Chapter 11

 

It was already late at night

The pale crescent moon shone like a silvery claw in the night sky

 

The whole Hanyang is quiet as everyone is already sleeping.

But one of the walls around the palace, there was a group of people struggling to cross their one drunk companion behind the wall where people inside the palace usually ditch out

 

"Can't they just go out and help us here?" Seungwan complaint as she watch Heechul struggling on crossing the unconsciously drunk Seulgi at the wall

"Why? Do you want His Majesty to know about this? Of course, the main gate guards will report this to Officer Kim and then to His Majesty" Yongsun said, she is also losing her patience as they've been there for almost an hour

 

They're scared that some of the royal guards would pass by and caught them

 

"I got His Highness's hand!" They heard Eunuch Shin exclaim on the other side of the wall

 

Heechul grunts for the last time as he let go of Seulgi. He was about to sigh in relief when they heard a loud thud on the other side

 

As soon as Eunuch Shin pulled Seulgi along with Court Lady Choi and other servants, he lost his balance and fell to the ground with Seulgi on his top

 

But unfortunately, Seulgi bounced on the side and that's when she ended up on the concrete ground

 

"Oh my goodness! Your Royal Highness!" Court Lady Choi and other servants went into a panic but Seulgi seems still unconscious

 

Then, they saw fresh scratches on Seulgi's face and a scrape on her arm that made them panic more

 

Other mere eunuchs immediately lifted Seulgi as Court Lady Choi told them, "Don't let anyone catch you and send him immediately on his quarter. Understand?"

 

They rushed to leave but discreet

 

"What happened there?!" They heard Heechul ask on the other side

 

"I'll tell you about it later. Please take the Princesses inside" she answered

 

Court Lady Choi glance down at Eunuch Shin still lying on the ground and seems daydreaming

 

She throws a hand on his arm, "What are you doing?"

 

"I think I broke my back" Eunuch Shin mumbled then he snapped out when he looked around, "Where is His Highness?" His eyes widened in terror

 

"He's already inside. Princess Seungwan and Princess Yongsun are there, stand up" Court Lady Choi told him and help him stand up

 

 

Eunuch Shin dropped the basin to the ground in panic beside Court Lady Choi when she saw that she is comforting their Crown Prince

 

Seulgi has been bawling her eyes out since she regained her consciousness

 

"Why?" He mouthed

 

Seulgi looked at him as she sniffed hard, "Is love really painful, Eunuch Shin?" She asked. Her voice is already raspy and strained

 

The Eunuch just stood there in gape. Court Lady Choi motioned him to answer Seulgi's question

 

"Oh" Eunuch Shin cleared his throat, "Y-yes, Your Highness. But the pain you feel right now is also a blessing," he said. He doesn't even know where he got his answer but he has to say something

 

Seulgi let out a short embittered laugh, "Am I disgusting?"

 

Her question made them stunned in surprise.

 

Would they ever look at Seulgi in disgust? Wherefore, they spent their lives taking care of Seulgi since she was born and raised as a man. They love her like she is their own child

 

They sacrificed a lot just to stay by her side, protect and serve her.

 

"No. We don't and will never be, Your Highness" they both bow their heads at her

 

"At first.. I was very scared for what I feel for her, I really do" Seulgi sighed, she paused to wipe her nose on her sleeve. "Because what if she got to know that I am a woman who fall in love with her"

 

Eunuch Shin and Court Lady Choi just listened to her and didn't utter any words

 

"But then, she has feelings for someone else, and what makes me happy because it's a woman" She flashed a small smile and looked at Court Lady Choi "Should I be really happy? That she fell to a woman just like me. Or I should not because she loves someone close to me?"

 

Court Lady Choi exhaled a long breath as she looks away. She couldn't take seeing the pain and despair on Seulgi's eyes

 

No one dare to speak after Seulgi said that. Until Seulgi started to feel that the tears filled her eyes again every time she recalls what happened

 

It's Seungwan.. Her sister was the reason for Joohyun's pain.

 

She remembered how Joohyun looks at Seungwan every time they are together. Why Joohyun couldn't just choose her instead?

 

And yet, she knew she would never have Joohyun.

 

She is married, the Crown Prince, and soon will be the King in disguise of the country

 

Every time she thinks of Joohyun, the pain keeps growing. She couldn't ignore and bear it anymore. She felt tormented and her heart id aching

 

With her raspy voice, she told them, "Tell me why does it hurt? Because I don't know. I don't understand everything. I-i really don't"

 

That's when Seulgi burst into tears again. She even hug and curled herself down to her bed and bawl out

 

"I-i shouldn't have fallen in love with her. I should have not felt this!" Seulgi was choking on her tears

 

"Go get her water to drink" Court Lady Choi told Eunuch Shin who immediately rush to the door but someone just entered without any notice

 

And it was Soojung

 

Her face was with her usual nonchalant look. She was looking straight at bawling Seulgi

 

Eunuch Shin and Court Lady Choi just looked at each other, both confused as they couldn't understand if the Crown Princess is somehow mad

 

"Empty her quarters right now" Soojung said, her voice was in a low voice and it was almost inaudible

 

 

 

 

On the next morning, Court Lady Choi and Eunuch Shin went to Seulgi's quarter

 

"Prepare for her morning bath and meal, I will wake her up soon" Soojung commands at them

 

She stayed all night at Seulgi's chamber after she received news from Seungwan that Seulgi went back drunk and that she has scratches and scrapes as she fell on the concrete ground

 

She is also the one who treated Seulgi's wounds, cleaned her up, and changed her robe

 

She never leave and stayed on Seulgi's side until she calmed down and fall asleep

 

"Yes, Your Highness. I will also inform you that it'll be not me who will serve His Royal Highness's breakfast" Court Lady Choi said

 

Her statement made Soojung frown, "Who?"

 

"It's His Royal Highness's personal request to her. A trainee court lady from the royal kitchen, Shin Ryujin"

 

"Shin Ryujin?" Soojung muttered, "Okay, you may now leave" she said

 

Two of them bowed their heads and leave the chamber

 

"Isn't that girl is my sister's adopted daughter? Why is she here?"

 

She snapped out of her thoughts when she felt Seulgi irks her body and let out a soft moan

 

"Seulgi?" Soojung held her hand and caress it

 

The Crown Prince slowly opened her eyes as she felt someone's holding her hand and a soft voice calling her name

 

As she fully opened her eyes, a face of Soojung with worries greeted her

 

"Soojung?" She mumbled weakly

 

"Yes, it's me. Are you feeling dizzy?" Soojung asked worriedly

 

Seulgi got up slowly but she suddenly felt a pang on her face and body

 

"Court Lady Choi told me that you hurt yourself last night. I thought you fought with someone" Soojung said as she gave Seulgi a small round mirror to see her face with a cloth bandage

 

"What happened? His Majesty knows?" Seulgi asked and panic can be seen in her eyes. She knew she might be grounded if her father knew

 

 

Joohyun was cleaning her room when Minjeong came

 

"You called for me, Eonni?" Minjeong asked with a wide grin on her face, she has a fiber duster on her hand

 

"Are you busy for the whole day?" Joohyun asked back as she put the vase down back to her bookshelves

 

Minjeong shook her head, "I am planning to send a letter to Ryunjin later at the Palace gate so she could receive it tomorrow. Why, Eonni? Is there something you want me to do?"

 

Joohyun smiled at the younger one and went towards her, "Can you help me find something at the market herbs? I will give it to Mother later after we send your letter, are you okay with it?"

 

Without hesitation, Minjeong nodded her head vigorously, "Only the two of us, Eonni?"

 

"Yes, I am with you and Sooyoung would love it" Joohyun chuckled softly

 

"No, I'm not!" Sooyoung's head suddenly poke out at the door

 

It surprised both Joohyun and Minjeong but they laugh after a while

 

"Let me go with both of you" Sooyoung said as she fully entered the room

 

Joohyun shook her head, "No, you stay here. They will all come if you're with me"

 

"But-"

 

"No. I'll just buy you rice cakes with fillings later" Joohyun sternly said

 

Sooyoung pouted her lips and slowly nodded her head. She just doesn't want to stay inside the whole house for the whole day

 

 

 

 

Soojung is waiting for Seulgi inside the Crown Prince's chamber while the latter is taking a bath

 

She just finished fixing Seulgi's bedchamber without the Crown Prince's any servants

 

"Crown Princess, His Royal Highness meals are ready" A eunuch announced outside

 

"Get in" Soojung said

 

The door opened and two young ladies came in with tray table in their hand

 

Soojung eyed one of the servants preparing the meal servings for Seulgi

 

"The Crown Prince is still on his bath. You, who served the beverages, you may now leave" Soojung commands.

 

The other servant left and it's only Ryujin and Soojung inside

 

The younger one is facing the ground like she always does to show her respect

 

"Are you not afraid that you might unable to leave the palace anymore?" Soojung suddenly uttered

 

Of course, Ryujin knows her. It's her Foster Mother's sister

 

"As long as I am serving His Royal Highness, I am not afraid, Your Highness" Ryujin answers politely

 

"Always be careful, Ryujin. Serving Him is not easy. It may affect the people around you and I am not able to protect you"

 

That's when Ryujin lifted her chin to meet Soojung's gaze

 

"That is why Minjeong couldn't live a life she deserves, her own family is disgusted on her and to Mother" her jaw clenched, "And I will stay as a loyal subject of His Royal Highness because he made a promise to us"

 

A half-smile curved into Soojung's face and decided not to utter words anymore

 

She is scared that things might happen again to her sister

 

Then, the back door at Seulgi's chamber opened

 

Her hair is wet and disheveled appearance as well as her robe. Her brows are drawn together and she seems frustrated

 

Ryujin immediately bows her head and eyes on tt the ground

 

"Why do you look like that?" Soojung brows knitted as she glanced at her head to toe

 

"A court lady accidentally threw some of the cosmetics at my robe and it stained!" Seulgi huffed in frustration and slumped herself down at her seat

 

"What are you planning to do with that Lady, then?" Soojung softly asked and took a towel

 

She sat beside Seulgi and start drying her hair

 

Soojung wanted to ask her about what she heard and what happened last night but she decided not to. Seulgi probably couldn't remember it

 

Seulgi then answered as her gaze is on Ryujin, "I told Court Lady Choi to take care of it. Eunuch Shin is taking my old robe from the Head Royal Tailor" she said

 

"You have your servant here right now yet you look like this" Soojung told her and leaned on her ear, "Your feminine side shows"

 

Her statement made Seulgi chuckle, "She is my friend. You don't have to worry"

 

"She knows?" Soojung mouthed but Seulgi just shook her head

 

She turn her head back to Ryujin and called her, "I'm hungry, can you give me my food now?"

 

Ryujin bows her head and abruptly bring the tray table in front of Seulgi

 

She opened all the bowls that contains Seulgi's food and took the spare spoon for her to taste the food in front of the Crown Prince

 

Seulgi and Soojung just watched her

 

"When was the last time you went to your sister?" Seulgi whispered at Soojung

 

"Before the selection ceremony. It's hard now that I am a Crown Princess" Soojung answered and Seulgi just nodded her head

 

Ryujin put down her spoon as she tasted Crown Prince's meal, "You may partake your meal now, Your Royal Highness"

 

Seulgi gave her a wide grin before she took her spoon but then Soojung stopped her

 

"Let me feed you" Soojung said and scoop a spoonful of soup

 

It wasn't surprising for Seulgi anymore. Soojung always take care of her and she is glad for that

 

While Soojung is feeding her, Court Lady Choi came with a new robe on her grip

 

Her eyes went round in surprise when she saw Ryujin is in front of them while Seulgi is with her hair down and she looks feminine

 

But Seulgi eyed her it's alright and give her robe already

 

Soojung helped her tie the inner robe and wear the outer one when the door opens without any notice

 

It surprised them that it was the furious King. His brows are knitted and he's breathing rapidly

 

Ryujin along with Soojung and Court Lady Choi bow their heads at him

 

"Your Majesty"

 

While Seulgi was too stunned to move. Her Father seems mad with the way he looks at her without uttering any words

 

"Empty his quarters right now, Court Lady Choi" King Dongwon ordered, "And Crown Princess, stay here"

 

Court Lady Choi promptly pull Ryujin and left the room to tell everyone to leave the whole quarter

 

Seulgi rushed to tie her outer robe and look neat in front of the King but it was too late when her Father spoke

 

"The first thing I heard when I woke up was you left the palace late last night with your sister and cousin. And that doesn't bother me because you have Kim Heechul by your side" The King started

 

Seulgi knew where her father's scolding her will go

 

"Look at you right now, you look like a mess! You are the Crown Prince for goodness sake, Kang Seulgi" he points a finger at her, his eyes were fuming in rage

 

"You were drunk last night and what more? Your face and your body have bandages!" He exclaimed

 

It made Seulgi flinch as it was the first time her father exclaimed to her like that, "F-father. I know I did something wrong again but why are you so mad-"

 

The King cut her words, "What makes me mad right now is you are getting reckless every day! Look what I found when I came here!" He spat

 

"You let that mere court lady see you with that appearance. Tell me if it is the right thing to do, Seulgi?" The King let out a frustrated sigh, "How come you are so reckless for trusting everyone around you?!"

 

Seulgi didn't say anything. Her Father is right, she is being reckless

 

And thankfully that Soojung was there to calm her down by caressing her hand

 

King Dongwon looked at her, "Come to my quarter after your morning meal, we have something to talk about with your Mother Queen" he sternly said before he left

 

"I don't know why he is reacting like that" She mumbled

 

 

 

 

"Eonni, what does it look like inside the palace? Ryujin told me it's boring" Minjeong said while her eyes are on the palace in distant

 

Joohyun let out a sigh, "Maybe? It's all servants roaming inside. It's too quiet as well, the silence is making me deaf" she chuckled at her own words as well as Minjeong

 

They are walking towards the Palace guards to give the letter Minjeong wrote for Ryujin

 

As they reach the palace guards, all of them bow their heads at Joohyun to show respect

 

"I am going to send a letter for the court lady at Crown Prince's palace" Minjeong told one of the guards as she shows the letter wrapped in cloth, "Her name is Shin Ryujin, she's assigned at the Royal Kitchen"

 

The guards look at each other before they nodded their heads and the other one ran inside to call the kid

 

"Have you met her, Eonni?" Minjeong asked Joohyun who shook her head

 

"Is she the adopted sister you were talking about?"

 

Minjeong nodded her head vigorously, "She told me that the Crown Prince is so kind and thoughtful. They are friends and His Highness was the one who gave her that long vacation" she told the story adorably to Joohyun and it made the older one smile

 

"Anyway, Eonni. I wonder why you didn't become a Crown Princess when His Royal Highness likes you"

 

Joohyun frowned, "Why are you saying that, Minjeong?"

 

"I told you, Eonni. He is the one who personally sent us to be your servants by asking a favor from my Mother"

 

As Joohyun was about to speak, a voice interrupted them. It was Ryujin calling Minjeong

 

Both of them ran to each other to embrace like they didn't see each other for decades

 

Joohyun suddenly wondered, 'Will I ever meet these two at the present?' she smiles

 

"Ryu, she is the Lady I am serving along with Baek Orabeoni" Minjeong snapped her out

 

Ryujin staring at Joohyun with agape and she's stunned.

 

"Hello, you must be Shin Ryujin?" Joohyun gave her a gentle smile

 

Minjeong look at her sister and noticed that she was just staring at Joohyun. She immediately elbowed her to snap her out

 

"I told you, her beauty is hard to believe when you see it" Minjeong whispered at her but was enough for Joohyun to hear it and let out a soft chuckle

 

"I-i'm sorry, My Lady. I am Shin Ryujin, it's an honor to greet you" the Latter bow at her

 

"You're adorable as Minjeong," Joohyun said and pat her head

 

'She is the lady at His Royal Highness's portrait. No wonder he likes her’

 

Minjeong suddenly saw Ryujin's face is flush, "For goodness sake, what happened to your face? Are you blushing?"

 

Ryujin's eyes widened, "WHAT? NO!" she shook her head vigorously

 

Joohyun and Minjeong just laughed at her

 

 

 

 

 

 

The herbs vendor is staring at Joohyun weirdly as she asked for the bundles of herbs

 

"Ahjussi, just give her the herbs. It's her gift for a Physician" Minjeong said to the vendor with a smile on her face

 

His eyes flickered before he went inside his stock room to take what Joohyun need

 

"He is confused, Eonni. You're a noble lady buying some herbs at him? That is weird for every herb vendor here" Minjeong whispered at Joohyun and gave her a half-shrugged

 

Joohyun's brows furrowed, "At least he'll give me what I need now"

 

"If I were him, I'll get confused as well"

 

Both Joohyun and Minjeong flinched when someone just spoke beside them

 

It was a good-looking man with a fine silk robe

 

Joohyun looked at him and their eyes met, 'Kim Junmyeon'

 

Minjeong bowed immediately at him as she recognized who it was

 

"You seemed surprised to see me, My Lady" Junmyeon flashed his charming smile at Joohyun, he also wave a hand to Minjeong

 

"I didn't expect you to be here, Your Highness" Joohyun bow her head a little

 

"I supposed this is for your Mother's infirmary?" Junmyeon asked and pick some herbs at the stall

 

Joohyun nodded her head, "I am going to take a visit to Mother that is why"

 

"Well-timed, I was about to go there but then I saw you"

 

Then, the vendor came out with two bags in his grip

 

"Here's your herbs, Milady" He said. Minjeong was about to take the bags when Junmyeon did it first

 

Minjeong looked at him in confusion and to Joohyun, "Are you two close, Eonni?"

 

'On the present, yes'

 

"Not at all. Just acquaintance"

 

"How much it is?" Junmyeon asked the vendor

 

Joohyun's eyes widened, "You don't have to pay for it-"

 

"I am just asking actually" Junmyeon grinned at him made the vendor chuckle but immediately covered his mouth

 

Joohyun was buffering for a few seconds before she huffed and shrugged it off

 

"How much it is, Ahjussi?" She asked the vendor

 

"It's worth 10 yang, Milady"

 

Joohyun looked at Minjeong to give the money to him since the younger one insist to bring Joohyun's things

 

"If you're making a move to my eonni, you should pay for it" Minjeong said bluntly as she gave the coins to the vendor

 

Both Junmyeon and Joohyun are surprised at what she had said

 

Joohyun immediately pulls Minjeong to her and caress her hair, "Hey, apologize to him. Don't say that again, Minjeong"

 

Junmyeon was staring at Minjeong with his bulge eye before he scoff in disbelief

 

"How did you even get close to this kid, Kang" He mumbled to himself

 

"I am just telling the truth. He looks at you the way Donghee Orabeoni does the night they took a visit to your place" Minjeong said. That's when Joohyun covered

 

"Apologize right now, Minjeong-ah. He is a prince!" She whispered at the younger one

 

 

Junmyeon smiles as she watched Joohyun take care of Minjeong and help her for serving the tea to them

 

Joohyun was smiling beautifully and that's when Junmyeon realized why Seulgi always talk about how beautiful she is especially when she smiled

 

"No wonder why she fell for you" he thought

 

Then, Joohyun looked at him and their eyes met

 

Junmyeon felt what he should not in the first place. He felt this before when he first met Joohyun inside the palace

 

He never thought of it up until now

 

But a smiling Seulgi talking about Joohyun with him flashes on his thoughts

 

He immediately takes his eyes off Joohyun and shoves off everything that he felt inside of him

 

 

 

"I apologized for her behavior. She is just a straightforward kid" Joohyun told Junmyeon as they're both watching Minjeong walking ahead of them

 

Junmyeon smiled, "It's alright. Kids are always like that"

 

And Joohyun laugh at his remarks

 

Minjeong turned around and saw both of them are laughing.

 

Her lips twitches up as she eyed Junmyeon from head to toe

 

"Yeah, you look good because you are a prince. But my donghee orabeoni is better and I like him for Joohyun Eonni" she mumbled to herself and whirled around to continue her pace

 

She huffed, "Why Orabeoni is not making a move anymore? Tsk. You two look good together, you know!" She grunts at herself and cluelessly stomps her foot on the ground with every step she makes

 

 

 

 

Seulgi is walking inside the King's quarter's hallway with her servants following her behind

 

She turned left and saw her father's servants outside with their heads facing the ground

 

A eunuch was about to announce when Seulgi stood in front of the chamber's door but she raised a palm to stop him

 

Seulgi stayed there without moving and focus on eavesdropping inside

 

She remembered what Soojung told her earlier before she left the Crown Prince's palace

 

'This is only based on Father's story. But I want you to be careful when the Queen is around, Seul'

'The Queen? Why?'

'Because she sides with Uncle Yunho'

'With him? I always hate your Uncle, Soojung'

'I know. So, please be careful when you are around both of them. As well as to Bogum'

'And why is my brother included?'

 

Seulgi eyed the doorknob when she hears something from the Queen,

"I told you about this already, Your Majesty. Your son has a deep affection for Councilor Bae's daughter. Look what happened! He went back drunk because he came there for a party. Is that a Crown Prince's doing?"

"My Queen-"

"It's their first night together as husband and wife but look what he did"

"I know, I know. That is why I asked for his presence here"

"That Bae Joohyun is a bad influence to our Crown Prince, Your Majesty. It’s her father's responsibility, Councilor Bae should step down from his title if he couldn't discipline his daughter!"

"No. It's the Crown Prince is the one to blame"

 

"If in that matter, you can just marry Lady Joohyun to someone, Your Majesty. So that my brother stop seeing her"

 

Seulgi's eyes lit up when she heard that familiar voice. It was Bogum

"Why is he inside?" She mumbled

 

"He is married, Father. He should produce an heir instead of playing around"

"With whom she should marry, then? I don't think Councilor Bae would-"

 

"To me"

 

Seulgi suddenly felt giddy in dismayed when she heard what Bogum have just said. Something is growing inside of her towards her brother and she doesn't know what it js

 

She was about to open the door when she heard her father agreed

 

'No. This can't be. I can't let her to Bogum, not him. S-she's mine'

 

Seulgi turned her back at the door, "Don't let His Majesty know that I came. Neither the Queen nor Prince Yeongchang(Bogum). Do any of you understand?" She irked her brows at the King's servants

 

Her tone gives chills to all the servants. They barely hear the Crown Prince speak like that and it scared them

 

They are always used of her bright and bubbly personality

 

"Yes, Your Highness" the Eunuch said in a low voice as he bow his head, followed by the other servants

 

They stepped aside to give way to Seulgi

 

Eunuch Shin and Court Lady Choi looked at each other as they're following Seulgi's pace

 

They shrugged their shoulders off. They knew that Seulgi is mad

 

"Your Royal Highness-"

 

Seulgi turned around and faced them

 

Her eyes were burned in anger. They saw how Seulgi's jaw clenched

 

Eunuch Shin and Court Lady Choi knew

 

"Where's Heechul?" She asked, and she looks hostile.

 

"We don't know-"

 

"Tell him we're leaving today. I'll meet him at aeryeonji pond near Seungwan's palace" she sternly said and walks away

 

"She seems so mad for what she heard about Lady Joohyun" Court Lady Choi mumbled

 

Eunuch Shin then slightly elbows the older woman, "I told you, she has fallen to her which is not good"

 

"Last night says it all"

 

 

 

 

 

"Your Highness. Are you not afraid for not showing up to His Majesty?" Heechul asked as he hop on his horse

 

"He is going to forbid me for leaving my quarters anyway. So, why don't leave now?" Seulgi looked at him and flashed a mischievous smirk before she kick her horse and ran off

 

Heechul just let out a sigh and followed her pace

 

He didn't utter some words and kept following where Seulgi go

 

Then, he noticed that they were going to the infirmary where Joohyun's mother live

 

Seulgi pulled the horse's bridle to halt as well as Heechul

 

"You said that Councilor Bae didn't enter the palace right now, right?" Seulgi asked him when she hop off her horse

 

"Yes, Your Highness. He must be here with his wife"

 

Seulgi nodded her head, "Stay here"

 

She went inside and passed on infirmary patients waiting outside

 

Everyone is looking at her but she shrugged it off and continue her pace to go where is the physician's room

 

As she was about to step up, the door opened and Junmyeon with Joohyun's presence greet her

 

Both of them were surprised at each other's presence

 

Then, Minjeong came out

 

"Orabeoni!" Minjeong exclaimed and abruptly wore her sandals before she ran to hug Seulgi

 

Seulgi was too stunned to hug her back. 'Why she's with Junmyeon?' she looks at both of them

 

"Orabeoni, bow your head. He is a prince, don't you know?" Minjeong poke her waist snapped her out

 

"H-huh?"

 

"Hey, what makes you come here?" Joohyun asked then she noticed the scratches on Seulgi's face. It's sti