"Taffy?"

Seung-wan turned around when someone just spoke behind her

It was Sooyoung, greeting her with a wide grin on her face, offering her a taffy

She smiled back and look at her right-hand lady who immediately got the message. It means, she has to give the two a privacy

Minho was behind Sooyoung, he greeted Seungwan with a bow before he left to give them privacy as well

"Is that how you going to greet the Princess, Young Lady?" Seung-wan playfully raised her brows at Sooyoung

Sooyoung chuckled softly and take a seat beside her to face the view

They are near the shallow part of the river, as the sun is slowly setting down

"Do you know now what the Crown Prince feels every time she visits Joohyun Eonni?" Sooyoung asked and turn her gaze at Seung-wan

Seung-wan snickers, "Maybe Lady Bae has been too comfortable with my sister"

"She is" Sooyoung tensed her shoulder, "So, neither do I"

"You are comfortable having me around too?"

Sooyoung nodded her head, "I might be too awkward at first because you are a princess and I am not even in the first class, so, I can't help it" she inhaled

"But having you around almost every day changed it"

Seung-wan smiled as she tilt her head to take more view of Sooyoung who is looking at her

"So, would it be okay to you if I give you permission to call me Seungwan instead of addressing me formally?"

Sooyoung's eyes widened and shook her head immediately, "O-of course, I can't! You are still a Princess. Not just a princess but His Majesty's daughter" she defended

Seung-wan can't help but laugh at her reaction, it was too adorable for her

"Alright, I will just wait until you are okay with it"

Sooyoung shook her head again, "I am not going to do that. Just take this taffy"

She unwrapped the taffy and gave it to the Princess

"It's better than anything else" Sooyoung said

Seung-wan smiled and put it inside

They both went into a comfortable silence, just both of them devouring the taste of the salty and sweet taffy inside their mouth

"I have a question for you, Sooyoung"

"Yes, Princess?"

"Do you think loving someone is a sin?"

Her question caught Sooyoung off guard as she turn a look at her, "And when did it happen that love became a sin?"

Seung-wan chuckled, didn't dare to look back at Sooyoung, "I don't know. Maybe from people's point of view?"

"Why? Why do you ask me like that, Princess?"

"I'm just afraid that someone I love would see my love for her as a sin"

"No, why would she- wait" Sooyoung paused as her lips parted, "Her? A-a woman?"

This time, Seungwan turn her gaze to Sooyoung

But that wasn't just a simple gaze. There was something in it

Sooyoung is not stupid for that, not realizing what's with the deep gaze that the Princess was giving her

"P-princess" her eyes flickered as the smile on her face faded

Seung-wan let out a sigh as she looks away, not wanting to see the disappointment in Sooyoung's eyes

"I am sorry. It is just, I don't know. I just felt this suddenly when the first time I saw you at the night market. I just thought I just want to be friends with you but I was wrong-"

Sooyoung chuckled bitterly, "No. This is wrong, Your Highness. We are both women, and.. and besides, you are a princess and I am not someone you can rely on-"

"Then, how about the Crown Prince and your Lady Bae? Why do you care for them? Why is it seems like you are okay with their relationship when you know that the Crown Prince is a woman?" Seung-wan looks at her, her brows are lightly knitted

"It's different" Sooyoung clenched her jaw

"I see no difference, Sooyoung. We are just in love, so let me love you. I am letting you know it-"

"I'm sorry, Your Highness" Sooyoung got up and bid her a bow, before Seungwan could stand up, she started her pace to go

"Sooyoung" Seungwan called her, "Please! Hear me out"

Sooyoung shut her eyes and turned around to face her, "You are a princess! A King's daughter and I are just a commoner who was born into a low family. And you know that if it weren't for Councilor Bae, I am nothing! I am just nothing, Your Highness!"

"You are not!" Seung-wan exclaimed at her, she was breathing heavily

It took seconds before Sooyoung sighed and flash a small smile, "You can resent me with all your life, but I can't do this, Your Highness"

"I am sorry"

Then, she turns around and walks away.

Seung-wan didn't dare to stop her

Does anyone want to let go?

No one

Even Seulgi was asking herself like that. This was her first time kissing someone. She let her emotion be in it

She poured her love into it

Until she felt Joohyun slowly parting her lips away to inhale a breath

Seulgi thought they were done. But she haven't taken a breathe yet when Joohyun owned her lips again

That time, Seulgi realized that she couldn't get out when Joohyun's hand crawled up from her bust up to her nape to wrap her arms around it like she doesn't want to let her go

Joohyun's lips are brushing softly against her

The sunset— orange, and red clouds, and the mountains witnessed how they are pouring their love on each other with that slow passionate kiss they were making

Joohyun was feeling it. She loves how she owns Seulgi's soft and plump lips

But she has to let go to catch a breath. She just couldn't stop herself earlier

And just like that, the kiss was over. Both of them pulled off gently, lips parted to breathe, feeling each other's warm breathes

Their foreheads and nose are touching, eyes closed, and hearts are still beating so wild

This was the best feeling ever for Seulgi

Was bringing Joohyun to one of her favorite places worth it?

Yes, more than worth it. Seulgi swore to her life she would never forget this

She's happy. Joohyun didn't push her away when she leaned in and own her lips

Does it mean, Joohyun loves her as well?

Joohyun felt a warm palm on her cheeks, it was Seulgi's hand touching her face

It feels so comfortable

When she opened her eyes, she saw Seulgi staring at every part of her face with a gentle smile

It was all ruined when she saw another glimpse of Seulgi in her body’s memories

This time, it's no different from their position— Seulgi standing in front of her and hands on her face

Seulgi's lips were trembling along with her hand that cupping Joohyun's face

The Crown Prince's face has cuts, bruises, and a busted lip. Dried blood all over her face

Seulgi was crying, shaking her head, begging her not to go

Joohyun's eyes went wide, gasping breath in shock, and push Seulgi away from her

Confusion was all over Seulgi's face

She can see the terror in Joohyun's eyes

"A-are you okay?" Seulgi asked gently as she took a step to go near at her

Joohyun looked at her, she lift her palm to stop her, her hands were shaking

"D-don't come near me. P-please"

Seulgi thought that maybe it was because of the kiss

She suddenly felt the guilt inside of her

"I-i'm sorry, Joohyun. I-i... Y-you can slap me if you want-"

Seulgi couldn't finish her sentence when Joohyun frustratedly palmed her face

"It can't be. This is wrong"

Joohyun turn her terror gaze on Seulgi who has only looked at her in worries

Especially when she felt a tear roll down her cheek

"J-joohyun"

Joohyun clenched her jaw as she wipes her tears away, it keeps coming out in her eyes no matter how she tried to stop it

She couldn't imagine seeing Seulgi that way

Hurt, crying, and begging her

She doesn't want that to happen

And maybe she was transferred back as she was bound to save her

Swallowing her saliva was painful as if there was a lump in , then she looks away

Not saying a word, Joohyun ran away

"Joohyun!" Seulgi's eyes went wide, she saw Heechul was up on the other tree

He jumped off when he got the message that Seulgi was trying to give him through looks

He ran after Joohyun immediately, and Seulgi did as well

Heechul who was trained to be fast immediately blocked Joohyun's way

The latter looked up at him, and he saw that Joohyun was bawling her eyes out

"P-please, I-i can't face her" Joohyun begged, not minding how her voice cracked and almost inaudible

But it was enough for Heechul to understand what she said

He doesn't need to ask or say anything, Joohyun's eyes have the answer already

She is afraid

He bowed his head and give her away

"Why did you let her go?!" Seulgi exclaimed as soon as she reached them, facing Heechul with a frown

He didn't say anything

Seulgi was about to follow her when Heechul stopped her

"Give her some time to think, Your Highness"

Byul-Yi and Yerim turn their gaze at Joohyun's door when Minjeong came out, shaking her head

"But" Yerim paused and look at the gate, saw Baekhyun talking with Seulgi

The curfew is coming and Seulgi is still waiting outside

They told her to come inside but the Crown Prince didn't want to. She told them to inform Joohyun about her presence

"Joohyun Eonni seems crying," Minjeong told Byul-Yi and Yerim

Both of them tried to plead Joohyun to show herself

Since she came back, she didn't talk to anyone else and just went straight to her room. As well Sooyoung

"I don't know what's happening with them. Earlier, it was Sooyoung, now, it's Joohyun Eonni" Byul-Yi mumbled as she sighed

"Minjeong, can you tell him to just come back tomorrow? I think Joohyun Eonni needs time" Yerim told the kid

Minjeong nodded her head and went to Seulgi

The Seulgi she used to know seems to look different tonight, she seems exhausted

"Orabeoni, Joohyun Eonni don't want to see you. Can you just come back tomorrow? I am afraid the patrol guards will arrest you" Minjeong told Seulgi

Seulgi looked at her and shook her head, "I need to talk to her, Minjeong. Please" she pleads

Baekhyun sighed, "I don't know what happened because you won't tell me, but I think it is better if you take a rest first and then come back tomorrow" He said

Seulgi look at him and didn't say anything. She turned her gaze to Joohyun's room's closed window before she let out a defeated sigh

"You may now go. I apologize for what I caused" Seulgi faltered, but she forced to give her friends a smile

She even patted Minjeong's head

"Make sure that there's still plenty of food inside your inventory, okay?"

Minjeong nodded her head, "We will tell you or Chanyeol Orabeoni immediately about it" she grinned

Seulgi smiled and for the last time, she took a glance at Joohyun's room

Lady Kwon entered the King's quarter, and all the King's servants greeted her. And the head Eunuch stood in front of her

"Prince Yeongchang(Bogum) is still inside His Majesty's chamber, Lady Kwon. Do you want me to announce your presence?"

She glance at her husband's door and smiled, "I am just going to wait until the Prince comes out"

The Head Eunuch bowed his head and step aside

Lady Kwon, along with her servants, waited in the hallway

It didn't take long for Bogum to come out of the room. His expression shows frustration and annoyance

He even just give Lady Kwon a once over then rushed to leave

Lady Kwon raised her brows in confusion, something might come up why Bogum is like that

She knew Bogum, but ever since he was born, he was always a sweet boy towards her even though she was just a low stepmother of him. He never failed to bow to her and greet her but he just did right now

"Your Majesty, Lady Kwon is here" The Head Eunuch announced her presence

"Let her in"

The door opened and Lady Kwon went inside. It was only her and the King inside the chamber

Lady Kwon greeted him with a bow to show her courtesy before she looks up at him

There is something wrong as the King's frowning and long face show it all, and he keeps on sighing

"Should I just leave or-"

"So-Hyun"

Lady Kwon was stunned when the King suddenly called her by her name, it's been a long time since he did

Their gazes met and Lady Kwon knew what she should do. She knows him so well, and everything about him

She walked towards him and halted when she was just a step away from his chamber

"May I?"

King Dongwon nodded his head

And as soon as Lady Kwon take a seat beside him, he immediately leaned his head on his concubine's shoulder

It feels so great like they were back in their old times when they are foolishly in love with each other like their status in life doesn't matter in this world

"He is asking you again about marrying Lady Bae, am I right?" Lady Kwon asked softly as she took the King's hand, caressing it softly

King Dongwon nodded his head, "I told him to stop asking me for his marriage because of the situation right now that the Japanese are coming"

She hummed, "What makes you change your mind?"

The King looks up at her to meet her gaze, "You and our Seulgi" he mumbled softly as he smiled, a genuine one

He glances down at the hand that Lady Kwon is holding. Then, he plants a soft kiss on his concubine's hand

"When you told me that marrying Bae Joohyun to Bogum is an absurd and imbecile reason to part her from Seulgi, it made me think" he said

"The Crown Princess, Soojung, once told me that Joohyun makes Seulgi happy, our child found happiness in her, yet I didn't believe her until I saw it in my two eyes yesterday"

Lady Kwon frowned, "Yesterday?"

King Dongwon nodded as he chuckled softly, "I discreetly followed our child yesterday. Guess where she brought that Bae Joohyun?"

"Where?"

"To the place where we used to spend sunset with Councilor Bae and Taehee. Good old times when we were still young"

Lady Kwon giggled. What she feels right now is more than happy for spending time like this with the one she loves, they should have always done this always before

For the past weeks, all they do is talk and interact by following the royal etiquette, and there was a time that they fought and yelled at each other as Lady Kwon was so furious when she heard how the King treats Seulgi nowadays

—How he became more rigid when he found out that Seulgi is in love with a woman like her.

And of course, she won't tell Seulgi about it

"Then, what did you see?" she asked him

"I see those stares and smile they have, that neither only two of them can give to each other"

"Officer Kim didn't see you?"

King Dongwon flashed a downward smile, "He did, but he let me as I am his King"

Lady Kwon hissed and told him to continue

"Then, I saw them kissed" he playfully popped his lips as he was just in the mood to talk like this with his concubine

Lady Kwon's eyes widened at what King Dongwon have said, "They kissed?!"

"Why are you shocked? Our child is grown up now, she can kiss whoever she wants. That Joohyun seems to like it though, she shall not hesitate to get the Crown Prince's kiss" King Dongwon shrugged his shoulder as he flashed a cocky smile

That's why he received a smack on his arm from Lady Kwon

"What? I am just telling the truth! And Bae Joohyun is not like this someone who is hesitating to kiss the King of this country" he mocked as he is trying to tease Lady Kwon

Back then, he tried to kiss Lady Kwon where Seulgi and Joohyun had their first kiss. But Lady Kwon told him to wait until they get married

And now, the King's chamber is full of the couple's laughter as they keep on teasing each other

But they halted when the King said something,

"But I don't know why Joohyun left crying after they kissed"

"Did Seulgi says something wrong to her?"

"No" King Dongwon shook his head, "It's their problem now. But you know, I saw myself on Seulgi"

"Because?"

"When Joohyun ran away, Seulgi was staring at her. She was afraid to lose that woman" He smiled

"I saw what we were before to both of them. The difference is just that they are both women"

"But if that Bae Joohyun is the reason to see how happy my Seulgi is, then, I'll let them do whatever they want"

Lady Kwon smiled at his statement. Finally, this is what she was waiting for

"I just don't want Seulgi to neglect the throne" The King sighed and looks down

"His Royal Highness won't do that"

"I know"

"Would you give her permission to marry Lady Bae as her first royal consort if she asked you to?"

King Dongwon looked at her and smiled, "I want to witness that after this ends"

"I want to see the genuine smiles on their faces"

Court Lady Choi and Eunuch Shin couldn't count how many times they've been sighing because of their sight

Since Seulgi woke up, she was just staring at something. Soojung tried to talk to her but it was like she was not even putting her attention to her wife

Seulgi didn't even eat her morning meal and that worries Ryujin who served her earlier

Court Lady Choi told the kid to make tea for Seulgi, as at least her stomach is not empty

"Your Royal Highness, we have to prepare you for the morning assembly and you have to meet the soldiers from Ming" Eunuch Shin said hesitant, afraid to get yell or ignored by Seulgi

They both gulped when Seulgi turned to look at them. Her eyes were languid

"Can't I take a day off even just for today?" Seulgi asked them faintly, almost inaudible but they managed to hear it

"Your Highness, we-"

Before they could finish, the door opened without notice. And it was the King

Both of them stiffed on their track and immediately bowed their heads, afraid that the King is furious again because Seulgi is not ready yet for the assembly

But he is not

He was looking straight at his child who was surprised to see him inside her chamber

"Empty her quarter, right now" King Dongwon ordered Eunuch Shin and Court Lady Choi

"Yes, Your Majesty" they bowed their heads once again at him and to Seulgi before they left and emptied the quarter

As soon as it was emptied, the King went beside Seulgi

"Mind telling me what's with my Crown Prince's gloominess?" He asked her softly as he put his arm around her

Seulgi looked up at him and shook her head. She's still afraid to talk about Joohyun to her father again

But the King insisted, as earlier he discreetly ordered Heechul to go to Minho and ask him about Joohyun's doing today

As per Minho, he saw Joohyun spend her night inside her room crying, where even her friends couldn't comfort and ask her what happened

Of course, King Dongwon and Heechul knew why

"Did she say something to you last night?"

Seulgi frowned as her father's question caught her off guard. Did he catch her? Did he send someone to spy on her? Follow her?

Her reaction made the King chuckle softly, "Come on, my child. Tell me what happened, you can always tell me your burdens" he sighs in contentment

"Even if it is about that beautiful woman that stole your heart" He points a finger at Seulgi's chest where her heart is

Seulgi was still processing what his father have just said, thinking that she was dreaming about it

But if it is a dream, she shall take advantage of it. For at least, to talk about Joohyun to her father

"I think" She paused, "She is mad at me for kissing her"

King Dongwon smiled and let his child continue

"I am the one who initiated it, Father. But.. but she likes it too! I know she is!" Seulgi gushed, "She wouldn't kiss me back if she don't"

"She could have slapped me if she don't want me to kiss her"

King Dongwon chuckled at his child's gushing like a kid and nodded his head, "Why would she refuse a kiss from a Crown Prince? A shame of her if she did"

Seulgi lips parted as she turn her gaze to her father, she was giving her a skeptical gaze before she burst into a short cackle

"Are you just saying that I should brag it out because I am a Crown Prince, Father?"

King Dongwon flashed his downward smile and shrug his shoulder, "But you know, my child" He flashed off his halfhearted manner and turn into a serious one

"When a woman loves you, they won't say it. They'll never say it. But look in their eyes, it shows" he said

"If you can see it in Joohyun's eyes, I saw it too. Even her smile shows it"

Seulgi looked at him, "Really?"

"Yes" King nodded his head, "But do you know why she just ran away like that?"

Seulgi shook her head

"She is afraid. Because loving someone inside the palace is like you have to risk your life to be with them"

"Your mother was like that too. She was so afraid to stay with me but I promised her that I will protect her with all my powers. I meant that, and she believes and trusted me"

Seulgi smiled, "Do you think I can protect her too, Father?"

King Dongwon huffed, "That's way too easy for you, My Seulgi. You are such a skilled crown prince. You can do everything" he gave her a smile to show how he adore his child's skills

"That's why I tend to forget that you are a woman"

They both chuckled at his statement

"I went mad for what you did to Councilor Jung's son, but I appreciate how you handled it. You are a clever crown prince, no wonder why your Grandfather chose you" he held Seulgi's cheek and caress it with his thumb

"Just promise me, that no matter what happens, you can protect the throne and that Bae Joohyun. As well as everyone around you, Okay?"

Seulgi looked into her father's eyes, his gaze assured her. And it's enough for Seulgi to do that promise

"I promise, Father" she nodded her head

King Dongwon pulled her into an embrace and they stayed like that for seconds

Seulgi looks heavenward and asks her father, "Can I go see her after I meet with the armies, Father?"

As soon as King Dongwon gave her approval, she grinned

"Do your best to have her trust, okay?"

"Okay"

Yerim and Byul-Yi looked at each other as soon as Sooyoung came out from her room with a gloomy face as well. Why? Because Joohyun greeted them with that face too

They shrugged their shoulder and let Sooyoung pass on them, without even greeting her friends

And just like that, the two decided to talk with Sooyoung and Joohyun at their table

As soon as Baekhyun and Minjeong finished preparing the table, they started to dig in

Yerim shrugged at Minjeong who is busy putting food in her bowl, she hummed

Yerim puckered her lips towards Joohyun. Minjeong followed her gaze and immediately got the message

"Eonni?" The kid called her out softly

Joohyun looks at her. Well, they aren't surprised to see how her eyes were red and swollen

"Are you okay?" Minjeong asked

Joohyun chucked as she nodded her head, "I am perfectly fine, Minjeong. I just couldn't sleep last night"

Minjeong pursed her lips and nodded her head as she decided not to ask any more

Yerim looked at Byul-Yi and shot a glance at Sooyoung who was peacefully eating

"Later. She won't talk" Byul-Yi mouthed

Yerim rolled her eyes and called Sooyoung, "Yah, I am not used to you being quiet. What happened to you? You can't sleep last night as well?"

Sooyoung stared at her flatly for seconds before she burst into laughter that gives confusing at them

"I didn't expect to fool you easily! Of course, I am fine!"

All of them frowned even Joohyun who doesn't have any clue about Sooyoung

Yuri and Byul-Yi looked at each other

"I am happy, why I wouldn't be okay?" Sooyoung huffed and take a spoonful of rice

They just shrugged their shoulders and ignored Sooyoung

But then, Minho came. He was looking at Joohyun but the latter didn't seem to notice his presence as she was busy playing with her food

"Is there anything you need, Officer Choi?" Byul-Yi asked

Minho didn't say anything and turn his glance at the gate that they followed immediat