That day was a long one.

Having a horse helped them to move faster, albeit it also meant they had to take the main roads once in a while – Chaewon tried to find alternate paths whenever it was possible, but it slowed them down a bit. Only having a horse also meant they were slower than your average horseman, taking breaks to feed the animal and let it rest as the girls stretched their legs and rested as well.

Regardless of the small details, it was the first time they were able to advance so much in so little time. The first time they were close enough from her hometown and their final destination.

The sun hadn’t completely disappeared in the horizon as they stopped for the night, according to Chaewon it would be better to rest at the house Yujin had shown them and wake up early to continue travelling, than risking continuing moving and not finding shelter – Minjoo only nodded in agreement, her senses telling her the heavy dark clouds in the sky would soon release the furious rage of rain and she didn’t plan on getting drenched.

“We should reach the palace tomorrow afternoon if we leave by dawn.” Chaewon informed after she had carefully checked the cabin for anything unusual, and lead Minjoo inside so they could prepare for the night – the horse was also granted a place to sleep, it would stay at the adjacent room, as they couldn’t risk leaving such a big sign of their presence there; this and they didn’t have the heart of leaving the poor animal to fend for itself in the torrential rain that was starting to fall. “We haven’t met any enemies so far, now that we are so close to the king, it should be safe to take the main roads.” The general explained after they were done eating some bread and fruits, she reached for her bag to take out the small map she had been using to guide them.

Minjoo hardly ever questioned Chae’s decisions, knowing the older woman always did her best for them and she trusted her to bring them home safely. Yet, there was something slightly off about the way Chaewon’s jaw tensed up as her fingers touched the map, a line appearing on her forehead due to the concentration. “Do you think it is too risky?”

The brown-haired woman shook her head slightly, showing Minjoo the map. “Attacking us so close to the capital would be a rather stupid thing to do. But still…” She heaved a sigh, annoyed for not being able to predict the enemies’ actions well. “If I were in Lee’s shoes, I would have tried to find and kill us while we were still in their territory. I reckon we did a good job at hiding, however, it seems odd we didn’t see any traces of them so far.”

“You think they are still after us, somehow.” Now, Minjoo could easily read Chaewon and understand her worries – her general was a simple person who wasn’t easily distracted or fooled, therefore, Chaewon wouldn’t be at ease until they were back home. Min couldn’t blame her, living with the burden of fear wasn’t a pleasant thing. “But now we are no longer at their mercy at the east.”

“They’ve risked too much to go back now. I think they are desperate and despair makes people do stupid things.” Shaking her head once more, the older Kim couldn’t help but feel her shoulders a little heavier. She couldn’t let her guard down now, even if the gods seemed to be on their favor since the start of that journey, luck wasn’t something one should rely on. “Thanks to the rain, they won’t be able to track us now, but tomorrow we should be extra careful.”

Nodding, the princess took the map out of her general’s hands and observed it for a moment before putting it back inside the bag. “Haven’t we been careful from the start? There is a chance they simply don’t have the resources to come after us. Beomgyu might already have found his destiny at the end of a sword, for all we know.” And if it was the case, she wouldn’t be sad at all, just relieved. It was, of course, just hopeful thought as the two of them couldn’t possibly know what was happening with the Lee family now. “I refuse to believe we will fail when we are so close.”

With a solemn nod, Chaewon considered Minjoo’s word. They have been doing everything in their power to advance as quickly and carefully as they could, and the proof of their success was in the fact that they were now in the safety of this cabin, so far away from the Lee mansion. “I promised to bring you home safely and I shall do it.” Her promise to the king was important, but more than this, keeping Minjoo safe and making sure she would find her way home was a duty of her heart. Giving her a small smile, she corrected her words before her stubborn princess could do it so. “We shall. You are as responsible for bringing us here as I am.” Reaching out, she lightly squeezed Minjoo’s hand as a gesture of gratefulness and fondness.

An easy smile appeared on Minjoo’s face as she heard the last phrase, glad to see Chaewon not only considered her as someone to be protected, but also as a partner for the good and bad times. “We are a good match, no doubt.” With a playful grin, she used their jointed hands to pull Chaewon towards the blankets that served them as beds for tonight.

There was a small, wavering, candle placed by the corner of the room to provide them with some light – it was getting so weak now that if not only for the women golden and silver eyes that shone brightly even in the dark, it would be impossible to see anything. Luckily, they didn’t need the light to see each other, Minjoo easily slipping inside Chaewon’s arms as the soldier brought her closer to her chest.

Snuggling up to her, the brunette rested her head on Chaewon’s left shoulder as her hand grazed her right one where the now – almost – healed wound was. They have come a long way, but not without any trouble. “What do you think it’s going to happen once we are back home?”

It was a question that sounded simpler than it actually was. What would happen to the kingdom? To the king’s relation with the east territory? Or what would happen to them once they were back at the palace and everyone had their eyes on the princess? It took Chaewon a while to answer, her hand that had been caressing Minjoo’s hair softly stopping for a moment.

“It’s hard to tell. I doubt the news about war with the South were real, but I’m sure the Lee family will still try to find a way to gain power.” It was easy to conclude that the Lee’s had been planning all of this, and by the way they had cowardly attacked, using mercenaries from this kingdom instead of spies from Beojji indicated that they were acting alone. The nobles weren’t warriors, just a bunch of greedy people trying their best to use this chance to eliminate the future queen and gain power while they could. “They might be telling the king all sorts of lies right now. Using his fears and worries to manipulate him and turn him against Beojji.”

Frowning, the fox-like girl grimaced at the thought of having that dirty family sitting by her dad’s side, trying to persuade him with sweet lies after they had failed to kill her. She didn’t doubt they would try, after all, even if Beomgyu was arrogant enough to show himself during the attack, they didn’t plan on claiming the attack if they had a bunch of mercenaries after them. “My father is not a foolish man, he won’t believe it.” She said firmly, knowing her dad was far from someone easy to toy with. Still, she knew how much the man had beaten himself up for what happened to his wife and how hard he had tried to keep her safe. She only hoped that he wouldn’t allow the thirst for revenge to take over him. “I hope so.”

“The king is wise, but there is a lot of pressure on him.” Chaewon added quietly, voicing her own worries – nobles were still nobles after all, even if under suspicion, they would still do their best to push with whatever crazy plan they had for the country. “There will be a lot of pressure on you as well.” Albeit, a different kind of pressure.

Closing her eyes, the younger woman sighed. She would rather think about such things when the time was right, if it ever were. “You are still worried. And it’s not just about the Lee’s.” It was easy to tell by the way Chaewon’s voice grew more formal and quieter, more similar to the tone she always used back at the palace than her more lively self that Minjoo had seen for the past few days.

Denying would be foolish, therefore the brown-haired woman conceded with a tired smile. “You can read me so well now, my princess.”

“A gentle-hearted tiger can’t lie to me.” Minjoo returned quickly, a half-smile on her face as cupped Chaewon’s cheek with one hand, her thumb hovering over her scar. If once she thought Chaewon was a cold person, now she could see her genuine emotions easily as the silver eyes looked back at her. “Are you worried about us? About what my dad or the people will say? It doesn’t matter, you are my choice.” It was a simplistic way of seeing things, yet one that Minjoo was determined to make true.

Containing a sigh, Chae once more caressed her hair lightly. “The king might not approve of us. I knew from the start we belonged to different worlds.” Worlds that didn’t exist inside this secret moment of theirs, but that would become real very quickly once they stepped inside the capital city. Worlds that she wasn’t sure she could simply force her entrance in with a blow of her sword. “I may be a general, but the same way he made me one, he can take it away and then I won’t be able to offer you anything.” At least anything worthy of a princess – or anything at all if the king interpreted this behavior as some sort of treason; the man had been kind to her, but things could change quickly.

Of course, for Minjoo, those weren’t things worth worrying about – not when her unwavering stubbornness guided her to the right direction for once. “He won’t and even if he does, it won’t change anything for me. I am no longer a child.” And for the first time, this statement didn’t spark a playful banter or got her a surprised look from Chaewon’s eyes, instead the chocolate eyes with hints of golden shone brighter as she insisted. “Aren’t you brave? Can’t you be brave for us?”

“I am. I’m trying to be.” Being a coward was never one of her flaws, yet Chaewon needed a new kind of courage to face such challenges. Being with Minjoo put her heart at ease, yet her mind insisted on reminding her of everything that could go wrong. Out of all people, to fall in love with the princess was by far the most dangerous, yet irresistible choice. “I just don’t want to stay away from you.” Even if the king wasn’t a crazy tyrant, it didn’t mean he would allow them to be together, especially in a time of crisis – if any. Going to war and leaving Minjoo behind wasn’t something she wanted to do. “I don’t want you to be pushed towards someone like Lee again.”

“Then don’t let it happen! Help me to protect what we have.” The idea of being forced to marry anyone had always repulsed Minjoo, now more than ever, she couldn’t imagine herself living this kind of life. The simple thought of being with anyone but Chaewon sent a cold shiver down her spine. “Stay close to me, so close that no one can break us apart anymore.” She said it almost like an order, a promise she needed to make sure the general would keep – and Chaewon wasn’t the type that breaks promises. “Always?”

Noticing her princess’ distress, Chaewon rested her hand on top of hers and squeezed it lightly, before kissing the warm palm. “I promise to protect and to honor my princess, to care for and love my Minjoo.” There was only so much she could promise, only so much she could say without jinxing their future by being too hopeful. “I promise I will be with you, for as long as I can.” She sealed her promise with a kiss, sweet and gentle.

Yet, Minjoo didn’t allow her to pull back as quickly, but instead kissed her harder. It was their last night outside the palace, maybe the last night they would ever have together, and she didn’t want it to become a regret, but the start of their lives together.

Breaking the kiss, she stared at Chaewon with golden eyes sparkling with something new, a nervous smile on her face as Minjoo caressed her jaw. “I promise to protect and love you, too, my Chaewon.” Not as her general, not as the bodyguard that followed her around, but as the woman she grew fond of and couldn’t see as anything other than her lover now.

Kissing her again, Minjoo closed her eyes to allow all the feelings from this moment to be recorded inside her mind forever. Tomorrow was uncertain, but this moment was only theirs to have and she wanted to live it to the fullest – a thought that was also on the older Kim’s mind, and that’s why the general didn’t try to break the kiss this time.

It was impulsive and broke every single rule, but it was the wish of their hearts.

As they got lost in each other’s warmth, erratic breaths and heartbeats, what started as a sweet promise, grew into a desperate attempt to enjoy their last night together. Chaewon was still as gentle as ever as she kissed Minjoo deeper, hugging her closer as the brunette let her hands caress the older woman’s nape and bring her closer.

All their kisses had been soft and tender, and although the love and care was still present, tonight it wasn’t like anything before. When they broke apart to breath, Chaewon faced the golden eyes that were so bright, reflecting her own silver ones with the same emotions, want and love. Resting her forehead against the princess’s, she took in a deep breath, a silent question in her eyes. Minjoo only nodded with a soft smile before kissing her again, lips finding the softness of Chaewon’s and kissing her harder than before.

It was a final line to cross and one they both were willing to do so.

The rain had evolved into a storm outside, but they didn’t mind the power of nature that could shake the earth with its thunder. Right now, all that matters was each other – and maybe Minjoo had a little bit to do with the storm, but it wasn’t something she could help. The sounds of thunder grew louder as the night passed, the rain growing heavier as the love of a princess and a general was made true.

Against all odds, that night the skies were lit up with the golden colors of the fox, tinting the sky red even before the sun was out.

Byun Hoon took his hands to his face, massaging his forehead as he let out a sigh. The last few days had been tough and tomorrow would be even worse – maybe in a decisive way to him and to this kingdom. The situation was getting out of hand and the fact that his daughter was still nowhere to be found didn’t make it any easier.

Delaying his decision was becoming harder by the day.

His old adviser gently patted his back, taking him out of his thoughts. “My king, it’s raining.” He informed in a calm tone that was usual to the man who had become his friend, more than a subject, over the years.

The king frowned for a moment, his brown eyes directed to the big windows of the palace that allowed the evening light to enter. The moon was high in the sky as the rain fell freely. It was supposed to be a pleasant summer rain but there was something unusual about it.

Up the sky, fine threads of gold illuminated the sky, making it look like the sun was once more with them. The king smiled to himself, shaking his head. “The fox rain?” It wasn’t really a question, he knew what it meant, everyone in the kingdom knew. The fox rain was a good omen, the signal from the gods that a good season was about to come and that they would be blessed with prosperity – it was a signal of the fox spirit. It also meant that Minjoo was fine and happy, whenever she was.

Yuan also smiled, his calm demeanor reflecting the same relief the king was feeling. The fox rain could only be Minjoo’s doing and it meant she should be close now. “The stars show the princess is safe, my king. The gods are looking out for her and the young general, I believe they will bring them home soon.”

With a relieved smile, the younger man nodded in agreement. He silently thanked the gods for keeping his little girl safe, he would make sure she would be able to reach home soon. “Call captain Kim we should be prepared to welcome Minjoo.”

A/N: Next chapter is the second to last, it will be long and bloody. See you soon.