~ a lily among thorns~

"let us greet them"

Nari ran. She ran until her lungs burned like fire and her legs were ready to collapse beneath her body. Her course was long but familiar. It wasn't until she could see the glowing yellow lights of the Jeong-seo manor in the near distance that she began to slow her pace.

When she reached the entrance, she threw herself down at the guards' feet, a sweaty and exhausted mess. The men jumped in reply, surprised by the late-night visitor. "State your name and business," one ordered, clenching his spear.

Nari wiped her forehead before looking upwards. She hoped to see Yoon-sung but was immediately disappointed. "Na-Nari," she stammered, still catching her breath. "I'm a- a friend of your master, see-seeking refuge."

The guards looked at each other puzzled, before sending a messenger into the house. It wasn't long before a short hunched-over figure came hobbling out speedily, urgency in each step. "Nari!" Jeong-seo called, concern saturating his words.

The girl almost fainted with relief when she saw him. "Thank goodness," she breathed, closing her eyes. Jeong-seo soon reached her side. Without hesitation, he threw his walking stick to the ground, lifting Nari to her feet. "What is the matter, my dear?!" he questioned with panic. "Why have you come so late at night with such a composure as this?"

Nari ignored his question as she fell into his arms. "Is Yoon-sung here?" she asked, hope swelling within her. Jeong-seo, in return, ignored hers. "Let's get you inside," he said firmly, retrieving his stick. One of the two guards grabbed Nari, slinging her arm around his shoulder as he helped her into the house.

Jeong-seo was quick to have Nari attended to once they reached the indoors. She eased at the sip of a cool cup of water and the aid of a chair beneath her. However, her mind remained focused on one thing. "Where's Yoon-sung?" she asked again, looking around to find him.

Jeong-seo shook his head, motioning to have Nari's cup refilled. "How is that of importance right now? Tell me what has happened to you!"

"Please, just let me know!" Nari cried, her voice distraught. Jeong-seo furrowed his eyebrows with confusion as he realised how upset Nari was becoming. "Well," he answered. "If you really must know, he's not here. I sent him off at the end of your last visit to watch over you at Hwarang. I didn't tell you bec-"

"Oh no," Nari gasped, dread filling her body. "They still have him." Jeong-seo paused, stiffening his stance. "Who is 'they'?"

Nari leant on the table, planting her face into her hands. "The palace guards!" she mumbled loudly, that hope now draining from within her. "The palace guards..." The old man was silent, slowly walking over to where Nari sat. He took his large shaky hand, placing it on her back softly. "What's happened?" he questioned quietly, now sure that something terrible had come into play.

Nari hesitated, before spilling the whole story. From her Father, to the jail time, to discovering the king. She held back not even a single detail. Jeong-seo listened calmly as Nari concluded. "Yoon-sung tried to help me!" she cried. "But now he's suffering somewhere in jail and it's my fault!"

Jeong-seo lightly scolded Nari, shaking his finger at her. "Now, never you mind Yoon-sung," he instructed. "He is a strong young man who has endured much worse than jail time. Whatever he is experiencing right now-" Jeong-seo placed his hands on Nari's cheeks, lifting her head, "remember that you're worth it."

Nari nodded, trying to convince herself of the fact. "The whole city is looking for me. My face is plastered over every building. The only safe place I could think of was here," she continued, wiping her wet lips.

Jeong-seo twisted his mouth in careful thought, finally letting out a sigh. "This is the first place they will come looking. The queen is aware of our connection." Nari was silent, wondering just how she would escape this time.

"What's she doing here?" a voice suddenly scowled from across the room. Jeong-seo's daughter was glaring at the pair, unimpressed by the sudden company. "She's here seeking refuge, and we are granting it to her," Jeong-seo answered without missing a beat. He would not tolerate his daughter's disrespect.

"Why?! She doesn't belong here!" the girl whined, disgusted by Nari's dirty appearance. Jeong-seo opened his mouth to rebuke her but was interrupted by a guard. "Sir, a party of palace soldiers are on their way here. What should we do?"

Jeong-seo grumbled in return. "Just as I suspected," he said. "Go and fetch Poong-yeon quickly and bring him to my daughters' room. Nari, follow me."

Jeong-seo's daughter gasped in retaliation, quickly following the two as they rushed to her chamber. "Surely, they cannot hide in my room!" she argued, detesting the idea. She was ignored, and she crossed her arms angrily. When they all reached the room, Jeong-seo hurriedly went to the bed, beginning to push it to the side. His old frame was weak, but Nari was quick in assisting. The other girl in the room stood sourly in the corner.

Once the bed had been moved, Jeong-seo kneeled to the ground, slipping his fingers into a gap in the floorboard. With one swift pull, he yanked it upwards, revealing a dark empty hole beneath. "It's a tunnel, my child. Follow it to safety." Nari looked into the looming abyss, wondering just where it would lead. But before she could ask, a guard entered the room, a small figure draped over his shoulder.

"Poong-yeon," Nari breathed, so thankful to see her little brother. She took him into her arms gently, the boy still half-asleep. "Nari?" he whispered with heavy eyes. She stroked his forehead, and his slumber overtook him.

"Wouldn't it be safer if he were to stay here?" Nari questioned quietly. Jeong-seo shook his head. "No one is safe here now." Nari frowned, feeling guilty for the trouble she'd brought. "This isn't right," she said. "I'll go someplace else. I'll only cause you all harm."

"No!" Jeong-seo demanded. "But Father-" his daughter protested. He sharply held up his hand for silence. "No! It is I who must direct you to safety. I promised your family I would look after you. I will do nothing else."

Nari nodded, hugging him tightly. "Then thank you!" she cried. "You have been nothing but good to me." With that, she carefully lowered herself down into the hole, Poong-yeon still sleeping in her arms. Jeong-seo took the floorboard and carefully put it back in its place.

"Master!" a guard shouted. "The soldiers are at the gate!"

"Then come," he answered, "Let us greet them." He looked to Nari's hiding place one last time, before exiting the room.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

To my beautiful readers, 

Thank you so much for your continual support and patience. Thank you for the birthday wishes and prayers. Thank you for just being here. Lately I've been so stressed with senior studies. I feel like I never have time to write and always end up having to apologise to you all. But I'm always answered with gracious understanding and support. It means so much to me. Just a little update on my life, I just moved schools to complete my two senior years. It's been hard to handle but really what can you expect? Also, currently trying to obtain my driver's license. I failed the exam by ONE question hahaha. It's alright, I'll try again tonight lol. A movie recommendation for y'all: A Wonderful Day in the Neighbourhood starring Tom Hanks. It's so pure and heart-warming - kind of like attending therapy in a cinema. Anyway, that's pretty much all I have to say now. I hope you're all doing okay. <3