Decisions

Protective Measures

When So woke up the next morning, he saw that Soo was still asleep. It was rare that she woke up after him, but he knew with recent events, her body was still probably tired. Many people also decided to visit her yesterday after her return, including his brothers and her father. With that in mind, he didn't have the heart to wake her up, and quietly got ready before leaving a note and heading to the throne room.

King Hye Jong was there as expected. So had asked his eldest brother about why he was ready so early in the morning, to which he simply replied that having the kingdom's weight on one's shoulders did not allow for sleep.

Although So was the current crown prince, he wondered how it would be like when he sat on the throne. Soo had mentioned in the past that she did not like the throne, and he hoped that when time came for him to sit upon it, she would have different ideas.

"The 4th prince greets his majesty."

"Wang So, I hope to hear good news from you? I was informed that you returned to the palace last night with Hae Soo."

"You are correct, Paeha. I was able to find Soo where she was held captive in the woods."

"Were there any difficulties?"

So had to smile.

"Surprisingly, the lead I followed led me straight to her location. However, when I had arrived, she had already escaped and was waiting in the bushes."

King Hye Jong let out a laugh, and So grinned in response.

"I presume she had minimal injuries then?"

"Aside from a minor headache, it seems she is doing fine. I have made sure she is getting enough rest."

"Strange how you were able to find her location so easily. Jung, Baek Ah, and Woo Hee had no leads until you came home."

So did think that was strange. He hadn't managed to keep following the lead because he had found Soo, however he wondered how he was led to Soo's location so easily.

"I agree, Paeha. However I was unable to keep tailing the lead."

"Perhaps they will come back again. We will need to be vigilant."

"I understand, Paeha."

At that moment, an eunuch came through the doors to announce the arrival of the court ministers. King Hye Jong nodded to allow their entry, and So took his place at the front right of the court as usual. He shared a look with his eldest brother, knowing today would be another long day of proposals and complaints.

So was not able to leave court until much later in the day, and when he did he immediately went back to his quarters to check on Soo. To his dismay, she was not there, so he made his way to the next place he could think of: Damiwon.

True to his prediction, she was at Damiwon and seemed to be busy with a very serious overview of her staff. She was conducting interviews with each and every Damiwon court lady, and then verifying their identification via Eun Bi and Arang. Additionally, So noticed something very peculiar: several painters present, painting portraits of every single Damiwon court lady after their interview.

It was rare that So got to see Soo so focused during her duties as the head of Damiwon, and he felt it would have been improper of him to disrupt so he simply stood to the side and observed the procession. When it seemed like Soo had decided to take a break, he revealed himself.

"Soo ya, I thought you were to be resting."

Soo finished signing one of the documents before she looked up at him with a smile.