Minjoo had come to the conclusion that the seaside was her favorite place after the forest – it might have to do with the fact that she could watch Chaewon fishing in the shallow water, while sitting on top of the beautiful dunes of white sand, the wind playing with her hair as the shy sun greeted her face with its rays. They wouldn’t be there for long, but she wanted to enjoy this little moment.

The last few days had been a succession of “firsts” for her. The first time she had to walk through the country, hiding and watching over her shoulder all the time. The first time she could use her abilities freely and not worry about anyone seeing it because it was only her and Chaewon, and the older woman would only smile and thank her for every little thing she did for them. Most importantly, it was the first time she could show her affection for Chaewon – and have it returned.

It was her first time being in love and it felt just right.

It was slow and steady, like the calm waves of the sea in front of her now. The kiss was just another step in the long path they had made ‘till there. The small touches and glances, the way they looked after each other and slowly opened up about their feelings and fears, how the trust was built so they could reach this point where Minjoo was so sure that she could trust Chaewon with not only her life, but also her heart.

The brown-haired woman was still General Kim, with her serious eyes and small smiles, with the hesitant touches and red ears – but she was her general now. Chaewon was still focused on keeping her safe and continuing their journey, but now she wouldn’t avoid her eyes or become stiff when Minjoo came too close, she would subtly reach for her hand and keep her close. Now, when they stopped to sleep and Chaewon insisted on staying awake for the sake of safety, she wouldn’t protest when Minjoo clung to her arm, but hugged her closer.

Step by step, now they are here.

Just a few more days and they would arrive at the palace, hopefully without meeting anyone they shouldn’t. Now they were far away from Lee's territory and closer to the places Minjoo knew by heart.

They just needed a little luck now, a little bit of luck to allow them to find the way to one of the cities and go unnoticed as they got some food and clothes, and maybe even a horse – maybe they would need more than just a little bit of luck.

However, she didn’t want to think about it now.

She would rather focus on the unique sight that was watching her Chaewon fishing with her bare hands, using her sharp reflexes and fast moves to reach for the fish and capture them before the poor animals could hide in between the rocks. Minjoo laughed at the sight as Chaewon was able to catch another fish, the older Kim’s face tense as she was focused on not allowing the fish to escape from her hands.

“I’m trying to get us some food, is it that funny to you?” The soldier asked, after making sure the fish was safely kept on the basket she had improvised with some leaves and the help of Minjoo's skillful hands. Chae used the back of her hand to push her hair out of her eyes, feeling a little tired after fighting with such stubborn fishes – it was ironic that fishing was more tiring for her than fighting men.

The bright, almost smug, smile on Minjoo’s face was able to make her forget about her tired back. The raven-haired woman gestured for her to come back, hitting the spot beside her so Chaewon could sit down. “I was just thinking that you really look like a big cat.”

Chaewon felt her ears growing red, slightly embarrassed under such adoring, yet playful, gaze. Would she ever get used to it? Probably not. “I’m just doing it like this because we don’t have any equipment.” She had made a few failed attempts with an improvised spear, but her natural skills were far better and she didn’t want to spend another day only eating fruits.

“I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, it’s pretty impressive.” Indeed, it was amazing that the same hands that gently held hers, were also able to do so much more – from mundane activities like this, to tear men apart as Chaewon swung her sword. The princess had learned to love every side of Chaewon. “And I really like cats.” Minjoo said as she leaned against her with a content smile, not minding if the both of them might end up smelling like fish.

Chaewon couldn’t help but smile. She was still getting used to this new intimacy, the freedom to touch and look at her princess openly, ignoring all the conventions to just enjoy Minjoo’s presence.

Sometimes she feared it would make her weaker, that she would accidentally let her guard down and put her Minjoo at risk. However, she was learning to trust and rely more on the younger girl, and in herself. If anything, loving the princess, made her even more determined to protect her from everything that could ever cause her any harm.

So far, there was no sign of danger, and even now, Chaewon had picked a place from where they could easily run for cover, but also spot anyone from afar – they had fought once together and she knew they could do it again, but she hoped they wouldn’t need to.

“And I really like puppies.” She replied with a hint of mischief, referring to Minjoo’s fox side that didn’t match her childish and excited personality that was more like a dog. The princess tried to protest, but Chaewon left a gentle kiss on top of her head, hugging her closer and this made Minjoo break into a sweet smile, snuggling up further into her.

Chaewon’s sensitive ears couldn’t hear anything but the sound of the waves crashing gently on the beach and Minjoo’s breath close to her, the salty smell of the sea mixed with the princess’s sweet scent and the warmth of their bodies pressed together. For now, they were safe and she almost wished for time to stop now – almost.

There was more than just her own happiness, a country relied on them and they needed to keep moving.

Gently brushing aside Minjoo’s black hair, she kissed her forehead before asking: “Can you help me with the fire? We should eat now and keep moving. There is a town not so far away from here and I think it’s time to pay it a visit.”

Chaewon brushed two fingers against Minjoo’s soft and fluffy cheek, painting it an ugly shade of grey – clay, she was putting clay on the princess’ precious skin in what many would consider a very offensive gesture; Minjoo was chuckling softly though. “Isn’t it too much?” She asked, touching her own face lightly, only for her hand to return dirty.

The older Kim shook her head in a negative, fixing Minjoo’s bangs to make it hide her chocolate eyes with golden dots. “You are too easy to spot.” Chaewon explained. They would be heading to town soon and she couldn’t risk having anyone noticing the princess – most citizens didn’t know what the princess looked like, only rumors of her radiant looks and fox-like eyes as their only clue; however, Lee’s minions would be able to recognize her and if they were there, Chae had to make sure Minjoo would look like anything but a princess.

Thankfully, their worn-out clothes and sun-kissed skin after days traveling by foot would make it much easier – she would buy them new clothes if she had the chance, Minjoo deserved better than wearing rags.

“And aren’t you the same?” Minjoo asked with a tooth grin, making Chaewon avert her eyes from her ‘work of art’ to face Minjoo’s bright golden eyes – they were more and more golden ever since she started to use her abilities and Chaewon was a little worried that the chocolate-brown wouldn’t be able to hide it.

“No.” The general gently brushed her thumb underneath Minjoo’s eyes – it only made them shine brighter, and the soldier wondered if she was the one to blame for it now. “Hence why I could pass as your maid and Yena can easily fool people just by dressing up as me.” If it weren’t for her sharp eyes that sometimes turned silver and lighter hair color, they could probably pass as twins and no one would blink an eye. “But I will also be careful.”

The princess shook her head in a negative, her eyes becoming a little darker as she cupped Chaewon’s face in between her hands, staring at her with attention – she had seeing that face so many times before and she was sure she would be able to recognize Chaewon anywhere, there wasn’t anything average about her. “Yuri and Yena are cute, but you are one of a kind.” She said as a matter of fact, squishing Chaewon’s cheeks – if she had ever found the general intimidating, she was only adorable to her now. “None of them has such a cute nose!” She kissed the tip of it playfully.

The older Kim felt her cheeks growing red and the ‘cute nose’ in question was probably no better now, revealing Chaewon’s embarrassment at such an unexpected compliment. Gold was back to Minjoo’s eyes as she looked at her, but the general didn’t give her a chance of continuing her teasing, leaning in to quickly peck the princess’s lips. “Let’s get going now. We don’t have much time.”

Pulling back, she made sure to give Minjoo and herself a final look, before starting leading the way to the small town that was located outside the East territory. Hopefully, it was far enough from Lee's reach.

There wasn’t much to see, the town was small and apparently poor, and even if there was anything worth the sight, Minjoo couldn’t let her childish curiosity guide her this time. She had to walk close to Chaewon – but not too close to not reveal their current relationship –, following the general’s quick steps and keeping her head hanging low to avoid anyone noticing her eyes – she did her best to make sure they would remain the average brown, but it wasn’t like she had much control over the changes.

It was almost evening now, and they were using the twilight in their favor, the dim light helping them to go unnoticed.

The plan was simple, Chaewon had enough golden coins with her to get them clean clothes, buy some food and get a nice horse – everything they would need to continue the journey. Of course, she would love having some nice food at one of the small restaurants they passed by, yet, the soldier’s posture was growing stiff as they walked and Minjoo knew her general well enough to know it wasn’t a good sign.

Chaewon stopped by one of the stalls that sold hand-made clothes – simple stuff more fit for servants than royal guards, just perfect for them right now. She bought a few, passing a golden coin to the old man who ran the place and receiving a suspicious look in return, for which she arched an eyebrow – it was her way to tell him to remain silent, or else he wouldn’t be getting anything. As expected, the man only nodded, giving her a smirk.

The general was sure he wouldn’t hesitate in ratting them out to anyone who offered more gold, it was always like that in poor places where money was the most rare and valuable thing – honor was a luxury they couldn’t afford.

It wasn’t a surprise, therefore they had to be quick and get things done fast. Buying everything was fairly simple, people were glad to get money and Chaewon didn’t give much space for questions – the issue was how to get a horse. Horses were not only much more expensive, the number available was also small and it would definitely catch people’s attention.

Her senses were also making her feel uneasy, whether or not her instincts were correct, it was disturbing her. That’s why she grabbed onto Minjoo’s hand and made her steps quicker, darting through the narrow streets, making use of the shadows of the evening to hide. Minjoo didn’t say a thing as they walked.

“You think they are here.” Min said as soon as they stopped, hiding in the shadows of an old house, away from the more crowded center of the town. She hadn’t seen anyone weird – as in intimidating blood-thirsty masked men – but by now she knew she could trust Chaewon’s instincts. “What should we do?” She wished they could have a calm evening for once and maybe even get a nice place to sleep, clearly her wishes would remain as only it.

Chaewon gave her a tight-lipped smile, nodding. “I’m not sure. But I have noticed two men acting in unusual ways. They may be mercenaries and I don’t doubt the merchants would give them the hint about rich travelers.” Pressing her lips into a thin line, she looked around, blinking as her eyes grew silver to try and see better – there was no one in sight, at least for now. “I don’t think they are aligned with Lee, but they might have heard of some sort of reward for us, or maybe they are just thieves, either way it is a problem.” It was more annoying than anything else, she could spot the lanky men walking around with swords too big for their hands and small eyes puffed due to the excessive drinking. They wouldn’t be a big problem, but they might become one if they contacted the Lee’s. “They will probably be waiting for us by the stables.”

Sighing, the brunette nodded. She had seen several unpleasant men today, enough for her to not bother counting. Chaewon must have very well-trained eyes to spot the different ones from the rest. “What a pleasant surprise. So, we will hide from them?”

Shaking her head, Chaewon gave Minjoo a stiff smile. “No, it would only make us vulnerable. We will borrow their horses instead.” They couldn’t simply hide and risk having the Lee’s on their ankles again, dealing directly with the mercenaries would be the only way to make sure they could continue their journey.

It took Minjoo a moment to understand Chae’s plan and once she did, she returned the smile. Of course, her general was always prepared, even on the weirdest occasions. “We will be saving money then.”

Instead of trying to get horses of their own and be ambushed, they would be the ones to surprise the mercenaries – giving them a sip of their own poison for a change.

The young couple exchanged knowing looks as Chaewon told Minjoo the plan, what wasn’t very complex at all, just took a bit of creativity and Chae’s usual good acting – Minjoo almost felt excited by the idea, it reminding her of the pranks she used to play on the silly guards back at the palace; maybe it was because being around Chaewon just put her at ease, giving her the confidence she never had before.

No swords were needed at that time, only their brains and Minjoo’s good aim.

The plan was indeed very simple: Chaewon and Minjoo headed to the stables together, but separated two streets before reaching it.

The older Kim took the role of visiting the stables – a small construction of wood and ropes pathetically tied, where a few skinny horses were kept for trading and selling –, she pretended to evaluate the animals with care. “Sir, can I have a look at the grey one?” She asked the middle-aged man who was sitting around the place, looking a little sleepy. The man gave her a smile and was quick to come closer, listing all great things about the said horse.

Chaewon didn’t pay him much attention, her feline eyes observing the surroundings with interest, looking at the bushes behind the stables where she could see two heads peeking up – it was honestly pathetic and she had to contain her urge to roll her eyes over the stupidity of these men. Not even kids were that bad.

The first of the two fell with a thud, a quick exclamation of pain and then he was all over the bushes, with a puzzled looking partner-in-crime looking at him in shock. Chaewon had to contain her laughter as she enjoyed the scene, the stables’ owner stopped talking to watch in horror as another man fell off his bushes head first, blood gushing from his bald head.

The general couldn’t help but chuckle, Minjoo had perfect aim and just a tad too much strength.

“What is happening?! Thieves?!” The man beside her exclaimed in horror, but she just shook her head and patted his back with a dismissive smile.

“Just pest control, sir.” Giving him a grin, she placed three golden coins on his palm and closed it gently. “Use one for you and the other to feed the horses well…As for the third, just keep those two locked up for a few days and it’s yours.” The man seemed kind, albeit skinny the horses didn’t look hurt or mistreated. Chaewon would rely on this kindness for now. “The king will send the village his regards and kindness in exchange for your loyalty.” She added, as both a guarantee and a subtle way of intimidation, just in case the man fell victim of his greed.

With a polite bow, she was ready to turn her back to the man, when he called again. “But didn’t you want a horse?”

Chaewon just waved her hand. “It’s okay now, you can keep it. But thank you. Goodnight, sir.”

Without losing much time, she walked towards the woods, passing by the passed-out men – she used her foot to check if they were awake, before giving a nod of approval and continuing her journey. Waiting for her inside the forest, there was Minjoo caressing a pretty black horse that looked rather comfortable with her.

“I won’t ask if you had fun, I can see you did.” Chaewon greeted, her eyes noticing the stones at Minjoo’s feet – she surely was prepared, but only two stones were enough to do the job. It wasn’t the most noble way of fighting, nonetheless, it was very effective. “Your aim is splendid, my princess.”

“Of course, that’s what fox eyes are for.” With a soft chuckle, Minjoo nodded with a proud smile. “May we go now?”

The general nodded, taking the guiding reins of the horse in her own hands, so she could get on the horse and help Minjoo up. Surrounding her with her arms, she waited for the younger girl to relax against her before they started moving.

As they distanced themselves from the town, rain fell over it, covering their trails like a blessing – and it was, all thanks to Minjoo’s influence. “Thank you, Min. You were great.” Chaewon thanked in a quiet voice, her lips leaving a gentle kiss on Minjoo’s cheek.

A dimple appeared on her face as the princess smiled, remembering how easy it was to simply track where the men were just by following their bad smell and clumsy footprints – they didn’t even bother to hide the horse properly. Throwing rocks at them was much easier than escaping from the royal guards. “Not for that, general.”

A/N: Just a light-hearted chapter for today, in the next update we will see Minjoo’s background and a little more about the lore here. If you follow me on twitter you probably already know, but incase you don’t: we will have 2 updates per week now that there is only a few chapters left, so updates coming every Tuesday and Friday and everything should be done before the end of the month.

As usual, thanks for reading and see you next time.