So quickly made his way into the chambers to make sure nothing else had happened while he was outside. Before he made it in, Soo met him at the entrance with a look of worry on her face.

“What the commotion outside? I heard a loud sound of wood splintering before hearing your voice.”

So had half the mind to keep the note from Soo, but he knew that she would find out sooner or later so he hesitated before revealing the slip of paper in his hand.

“Someone shot an arrow into one of the pillars outside and it had this attached,” So said as he examined Soo’s expression upon reading the note.

She read it quickly before looking up to meet his eyes.

“Were you able to track them down? Surely they couldn’t have gone very far?”

So shook his head.

“I have sent some guards after them, but it seems they are still out searching for the archer.”

Soo shook her head and folded up the note.

“I don’t like this feeling, of sitting around and waiting for things to happen.”

So sighed before he led her back into their quarters.

“I don’t like it either, but what else can we do now? This is the second thing they’ve done to target you and we have yet to grasp a true lead.”

“Surely there is something we can do?”

So sat down at the table and looked up to see Soo sit beside him, a concentrated look on her face.

“What do you suggest, Soo ya?”

Her head shot up in surprise.

“How do you know I’m thinking of something?”

Despite the long day’s events, and what had just transpired minutes ago, So couldn’t help but crack a grin at Soo’s question.

“I have known you long enough to know when you are concocting up a plan, Soo ya. Now, tell me what you have been thinking of.”

“I don’t think you would approve of it…”

“What do you mean, Soo ya?”

Soo started fiddling with one of her sleeves, looking up at him nervously.

“I was thinking...we should try to lure them when we go to the village tomorrow.”

So crossed his arms, already not liking the idea.

“Leaving the palace during this time is already a dangerous thing to do, and now you want to lure them? I don’t approve of this idea.”

Soo reached out to tug one of his hands free and held it in both of hers.

“But they already have something planned, if we assume they aren’t fibbing in that note! Why should we wait for them to act when we can try to act first?”

So saw Soo’s point, but that didn’t make him feel anymore comfortable with her suggestion. He had honestly thought of canceling their trip to the village tomorrow with what just happened. Soo saw his expression was still firm but still tried to convince him.

“We will bring additional men to safeguard us. They will be disguised anyway, so it will look like we are alone to whoever is trying to attack us. And if they do decide to act, we will be prepared. I know you; you wouldn’t let anything happen to me. Why else would I suggest this if I wasn’t sure of that?”

So felt his resolve slowly dissolve. Soo did have a point; it was unlikely that they would do anything drastic while the both of them were together in the palace, especially after he had made sure to heighten security around their quarters. His younger brothers had also taken caution and increased the number of guards as well. 

Furthermore, if they were out in the village, it certainly would give them more freedom to observe who was following them in the case that it did happen.

Lastly, Soo was right: he would never let anything happen to her as long as he was with her. Still he couldn’t help but worry. Soo could see that he was slowly warming up to the idea and she continued on.

“Aren’t you curious about who is doing this? Surely it would give you peace of mind to try instead of waiting for something else to happen? Besides, whoever is behind this must already have someone watching us on a daily basis. What better way to draw them out than to leave the palace and have them on our playing field?”

So sighed and shook his head before smiling at Soo. He really couldn’t say no to her, could he?

“All right, we will do as you suggest.”

He could see Soo brighten at his words, but he held up a hand.

“But, you must follow my instructions and if something does happen, you are to head back to the palace right away.”

“But..!”

“I do not want you running straight into danger. I know we have been training together, but we are potentially dealing with forces greater than we imagined.”

Soo had to concede at that. So was right: they did not know who they were dealing with, and if this provided him with a peace of mind, then she would follow.

“I understand So ya. I promise to stay safe!”

So smiled and nodded.

“It is decided then. We will head to the village tomorrow.”

-----

The next morning, they both got dressed in simple robes. Although most of the citizens in the village could recognize the 4th royal couple (as they used to venture into the village often), it was better not to attract attention more than necessary. As planned, they also brought guards who were also garbed in discrete clothing. Although they would not be with them in person, they would follow closely behind and take note of the surroundings and warn of anything or someone suspicious.

Despite their plan, they tried to enjoy the outing as much as possible, all the while staying alert as they made their way around to examine the grocers or wares for the day.

It was after some time that So nudged Soo while she was admiring some silk pieces. She looked up to see his expression and turned to the shop owner.

“I am afraid we must leave now, but please pack this one up to send to the palace for me. You can tell them it is for the 4th princess.”

The man was speechless for a second before he realized who she was. Before he could speak, Soo smiled and paid him before leaving with So quickly afterwards. They weaved through the people walking in the market and eventually made their way near the outskirts of the village. They turned into an empty street before hearing ducking into an alleyway and crouching behind a stone wall. Both held their breaths as several footsteps stopped not far from their hiding spot.

“Where did they go? This village can’t be that large for them to escape this quickly!”

It was an unfamiliar voice that spoke, but his companion scoffed.

“This is Wang So we are talking about. What did you think you were getting into when you agreed to do this?”

Again the voice was unfamiliar and a third voice joined the group.

“We will split up. It looks too suspicious with the three of us together. If you find where they are, follow them and send a signal if you can.”

The other two men chorused “yes, sir!” before they both hurried off. The remaining man looked towards the stone wall before he left in the opposite direction. Once his footsteps disappeared, So and Soo slowly stood up from their hiding place.

“It won’t be long until they are captured. They have been following us the moment we stepped out of the palace.”

Soo looked at So in surprise. She had noticed someone tailing them only after they had their way through part of the marketplace. But of course, this was So she was talking too.

“Was it only those three? Or did you notice more?”

“So far I have only seen those three; we will have to consult with our guards to see if they’ve found anyone else once we return to the palace. Come, let us return.”

So made to walk off before Soo stopped him. He looked back at her grasp on his arm and then up at her expression, which showed a frown.

“What is it, Soo ya?”

“That man…”

“Man?”

“The last one who spoke...I saw his face.”

“What about his face? Do you know who he is?”

Soo shook her head slowly.

“I don’t know his name, but I do recognize him. He was the person who gave me food while I was trapped in the woods.”