me¡± I cry over her shoulder. She patted my back and let me cry to my heart content. When I¡¯ve had enough I pull away from her and clean my tears. She led me to sit on the tree boughs and she sat next to me. ¡°It is his own destiny. I want you to know you didn¡¯t cause his death but rather saved him¡­¡± ¡°Saved him. How did I do that when I watched him die right before my eyes¡± I said, cutting her off as another tear rolled down my cheeks. ¡°Even if he dies. At least he know you tried your best to help him¡± ¡°But I love him¡± I sob loudly and samsin draws me closer and hugs me patting my back slowly. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Everything will be fine.¡± Samsin coo soothingly. After crying on her shoulder for a few minutes, I discharged myself from the hug and looked at her with my red puffy eyes. She chuckled seeing my eyes and took her hand to my eyes wiping my tears ¡°cry cry baby¡± Samsim teased. I looked at her again making sure my gaze scrutinized her whole body.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± she asked, checking herself out. She must have noticed my gaze on her but I can¡¯t help it but wonder why she looks so different today. Samsin that I know is always a cheerful person but seeing her today she is dull and I couldn¡¯t miss the tiredness in her eyes. Even though she is trying to pretend to be okay I still know that she is not. ¡°I am okay. Nothing is wrong with me, so stop thinking that I am not cheerful today.¡± she said and shock crept into my face. I mean how did she know what I was thinking? ¡°I can hear what people are thinking,¡± she said and sighed. Wow. This is incredible. Then that means all I have always thought about her, she used to hear. My breath hitch in my throat when I realize she knows my thoughts. ¡°Of Course. Not like what you used to think about me is something bad. Those were your own mindset about me¡± she replied to my thoughts. ¡°Oh I see.¡± I smile nervously and breathe out the air. My head bowed down and eyes trained to the ground. ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired? Scurrying this forest for six day straight. You are really amazing¡± she whispered and my head snapped up. ¡°What did you mean?¡± A frown marred my forehead as I looked at her to exin what she said. She eyed me with amusement and chuckled. ¡± I never knew I am Important to you like this. Who would have believe you are here for six day looking for me¡± What nonsense. Why would I be here for six days, when I am not crazy. Does that even make sense? Sheughed and Patt my hair. ¡°Ofcourse I know you won¡¯t believe it.¡± ¡°You should go back now¡± she tried closing my eyes with her palm but I quickly held her hand. Something I noticed she always does whenever we round up our discussion. Reading my thoughts sheughed and said ¡± Princess. Now isn¡¯t the time to know why I always close your eyes. A lot of people are waiting for you to wake up¡± Whatever. I don¡¯t know why she keeps saying the same thing. Who are the people waiting for me? ¡°You will find out once you get back¡± she replied to my thoughts. Before I could reply, her palm had already closed my eyes and I felt sleepiness engulfed me. Chapter 30 A Promise A sharp scent of incense wees me, embossing me in opulent fumes that caress my eyelids, naturally drawing thoughts and focusing on the resting upon the pillow propped against the floor. I opened my eyes slowly and stared around in confusion. My whole body hurts and I don¡¯t know why. ¡°Ouch.. huh..¡± I mumbled while looking around. ¡°Are you okay!¡± I heard a voice filled with worry asked and I looked towards the voice to see my brother looking at me worriedly. My gaze moves to the next person beside him, which is Courtdy chun. I groaned and held my head with my hand as I tried sitting up. My brother quickly lent me a hand and I was able to sit up. A timid bluish pale light peeped from the window to my left and it almost instantly blended with the diffuse lighting that was flooding the room,ing from the numerous festive light tingling ces on the floor, fixed from wall to wall and around the window. Everywhere looked so strange to me. My eyes moved around surveying where I am and I realized I was in my room but ¡­. Wait, why is my room like this?. I mean it was decorated with different light candles. ¡°Are you okay?¡± My brother¡¯s voice bought out of my thoughts and I nodded my head because my throat is kind of dried up right now. My gaze moves to the cup of water ced in the tray on the floor beside me. My brother quickly handed over the water to me and I gulped it down immediately, handing the cup back to him. ¡°A-ahem¡± I coughed lightly to clear my throat. What happened to me exactly for my room to be in this way. I scratched my head trying to remember what happened. Slowly the memories started slipping in. Then it all came back to me¡­ Yeong ho death¡­ how I lost control¡­.. The first person my gaze moves to is Courtdy Chun. Remembering her betrayal I suddenly wished I could kill her right now. My body itched forward to strangle her with my bare hand. It¡¯s all her fault. If not for her, Yeong ho wouldn¡¯t have died and I wouldn¡¯t have wanted to kill my own brother. My gaze deep into her soul with hatred and I re balefully at her. Noticing my murderous re. Courtdy Chun immediately assumed a kneeling position and bowed her head down. ¡°Please forgive me, Your highness. I never want to do it¡± she apologized in a trembling voice. Forgiveness. I scoffed ridiculously. Did she actually think everything will end with an apology?. Even if it will, I don¡¯t n on forgiving her and I do not care what her excuse might be. ¡°What happened?¡± I asked but my voice came out in a whisper. I guessed if ites out clear it will sound with anger. ¡°Forgive me, Your highness. I only followed her Majesty order. I never knew Ku Soha was going to say anything, ¡°she said. What has mother gotten to do with this?. ¡°What did mother ask you to do?.¡± I asked. She remained quiet and shook her head. Oh she is going to talk right. She sped her hand together. Her eyes trained to the floor with her head bow down. Does she take me for a joke?. How dare she?. I bawled my fist tightly. ¡°Start talking now before I lose it¡± I said within gritted teeth. Just as she was about to open her mouth, the door snapped open and mother appeared. She broke into a relieved smile when she saw me. ¡°Mother. You should¡­.¡± ¡°Wonderful. My princess is awake¡± She eximed, cutting my brother off from what he was saying. She walked further inside the room and crouched down to the floor right beside me. She opened her arm waiting for me to give her a hug. I merely looked at her and when she figured out I was going to hug. She pulled me into her arms herself, hugging tightly. ¡°I thought something happened to you. I was very scared¡± she said over my shoulder. I heard a snively and I knew it wasing from her. She pulled away from the hug and took hold of my hands patting it slowly. ¡°Start talking¡± I demanded looking gloomy at courtdy chun. Mother looked from me to courtdy chun and sighed heavily, letting her head down. She must have realized what we are talking about. Biting her lip and fidgeting with her skirt she said. ¡°Don¡¯t me her. It all my fault¡± She sat down and started nitpicking on her finger while looking down at her skirt. She inhales and exhales. ¡°It all happened the day you came to my chamber asking me to teach you how to make embroidery¡± she began. ¡°When you tell me there is something you have to tell me and youter change your mind. After you left I called courtdy chun and asked her what was bothering you. She defends you and says there is nothing bothering but I know there is something wrong with you¡± hot tears streamed past her cheek and she quickly wiped it away. ¡°I threatened to remove her as your Courtdy. Out of fear of my threat she opened up and told me you punished a court maid and ordered her body to be dumped in the pce forest. Hearing that from her I asked her to bring the court maid from the forest and order for her treatment immediately¡± She sniffles between words. Tears flowed freely down her face. Tears suddenly blur my vision but I didn¡¯t allow it to roll down as I quickly blink it away. ¡°After the court maid regains consciousness¡± mother went on. ¡°She said there is something she must tell me as an appreciation of saving her life. So she told you were nning to go inside the prison to see the monster¡± She chokes on a small but audible sob. ¡°And you believe her?.¡± I scoffed and felt my throat closing up. ¡°I was just scared as a mother. I know if I told you not to do it, you wouldn¡¯t listen. That why I went ahead and told His Majesty¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. I force up a throatyugh. I don¡¯t need her toplete her exnation because I already know how it ends. After hearing from mother, that is when father came to the Prison. The tears I was trying to hold rolled down my cheeks. I wiped my cheek with my finger but new tears tumble down before I could mop the old ones away. I hate to believe what I am hearing. No matter what they all say, they have crashed into my own world without realizing it and I know one thing for sure I was the one who caused Yeong ho death because if only he had remained in that prison he would have still been alive. Tears burned in my body, then filled my eyes and spilled to race to my cheek. There weren¡¯t sad tears. They were angry tears. Tears fill with fight. I have lost someone special to me for them. Now I will live as I wish for the one I lost¡­ That¡¯s my promise. Chapter 31 A Fighter With Her Brother. The early morning sun shone bright on Princess Kang Suk¡¯s face , heralding her beauty. An epitome of beauty was standing proudly in the middle of the training ground wearing a simple gown but still looking as beautiful as ever, with a bow flicking in her hand begging to be used. Her dark brown hair glowed like the sunlight and her eyes were as brown as a chocte mint. The soldiers gathering at the training ground couldn¡¯t stop staring and admiring her but all they could do is admire her. No one dares move closer to her. At the back of the training ground is Prince Kang Sohyun sittingfortably on a chair and at the other side of the training ground, her maids are standing upright awaiting any order from her. This has been her daily routine for five years, practising her anchery and sword martial arts in the training ground. She dropped the bow in her hand on the ground and grip her burnished oak longbow tightly in her left hand as she held it out in front of her torso. Reaching down by her right side, the thumb, index and middle finger tip readily grasp the feather end of the wooden arrow that isying down on the wooden table beside her. With an ever so gently touch, the arrow lifts itself from the table as Suk raises the shaft up to the bow.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org. With a skill hand she notches the arrow and draws the bowstring back, her upper arm droops and strains against the natural might of the longbow, forcing the arrow back to her cheek. The oak bow screeched in objection as the leathery stiffen of the bowstring sizzled and creaked under the mammoth strain and force required to draw such an ethereal bow back to its full potential. The bowstring painfully bite into the fleshy part of the Suk index and middle finger tip. Princess Suk arms bloat with her vein extending up as her arms begin to flutter from the tremendous force required to hold the bow ready. She mentally calctes her target, distance and elevates the aim to allow for the considered arch and drop of the arrow. Finally she releases the arrow with a loud conspicuous freaking snap of the bowstring. The shaft streaks from the longbow with lightning speed, travelling through the air into the morning sun. Suk brown eyes narrowed as he gaze at the Target, a board poised against the fence post waiting patiently to receive her arrow. The arrow streaks in with blinding speednding on the boards instead of the bullseye. ¡°Damn it!¡± Snorted the disgruntled princess, reaching for another arrow. She has been trying to hit the bullseye with the longbow for a long time but it is always unsessful. There isn¡¯t any bow she can¡¯t draw and it always hits her target which is the bullseye but this bow just won¡¯t obey her. The target was only ten meter away, so this was much of a defeat. From behind. Prince Kang Sohyun¡¯s high clicking shoe resounded in the air as he marched toward his sister who was about to release another arrow into the Target. ¡°It is not that easy. I told you¡± he shrink from behind and she turned back to face him, releasing her hold on the bow. ¡°I have been trying this for a while now. Why can¡¯t I just hit the bullseye¡± she pouted sadly to her brother. Heughed and shrugged his shoulders as he neared. ¡°How about you practice swordsmanship with me?¡± A smirked ying at the corner of her lips. ¡°Don¡¯t be too excited. you can¡¯t defeat me¡± the prince said in a serious tone. ¡°Let¡¯s give it a try then.¡± Without being told. One of the guards quickly brought two wooden swords to them. He kneels on one knee, stretching the sword out with his head bow. They both grabbed each of the swords from the guard and swung it swiftly ready to fight with each other. The prince is known to be the best swordsman in buyeo kingdom and seeing the princess wanting to have a march with such a person confused all the maids and guards present in the training ground. On the other hand the princess isn¡¯t to be underestimated because since she begins her swords practicing, none of the guards who contest with her ever defeat her, rather they all end up being defeated by her. They both move to the middle of the training ground. ¡°Make your move¡± The prince said, eyeing the princess with a sly smile on his lips. ¡°Don¡¯t go easy on me¡± she replied. Princess Suk and Prince Sohyun bought their sword up instantly. They circle, watching each other carefully. Sohyun feinted at Suk several times, never intending to fight instead trying to lure Suk into an attack. Suk smiled andughed lightly. Even though her brother is the best swordsman in buyeo and was older than she was and more experienced in the ways of the worlds, she could outwait him. Figuring out that his sister isn¡¯t falling for his trick and proving to be confident, In a lightning speed Sohyun moved forward to attack her. She was right her brother attacked in earnest, thinking she was being over confident. Suk blocks his swing and dodge to the other side, wincing as the swords jarred against her sore hands sustain from the archery. She would have to be careful; her stiffness and the pain in her hand might get her killed if she wasn¡¯t. Only a lucky step saved her life as her brother lunged at her. She blocks Sohyun¡¯s fake sword and thrust back,ing body to body with the prince. This was a mistake, therger, stronger man used his strength to force her slowly to her knee. Suk gasped and broke, dropping to the floor and rolling away in defence. Sohyun struck, cutting her shoulder as Suk came to her feet, she dodge back biting her lip angrily; he had changed his sword to his left hand! She knows she asked him not to go easy on her and the prince was obeying her request without hesitation. She thanked the heavens the sword was not real or else she would have been cut deep down but she can¡¯t help but groan at the impact of the wooden sword striking her shoulder. Admiring her brother¡¯s technique as she grimly blocked and thrust, lunged and dodge which her brother was avoiding swiftly without even raising his. She couldn¡¯t help but praise his brother mentally for being such a fine swordsman. Seizing that brief moment when Sohyun switched swords back to her right hand, Suk lunged in, shing the prince¡¯s right arm with her wooden sword. Sohyun yelled in fury as the sword ripped through his muscles, dodging back from her, the prince lunged back and struck. Suk stumbles upon the wooden table and crashes into it with the arrow ced on the table scattered over her. Without warning he lunged at her, his sword raised. Suk blocked him and fought for her life. Sohyun attacks like a whirlwind, not giving her a chance to catch her breath. She set her jaw grimly and wanted to release her hold on her swords but at the dye minutes she changed her mind and struck her brother in his arm with an arrow she picked up. Blood seeped from the wound. It looks like time stood still for a while because everyone was quiet and shocked before his guards got out of their daze and ran to their prince. Chapter 32 I Hate You, I Love You Too Honey. I sat still watching my brother guards examining his wound. I still couldn¡¯t get over what happened. I can¡¯t believe I stabbed my brother with an arrow. What the hell got over me. ¡°I am fine¡± He said to one of his guards who kept asking if he was alright, he is the one closer to my brother and head of his guards. They both behave like friends. One wouldn¡¯t believe it if they were told they are master and servant. ¡°Are you sure?¡± he asked, looking at his wound again. He probably worried for his friend. Yes I am all alright. Don¡¯t worry it¡¯s not something big¡± Finally I regained my senses and quickly stood up and moved closer to him. ¡°I am sorry. I really didn¡¯t know what got over me¡± I apologised as I neared him. His guards quickly make way for me to stand in front of him. ¡°Your highness has to go to the royal conference. Will you be alright?¡± His head guard said. My mind went nk when I heard that, and knowing he couldn¡¯t afford to miss the royal conference I sighed deeply. My brother has been a regent for father for thest four years. After the incident that took ce Five years ago, a lot has changed. Father became sick the following years and since his illness my brother has been taking care of the country affair on his behalf. Well that¡¯s his duty as the crown prince anyway. Courtdy Chun never worked for me again. Sparing her life was a way of thanking her for all motherly love and that was my only way of saving her life. I personally removed her as my courtdy and refused another courtdy when my mother proposed one to me. I just don¡¯t want a courtdy, my maids and Na ji hye are doing the job a courtdy would have possibly done for me. I took interest in archery and swordsmanship at first just to get away from the burden of my thoughts and boredom, but as time went on itter became something I enjoy doing naturally that I used to spend almost half of my days on the training ground. I propose to have a sword fight with my brother so as to know my weakness, and for that to happen I need an opponent whose skill is unknown to me. My brother is the perfect person for that since all those guards I used to have a march with always end up being defeated by me. He was practically beating me in the game. I finally knew my weakness from our fight and was nning to surrender when suddenly I blindly took an arrow and drove it into his arm. Why I did that still puzzles me. I know it doesn¡¯t make sense for me to say I didn¡¯t know but sincerely I truly didn¡¯t know what came over me. I took hold of his arm examining his wound and cursed myself mentally when I saw the wound would have gotten deep if he didn¡¯t back away from me immediately. ¡°Don¡¯t worry princess. I am fine, ¡±my brother said, seeing the concern look on my face. He smiled slightly at me. ¡°Let me help you back to your chamber¡± his guard-friend offered. My brother nodded and pinched my cheek before leaving with his guards. I watched him intently as he left with his guards and inhaled deeply. ¡°Your highness. Are you okay¡± I heard Na ji hye say behind me and I turned back to see her and the other maids standing very close to me. I nodded and headed toward the direction that led to my chamber. ¡°Her highness sent for you¡± Na ji hye said as she and the maids rushed forward to catch up with me. ¡°She sent her courtdy but you were busy with your training then¡± she added. ¡°Alright¡± I mumbled silently and changed my way to mother quarter. The guards and maids we came across bow their heads courteously when they see me. In no time I reached my mother¡¯s chamber and the maids at the door announced my presence. I entered after getting ess from my mother. Mother was eating with Kang hwan, my younger brother. My steps stopped on track as I looked closely at him and mother wondering why they were just having breakfast by now and with his teacher for his sses. ¡°Hwan. What are you doing here?. Aren¡¯t you supposed to be with your teacher¡± I asked, walking further inside the room but the rude brat didn¡¯t even raise his head up from his food nor answer my questions. I smacked the back of his head when I got to his side and scoffed loudly. ¡°Ha. Why are you hitting me now?¡± He said grumpily. His mouth was full with his food. ¡°Don¡¯t you hear my question?¡± I red at him. ¡°As you can see I am having my breakfast¡± he answered, nodding his head to the surasang set on the table which includes rice and soup, as well as stew, hot pot, kimchi and sauce. I Snorted and dragged myself down toward theid cover on the floor, sloping on it gently. ¡± Like I didn¡¯t know you were eating. I am asking why you are here instead of being with your teachers. I am sure they are waiting for you¡± I narrowed my eyes on him and the little brat is still not bothered by my words. ¡°Let me eat in peace. Isn¡¯t it my mother that called me to eat breakfast with her.¡± he finally replied when he saw I was going to back down with my re. This brat is only five year old but his pompous attitude is over the hill. He is always finding excuse to skip his sses and his teacher has taken it a daily routine to report him to me and my brother. We tried our best to send some sense into his brain but that brain of his refused to heed to anything told him. Having Kang Hwan as a brother is a big load on my shoulder because this kid always make sure he annoyed me but it a blessing having a sweet brother who care for but is annoying right.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org. ¡°Always finding an excuse to skip sses¡± I gritted out. ¡°Are you saying I amzy?¡± he pouted at me but since his mouth was full with food, he ended up spouting some of the food from his mouth on my face. ¡°Hey. What the hell is this?¡± I shouted, touching the rice on my face. ¡°Sorry¡± he said and start cleaning my face with his hand but he end up messing with my face more. He grinned and smiles sheepishly. From the corner of my eyes I could see mother trying to hold herugh. I pped his hand off my cheek and grabbed his ear twisting it really hard. he groaned and silently begged me to let him go. ¡°Nunim. I am begging you. Let go of my ear please.¡± he sped his hand infront of my face. Nunim is a tittle used for an elder sister but these brat here called me by my name. he only using the tittle now because of my grip on his ear. Mother couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore and bursted intoughter at our bickering. I have totally forget about her. His face wreckled in pain and he look up at mother for help. ¡°Let him go. Suk¡± Mother finally said afterughing to her heart content. I released his ear and pushed him away slightly from me and threw him a re. He rubbed his ear to sooth the pain. I simplyughed at his expression and make a mockery face to him. ¡°I hate you¡± he said, standing up. ¡°I love you too, honey¡± I blew a kiss to him but he dodge it. ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me¡± he said and ran out while Iugh my ass out. ¡°As you are going, make sure you are going to your teachers¡± I shouted after him but didn¡¯t get any reply. It great to see him annoyed. Hwan is a foodie. he and food are best friends and seeing him abandoned his food in anger. I guess he must be really angry but he wille around soon. I know my brother he isn¡¯t the type to stay angry for a long time, he will soone running to me with his annoying attitude. Chapter 33 End Your Conflict With Your Father I red at the food on the table and scoffed. I am sure he already had his breakfast but mother must have called him again. I moved my eyes up to my mother and she smiled sheepishly. I just don¡¯t know why she is spoiling him this much. Understandably he is thest born but shouldn¡¯t ast born had a slight discipline My gaze bore into her and she returned with an ever not breaking view of blinking his eyes. ¡°What you did to my son is not good. You know that right¡± Mother said and I raised my gaze to meet her. ¡°Are you defending him again?¡±I asked and poised my hand on the small table carefully so as not to knock the food on it away. Mother has always spoiled Hwan and defended him no matter what he did but she always makes sure hwan isn¡¯t there when she is defending him. I guess she used to wave him off before taking his side so as not to let too much pride get into his head. It still didn¡¯t change the fact that she used to defend him. ¡°He is used to skipping ss because he knows you won¡¯t do anything to him¡± I scoffed. This is one disadvantage of father sickness. If father is healthy I bet that rude brat wouldn¡¯t have time to waste and would always be busy with his study. Talking about Father. Since his illness I have never stepped into his chamber. Not because of his illness but because of the pain I feel whenever I set my eyes on him. My mind would always drift back to Yeong ho and I used to have a rush of feeling of resentment toward him when I saw him. Our rtionship has gotten worse before his illness even started. He doesn¡¯t want to see me again. ording to him, he fears he might lose his life, which is what a father must not say to his daughter but mine did. That once father and daughter love has turned from sweetness to bitterness. It is really tiring and bad to hate my own father but he crushed my world first. This escting battle ends with Father and I feeling estranged, and mother and father more overtly at odds. She only started caring when father got sick four year ago but the one year in the beginning was an aggressive one for both of them. ¡°Leave my son alone and let talk about you¡± ¡°Me?. What happened to me?.¡± I asked, looking away from her. My eyes to the other side of the room. ¡°A lot¡± Mother adjusted her seat and with a mischievous smile, gestured to me flirtatiously to turn my face to her direction. Iughed, joining in the yful spirit and turned to her. ¡°When was thest time you visited your father?¡± She asked. I exasperated and rolled my eyes in mother¡¯s face, wondering why she brought that up again. I was suspicious when Na ji hye told me mother sent for me, I knew it was nothing but about Father and I conflict. She has been trying to rebuild the broken rtionship between father and I for a long time now. ¡°How about you and your father talk about your misunderstanding and resolve this conflict¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org. I sighed deeply. ¡°I don¡¯t really know what to say. You just did the same thing over and over.¡± Mother looked away, sighing. I lower my head down, my eyes trained to my skirt. There was a overlonging silence as no one spoke. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes before finally speaking. ¡°I thought we already talked about this,¡± I whispered slowly. ¡°And we didn¡¯te to a conclusion,¡± mother muttered sharply in a clipped tone. I opened my eyes and remained silent because I didn¡¯t even know what to say to her. What am I supposed to say when I have already told there is no way in the direction she is heading to mend but she refused to heed my words and tried to continue on that way. Unable tomunicate with me, mother swallowed her sorrow and espoused camaraderie. Mother struggles to insist in me a true desire to end the conflict between father and I but I refuse. ¡°I probably fail as a mother. I couldn¡¯t even mend my daughter and husband rtionship, how am I in any situation useful to this nation¡± she cried sadly letting her head down. ¡°Mother. The situation is different here. Don¡¯tpare father and I conflict to your duty. You are a great queen who always had the best in heart for her people¡± ¡°I also want to be a great mother for you and a great wife to my husband.¡± She whispered. After seeing my mother¡¯s disappointed face once again, something inside of me began to die. I hated the look on her face badly. I sighed deeply and took my mother¡¯s hand in mine and smiled slightly at her. ¡°Will you go with me to visit your father?¡± mother demanded seriously, staring at me with a pleading eyes. Left with no choice I nodded my head and my mother broke into a smile. ¡°Thank you very much Suk,¡± she smiled, patting my hand. Why not just go with her. It¡¯s not like father wants to see me as well. I am sure he will get angry and send me out immediately, heid his eyes on me. Then it will be clear to mother it is not only I that isn¡¯t interested in mending our rtionship but father as well. ¡°Shall we go then¡± mother¡¯s voice brought me out of my thoughts. ¡°Yeah¡± I replied and took a sharp breath. Mother stood up and I followed. She adjusts her dress and walks out. Without wasting time I went after her. The door opened and I ran to meet her. I smiled as I caught up with her. I just hope everything ends well. Chapter 34 Can You Forgive Me We¡¯ve been standing here, at the entrance of Father ¡®s chamber for a long time now. When we got here and the eunuch announced our presence, apparently the physician was attending to father then and we were asked to wait till the physician finished with his job. Funny right. How could they ask us to wait and not allow us to enter?. I began wondering, is Father ¡®s condition so critical that they are even hiding him away from his family. I bounced my leg on the floor loudly and hissed in annoyance. Mother looked at me and managed a faint smile at me apologetically. I could see in her eyes that she is also angry by the dy. Of Course who won¡¯t be? Keeping you waiting when you demand to see your husband, not every woman could exercise such patience. After what seemed like eternity the door snapped open and the physician stepped out followed by an old man dressed in a red robe with a ck belt entrapped on his waist and a ck long cap gracing his head. Wait. Isn¡¯t this the ministers of the court uniform?. Then he is one of the ministers. The physician bowed to mother courteously before taking his leave. ¡°Your highness¡± the old man stood in front of mother and bowed slightly. ¡°We are sorry for keeping you waiting,¡± he apologized. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Lord Gunchondan. I understand¡± The man nodded and bowed courteously before leaving. Mother inhaled deeply and cleared her voice. ¡°Open the door¡± she instructed the eunuch standing at the door. At the order, the door snapped open and mother walked in. I followed her immediately while the maids waited outside, lining themselves perfectly at the corner of the hallway.N?velDrama.Org owns all content. The first thing that weed me was the weather beating the mound used to cover my father ¡®s body. He wasying on the bed with his eyes closed. Mother moved forward and sat down on a small stool ce beside the bed. Her hand moved forward to his forehead wiping the bead of sweat that gathered there. Noticing the touch, father opened his eyes slowly and let them trail the owner of the hand on his forehead until theynded on mother¡¯s face. His condition isn¡¯t that bad as I imagined it would be. I mean I expect to see a thin pale man but he still looks a bit healthy. Mother smiled at him. His pale white lip curled into a smiling pace. As if knowing there is someone else in the room with them, he trails his eyes toward my direction. A frown marred his forehead when his eyesnded on me. As expected. I know he will react negatively when he sees me. He took a deep breath and tried sitting up, mother quickly stood up and put her hand on his back raising him up from the bed. With the support of mother he was able to sit feebly on the bed. His eyes had a pinpoint look in them as he stared at me. I was expecting him tosh out or shout at me to get out but he just kept staring at me. ¡°Moved closer¡± he finally spoke. What is happening?. Why isn¡¯t he getting angry like always?. Those faces that once looked at me coldly now have warm and weing expressions in them and as if I had been bewitched by him, my foot moved forward toward him. I can smell how scared he is. It poured out of him. It reached up and stuffed itself inside my nose. That¡¯s how scared he is but why is he scared?. ¡°My princess,¡± he called when I stopped in front of him. I raise my eyes to meet him in surprise. It¡¯s been a long time since he called me that. He chuckled seeing my face and released a huge sigh. ¡°I don¡¯t know where to start. There is alot I want to say but I just don¡¯t know where to begin.¡± I roll my eyes in my mother¡¯s direction, recruiting her to rescue me. Mother epts the invitation and jumps into the conversation. ¡°No matter how lengthy what to say is. You just have to summon the courage and say it¡± mother said to father. Father looks at her and she gives him a small smile. He nodded and turned back to me. Tears invariably streaked my cheeks on seeing his face but I quickly wiped them away and pped my face to remind myself to focus. I can¡¯t get shaken by him just because he shows some sympathy for me and those sympathy might turn out to be fake. ¡°Just like your mother says, I just have to say it no matter how lengthy it was.¡± He began. There was remorse in the eyes that met mine. ¡°I know I have wronged you and I don¡¯t deserve to ask for forgiveness from you but shamelessly I will have to ask for your forgiveness¡± the feeling of gnawing distress arises from his body as he bite his inner cheek with his teeth. A giant wave of surprise swamp me after hearing his words. A gut of pain skewered my body, tears blurred my vision but I didn¡¯t allow it to fall. I just don¡¯t want to hear his apology. ¡°Please forgive your ipetent father.¡± he finally released the boombshell. Letting my head down, the tears I was trying to control rolled down my cheeks. I saw his eyes but I didn¡¯t want to met them. I don¡¯t want to be associated with his gaze. I feel like I am outside myself. Seeing I am avoiding his gaze, father gently slid his leg from the bed onto the floor and stood up feebly. ¡°How about we take a walk?¡± he proposed, stretching his hand out for me to grab. I looked up at him and he whispered to me. ¡°Please¡± My eyes went to my mother ¡®s direction and she also had a pleading gaze urging me to ept the invitation. Reluctantly I grabbed his hand and both of us walked out, leaving mother behind. The door opened and we stepped out onto the hallway and walked down the hallway. Father doesn¡¯t look ahead to where we are heading to but rather stares at me. He whispers, ¡°You will always be my girl¡± I look away from him, staring around the pce. Getting the message I didn¡¯t want to talk with him, he kept quiet till we got to the end of the hallway. The sunshine envelope the silhouette of the moon tree situated beside the rail of the hallway and the cool breeze caressed my face as we stood staring at the beautiful weather. With a wet tilt of head, father pointed toward the morning sun that shone brightly all over the pce and said. ¡± Isn¡¯t it beautiful?.¡± I know he was trying to hide his sadness by expressing this emotion of how the weather felt. ¡°Something came but never went, it faded but never ended. I can describe what it is. It¡¯s that thing called love and I know my love for you never changes. Even when I behave coldly with you, this thing called love still makes me want you. Pleasee back, I know what it has be without you my princess. It is endless pain and suffering that never bend¡± he pleaded vigorously with pain clearly shown in his eyes. He looked close to tears. ¡°Can you forgive me?¡± I look at him for the first time we got here and melt at the eyes that stare back at me. Can I ever forgive him?. I really want to but I don¡¯t know how to erase the memories that had carved itself deep down in my bone, Yeong ho death. Without an answer I bursted into tears. The tears I have been trying to hold all this while rolled down unstoppable as if a force is pushing them out. I clung to my father as the battle for my soul and sanity raged. I hate to cry. For the past five year my tears have been pped, squeezed and one time burned out of me. I had moved past tears, past sobbing. Tears are a sign of weakness followed always by defeat. Only losers cry. I have no tears left, just a raw aching wound. And then it over I hups against my father ¡®s robe as I tried to catch my breath. Father Pat my backfortingly. Can I really forgive my father_ the question remains unanswered. Chapter 35 First Meeting Like A Frozen Time. ¡°Are you really going for a ride, but the sun will soon set off¡± Na ji hye asked for the upteent time since we left my Chamber. We are currently on our way to the stable and she has been talking non-stop, telling how dangerous it was to ride at this time of the day. ¡°I have told you, yes.¡± I scoffed ridiculously and hastened up my step. I want to get to the stable on time and get rid of her nagging. I just want to get to the stable and get Ryu out of there and we both would take off into the hills. Ryu is the name of my horse. Ryu means Willow tree, and willow which means slender and graceful just like willow tree branches and trees was an adjective to qualify myself. Strange right!. In no time we reached the stable. I step into the stable and the unholy stench of manure and filthy straw almost knock my boot off. It was like entering into a messy public toilet. I immediately ran out of the stable and whistled to call her out. She knows my whistling tone. Gracefully Ryu walked out gently and stopped in front of me. I moved closer to her. The ck horse reached around and touched my hair with her muzzle. It was a sign of greetings from her. I smiled in return and Patt her body lightly. I reached up and gently gripped the saddle. She is so big! I thought showily looking at Ryu¡¯s giant body. I lifted a foot and stabbed it at the stirrup, and hauled myselfboriously up. For a moment I didn¡¯t move, taking a deep breath and sittingfortably. Ryu turned her head and looked questionably at me. Her dark brown eyes and ck hair were gentle but confused as to why I am sitting and not saddle her. That is a simr feature I have with Ryu. Her dark brown eyes and ck hair were the same as mine. And another thing is that she is as determined as me and can sometimes be stubborn like me. I look at Na ji hye who was looking at me confusedly for thest time and smiles, before turning away from her ¡°Let go¡± I picked up the two ropesing from Ryu¡¯ head. She didn¡¯t move. I cautiously kick the horse with my boots. Startled, Ryu took a few quick steps forward, then rxed into a steady walk. It was slow motion yet not satisfying for me. I want to go on a run with Ryu but being in the pce I need to take my time till I get out. That was the reason I didn¡¯t dress heavily, just a navy blue trouser and inner white shirt with a navy blue mid jacket. My hair was tied in a ponytail. Ryu continued walking till we got to the pce back gate. Going through the front gate is a waste of time. if I have to pass through the front gate I will need to lessen my pace since the people will be busy walking on the road. So it is better to go through the back gate which leads into the forest and hill. The gate snapped open by the guards upon seeing me and they bow courteously. Stepping out onto the ground, Ryu¡¯s head bobbed in time with her feet. She took a deep breath and let out loud fluttering sounds. I grabbed the rein tightened seeing we are about to lose out. I guessed Ryu was also biding her time till we got out before taking off. That¡¯s my baby! I thought proudly and Patt her hair. Ryu responded by moving faster and bumpier. I bounced along with her. Controlling her with my boots, Ryu¡¯s ear went up. She went faster and suddenly the bumping was gone. It was just a smooth rocking motion. It was so beautiful that I found myselfughing abruptly. Ryu and I would head into the hills together. That¡¯s the thing about horseback riding, you always have the best ofpanionship. You listen to the steady hooves, the tail swishes and the snorting of the air. Horseback riding was the closest I ever came to dreaming while perfectly awake, so strong was the sensation that being with a horse was my kind of heaven. Especially with Ryu. Demanding for more speed I kicked her with my boots and in response Ryu increased her speed and she went faster.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org. The wind streamed by me, whipping Ryu¡¯s long hair back to my face. Her head up, her ear forward. Her back went up and down smoothly, evenly. She was gaining more speed. Wind tugged at my hair. The ground rushed by me and the only sound was the pounding of hooves. I wrapped both my hands around the handle and let myself smile. I feel like I was bnced on something moreforting than ever. Hurtling forward more than I had ever gone. Ryu picks up the pace, levelling out even faster. Passing through the hill until we finally came into an open petal- freckled field. Stopping to admire the field, I gripped the rein hard around Ryu¡¯s neck and that put her to a halt as she screeched loudly. It is so nice to see how beautiful the field was and to explore the world as I wish. I remember I once told Samsin about my intention of exploring the world after hearing one of her stories. It¡¯s so unbelievable that my fantasy came true without any obstacles. No one stopped me from doing what I wanted. The only one who could have stopped and controlled me has be an overnight enemy of mine and he didn¡¯t care as well_ My Father. It¡¯s been a week now since father and I discussed our conflict and he asked for forgiveness. My mind drifted back to what it wasst week. Father, seeing I wasn¡¯t going to give him an answer, had told me to take my time in forgiving him. But I didn¡¯t even want to do so. I just want to forgive him but my heart won¡¯t just allow it. Ryu snorted brought me out of my thoughts. I looked at her closely and sighed. It seems I have totally forgotten about Ryu. After such an incredible run, she will certainly need some water to cool off. ¡°Let¡¯s get some water. I am sure we will find ake or anything that gives you water down the field¡± I said and expectedly Ryu nodded her head sideways and back forward. ¡°Giddy up¡± I kicked her and she began walking down the field. We were carried into the pasture and the clear water where we could drink our fill. She could eat some of the pastures while we are at it. I jumped down from Ryu. Lead her toward the water and let her drink to her satisfaction. After that I tied Ryu with a rope around her neck on a petal tree and allowed her to feed on the green pasture. The rope was long enough so she could go as she desired and eat as much as she wanted. I went under the tree and decided to take some fresh air before Ryu finished with her feeding. As I sit there under the tree with my back resting on the tree bough, staring into space, so many helpless thoughts keep shing through my head. It¡¯s been Five years now since the incident that left many to be afraid of me. A lot has happened. I wasn¡¯t feeling myself after the incident, that is why I take interest in all these things. Like archery, horse riding and swordsmanship. The once naive quiet princess is now a fierce brave princess. I sighed sadly. All this wouldn¡¯t have happened without Yeong ho¡¯s death. Growing up I had always imagined getting my own prince charming I¡¯d love and a man that would love and respect me in return. Yeong ho is more perfect for my own prince charming and lover but that love was snatched from me overnight. My heart still beats for Yeong ho even knowing he is dead. They said first love doesn¡¯t die. I used to take it as a mere fact, it was now I knew how it feels¡­. My thoughts were cut short when I noticed a horse at a far distance galloping toward me, to Ryu precisely. It was a white male horse and there was someone on it. My brow arched as I took a knee look, A man was at the back of the horse. My breath seemed to choke as I watched the man riding toward us. Good heavens, how can a man ride white horse, it doesn¡¯t like it bad but isn¡¯t ady who likes such a thing¡­. Well who am I to condemn what someone likes? The mystery man finally gets to us and stops but¡­ wait seemed like it wasn¡¯t the man¡¯s wish to stop but the horse because he screeched in objection when the man hit him with his boot. The horse refused to go and continued showing objection to his master. Left with no choice the man came down from his back, gripping his saddle and waiting for what he wanted. The horse¡¯s feet bobbed toward Ryu who had also stopped eating and was staring at the male horse. This is strange. Ryu isn¡¯t the kind of horse that found time in submitting or admiring any other horse, might it be male or female. My girl believes she is the best herself but looking at her now, I could see a mint of happiness in her eyes toward the unknown horse. The man seemed to understand his horse as well and getting the message that he wishes to stay with Ryu, he tied the horse rope around the trees that Ryu rope was tied to and let him walk toward Ryu. Ryu didn¡¯t show any signs of backing off from the horse but rather weed him as she allowed the male horse touch her body with his muzzle. They both walked further into the pasture and continued grazing. ¡°I guess it was your¡± A deep male voice brought me out of my thoughts and I looked behind to see who the voice belonged to¡­. I turned back and my eyesid on the heavens perfectly made art. Is he even a human being I thought as I stared at the man in front of me with my mouth slightly opened. What¡¯s wrong with me?. I have never admired any man other than Yeong ho but looking at the man that stood in front of me I couldn¡¯t fathom why I feel drawn to him. ¡°Miss. Are you okay¡± his deep masculine voice came again and that seemed to catch my breath. We both looked at each other, it was as if time was frozen for us. Chapter 36 Silence Begotten Rage The unknown stranger looked at her milky- finest skin color and wondered if she belonged to him. He then studied her stylish long and sleek dark ponytail hair and thought the same thing. Her lip was pink as the lip of a sea shell. If he hadn¡¯t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn¡¯t have believed it if he was told ady could be this beautiful. As for the navy blue dress she had opted for as well. The colour blinded well with her as it seemed like it was sow mainly for her. She was indeed a perfect, unbeatable beauty among alldies he hase across in his life. He hadn¡¯t intended to stop if not for his horse. Now all thanks to his horse that he is witnessing a goddess of beauty sitting under the shade, while trying to avoid his gaze. ¡°Yes the horse is mine¡± Suk resisted the temptation to throw a nce at the gorgeous man standing in front of her. The stranger¡¯s solid jaw and dark brown eyes as if protected from sun bleaching, removed the veil covering her self control as she couldn¡¯t help it again but finally nced at the man. She delicately tucked a strand of hair back behind the rest as her eyes met the stranger. Her heart thudded in her chest as she stared at him. What is happening to her?. Why is her heart beating loudly?. She subconsciously ces a hand on her chest. The light of the setting sun dances between her smooth and slender figure. She wriggled on her seat and stared at the man standing in front of her, essing him from head to toe. He wore a ck mid knee shirt coupled with a ck trouser. His hair wasbed back and tied with a hair tie, letting the hair on the back of his head hang. He tied a headband around his forehead. ¡°Excuse me¡± he nodded beside her. Before She could process anything, the man already sat down beside her. She shifts ufortably beside him. This is her first time sitting very close with a man other than her family, which is her father and brother. Her lover Yeong ho is the only one who she has sat this close with again. Shuffling herself sideways in a feeble attempt to move her slender body away from him. It¡¯s not like he irritates her or anything, in fact she feels like she wasn¡¯t worth sitting beside him because of the heavy aura emitting from him. It sure that the man isn¡¯t amon person but from a noble family. Noticing her difort, the man took a deep breath and said, ¡°I will go my way once Haneul done feeding¡± Haneul?. That must be the stallion name. The white horse was having fun with Ryu as they both yed in the pasture field. They seemedfortable with each other as if they¡¯d known each other before. It still remains a mystery for her how Ryu was quickly able to rx with the stallion. ¡°This is the first time Haneul admires a mare.¡± The man said. Her gaze drifted from her and darted to the two horses ying in the field. Haneul isn¡¯t the type that believes in any other horse¡¯s capability other than himself but seeing him carefree ying with the ck mare still remains a surprise for his master. Seemed like the horse both have the pride of believing in themselves only. Ryu had been with Suk for a long time. She had been trained to saddle and bridle since she was a filly. ¡°It looks like your horse is one special creature for Haneul to notice her,¡± the man added. Suk kept following how his lip moved. Surprisingly the man¡¯s cherry red lip is so watering that she felt her throat dry and suddenly she wished she could crush her lip on his. ¡°Are you okay?¡±Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. The man asked when he darted his eyes back to thedy beside him and found her licking her lip while staring at his own mouth. Seeing her wet lip from her saliva, he wished it was his own saliva that licked the lip in front of him. He just didn¡¯t understand what was happening to himself. Before he lost control he quickly called himself back and turned away from her. Embarrassed that the strange man caught her drooling on him. Suk facepalm her cheek to cover the red blush flushing up on her cheek and smiles lightly. They both kept quiet and stared at the cool weather which surfaced as a result of the sun setting and the withering nt flipping gently in the air. The cool breeze caressed her face as they enjoyed the beautiful weather. ¡°What is the mare name¡± ¡°Ryu¡± was the short reply from Suk. Ryu that such a odd name for a horse of such power. Looking at the mare in front him, he could certainly say that if she and haneul where to go on a run. They would get back safely which none of the mares thatpete with Haneul had ever achieved. Didn¡¯t Ryu mean slender and graceful but the horse in front of him isn¡¯t anywhere next to slender. ¡°What is your name if I may ask?¡± Suk asked slowly. The man beside her looked at her at her questions and chuckled softly. Their gaze locked. What funny?. Suk wonders mentally and makes sure not to break eye contact. It is if they are in apetition and none of them is willing to back down. The man finally breaks eye contact and stares away in the other direction. ¡°I can¡¯t tell a stranger my name,¡± he replied. Sukughed lightly. If they are talking about a stranger, then it is entirely clear that he is the stranger here but wait what is she even asking. She hasn¡¯t asked the important question she was supposed to. How did this man even get here? What is he doing here?. ¡°You are a stranger. It¡¯s not like you are wee here anyway¡± she scoffed, eying him with annoyance. She couldn¡¯t miss the lifelessness in his eyes as he returned his eyes back to her face. Without a word he gently stood up dusting his clothes along the way. Suk looked at him wearily, awaiting what he got to do but the man just headed toward the direction of the field. When he reached the two horses, he gripped the two ropes around Haneul¡¯s neck and led him toward theke water. The horse dive in and drink to his satisfaction. After he is done, his master leads him back to Suk and unties his rope from the tree. Ryu notices her ymate will soon be going and she quickly walked over to them. They both bid their farewell by nudging each other with their muzzle. The strange man gripped the saddle and hauled himself up effortlessly. The way he climbed the horse shows he is an expert in the field. He red at thedy staring at him in surprise. He picked up the rope around haneul neck and kicked him cautiously with his boot. Haneul¡¯s ear went up and obeying his master he took off immediately, riding faster than when he first arrived. Suk stared at the direction the man went to until they were out of her sight. What the hell was that?. How dare that man. She had never been embarrassed as she was today. She can¡¯t believe a mere noble young man disrespecting a princess like her with a mere silence, but wait he didn¡¯t even know if the man is from a noble family or a royal family of another country. She doesn¡¯t even care if he is or not. And what frustrated her more is the fact that the silence affected her. She bite her lip to suppress her anger but that didn¡¯t help. She yelled in fury toward the direction he rode to as if her scream would reach him. She better return to the pce, beside it already darkened out here. She moved closer to Ryu who was also staring at the direction Haneul rode to. She moved closer to her, lifted a foot and stabbed it at the stirrup, missing the first time. She hissed angrily and tried again which she got and hauled herself at Ryu back. She gripped the two ropes around Ryu¡¯s neck and kicked her off. She rode toward the direction they came from. She kept hitting her horse for more speed. As the horse rode, so did the memory of how the strange man snub her sh into her head. That bastard. The rest of the journey to the pce was filled with anger from Suk toward the man. Chapter 37 Her Father death. Suk was busy reading books in the pavilion in front of her chamber. She carefully flipped the book, page after page. She delicately tucked a strand of hair behind the rest. The wave of the gentle wind hit her body, flowing her hair in the air which she continued tugging behind her ear. BANG!!. A sudden pounding of a drum sounded from afar. She panicked, her hand which was about flipping another page of her book stopped midway. What was that?. Isn¡¯t that the drum that announced a sorrowful asion?. She subconsciously ced a hand on her chest and looked at her maids who were also surprised by the sound. That the drum that announced when one of the royal family died, but who died. For some reason. She had been having a wild feeling since she woke up and to get her mind off the negative feeling, she had fled to the pavilion which she had abandoned for a long time. After taking interest in archery and swordsmanship she had stopped reading books which she liked before but that didn¡¯t stop her interest in books. The loud banging of the drum was joined by a sorrowful announcement from the eunuch spreading the news. ¡°His Majesty has left this world!¡± The voice of the eunuch boomed loudly. What?. Her father is dead. How?. She closed the book, clutching her hand which had been shaking after hearing the news and stood up weakly. She almost lost bnce but Na ji hye was quick to steady her. She lunged forward dragging her feet all the way to the king chamber. She can feel the burning tears in her eyes with each step she takes and no matter what she does, whether it counts to three, taking a deep breath; she can¡¯t settle. Finally, she made it to the king¡¯s pce . Right at the entrance of the king¡¯s pce are the ministers kneeling on the floor mourning the death of their king. The eunuchs and maids also gathered together at the corner of the door crying heavily with their heads bowed. She stared at the door in silence wondering if she was hearing and seeing well or if all this was some kind of dream. None of the people at the entrance notice her presence yet; everyone is upied with the grief that has struck them. Suk feebly moved closer and one of the maids quickly recognized her. She bowed her head courteously and nudged the rest of the maids to pay their respect to her. They quickly bow their heads on seeing her. One of them opens the door for her. The ministers haven¡¯t noticed her still or they pretend not to see her. She huffed and made her way into the room but her foot halted at the door. She looks at the scene in front of her. Her mother was sobbing heavily beside her husband¡¯s corpse that was ced on the bed and her brother was standing close to her as he patted her back in an attempt to console her but it was like none of that was working; her cry kept increasing with each passing second. Her head dropped low and she copsed against the table next to the door. She breathed heavily and tried to calm herself down. Her eyes began to burn as a low groan escaped her mouth. At the sound of the crash and groaned, her brother turned back to look at the intruder. His eyes are swollen from crying and there is a big bag underneath his eyes. This can¡¯t be happening. Her eyes disagree with what it seeing. Why will her father die? They both had an unfinished conversation they were supposed toplete. How could he die like that?. She staggered to the bed with a stoic expression while looking at her father¡¯s pale face. His lips weren¡¯t the pulp pink they usually were when he was alive, instead they turned dry as if a sun had beaten a leaves wavering on the floor. Why does this hurt so much? She is not supposed to feel hurt like this. Guess she can¡¯t deny the blood that flows in her vein after all. Even though her father offends her, she still can¡¯t believe her ear that he had died; she won¡¯t see him again, Forever. Why her; why is a bad thing happening to her. Is she the only person created for pain?. First it was Yeong ho¡¯s death and now her father¡¯s death. She wonders who the heavens are going to collect from her next. Maybe she was next; herself. She dropped her head down and breathed deeply. Her eyes were still burning so she knew she was running out of time before her emotion got the best of her. She looks at her mother beside her. Her hand is holding her husband¡¯s cheek and her other hand is holding his palm. Her sob raked through her body and fell on her husband¡¯s cold cheek. Suk didn¡¯t realize she was crying until he felt her cold and wet tears run down her cheek. Grief built inside her heart, it soon turned to physical pain. She rubs her chest hoping it would give her some relief but it doesn¡¯t rather she feels her heart shattered into pieces. Finally one of the ministers came in to get the burial preparation done. Prince Kang Sohyun dragged her mother away from the king¡¯s body when she refused to let him go. The minister moved closer and covered the king¡¯s entire body with a white clothes. The queen¡¯s tears increased when she saw the cloth covering her husband¡¯s face and she slipped down crying in an irresistible power.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org. The connection with her father which had been severed suddenly came back with a full force. The feeling is getting deeper into her by the second. It made her feel empty; so empty that she couldn¡¯t feel herself anymore. She regrets not forgiving her father before his death. Now she had to live with those regrets for the rest of her life. Chapter 38 Marriage Alliance Grief affects everyone¡¯s life at one point or the other and certainly has affected mine. Father¡¯s burial ceremony had been conducted two day ago. Now I had to learn how to deal with his death. Father will continue to be in our memory. He was remembered as a great king by his ministers and people. He was the king that was with them in their suffering day and was also the same king that saved them from their predicament. Even if it was at the expense of another person¡¯s life. He still does his duty as a king; it is something he must do as a king. That is what I failed to realize when he was alive. I now understand that father just did his duty as the king. It is such a pity I failed to know that before his death. In distress and dismay I understood that far from hating him, I was injecting suffering inside the poor soul. King Kang Byeon In is truly a savior to his people. A great sage king that would be forever remembered in our heart, mine especially. Currently I was with my mother in her chamber together with Kang hwan. We are still in our mourning clothes; a white gown and a white trousers and robe for men. I used to think my parentscked love between them since their marriage is for a political reason but it was now I know that was wrong. I thought my father only respected my mother as the mother of his children. Now I see how deep they both love each other. Mother has refused to talk to anyone after father¡¯s burial. There was no colour in her face; It was white; Not like another woman white, but a white to make a body sick, a white to make a body flesh crawl. I am afraid she might hurt herself at this rate. She refused to eat and we barely managed to feed her little food. I am in her room to urge her to eat like I have been doing since yesterday and she has been showing an objection as always but I won¡¯t give up as well. I took a spoonful of rice and took it to her mouth but she refused to open up. ¡°Mother please at least manage to eat a little. Besides, if it hurts, don¡¯t hold it in, pour it all out.¡± My younger brother said beside me. Upon hearing that, Mother looked at him. Her intention was to manage a smile at him but she ended up bursting into tears. My brother is right. Instead of trying to hold the pain in, why not cry, shout, and p it out. I took a deep breath and gazed up at Kang hwan who gave me the look to keep trying. I squared my shoulder before going to sit beside her. However, Mother couldn¡¯t be bothered with what we were saying. She can¡¯t believe her beloved husband is gone forever. Who can understand her; Of course No one. They all believe naturally her husband¡¯s time is up. Tears wail down her cheek. She choked between a small but clear sob. ¡°Mother please¡­.¡± I mumbled silently. ¡°Crying like this won¡¯t bring father back, rather you should stay strong for us.¡± Queen shin bu young at the moment realized she still has a duty to fulfil. Her Son will soon take the throne, She needs to be there for him and his younger brother and sister. Mother looks dazed for a moment and I keep wondering what she is thinking about. After some seconds she looks up at me with watery eyes. ¡°I will eat¡± she said and collected the spoon from my hand. She draws the bowl of rice closer and scoop some into the spoon before taking it to her mouth. She chewed the rice forcefully. One would have known she is having a difficult time eating the food. Tears rolled down her cheek but she still continued eating regardless of it. She was bent on not eating some second ago and I don¡¯t know why she suddenly changed her mind but I don¡¯t care as well. All that matters is that she is eating as I want. ¡ï¡ï Prince Kang Sohyun walked majestically into the throne room, straight to the throne seat and sat on it. All ministers bow their heads courteously and raise them after making sure he is seated. Even though his father died. He knew his duty as the crown prince. He must not show weakness. If he does, his subordinate will also have an excuse to show weakness. Irrespective of his father¡¯s death, he needs to be strong for the people. That is what his father would also want. ¡°The king¡¯s death is a great loss to the country which everyone is aware of but we can¡¯t let our loss sabotage our duty. We need to ensure that thete king lineage isn¡¯t destroyed and for that to happen I will really need all of you help¡± ¡°I hope you provide your full support to me,¡± he added. ¡°We will provide our full support to Your Royal Highness¡± The minister chorused. The prince nodded and squared his shoulder. He knows a big load nowy on his shoulder. He has to do his duty like histe father had always told him. ¡°Finance minister. Allowed all nation that are interested in trading with buyeo go ahead¡± ¡°Yes, Your Royal Highness. Should we also include Goguryeo¡± the man who is presumed to be the finance minister said. ¡°If they want to, let them trade with us but I bet they won¡¯t even want to¡± Goguryeo kingdom was situated in the far Eastern West of Buyeo kingdom. As the boundary expansion of Goguryeo kingdom started many nations epted the suzerainty of the great emperor of Goguryeo, Yanmyeong. It¡¯s still a surprise that they haven¡¯te after the kingdom of Buyeo but sooner orter they Know that is certainly going to happen.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. Suddenly One of the eunuchs walks in toward the prince. He bowed courteously when he stopped in front of him. ¡°Your royal highness. Envoy from Goguryeo are here¡± ¡°Gorguyeo sent a messenger,¡± The prince asked. Surprise clouding his face. Aren¡¯t they just talking about them right now?. ¡°Yes Your Royal Highness¡± The ministers had a surprise look on their face. Everyone was perplexed in shock, wondering why Gorguyeo kingdom sent a messenger. No one could guess what the kingdom of Goguryeo is upto. Are they here to ask them to surrender as well or are they here to console them for the loss of their king, like how other nations had been doing. ¡°Where are they now?¡± the prince asked. ¡°They are at the royal hall door¡± the eunuchs whose head is still bowed replied. ¡°So close like that¡± When a messenger ising from a kingdom. The other kingdom would have been alert of their visit but howe they didn¡¯t Know about Goguryeo visit, that is what pondered the crown prince. ¡°Your royal highness. We can¡¯t keep them waiting for too long¡± one of the ministers chimed in. ¡°You are right. Let them in¡± ¡°Yes Your Royal Highness¡± the eunuch bowed and went to carry out the order. Almost immediately Five men entered the room. They Walk toward the prince with a stoic expression. They stop in front of him and join both hands together before bowing their heads. ¡± Did we meet you in good health, Your Highness? ¡± the one who was the leader greeted him. ¡°Wee. What brings you all the way here¡± the crown prince asked ¡°Our Emperor heard about the death of king Kang Byeon In and sent a condolences visit.¡± Everyone heaved a sigh of relief. Atleast Emperor of Goguryeo didn¡¯t ask them to surrender to their suzerainty. But little did they know that was just a minor taste of what the goguryeo will demand from them. ¡°Thank you foring,¡± the crown prince replied. ¡°My Emperor will like to form an alliance with the crown prince of Buyeo and proposed a peace settlement¡± The crown prince looked at him surprisedly. Why isn¡¯t he getting one surprise after the other? First it was their unexpected visit, now they want to form an alliance. Why would the emperor of Goguryeo want to make a peace settlement with buyeo?. Both kingdoms aren¡¯t on good terms nor are they on bad terms with each other. They are just on their own without invading each other¡¯s boundaries but buyeo know sooner orter the goguryeo will soon try to conquer them. He never expected this peace treaty he is hearing from the envoy. The leader collected a scroll on one of the men behind him and opened it. Everyone looks at him wondering what was written in the scroll. ¡°This is a handwritten letter from our emperor himself,¡± he said, holding the scroll up. ¡°Read it¡± the crown prince ordered. ¡°I, Yanmyeong, the emperor of Goguryeo, offer my condolences to the crown prince of Buyeo for the loss of their king. For over a decade now, neither Gorguyeo nor buyeo had invaded each other¡¯s territory. Our rtionship is unknown to the neighboring kingdom who are wondering if we are hostile toward each other or on good terms. I didn¡¯t consider Buyeo an enemy state. For this reason I want to form an alliance with buyeo and show the other nations my evesting power and harmony. Yangmeong, Emperor of Goguryeo¡± The envoy after finishing reading the royal message scroll it up and bow to the crown prince. The expression on the crown prince is not pleasing at all. How dare the emperor of Goguryeo address him like that. What did he mean by his evesting power and harmony?. Is he belittling buyeo kingdom because their king just passed away or expecting them to ept the alliance at this ridiculous letter. Little did he know that, that not all until the envoy drop the final bomb. ¡°My Emperor also propose a royal marriage with buyeo¡± ¡°What did you mean?¡± one of the ministers finally spoke. ¡°Princess Suk hand had been asked in marriage¡± The crown prince¡¯s expression darkened. It was his overlooked letter before but now he is asking for his sister¡¯s hand in marriage. He will never release his sister to that monster¡¯s king; He will never hand over his sister to king Yangmeong. He isn¡¯t a human being or rather not known to the people if he was a human being or not. Rumour has it that he is the most ruthless king ever in history. He killed for fun and waged war as a hobby. No one knows what he looks like, Not even his own Queen, not to talk of the ministers. He knows to use his mask making it impossible for the people to know the face behind the mask, but behind that mask is a monster you won¡¯t want to wake. At the thought of releasing his sister to king Yangmeong made his blood boil greatly in anger. His shoulder tense and he stood up abruptly from his seat. With his hands trembling with anger he pointed a finger toward the leader of the envoy and shouted savagely. ¡°What did the king of goguryeo take me for?. He must think lowly of us but let him know that we aren¡¯t to be underestimated. I will never ept his ridiculous marriage and peace settlement¡± his body was shaking with anger as he said all those words. ¡°You¡¯ve crossed the line. How can you talk to His Majesty like this¡± one of the messenger replies trying to show support for his king. ¡°Go back and deliver my words to your king. My sister will never marry him. I will be expecting what he has to do about it.¡± The leader of the messenger breathed out in anger. Together with the rest they stormed out of the royal hall without bothering to pay their respect to the crown prince. Chapter 39 Annihilation Of Buyeo kingdom In the chamber of princess Suk. She was pacing around the room. She had worn a white Hanbok dress with a pink flower pattern on it. The dress says the opposite about her today, both her expression and mood is not pleasing at all. ¡°Your highness, please calm down. It is not confirmed yet that the crown prince has agreed to the marriage¡± Na ji hye pronounced trying to calm her down. Suk look at Na ji hye not satisfied with what she say. She knows his brother will be left with no choice but to ept the marriage Alliance. After all, they are talking about the great Emperor of Goguryeo Yangmeong. The youngest king ever, who was crowned overnight. Rumours had it that he wasn¡¯t the original crown prince of goguryeo. He just showed up suddenly. It was still a mystery to the people why thete king crowned him as the crown prince after dethroning the original crown prince from his position. He was blessed with power which made every other nation tremble at the mention of Gugoryeo. ¡°Her Highness and His Royal Highness are here¡± One of the maids at the door announced. Suk bowed her head in respect as the crown prince and their mother entered her chamber. ¡°Leave us,¡± The crown prince ordered. Na ji hye and the maids scurried out of the room upon hearing the order.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Mother-Brother¡± Suk called as she walked to them. There is a worried expression on her face. ¡°I heard the king of goguryeo sent a messenger for my hand in marriage¡± Suk inquired. His eyes filled with curiosity. ¡°Suk. Come sit here first¡± Queen Bu young told her daughter as she made her sit on theid cover on the floor. ¡°It is true. Your brother received the message but it was declined. We are sure the Emperor of Gugoryeo won¡¯t give up but you don¡¯t have to worry everything will be resolved soon¡± The queen stated as tears formed in her eyes and we¡¯re threatened to fall on her cheek soon. ¡°Mother. Just like you have said that he won¡¯t give up. He certainly is going to send another envoy and this time around it might turn aggressively¡± The prince said and sat beside his sister. ¡°Moreover She won¡¯t be his legal wife but a concubine¡± The crown prince added in a broken voice. ¡°I Know that. She won¡¯t only be a concubine but the fourth concubine of the Emperor of Goguryeo.¡± After hearing what his mother said. The crown prince¡¯s blood boiled in anger. There would be no way he will let his sister be a concubine not to talk of the fourth one. There is no way he is epting this marriage. He doesn¡¯t care if it results in War and if it is war they would fight as it may be. Seeing her brother¡¯s tense state Suk ced her hand on his shoulder. ¡± You don¡¯t worry brother. Eventually if I get married to him there will be no problem. Remember I am trained in martial arts.¡± ¡°I promise you. You won¡¯t be his concubine¡± The prince said confidently, holding her sister¡¯s hand tightly while looking into her brown eyes. The princess nodded and smiled at his brother; A reassuring smile she could mustered on her lip The tears the queen had been trying to hold back rolled down her cheek. She hugged her children and wept on their back as they tried to calm her down by rubbing her back soothingly. ~~~~~ Imperial Hall of Goguryeo. The royal hall was deadly quiet with no sound heard. Everyone had their heads bowed to the ground. Who would dare raise their gaze at this moment, when their king is in rage. Sitting on the throne is an elegant figure whose face is covered in a mask. He was dressed in a red robe and his hair was tied up in a bun and at the top of the hair is a golden hair tie jewelry used to hold the hair in ce. Even though one can¡¯t see his face it was certain he was incredibly handsome with his manly body. In Front of him are the messengers he had sent to the Buyeo kingdom. They were kneeling on the floor with their heads bowed after delivering t the crown prince of Buyeo reply to their emperor. Emperor Yangmeong¡¯s cheek flushed and then drained of colour when he heard the reply. ¡°Incredible,¡± he smiles chirpily. ¡°Did the crown prince of Buyeo really decline my offer and disgrace me?.¡± His cold voice came up again sending a bone shattering chill through everyone present in the throne room. ¡°Yes¡­ Your¡­Your Majesty¡± The leader of the envoy stuttered with his gaze directed to the ground. A dry chuckle escaped his lips. His knuckle whitened due to clutching it tightly against the metal handle of the throne chair. Her eyes darkened behind the mask covering his face. The silence soon turned into tension as everybody in the room could feel the heat of rage radiating from him. All that his brain was telling him is to wage war against the petty kingdom that dares humiliate him and stain the dignity of the Goguryeo Empire. His stoic expression behind his mask couldn¡¯t not be read by the minister but without trying to read his expression they already knew what was going on in his mind. They make sure to lower their gaze down invariably than before. They know one slight mistake could get them all killed. He was a devil who found peace in the chaos of battle. ¡°Why are they asking for death?.¡± He asked rhetorically and stared into space. ¡°Your Majesty. I am sure they made a slip of tongue. Please forgive them and go only with the peace settlement¡± The prime minister of the dynasty was over 50 years old with a ck hair which was hauled up inside his metal sangtugwan ( A small cap worn by men especially ministers of court over their topknots). He had gathered his entire courage before saying this but the cold look on his face didn¡¯t change. Yangmeong swept past with cold eyes unto the man. ¡± What is your true agenda?.¡± he asked Gulping convulsively he went down on his knee ¡°I didn¡¯t have any moti¡­.¡± He was saying when he heard him click his finger and without being told he shut his mouth immediately leaving his words upleted. The prime minister being the emperor¡¯s father inw is a cunning man. Knowing if the buyeo kingdom epts the marriage proposal that would mean another rival for her daughter who was the Empress. The other royal concubine already dishes his daughter enough stress and headache. He had hide under the motive of trying to help the Goguryeo kingdom and speak in their favour, but it was all for his daughter. But the emperor couldn¡¯t be fooled by his fake enthusiasm, he knew what his father inw was trying to do. His marriage to the Empress was as a result of thete king who had forced him to marry her. He had taken the three other royal concubines to make her stew in misery and jealous. As the Emperor of Gugoryeo he is entitled to take as many concubines as he desires and he isn¡¯t going to back down with the princess of Buyeo. ¡°I don¡¯t give a second chance. The Buyeo kingdom will be annihted and the princess will be my concubine¡± the brewing rage I¡¯m his eyes remain there. The prime minister not backing down quickly moved to kneel in front Yangmeong , down the throne seat and said ¡°But Your Majesty. Complete annihtion isn¡¯t too much¡­it will only result in¡­.¡± An invisible pnded on his cheek cutting him off whatever he was spouting from his mouth. A low gasp spread around the hall while the prime minister held his cheek in pain. He didn¡¯t need to look for who did it when the person was staring at him from the throne seat. He stood up and shouted fulminating. ¡°Anybody else to argue with me!. Who want to plead for mercy against Buyeo kingdom will not be spare by me!. There is no forgiveness for anyone! So be warned.¡± He pointed savagely at the ministers. After dropping this words. he walk out of the room elegantly like a gentle soul. At that time all the minister gritted their teeth but there is nothing they could do. Nothing at all but ept his deration to wage a war against the kingdom of Buyeo. Silence with a stoic expression is one of the minister who kept staring at the ce Yangmeong walk through. Being the disposed crown prince he always had a wizened soul of wickedness inside his figure toward Yangmeong. One that bastard will surely die in his hand and he will regain his throne which was sbatch from him. Soon. Everything will go back to where it belongs. Chapter 40 A Princess Without A Kingdom Is Nothing The cool evening breeze caressed Empress Ki Min Su¡¯s face as she stood at the pavilion in front of her chamber. She had a pinpoint look in her eyes as she stared out at her maids lining perfectly outside the pavilion. One would think she is looking at her maids but her eyes were only on them, not her mind. The cool weather wouldn¡¯t stop carrying her white hanbok dress imprinted with a red flower pattern on it in the air. Her dark hair was brushed back into a lower bun and styled with a binyeo; a phoenix hair pin used by the queen. Her hand resting on her chin showcased a golden ring on her finger. As she stood there at the pavilion, different thoughts kept shing into her head. Growing up she had always thought of getting married to a man she¡¯d love and a man that would love and respect her in return, but those were merely a fairy tale to her ever since she got married to this cold aura Emperor. She was a abandone woman who took joy in being lonely. it was a thing she adapted to after her marriage; A marriage that is like a bondage to her. Her husband treats her as his enemy. He made her feel worthless. ¡°Your Majesty. The prime minister is here!¡± Her thoughts were cut short when she heard her courtdy voice. She turned back to the other side to see her father standing very close to her. He must have been standing for a long time but lost in her thoughts she didn¡¯t notice him. She managed a light smile that she could muster on her lip to him. The prime minister bowed courteously. Her face contorted in worry as he said. ¡°Did Your majesty heard about the new¡± She takes a sharp breath. Anxiety gripped her voice as she replied slowly. ¡°Yes. I heard it was a princess¡± Waking up from her short nap, she was informed by her courtdy the decision her husband had taken. She can¡¯t believe anotherpetitor ising for her and to think it was a princess he is nning on taking as a concubine this time around makes her feel insecure. The other royal concubines are from a noble family just like her. They weren¡¯t from a royal blood family like the oing princess. Fear gripped her instantly; her cherry red lip turned pale white as she bit them to keep them from shaking. Noticing her daughter¡¯s fear, the prime minister clenched her fist tightly by their side. He is also scared but he can¡¯t show her daughter his anxiety. He had heard a lot about the princess of Buyeo. She was rumoured to be good at martial arts and a lot of things anyone could imagine a princess will know. He snapped out of his fear and took the Empress hand in his, squeezing them softly before speaking. ¡°There is no way to stop this disaster. His Majesty is adamant on taking the princess of Buyeo as his fourth concubine and no one could break his order¡± Empress Ki mi su swallowed hard and released a huge sigh. There is absolutely no way to stop this disaster that has befall her like her father had said. She just had to be strong like she has always been. She must not get intimidated by her. And to aplish that she needs to gain the upper hand before she does. She must show her who the owner of the internal court is when she arrives so she will dare not disrespect her or anything. Buting to think of it. Why is she even scared?. A princess could only remain as one as long as her kingdom is still intact but without her kingdom she is nothing but amon people. Solicit glinted in her eyes as soon as the ideas came to her head and immediately she threw the question to her father. ¡°Is it true His Majesty order aplete annihtion on Buyeo¡± ¡°Yes. The crown prince of Buyeo rejected the marriage and because of that he had ordered that there will be a war against their kingdom but why did you ask?.¡± The prime minister replied wondering what she is nning on doing. With a sly smile on her lip and determined look in her eyes she uttered. ¡°Don¡¯t worry Father. I know how to handle her when she arrives¡± She looked out from her father who was still staring at her in surprise and drifted her gaze to the empty space. She smiled; a crooked smile. ~~~~~ Walking aimlessly is the perfect word to use in her situation right now. She had found herself in a forest unknown to her. Rainstorm that was falling off the bloated sky had drenched her body, leaving her clothes stuck against her skin like blood stacked against a white parchment. Her eyes scoured around for upteent time. There¡¯s nothing but just a rock and jungle surrounding her. Suddenly a loud pound of footsteps resound in the air. This starlted Suk as a different thought rampaged in her head. This wasn¡¯t how human footsteps sound, then what it is?. What else could be in this wild forest except for an animal. If that is the case, there is no need to be afraid she can defeat what it was. She assured herself as her eyes moved around in search of the oing creature. Almost Immediately through the jungle a huge animal emerged. Suk gulped convulsively upon seeing the huge beast before her. This isn¡¯t something she can defeat. She had never seen this type of animal before in her life and what surprised her more is the fact that she didn¡¯t know which category she would ce the being in front of her in. Is it an animal or human being?. With the structure of that of a human being, its big red eyes brimmed fire in them when itnded on her. The creature growls and bares its long fangs at her. Immediately Suk sprinted through the jungle, the giant beast at her heels. Her inside froze as the ground ahead seemed slippery. She slid, grabbing a tree limb to keep herself from plunging against the steep. Suk¡¯s heart thudded as something crashed toward her. She already knew the beast was able to catch up with her. Bracing herself against the tree, Suk stood in a defensive position to face the beast. There is no point in running because she knows she will die, but if she must die then she won¡¯t die without a fight. At least she won¡¯t go inplete dishonor. A dark form burst through the overgrowth leaves and tendrils as the creature plowed forward, ming red eyes and tusk to crash on her. In a lightning speed before Suk could get out of her fear to defend herself the beast attacks her. Suk was forced to kneel against her wish. The beast attacks like a whirlwind not giving her a chance to catch her breath, and before realizing anything it ws wasing toward her heart. ¡°No!!¡± Suk eyes opened and stared into darkness. Her heart beating against the cage of her rib. She could vividly remember the vicious eyes of the beast.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org. What the hell is that?. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!