Soondeok’s diary

It’s been a month since I’ve last written – something happened which kept me busy from writing here. Mother has been sick – very sick, to an extent even the doctor said she may not make it, but she did pull it through in the end and am now recovering. I’ve been spending days with her – taking care of her. Pneumonia, was what the doctor said she had. It aches my heart so, seeing mother like that. Numerous times, I heard her calling the king’s name in her sleep – with tears rolling down her cheeks as she did. I really hope the king would just come once and see her. We’ve sent words to the palace, many times – more than I could count, but the king never once came – not even a letter of reply! It pains my heart so. Even the prince had gone to the palace once to meet the king and told him of mother’s condition but the king gave no attention and sent him back empty-handed. As expected, Eun hated his father even more now, saying that he’ll never go visit him ever again. I know that he’s hurt from what the king has done to him and his mother, though he never showed it. But that evening as I was taking a bath in the bath house, I heard him crying as he took his bath in the other side of the bath house. He didn’t want anyone to hear him so he kept splashing water…but I heard it clearly – it just hurts me to see him like that. Acting strong but really needs comforting within.

Now that mother’s recovering, I can sleep in our room again since I no longer have to be at her side all day long. The prince will not like it, he’ll probably grunt about it all night long. I don’t know if he kept on studying by himself…I doubt it.

Due to mother’s illness, we had to cancel the birthday party for both mother and Eun…what a shame, I was looking forward to spending Eun’s birthday together – but perhaps it’s a good thing we didn’t. After all, Eun will always remember Haesoo on his birthday after that great event she did for him a year ago – a perfect summer birthday party, that was. Oh wait, I think someone’s calling me.

Eun’s diary

Just then I saw Soondeok got called out to see the doctor… She’ll be moving back to my room tonight. But I have to thank her for taking care of mother – I have yet to say that to her…how should I tell her? Should I just write it down on a piece of paper? Or give her a present as well? I have to do something! After all, she took care of my mother for me when she’s sick and stayed by her side day and night – not having a proper meal or a proper sleep. I’d say she lost at least 5 kilos since then.

It’s been boiling hot for the past couple of weeks! Luckily for me, Soondeok stayed in mother’s room most of the time so I could sleep in my birthday suit which is just perfect on hot summer nights! Yet Soondeok returns tonight… I think I’ll say thanks to her tomorrow morning…I’m not ready to say it tonight. Tomorrow, tomorrow I’ll definitely say it. It’s just the words ‘Thank you’, how hard could it be?

---------- That evening ----------

(Both sleeping, Soondeok on floor, Eun on bed)

‘Your highness, I have something to say…are you asleep yet?’

‘What is it?’

‘I…I…I will be leaving for the temples tomorrow.’

‘So?’

‘Nothing…just so you know. Please take care of mother for me when I’m away…she’s still very frail now, remember to give her medicine on time.’

‘The maids will do that.’

‘And…if she sweats, you have to dab it off.’

‘The maids will do that.’

‘And if she asks where I’d gone, just tell her that I’m visiting my father.’

‘I’ll tell her that…wait, you said what?’

‘I don’t want mother thinking I got tired because of her.’

‘But you did! What’s wrong by saying you need a holiday after taking care of her for an entire month?’

‘Just please?’

‘Fine…how long will you be away?’

‘I’ll be away for a long time, don’t worry.’

‘Worry? Why would I be worried? Like I care about it…’

‘Good night, prince.’

‘Are you really not going to call me “husband”? That’s not fair! I’ve called you wife before! Even “Honey” too!’

‘I…maybe next time…’

‘Why can’t you say it? Too shy?’

‘I’m afraid if I said it…I’ll get too attached to you, your highness. You didn’t like me getting attached to you…’

‘You’re right on that one. Whatever, call me whatever you want – it’s not like you’ll be calling me that your entire life anyway.’

‘Good night…prince…’