Your Highness {NamJin}

twelve

Mirin looked down at her letter, allowing her long hair to cover her work from either side of the desk. It was early morning, and the birds had only just begun twittering in the trees and greeting the sun that began its rise outside. No one else would be awake, she figured, but still covered her work as a precaution from those with wandering eyes. She had to think hard; one would've thought she were writing a story by simply watching her work. One could almost feel at peace by watching the tip of her brush glide smoothly over the paper before her.

One would not have guessed that she'd be up to something sinister.

After finishing the letter, she stowed it away in a red lacquered box that she pushed towards the back of the room. Thinking over the phrases she painted on the paper in exquisite penmanship, she covered her cold body with the shawl that hung over her bed, asking the guard outside her door if he could be so kind as to bring her some tea.

A smile spread across her face as she sweetly thanked the guard who came back with an ivory tray set with a teapot, a bowl of dried tea leaves, and a cup -- all made of jade. She sprinkled the dried tea generously into her cup, poured hot water into it, and drank to her enjoyment. The beverage warmed her insides and send shivers from her hot core to her goosebump-covered skin. Later that day, she'd invite her sister to enjoy it with her, she thought.

Hopefully, she will be able to stomach it.

"Lord Kim," she murmured, bowing demurely before her sister's husband in an obedient manner. "Good morning."

"Hello, Mirin-sshi," he smiled sadly, letting out a small sigh. "How are you?"

"I am thankful for my life,"she said, shaking her head. "I cannot imagine the pain you all must be going through. I wish to comfort you and the poor boy's parents as best I can."

"We are grateful for your kindness. Please come in," Taehyung said, nodding at her. She entered the residence, holding out her arms to embrace her sister. Seonbi gladly accepted the hug, wiping a small tear from her bare face.

"M-My apologies," Seonbi whispered, sighing along. "I can't bear to think how Doctor Jung, Guard Min and their little one have suffered."

"Let us take this time to care for each other," Mirin nodded, looking up at Taehyung. "I could send for some tea."

"None for me, thank you," Taehyung said. "I simply wish for you two to be alright. A cup of tea could do Seonbi some good. Would you like some, love?"

Taehyung knelt before Seonbi, placing a hand on her back to reassure her of his endless support. She nodded and smiled, thanking him for thinking of her. Mirin smiled, seemingly happy for their strong relationship.

After Taehyung went out to ask for tea, Mirin got up to smooth out her plain black dress. She stepped over to the reclining chair next to Seonbi, pulling out a piece of paper from the breast of her robe. She placed the piece of folded paper on the couch, shifting it on the corner of the cushion.

"Sister," Mirin said, kneeling next to Seonbi once more. "Why not spend the night with me? We can talk about family and finally get to catching up with life back home."

"I'll ask Taehyung-ah first. I don't want to just leave him without a word."

"I understand, Sister. Please, do so."

Seonbi nodded, taking her little sister into her arms once more. Taehyung returned from the outside with a tray extremely similar to that of the tea tray she used earlier that morning, setting it in front of Seonbi and making the tea for her. Once it was made, she persuaded him to take time for himself; she felt gratitude for his constant care, and she knew Mirin would care for her. Nodding, he sat on the recliner, hearing the paper positioned behind him crinkle as he relaxed.

Looking over at the piece of paper, he picked it up and opened it to find words scribed carefully over it.

Second Lord Kim Taehyung,

I write this letter to you to ask for the annulment of our marriage. You've been nothing but good to me, and you could not have been a better husband. My heart pains over how I must tell you this, but my heart has run dry. I feel nothing but grief. I look at you with empty bitterness in my heart where I once felt love and joy. I cannot fathom how this may make you feel, and I know not what the future is for me. I plan on forfeiting all title and rank, and going back to life as a commoner. I have earned enough money to care for my ailing father, and I believe tht is the best life for me. I cannot handle living this way anymore. Please stay healthy, and take care of Rinji for me.

Hae Seonbi

He walked out of the room without another word, slamming the screen door shut as he ran towards the gardens with hot tears in his eyes.