Despite recent events, the 9th day of the 9th month was drawing near and preparations were made to honor the ancestors, in order to prevent bad luck from settling upon the family.

When the day arrived, everyone was gathered at the gazebo once again to celebrate. That was a very loose term, considering the amount of discord that existed between certain members of the family. However, pretenses were put on, since today was tradition.

Only this time, Soo was sitting at the table instead of being a Court Lady. Regardless, this day did not give her great memories, and she hoped that it would pass quickly. Surely they would all drink one cup of tea and then leave, right?

The King, despite being unwell made an effort to attend the event, and sat at the head of the table along with his first wife. His daughter, although now in her early teens, was still too young, so she was celebrating in her chambers along with the court ladies. Seol was also too young, and she was currently being watched by Arang and Eun Bi in Soo and So's private quarters.

Since So was the next oldest, he sat directly to the right of the King, and Soo as his wife sat next to him.

Queen Yoo sat across from him, and Queen Hwangbo sat across from Soo. Wook and Yeon Hwa followed suite, along with the 9th prince.

Next to Soo sat Eun followed by Soon Deok, Baek Ah, and then Jung, who had arrived home just in time for the festivities. As she looked down the line of royals by her side, they all met her gaze with silent smiles, and the sight made her feel a little bit better about today. Eventually the gongs rang and everyone looked toward the King to make an opening statement.

"I thank everyone for being present today. I understand that I am not in the best of health however, I am honored to be with you all today."

"Paeha, your generosity knows no bounds," they all chorused.

"I hope that we can all put aside our differences for today and enjoy the celebration."

"As you wish, Paeha."

And with that, the gong rang again and the court ladies came in lines bearing tea for everyone. At first Soo did not pay attention to who, but when Arang set the teapot down in front of her, she jerked her head up abruptly.

What are you doing here? Her eyes asked questioningly. A senior court lady should not be serving tea here.

Arang looked at her apologetically and murmured under her breath, just loud enough for Soo to hear.

"Eun Bi is still with Seol, but one of the court ladies who was to serve your tea fell ill. I volunteered to step in."

With a bow, she stepped back and stood behind the tables to wait until the tea needed to be refilled.

A thousand things ran through her mind, but one thing stood out: this situation was too familiar to just be a coincidence. The last time a court lady had to stand in to serve tea on the 9th day of the 9th month, was when Soo herself was blamed for poisoning a prince.

She didn't want to jump to conclusions but in this world and time, it did well to listen to your gut feelings. Looking up across at the opposing tables, she eyed Yeon Hwa and Queen Yoo, both who were waiting as their tea were served, before taking delicate sips.

She didn't stop staring until So reached over to touch her hand, and she broke out of her reverie. Looking over at him, she met his questioning gaze, and she forced a smile, shaking her head slightly, before looking down to her own cup of tea.

The problem was, who were they aiming for this time around? Surely it wasn't the King? Looking up quickly at the table she saw that he had already drank the tea, and seemed fine. Who else would they target...the heir?

No, despite how much Queen Yoo despised So, it would make no sense, nor would it be advantageous to poison him. As for Yeon Hwa, poisoning So would be the last thing she'd do. If anything, it would be in their best interest to align themselves with him.

Looking at her cup again, she finally realized who the target was: herself.

The last time poisoned tea was served, it was served by the substituting court lady. She had served it to Crown Prince Moo at the time, and now...Arang was serving it to her.

She supposed it was a cruel twist of karma. She who had unknowingly served poisonous tea to a Crown Prince, was now being punished by having poisoned tea served to her.

"Is something the matter, Hae Soo? The tea has been served and you have yet to take a sip."

Queen Yoo asked a seemingly innocent question, but her face suggested otherwise. Soo steeled herself for what was to come.

"I am feeling slightly under the weather, your highness. Nevertheless, I was simply waiting for the tea to cool down before drinking. I thank you for your concern."

"Perhaps the tea will help you feel better."

I highly doubt that, Queen Yoo

"Yes, your highness."

Soo slowly lifted the cup to her lips, trying to hide the shaking of her hands while doing so. She had no idea how she was going to save herself or Arang, but she knew she had to try.

After putting her cup down, she motioned for Arang to forward and discreetly whispered in her ear.

"Dispose of everything. Return quickly with the arsenic antidote."

Arang pulled away, eyes widened in fear. Soo gave a firm nod before turning back to the front. She could already feel the bile building up from behind , but she had to hold it in a bit more. If she collapsed now, Arang would be in danger.

"Soo ya, is everything all right? Is the tea not to your liking?" So asked her, still worried about her silence and hesitance in drinking the tea.

She forced a smiled and shook her head.

"It seems I have waited too long for the tea to cool. Arang will bring me a new pot shortly."

"Are you still feeling well?"

I must do what I can to keep Arang safe. I must!

"Yes, dear husband. I am well. Do not fear."

Despite reassuring So, a nauseating feeling kept rising in her body. She smiled and smiled, listening to everyone recite poems, trying to keep the bile down but it was becoming increasingly harder to hold it in.

Why were they doing this, and why now of all times? What kind of sick joke was this?

At the same time, she could feel the eyes of Queen Yoo and Yeon Hwa on her, as if waiting for her to collapse. When she looked over towards them, they averted their eyes skillfully, as if they were never looking in the first place. Additionally, she felt Wook's eyes on her as well, and when she looked over, he seemed worried but she wasn't sure. He looked away before she could deduce his feelings.

So could see that despite Soo's reassurance, she was not feeling well. As the time went by, he could see her face grow paler and paler, and eventually the beginnings of a cold sweat formed on her brow.

Even the tea that Arang brought back did nothing to quell her sickness, and he reached over to hold her hand.

In this situation, it was rude to excuse oneself unless the King left first. True, he may have done that the last time they all gathered for this tradition, but things were different now.

Eventually the King rose, and everyone followed suit. After he bid everyone farewell, they all stood until he left the gazebo. Soo felt faint but forced herself to keep standing.

"Hae Soo, something seems to ail you."

She looked at Yeon Hwa, who was looking at her with a strange look on her face. Was it disappointment? Curiosity?

"It seems so, however I am sure a bit of rest will do me well. I thank you for your concern, your highness."

"I am glad you will be fine. We wouldn't want an event like last time, would we?" Queen Yoo said cryptically before walking off, followed by Yeon Hwa and the 9th prince.

Wook followed as well. But he seemed to linger, looking at Soo before leaving quickly.

Once they left, Soo collapsed, alarming the rest of the royal siblings still present. Luckily So caught her in his arms and helped her slowly sit down.

"Hyungsoonim! Is everything all right?" Eun asked earnestly.

She couldn't find it in herself to reply, only instead breathing deeply though it was getting increasingly hard to do so.

"Something must be wrong. She's been quiet all afternoon except for at the beginning," Baek Ah said looking at her worriedly.

"Hyungnim, let us bring her back to your quarters. We must send for a doctor immediately!"

At Jung's words, Soo reached out and grasped So's hand tightly, shaking her head.

They couldn't send for the doctor, it would alert everyone else and put Arang's life at risk.

"Hyungsoonim, why are you refusing?"

So's expression grew dark as he looked at the teapot in front of Soo. How was he such a fool? He should have known right away when Arang appeared to serve Soo tea. She had told him earlier that morning that both of her trusted ladies were watching Seol. Something must have happened for Arang to serve the tea. Like an attempt at poisoning.

"Everyone, do not do anything rash. Please return to your quarters quietly and I will send for you when Soo is well enough to speak."

Without waiting to hear what his younger siblings would say, he quickly but carefully helped Soo up before leading her away.

"Hyungsoonim is sick and yet So will not call for the doctor?!"

Eun was worried to the bone, but Soon Deok placed a reassuring hand on his arm to calm him down.

"Calm down, Eun ah. I am sure there is a perfectly good reason. You know how much So worries for Soo's health."

"Why are they concerned about calling a doctor? Would it bring unwanted attention?" Baek Ah speculated.

"Still, I trust Hyungnim. Let us heed his orders, and perhaps we can all visit Soo when she is feeling better," Jung said.

Everyone looked at each other and agreed, but the growing pit in their stomach did not make them any less worried.

 I apologize again (as always) for the hiatus. I have been trying my best to finish this story. I can't believe it's been nearly 2 years since I've started it, but after life and losing my motivation to finish this story, I've finally found the inspiration to write again.

Thank you to everyone who is still reading this story. I really appreciate it, even if I don't express it outright.

See you in the next chapter!