Decisions

Planning for the Future

When Soo had gone to search for So the next morning, she had been informed by Ji Mong that he was sent to bring back his 3rd brother, who had escaped from his home after being put under house arrest for attempting to seize the throne. The Crown Prince was still figuring out how to deal with him when he had escaped.

"Did he go alone?" she asked worriedly.

Ji Mong shook his head.

"Jung and Wook have also joined the search, along with some royal soldiers."

She nodded wordlessly. Soo hoped that they all would return safely, though she was aware of how much anger and hatred Yo held, especially towards So. Furthermore, Wook had joined the search party, and she wasn't sure if he would take that chance to eliminate both the 3rd and 4th princes altogether. That was why she worried.

"The 4th prince will be fine, Lady Soo."

"I hope so too, Ji Mong."

They both saw Crown Prince Moo and his entourage approach them, and bowed to great him. He nodded as he saw them.

"Ah, Ji Mong, Lady Soo. Just the people I wanted to see."

"You wanted to see us, your highness?"

"Yes, please follow me to the throne room."

And so they waited for the Crown Prince and his entourage to pass before following them to the throne room. When they arrived, Ji Mong and Soo waited for Crown Prince Moo to take his seat before he spoke.

"Ji Mong, it seems my coronation must be postponed till tomorrow, or at least until we have captured my 3rd brother. Please communicate this to the ministers."

"Yes, your highness. I will do so immediately."

Ji Mong left with a bow, leaving only Soo and the Crown Prince.

"Hae Soo, have you had enough time to make your decision?"

"Yes, your highness. I have thought about it last night."

"And what have you decided?"

She knew that So was very loyal to the Crown Prince, and even if he had promised he would take her away from the palace, she knew it would hurt him if she kept him away permanently. The palace was a place he wanted to enter the most, ever since he was sent away to Shinju as a child. Furthermore, she could not rob the Crown Prince of his most loyal subject and brother.

Soo was still terrified of the palace, and wanted very much to leave. However, she knew that if she stayed here, she would have the protection of not only So but also the soon-to-be king. She supposed it wouldn't be too bad, and as long as she was careful like Court Lady Oh warned her to be, she would survive. In addition, if she was here, she could help Moo take care of his health, and at least that would provide some strength and support to him.

"If your offer still stands, I will accept my position as Senior Court Lady at Damiwon."

She could see Crown Prince Moo visibly relax at her response. He must have worried about her decision.

"It brings me much joy to hear your answer."

"However, I do have a request."

"What is it? I believe you are not an unreasonable person, so I will grant whatever you wish for."

"The late king granted permission for me to marry the 4th prince. I would like to do that."

"Yes, he did and I approve of it as well. But you do not need my permission to do that."