The Emperor sat on the throne. He finished the writing the treaty and put down the brush. "Is it done, your highness?" the Emperess asked. He smiled at her and said, "Yes, my dear Taeyeon." He carefully rolled up the treaty and slotted it into a cannister with the royal seal. He then passed it to the Empress and said, "Pass it to the young man. Give him some food and drink, he has had a hard journey, reaching here."

The Empress Taeyeon nodded and curtsied. She then said, "Yes, your highness. I will take my leave now." She the turned and walked away. Just before she left the throne room, the Emperor called out, "And, Taeyeon?" She turned around and asked, "Yes, your highness?" "Make sure the young man leaves safely, and unnoticed." She smiled and said, "Yes, I understand, your majesty." The Emperor mused, "I don't want our dear Su Yeon to see him. She gets, you know, very territorial and firece with intruders. She's guarding the North gate right?"

"Yes, your majesty." Taeyeon answered. He nodded his head and said, "All the more the young man needs to be careful. You may leave now, Taeyeon." She curtsied and went off in a hurry.

Th Emperor leaned back on his throne and sighed. Just then, his son came running in. He just went in front of him and said haughtily, "Father! You can't arrange my marriage!" The Emperor just said in a monotone voice, "You're turning 20 already, Ryeowook." Then he picked up his brush and continued writing. Ryeowook dashed in front of him and asked, "So?" "You're the Crown Prince, Ryeowook!" the Emperor said as he glared at his son.

"Being a Crown Prince-"

"Means that you have to continue the family line! And the princess is of royal blood. With your marriage, we can strengthen ties with China!"

"But Father! I don't even know the princess! I want to marry someone I love!"

"Bah! Love does not exist! As a Crown Prince, you must do your duties! What have you been filing your head with, Ryeowook?"

The Crown Prince pleaded, "Please Father! Don't arrange my marriage!" The Emperor stood up and roared, "I am the Emperor! You do not defy me!" Ryeowook just clenched his fists and grit his teeth. "Y-yes... Father..." Then he glared at his father and stormed off.