Decisions

Settling into Routine

Hello everyone! I apologize for the long wait, but I've been working more during break and spending time with family when I'm not working, so I haven't had much time for writing. However, I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think of it; I would greatly appreciate it :)

P.S. Is anyone watching Goblin? The entire cast is just too cute :3

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Shortly after their return to the palace, Soo began her duties serving as a Senior Court Lady. It took a few days to get used to things, and to having a plethora of girls following her lead. However, Court Lady Oh taught her everything she needed to know, and pretty soon she had all of Damiwon in tip-top shape for the royal family.

Granted, it was hard the first couple weeks, since the girls didn't take her seriously due to her status as the 4th prince's wife. They all assumed that she had gotten that position because she was in favor with the King. Furthermore, she was of royal status due to marriage, so why would she want to serve as a Court Lady, unless she was only playing around? In addition, there were still some rumors about her involvement with Court Lady Oh's death floating here and there.

In fact, the girls conspired one day to prepare remedies wrong, thinking Soo wouldn't be able to tell the difference. However, one glance and a quick sniff at the concoctions told Soo exactly where the solution went wrong, and she calmly reprimanded the girls before sending everything back to be prepared again. After that, everyone began to have respect for the new Senior Court Lady, although some of them begrudgingly.

When Soo took her position, Arang and Eun Bi continued to be her ladies in waiting, learning under her as court ladies at Damiwon as well. They both showed great aptitude in beauty and make up, so Soo taught them both everything as Court Lady Oh taught her. Soon, they became ranked just under her, and helped to look over the other Damiwon court ladies.

Furthermore, the two became her closest confidents and let her know everything that was going on in the palace. Whether or not they had to deal with Queen Yoo's mad fits, or if Queen Hwangbo needed more chrysanthemum tea for her migraines. They also made sure the rest of the Damiwon Ladies were kept in check, and reported any misdemeanors to Soo, who would find a way to resolve the conflict peacefully. Although Soo was compassionate, she was also strict when she needed to be, and she thanked Court Lady Oh every day for teaching her how to be careful in the palace.

Some days when it was just the three of them reading medicinal texts in Soo's room, after all the duties had been distributed, Soo was reminded of her previous hand maiden Chae Ryung. Chae Ryung had provided her much comfort and companionship when she first arrived in Goryeo, and she wondered how the girl was doing. Was she still working at Wook's house? Was she in good health?

"Your highness!"

Soo was startled out of her reverie by Arang's voice, and looked up to meet her eyes.

"I'm sorry, I was thinking about something. Is there anything you need?"

"I just had a question about this page, but if you do not mind me asking...what are you thinking about?"

Eun Bi set down her brush, also looking at her superior, wondering what had made her so out of it today. Soo hesitated before closing her book.

"I was thinking about a former hand maiden I had. She provided me much comfort before I entered the palace, and I wondered how she was doing. I couldn't help but think of her because I had you two as my most trusted friends."