He Walks Alone in the Moonlight [COMPLETED]

ROSES AND THEIR THORNS

Eunbin groaned as incessant knocking woke her from sleep. Her head pounded with a hangover and heavy dryness coated her mouth. With her eyes closed, Eunbin snatched one of her pillows as another series of violent knocks rattled the door and launched it across the room just as her tormentor slid the door open. The pillow fell short, rolling to a stop at the feet of Qingli, a young woman with a tall nose, large eyes, and a jaw sharper than a blade. As one of the four Celestial Beauties of the Eternal Blossom House, her talents earned her the nickname Music Fairy.

"You're the one who asked me to come over this morning! Why are you throwing things at me?" Qingli's melodic voice sounded like a song accompanied by the tinkling jewelry of her updo as she bent over and grabbed the pillow. She fluffed it roughly as she approached Eunbin's bed, where the princess managed to push herself up into a seated position. Qingli sat next to the princess, sniffing her before wrinkling her nose. "You were drinking?" Eunbin didn't answer, staring blankly at the courtesan, then pointing to the pot of water across the room. Qingli rose, bending her knees in a slight bow. "Would you like some water, Master?" Qingli smirked as she crossed the room and filled a cup before Eunbin could answer.

"I told you not to call me that," Eunbin croaked after gulping down the liquid and returning the cup to Qingli.

"Ah, I suppose it would come as quite a shock that the mysterious young master that owns the Celestial Beauties of Eternal Blossom House is the princess."

"I don't own any of you. You all don't have to worry about being sold off to the highest bidder, and I get vital information. Our deal is mutually beneficial. Speaking of which-" Eunbin stood, throwing on her outer robe and heading to the basin to wash her face, "Do you have the information I asked for?"

Qingli sighed, joining Eunbin's side as she stared into the bronze mirror above the basin. "Most people would offer their guest a cup of tea before hammering them for information." Eunbin hummed, patting her face dry, then turned to the musician with a grin.

"How does breakfast sound?"

~~~~~

"It took some time to get the information you needed. The second young master of the Kim household doesn't frequent the pleasure district as often as his friends do, and Nahee was reluctant to press him for information," Qingli began, pouring herself a steaming cup of dark tea while Eunbin looked at the food before her with unease. Nahee was the oldest of the Celestial Beauties. Her calligraphy and writing resulted in her position as the jade poet.  "I must say, I was surprised when asked to keep an eye on your betrothed's younger brother. Has your taste changed?" the courtesan teased, pouring a cup for the princess, ignoring the glare sent her way. They both knew who had their eye on Kim Taemin. "Drink up, it'll ease your stomach."

"Just tell me what he said. I need to act sooner rather than later," Eunbin huffed, sipping the tea gingerly.

"What's the hurry?"

"My foolish brother plans to leave the capital again. I'd like to tie up a few loose ends before he gets back."

"Which he? Your brother? Or Lord Songmin?" Eunbin refused to answer, instead risking a spoonful of congee. It took surmountable willpower to not spit it back out. "Regardless, your suspicions were correct. Nahee had to get him deliriously drunk before the man admitted that he would soon be heir to the Kim family name. For how obedient he is to her, it seemed strange he was so tight-lipped. And it  doesn't take much to guess what that meant. But to target you first..."

"They know I'd never sit still if he died in that manor. The best solution would be to get me out of the way first." Qingli tsked, shaking her head.

"Using your death to execute their son. You know what Nahee called it?" Eunbin's lips twitched as she imagined her closest friend's reaction to the news.