On the occasion of Jiwoong' sixth birthday, he was being punished, having been discovered that a girl kissed him in his class and another fought with her for kissing the cheek of her crush, while he was busy disciplining the rude boys. The prince was forbidden from seeing friends, from leaving his chambers in the palace, and from riding with appa, who thinks Jiwoong is not at fault, it only happened because her son is as attractive and irresistible as she is. But Taeyeon is not allowed to say as much to him, though Sooyeon has found the two of them going over a book of famous battles together, which also contains the history of the prince's family tree on Taeyeon's side, as warriors. Aunt Soojung arrived for Jiwoong's birthday party with a sumptuous tribute from her family along with a grey and white rear breed Gypsy horse all for Jiwoong. Fortunately, Jiwoong was not allowed to attend her welcoming ceremony, so he had no idea of the gifts brought for him. Sooyeon was able to draw her aunt aside and explain to her that gifts like the ones she brought would quite take the sting out of punishments. Taeyeon said nothing during this conversation, because she knows her wife will not yield, this time Sooyeon's adamant on punishing the prince, and there's nothing she can do or say to stop her. Aunt Soojung's shoulders slumped a little; even under the rich red ceremonial hanbok befitting her status, she had always loved spoiling Jiwoong and Sooyeon had always loved watching her do it but today was different. Today Jiwoong need to learn to stop causing trouble, period. The little prince was happy to see his grand aunt non the less, and she kept a straight face when he asked if she had brought him a gift. "Some books," Aunt Soojung said, and Sooyeon thought Jiwoong will see through her lie, as befitting his heritage and training. But his disappointment clouded his observation skill, and he imitated. "Explain to Aunt Soojung why you weren't allowed to welcome her," Sooyeon said. Jiwoong looked down at his lap. "I was fighting in school and because some girls fought because of me," Jiwoong said. Aunt Soojung pretends to be confused. "Fighting? And why would girls fight because of you?" "One of them kissed my cheek and the other didn't like it, and I fought with the boys because they are bad boys that always bully people" Jiwoong explained. "You shouldn't hit people, Seja. Soojung said gently. She opened her arm and bounced a leg invitingly; Jiwoong willingly climbed into her arms. "Umma mama and appa hit people, many and I also heard you killed a hug wild dog alone and battled a talking serpent with umma mama" Jiwoong pointed out, an argument Sooyeon and Taeyeon have heard too many times to count by now. "We're grown-ups," Aunt Soojung said. "And we choose to fight to protect other people. When you're a grown-up, that's a choice you'll make for yourself. But children aren't supposed to fight. They're supposed to ask grown-ups for help." Though Sooyeon and Taeyeon had both covered this ground already, Jiwoong thought for a minute, and nodded "Okay." Sooyeon almost gape. By some twist of child logic, Jiwoong decided to stop arguing. Sooyeon had never felt so relieved and so useless at the same time. "In that case my handsome king," Aunt Soojung said cheerfully, "Let's go see what I really brought for your birthday." "Aunt--" Sooyeon began, but it was too late. Aunt Soojung had already hoisted Jiwoong onto her shoulders and carted him away, his giggling floating down the hallway. Sooyeon glanced at Taeyeon now, who returned her consternation with a smirk. She should've known Taeyeon and her aunt would be on the same side always if it means Jiwoong. "It could be worse," Taeyeon said. "Aunt Soojung could have brought him a puppy." Just like that Sooyeon felt better, smiling and then laughing. The relief to her body is palpable as weeks of stress melted away. Jiwoong is only six, and will no doubt be causing far worse trouble in the years to come, for reasons half as well-defined. Taeyeon beamed at her in her inimitable way, something sly turning the glint in her eyes from simple joy to mischief. She had laugh lines there now, and Sooyeon suddenly felt as though she could not possibly be happier. The day seemed brighter, the sounds of the castle more lively. Sooyeon held out her hand and Taeyeon took it. "I guess you're going riding with Jiwoong today," she said. "Is there a saddle he can use?" "I already had one made," Taeyeon said. Sooyeon did gape now, eyes widening in accusation. "You knew," she began. "You knew Aunt was going to bring him that Gypsy horse." Taeyeon offered a cocky smile, daring Sooyeon to do something about it. The Empress only smiled for they are too old for games, and the dignity of their positions precluded foolishness. But it is a lovely spring day and the scent of fresh flowers, hay and baking cakes was wafting through an open window, carried by a warm country breeze that has set all the flags in the city to snapping. "I'm going to change," Sooyeon said. "I'll meet you in the stables. Have them saddle my horse." "I'll take care of it," Taeyeon said her tone implying much beyond the simple task of readying a horse. She leaned close to Sooyeon, the way she does when she wants to murmur something inappropriate. "Wear that riding attire I like, the white one." She said and spanked the Empress's bum a little before strutting away, giving Sooyeon a good show. Sooyeon knew that later, she may regret giving in and ending Jiwoong's punishment early. For now, watching Taeyeon leave with her hips swinging... is entirely worth it. ~~~ It is not long after Jiwoong's birthday, that Sooyeon began to realize that the little prince is growing up--he is far closer to being a man than a child, and soon he will be a man when that happens he wouldn't be needing his parents anymore, he would be set to be king and would have little time for his family. With that realization, Sooyeon decided they will need to have more children. She did not voice her concern until weeks later, as she and Taeyeon settled in bed. Taeyeon was only in an oversized shirt Sooyeon had knitted for her, while she was only in her undergarments, resting her head against Taeyeon's shoulder, not quite asleep but not fully awake. And she was nervous. She has been for weeks, ever since she first caught Jiwoong helping his now best friend Jimin in the orphanage nursery when they went for a visit and donation, he was gallantly fetching toys and telling stories for the younger children, and saw those younger children as his own siblings. Sooyeon wanted to put this conversation off, very much. But this is the first time that Jiwoong had gone to bed without a fuss in nearly a fortnight, and Sooyeon is more than aware of how little time they have together, these days. She took a deep breath, to settle her own nerves, then whispered, "Taeyeon." Taeyeon hummed from her side of the bed, rolling over to face her wife. "Can we talk?" Taeyeon sat, and the concern on her face made Sooyeon feel nervous all over again. "What is it?" "I--you noticed that Jiwoong is growing up into a man, right?" "I do, he's growing up really well." Taeyeon said, her hand finding Sooyeon's, a comfort that allowed her to keep speaking. She kept her gaze on their joined hands as she continued. "I was thinking maybe we could..." She paused again and looked away nervously. "Sooye