Phases of the moon

Part 13

The sound of the birds outside was soft and subtle enough to rouse her from her sleep. She stretches herself awake before sitting up on the edge of the bed. She takes a glance at the other side of the bed which was left cold and empty. Yongsun guesses that it might already have been a few hours since Byulyi left their room. She had thought that she would at least see her for a bit but it seems that she was mistaken. Wheein and Chorong assisted her in her bath as well as putting on her clothes.

Yongsun taps her foot impatiently.

Half of her day was wasted just idling. Because of what Byulyi said yesterday, Yongsun made sure that she is available all day. After all, they are supposed to talk about a serious matter between them that could either break or save their disastrous marriage. Hours have passed but even until now, she still has not seen Byulyi at all. Not even her shadow.

Her ears perked up the moment the door opened.

"Your highness, the Princess has asked for you," Chorong informs her a little over an hour after her light lunch at her room.

She studied Chorong's face for a moment before nodding and following her lead. She just hoped that her face did not give her emotions away.

Finally.

Looking closely, Chorong has noticed that Yongsun was trying her best to match her pace, slow and steady. The moment she has relayed the Princess's words, she had thought that the woman was about to jump on her.

It was not hard to guess where they were going. The place itself was extremely familiar to Yongsun. It was the place where she frequents to when she has nothing better to do. The stables.

She finally sees the woman that she has been waiting for since she opened her eyes this morning beside Mabu. The two of them were talking rather seriously. Yongsun takes the moment to stare at Byulyi who has donned on a neat ponytail, her hair cascading over her shoulder. Her deep blue hanbok looks good on her. It reminds Yongsun of the clear skies on a fine day such as today. Byulyi is truly a dashing woman. Despite their bleak relationship, Yongsun has eyes. She is not blind to the woman's beauty but that does not mean that she has to be vocal about it. One can admire beauty in silence.

The two of them stopped their discussion when they finally noticed the ladies who has just arrived. Mabu greets Yongsun, a fond smile on his lips. He may have not known the woman for so long but Mabu already sees her like his granddaughter. Yongsun was rather a peculiar person. Who would even want to hang around in the stables every now and then if not her? Aside from that, Yongsun is a curious child. She always has a question that often leaves him baffled yet it felt nice. it has been a long time since he had a laugh.

Byulyi clears her throat when she suddenly felt like she has been left out.

"...How have you been?"

"...I'm fine, your highness. Thank you for asking."

There was an uncomfortable silence filling the room. Mabu could even feel the atmosphere between the couple and so he decided to lend them a hand.

"The Princess has prepared something for you, your highness."

Byulyi inwardly sighs in relief, thanking her mentor for breaking the ice.

Yongsun tilts her head, looking at Byulyi, "What is it?" she asks.

Byulyi clears her throat and asked Yongsun to follow her.

"As you may already have heard, Wolgwang possesses the best breed of horses. Aside from the strength and skill of our soldiers, our horses have also played a crucial ro-" Byulyi stops midway when she heard Yongsun giggling. "I-Is something wrong?"