Phases of the moon

Part 11

She has always been a light sleeper ever since she was young but her condition had gotten even worse ever since she entered the military. Their instructor would enter their barracks at the earliest and wake them up. The last one to get up would have to add 50 laps on their run. Their training was already harsh and exhausting, she does not want to put more trouble on herself. She could barely even move after they are done for the day. Because of that, the lightest and faintest sound could jolt her awake. Once awake, Byulyi would rarely be able to go back to sleep. Left with not much choice, she would get up and do other things instead to keep herself busy.

She puts back her book to where it belongs and turns off the lamp before leaving her study. She had hoped that it will help her fall asleep but much to her luck, it did not do anything. She carefully enters their shared room and sees Yongsun already fast asleep. Softly, she shakes her head and tries not to smile as her wife toss and turns, probably looking for the most comfortable sleeping position. There are times she envies her wife with how she can easily sleep through all the noises.

Wife, huh?

Does she even have the right to call her that? When she has done nothing worthy to be able to call herself a spouse to Yongsun.

Byulyi grimaces every time Minhyuk would look at her with disappointment.

"Byulyi, I know you didn't want any of this but at least try to make it work."

She is thankful enough that she could save herself from her parents' naggings. Not for long though. They will probably be back after a few weeks or months to finally meet their daughter-in-law. They were a bit infuriated after knowing that they would be missing their second child's wedding but it is not like they could just leave the matters they have attended in Byeori. Minhyuk did explain that they could not wait for them anymore and that the wedding could not be delayed. Left with no choice, their parents sent them well-wishes and I can't wait to meet your wife, Byul-ah! at the end of their letter. The last one definitely came from their mother. Her father is another story though mainly due to the history between the two kingdoms and that. Aside from her parents, the King of Byeori has also sent them gifts to celebrate the union.

Byulyi sits at the edge of the bed and tucks Yongsun in. Seeing that she is now all tucked in and comfortable, Byulyi decides to slip out from their quarters. She did not forget to leave the light on even when Yongsun is fast asleep. In that way, Yongsun would be able to sleep without interruptions especially since she has been working late together with their healers.

The cold night breeze welcomes her outside. She nods in satisfaction seeing that the guards outside were all awake and alert instead of slacking off from their duty. She takes a walk, momentarily closes her eyes to feel the wind embracing her. The moon guides her to her favorite place, looking around first before taking a turn. She has always made sure that no one else will be able to find her secret hiding place... and so why is there someone lying on her spot?

"Who's there?" she asks, deftly taking a dagger hidden on her body.

She stops in her tracks when she has finally taken a good look at the person lying on the ground, their eyes meeting, "Aren't you... aren't you Yongsun's handmaiden?"

"Y-your highness," both of them were taken aback by each other's presence.

"How did you find this place?" she asks, putting her dagger back after verifying that she is not someone to be hostile with. Questions start to flood inside her mind. Byulyi has made sure that no one will be able to find this nor follow her. She has perfectly hidden it and even expertly erased any tracks that will lead to the place. So, how?