Moon's Whisper, Heart's Echo

13.The Temple

Nandi woke to the sound of rice bowls clattering in the kitchen and Young-ah's voice scolding someone about dropping the day's side dishes. Her head ached, and her throat felt raw. She'd fallen asleep still wearing yesterday's inner robes, the silk now creased beyond salvation—a mistake she wouldn't usually tolerate. For someone whose appearance mattered deeply, this lapse felt almost shameful.

"How did it get so late?" she muttered, catching sight of the sunlight slanting heavy and golden through the paper screens. Her fingers brushed against dried tear tracks on her cheeks. She couldn't quite remember when she had finally stopped crying.

"My lady?" Ji-soo's familiar footsteps approached. "Young Master Park and Lady Ji-ah are already at the temple."

Nandi's stomach dropped. "What? The second bell hasn't even—"

"It rang some time ago," Ji-soo said, sliding open the door with a lacquered box tucked under one arm. "I tried waking you earlier, but..." Her voice trailed off as she took in Nandi's disheveled state, her brows knitting with concern. It was so unlike Nandi to be caught off guard, to look anything less than perfectly composed.

"Why didn't you try harder?" Nandi struggled to untangle herself from the sleeping mat, nearly knocking over her writing table in her haste. A half-finished letter of thanks to the Crown Princess scattered across the floor, pages she normally would have handled with the utmost care.

"Because you needed the rest." Ji-soo was already gathering Nandi's formal outer robes, her movements swift but composed. "After everything—"

"Don't." Nandi held still as Ji-soo began combing out her sleep-mussed coils, an act she'd usually never allow with so little time for a full and proper routine. "Just... help me get ready."

"At least let me do something about your eyes. They're still swollen."

"There's no time for—" Nandi winced as the comb caught a tangle. Every rushed movement grated against her sense of order, but she swallowed her discomfort. Today, she couldn't afford to be her usual self.

"There's always time to look presentable." Ji-soo pressed a cool, damp cloth into Nandi's hands. "Hold this against your eyes while I fix your hair. Unless you want the entire temple wondering why the matchmaker's been crying?"

Nandi pressed the cloth to her face, letting out a slow breath. The coolness helped, though her chest still felt too tight. It was unlike her to be so visibly rattled, so unprepared.

Young-ah appeared in the doorway, breathless from running. "Min-joon's asking for his afternoon snack. Should I tell him you're—"

"Have him eat in the kitchen today." Nandi kept her eyes closed as Ji-soo worked. "Keep him occupied with his lessons. I don't want..." She sighed. "Just keep him inside until I return."

Young-ah's silence spoke volumes, but she simply bowed and withdrew.

"Your blue jacket, I think," Ji-soo decided, reaching for the formal outer garments. "The embroidery's subtle enough for afternoon but still proper for a temple meeting."

"The green would be more suitable—"

"The green will make you look sallow." Ji-soo's hands were gentle but firm as she helped Nandi dress. "And you're tired enough already this afternoon."

Nandi caught her friend's reflection in the small polished bronze on her writing table. "When did you become so bold with your opinions?"

"Someone has to be." Ji-soo adjusted the fall of silk with practiced ease. "Since you insist on being so proper all the time."