Chaeyeon walked around her chamber, her hands clenching and unclenching as she submerged in her own thoughts.

It was the following day after the very tame party where they had to pretend to no end about who they were. Although Chaeyeon knew both of their performances had been botched, despite their best efforts, she couldn't help but feel anxious at what would happen.

Were they received correctly? Were their lies good enough to convince the Fujiwaras that they were nobles?

The worst thing was that Chaeyeon wouldn't have to wait for long, as soon enough she and Yena would have to go and talk with Official Fujiwara and Lady Natsumi about the bird from hell. She knew it was then and there that they would know what the patriarch thought about them, which could, best case scenario, cause problems for her and Yena, worst case scenario, cause longlasting problems for the Princess.

However, none of that was compared to the anxiety that the Princess's message, brought by a maid a little before she fell asleep, produced.

'I will treat your injuries at my chamber. Come early.'

How was she supposed to sleep, then?

And now, she was here, on the verge of a mental breakdown, caused by the Princess's boldness. It didn't help matters when she remembered that she had basically made a fool of herself in front of the Princess, who probably didn't mention her misunderstanding, though Yena did, in the most infuriating fashion.

[

"You're back! There was some man asking- what happened to you?" Yena asked when he noticed the redness on Chaeyeon's face.

"I… No… Well…" After Sakura's confession and promise of basically making Chaeyeon fall in love with her, the Princess had basically returned to the party, her expression changing into a more relaxed, affable one. Chaeyeon could only follow, her head on the verge of a nuclear explosion.

'I will make you realize.' Those were Sakura's words, and the more Chaeyeon remembered them, the more she felt her cheeks redden.

"It's nothing… it's nothing," Chaeyeon tried waving it off, but Yena did seem to know, as the light in his eyes told.

"The Princess told you something?"

"What could she tell me?" Chaeyeon laughed nervously. "We just continued arguing the whole time."

"Somehow I really doubt that." Yena squinted his eyes. "Did she… make a move?"

Chaeyeon sputtered. "Ha, ha, ha. What?"

Yena grinned excitedly. "She did! Oh, gods, I really didn't think she'd have the bravery to do it!"

The younger woman shushed her friend. "Lower your voice, why don't you."

"What, you think these people can understand us?" Yena snorted. "Finally…" Then he frowned. "Then the Atsuhiko story was all for nothing?"

Chaeyeon's expression became cross. "What? What do you mean?"

"I mean that Atsuhiko doesn't exist. Woah, woah, remember we are in public," Yena said, raising his arms. "And that it wasn't my idea, but Juri's."

]

'Juri, of course. It had to be Juri.'

"Stop walking. You're going to ruin the garments."

Apparently, the stint with Aoi as her maid had pleased Sakura so that now she was accompanying her in her chamber, waiting for the servant that would send the message to go visit the Princess.

Chaeyeon huffed, not quite sorry about the garments, knowing that Aoi was mostly nitpicking her behavior out of exasperation rather than real worry about the clothes. "Sorry," she apologized grouchily.

"I don't understand why would Yena make such a request," Aoi huffed, her hands balled into fists, her eyes betraying the flashback she was imagining.

"He didn't want Natsumi to suffer punishment, same as me." Chaeyeon frowned.

"She did harm you, quite extensively, if I say so myself. This is impardonable to do to a young lady," Aoi pointed out, though her words were less stern.

Understanding that the line of conversation was going down the same path the conversation with the Princess went (minus the confession that Chaeyeon needs to erase from her mind before she tries to dig a hole for herself), she shook her head. "I get that, but if she has to be punished in any way, then I want to be the one to choose her punishment."

"Which is none?" Chaeyeon nodded, making Aoi sigh. "You both are as much stubborn as you are dumb."

Chaeyeon scoffed at the insult. "Dumb? Me?"

"Yes, you," Aoi accused, her tone almost petulant. Although she hadn't been directly told by the Princess (which, in and of itself, already infuriated her; the Princess ALWAYS shared everything with Aoi), she had been able to guess what had been told in that conversation through both the Princess and Chaeyeon's behavior before and after. She wished she had enough vocabulary to explain how much of a terrible idea that had been, but she couldn't chastise the Princess, not when it came to the woman in front of her. "You two. Regardless," she sighed. "I only hope you won't make a mistake."

"Why? Was it really that bad for Yena to ask to speak with Natsumi's father?"

Aoi, undecided, shook her head. "No, in the sense that it shows that he truly cares about you, which is a good quality to have, no matter what. However, if any of you two get too suspicious with Lord Yuichi, then word would spread easily. If this had been contained only in Lord Fujiwara's estate, there's less reason for it to spread, as Lord Fujiwara would rather maintain the Princess' image pristine."

"So, how can we help it?" Chaeyeon asked.

Aoi cleared . "I don't think much can be done at this point. The only thing that Yena can do is to not be too… Yena."

"Yena can be serious when he wants to." Aoi snorted.

"Sure, when it's a life or death situation for him. In every other situation, he is uncapable of doing so."

Chaeyeon frowned. "You just say that because you don't know him at all."

"I don't? Well…" Aoi seemed like she wanted to say something, but then changed her words. "Nevermind. You just need to tell Yena that."

"I won't be able to talk here either?"

"No, nor Natsumi. This is all Yena's brunt to bear."

"Great," Chaeyeon exclaimed sarcastically. Although she trusted Yena to back her up, she already knew, extensively, might she add, that he hated putting such a dignified front, and would rather hide behind Chaeyeon's words whenever possible. This couldn't be the best situation for him, and it made her empathize.

"Why did she have to bring that dratted bird in the first place?" Aoi mumbled in a way that her words were unintelligible to Chaeyeon.

"What?"

"Nothing," Aoi shrug her words off. The knocks on the door, made her jump immediately to open the door. "It's time."

Against Chaeyeon's expectations, Juri was not the one waiting for them at the door with a mischievous smile, but rather, was one of the many maids that ran through the estate, hurrying to serve the people they had been pledged to. She voiced what Chaeyeon and Aoi already knew, and off they went to Sakura's chamber.

Since the maid accompanied them the whole way, none of them said a single word, which relieved and made Chaeyeon feel uncomfortable at the same time. She had become used to conversation, whether purposeful or idle, so this was something that made her feel out of place, reminding her that the carefulness she ought to have here was bigger than ever before.

When they finally arrived, the maid announced her, a faint "Come in," serving as an answer. The maid opened the door, bowing to Chaeyeon.

They hadn't yet entered to the middle of the room when Sakura ordered softly, "Aoi, could you please wait outside?"

The woman, already predicting the Princess course of action, bowed wordlessly, though her expression definitely let Chaeyeon know everything the maid felt. Although she was, at some point, relieved that Aoi wasn't going to be watching her during the whole process, she was finally hit with the obvious idea that she was going to be alone with the Princess, making her freeze for a moment.

"Sit here," Sakura ordered, pointing at the bed next to her.

"No need. I'm fine with being cured while I'm standing up," Chaeyeon laughed nervously, forcing herself to walk towards the Princess.

When she was close enough, however, the Princess grabbed her arm, forcing her to sit where the Princess had initially ordered her to, saying, "No. Knowing you, you'll probably try to shrug off my help. Say that it's nothing and laugh it off."

"How could I do that at this point?" Chaeyeon asked, her voice low, though not enough that the Princess couldn't hear.

The Princess huffed. "What? Are you obedient to me now? When all you do is argue against your own safety?"

Knowing she had been heard, Chaeyeon answered carefully, "No, I mean… You had already sent the message… there is no point in arguing now."

Sakura found Chaeyeon's agreeable behavior strange, though, at some point, she understood where it came from. Half-anxious, half-endeared, she answered, "then I trust you'll listen to me from now on."

Grabbing the container that had the ointment for her, she ordered again, "Move your sleeves, so I can see."

Chaeyeon tried taking the bandages off when she had moved the sleeves away, but Sakura stopped her with a motion of her hand. The Princess then, carefully took one of the bandages, gasping when she was greeted with the ghastly sight. Fury filling her body at the thought of Natsumi, she exclaimed, "And this is nothing?!"

"It's not much," Chaeyeon argued, though her voice was still timid.

"Then I don't want to know what is much for you," Sakura muttered.  After taking the remainder of the bandages off, she examined the scratches for a moment, finally compelled to caress one of them tenderly.

Chaeyeon jumped, making the Princess let go of her arm. With one inquisitive look, Chaeyeon could only laugh nervously.

"I'm ticklish," she answered lamely, her heart beating out of her chest. Why was she being so careful for? It's just some scratch.

Sakura could only huff again, feeling the same two opposing emotions as before. However, she didn't mention a thing about it. Instead, she gestured for Chaeyeon to return the arm back to her. The latter could only comply, offering her arm back to Sakura, who started curating the area.

Although the first touches started slow, tentative, as if Sakura was afraid of harming her, they became confident, but still careful. Chaeyeon shivered, feeling her skin burn.

She tried her best to keep her arm still, but she couldn't help it, as a particular shiver made her pull her arm again.

Sakura, who had been absentmindedly curing her wounds, overtly worried about her health, turned to look at her, surprised, with a hurt look that changed when she saw Chaeyeon.

"Chaeyeon?"

'Let me say these words that I have long saved in my heart.'

Chaeyeon was unable to answer, her eyes captured by Sakura's deepening stare. She gulped, her hands grabbing onto her clothes.

Time suddenly seemed to stop, and everything else became invisible, unfeeling, to Chaeyeon. How could she, when in this room was someone whose eyes conveyed an affection so sweet, a longing so unbearable that left her breathless?

How could she be so blind to not see it before?

She couldn't understand how her body had gone still, how Sakura's eyes became clearer to gaze at. She saw Sakura's hand reach towards her, feeling the tentative touch on her cheek. She shivered again, taken by Sakura's expression, which now was…

A loud slam made Chaeyeon jump, the spell swiftly broken. Understanding what had just happened, she laughed nervously. Rubbing her arms, she said, "I appreciate it, Your Grace."

Sakura breathed out shakily, her emotions difficult to control. However, she knew deep down that she couldn't – shouldn't – push Chaeyeon too much. She sighed, her hands kneading the fabric of her outer garment. "Why are you being so stiff? Just say thank you, like you always do." It didn't mean that Sakura wouldn't push for Chaeyeon to treat her normally, at least.

Internally trying to calm herself, she complied, murmuring, "thank you."

There was a silence, where none knew what to say, both lost in their own dilemmas. However, Sakura was the one to give the first step. "Have you talked to Yena about what he's going to say to Lord Yuichi?" she asked, her voice as casual as possible.

Seeing the Princess' more calm countenance. Chaeyeon breathed deeply.

'Come on, Lee Chaeyeon. Get your together!'

She shook her head. "The only thing we agree on is to ask for Natsumi to not receive a punishment, or, if she has to, receive a light one."

Any other thoughts vanished at Chaeyeon's words, which made Sakura huff in exasperation. Although this had been the resolution that Chaeyeon had stubbornly taken, she couldn't help but still fight against it. "She should receive a punishment for what she has done to you."

"She has to receive whatever I think is appropriate for her," Chaeyeon didn't back down, disregarding the mess inside her head.

Perceiving the beginning of a heated discussion, Sakura yielded… "Alright. I just wish you would be kinder to yourself." …momentarily.

Chaeyeon's expression was of conflict. While she felt touched by the Princess' worry towards her, knowing now what caused it made her panic. "I… I will try."

Sakura nodded, unsatisfied with the answer, but without desire to continue prying. She would get what she wanted, anyways.

"Your Grace, Master Yuichi has already arrived at the grand hall," a maid's voice could be heard from the outside, making Chaeyeon breathe in relief.

"Alright, go back," Sakura ordered, gesturing for Chaeyeon to get up. "It's time to go. We will see how things go."

The last sentence seemed strange to Chaeyeon, but she shrugged it off, thinking that the Princess was anxious about the outcome of the discussion with Lord Yuichi. Thus, she silently followed Sakura out of her chamber, a smile peeking through her lips when she saw Aoi look at her critically. In this moment, only her obvious vendetta against her and Yena could save her.

There was no conversation between them, the small sounds of nature serving as a buffer for Chaeyeon, who was still skittish at the idea of having another conversation with the Princess.

As soon as they arrived at the grand hall, they were greeted by two maids who attended the door and a very impatient Yena, who was pacing.

"Oh, thank the gods you're here," Yena exclaimed in Korean, grabbing onto Chaeyeon's arms.

"Why, what happened?" Chaeyeon asked in kind, peeking at the door, even when she knew she would not be able to see anything.

Yena was about to answer, but the sound of someone coughing slightly made him turn to look at the Princess, who gave him a pointed look. He frowned minutely, but understood the directive. Answering more quietly, he said, "you should have seen Lord Yuichi's face. He looks as if his firstborn has died!"

"For real?" Chaeyeon raised an eyebrow, somehow knowing that Yena was not exaggerating at all.

"Yes!" Yena beat his chest dramatically. "I can feel this is going to be the worst."

Chaeyeon sighed, internally apologizing to Yena for putting him in this situation. "Hopefully everything will go smoothly, and if it doesn't, there's the Princess."

Yena snorted. "You think-"

"We cannot leave them waiting," Sakura said, her voice the calmest they've ever heard. The foreigners both looked at each other for a moment before moving aside to let the Princess pass. The maids that were  guarding the doors, opened immediately at Sakura's glance, and the latter, wasting no time, entered.

Inside the hall were already sitting Lord Fujiwara and Lord Yuichi, alongside Natsumi, who was seating at the other end of the table, her head bowing. The image made Chaeyeon feel pity towards the poor girl, but she knew she could not express it.

Both Lords stood up, with Yuichi bowing in a more ceremonial fashion. "I bide Your Grace a wonderful morning," said Lord Yuichi.

"I bide the same for Lord Yuichi," Sakura answered, her voice now in a regal tone. "Though I'm afraid this morning might be marred by this small chat."

This, somehow, made Yuichi's face pale. Turning to look at the foreigners, but specially, to Yena, he bowed. "I bide a good morning to Lord Yena and a speedy recovery to Lady Chaeyeon."

Yena, uncomfortable with the attention, managed to bow as he had been taught, saying, "I, uh, bide a good morning to Lord Yuichi, and, uh, I'm grateful for the good wishes."

Lord Fujiwara bowed at Yena, who bowed again. "I hope your night was restful."

"It was… thank you," Yena answered, a bit more at a loss. "I hope yours was, too."

Lord Fujiwara nodded. "Then, sit comfortably wherever you please."

Sakura sat first, right next to where Lord Fujiwara had been sitting previously. Not knowing exactly where to sit, Yena sat next to the seat where Lord Yuichi had been sitting, and Chaeyeon next to him.

After everyone had already sat down, Lord Yuichi was the first to speak. "First and foremost, I am deeply sorry for the wounds Lady Chaeyeon has incurred at the hands of my careless daughter." He moved backwards, to then bow to the point that his forehead was touching the ground.

Yena raised his hands hurriedly. "I understand. It was not intentional, and barely any harm was done."

"Lord Yena is admirably magnanimous, given the circumstances," Sakura intervened, her voice seamless and calm.

Lord Yuichi could only say, "I am truly sorry." He raised his body, though his head was still slightly low. "I suggested bringing the family's medic, but I am aware that Lord Fujiwara's is one of the most capable medics, only behind His Majesty's medic."

"That is alright," Yena answered. "Chaeyeon is healing quite well… There's not need of another medic."

"Then, I am relieved," Lord Yuichi remarked. "However, I am in infinite debt with your family, one that perhaps I will not be able to pay at all. If I can do something to alleviate Lady Chaeyeon's suffering, please, do not hesitate to communicate it."

"I do not think that Lord Yena should be forced to put a price to Lady Chaeyeon's well-being," Lord Fujiwara interjected, looking at Lord Yuichi pointedly.

The man looked shocked. "Of course not." He bowed again. "I apologize for such implication."

"There is no harm done," Yena repeated, already looking out of his wits. Chaeyeon could only inwardly sigh, trying to pat his leg as inconspicuously as possible.

"I am grateful for your kindness," Lord Yuichi said, his voice now weaker than it had been in the beginning. "I wished not to suggest anything as I feared disrespecting Lord Yena. However, my limited imagination could not realize the terrible thing I was implying."

Chaeyeon could see, from the corner of her eye, Natsumi flinch, as if her father's words had burned her. Although her face was obscured by her hair, Chaeyeon could tell she was absolutely miserable. It made her empathy towards Natsumi grow tremendously. Turning to look at Sakura, she frowned at the smooth facial features that betrayed nothing, feeling specks of irritation fill her body.

"Hopefully this could be of Lord Yena's liking," Lord Yuichi cleared his throat. "I would suggest a marriage between my eldest son, Kaito, and Lady Chaeyeon."

Chaeyeon almost had whiplash at the speed her head turned with to look at Lord Yuichi. How was that a solution?

"I find quite indecent that Lord Yuichi would mention such a thing as marriage when discussing an apology." Sakura's voice was still relatively calm, though Chaeyeon could distinguish the almost minute streaks of anger.

'Is… is that… jealousy…?'  Chaeyeon thought in between her bouts of anxiety and irritation at the way the conversation was heading. She chastised herself internally, but, the voice in her head that would repeat Sakura's confession over and over would not shut up, repeating the same doubt in her heart. It couldn't be. She couldn't believe it. Before she could continue the dizzying path of a Sakura induced crisis, Lord Yuichi was already apologizing again.

"I…I…" His face now was painted with plain fear. "I apologize. I have exposed Your Grace with bruteness."

Hearing the panic in the man's voice, Chaeyeon patted Yena's leg, signaling for him to speak.

"I think that Lord Yuichi's offer was in good faith," Yena spit out after a moment of looking for the correct words.

"Regardless of Lord Yuichi's intention, he has disrespected you, Lord Yena," Fujiwara said, a furrow in his brow, as if he was in disagreement with his own words. It seemed as if he wouldn't contradict the Princess anyway.

Yena felt trapped, wanting to help Chaeyeon, but knowing that whatever was brewing was a byproduct of whatever the Princess had thought of. His tongue was tied, so he ended up nodding, adding, "Perhaps he has, but I…" he found no words to defend Lord Yuichi and Natsumi, not ones that would make both Lord Fujiwara and Sakura ease up. He deflated, saying quietly, "I find his regret… commendable."

"Indeed, it is admirable that he would be responsible," Sakura said calmly. Yena nodded, relieved. However, Lord Yuichi's face paled even further, and Natsumi shrunk further into her seat. It was apparent to the nobility within the room what the Princess had truly meant.

"I-I…" Lord Yuichi struggled to find words. "I am truly sorry. I… I truly have no imagination nor sense to know how to repay Lord Yena."

Lord Fujiwara nodded. "I could help with a few suggestions. However, Lord Yena and Lady Chaeyeon are the Princess' guests." He turned to look at Sakura. "Your Grace, do you perhaps have a suggestion?"

Chaeyeon tried looking into Sakura's eyes, as if to beg her not to do what she clearly wanted to do.

Sakura seemed to pay no mind.

She nodded slowly, as if thinking about it. "I understand Lord Yena's feelings and magnanimity. Although I think a deeper apology would be in order, the most important would be to concentrate on the cause of why we're here today."

Chaeyeon's felt as if a stone had dropped into her stomach. She started feeling anger fill her body. Although, at some point, she knew that Princess had bossier tendencies, she had hoped that she would respect her choice to forgive Natsumi.

She was dead wrong.

She wanted to intervene, but didn't move to do so, a bigger part of her afraid of making the Princess life difficult if she blurted out what she felt, which made her feel even angrier.

"I will get rid of that bird," Lord Yuichi said hurriedly, as if he was relieved at how simple the solution was. "Most definitely I will make my daughter reflect on it…" At both the Princess and the Fujiwara's patriach's silence, he added, "she will serve at Omoikane's shrine in Hyogo for six moons."

Despite the anger now clouding her senses, she could feel Natsumi tremble, as if she was silently crying. Her hand moved, as if to console, but she reeled it back.

"That is a sound judgement," Lord Fujiwara said, clearly satisfied with Lord Yuichi's words. "Wouldn't you agree, Lord Yena?"

Although Yena knew Chaeyeon wanted Natsumi to suffer no punishment, he could only agree with Lord Fujiwara, mumbling, "I do."

"Alright, then I trust Lord Yuichi will be true to his word, and honor the Princess' guests."

"I will," he reassured them. "I am grateful for your magnanimity and sound judgement, Lord Yena." He bowed. "And I am grateful for Your Grace's mercy."

Sakura assented, her face melting into a more placid smile. "I am pleased we have reached an agreement." She stood up, everyone, except Natsumi, following her lead. "We will now take our leave."

"By all means, I bide you a wonderful evening, Your Grace," Lord Yuichi said. "I bide Lord Yena and Lady Chaeyeon a wonderful evening as well."

Yena bowed, feeling too tired to even answer, and followed Sakura out. Chaeyeon, on the other hand, took a moment to look at Natsumi, murmuring a small apology that was apparently heard by the girl before she followed Yena out.

There were no words from anyone as they walked away from the grand hall, but when Chaeyeon was extremely sure she would not be heard by Lord Fujiwara, she finally let her anger loose.

"Why did Your Grace do that?" she asked, her voice choked, as if she was trying to reign in the yell that was lodged in .

"Don't you know the answer?" Sakura answered, her voice less placid, but far more emotional, with streaks of smugness that incensed Chaeyeon further. "You are always disregarding your own health. How could I let you do that again?"

"Is that really the answer?" Chaeyeon finally bit back, her voice losing any kind of restraint she had. "Or did you just wish to take revenge to feel powerful?"

"Should you refer to the Princess in this way?" Aoi asked, though it was obviously a rhetorical question.

Chaeyeon snorted. "Am I always meant to bow to the Princess' whims and wishes while she just walks all over my one and only wish?" The maids that had been accompanying them looked absolutely shocked that Chaeyeon would dare speak like that.

Aoi scowled, ready to answer, but Sakura gestured at her to stop.

"Leave us," she said, her voice now filled with an anger matching Chaeyeon's. The other maids agreed quickly, bowing before speedily walking away. Aoi, who wanted to match Chaeyeon's words, glared at Chaeyeon before walking away, though, instead of leaving, she stood at a far enough distance. Yena considered if he should stay, but, after a monent, he also left, whispering to Chaeyeon, "I will see you later."

Chaeyeon nodded.

When everyone had already left, Sakura finally answered. "Do you really believe me to be that kind of person? Do you think I would do ANYTHING just to feel powerful?"

"Then why would you? What is the point of trying so hard to get Natsumi punished if not to have your revenge?"

"For you," Sakura enunciated point blank. "Because you might not care about it, but I do."

Chaeyeon sneered. "I am not-"

"I know you are not a noble!" Sakura exclaimed. "I know! I know! But I am! And I cannot bear the idea that you have been hurt in such a way that, if it had happened to someone else, it would have ruined their whole life!" She took a deep breath, as if she was trying to control herself. "You forgive her, and then what? She goes on with her life, happily knowing that you had to suffer and she could get away without at least atoning?"

"You are talking as if she wasn't feeling guilty about what she did," Chaeyeon shot back, shaking away the butterflies she had felt at Sakura's initial words. "Did you even see her when you all were talking? She started crying at some point!"

"She started crying because she would receive punishment, not for any regret she could feel towards you," Sakura pointed out.

"And it would be understandable," Chaeyeon retorted. "Killing the bird? Kicking her out for six months? How is that not a disproportionate punishment?"

"You think that is a disproportionate punishment?" Sakura scoffed. "Do you even know what punishment any noble family would demand?"

"Then why don't you enlighten me, Your Grace," Chaeyeon spit out, heavy sarcasm implicit in the Princess address. "Given that I am an uncultured swine."

Sakura frowned. "I never said that."

"And you aren't implying that? Since I am always wrong, and you and your people are always right and can do no wrong."

"When have I ever dangled the nobles' opinion over your head?" Sakura asked, her voice filled with frustration. "When did I ever intend to make you feel as swine?"

"Are you pretending, or are you really unable to see it?" Chaeyeon sighed, deflating when her own mind answered her own question for her. "Maybe you are unable."

"But, do you know what is the most angering thing for someone like me? For someone who is dirt poor and cannot have fun like you do, rest like you do, or even feel at peace like you do? The loss of agency. The moment when, in the midst of the life you've never asked for, you finally get to make a choice, only for someone else to decide they know better than you do and take away your chance."

The Princess fell silent, the desperation in Chaeyeon's voice leaving her without any answer.

"Regardless," Chaeyeon ruffled her hair slightly. "There's nothing else left to do, right?" She bowed. "Then I'll be leaving for today, Your Grace. I bide you a wonderful evening," she greeted dispassionately, to then turn around and leave.

She started walking in the direction that she had initially chosen, not really knowing where she was going, but just knowing she had to get away from Sakura in that moment.

Could she really not see? Could she really not understand how Chaeyeon felt? Why would she just go out and do whatever she wanted?

She fumed internally, making questions that she already guessed the answer to. It's just that… at some point, she really wished she could understand her.

'I cannot bear the idea that you have been hurt…'

Could it really be? Could it be that Sakura felt so much affection for her she choose to aggresively attack whoever had harmed her?

Although Sakura had said as much, the possibility left Chaeyeon flustered, reaction that got her even angrier, mostly at herself for reacting this way when Sakura had violated her agency and free will. She was angry and she ought to be.

"Woah, woah. Are you alright?" Yena, who came from seemingly out of nowhere, asked as she rushed towards Chaeyeon. "Has a war happened between you two?"

"Where did you go?" Chaeyeon asked instead.

"Oh, I hung out around, waiting for your fight to be over." Yena answered, perusing Chaeyeon's expression. It was truly the first time he had seen her this furious.

Chaeyeon sighed. "Was it that hard for her to listen to my words?"

Yena patted Chaeyeon's shoulder, completely understanding the reason for Chaeyeon's frustration. "You know how these people are. They have always done what they wanted, so doing it again doesn't even register."

Although Chaeyeon agreed with Yena halfway, she felt uncomfortable with labeling Sakura like that… even when she had told Sakura as much.

"I think I went too far," Chaeyeon admitted.

"With what?" Yena asked, confused.

"With what I told her. I was too angry, so I accused her of things that are not entirely true. Or… what do you think, Yena?"

"Tell me."

"I told her she was always acting as if I was in the wrong and she and the nobility were always right, that she saw me as uncultured swine."

"Hmm," Yena reflected for a moment. "I wouldn't say you were entirely wrong. After all, they sometimes do treat us as idiots… Though I think the swine thing was too much."

"It was, wasn't it?" Chaeyeon grimaced. She truly felt sorry to antagonize her as she did, but she couldn't help but feel, for the first since they met, stubborness against her. Chaeyeon's hands balled into fists after a moment of thought. "Even if I said too much, I shouldn't have to be the one to apologize first."

"You don't have to," Yena agreed. "Though, would she really apologize?"

"I don't know." Chaeyeon sighed. 'And that's the problem, isn't it?' she thought.

"Let's take a walk!" Yena exclaimed, putting his arm around Chaeyeon's shoulders to push her forward. "So you can take a breath."

Chaeyeon's thoughts were broken, and, propelled by Yena's more relaxed countenance, she followed him, agreeing silently with him. After a few steps, however, she remembered the discussion they've had with Lord Yuichi, which made her ask, "Are you alright?"

"Me?" Yena pointed at himself. "Well… that conversation was the worst experience of my life!" he said with a paradoxical enthusiasm, though Chaeyeon could distinguish the tiredness in his features. His words made her chuckle, nonetheless.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that, seeing that it was absolutely useless," Chaeyeon apologized.

"Nah, I'm sorry I couldn't be of much help," Yena countered. "It's just that… are all male nobles like that? First Prince Tomiyasu, then this man…"

"You mean?"

"So… imposing, like you can't even go against them."

"I think so." Chaeyeon shrugged. "Maybe that comes with having unmeasurable power."

Yena hummed in agreement, but said nothing else. Chaeyeon turned to look at him, and, at the sight of his thoughtful expression, staying silent as well.

"Alright, let's continue then," Yena said, his voice for a moment quiet, but quickly regaining a chirpy tone. Chaeyeon wanted to point out this sudden change in mood, but decided not to. If Yena wanted to share something with her, he'd do it on his own terms.

Despite the fact that the party had just happened the past day, many maids were now rushedly walking, some of them having something or other in their hands. This made Chaeyeon wish she had Aoi's knowledge of less traveled passages.

"How are your arms?" Yena asked, giving a glance at them.

"They are alright," Chaeyeon answered, suddenly overtly conscious of the stiffness in her bandaged arms.

"No pain?"

"No pain," Chaeyeon confirmed. "It's more of an uncomfortable feeling."

"At least." Yena patted her arm softly. "So what do you want to do?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, we haven't found much regarding the papers."

Chaeyeon sighed. "We need to leave as soon as possible for the temple. I hope we'll find some answers then."

"Then — ." At Yena's exclamation, Chaeyeon turned to look in the direction Yena was looking, feeling both empathy for Yena and surprise.

"I bide Lord Yena and Lady Chaeyeon and wonderful morning." The man they had met at the library the previous day, Gentarou, walked speedily towards them, his face betraying some excitement that seemed weird to Chaeyeon.

"I bide Lord Gentarou a wonderful morning as well," Chaeyeon answered, thinking that Yena would not greet him. To her surprise, he did.

"Are you perhaps also looking for learning?"

Bewildered, Chaeyeon turned to look at her surroundings. Without their knowledge, they had managed to pass by the library, which doors were right next to Yena. Debating for a short moment what she should answer, she said, "Yes. It is a good day for learning."

Gentarou beamed, giving a glance at the libary doors. "Then I will accompany you, if it's not too much trouble."

Although she knew they could not reject Gentarou outright, she turned to look at Yena, silently asking for his opinion with a glance. He didn't seem excited at the prospect, but shrugged, his gaze directed at his own feet.

Silently apologizing to Yena, she opened the doors, stepping in to immediately let the two men enter.

"Is it a custom in your country for women to open the door for men?" Gentarou asked when he had entered, adding hurriedly, "I hope it's not an indiscretion."

Chaeyeon bit her tongue. "It is a custom. I hope this didn't surprise you."

"Not in a negative fashion," Gentarou denied passionately. "I am merely intrigued by it." When there wasn't another word coming from the foreigners, he said, "I apologize if I was disrespectful." He moved, as if to bow, but Yena stopped him.

"It is alright," he said. "There was no disrespect and no harm done."

Gentarou seemed surprised by Yena's intervention, but he acquiesced nonetheless. "Then I am glad." The man seemed at a loss for a moment before he asked, "what is it that you came to read?"

"Nothing in particular," Chaeyeon answered. "We are not familiar with this library, so we are just exploring." Although they had learned a bit of where everything was when they were searching previously, she wasn't about to tell the truth to a person that would only continue making questions.

This made Gentarou smile again. "It is an adventurous spirit that gains the world."

The phrase made Chaeyeon balk. "Indeed, it is."

"Would you perhaps wish for a small introduction to the library? It might make your search easier."

"Yes, if it's not an outrageous request," Chaeyeon answered after a moment. Maybe he could give them a clue of a book they missed.

"It is most definitely not." Walking towards the left side of the library, he started explaining. "This section is mostly used as a recollection of the laws His Majesty has implemented. They are organized by date, starting from the first year the capital moved to Heian-kyo." He walked slightly to the right. "This large section is of history. Lord Fujiwara has always been interested in having a detailed recollection of the Royal Family's actions, past and present, which is why he maintains the largest area for them." Gentarou cleared his throat. "It is, also, my favorite area. Although I appreciate all types of knowledge."

"This area is reserved for recollections of poetry competitions, both for a material reward and for enrichment. Disappointingly, it does not contain the winning poems. This area is reserved for the teachings of Saicho." He finally walked towards the right side of the library. "And this section is reserved for poetry. What makes these verses so exciting for me is that these were written by past Emperors, even those that reigned at Asuka."

Chaeyeon nodded. "This is certainly interesting." Although she had already made some guesses about how the library was organized, it had been difficult to know previously. As it is, without a knowledge of all the relevant chinese characters, she was limited to what she could investigate without the Princess' help.

This begged the question, should she ask this man about the topics she was concerned with? Or should she just let him be?

Ultimately, she decided to let him be.

"I am grateful for your help, Lord Gentarou." Chaeyeon bowed.

"It is an honor to be of help." Gentarou frowned. "Is perhaps Lord Yena not feeling well?"

At Gentarou's question, Chaeyeon turned her head to look. At some point during her own rumiations, Yena had decided that enough was enough, and had sat on one of the seats inside the library. It was extremely rude, but Chaeyeon couldn't help but feel empathy towards him.

Chaeyeon confirmed Gentarou's guess. "He has been feeling quite ill since this morning."

Despite her words being benign, this made Gentarou's expression drop, making him look wounded.

"I apologize if I have monopolized your time. I was too egotistical to understand it. I bide Lord Yena and Lady Chaeyeon a wonderful evening." He bowed deeply, making Chaeyeon feel uncomfortable. When Gentarou turned to leave the library, Chaeyeon chased after him.

"Please wait!"

Gentarou turned to look at Chaeyeon, his expression shocked.

"You have done no harm. It is my fault, as I asked him to take me here."

He looked even more shocked, which made Chaeyeon nervous. Had she already ed up?

"Chaeyeon is right, Lord Gentarou," Yena intervened, now standing right behind Chaeyeon. "Trying to be a good brother, I have disregarded my health. It has nothing to do with you."

Though crude, Yena's words made Gentarou relax, his eyes shining with something Chaeyeon didn't understand.

"I am grateful for your kindness, despite the things you might have already known about me."

What? "What type of things?" Chaeyeon asked carefully.

"Has… Have Lord Yena and Lady Chaeyeon not heard about me?"

"I haven't heard information about you that doesn't come from yourself, Lord Gentarou."

Gentarou looked even more shocked. It took him a moment to utter another word. "Then, that is a relief." When there was no word coming from either of the foreigners, he spoke again. "Given that I was horribly presumptuous, I should then be honest with Lord Yena and Lady Chaeyeon… if that is, of course, not another shameless assumption of mine."

"We would be open to hear your story, Lord." Turning to look at Yena, who had been quiet the whole exchange, she was met with the sight of a slightly intrigued, but still tired, man.

"If that is so, I bid Lord Yena and Lady Chaeyeon to sit by the table," Gentarou said gently, gesturing towards the tables in the middle of the library. After they all had sat down, he added, "Although it is not a joyful tale, I plead for the patience and kindness you have shown me until now."

"You will receive no less," Chaeyeon answered, nodding her head.

"I am grateful." Gentarou looked at the table for a moment before gazing back at the foreginers. "I am sure that the vastness and majesty of this world is a topic that has been examined by both painters and writers alike, leaving me, a person who has always longed for wisdom, marveled. There has not been a day in my life when I have not sought knowledge. As such, I dedicated my life to learning. Bringing books from all cities in Japan, travelling towards different temples to listen to both the stories of our gods and the mystic knowledge gained from Tang, I did these things to understand everything I ever wondered about."

"However, as I received more knowledge, I could not ignore the growing curiosity in my heart. How do other people live?" His eyes shone, as if he was remembering. "To be expected, I already knew many things about the people who surrounded me. No matter how much I tried finding knew things to learn, there was no more knowledge to be had... And I knew I had to leave."

"I first left for a temple in Hakata, where a friend of mine's brother was then residing. I spent a long time overlooking rituals and discussions between the monks, who, more than in any other temple I had visited, were interested in interpreting the new teachings that had been brought. I was overjoyed at the amount of things that I was learning… when everything came crashing one night."

"It came to me like lightning, waking me up from deep slumber. This is knowledge that I, as a member of the Fujiwara family, have been privy to, and I understood how this knowledge molded the behavior of the people that surrounded me… but how did this affect peasants? Where they aware of the knowledge that I had? Were they able to comprehend the messages that would, most likely, save their souls from foul doubt? And then… I had to leave again."

"So you wanted to…?" Yena asked hesitantly, unwilling to finish the question, as if afraid of… hoping? Chaeyeon turned to look at him, surprised.

"I wanted to let them know, of course. How hopeless to live in a world like theirs without the eternal knowledge of our existence."

Yena tried his best to manage his expression, but Chaeyeon could see him deflate, his eyes filling with both even more tiredness and… anger. She tried grabbing Yena's hand, as if to reassure him, knowing she would have to dig deeper into what was eating Yena up.

Chaeyeon nodded at Gentarou, gesturing for him to continue.

"I did not expect…" He rubbed his arm. "Although the peasants I visited seemed intrigued by me when I arrived, they lost interest the longer I stayed. They seemed not to care for my words. I truly tried my best, but when I realized that I was not welcome, I traveled further, looking for someone who would listen to me. I truly was not prepared… I had never imagined the dangers that were out there."

Gentarou paused, his lips in nervousness. "Disappointed, I resolved to go back to the temple for a few moons. However, on the way, I encountered a group of men who were clearly criminals. They tried to make me part with my belongings, but, mayhaps more empathetic than what I would expect such a lowly creature, they insisted on helping me… by teaching me the use of the bow and arrow." He turned to look at Chaeyeon and Yena, and, at the sight of Yena's stormy expression, he balked.

Chaeyeon, noticing the change in mood, tried her best to distract Gentarou. "Please do continue."

Gentarou, wary of Yena's expression, answered. "Of course, I do not wish to disregard Lady Chaeyeon's curiosity, but I am afraid of retelling more unsound things."

Chaeyeon turned to look at Yena, whose expression had slightly softened, but his features were still solidly twisted into a scowl. The latter, still disatisfied, repeated Chaeyeon's words, albeit with a far drier delivery. "Please, do continue."

Gentarou gulped visibly, hesitantly nodding. "Alright, if Lord Yena is magnanimous enough to listen, then I will not hide anything." Despite his words, however, it took him a moment to regain bravery.

"They taught me to use the bow and arrow, and, although I do not possess the experience and ability of those men, I knew enough to use them, should the occasion arise. Regardless, I never quite wished to use such an ability, deciding to choose death were I ever in uncertain danger. However, danger came to me faster than I expected, and I…" There was a silence. "When I returned home, I intended to hide it. How could ever face my father if he came to know about it? To my chagrin, not only my father knew, but everyone in the capital."

Gentarou grimaced, his expression akin to having tasted bitterness itself. "Nothing was ever the same… Now, all I have is the knowledge that has accompanied me thus far, and the knowledge that awaits me."

It took a moment for Chaeyeon to regain her words. "Do you mean to tell me, you have been shunned?"

His expression was even more bitter. "It is as you say."

This made Chaeyeon's mind run. Is this why Gentarou was always lonely and din't assist to the party? Because he used the tools he had been provided to defend himself?

Is this what Sakura feared?

"And is this what you feared to tell us?" Yena asked in a quiet, but firm tone, surprising Chaeyeon.

When Gentarou's minute nod was given as a answer, Yena continued. "Is this even something to mope about? Don't you still have a place in your family home? Aren't you surrounded by the knowledge you love so much?"

The direct questions shocked Gentarou, who stammered for a moment before defending himself. "Have you perhaps been shunned as I have? Do you understand the feeling of loneliness? Of being home, yet feeling so foreign? If that is so, then I will beg for Lord Yena's counsel, so that I can feel the disinterest you seem to have."

Gentarou's tone irked Yena further, making him scoff. "Do YOU know what is loneliness? Do you even understand what is like truly losing everything you've ever loved? Wanting to go home, but knowing it's not there anymore? Wishing to see your loved ones one more time, but knowing you'll see only ashes of what they once were?"

Yena's words provoked a deep, heavy silence that lasted well until Yena decided to speak again. "Do you?"

Gentarou, who had intially gaped, to then bow his head in shame, said, "I apologize, Lord Yena." Remarkably, he seemed to have no words to elaborate on his apology.

It was in this moment that Chaeyeon spoke. "Although what has happened is most definitely a sorrowful tragedy, I do believe Lord Gentarou has a valid reason to feel sadness at this turn of events. After all, if he receives no love, no appreciation from the people that he loves dearly, would that not warrant this emotional state?"

Yena shrugged. "Maybe," he answered sourly. "Or maybe he is an absolute self-centered idiot who believes himself to be a savior, yet, uncapable of doing anything of true use."

This incensed Gentarou, who straightened his posture, his expression betraying the fury he felt. "I do not appreciate a brute trying to insult me with such lack of self-consciousness."

Quickly understanding what this was going to devolve to, Chaeyeon stood before Yena did, and latched onto him. "Yena, you need to stop," she whispered, though her voice was firm.

Yena shrugged off Chaeyeon's arms. "Are you on his side?" he asked in Korean.

"I am not," she answered back in Japanese. "But he isn't at fault for what happened to you or to me. Yes, he is a jerk, but what are you going to gain by fighting with him?" she added, switching to Korean at the last sentence.

"Maybe that less people like him would go around like idiots, bringing calamity to everywhere they go," Yena answered in Japanese. This angered Gentarou further, finally standing up and stepping towards Yena. However, Chaeyeon intercepted the noble, bowing low.

"Please, do forgive my brother's words." This was, however, something that incensed Yena.

"I don't need your forgiveness," he spat.

Gentarou, however, was partially placated by Chaeyeon's bow, seemingly empathizing with her. "I do not forgive Lord Yena for his horrendous behavior. However, I do not wish to put a Young Lady in such predicament between two men." He bowed, though, less deeply than Chaeyeon, and stomped towards the door.

"Mayhaps it would wise for Lord Yena to meditate on these words."

"The image in my eyes

Through the heavenly sheen

Longing, but foreign

It is not I,

But perhaps the way others see me."

Finally, Gentarou left.

"Are you happy?" Yena asked, his voice still angry. "Now that you bowed down to that idiot?"

"Of course I am not happy," Chaeyeon retorted, straightening her back to look at Yena. "Do you think I want to do this?"

"Then why do it? Why bow down to a person who is absolutely uncapable of empathy, of feeling anything for the people he supposedly cared for?"

"Because…" she stopped, knowing exactly what she was going to say, but ultimately, choosing to say it. "I want Sakura to not have problems."

Yena scoffed. "And that's what matters most, right? Not you, not I, but her."

Chaeyeon frowned. "Of course you matter, we matter, but I don't want to do whatever I want and leave the Princess in a mess and a half."

"A mess? What exactly is going to happen to her if we bow the wrong way, say a simple yes or no, or just laugh at a joke?"

"Didn't you hear that man? He was asbsolutely shunned by his family!"

"Was he? What about his clothes? What about his meals? What about his capability to sit for hours, reading things nobody cares about while other people die for him to continue doing it?"

"I'm not denying any of those things," Chaeyeon countered. "Yes, he is privileged. Yes, he is an idiot. Yes, he is self-centered. That doesn't magically eliminate the pain of rejection. This is all he's ever known. This is the family that raised him. Who's going to be unfeeling when the people that raised you shun you like that?"

"So that's it? Just like that we have to do everything the Princess wants us to do because else her life will become a tiny bit more difficult?"

"Do you want to not do it, then?" Chaeyeon waved her arms in exasperation. "Do you want to do whatever you want?"

"What I want is to be left alone."

Despite Chaeyeon's irritation, this made stop in her tracks. She didn't want to force Yena into a conversation he didn't want to have anymore. She sighed deeply. "Alright, I get it. But at least let yourself rest a little before anything else."

When Yena had no response, Chaeyeon took it as an affirmation, or, at the very least, the sign that she was right to leave him.  She walked towards the door, and, with no other words, left the library.

Standing outside the door for a moment, she thought of where she should go, but, finally, decided to go to her room. It was clear she also needed time to rest.

So, what was she supposed to do now? Yena had absolutely made things go south with his confrontation.

But Chaeyeon couldn't blame Yena, could she? Since the beginning of this day… No, since they arrived here, Chaeyeon could notice that Yena was getting wound up about being here for far too long. It made sense, now that she thought of it, especially when Yena tends to be kind to others.

And it's not like she could detract from Yena's emotions. After all, she had just fought with the Princess because of different reasons, but due to very similar backstory.

Chaeyeon sighed.

Yes, now that she is quiet again, she can recognize that she went far with what she told the Princess, but, at the same time, a part of her couldn't help but feel that Yena had a tiny point regarding their staying here.

Although she still empathized with the idea of the Princess being ostracized (which is something that she most definitely wouldn't wish for the Princess to go through), it was also true that she and Yena had bent over backwards to help her, and, by extension, to help the Fujiwara's. She had initially agreed to everything they were doing now because Rino had asked that of her, and she felt indebted towards the woman, but, now…

She still worried for the Princess. Regardless of the choices they've taken until now, regardless of the danger she and Yena had been, regardless of the anger she still felt towards Sakura, she was glad the Princess was safe.

But…

Chaeyeon stopped for moment, her face heating up at the reminder.

'I am in love with you.'

Those words terrified her.

How could it be? Despite Sakura's non-sensical explanation, nothing clicked in Chaeyeon's mind. How could she be in love? They hadn't known each other for long, and the Princess had strangely hated her at the beginning until her behavior changed so brusquely, Chaeyeon isn't aware what caused it.

Moreover, she was going to leave.

Nodding to herself, Chaeyeon forced herself to continue walking.

That's right. She was meant to be an event, a strange one, in Sakura's life. After she finally found out what that creature (god?) wanted from her, she would return home, to never see her again. They would both resume their lives and go on.

That must be it. Sakura was just… confused. Maybe someone so privileged like her had never experienced the things they had (to be fair, she hadn't, either), and was looking for excitement. A aristocrat lady having an infatuation for a seemingly well-travelled foreigner? Taken right out of a romance novel.

She spent the rest of her walk reassuring herself, and trying to avoid any other encounter with another noble. It wasn't until she had closed the door to her chamber that she finally relaxed. She grabbed onto her outer garment to start removing her clothes, but remembered that there should've been a maid to help her do it, whether that was Aoi or someone else. Were would they be?

Or had the Princess ordered them to not come?

It seemed likely. Else, the maid would've chased Yena and her before they even had that whole conversation with Gentarou.

She sighed again, finally deciding to take the clothes off on her own.

"What are we going to do?"

There was a chance that Gentarou would tell someone else of Yena's aggressive behavior, harming the Princess in the process. However, there wasn't much to do. He didn't accept Chaeyeon's apology, and he still seemed angry with Yena.

He had stopped due to Chaeyeon's intervention.

Maybe he wouldn't tell? He would rather avoid saying it out of respect?

She laid down on the bed, groaning in exhaustion. It wasn't even nighttime,  but her body already felt spent.

"Should we leave?" she murmured.

Wouldn't it be for the best? Everything that was causing problems, for her, for Sakura, and for Yena was them being here. Wouldn't it make more sense to leave? That way, Yena would be at peace, they wouldn't have to pretend, and Sakura could worry about being shunned no more. Things would go back to before they met the Princess.

There was an inkling of guilt at the idea, but she squashed it.

But, how would they leave? They are surrounded by maids at all times. There was no way for the Princess not to find out one way or another.

Suddenly, there was a strange obscurity that submerged the room, making Chaeyeon sit up. She looked around, bewildered, but, there were no shadows that could be seen through the door, no sound that gave away what had happened.

An eclipse?

Chaeyeon felt her own body slamming the wall, and she groaned in pain, to then choke in fear.

It was that creature. That creature with black beady eyes, and a creepy smile.

Except that now it wasn't sporting a smile. Its face was contorted into a morbid fury, so much so it didn't look human. She heard a roar, but the creature didn't move its mouth at all.

And then, she felt it, the pressure on her neck.

Everything was a blur.

She could feel herself use her hands to try to pry the pressure away, but it was of not use. Her whole body burned, as if she was being immolated. There was a scream that was lodged deep, but she couldn't talk.

Why?

Why?

What did she do wrong?

She felt herself breathe out, "Please."

Her eyes felt like they were going to melt in her sockets, her brain as if it was expanding against her skull, her insides as if they were twisting inside of her. Her ears were filled with that ferocious roar… or was that white noise? She didn't know anymore.

Closing her eyes, her whole body trembled in overwhelming pain, but her hands didn't stop in their attempt to pry her away…

Until they did.

Her whole body felt limp, and she could barely feel anything but agony.

Suddenly, everything stopped, and she fell to the ground. Opening her eyes, she wanted to see, to understand what was happening, but her body was taken by involuntary coughs and the relief it felt at the return of oxygen.

What she could distinguish from the corner of her eyes, however, was a sudden flash of lights. It felt so blinding she cowered. The flashes lasted several moments, until the room was filled again with sunlight.

Chaeyeon heaved deep breaths, while she tried to move to a sitting position. When she was finally able to sit, leaning on the wall for support, she looked around.

There was no one. Nothing was out of place, except…

She looked at herself. She was wearing the clothes she swore she had taken off.

Horrified, she did her best to stand up. She needed to leave, it didn't matter where, as long as she could get away.

Wanting to run, but unable to, she forced her legs to move, cursing at herself, at that creature, at whoever she could remember. She heaved another breath before opening the door.

Yena was there, his expression one of apprehension and remorse, which changed as soon as he saw Chaeyeon.

"Chaeyeon? What's wrong?" Not even caring anymore, Chaeyeon let herself fall into Yena's arms.

"We need to leave. We need to get away, now."

"Why? What happened?"

"We can't stay here, Yena. We need to…"

"Woah, woah." Yena grabbed onto Chaeyeon, moving her outside of the chamber. "Alright, let's calm down. Let's sit." He directed her towards a more secluded part outside her chamber, and helped her to sit down. "What happened, Chaeyeon?"

"What happened?" Chaeyeon replied, her mind in a disarray. "That… that… thing. He tried to kill me."

"What thing?" Before Chaeyeon could answer, Yena gasped. "What happened to your neck?"

"My… neck?" Chaeyeon's hands flew to her neck, and she hissed immediately at the rough contact. It was then she realized that, among all the pain she felt, a lot of it was localized there. "It's… it's burnt."

"By who? Who did this?" Yena said, grimacing at what he distinguished now were marks made by someone's hands, marks that resembled the branding she had seen on animals.

"That thing."

"What thing?"

"The… the creature… the creature that brought me here."

"Chaeyeon?" Yena asked uncertainly. "What creature?"

"I…" Chaeyeon hesitated for a moment. She took a few deep breaths, willing herself to calm down. "I know I didn't tell you, and I'm sorry I didn't, but I was terrified that you would disbelieve me even more than you already did." Chaeyeon's head flopped against the wall. "When I was back home, that creature was the last thing I saw before I fell into the sea, into this time. It seemed like he wanted me to do something, like he had a plan for me." She shivered. "But I don't think that's the case anymore."

Although Yena wished to disregard Chaeyeon's explanation, the marks on her neck, and the panic he had been received with were enough for Yena to understand, and let the matter of not being told something extremely important aside. "Why? What do you mean by that?" He grabbed Chaeyeon's arms, trying to ground her, to comfort her a little.

"There was one time," Chaeyeon explained. "Where I dreamt about him. He also choked me, but I woke up before I died. He was so… mocking to me, taunting me constantly about my sisters, about what I apparently had to do." Chaeyeon turned to look at Yena. "This time, though… He was… inhuman… like a wounded beast. I have never seen anything scarier than this. The pain was… it wasn't at all like the pain of that dream. Death had probably seemed like a relief then."

Yena's expression dropped. "Don't say that."

Chaeyeon froze for a moment. "I'm sorry. Just… it was too much pain." She patted Yena's legs.

Yena sighed. "I get it. Did that thing say anything?"

Chaeyeon shook her head. "No, and that's even more terrifying. What did I do wrong? What am I supposed to do now? Am I stuck in this time forever?" Her breath hitched at the last thought. "Am I going to abandon my sisters?"

"You won't," Yena reassured, despite his own sadness at Chaeyeon's impending departure. "We can look for a way out. We still have the papers, don't we?"

Chaeyeon's eyes widened. "We do." She bit her lip, conflicted, but then stood up.

"Woah, woah. Don't try to stand up so soon."

"I can do it. Don't worry." Chaeyeon shrugged Yena's help off, nevermind that her body still felt sore and her neck hurt like hell. She entered her chamber again, Yena following her steps.

"It's supposed to be here." She opened a drawer, sighing when she saw the papers. She opened them, perusing them, but nothing had changed, the same words were still written on them.

"Something changed?"

Chaeyeon shook her head, to then close the writings, keeping them inside her clothes.

"Then, what are we going to do?"

She sighed. "I don't know." There was unspoken fear still lingering in her mind.

"Do you want to go to my room? We can think of a plan there."

Chaeyeon nodded, and with that, they started walking. However, after a few steps, Chaeyeon stopped.

"What's wrong?" Yena asked worriedly.

"I need to hide my neck," Chaeyeon said, her hands subconsciously going to her neck. She hissed in pain, cursing at herself for doing something so foolish.

Yena, quickly understanding what it was about, sighed, a bit of tiredness apparent again. "Fine, let me get you something to cover your neck."

"Let's go together," Chaeyeon said, not trusting that the monster wouldn't get to Yena if he came alone.

"Alright."

They opened the door, and Chaeyeon crossed throught it hurriedly. She opened a different drawer, but there was nothing. She huffed, but continued her search regardless. After opened a few empty drawers, she finally found something to wear, even if that something was garments that server as underwear.

"This can't be the only thing stored here," she murmured as she opened more drawers. However, when she found no other fabrics, she sighed, messing her hair slightly. "Yena, would I be able to walk without being seen?"

"No," he said honestly. "You neck is red, very, very red, and the burn is so… Don't you want to go to the doctor?"

Chaeyeon shook her head. "I don't want anyone to know about this. How would I explain this to anyone?"

"The Princess would understand."

Chaeyeon looked down, feeling another wave of guilt. "She can't know." How would she react if she knew? Chaeyeon didn't want to know. "Regardless, this shouldn't be very serious."

"It is serious," Yena refuted Chaeyeon. "You play it down because you haven't seen it. I do, and I don't think you'll be able to go on without any treatment."

"You didn't notice the burn initially."

"How would I? You looked so scared and out of yourself my first thought was to help you sit down."

Chaeyeon didn't like that Yena was right. However, she didn't really want anyone to know.

"Look, I can ask the doctor for some ointment for your arms and we can apply it on your burns."

Chaeyeon resisted to the idea for a moment, but, finally, agreed to it. "Alright." It was the best compromise she could have right now. Even when she still worried the Princess would worry if she sent Yena for too much ointment. "Should I wear this, then? It will look wrong."

Yena took off one of his outer garment. "Put this on." When Chaeyeon opened to argue, he added, "They think I'm your brother, so this doesn't matter."

Chaeyeon wished to continue fighting, but Yena was right. What other choice did she have? Wear underwear on her neck? Proudly show everyone her burnt neck?

"Thanks," Chaeyeon said, grabbing the garment, putting the upper hem over her head, effectively obscuring her face and neck from others. "Let's go."

Although there was no conversation on the way to Yena's chamber, it was apparent it wasn't due to arkwardness, but rather, Chaeyeon's absentmindedness, and Yena's skittishness. He had never seen Chaeyeon in so much fear, so he couldn't help but look over her every few seconds, just to make sure she was doing alright.

Chaeyeon could perceive weirded out stares from the maids that roamed the estate, but she tried her best to console herself, knowing the alternative wasn't any better.

When they arrived at Yena's chamber, Chaeyeon quickly took off Yena's garment, offering it back to him. Yena grabbed the garment, throwing it on the bed. It took them a moment for them to sit down atop the bed (and the garment) before they started discussing their plans.

"What do you want to do?" Yena asked, leaning her back on the wall.

Chaeyeon bit her lip. "I was thinking it's time to go."

Yena's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

"There is no other way," Chaeyeon answered. "I don't know if that creature is going to try to kill me again, much less let me go back to my time."

"But, what about your arms? Your neck?"

Chaeyeon scratched her head. "Maybe… we can ask the medic for a lot of ointment, and we store it away."

"You said you didn't want other people to notice something's wrong," Yena pointed out.

Chaeyeon huffed. "Then… maybe…" She felt wrong about suggesting it, but she continued, "we can… steal it?"

Yena faked a gasp. "Lee Chaeyeon? Proposing to steal?"

"I know. I know. I'm just-"

"No, no, don't recant what you said. Leave it to me." Yena puffed his chest, his voice lighter than moments before. "I'll get some right away."

Chaeyeon nodded, feeling guilty at the idea of inciting Yena to rob. However, her guilt increased when she heard Yena ask, "What about the Princess?"

"She can't come," Chaeyeon answered grimly.

"Why?" Yena asked again, his surprised upgrading to shock. "I mean - I agree, but you didn't want to leave her behind. Moreover, she is stubborn as hell."

Why? Because they had caused each other problems long enough? Because she was afraid Sakura would end up in the line of fire of this creature?

Or because she was afraid of what was happening with the Princess?

The image of the Princess' eyes filled with affection made her balk.

"She is a Princess," she said, her words an answer to herself more than to Yena. "She should stay here. What type of good things could come out of a Princess, who was already targeted, leaving the place that protects her?" She turned her head sideways, almost as if she couldn't palate what she was saying. "If there's an overlap in my mission and the politics of her family, then we can come back to talk… Until then…"

"Are you going to talk to her? Like, right after you two fought?"

"I am not going to tell her."

"No?" Yena looked at Chaeyeon for a moment. "Do you really want to leave without telling her anything?"

"You already know how she is," Chaeyeon explained. "You said it yourself. She wouldn't let us leave without her."

"So you're not going to even warn her?" Yena arched an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, but, isn't that mean to the Princess? She cares about you a lot."

"Didn't you say that their pain didn't compare to ours?"

"And didn't you say that their pain was still justifiable?" Yena shot back. "I know I went far with what I told that idiot, and it's true that being shunned must be painful… but you already knew that. Why are you going back on your word now?" When Chaeyeon didn't answer, Yena added, "Is it because you don't know how to reject her?"

"No!" Chaeyeon blurted out. She pinched her nose in mortification. "I mean - No, that's not it." She lowered her head slightly. "I think… she can get over it, you know. After all, I am going to leave, and I am never going to see her again."

"And that justifies breaking her heart because…"

Chaeyeon sighed. "What do you want me to do, Yena?"

"Reject her," Yena answered. "Face to face."

"Didn't you say you didn't want me to break her heart?"

"She might get hurt," Yena acquiesced. "But it would be far less painful than you just disappearing without a word. She will 'get over it' easier."

The idea of rejecting Sakura made her stomach drop, dread filling her body. "I… I don't want to hurt her."

"You don't want to hurt her? Or do you want to hurt her without you having to see it?"

"Why are you being so stubborn?"

"Because you are not like this. Even if it exasperates me now, you've always put the Princess' well-being before yours, and I cannot imagine you not doing that now."

Chaeyeon sighed. Yena was right. If she truly wanted to help the Princess in some way, she had to let Sakura's hope die, she had to kill her own confusion. She gripped her clothes tightly. "I will."

Yena, unsatisfied with the answer, nodded, nonetheless.

"That's all I ask."

Oof, I am sorry for taking a long time to update, but I hope you like it! I'll do my best to get the next chapters out as fast as possible!

Here's my curiouscat in case you want to ask questions or just talk!