My deep soul

Chapter 30

Jinyoen sat curled on a low wooden bench, her dark hair spilling over her shoulder as she read through a thick herbal manuscript. The quiet of the clinic was soothing—only the faint crackle of the oil lamp disturbed the silence. But suddenly the door slammed open.

Startled, Jinyoen raised her head. Standing in the doorway was none other than Princess Sookmyung, clad in fine silks, her chin lifted high in a way that spoke of entitlement. Jinyoen immediately rose to her feet and bowed respectfully.

The princess stepped inside slowly, her sharp eyes scanning the clinic with obvious distaste—as though every herb jar, every folded cloth, every wooden shelf offended her sense of refinement.

“I heard,” Sookmyung began, her voice smooth but laced with arrogance, “that you are the physician here.” Her gaze flicked up and down Jinyoen, lingering on her plain robes and book.

“Yes, Princess,” Jinyoen replied steadily. “I am the physician assigned to the Hwarang house.”

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Sookmyung’s lips. “You are… a beautiful lady. Tell me, is it proper for someone like you to work surrounded by a group of young men?”

Jinyoen’s shoulders stiffened, but she answered with gentle dignity. “They are honorable, Princess. I do not mind working with them. My duty is to heal, and they treat me with respect.”

Sookmyung tilted her head slightly, studying her as if she were an unusual specimen. Then she waved a hand. “Since I am to stay here for some time, you will be my physician as well. It will be convenient.”

Jinyoen lowered her eyes briefly, then lifted them again with calm firmness. “I’m afraid that is not possible, Princess.”

The smirk faded. “What?”

“My duty is to the Hwarang only. I was brought here to tend to them, and them alone. I cannot overstep that role.”

The princess’s eyes hardened. “Do you realize who you are speaking to? How dare you refuse me?” Her voice sharpened into a hiss, dripping with royal indignation.

Jinyoen kept her composure. Her heart thumped, but her voice did not waver. “I know very well who you are, Princess. But just because I am a physician here does not mean I am your servant. My role has limits—and I intend to honor them.”

For a long moment, silence stretched between them, heavy and unyielding. The princess’s nostrils flared as her glare burned into Jinyoen. Finally, with a sharp sweep of her robes, she turned and stormed out of the clinic, the door banging shut behind her.

Jinyoen exhaled slowly, her hands tightening around her book. Her face remained calm, but her eyes shimmered with restrained anger. “Even royalty,” she murmured under her breath, “must learn there are places where command cannot reach.”

She sat back down, pressing her palm against her temple, trying to chase away the frustration boiling inside her. Yet deep within, there was also a quiet pride—she had stood her ground, even against a princess.

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The afternoon light slanted through the clinic window, bathing Jinyoen in a soft golden glow. She sat at her worktable, nimble fingers stringing together tiny white pearls, each bead catching the light. Her brows were slightly furrowed, her lips pressed tight—signs only someone who knew her well could read.

The door creaked open, and Jidiwi strode in still wearing his Hwarang uniform, his face lit up with a wide smile.

“Finished training?” Jinyoen asked without looking up, threading another pearl.