Decisions

The Aftermath

4 weeks ago

When the royal court was released for the day, So made his way to the astronomy tower to finish off some paperwork prior to returning to his quarters. Luckily, the court was released earlier today so he quickened his steps to the tower, hoping that if he finished his paperwork early, he would be able to make it to dinner on time.

However, as he made it to the top floor of the tower, he knew that things would not go as planned.

Wook had somehow made it first to the astronomy tower and seemed to be waiting for him. He was unsure of why this was the case, but when Wook turned around, So knew that it was no trivial matter. Wook would never seek him out unless it was the case.

"Wook."

"So ya."

So made his way to his desk where Wook was waiting and took a seat, also motioning for Wook to do the same. As Wook settled down into his seat, So was unsure of what to think. His relationship with his 8th brother no longer held the same hostility as it once did. Ever since the last time Wook sought him out in this same astronomy tower, they had both agreed to forgive each other. That was the last time they had a conversation, and despite seeing each other in court on a daily basis, they did not converse.

So did notice, however, that Wook seemed to play less and less of a role during the meetings with the royal court. He used to be more outspoken when it came to the Hwangbo clan, but as of late he had been allowing the elders to lead the conversation, choosing to take the backseat and wordlessly agreeing with what they proposed. It made So curious as to why Wook decided to do so.

"What brings you here?" So asked directly.

"I heard that you hired a new guard for your quarters," Wook said quietly.

So nodded, not surprised that Wook would know that. It wasn't as if he hid his visits to the quarters that housed the royal guards, as he found no reason to keep it a secret.

"Yes, I did. But why does that concern you?"

Wook seemed to hesitate before he answered.

"Are you aware of where his loyalties lay?"

So raised his eyebrow slightly. Now things were getting interesting. He hadn't realized he would get results this soon after hiring the new guard. And from Wook, no less.

"He would be loyal to me, of course. I did choose to hire him based on his skills," So said vaguely.

"What would happen if you found out he was the reason for Hae Soo's disappearance?"

Of course, So knew this already; that was the real reason why he chose to hire that guard in order to keep a closer look on him. But how did Wook know this? He had an inkling, but decided to confirm.

"I already know that," So said nonchalantly.

Wook's eyes widened before he spoke up again.

"But if you know that, why have you hired him? Would it not put Soo ya in even more danger?"

"I have my reasons for doing so, but why don't you explain why you are here. I am surprised you know who the guard is."

Wook paused slightly before he confessed.

"He...was someone hired by Yeon Hwa."

So was not surprised to finally confirm that Yeon Hwa was behind Soo's kidnapping. However, what surprised him more was the fact that it was Wook telling him this.

"Why are you telling me this? I would not expect you of all people to do so."

"It's time that I put an end to her greed, and mother's," Wook said in a low voice but with conviction.