(Eun and Soondeok finishing off their lunch)

‘WA!!! Now I’m alive! What a meal!’

‘Did you like it, Oppa?’

‘Absolutely! Man, that hit the spot.’

(Eun says as he wipes his mouth)

‘Deok ah, did you tell them to make this? This is just what I wanted to have today!’

‘I’m glad you like it.’

‘Now it feels like my birthday! Oh my stomach…’

(Eun stretches a bit to make room for his now full belly)

‘Oppa, have a nap before going out, who knows how crazy you and your friends will get tonight.’

‘Don’t worry, I won’t be gone long, how could I? My wife is waiting for me at home.’

‘We’ll see about that.’

‘What will you do while I’m away, Deok ah?’

‘Me? Oh I don’t know, I might spend some time with mother and your aunt, you know…chit-chatting, doing girls’ stuff.’

‘Like what?’

‘Sewing maybe. Or I could just read, there’re still many new books I have yet to start reading in the library.’

‘You sure sound like you can’t wait for me to leave you alone.’

‘Oppa, don’t take it the wrong way-’

‘Forget it!’

‘Oppa, why are you acting up again? Aigoo, look at you…you’ve still got something on your mouth…’

‘Where? Here?’

(Eun tries to his lips clean)

‘No, Oppa…not…it’s…Oh come on, just lean forward, I’ll help you.’

‘Oooh, like the sound of it.’

(With anticipation, Eun leans forward with his eyes closed, hoping for Soondeok to kiss him)

‘There, done Oppa.’

(Eun opens his eyes)

‘What?’

‘I wiped it clean for you, Oppa.’

‘That’s not how you’re supposed to do it!’

(Soondeok blinks hard)

‘Then…did you prefer me using another handkerchief? Do you not like this one? Is it the silk one you want?’

(Eun looks up while sighing loudly)

‘Darn it Soondeok ah…’

‘Did…did I do something wrong again?’

(Soondeok asks cautiously)

‘Well…hey honey! You’ve got something on your lips too.’

‘Me?’

(Then Eun quickly leans forward to kiss her)

‘See? This is how you’re supposed to do it, Deok ah!’

(Shocked, Soondeok doesn’t know what to say at first)

‘I…I was supposed to do it like that?’

‘I guess some of your memories still haven’t come back yet…or else you’d remember. Anyway…’

(Suddenly someone comes through the door)

Father: ‘I hope I’m not interrupting anything, again.’

Soondeok: ‘Papa!’

Eun: ‘Sir! Eh, I mean, father! What brings you here?’

(Both of them about to stand up)

Father: ‘No it’s alright, don’t have to stand up…aigoo my back’

(The grand general sits down on one side of the table while Eun shuffles over and sits next to his wife)

Father: ‘I see you guys just finished your lunch.’

Eun: ‘We’ll have someone bring in a new set for you, father.’

Father: ‘No need, I just had lunch with His Majesty.’

Soondeok: ‘Father, you went into the palace today? Why?’

Father: ‘Just reporting, like what I always do after patrolling around the country. His Majesty doesn’t look good though…stress of the body, stress of the mind…he’s reaching that stage much faster than his old man did…’

Eun: ‘Is hyung-nim…I mean, is His Majesty very ill?’

Father: ‘Not too ill…but I’m worried about him. Anyway, that’s not why I’m here today. Son, here’s my gift to you. I promised you I’d give you a gift, didn’t I?’

(He hands over a nicely decorated wooden box to Eun – from the looks of it, it must’ve cost quite a lot for the grand general to get his hands on it)

Eun: ‘Father…I don’t know what to say. You came all the way here to give me this? And this is…this is too precious, I can’t-’

Father: ‘Accept it, son, you deserve it.’

(Eun opens the box and inside is a leather-kit, he takes it out and unrolls it)

Eun: ‘WOW! Daebak!’

Soondeok: ‘What is it? Wow! Father, you bought him this?’

Father: ‘Didn’t you say he liked to visit that toy shop in the market? I asked the people working there and they said that the prince’s been showing interest in toy-making, so I thought of giving him this. I would’ve given him a sword but I don’t think it’d be much use for him. Son, use this carving kit to make the things you like, anything you like, and you should start making toys for your own kids.’

Soondeok: ‘Father!’

Father: ‘About time! Am I being unreasonable? What do you say, son?’

Eun: ‘No, you’re not being unreasonable, father.’

Father: ‘So you know what to do, right?’

Eun: ‘Yes sir! I mean…yes, father. I know perfectly.’

Father: ‘Good. Now my mission is complete, I shall get going.’

Soondeok: ‘Already? Why not stay a bit?’

(Father stands up)

Father: ‘Your brother wanted to have a date with your sister-in-law today so I’m stuck with their kids…About time I teach Yifan how to hold the sword like a real soldier, no?’

Soondeok: ‘Take care, Father, they’re very energetic. You sure you can handle it?’

Father: ‘I’m not worried about the older ones, it’s the younger ones I’m worried about. Not sure if I still remember how to change the napkin.’

Eun: ‘Father, we can come help if you want.’

Father: ‘No need, I can deal with it, I’m not alone anyway. Besides, it’s not like you two have nothing to do tonight.’

(Father chuckles a bit then leaves)

‘What did father mean?’

‘Why ask me, Deok ah, he’s your father.’

‘Oh well…’

(Soondeok gets up)

‘Where are you going?’

‘I’m bringing the tray back to the kitchen.’

‘Why do it yourself? Have the maids come in and take it away.’

‘Oppa, they’re already super busy today, I can do this.’

‘No way I’m making you do this all by yourself, I’m helping too.’

(Eun stands up as well)

‘If we’re doing this, we do it together. Now let’s lift it up on the count of three – 1, 2, 3! Gosh it’s heavier than I expected!’

‘Ya! Oppa, be careful! Don’t tip it to the side or the bowls will fall! The chopsticks!!! Balance, Oppa! BALANCE! WHERE’S YOUR BALANCE?’

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

Eun’s diary

I feel alive again! For various of reasons – the lunch I just had, the fact that Soondeok’s now sleeping on my lap as I’m writing this, or the splendid night we’ve spent in the cave last night. Soondeok finally opened up and welcomed me once again, as her lover, as her husband, as her man. Her memories are coming back at a faster pace these days, yet what caught me by surprise is that even though her memories are coming back, she’s not turning more and more into the old Soondeok I know. In a way, it’s a good thing I suppose, I like my wife now, she’s always bright, always so lively, always showing me the jumpy side of her. I guess the old Soondeok has gone through a lot of sad and tough times because of me, I think my prayer has been answered.

Father gave me a carving kit today as my birthday present, what a surprise it was! He’s actually a man with thoughts, a good father, a wonderful one…is that how it feels like, being loved by your father? I shall start making toys, maybe I can start with carving out animal figures, better to start with the basic first. I’ve learnt much from the owner of the toyshop who’s been generous enough to teach me how to do simple carving in the past, now it’s time I put the things I’ve learnt into practice. Maybe I should carve out something special for Soondeok, it’ll be our wedding anniversary soon, our third wedding anniversary, and I should start planning an event for her.

And guess who’s back again? Our puppy Mongryong! Well, I suppose I can’t call him puppy now, he’s grown quite a lot since the last time I’ve seen him. He’s more mature now, not bumping into things as often as he did in the past, he’s learnt to come to me when I call his name, to roll over when I tell him to and he’ll give me his paw if I hold out my hand. He’s been sleeping in a corner of our room since we came back, guess he’s awake now since I can hear him coming my way.

The day would’ve been perfect had that maid not ruined it. I won’t want to talk about it anymore.

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

(Mongryong comes over to sit on Eun’s lap as well, Eun whispers)

‘Ya boy, you’ll wake my wife up.’

‘Oppa…’

‘Hmm? Deok ah, you’re awake? Mongryong ah, see what you’ve done? You woke her up.’

(Mongryong looked up at Eun thinking that he’s going to give him a treat since he called his name)

‘Aigoo…here’s your treat boy. How can I possibly get mad at you? My big boy~~~’

(Eun rubs Mongryong’s cheeks as he kisses him)

‘Oppa…I’m sorry…did I fall asleep?’

‘It’s alright, I was just writing…’

(Soondeok pushes herself up, half-awake. Eun giggles)

‘What’s wrong, Oppa?’

‘Your hair, Deok ah, it’s messy like a bird’s nest! Come here, let me fix it for you…let me get your comb.’

‘Oppa…I dreamt of us…living in a small house…on a mountain…where we can see the sky…the mountain range…the village below…we have a barn with many animals, and we take turns taking care of them…’

‘Were we happy in your dream?’

(Eun asks as he combs her long hair)

‘Oh yes, very very happy.’

‘Then that’s good.’

(Mongryong Soondeok’s hand, Soondeok rubs him on back then he rolled over to have her rub his tummy too)

‘And yes, my baby, you’re there too! Who’s the good boy? You are! Ah! Oppa, let’s travel around, when autumn comes, sounds nice??’

‘That would be lovely, Deok ah. Oh, by the way, news just came in today, they said that our house is more than half way finished!’

‘Really? For real? So fast!’

‘I know right? They said that if we’re lucky, we might be able to move in just before winter!’

‘Awww, that’s wonderful, Oppa.’

‘Then…if you want, we can start filling up those rooms we’ve got in our new house.’

‘I thought you said you wanted to spend more time with me, alone.’

‘I do. But it won’t hurt to start looking for kids in the orphanages.’

‘Wonderful idea.’

(At that moment, a servant comes in, it’s almost time for the prince to leave)

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

Soondeok’s diary

Yuju just came, she brought along with her a lot of books – law books, I must find a way to stay with the prince, I don’t care if I have to read overnight, I’m going to have the law help me this time. If it’s the law the says I have to leave the prince because I can’t bear him a child, then it’s the law that says I can stay with him under certain conditions – and I will find that law. There’s got to be a loophole of some sort. Yuju also brought with her books on past similar court cases, need to study on that as well. Bless her for doing all this for me. Her wedding is coming up, but she doesn’t look happy, I pray that her future husband will be nice to her.

Got to go now, have some reading to do, then I’ll spend some time with mother and Eun’s aunt. Poor aunt, her story’s almost as sad as Onni’s.

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

(At the restaurant, the boys having fun – drinking, eating, chatting – it’s getting quite late but no one wanted to leave, suddenly someone comes speeding towards them, panting and soaked through)

‘MASTER!’

(All 4 of them looks up at once, Kyungsoo tries to see clearly who’s in front of him)

Kyungsoo: ‘You…you work in my house, right? Want a drink? We’ve got plenty of wine!’

(The others crack in laughter)

Servant: ‘Master! Now is not the time for that!’

(Kyungsoo frowns a bit, swaying hard as he stands up with a bottle in his hand)

Kyungsoo: ‘What’s wrong? Gosh, look at you, all wet from the rain, what’s the matter man? Why are you here?’

(The servant tries to speak while still catching his breath)

Servant: ‘I’ve been told to come here and find you, master. You need to go home now. Right now. It’s urgent! The lady, she’s-’

(Kyungsoo’s eyes widens)

Kyungsoo: ‘My wife? What’s wrong? Don’t tell me…’

(The servant nods)

Servant: ‘Yes master! Your wife, she’s…she’s in labor already.’

(Kyungsoo almost collapsed had he not steadied himself with a hand on the table)

Kyungsoo: ‘What? How can this be? It’s too early!’

Servant: ‘They said it could be because…Oh, I don’t know, master! You have to hurry back!’

Kyungsoo: ‘But…’

Eun: ‘Ya! What are you hesitating about? Of course you have to go! Hurry!’

Kyungsoo: ‘I’m sorry, your highness.’

Eun: ‘We’re going to leave now anyway. Go on!’

Jongdae: ‘Go on! Your wife needs you.’

Kyungsoo: ‘Then…goodbye my friends. See you all next time. BRING ME MY HORSE!’

Servant: ‘Master! You can’t ride now, you’re too drunk for that. We’ve got you a carriage, it’s waiting for you outside.’

Kyungsoo: ‘THEN CARRIAGE IT IS! BRING IT TO ME!’

Servant: ‘Master…we can’t bring the carriage here, you have to walk out…’

Kyungsoo: ‘Ah right…’

(Then without another word, Kyungsoo runs out. Chanyeol gulps down another cup of wine.)

Chanyeol: ‘Boy oh boy…well, I guess we have to call it a night.’

Eun: ‘It’s been a wonderful evening – with an unexpected ending.’

Jongdae: ‘Wa! Imagine Kyungsoo’s kid having the same birthday as your highness’! Daebak! By the way, I’ve never seen Kyungsoo looking so nervous like that before.’

Eun: ‘I suppose all fathers are like that when that time comes. Anyway, thank you guys for coming, it’s been an unforgettable birthday.’

Chanyeol: ‘This is nothing, we should get together more often!’

Jongdae: ‘Next time, we should have a fieldtrip! All of our families going on a trip together! That would be awesome!’

Eun: ‘Not a bad idea!’

Chanyeol: ‘No way! I’ll be changing babies’ napkins all day! What a mess!’

(Thunder clap)

Chanyeol: ‘Woo, better get going before the rain gets heavier.’

Eun: ‘You guys go home first, I’ve got something to do.’

Jongdae: ‘What is it? We’ve paid the bill already.’

Eun: ‘Not about that. It’s just…just that want to book a table, you know, for our wedding anniversary. I want to book it now, you know how popular this place is. My wife loves the food here, I want to bring her here for dinner on that day.’

Chanyeol: ‘Oooh~ As expected, the best husband in town!’

(Jongdae pats Chanyeol on the back)

Jongdae: ‘Chanyeol ah, you should learn from him.’

Chanyeol: ‘Ya, what do you mean? I’m a nice husband too!’

Jongdae: ‘I didn’t say you’re not~’

Chanyeol: ‘Aish! You’re making me want to punch you, Jongdae ah~’

(All of them laugh hard – all of them are so drunk that they don’t even know if they’re dreaming  or not anymore)

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

(Eun standing outside, waiting for his carriage to arrive – he cuddles a pillar, trying not to fall over)

‘Ahhh…it’s raining again…yet so refreshing. If only Soondeok’s here now…where on earth is that carriage? Did I drink too much?’

(Eun looks down the street, no one. He clearly told them to come for him at this hour. Then, just as he was alone with his thoughts, someone bumped into him, almost pushed him out into the rain)

‘Whoa! Careful!’

(Eun turns around and sees a lady)

‘Soondeok~~~ Is that you? Come here~’

(As Eun leans close, their eyes meet – it’s not Soondeok, Eun quickly bounces back)

‘Whoa! Wait! You…you’re…you’re her!’

‘I see Your Highness recognized me quite quickly.’

(Eun clutches his teeth, he immediately sobered up)

‘What are you doing here?’

‘You just fired me today, you didn’t say I can’t follow you around, Your Highness.’

(Eun smirks with disgust)

‘Bold of you. I should’ve had them roll you up and beat you hard myself today – had not my wife stopped me I would’ve-’

‘Your wife…’

(She spits those words out)

‘Indeed, you should call her that when you still got the chance to, Your Highness.’

‘What? What did you just say?’

(The girl takes out a letter and waves it in front of Eun)

‘Your highness, you’re betrothed to me, by your grandfather. Not as your second wife, but as your first wife. This letter is proof.’

(Silence, Eun tries his best to unhear what she said)

‘What nonsense are you talking about?’

(She laughs coldly)

‘Nonsense? This is not nonsense, this is how things are going to be. Still don’t know what’s going on? Let me spell it out for you. On your 3^rd wedding anniversary, you and your wife will be taken to court, and you two will get a divorce, by the authority of your grandfather – the elder of your family who have every right to do so. Then on that very day, we will wed, Your Highness. You will be my husband and I will be your wife. And your wife, well, who knows what’ll happen to her. She’ll live the rest of her life in shame, that’s for sure.’

(Eun shaking hard, from anger – he tries to control his fists, not having them strike a blow at her even though he wanted to)

‘And why…why are you telling me this? Letting me know won’t do any good to you.’

‘Because I want to break her heart.’

‘Who?’

‘Your wife. Oh, she knows, about me, about this marriage, she knows alright. She asked me not to tell you, obviously she doesn’t want you to be concerned over this matter.’

‘And yet, you told me.’

‘I have no obligation to listen to her.’

‘And I have no thought of making you my wife.’

‘Whether you like it or not, it will happen. Oh if only I could see her cry when you tell her that you know about this, what a sight it will be.’

‘Listen up, I don’t know who you are, I don’t know where you’re from, but this kind of lie can make you end up in jail for life. Don’t you dare appear in front of me again.’

‘Suit yourself. But we will meet again, Your Highness, on our wedding day, which was once your wedding day. When that day comes, you’ll know that I’m telling the truth. And if you try to run away with your wife, know for sure that my father’s men are not as merciful as I am. They could kill your wife and everyone will see it as nothing but an accident-’

‘SHUT UP!’

‘I’m just warning you. If you want to keep your wife alive, then don’t do anything stupid.’

(She walks up to him and whispers into his ears)

‘Enjoy your final two months with her, my dear fiancé.’

(Then before Eun can do anything else, that girl disappears out of sight. Eun’s burning up with rage – the fact that Soondeok has once again kept a secret from him, the fact that this time he can’t do anything to stop it from happening, the fact that his grandfather is continuing to mess up his life. He’s had enough. He walks straight into the rain, he doesn’t care anymore, he just wants to go home, he wants Soondeok, he wants to hold her, to protect her, to stay with her for life.)

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

(Soondeok chatting with Eun’s mother and aunt while playing with Mongryong on her lap – Eun’s aunt can’t stop admiring Soondeok)

Aunt: ‘Aigoo, our Eun really is such a lucky boy! Look how pretty his wife is, right sister?’

Mother: ‘Pretty and kind, an angel indeed.’

Aunt: ‘If only my son had a wife half as good as yours, sister, I would’ve lived 10 years longer.’

Soondeok: ‘You two praised me too much.’

Mother: ‘Now look who’s being modest~’

Aunt: ‘By the way, you look extra pretty tonight wearing that dress. Waiting for your husband I presume~’

Soondeok: ‘Yes…well…I…’

(Soondeok blushes hard)

Mother: ‘Aigoo sister! Stop being so straightforward! Will you never change?’

Aunt: ‘Funny isn’t it, Soondeok ah? We’re both born at the same time but your mother and I are completely different! Did I tell you the story when we first met our teacher? We pulled a prank on the teacher and the teacher freaked out and ran out of the house! Oh the good old days…Aigoo…But…isn’t it too much of Eun? It’s almost midnight and he’s still not home yet.’

Soondeok: ‘Let him be, aunt. A man’s got to have some time with his buddies, I understand.’

Mother: ‘Still, it’s getting really late, and the rain’s pouring really hard outside right now. I hope he’s fine…’

Soondeok: ‘Mother, if you’re worried, I can go and check things out for you.’

Aunt: ‘Ay, sister, why make her go out in the rain? Don’t worry! He’s a grown man now, not a little boy anymore. If he were still that boy who loves to run around all day that I know, then I would be worried, but he’s an adult now.’

Soondeok: ‘I can go out and find him, really, it’s no trouble for me-’

Aunt: ‘Soondeok dear, you stay right here. I’m sure we’ll hear from him soon enough.’

(Almost at that very moment, a maid comes in – she’s been running)

Maid: ‘Ma’am! My lady! The prince-’

Aunt: ‘See? What did I tell you?’

Mother: ‘Where is he? What took him so long?’

Maid: ‘He’s back, my lady. But…’

Soondeok: ‘Calm down first, speak slowly, no need to panic. What is it that you wanted to say?’

Maid: ‘His royal highness came back…walking…he’s wet from the rain, he didn’t take the carriage, my lady. And when he came in, he barged right to the servants’ dorm, woke everyone up,  gathered all of us and gave an order. He then ran to his bedroom to find you, my lady, I’m sure he’ll find you soon. I’ve seen the prince being angry before, but never this angry, never in my entire life! It’s as though he will tear down this entire house!’

Soondeok: ‘Angry? Why’s he angry? What did he say to you guys?’

Maid: ‘He strictly told us that no one is to enter his room for the coming 3 days. Anyone who sets foot inside will be put into prison.’

Mother: ‘Why? Why would our Eun do that?’

Maid: ‘He also said…that…he’d be busy making baby with you these 3 days…my lady…’

Soondeok: ‘Wh…what? Oh he’s drunk, it’s obvious he’s drunk, I’ll go to him- Ah, get some honeywater ready, he’ll be needing it.’

Maid: ‘But the prince ordered us-’

(Just then, Eun kicks open the door and stares straight into the room, Mongryong runs to him cheerfully but Eun ignored him)

Soondeok: ‘Your Highness…’

Eun: ‘Glad that someone did the intro for me.’

Mother: ‘Gosh! Eun ah! Just how much wine did you drink? I can smell alcohol all the way from here!’

Eun: ‘None of your concern, mother. Well, since she told you already, I won’t have to myself. Now all I have to do is to take you with me, my dear wife.’

Soondeok: ‘Ow! Wait, Your Highness! Hold on! Wait! Ya!’

(Eun grabs Soondeok by her wrist and drags her out, with force, not turning back, not letting anyone get in their way – he pushes Soondeok into the room, shuts the door tight then locks it with a padlock. Soondeok freezes on the spot, waiting for Eun to turn around. The problem is, she doesn’t even know what has triggered her husband tonight, did something happen or he’s simply drunk? A long and dead silence. Eun taking a long time to turn around, he doesn’t want to turn around, he doesn’t want to let his wife see him like that, he doesn’t want to hurt her because of his temper, even if it’s by accident)

‘O…Oppa…’

(Soondeok breaks the silence first)

‘Oppa…are you…are you alright? Did…did something happen?’

‘How long were you going to keep it a secret from me?’

(Eun’s voice cracked a bit when he finally speaks)

‘I don’t get it, Oppa…keep what secret?’

‘Don’t you have something to tell me? Soondeok ah…’

(Still with his back towards his wife, Eun asks as calmly as he can, yet his voice is shaky)

‘I…I don’t have anything to say to you, Oppa…apart from the words…I love you.’

‘Love me…love me, you say…’

(Eun takes a deep breath, controlling his temper as best as he could)

‘So because you love me, you’re going to leave me…is that what you call love, honey?’

‘What are you talking about, Oppa? I’ll never leave-’

(Eun throws the key hard onto the ground, turns around and bawled.)

‘YOU KNEW AND YOU DIDN’T TELL ME ANYTHING!’

‘Oppa…’

(Silence. Soondeok can see his veins as he pants heavily)

‘You knew, about my grandfather’s arrangement. You knew, about him getting me another wife. You knew, YOU KNEW! But what did you tell me? NOTHING!’

‘Oppa…how did you-’

‘And you actually asked HER not to tell me. Ha! Well guess what? You think everyone in this world is as kind, as innocent, as considerate as you are? You think that if you ask someone a favour, they’ll listen to you? Wake up Deok ah! There aren’t many people like that left in our world anymore!’

‘So she…’

‘Yes, she told me! She came and found me! If I was just a bit more drunk, I’m sure she would’ve made me kiss her for all I care! That’s the kind of woman she is! I knew there’s something wrong with her, from the very start! And you, you actually sided with her today – YOU KNEW WHY SHE’S HERE YET YOU HELPED HER OUT!’

‘Oppa…’

‘You promised you won’t leave me! You promised! You…You!’

(Eun’s emotions mixed as he tries to get the words out)

‘You are one selfish woman, Park Soondeok, you are. And I hate you…I hate you…I…I…’

‘I wasn’t going to leave you, Oppa…’

‘Yes you were! You’re going to leave me! So that I can marry someone else and have kids with her, like what you always told me to do. But I won’t! I refuse to!’

(Eun kneels on the floor, sobbing. Soondeok can see how heartbroken he is so she gets close to him and gives him a hug)

‘Oppa…I think there’s been some misunderstanding…I’ve never thought of leaving you, never. I just wanted to buy myself some time. I’ll never let that woman take you away from me, never, not if I can help it. I’m fighting too, Oppa, I’m working hard to find a way out for both of us, so that we can live together till the day we die.’

‘L…liar…’

‘It’s true. See the piles of books over there? I borrowed them, to understand the law, to know more about it, so that with the law, we can win over our own happiness.’

‘But…then why didn’t you tell me?’

(Soondeok touches his face softly)

‘Because I don’t want to see you like this…if it fails in the end…I’d like to have at least these 2 months of happy memory to treasure.’

(Eun sniffs and grabs Soondeok’s hand)

‘Well honey, failure won’t be allowed this time.’

‘Oppa-’

‘And I’ll make sure of it.’

‘How?’

‘Like what I told the servants. I’m going to do exactly that.’

‘Don’t tell me you plan to…you’re still drunk, Oppa, obviously it won’t work.’

‘Darling, listen. The core of our problem, the reason for the divorce…or the forced breaking of our marriage is because you can’t have kids. Well, if you get pregnant, everything will be solved.’

‘But Oppa, you know I can’t- Oppa! Put me down! Be careful! Don’t drop me!’

(Eun picks Soondeok up then wabbles to their bed, drops her down when he finally reaches it)

‘Oppa! This is as bad as drink-riding! You could’ve tripped over and hurt yourself!’

‘Shhhhhh, be quiet now darling. I’ll be back, just let me go and change into something dry, then I’ll tell you my plan.’

(Eun returns soon after, but Soondeok’s still confused)

‘Much better…now I can sleep in peace. So darling, about my plan.’

(Eun gets into bed and moves close to Soondeok, she moves back a bit, he inches toward her a bit more, until Soondeok’s got her back at the wall – with nowhere to escape. Eun kisses Soondeok on the lips at last.)

‘Oppa, what are you doing? This won’t change anything. No matter how many times you sleep with me, no matter how hard you do it, nothing will happen. You know that. And even if I do get pregnant, the baby won’t be able to come out, like last time…’

‘Just have me explain to you my plan first! I’m going to make you pregnant, Deok ah.’

‘Oppa! Did you not hear what I just said? I said-’

‘We’re going to fake it.’

(Silence – Soondeok wasn’t expecting that.)

‘F…fake it? Oppa, I don’t understand.’

(Eun leans close to whisper)

‘It’s going to be just like a play, a drama, a performance, but a 10-month one, that’s all.’

‘Oppa, you’re insane. You’re too drunk tonight.’

‘Who says we can’t?’

‘Is that why you made such a fuss just then? To tell the entire world that you’re going to make baby with me?’

‘Well, we will need evidence to present to the judge, Deok ah, and they’ll be our faithful witnesses.’

‘This will never work out.’

‘Why not?’

‘I mean, say…you can’t change my pulse. What if they summon a doctor and have him take my pulse?’

‘It’s hard to detect pregnancy in the first 3 months just by taking the pulse anyway, Deok ah. And our 3^rd anniversary is 2 months away.’

‘Still…’

‘Besides, there’s nothing a bit of money can’t solve.’

‘You…Oppa…don’t tell me you’re going to bribe them.’

‘Not bribe…well, not exactly, but…’

‘Oppa, that’s not right.’

‘And you think the people trying to separate us are right?’

‘Even if we can bribe every single doctor in town, so what? My tummy won’t grow by itself.’

‘Then we’ll just help you put something on, like a basket or something. No one will know, it’s not like they’ll ask you to take off your clothes. And you can just put on some weight.’

‘You don’t like me being fat.’

‘I’ve never said that! In fact, I’ve always been against you going on a diet.’

‘Okay, fine, but let’s be rational about this. Say we really could fake it for 10 months, what next? We can’t just make a baby appear out of thin air.’

‘We’ll just have to find a baby from an orphanage somewhere and sneak the baby in. Easy.’

‘You make everything sound so easy, Oppa, but it’s not.’

‘You just think too much, Deok ah. I’ve saved you many times with my superb acting, you’ve got to give me credit for that.’

‘I give you credit for your act, alright. But…what about my period? What are you going to do about that?’

‘Ah, now you’re asking some good questions. See, that’s why I came home late. I’ve made a trip to the pharmacy and got you some pills.’

‘What for?’

‘I read it from a book, you know, that time when we were at grandfather’s place, I read that there’re several herbs that can help the baby grow better inside the womb – and we can turn those herbs into a pill, which is what I got just then. Yet one side effect of the pill is that, if the person taking it is not pregnant, her period will stop. But this is just perfect for us, no?’

‘You…you sure it’ll work?’

‘We’ve got to give it a try.’

‘Well…it sounds…okay. But this plan…’

‘It’s the perfect plan, Deok ah.’

‘Sure we can give it a try…but I won’t stop finding a legal solution, Oppa. I’ll still study those law books.’

‘Suit yourself. But you’ve got to admit, my idea’s not bad.’

‘True…’

‘Aigoo, my eyes…I’m super tired…’

(Eun moves away a bit to sleep)

‘So…is that all? That’s your master plan, Oppa?’

‘Yep.’

‘And you’re going to sleep, just like that?’

‘Yep. I’m tired, it’s been one exhausting day…’

‘You’re not going to do anything then?’

‘I want to sleep.’

‘Did…did you not notice it?’

‘Notice what?’

(Eun asks with his eyes closed, his voice getting lower and lower)

‘N…never mind, good night, Oppa…’

(Soondeok blows the candle out and thinks alone in the dark)

‘Has the prince lost his mind? Fake pregnancy? What madness is this? But… if this really does work out, it really could solve everything…’

(Eun starts to snore softly, so soft that you almost can’t hear it. Soondeok turns to look at him, since when did the prince become so smart? Since when did she come to depend on the prince that much?)