Like Mother: A Hwarang Prequel

Chapter 4: The Price of a Princess: The Final Chapter

Five months later...

"Good morning Your Highness," Onjo's court lady greets me kindly. "You have received a letter," she says as she hands me a light blue envelope.

My Sweet Daughter, it reads.

The time has come for you to return back home where you belong. I hope you're feeling better.
I wish I could have given you all the time in the world, but you are greatly needed back here in Silla. I have some grave plans for you and your brother. You should also know that I have officially formed my Hwarang and I need your help to train them and keep them in their place. I've prepared a carriage for you for tomorrow morning. Tie up loose ends over there and pack your things. I shall see you very soon.

Your Mother Jiso

I hadn't realized all the time that has passed. I've been having such a good time with Onjo...

There's a knock on the door and Onjo peeks his head in. It's as if he'd read my mind.

"Hi, sorry, am I disturbing you?" He asks.

"No, actually, it's perfect timing. I need to talk to you."

He shuts the door gently behind him and comes over to take a seat on my bed, facing me. "Is something the matter?" Concern fills his eyes and it becomes harder than I'd expected to share the news with him.

"Um...I...received a letter from my mother."

"Oh, what did she say?"

"She...wants me back in Silla now."

His expression turns slightly glum.

"My people need me." I try my best to keep my cool but the shakiness in my voice gives away my true feelings.

"Oh...Well, of course, it is your home and will eventually be your kingdom." He sighs, and then it's silent for a few breaths until he looks up at me through his lashes and says something unexpected. "Marry me."

"What?" Is all I can get out of my mouth. I can't even think straight right now.

"I...love you. And besides, it'll only be advantageous for both our countries."

"I...would love to. But I'll need my mother's blessing, of course.

"Of course."

Awkward silence. I can't believe this is actually happening.

"I shall speak with her about it as soon as I arrive in back Silla."

"Sounds good," he says, smiling sweetly.

I can't help but smile back.

"He...asked you to marry him?" Mother asks with wide eyes.

"Yes..."

"Actually, Sookmyung, I was going to talk to about it, but I've already planned for you to marry his brother."

What.

"Goguryeo and Silla have had our ups and downs, but it's time now to preserve peace among the three kingdoms. And what better way to start than by firstly closing that wound?" she explains as she sips her jasmine tea. "Wouldn't you agree?"

I should have expected this. I should have known it wouldn't be so easy. It's never been easy for me, a princess, to pursue romance. It may even be impossible. "Yes, Mother."

"Is something the matter?"

I can't tell her about my romantic...adventures I had during my therapeutic leave...It wouldn't only be my problem but also Onjo's.

"Don't tell me you're in love with Prince Onjo."

"Of course not." I couldn't possibly tell her the truth. Mother always says love is irrational and not worth the time of highly respected people like us.

"Good. So it's settled then. Don't worry, honey. This is the better option, trust me. It's the best way to completely heal the wound between Silla and Goguryeo."

"Yes, Mother. But mother, what about Jinheung?"

"What about him?"

How could she say that?

"I mean...when will I be able to see him? And when will you let him sit in the throne where he belongs?"

"Soon." She gets up and I know that's as far as the conversation will go. Again.

I see, Onjo writes. Though it's a letter I can sense his disappointment and shock. I guess there is nothing that we can do. This is the world that we live in and we have responsibilities to carry for our respective people.

I've never cried so much in my life.

Is this really the end of it? Even if I'm a princess, do I not deserve happiness, too?

Once I've let out the last of my tears, I wipe it all dry and pull myself back together. Like Mother.

To Be Continued...

Note: Sorry about the rushed ending. I hope it all makes sense. It should all flow into the story of Hwarang which, if you haven't, you have to watch because it's awesome. ;) Park Hyungsik does an amazing job as the charming Faceless King.

Some time passes from my story and Princess S, the strong woman she is, moves on from her lost love. She becomes a role model for the boys of Hwarang and helps to strengthen them. She also reunites with her brother Jinheung (which is my favorite scene), and it's very heartwarming and touching.

I started planning for my next BTS - JK fanfic which I'm praying works out well. Idk how it'll turn out, but I have a good base story about the daughter of Bang PD (fiction) & Jungkook, a past life-changing incident, family trouble, secrets, and how it could all be real in the harsh world of the K-Pop industry.

Stay tuned!