Soondeok's diary

The move went smoothly yesterday, it feels so nice to return to my bedroom after all this time! It's just as I remembered it! Except for the bed...dad got rid of it because it's too small for both of us...he gave us this expensive bedding for us to sleep on the floor. I know Eun wants to ask for another blanket...but I don't think father will allow it. Mindeok Oraboni's bedroom moved to the one next to mine, so I can go over to his room without having to walk long! He and his wife were happy to see us, I can't believe Oraboni's now a father of 3! I remember the times we used to climb trees together in the backyard. He would help me up and we'll enjoy the view of the capital together on the top branch. Sometimes Bogum will join us as well – we were best friends, all 3 of us. I wish my nephews were here – they're visiting their grandparents in another town now, I think they'll be back soon. Let's just hope Eun will settle in soon and get along well with father. Do I still love him? Yes, dearly, but I think the highest level of love is to let go of your love – for the sake of his happiness. I'm still learning this lesson, it hurts but I'll get over it. Seeing him leading a happy life would be the last mission I have in my fleeting life.

Eun's diary

I've been through a lot these past few days...First, I found out who made that noise...it was Soondeok. I heard it again last night, Soondeok was curled up like a kitten and mumbling something next to me. I put my candle a bit closer to her face and leaned over to listen when I saw she had tears rolling down her face. She was crying in her sleep. From what I've heard, it would seem that she's still remembering the temple incident, that left a scar much deeper than I thought. Come to think of it, she hasn't done much riding ever since we came back. She rarely visits her horse in the stable now, I wonder if it has anything to do with that incident. I patted her on the shoulder to wake her up, I wanted to ask if she's alright, but she closed her eyes again and rolled to her other side. I wanted to comfort her after seeing that, I am, after all, still her husband now. I made a vow, and as long as this marriage is valid, I suppose I should treat her nicely. 

At least I'll treat her like a person and not throw her out like some rubbish as the king had done! Yes, I met him yesterday, he looked real sick, but I don't feel sorry for him, I hate him, his fake smile, his fake greetings...his fake love for me. We didn't chat much, and he didn't even ask about mother. What kind of father is he? I swear, if I ever become a father myself, I'll be the complete opposite of him! I'll play with my kids every day, I'll hug them and kiss them and tell them I love them. I'll smile at them and joke around whenever I want wherever I want. I'll go fishing with them or hike with them or go to the seas with them. 

I saw Haesoo too, she didn't smile at me. I pulled her over and apologized to her after I left the king but she looked coldly at me. I told her about the possible divorce and how I want to marry her after that. She didn't even look at me, she said many useless things like, 'I'm really disappointed in you. I thought you're a loyal man, I guess I was wrong.' All the rage I had towards her came flooding back. I chased after her but then I saw her talking with So hyung, he hugged her too. Has she really fallen for hyung? Then what good will it do even if I do marry her? I'll be like Soondeok, waiting for the love that will never come...is that how my wife's been feeling all this time like what Haesoo had said? I really am sorry...I should've let Haesoo go...Why did I only realize the reality only now? Did I only do that, as what Haesoo said, to make Soondeok angry? Come to think of it, why do I hate her so? Will it be too late for me to mend my ties with Soondeok? Yet I honestly don't see her as my lover...oh gosh! Someone help me! It's like I don't even know myself anymore!

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'Soondeok ah! Are you done yet? We can continue unpacking tomorrow! I want to sleep!'

'Coming!'

'We only have one blanket, don't you dare pull it all to your side! Also, I forgot to mention last night, this is the line, alright? Remember to stay out of my half, understand?'

'Your highness...I think I should be the one saying so. Do you know how tiring it was for me to constantly wake up at night just to remove your leg or your arm from my side of the bed?'

'Nonsense! I've never done such a thing!'

'Yes yes yes, your highness, you haven't...sure you haven't.'

'Soondeok ah...'

'No, I can't let you have snacks now.'

'I haven't even said anything...'

'What's the surprise? It's either you want to eat something or tell me to get out...ah, so it must be the second option. Fine, I'll stay outside until you've fallen sleep.'

(Soondeok about to get up but Eun pulls her back down)

'No Soondeok...I was going to...say something else.'

(Soondeok tidying pillow)

'What is it? Haesoo agreed to marry you yesterday when you met her? Or did she reject you again?'

(Eun grabs Soondeok by the arm angrily and made her look at him)

'Don't you dare mention her in front of me again! Understand?'

'Relax your highness...I get it, worry not. I won't mention her.'

(Silence, Eun lets go)

'Soondeok ah...what's your favourite colour?'

'My what?'

'I'm not asking you because I'm interested in you...or whatever...it's just that...ummm...I...'

'Blue.'

'Blue? I don't think so...you don't like blue, you like pink! You have lots of pink dresses in your closet!'

'Well, if you've paid any attention at all, your highness, you'll know that I've never touched them. They're all given to me by my sisters which I've never worn at all. Besides, why are you acting like this? Are you alright? Did Haesoo hit your head too hard yesterday?'

(Eun pins Soondeok down)

'Don't talk about her!!!!!'

'Sorry prince...I get it. You can get off of me now.'

'I won't let anyone come between us! Never! Never come between us! Understand?'

'Worry not your highness, I won't come between you and Haesoo by mentioning her, now would you please...'

'US! ME! YOU! ME AND YOU! YOU IDIOT!'

'Prince...'

(Eun sighs)

'Haesoo and I are over. Don't talk about her. Get it?'

(Eun staring at Soondeok, Soondeok staring back)

'R...really?'

'Soondeok ah, have you always looked so tempting?'

'I don't get it...so you ended with her?'

'Soondeok ah...let's not talk now. Action speaks louder than words.'

(Eun lowers his head slowly to kiss Soondeok, Soondeok shuts her eyes)

'Kids, are you guys asleep?'

(Grand general coming in, both sits back up and greets him)

'Oh...father, sir! We...we..um...'

'Daddy! Wh...what are you doing here? We...We're just about to sleep. Yes, that was what we were doing, right prince?'

'Yes! We weren't doing anything at all...sir. Hehe...'

'I wish you guys WERE doing something.'

'What?'

'Soondeok ah, I just want to come in and make sure you're settling in well. If you need anything just let me know, alright?'

'Umm...father...sir...is it possible if we get an extra blanket?'

'Son-in-law, what do you mean? Do you not like sharing blanket with my daughter?'

'No! Not at all! It's...it's just that...it's getting cold at night and...'

'Look prince, if you're going to complain about the cold, then think again – there are hundreds of soldiers on duty this very night, having to bear the cold wind and battle against the urge to sleep. Can't you even bear with it? You're a man, aren't you?'

'Yes sir! I will...never mind sir...'

'Daddy... the prince will catch a cold if he doesn't sleep warm. Please, daddy please!'

'Soondeok, that's why I told you not to marry him in the first place! He's so weak, how can he take care of you and protect you? And later your children?'

'Daddy, I told you! I'll protect us!'

'Fine, then protect him from the cold! You girl, go ahead and hug him and keep him warm if you like him so much.'

'Daddy!'

'I should've kept sending you on blind dates until you find someone else you like...aigoo, can't believe my daughter actually married this kind of wimp...'

(Grand general leaves)

'Prince...sorry about that...my father is like that...I hope you understand.'

'Blind date, huh? You've never told me about it. Bad girl. I suppose he'll be more than happy if we actually get the divorce, he'll set you up with a nice strong brave warrior I presume!'

(Soondeok covers his mouth)

'Shhhh! Are you mad? What if he hears you?'

'What?'

(Whispers)

'Father is still outside...see that shadow?'

(Eun panics)

'Oh gosh! What should we do?'

'Prince, you should say your lines.'

'My what?'

'Your highness! At least try to make him think you are starting to like me...hurry before thinks otherwise! R...remember what you did last time when mother was outside our room?'

'Oh...you don't mind?'

'I think father is scarier than having you kissing and attacking my neck right now.'

'If you say so. I'll try something else first, let's hope it'll work.'

(Clears throat and speak loudly)

'Honey! Then I count on you to keep me warm tonight!'

'Y...Yes, your highness! I will surely keep you very warm tonight, worry not!'

(whispers)

'Your dad gone yet?'

'He's still outside...'

(Speak loudly)

'Soondeok ah...why do I find you looking so pretty today? I...I mean...did you use a new perfume?'

(Soondeok hits Eun on the head and whispers)

'Fool! I don't wear perfume! Come on! You can do better than that!'

'Well, what am I supposed to do?'

'Use your brain!'

(Eun toss himself over Soondeok)

'Ouch! Careful!'

'Louder.'

'What?'

'Say it louder! For your daddy to hear it outside!'

(Loudly)

'Ouch! Your highness...what are you doing? Get off of me!'

'What? Your father told you to keep me warm! And I'll get warm when I exercise!'

'What nonsense are you talking about?'

'Are you underestimating me as a man?'

(Eun tickles Soondeok and starts kissing her neck)

'Stop kissing! Hahaha... stop...you're crazy!'

'Am I? Looks like I'll need to tame you tonight, my woman!'

(Finally hears footstep of the Grand general leaving)

'Phew! That was close...prince...you can stop kissing and get off of me now, he's gone! Stop kissing! Ya ya ya!'

(Soondeok pushes Eun away)

'Look at you Deok ah, your face's all red! What? Do I look y tonight? You want more? Sorry, no can do.'

'I wasn't exactly looking forward to it anyway.'

'Oh really? Before your dad came in, I swear you closed your eyes as if waiting for me to kiss you on the lips.'

'I was not!'

'Yes you were! Look at you now, I can hear your heartbeat from here.'

'Look who's talking! You check your own heart rate yourself. Now please get off of me, I can't breathe!'

'Your father won't bother us anymore.'

'I don't get it...how did you manage to keep mother and daddy away?'

'Nothing, none of your concern. Let's sleep. By the way, did you just call your husband "fool"? Ya! You want to die?'

'Sorry about that.'

'Forget it, I don't mind.'

(Eun rolls over – some noise coming over from Soondeok brother's bedroom)

'Prince...You hear that?'

'What?'

'That! Is that brother? What in the world is happening in his room?'

'Soondeok, cover your ears!'

'Why? Is brother sick? Why is he making that noise? And his wife...'

'Soondeok, it's none of our business – just don't listen to it.'

'How can I not? It's so loud! Oh, what if he's really sick?'

(Eun covers Soondeok's ears)

'They'll be alright. Now, sleep...don't pay attention to them, alright? Think only of me.'