“…revoke our marriage…” Joohyun’s last words repeated in Seulgi’s head as if she were memorizing a mantra. It had been a few weeks since then. The Lunar New Year was approaching. But it was like each word was an arrow that had lodged itself in her heart. Arrowheads of anguish, sorrow, and grief followed suit and pierced even deeper.

She knew she shouldn’t be feeling like this. It was what she pushed for. But to actually hear it come from Joohyun! That was… different. She couldn’t believe the walls she built, the previous year after hearing of their engagement, collapsed not soon after reuniting with the latter. Seulgi only blamed herself.

After deciding to void their marriage, Taeyeon and Seulgi entered the Royal Palace. Taeyeon went to inform the King of his daughter’s return while Seulgi caught up with Seungwan.

The seventh prince was beyond relieved to see that her best friends had returned safe and sound. She knew it was careless of her, but she missed her fiancée dearly. It had been three weeks since Seulgi returned to her side, but she had yet to see the older girl. They made plans to meet up during the Lunar New Year Festival but she was getting impatient. One night she had Seulgi help her sneak out of the royal palace to visit Joohyun.

“Seulgi–ah! Seungwannie?”

“Joohyun!” Seungwan launched herself at her surprised fiancée. “Heavens, you have no idea how worried I’ve been.”

Seulgi turned her back at the scene and moved to close the chamber doors.

Joohyun gave a light pat on Seungwan’s shoulders and chuckled. “Worried for what? Have you forgotten that I’m a captain of the Wolfsbane Army?”

“Aiya, that’s what I told Seulgi before she decided to run off on her own and chase after you! But then everything that happened at Dongqian a–and then Fu’nan? Getting involved with the South Crimson Lions…” The prince held back her sniffles.

“It’s alright.” Joohyun gave her a smile and wiped off her teary eyes. “Look, we both made it back, all in one piece.” She gestured towards her and Seulgi. 

The three moved toward the round table at the center of the room. “Did Lord Taeyeon inform my father of Seungri’s crimes yet?”

Joohyun shook her head. “The Crown Prince was also in attendance, and father couldn’t find the right timing to seek for another audience.”

“I think…” Seulgi finally spoke. Joohyun’s ears perked at the voice she had been missing. She hadn’t heard from the former since the day they canceled their marriage. “Wan–ah, you should be the one to tell His Majesty of this.”

“…”

“Seul, that is probably the worst idea you’ve ever spoken of since I met you…” Seungwan narrowed her brows. 

“No listen, if you seek a private audience with His Majesty, the one–on–one situation would give him the dominant hand. The Crown Prince is his firstborn after all, do you really think he’ll punish Prince Seungri for what he really deserves?”

“…”

“Seulgi’s right.” Joohyun placed a hand on Seungwan’s arm.

Seulgi cleared . “If you bring this up during the morning court session… it’ll be brought to all the minister’s attention. If Lord Taeyeon were to bring this up, she’d be executed on the spot even with the evidence. She’s only a noble military officer in their eyes. She has no true power in the court like the way she dominates the battlefields. But you have the a