Decisions

An Unexpected Visit

No one knew about the poisoning incident, except for Soo and So, and those who instigated the event. Despite them knowing it was Queen Yoo, or even Yeon Hwa, they had no evidence, and as the days grew in number, it seemed that they would not get any evidence at all. They both decided not to tell the other princes, simply because it was still uncertain; they did not want others to worry needlessly.

The weeks following the 9th day of the 9th month, the King's health grew increasingly worse. However, despite the urging of the ministers, he would not change his heir. This meant the ministers continued to pester So about divorcing Soo as his wife, and taking Yeon Hwa as his future queen instead. Regardless, So continued to refuse, and that only succeeded in making everyone else even more anxious. No amount of threats or warnings of how he would not have support of any of the ministers would deter him. The Hwangbo clan especially was getting nervous, and decided that they had to put something into action if they were to have their own on the throne.

So found himself at the astronomy tower again, the usual after court had been dismissed for the day. On certain days, Ji Mong would accompany him while the King was resting; today was one of those days. While So was reading over new proposals and complaints from the people, Ji Mong was working on another contraption of his. When So asked him what it was, Ji Mong replied it was a variation of one of his other contraptions: a helicopter. It was similar to an airplane but more compact.

Suddenly the sound of someone climbing the stairs to the astronomy tower could be heard. By the amount of silk that was being swept upon the steps, it could only be a woman. So and Ji Mong looked at each other before setting aside their work and standing up to greet whoever would come in.

To their surprise, it was Queen Hwangbo who ascended the stairs. Both bowed in response, but gave each other another look. Their thoughts echoed:

What was she doing here?

"I am sure you are surprised to see me here," the queen said calmly.

"With all respect, your highness, but you have never been seen at the astronomy tower, so naturally we are surprised," Ji Mong answered.

Her eyes scanned the tower disinterestedly, never stopping on anything in particular until her gaze settled on So.

"I never had a reason to come here until now. Ji Mong, leave us. I wish to speak to the 4th prince alone."

"As you wish your highness," Ji Mong said with a bow before leaving, but not before sending another worried glance towards So.

The room was silent after Ji Mong's departure, and So met the Queen's stare straight on.

"What can I do for you, your highness? I have yet to have the pleasure of you seeking my presence."

"I will not waste time. I have come to give you this."

Her hand held a parcel wrapped loosely in cloth, and So stepped up to accept the offering.

"You may open it," she said as he stepped back towards his desk.

The sight that met his eyes surprised him, but he was used to controlling his expression, and hiding his thoughts from those he did not trust.

It was the blue silk-bound journal with peonies that he himself had gifted Soo. What was it doing in the Queen's possession?

"You must recognize this, do you not?"

He glanced up coolly at the Queen, trying to read her expression. Surely she wasn't going to do what he thought she was going to do?

"Of course I do; this was a gift I gave to my wife. It was lost recently, but I did not expect you of all people to return it. No one was told about it, so that makes me question why you have it in the first place."