(Morning, Eun hugging Soondeok in his sleep – or to be more accurate, trapping Soondeok with his arms and legs wrapped around her. She opens her eyes from the heat, only to realize the situation she’s in. She tries to wiggle out but all in vain.)

‘Your…your highness…’

(Soondeok whispers softly, hoping to break free)

‘Mmmm…’

(It only made him hug her even tighter – Eun remains asleep, not budging one single bit. And so, not wanting to wake her husband up, Soondeok remained in Eun’s arms for another 2 hours. Eun’s habit of sleeping in never did change, one of the very few things that the prince didn’t change after falling in love with Soondeok. Yet sleeping till noon, really is too much. Soondeok can’t take it anymore, she’s hungry, very hungry.)

‘Your highness…your highness…Excuse me, your highness, would you mind-’

‘Mmm…five…five more minutes…mmm…’

(Soondeok’s on the brim of begging)

‘Your highness, open your eyes please. Your highness, don’t sleep, you can’t sleep now, not now. I beg of you. Please-’

(Just then, as if she got struck by lightning, Soondeok remembers something. The scenes flash before her eyes.)

‘YOUR HIGHNESS! I remember! Wake up wake up!’

(The shout scared Eun so much that he rolled off of the bed in shock)

‘What? What what what? What’s going on?’

(Eun kicks his blanket away fiercely trying to stand up, Soondeok kneeling on the edge of the bed)

‘Your highness! I remember!!’

(Eun climbs back on bed, eager to know)

‘R...really?! You remember? How much? Everything?’

‘Just the hunt. Haesoo, Prince So, you and I! We were together, weren’t we? In…in…wait, let me think, in a temple! Hunting! Tea time! And…and…’

(Eun holds Soondeok’s hands, looking straight into her eyes)

‘Anything else?’

(Soondeok thinks hard)

‘The arrow, yes, I remember, the arrow. I also remember what I said…as I was passing out. And…Haesoo! Where are they? Are they safe, your highness?’

‘They’re safe, honey, very safe. But Deok ah, you sure it was really your memory? Not because you read it last night?’

‘I’m sure! I can even see the picture in my head, your highness. The arrow as it was flying towards me, the gifts that I was going to give you and-’

‘Oh Deok ah! Congrats!!!! I knew you’d remember!’

(Both of them hug in celebration.)

‘Soondeok ah! See? It’s coming back, we just need to give it some time!’

‘But at this rate, it’ll take forever for me to remember everything again.’

‘Don’t worry honey, we have all the time we need. We should tell the doctor about this, he’s coming to check on you today, right?’

‘Guess so.’

‘Good, oh boy, I’ve got to tell mother!’

‘Your highness, you forgot something!’

‘Hmm? What?’

(Soondeok gives Eun a hug)

‘T…this…your highness.’

-----------------------------------------

Eun’s diary

Step by step, I’m helping my wife remember. Step by step. I don’t know how long this is going to take, but today gave me hope. She remembers, the day she got shot, she remembers everything that day. I’m sure she’ll be able to recall everything in the end.

She’s reading her diary again, she’s been carrying that book with her everywhere she went like it’s some sort of treasure. Indeed, I guess it is to her, it contains her past, the thread that’ll lead her back to her old self.

I bought her a gift, hope she’ll like it. I really am pouring all my love to her right now, I just hope that she can feel how sincere I am. So hyung came earlier today and left me a letter while I was out, he said he’s trying his best to find out who’s behind it all. Who could it be? Who could possibly thought of doing something as far as killing hyung? Who would use hyung and Haesoo’s relationship to do that?

I’m sick and tired of this, all the things going on in the palace, I’m glad I’m staying well out of this.

Soondeok’s diary

It’s very odd, having the prince being so considerate of me, always asking if I’m fine with this and that, if I like this and that, if there’s anything I want to eat or buy. It’s reached a point that it’s kind of getting scary, he won’t leave me alone, not for a single moment. Am I supposed to be happy about this? I’ve always wanted to be with the prince, and now he’s literally with me all the time, yet why this feeling of uneasiness? Even now, even as I’m writing this, he’s…staring at me, smiling like I’m some kind of cute kitten he wants to hold.

--------------------------------

(Soondeok looks up at Eun, he’s smiling at her – with that childish smile of his)

‘Your highness…is…is there something on my face?’

‘How’d you know?’

‘There is?! Where?’

(Soondeok covers her face and turn away)

‘Cuteness. You have cuteness all over your face, Deok ah.’

(Soondeok’s speechless, she slowly turns to look at him)

‘Your highness…I…’

(Eun gets close to her and squeezes her cheek gently)

‘Why do you have to be so cute, Deok ah? You’re making me want to kiss you every time I look at you.’

(Soondeok’s blushing so hard that she can feel her face setting on fire – she runs out, trying to calm herself down.)

‘Okay…it’s okay, Soondeok ah…calm down girl…calm down…he’s just joking-’

(Suddenly Eun pops up out of nowhere)

‘I heard that! I wasn’t joking~’

‘YA! You scared me!’

(Out of reflex, Soondeok smacks Eun super hard on the back several times before realizing what she’s doing then stops to apologize)

‘I…I’m so so sorry, your highness. I was…’

‘HAHAHAHAHA!!! That’s alright. It’s my fault, scaring you like that. I should’ve seen it coming.’

(Eun stretches a bit then looks at his wife, who’s still avoiding his eyes as much as she can)

‘Well?’

‘Well…well what, your highness?’

‘What are we going to do now? I’m bored.’

‘I…I think I’ll read a bit in the library-’

‘Good! I’ll go there too. It’s too hot to go out anyway.’

‘Ah, I mean…suddenly I feel like shopping and-’

‘Perfect! The weather is so fine today, let’s go together!’

‘On second thought! Your highness…I…I want to practice shooting.’

‘Shooting? As in…archery?’

‘Yes!’

‘But Deok ah, you almost got killed by an arrow, you sure?’

(Seeing this as her chance of escaping, Soondeok quickly reassures him)

‘Oh yes. Your highness, I haven’t been practising lately and my body’s aching for me to pick it up again.’

‘Sure, if that’s want you want to do.’

(Soondeok swiftly makes an exit)

‘Then, I should get going. See you later, your highness.’

(Soondeok turns around and hastens to the shooting ground, relieved that Eun’s finally left her alone – but after she’s shot the first arrow…)

‘Ahh~ Nice weather indeed. Deok ah, want to have a competition today?’

‘Your highness, what are you doing here?’

‘You said you wanted to practise shooting, well, I’m here to practise too. I just went in to change into something more fitting. I can join you, can’t I?’

‘You…you can, most certainly…sure you can…but…do you know how?’

‘You taught me, Deok ah, didn’t you write it in your diary?’

‘I…did I? Teach you, I mean.’

‘Aigoo…you just won’t believe me, would you? Here, let me show you how much I’ve improved. Cha…here I go~’

(Eun lets out a shot, hitting the red dot, right in the middle)

‘Wa! Daebak!!! Your highness! You’re really good at this!’

‘My condition’s pretty nice today, don’t you think?’

‘But…your highness.’

‘Hm?’

‘Are you going to keep following me around?’

‘Is that even a question? Of course I will!’

‘Why?’

‘Because I want to. In case you faint or something. Mostly because…I just want to be with you, for as long as I can. Anywhere you go~’

‘Anywhere?’

‘Anywhere.’

‘What’re you going to do when we have to take a bath then?’

(Eun raises his eyebrow)

‘Guess I’ll just have to join you then. Together~’

‘T…together?’

(Soondeok takes a step back, shielding her chest. Eun rolls his eyes, half-annoyed.)

‘Ya, honey, to be honest, I’ve seen everything there is to see already. Why don’t we come clean and just-’

(Soondeok points at Eun)

‘D…don’t you dare, your highness! I’ll sleep by myself if you try to force me…’

‘Gosh…okay I understand…man, it’s not like I’m asking you to do “that” with me.’

‘Say what?’

‘Nothing. Deok ah, let’s stop chattering so much, let’s have a match. Or better yet, let’s have a bet!’

‘A bet?’

‘Yes! Oh boy, this is going to be super fun! Let’s shoot 20 and see who can get the highest score! If I get the highest score, you’ll have to call me “honey” for the rest of the day. How’s that?’

‘Your highness…how am I supposed to do that? “Oppa” really is already the best I can do…’

(Eun purposely picks on Soondeok)

‘Then should I change it? If I get the highest score, you’ll have to take a bath with me today.’

‘Honey! I mean…calling your highness “honey” sounds great! Let’s go with that…’

(Eun smirks a bit)

‘Sure, anything you say, my dear wife.’

(Soondeok clears )

‘Kkmm, well, if I get the highest score…then…then…’

‘Then what?’

‘Then let’s…let’s visit my brother!’

‘No, Deok ah, this is a big no.’

‘Why not?’

‘Imagine your brother seeing you like this, losing your memory and all, how worried he’d be. And your father, what if he finds out as well?’

‘I guess you’re right…’

‘Anything else you want to do? Or something you want me to do for you? Your prince, at your service~’

‘I…I’ve always wanted to…go on a…a…oh never mind.’

‘Soondeok ah, just say it, it’s not like I’m going to bite you.’

‘A…a date!’

(Soondeok shuts her eyes, embarrassed. Eun smiled then kisses her on the cheek, softly.)

‘Sure thing, darling. What kind of date?’

‘N…night…market…night market date…’

‘That sounds fabulous, Deok ah! Of course!’

‘You don’t mind?’

‘Why would I mind something like that?’

‘Well…what if someone recognizes you, your highness?’

‘So?’

‘What if…they see us, together? You don’t like that…’

‘Who cares? Deok ah, drop all your worries and for once just enjoy yourself. If you keep worrying about this and that, you’d end up turning all your hair grey!’

(Soondeok chuckles a bit)

‘Then…if I win…when will we go, your highness?’

‘Tonight? No wait, how about Friday night? I know a place where they’ll have a show every Friday evening, and the food there’s great! And the best part is…it’s a buffet!’

‘Buffet? Really? That’s wonderful, your highness! Oh but…I’ll get fat if I-’

‘WHO CARES??? Skinny or not, you’re still my love, okay?’

(Soondeok nods)

‘Well, start praying you’ll win then honey because I ain’t fooling around.’

(Eun picks up his bow)

‘Let’s start our com-pe-ti-tion~’

‘In that case…I won’t just let you win, your highness. I’d do anything to go to a buffet. I really really REALLY won’t go easy on you, your highnenss. Really, I won’t.’

‘I’d cry if you do. Don’t go easy on me, I’m a changed prince now, Deok ah, I’ll surprise you for sure. Lady first~’

(Eun does a funny ‘gentlemen’ bow to Soondeok while wiggling his buttocks)

-----------------------------------------------

(Jung delivers a letter for Soondeok)

Soondeok: ‘Is this from my father?’

Jung: ‘Yes. I’m on a break right now. Was just heading back to the palace when I remember I had to deliver this to you.’

Soondeok: ‘Is he doing well?’

Jung: ‘The grand general? Fine as ever. He’s patrolling the western border now, piece of cake. I heard that he’ll be having a break soon, don’t know when though.’

Soondeok: ‘So how’re you adjusting to soldier’s life, you know, living in a camp, training and all?’

Jung: ‘It’s what I love to do, why would I have trouble adjusting to that? It’s been two years after all.’

Soondeok: ‘Two years? Ah right! Two…two years…’

Jung: ‘What’s wrong?’

Soondeok: ‘Oh, nothing.’

Jung: ‘Where’s hyung-nim?’

Soondeok: ‘Ah, he went inside for a drink.’

Jung: ‘What about you?’

Soondeok: ‘I don’t need one yet.’

Jung: ‘By the way, do you know where Bogum has been? I haven’t seen him for ages.’

Soondeok: ‘Bogum? He’s not with father?’

Jung: ‘Do you know where he went?’

Soondeok: ‘Not sure about that myself…maybe on a mission father has sent him, just guessing.’

(Jung spots the tree that Prince So gave Eun and Soondeok as their wedding present)

Jung: ‘Soondeok ah! I mean…sister-in-law, want to wrestle? It’s been a long time.’

(Soondeok claps)

Soondeok: ‘What a great idea! I’ve always wanted to invite you for a wrestle, it’s just that…you’re always so busy. Let’s do it!’

Jung: ‘But, will hyung-nim mind?’

Soondeok: ‘You can break my back and he won’t even care.’

(Jung frowns)

Jung: ‘Is he still treating you that way? I ought to talk to him about it.’

Soondeok: ‘Just kidding. We’re getting along quite well now. Well, what are you waiting for? Come on!’

-----------------------------------------

(Soondeok sees Jung off, then returns to her room. Eun stares at her angrily as she enters)

‘What are you doing in here? Shouldn’t you take a bath or something?’

‘I will, I’ll just read father’s letter then I’ll go.’

(Eun snorted)

‘What’s wrong, your highness?’

‘N…nothing. Just hurry up and read that letter of yours.’

(Soondeok reads the letter)

‘What did your father say?’

‘Who’s Mi-ah? Is she the girl?’

‘Hm? Mi-ah? Yes, yes, that’s her.’

‘Father said she and the old lady is settling down in mum’s favorite temple…that’s a relieve.’

(Soondeok puts the letter in her drawer)

‘So, you done reading?’

‘Yeah, why? Whoa!!! Your highness!’

(Eun picks Soondeok up and walks out of the room)

-----------------------------------------

(Eun drops Soondeok into the bathtub, Soondeok gasps as she stands back up, all wet)

‘Ya! Your highness!!!!’

‘Oh, so NOW you can see me?’

‘Your highness…are…are you mad because I won?’

‘Am I that kind of person to you?’

‘Then why?’

‘WHY? You’re asking me why?! HA! The next thing I know, you’d be holding hands with him.’

(Eun keeps pointing at his wife)

‘Him? Who?’

‘Oh don’t start acting innocent, Deok ah, you know who I’m talking about.’

‘Ah…but your highness…we were just…’

(Eun splashes water at Soondeok’s face to show just how annoyed he is)

‘Guess you two had a marvellous time together, huh? Seeing you two laughing like that while wrestling.’

‘No, your highness, we were just-’

‘And look at you, you’ve got mud all over your hair, aish…’

(Eun pushes Soondeok underwater and rubs her hair with soap)

‘Ya! Stop! Oppa! Ya!’

‘AISH!’

(Eun throws the soap on the ground in anger)

‘Why did you wrestle with him? Why?’

(Soondeok blinks hard, not understanding why Eun’s so mad at her)

‘Be…because…he’s my friend.’

‘Friend? Yeah right.’

‘We…your highness…it’s not what you think…wait…are you jealous? You can’t be, why would you be jealous of us?’

(Eun takes a deep breath, trying to contain his emotions)

‘Jealous…who said I’m jealous?’

‘Aren’t you?’

‘Can’t…can’t I?? You used to be jealous of me and Haesoo-’

(Eun quickly covers his mouth, Soondeok pouts sadly)

‘Your highness, if I do like Prince Jung, I would’ve married him instead of you…like what my father had wanted. I really do see him only as my friend, your highness, really. There’s only one man in my heart…the one whom I’m married to…’

‘Prove it!’

‘H…how do you want me to prove it?’

(Eun takes a step closer)

‘THAT’S for you to figure out! Ha!’

(Eun marches away)

‘Are you angry, your highness?’

‘I’m not angry!’

‘Then…is this a tantrum you’re throwing?’

‘I’m not! Gosh, I’m leaving!’

‘Where…where are you going, your highness?’

‘To the other room of the bath house, because SOMEONE is too shy to take a bath with her husband.’

‘Your highness…please don’t be mad-’

‘I SAID I’M NOT MAD!!! AISH!’

‘But…’

‘I’M NOT!’

----------------------------------

(Almost 10 minutes later, a scream tore through the house)

‘AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!’

‘Your highness, what’s wrong?’

‘R…RAT!!!!!!! D…DEOK AH, THERE’S A RAT ON THE FLOOR!!!!! YIKES, HELP ME!!!! AHHHH, IT’S COMING CLOSER!!!! SOONDEOK AH!!!!! IT’S MOVING!!!!’

(Soondeok quickly gets out of her bathtub, wraps a towel around herself then barges into Eun’s bath house with a broom in her hand.)

‘Where where where?’

‘T…there…it’s huge, this one…OVER THERE!!’

(Eun points at the rat on the floor with his fingers, shaking terribly, his face pale from fright. Apart from insects, rats scares him the most.)

‘Aigoo little fella, what are you doing here, hm? Let me show you the way out.’

(Soondeok uses the broom and made the rat get out)

‘Your highness, it’s not even jumpy…this one was simply…resting here, it wouldn’t hurt you.’

‘That…that’s what you think. What if it gets into the tub? What should I do then?’

(Soondeok closes the door after the rat disappears)

‘There, all good?’

(Only then did Eun take a close look at his wife – wet hair drooping down the side of her face, her skin fresh and clean, her body shape remains just as eye-catching despite the huge towel covering it. Her skin, flawless.)

‘You look beautiful, Deok ah.’

‘Hm?’

‘You’re more lady-like than I remembered, Deok ah. Have…have you always been like this? Love your shape~’

‘My what?’

(Soondeok looks down and finally comes to her senses)

‘Oh gosh! Don’t look, your highness!’

‘HA! Why would I “not look”, Deok ah.’

(Soondeok turns around to leave then faces Eun again)

‘Your highness…are you not mad at me now?’

‘Hm? A…a bit. Come over and kiss me, then I won’t be.’

(Soondeok feels her face turning red for the 100^th time that day)

‘In…in your dreams!’

(Soondeok escapes before hearing another word from her husband)

--------------------------------

(Soondeok comes out of the bath house, warm and dry, ready to sleep)

‘Deok ah!’

‘Ya! Your highness! Stop scaring me like that!’

‘I’ve been waiting for you. What took you so long?’

‘Waiting for me? Why? You don’t have to stay with me…I know my way back to our room.’

‘I just want to wait for you, that’s all.’

(Eun squats in front of his wife)

‘Hop on.’

‘What?’

‘Get on my back, honey. I’ll carry you.’

‘I…I can walk by myself just fine, your highness.’

(Eun frowns as he looks behind his back)

‘Get on, or I’ll stay angry.’

(Soondeok hesitates a bit)

‘Will you be able to? I’m…I’m quite…heavy.’

‘Heavy? You’re as light as a feather. Get on, my legs are getting numb.’

(Eun carries Soondeok)

‘Ummm…Your…your highness, our room is that way.’

‘I know.’

‘Then why-’

‘I want to take a stroll first, with you. The sky tonight’s just too gorgeous to be missed, honey. And it’s warm too so we won’t catch a cold.’

(Soondeok grins, she rests her head on Eun’s shoulder – then kisses him behind his ear)

‘Soondeok, what was that?’

‘Apology, from me…I’m sorry, your highness…about today. I promise it won’t happen again.’

(Eun smiles again, feeling proud)

‘Well, seeing how sincere you are, I guess I’ll have to forgive you, don’t I, wife?’

‘Wa~ Your highness, look! Look at the stars! Daebak!’

‘Beautiful, isn’t it?’

(Soondeok nods)

‘It’s the most beautiful night sky I’ve ever seen, your highness.’

‘Why? Because I’m with you?’

‘No. I mean…yes! I mean…um…may…maybe…’

‘Ya, Park Soondeok, you should say something like “of course” or “definitely” when I say something like this! Gosh, you ruined the mood…I was trying so hard to be romantic and here you are wrecking all the moments!’

‘Am I? I…I guess I’m not used to…it all…’

‘This won’t do, Deok ah, guess I’ll need to start teaching you.’

‘Nonsense, I was the one who liked you first…’

‘That’s all in the past, now it’s my turn to chase after you. I don’t think you like me, Deok ah.’

‘Your highness, how can you doubt that?’

‘I’m not doubting you…it’s just that I think… “like” is hardly the correct word, you don’t like me, you love me, Deok ah. I can see that.’

‘You can?’

‘Yep.’

(Silence.)

‘What are you thinking, your highness?’

‘Oh…nothing…’

(Eun keeps his head down)

‘I love you, Deok ah.’

‘Your highness…’

‘I’m sorry too…for what I’ve done to you in the past. You’ll forgive me, right?’

‘Is that even a question? Of course I will, most certainly!’

‘Say you love me then.’

‘I love you, your highness.’

‘I love you more.’

‘I love you more!’

‘No, I love you more~’

(Soondeok gazes up at the sky)

‘Byul ah. You hear this? Your father said he loves your mother more than I love him. You have to check on him for me, okay? See if he’s lying or not.’

‘Deok ah.’

‘Byul ah, your father still blames himself on what happened, help me out please. Let him know that it’s not his fault…’

(Eun stops walking)

‘Honey…’

‘It really wasn’t your fault.’

‘Isn’t it?’

(Silence for a long time as Eun slowly walks around the garden)

‘I have a gift for you actually, Deok ah.’

(Silence)

‘Deok ah?’

(Eun can hear her breathing slowly, and softly)

‘Aigoo, our angel has fallen asleep already…’

(Eun turns his head and whispers to his wife)

‘Sleep tight~ Good night, my love~’