Decisions

The Truth from that Night

By the time Soo got to their chambers, her minds was buzzing with questions, but most of all she was worried about So. She still didn't know why Queen Yoo told her about So's past. What motive did she have for doing so?

Did she perhaps think that Soo would leave So for such a deed? Perhaps Queen Yoo knew the

influence Soo had on So, and if she really did leave, then that would make So powerless. Not so much in a political sense, though it would be affected, but it would destroy So mentally. Not to mention, Queen Yoo would also be rid of Soo, killing two birds with one stone.

Granted, the chances were questionable, but Queen Yoo must have thought it was worth a try.

"Your highness, are you all right?" Eun Bi asked.

"Yes, your highness. What did Queen Yoo say that made you so troubled?" Arang continued.

"It isn't much really. She told me something about So's past and I'm not sure if it's true. I hope you don't mind me protecting my husband's privacy by not telling you two. You know I trust you both with my life."

The both of them nodded understandingly and smiled reassuringly.

"Please don't worry about us, your highness. We understand. If it is an unnecessary rumor, then the less people who know it the better," Arang reassured.

"But if it is something serious, please do not hesitate to tell us!" Eun Bi urged.

"Of course. Now that I am settled here, you may leave to attend to your duties at Damiwon. I know it has been hectic with the baby."

"Yes, your highness. We will take our leave. Please call for us if you need anything."

Soo gave a nod and smiled before Arang and Eun Bi left the room. Shortly after, Jung was announced and he entered.

"Hyunsoonim, is everything all right?"

"Jung Ah, of course it is. Why would it not be?"

"I know the way my mother is, and if I am not mistaken, she was trying to provoke you earlier at the lake."

"Did you hear what she said to me?"

"I did not, but I could tell it was something substantial by your reaction."

Soo inwardly cringed. If she let something as little as this affect her, how would she fair if she had to face the royal court?

Not to say that she would, but she already knew what kind of cutthroat world this was, living in the palace. Steeling herself, Soo vowed that she would try harder to mask her emotions and feelings in front of those she did not trust.

"Hyungsoonim?"

"You are right, Jung ah. She did try to provoke me, but what she told me simply makes me more confused than scared. It also made more realize I should be wary of who I show my emotions to."

"You know you can tell me anything, right? You know you can trust me? I have devoted myself to you since the day you saved me from those bandits trying to cut off my arm."

"It is not you I am worried about, but rather..."

"Eomoni."

Soo nodded slowly and Jung shook his head.

"That I can understand, but not how my mother can be so loving towards me yet so cold and calculative towards everyone else. It is a mystery."

"People act differently in different situations. Perhaps she saw you as a way to redeem herself."