Decisions

Betrayal

When So sent her off to bed again that night, Soo asked him if he too was going to rest. He shook his head, telling her that he still had to prepare for the attack tomorrow.

"Do not worry about me. I have fought many times despite having sleepless nights. I will be fine."

When she frowned and started to protest, he simply tapped her nose before turning her around, and pushing her forward towards the astronomy tower. She tried to turn around to retort, but by the time she had done so, he had already made his way around the corner.

Stubborn man.

She had eventually gotten some sleep that night, but the attack hanging over their heads did not keep her asleep for long. The sun had barely risen by the time she awoke, and she looked outside the astronomy tower to see the commotion commencing in the courtyard of the King's quarters. Soldiers were gathering, marching here and there, taking their positions. She could see So in the distance with General Park, probably discussing their strategy for today. She could even see archers taking their stances on the roofs of the palace, serving as a surprise tactic in case something went wrong.

She hadn't realized how long she had been looking until the sound of footsteps upon the stairs caught her attention. She turned around to meet So and Ji Mong.

"Your highness, Ji Mong. Is everything going according to plan?"

"We have an army, though I am unsure if it will be large enough to defend Cheondeokjeon," So said as he looked worriedly at Ji Mong.

Ji Mong tried to lighten up the atmosphere by chuckling.

"But your highness, you already make up half of an army. We do not need anymore soldiers!"

So cracked a smile at the joke, and Soo had to do the same.

"The Crown Prince is lucky to have you on his side, your highness," she said before a soldier noisily made his way up the stairs.

"Your highness! Soldiers have started marching towards the palace. The attack is about to begin!"

They all looked at each other before rushing down the stairs. However, before Soo could set her foot down on the first step, So stopped her.

"Soo ya, stay here. It will be safer."

"But..!"

"Please, for my sake," he pleaded, eyes staring into her own. With a reluctant sigh, she nodded. But as he began to leave, she stopped him.

"So ya?"

He turned around, eyes searching her own. She smiled and reached out to touch his cheek.

"Please be careful."

His eyes widened slightly at her touch, and he placed his hand on hers briefly before removing it gently.

"I will, do not worry."

With a quick smile, So followed Ji Mong and the soldier down the rest of the stairs.

So was right. What use would she be if she followed them down to the courtyard? She could not fight, and it would be safer for her up in the astronomy tower. At least she could see everything from here. Making her way back to the balcony, she gasped to see how far the army had come, and the vast numbers of soldiers that marched in lines. She then saw So make his way to the frontlines of their defending army. At the front of the oncoming troops, she could see the figures of the 3rd and 8th prince.

When the army had stopped marching, she could see an exchange of words before Wook suddenly leapt forward to attack So. She held her breath during the entire fight, hoping neither of them would get hurt. However, she could see a difference between the two men fighting.