Decisions

Impending News

Hello everyone! I want to start off by apologizing for such an unplanned hiatus. I have been so fortunate this quarter to take classes which have me taking midterms every week. I cry, but not right now because I can finally update this story! I assure you, even though I didn't have much time to write, I had ideas swirling in my head all the time. Thank you for waiting ever so patiently, and I hope you enjoy this chapter :)

Also as a note: I know Queen Yoo had a first son who died and was the cause of her grief that caused her to scar So, but for the purpose of clarity, I will just refer to Yo as the eldest son and So as the second eldest, since they are both alive.

As for Soo's dream, it was loosely inspired by the Vietnamese version of Cinderella. Read on to see what happens!

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Soo was walking through a wide field with green grass as far the eye could see. The wind was just right and when she looked to her side, she saw So was with her. Suddenly, they happened upon a tall and wide tree. Its branches were filled with lush green leaves and there was no fruit to be seen, except for a very large peach on a high branch, one well out of their reach. However, a slightly wind shook the branch, which sent the ripe peach falling straight into her outstretched hands.

When Soo woke up again, she found herself staring at the canopy of the bed. Blinking a few times to clear her groggy vision, she propped herself up on her elbows and looked around. Arang and Eun Bi, who both had been sitting at the table heard the rustling of sheets, turned around to see their princess awake. Both ladies stood up quickly and rushed to the bedside.

"Your highness! Are you awake now?"

They both helped Soo sit up, and Soo smiled gratefully for their help.

"Yes, it seems I am awake now. How long was I out?"

Soo remembered the last time she was awake, and that was after she sent So off to court, following the capture of the 3rd prince. After So left, she suddenly found herself getting very dizzy and dropped to the floor in a faint.

"It's been a little over a day, your highness. You had everyone so worried, especially the 4th prince!"

"Over a day?"

But what could have cause her to faint and be knocked out for that long?

"Yes, your highness. The royal doctor said you were under stress. Furthermore, you had not been getting enough sleep or food. It must have been worse with the baby."

There was a silence as Arang realized what she had revealed. Eun Bi glared at her, elbowing her friend in the side. Soo took a moment to process what Arang had just said.

"B...baby?"

She looked up at both of her ladies in waiting with widened eyes.

"What...did you just say?"

"The doctor said your baby was also taking some of your energy, which was why you were out for so long," Arang said hesitantly.

Soo thought about it again. If the doctor could sense the baby, then it meant she was at least three months along. Sure enough, when she counted back, Soo realized she had missed her courses for the past three months. With all the events happening in the palace, she wasn't surprised that she had overlooked that fact.

Looking down at her flat stomach, Soo placed her hands on top. The baby was still too small, and it would be at least a couple of more months before she could really feel the baby, but a warm feeling spread across her body.