Irene

The galloping sounds of horse hooves accompanied the rustling of metal armor. The Grand Duchess (the saint) and the empress of the empire are on a journey to the North. The news spread throughout the empire – so the emperor made sure we were escorted properly. The case of the orphans caused the imperial family to have another set of enemies, so my husband ordered the knights to accompany us.

     Suho is aware of the Shadows following me so he needn’t order a party. I looked outside the window – the captain of my family’s knights leading the troop. My father even had Taehyung come along. Just what are they thinking?!

     “Bothered by the number of soldiers?” Seulgi asked while sewing a handkerchief. “Your inner thoughts are evident on your face, your majesty.”

     I rested my chin on my palm while my elbows supported the weight. “We’re simply travelling up north which is under a queen’s protection. I fail to understand as to why Suho and my father had to bother themselves and these soldiers to protect us.” I answered. “It looks like we’re going on an expedition.”

     Seulgi chuckled. “Well, if I am the emperor or your father, I would do the same thing.” I raised my eyebrow to question, and she continued, “Two of the empire’s powerful women are traveling towards a domain that is notorious for its bad weather, ambush, and beasts. Of course, their worry is understandable.”

     “I can take care of myself—and you.”

     “Now is not the time to show how strong you are, Irene.” Seulgi finished her sewing – Soolhyun’s name engraved on it. “Take this time to lower down your guard. You’ve been restless since you became the empress—always on your guard, ready to defend and attack.”

     “But—“

     Seulgi’s eyebrows met and her lips pouted – indicating her disappointment. “I thought we had an agreement before we departed that palace that we’re here to enjoy each other’s company and with the children? Can I just have Irene for myself today?”

     I swallowed a lump in my throat. “O-Of course. Yes, I will. I mean…” I cleared my throat and put up a strong façade. “Only this time I will lower down my guard. However, there will be no next time, Seulgi.”

     Seulgi smiled, satisfied with my answer. “I wonder why you never try to go against my word even though you perfectly knew that I am taking advantage of your care for me, Irene.”

     I faintly smiled, “Because who am I to argue with you? Everything you say seems right to me. I may be the empress but with you? My dear saint, to me you are above my position.”

     “Oh? Answering back with flattery. How unusual for you. Back then, you would answer me with vague sentences—now it’s mixed with fawning.”

     I cleared my throat.

     “Your majesty, I mean, Irene.” She began, “Thank you for joining me today. Despite the tasks you carry, you made time to visit an orphanage and fulfill an orphan’s wish.”

     “You’re welcome, Seulgi. Huilin requested it—I cannot say no to the child whom my cherished person cares for.” I took the handkerchief from Seulgi’s hand. “That child will soon be part of a saint’s family. I guess, accepting her request would be my unofficial approval, yes?”

     “Thank you,”

     “You’re welcome. I know those children are important to you.” I paused, “You know, I am glad that you decided to have a family.”

     Seulgi smiled – with a trace of sadness in it. “I didn’t plan to have one.” She looked outside – watching the trees we passed by. “Even after knowing I was infertile, I was determined not to have children. However, the orphans changed my mind. Soolhyun, rather.”

     “Soolhyun?”

     She must be referring to the child who bowed her head to me last time.

     “Soolhyun caught my attention. Then, I decided—I wanted to have a family. I want to raise that child.” Seulgi chuckled. “She really reminds me of you.”

     “In what way?”

     “Observant, aloof, and strict with herself—it’s like my seeing a child version of the old Regina that I knew before we were friends. At the same time, her compassion, her will, and the way she talks—just like yours. Not to mention her love for horses.” She giggled. “Soolhyun really loves horses and sparring. She would wake up early at dawn and stay at the shed—watching the horses walk around the meadow and watch the soldiers spar. Eventually, Huilin developed an interest in horses too—not much on the fighting side.”

     “And you observed and knew all of that in such a short amount of time with them.”

     After a long travel, the cold temperature finally met our skin – an indication of our arrival at the northern domain. Even though it’s not snowing nor it is winter and the abundance of leaves and spring is still evident, the cold air from the northern mountains continues to bring in the cold breeze even here at the foot.

     We will stay in the territory for three days, and we will stay with Yeri’s relative who is a noble.

     Arriving in town, we did the basic greetings before heading towards the orphanage. While in the carriage, I can already see the sight of a child with a nun patiently waiting by the fence – anticipating the arrival of two important women.

     The carriage stopped and we were