Archive of Our Own

As the seasons change…

Young Miss Cho-yeon knew something was wrong when she saw Bu-yeon coming in.

Terrible wrong. Positively dire.

Her older sister had come home early that day, which confused everyone. Just the day before Jang Uk, her husband, had rescue her at Queen’s banquet and killed “Naksu” in front of the whole town.

The couple were married for two months now, and they were deeply in love, everyone and their dog knew about that. The Ice Stone user even got mother to help protect Bu-yeon with one of the relics.

However, the very next day of that amazing display of love, Bu-yeon show up in Jinyowon pale as a paper sheet, cold bloodshot eyes and demand to have her room ready. And not the one that she used as a child, the hidden one, her prison cell. Cho-yeon tried to dissuade her from the order, but it was useless

Mother, of course, was over the moon, welcoming Bu-yeon with open arms and a greedy smile.

The young Spring was the opposite, for the longest time now, Cho-yeon carried with her an anger, a frustration, a wicked desire of break everything. As a matter of fact, she was aware that the woman who they claimed to be her older sister was a ruse.

Everything went wrong three years prior. It seemed like a lifetime ago thought.

Back then, in her wedding day, Cho-yeon almost believe everything would be alright, that change when Naksu, the shadow assassin, crashing in, seeking to murder her father. The woman was as dangerous as they whisperer, a formidable warrior, fighting both Dang-gu and Cho-yeon without so much a hint of effort. The most painfully part was that even with such a skillful enemy they almost won. For a moment, Naksu was under her betrothed blade and her father was alive.

for a moment everything would be alright.

Dang-gu hesitated for one second. Just one.

It was a stupid thing to blame him, the woman wasn’t just Jang Uk’s bride, the servant girl had been one of her betrothed’s close friends. While the heiress knew all about that, it was either blaming him or blaming herself for not be able to safe father. And Dang-gu accepted the blame, her screams, her rage, he took away all her guilty and anger. He also took with him her heart, her warmth, her joy.

How much pain can one person take?

It was Jinyowon’s youngest daughter who rescue Naksu from that lake all those years ago. Back then, she had been blind with rage and hatred, following the assassin’s track while everybody mourned for Jang Uk and her father. The assassin was almost gone when they pulled her out of the lake, completed cover in stone, the woman caused all that pain for what? A suicide mission?

Nevertheless, Cho-yeon took that half dead creature to mother; if they could not safe her sister’s body, they could at least have a decent funeral.

Somehow, Naksu survived, fully taking over her sister's body, even stealing her face to herself. Lady Jin stubbornly insisted that she was still Bu-yeon, however Cho-yeon knew better than believe her mother’s delusions. The heiress was a grown woman now, the future leader of Jinyowon, and she knew very well how both her parents were far from perfect creatures. Father almost killed Bu-yeon and conspire against the royal family and his own.

And mother… She loved and feared her mother in equal measures.

The Jinyowon’s leader was also growing weaker by the day, and while Cho-yeon could held Jinyowon on her own, that was no denying that since Naksu woke up, memoryless and lost, there was a shift in Jinyowon’s power. The earth almost buzzed with her presence alone, it reminded the heiress of a time, a very long ago, when her family was whole and the days were fill with joy and happiness.

It was all destroyed now, turned in to ashes and blood by Naksu’s hands. So, it was fit that she’s the one who made it whole again. At least that thought was what made Cho-yeon shallowed her hate and take pleasure in Naksu’s pain during the first year as Master Lee heal her body.

The first time the young Spring saw Jang Uk after his death was to confirmed the Ice Stone inside of his beating heart. A dark part of her wanted to laughed, the man was less than a shell, cold, heartless and in grief for that woman. Naksu didn’t deserve the love of someone like him, and Jang Uk deserve that pain for all that he cause for concealing the assassin’s identity.

That dark pleasure was Cho-yeon only relief in the middle of her mourning, not only for father, but for the woman she used to be and… Dang-gu.

However, in the next spring, when Naksu’s face started to revel in the creature, everything started to feel… Empty.

It was around that time Cho-yeon started to see Naksu as Bu-yeon, her older sister, unnie.

By the end of the third year Cho-yeon was ashamed and guilty. While she hated Naksu, she also developed an affection for the woman, as if she was truly her older sister.

No, she is my sister, maybe not her soul, but her body is.

Things didn't change overnight, of course, the young daughter only realized what was taking root inside of her when a concern Naksu inquired when her little sister was going to do something about the pain inside her heart. Back then, it was winter, their second one together, the assassin had been fully awake for barely six months, the stone scars were almost gone, reminding Cho-yeon that this was not a monster, it was a human, flesh and bones. A woman, who loved to wonder in the middle of the flowers during the night and hate the sound of bells. Why did she do it? The heiress wonder a thousands times over the years.

“She’s your sister” Mother told her multiple times.

Then, leader of Jinyowon outdid herself again and imposed an arranged marriage on Bu-yeon, promising to locked her up and take care of her children. That’s when Cho-yeon fully understood why her mother kept Naksu alive, the magic in their blood ran inside Bu-yeon, the woman could see the energy around them and could open the gates. Out of the three Jin women, Bu-yeon was the most powerful priestess, even in her weakest state.

In the end, her false older sister was going to be nothing more than a brooding mare.

“Can you be happy like this?” Master Lee once asked her as she seal Naksu’s room again a summer ago.

Cho-yeon didn’t know the answer at the time; she didn’t know what to do either at the present.

Thankfully, as if he was divine intervention, Jang Uk, meddle in. Claiming Bu-yeon as his wife and taking the priestess to his household.

People are truly meant to find each other, she thought amazed and a little resentful.

The recent development force Jinyowon opened the doors again, with that came Dang-gu’s gift, offering his everything again, which she tried to avoid at first. The Young Spring wanted to accepted without hesitation, she wanted to heal, to feel whole again, but he was Songrim leader and she was Jinyowon’s future.

Unless… Cho-yeon figured that since Naksu and Jang Uk ruin her wedding, the least they could do was fix it. Naksu was her older sister, and with the Ice Stone user himself as her husband, the woman could very well take the heiress’s role too. It was all that mother wanted anyway, except of course… The couple could never be happy. Especially Naksu.

Life never goes the way as one expected, as Cho-yeon learned, if the rumors were truth, the lovers were happily married and a baby could be already on the way, much to her mother demise and joy.

That probably was the reason why mother helped Bu-yeon the night before, the palace tried to kill Jang Uk’s wife, making look like it was Naksu.

A cruel fate really, the whole mess made Bu-yeon find out that Naksu was the mage’s bride, the reason why everybody was skeptical about their sudden marriage months ago.

Now, the oldest Jinyowon’a daughter was back to the household, and after a long conversation with mother she went back to the prison room, her prison, clearly heartbroken. Mother ordered that Bu-yeon was free to go as she please and that Cho-yeon made sure she ate well.

“Her health is our priority.” Mother said with a sly smile, that gave the daughter chills

It took half a day for the husband to appear, lady Jin was away in the palace, Bu-yeon didn’t responded when the announce Jang Uk, so it was young Miss Cho-yeon who greeted him at the entrance of the property.

“I’m sorry, Master Jang, I’m afraid that my sister is indisposed.” She bowed gracefully, which anger the man, she knew because the air grew colder around them.

“What’s the reason?”

“She needs one?” She retorted sardonically, the cold wind blew around them again. “If my sister wishes to see you, she’ll say so.”

“It’s that so? Where’s my mother-in-law then? Last time we visited we had to leave in rush.”

Oh right, the whole Yul’s mess, the poor man was still asleep in Sejukwon Infirmary. If wasn’t for Ju-Wol, the owner of the Chwiseonru Courtesan House telling the truth and So-I’s sacrifice the autumn heir would be gone for good. Cho-yeon heard they found him almost dead, after being attacked by the Cheonbugwan’s mages. It because of the matter that Dang-gu went to Jinyowon, since apparently mother knew how to safe Seo Yul from the parasite inside of him.

Both Jang Uk and Bu-yeon were visiting at the time, an invitation from Lady Jin to verify if Bu-yeon was pregnant. The leader tried to refuse to help, and because of it, Jang Uk almost started a war with everyone, going as far as to attack Cheonbugwan and making her uncle summon mother. It took the Crown Prince to stopped her brother-in-law and both Jin Mu and the sisters to convince their stubborn mother to access to the Fire Bird.

The whole thing also forced her to have a proper conversation with Dang-gu for the first time in the longest time.

“Cho-yeon… I’ve tried to erase you from my heart.” He spoke quietly as they waited for Master Heo. “To do right by your wishes.”

“You think I want that?” She murmured avoid his eyes.

“If not… Give me hope.” He begged quietly. “You still haven’t given me your answer.”

“Because I’m trying to find a way out of it, you are Songrim’s leader and I’m Jinyowon’s heiress.” Cho-yeon pulled the piece of paper hide in her sleeve. The old charm that help two people became lovers that she once bought for them. “For now… This is my replied.”

Dang-gu gasped as he recognized the meaning of the charm, the lovers exchange a secret smile before hearing Master Heo shots from distance.

In the end, they successfully save Yul from death and avoid war, while mother got the promise that Bu-yeon would assume her duties as one of the Jinyowon’s High Priestess. Unfortunately, the entire incident happened in the midst of rumors of massacres caused by Naksu. They were even saying that Yul’s injured was because of the assassin! And since the late So-I was a dangerous woman who pretended to be the heir of Jinyowon the gossip got worse. Little do they know that the woman was only forgiven so they could use it as an excuse to close Jinyowon's door...

“Mother is not here, dear brother-in-law. Rest assure that we are taking care of Bu-yeon.”

The mage stared her with a clenched jaw, as if he thought Cho-yeon was lying.

What’s going on? She stared Jang Uk intrigued, last time they spoke about Bu-yeon he was… Unbothered. Of course, she heard the rumors and believe in the until some point, but now Jang Uk looked… Looked like he was the one clinging to Bu-yeon when usually her sister was the one doing it. Was sister pushing him away?

“Tell her I’ll return tomorrow, then.” It almost sound like a promise.

Cho-yeon frowned intrigued as the man went away, He wasn’t wearing full black anymore. The heiress turned around to enter her home, only to spot a glimpse Bu-yeon’s hair. Was the priestess watching the whole thing from the balcony?

The heiress realized at once was going on. Naksu had remember at last.

She almost ran to her older sister to asked, but the young Spring lost her nerve upon seeing Bu-yeon’s using her energy on the garden. To ask something like that, it meant to face the reality of their lies and secrets and their painful past.

 So she went to the only one who would know the answers she needed.

Park Dang-gu, her former fiancé, the currently leader of Songrim and her brother-in-law’s best friend.

He was also her biggest regret, the one Cho-yeon long for everyday since that factual day.

The man found her waiting in his private bedchamber, in Cho-yeon’s defense, she was trying to avoid gossip about them. A secret meeting in the middle of the night seemed proper early. Now, as she stared at him, it felt familiar, like nothing change over the time, as if their were back to one of those stolen moments from years ago.

It was bittersweet.

“Cho-yeon?” He stepped closer tentatively, it seemed he could not believe his eyes.

“I need to know something.” Cho-yeon said raising her chin, as if she sitting on his bed on the middle of the night was customary.

It used to be and it would have be even lawful had I not…

The man closed his door quickly, frowning to her, clearly worry about something.

“Anything.” He breathed placing his sword on the table.

“Why Jang Uk mourn his killer after all this time?” Dang-gu blinked surprise by the strange question. “She betrayed him all those years ago.”

Dang-gu observe her for a few heartbeats, as if to decided how to explain the mess that was his friend’s love life.

“If only things were that simple.” He sighted deeply. “Tell me, my love, did I betray you?”

Cho-yeon blinked caught by surprise, his question was telling. He accepted the guilty, her pain, her screams and her rage, but… He knew. He always knew. The youngest Spring shallow hard feeling her vision blurring with tears.

“He thinks something made her do it…” Dang-gu explained snapping her out of her painful thoughts. “Well, not something, Jin Mun, your uncle.” She frowned confuse.

“My uncle?”

 “Do you know Naksu’s story?”

“Parts of it.”

He poured her a glass of wine and sat by her side, telling the whole story. Naksu’s family tragedy, the four family’s role in it, Jin Mun’s plans, and how she end up in Mudeok’s body. By the end of the tale, Cho-yeon was quietly nursing her third glass of wine, she appeared distressed about something.

“We all use her.” She said calmly, he nodded taking a sip of his cup. “We still doing it…”

“Yes, thankfully Uk stopped the rumor with Yul’s help. Things got ugly, as you know, Yul’s almost died as did your sister yesterday.

“Tell me, do you think she loved him?”

“Naksu? I’d never doubt until that day…” Cho-yeon frowned surprise. “She killed him in cold blood, but… Do you know what Uk did when she drove her sword into his heart? He embraced her; they say that her cries came soon after realizing what she had done. I believe she went insane in the end…”

Cho-yeon couldn’t take anymore, letting out a sobbed, she understood now how grave it was what they did to the assassin. It didn’t make less painful that memory of her slaying father, however… It wasn’t Naksu that day. I’ve been getting my revenge on the wrong person.

All the guilty she was holding in as she started to see the woman as more than just a monster overflowed out of her body. Silently, Dangu-gu wrapped his arms around the heiress, not understanding what was happening, only that she was making amends with the terrible past.

“That’s why I was surprise when he married your sister.” He said as she calmed down. “I’m glad to see he’s finally letting Mu-deok go.”

Only he’s not, not really. He found love again with her.

If it was Cho-yeon from before, she would giggle at their epic romance, now the heiress only feels dread for all that has happened. Maybe they deserve for their lies, or maybe I deserve my agony. How things end up like this?

And if Naksu remember… Why avoid Jang Uk? Why act like she deserves to be punish when she has already paid for everything?

“This all means the blames lies in my uncle’s hands...” She murmured almost to herself, perhaps Naksu had a new plan, her sister had gone to Sejukwon Infirmary early that day, to see if Yul was well.

“I can’t tell you for sure, my spring, maybe Naksu is to blame and it was a lie Jang Uk made up to prevent himself to gone insane. But one thing I know, your uncle is dangerous and whatever his plan is, he has no problem in put your sister in danger.”

“Yesterday… It wasn’t the royal family’s doing then?”

“I’m not entirely sure.”

“Jin Mu and the Queen wanted me to marry the prince… Why?” She asked to herself trying to understand, not realizing Dang-gu’s gasped by her side.

“What?!”

“However, they want me marry to him and at the same time try to kill my sister? The only one who can take my place as heiress? Doesn’t make sense.”

“Cho-yeon…”

“Maybe it’s for my body…” The Queen was quite strange with her, touching her almost like she was a doll to play, it gave Cho-yeon the creeps. “My uncle wanted something from Jinyowon… What do you think, Dang-gu?”

 “What do you mean marriage with the Crown Prince?”

She blinked surprise by his reaction, and then she blushes a little coy.

“It’s something they talked about before Bu-yeon appearing, however since her healthy wasn’t perfect when we found her, Mother kept me as the heiress. Still, the Queen summoned me for lunch once a month.”

“Even after our wedding?”

“We didn’t get marry, sweety.” She held his hand. “I do not think they want me as queen, anyway, if they did, they wouldn’t try to murder Bu-yeon like that.”

“Well, whatever it is, they shall pay for their sins.” Dang-gu lose his arms around her. “We going to meet the prince to see where he stands.”

“We?”

“Me and Jang Uk, the man almost started a war for Yul, he can’t go to the palace alone. I need to do my part as Songrim leader as well.”

“Then… Let me go with you two.” She pleads with him. “Whatever is your plan, I want to be in.”

After some hesitation, Dang-gu nodded, they stay like that for a few moments until she finally realized how intimate was their position. He was still hugging her, stinting on his bed, with the taste of wine on her lips, and his wonderful scent of vervain surrounding her. Just like a dream, it bother Cho-yeon how familiar and easy it was.

Then, she made a mistake to look at his lips and remember.

Suddenly it was difficult to breath, to think, to stop herself. All that young Spring could see it was his impossible hopeful eyes gazing her, silently begging her to finally give in to their love.

So, she did it. Choose him.

 Cho-yeon kissed Dang-gu.

At first, it’s was a sweet innocent kiss, but it has been too long, the crave was unbearable, and their aching love need it all. She desperate pulled him towards her, to lay with him in that old delight dance of love.

By the next day, Cho-yeon used her old secret passage to enter Jinyowon, her head full of Dang-gu’s touch, smiles, kisses, and caresses. She couldn’t help but smile to herself as the garden around her bloomed in life.

That was how her clandestine love affair started again, spending her day with her sister and her duties in Jinyowon, while sneaking away at evening, to secret dates and long nights of love. The change in Cho-yeon went unnoticed for all except one, Bu-yeon, her false old sister, but luckily, aside from the counsel of drink the moon tea, the assassin was a discrete woman.

“You should rest a bit more, unnie, you look pale.” Cho-yeon spoke sitting down by Bu-yeon’s side.

“I should get use with my powers again.” Her false older sister explained gesturing her hand in the air.

“Not if it’s hurting you.”

“Sometimes the only way is through the pain, Cho-yeon.” The young Spring laughed at the statement.

“What a silly thing to say, it was mother’s words, wasn’t it?” That made Bu-yeon smile a little. “Are you planning to avoid Jang Uk forever?”

“I… I cannot be with him now.” The woman’s eye dropped to her lap. “That’s so much to do with, I can’t handle him without…”

“Without becoming mess of bawling wailing? I know that feeling.” The young Spring pout. “It’s annoying, of course, feelings in general, really.”

“Now, you sound like mother.”

They shared a sly smile; they both knew Lady Jin felt a little too much under that stone cold face. Cho-yeon realized that she kind of miss these chats with her, Naksu or Bu-yeon, didn’t matter now, the woman had become both, the only person who knew what is like to be a daughter of Jinyowon.

“Jang Uk probably is coming back tonight.” Bu-yeon looked depressed.

“Do you want stay in my room?” She offered after a little hesitation. “In the past, Dang-gu sometimes tried to sneak in after a few drinks to begged me to accepting him back. Back then, I went to your bedchamber to hide.”

“Really? I don’t recall.”

“You were sick back then. You were unconscious for a year, unnie.” She turned to Bu-yeon, who stared at her in wonder. “How about we go to little stroll to Chwiseonru tonight?”

“Might be a good idea. I wanted to talked with the owner, I need information to help with my plan.”

“Plan?”

“Yes… Are you interest? Involves correcting the tragedy that happened three years ago.”

That got Cho-yeon full attention, her older sister offered a cunning smirk, before letting her in the grand scheming that she had in mind. Upon listen what were Naksu’s intentions, the Young Spring told her about Dang-gu and Uk’s plans, in the end they both agreed it would be wise to get the Crown Prince’s support as well.

And through it all, without fail, everyday Bu-yeon’s husband would come, and everyday Cho-yeon would send him away.

By the sixth day, the youngest daughter was ready to throw the Ice Stone user in her sister bedchambers so he could stop accusing everyone to keep Bu-yeon away from him. The irony wasn’t lost for Cho-yeon, after so long taking joy in their misery, now she wanted nothing more for them to make amends.

Dangu-gu agreed and urge her to talk to Bu-yeon about it, and that was her intention until she saw the assassin with young miss Heo Yun-Ok, in the middle of quarrel. The youngster daughter ran to them, as the healer threw liquid in her older sister, who made an instinctive move to avoid the bottle and ended up splashing the liquid on his face and neckline. Cho-yeon got between them as Naksu clearly was ready to use violence.

“What’s the meaning of this?” She demanded turning to help her sister, that was trying to clean eyes. “Young miss Heo Yun-ok, have you gone mad?!”

“I’m only exposing the truth.” The beauty raised her chin. “That’s not your sister, she’s a soul shifter, look at her shoulder.”

They all turned to Bu-yeon, her clothes were all damp, enough to see through the fabric, her pale shoulder without the slightest mark was evidence enough. Cho-yeon allowed herself to breath in relief as she tried to help her sister to clean up her eyes.

“This is enough for you, miss? There’s no mark!” She snapped at the woman, who was gasping surprise. “Unnie, please go clean up, I’ll take care of everything.”

Bu-yeon nodded annoyed before going away, being guide by their guards. Cho-yeon straightened her spine, controlling her nerves before turning to Master Heo's granddaughter. The woman knew too much, even if they had just prove that she wasn’t a soul shifter.

“It’s the truth, Young Miss! I heard she speaking with Master Seo Yul.” The woman eyed her sister going away. “That is not an ordinary soul either, that’s Naksu.”

Cho-yeon frown terrified by the woman now, Heo Yun-Ok knew too much, there was no way out of it.

“I’m sorry for this.” She hit the healer with a spell, the woman collapsed on the floor. “Guards, take her to mother.”

After that, everything changed.

Her sister went away with her husband, Mother was mad, of course, fortunately Cho-yeon manage to convinced it was better that way. Since Heo Yun-ok had find out about Bu-yeon soon more could too, under Ice Stone user’s protection no one would approach her thought.

“Besides, they must be expecting.” She lied to mother. “Think, what other reason Jang Uk would want her close by so desperately? She doesn’t remember nothing from their past life after all.”

That was when Cho-yeon knew, I finally forgave her. The young Spring was finally realized from her own broken heart.

She smiled to herself.

…

The Crown Prince Go Won watched the view from his window as his turtle played happily beside him. The tall man had much on his mind these days, but above it all: I advised Jang Uk’s wife to cheat on him.

The young heir closed his eyes, disappoint with himself, had he lost his mind? Yes, the poor shaman didn’t deserve an unhappy marriage, the nobleman knew that all very well, his parents’ marriage were just like that after all. So Daeho’s future king gave a counsel he always wanted to give his mother…

No, I’m right in taking Bu-yeon’s side on this. He nodded to himself, Jang Uk and him weren’t friends, his true friend was the Bu-yeon.

Who almost died days ago because of my family’s schemes and now was staying on her family’s household because apparently she and her husband were at odds with each other.

“I am a terrible friend, turtle.” He murmured to his pet, who raise her head. “What? Am I a good father at least? You are too kind, darling, here.” He offered her a lettuce leaf.

That very morning Jin Mu had coming to tell him all about the couple’s quarrel; while they failed to use Naksu to get Jang Uk, they had been successfully breaking his loving marriage. if the Ice Stone user wasn’t the husband of the family’s oldest daughter it would be easier to takeover of Jinyowon.

Divorce! Goodness, how serious could be their fight?

It had all been a shocked when he find out the truth; the prince had been in Jinyowon to help, she was helping her sister, who carried the Seo Yul’s parasite in her mouth. Songrim had request the oldest daughter presence to prevent Jang Uk and Crown Prince from awaking up the Fire Bird. The prince and her started to talk immediately confused by each other, only to her husband get in the way offended by their friendship.

The Crown Prince tried not chuckle at the memory of Jang Uk’s jealous face as they tease him with their friendship.

He lost the smile quickly thought, it was all very sad, you see, Your Royal Highness actually thought they could make amends at last.

Now… The turtle tapped her head on his finger, Cheer up, it seemed to say to him.

Eunuch Oh came in in that moment and solemnly bow to him.

“Your Royal Highness… Young Miss Jin Bu-yeon wishes an audience with you, sire”

“Young Miss…? That’s Lady Jang, eunuch Oh!” He frowned to the man who nodded quickly, the Prince arched his eyebrow. “Well, let her in, don’t bring food, I’ll invited her to stay for dinner.”

“Sire?” Eunuch Oh looked surprised, the royal just shooed him away with his hand. “Of course, Your Royal Highness!”

The woman came in with her gracious manners and beautiful face. Crown Prince Go had heard about her reputation before, the priestess’s portrait was all over the city at some point, the rumor was it that Jang Uk fell in love with her at first sight. He was not very sure if that was possible, however, it was undeniable that if there was a woman who could make that cold heart man fall in love quickly that would be Bu-yeon, The charming shaman with marital problems. Her marriage was the very reason the nobleman didn’t even dare to think of her as anything but a friend.

Hold on... Something is off. Prince Go narrowed his eyes to the priestess, her manners were more… Stiff. She bowed her head gazing around discreetly, like… Like she was looking for exits. He found the whole thing amusing, Why would she do something like that? But then, her eyes stopped at the turtle, and the prince realize he was getting her all wrong.

The woman was nervous since it was their first meeting since they find out each other identity, she probably wanted to prove herself brave and dignify to the Crown Prince of Daeho. After all, their conversation about her struggles and his as well were all a little too intimate for noble people who value reputation.

Perhaps I should be embarrass too, I babble about my struggles without a care. But isn’t that what you do to a shaman anyway?

“Good afternoon, Lady Jang” He greeted her politely. “I must say, I’m surprise with your sudden visit.”

“Oh Your Royal Highness!” She bowed to him pompously, the prince blinked surprise by her behavior. “I thought of us as friends, should I come back next week?”

Oh skies! Now the woman was afraid of him? You are the only friend that I have left, shaman!

“Of course we are, shaman, I did help with your marriage, didn’t I?” He hoped she said only good things to Jang Uk, if the man almost killed everyone because of Seo Yul, his friend, one can only imagine what the man would do to those who mistreated his wife.

I didn’t though! I only offer my house with many rooms for her… The Crown Prince almost laughed thinking about.

“You did.” Bu-yeon agreed with a skeptical eye. “May I speak freely then, Your Royal Highness?”

“We are friends, Bu-yeon, we share a turtle after all.” He pointed to the little devil who watched them.

“You are a truly good person.” The nobleman smiled loving the compliments, even more now that he knew she was a powerful priestess. “The turtle is well?”

“Of course, she only obeys me!” He declared proudly. “How about you? Shouldn’t you be resting?”

His eyes fall to her stomach, remembering one of their conversations over ginger wine. She got carried away excitedly explaining that her husband now slept in the room with her every night. Heavens, I know way too much about Jang Uk’s marriage life…

“Shouldn’t you be controlling the problem?” He blinked by the change in her tone, even her eyes lost their usual warm. “I almost die for some unknown stupid reason.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“I want to know the reason.” She stared at him without a hint of being bother by his title. “At Queen’s banquet I was attacked.”

“Naksu…”

“She wasn’t Naksu, we both know that, don’t we?” She gave him an understanding look. “I mean, the first rumor about my baby got out after saving Seo Yul and then I almost get kill? I’m terrified, so I came here to ask for your help.”

“Your husband is the Ice Stone user…”

“We…” She paused blink avoiding his eyes. What? It was all truth? The Crown Prince wonder what exactly Jang Uk did, the mage had become the cold type after his first late bride… Well, it was difficult to imagine him in love again. And for all that the shaman told him, the peacock was still present between them, even if they were growing... Intimate. “We had a fight, I left home for now.”

“You still fighting?” He leaned in curious, she nodded with solemn pout. My friend is truly pitiful one. “Why didn’t you say so before?”

“Before?”

“I thought you two were going to meet here today, that’s why you visit early….” They stared each as it down to them that Jang Uk did not know Bu-yeon was there. “Oh… It’s just a coincidence…?”

“I… I can’t be here.” She stood up in panic, the Crown Prince also felt a bit her panic for no reason other than he was a good friend.

“Wait, he is not here yet, Sharman.” He blinked around. “Wait… Why are you acting like it’s wrong to be here?” The future king stared his friend genuinely offended.

“Your Royal Highness, it’s not about us, it’s about Uk. You have no idea, I left without saying goodbye he will drag me home.” The priestess looked around concern. “Help me!”

“With what?”

“Say that… That you put me in charge of the investigation.”

“What investigation?”

“Are you not investigating my attempt murder?” Bu-yeon looked outrage. “I’m pregnant!”

“You are?”

“Of cour…” Bu-yeon stopped talking when she realized it wasn’t the prince who inquired.

The friends slowly turn to find Jang Uk himself with the open door, behind him stood Park Dang-gu, the Songrim leader, and Young Miss Cho-yeon, the heiress of Jinyowon, both staring them with wide eyes. Eunuch Oh was pale as a sheet staring the Crown Prince, clearly looking for orders; as for Prince Go, he peered at his darling turtle, as if she would help.

She did. The pretty thing wasn’t where she was supposed to be.

“Where’s my turtle?” He asked in a dark tone, Bu-yeon turned to him confused.

“You lost he?” She frowned looking around. “She’s not here…”

“The turtle was just here.” He replied going around the table. “Eunuch Oh prepare dinner for my guests. Lady Jang find the turtle and then you may go.”

See? I’m helping you, don’t forget. The noble prince arched his eyebrow to his friend, she nodded with a small relief smile.

“Wait a minute…” Jang Uk meddle in the conversation frowning at their exchange.

“Oh as you recalled, Jang Uk, your dear wife and I are close friends.” Prince Go took pleasure in his jealous expression.

“I thank you, Your Royal Highness.” Bu-yeon bowed her head quickly. “I’ll also started the investigation tomorrow. Now, if you excuse me…”

“What are you going to investigate?” Jang Uk stepped in front of his wife, who look at everything but him with a blasé face. Prince Go made a note to invite her to a game of cards any day, she seemed the type who would be good opponent.

“It’s none of your business, husband.”

“It is if you are putting my child in danger.” The whole room held the breath by what they were listening. This is a conversation to a private setting. Wiil I fight with my wife like this?

Sounds fun actually. The prince shake his head with the trail of thoughts.

“That’s rich coming from you, wasn’t your deceased bride who tried to kill me?” They are gasped by her sharp words. “Besides, I’m not pregnant.”

“You aren’t?”

“You aren’t?” Prince Go echoed Jang Uk narrowing his eyes to the sly woman.

“Of course not! That’s is no chance that I am.” She denied strongly. Too strongly.

“Not all?” Dang-gu peering at Jang Uk with judgment in his eyes, the Crown Prince tried to hold his laugh, because for a matter fact he knew that it was a lie from the small woman.

They always said goodnight and good morning to each other first, after all. Jang Uk’ss face made the whole thing much more entertaining.

“The turtle is the one who is pregnant!”  She announced, Prince Go opened his mouth too stunned to speak. “I’ll find her right way, Your Royal Highness.”

Bu-yeon went away after whisperer something to Cho-yeon, that nodded with a serious face to her old sister. Jang Uk gaze the air for a few heartbeats, before turning to follow his wife.

To his surprise both Crown Prince Go and Cho-yeon moved to stopped him. Dang-gu, of course, join them, making Jang Uk sitting down to about the whole situation with the Queen and Jin Mun. It wasn't an easy conversation, even more that Uk was already fuming in rage because of Bu-yeon. In that sense the guidance of both Par Dang-gu and Jin Cho-yeon helped their overcome their differences.

“How will justify this meeting thought?” The young Spring inquired frowning. “Master Jin Mu will know.”

“The original plan was that I have come to accept the palace's apology for my wife’s attempted murder.” Jang Uk replied. “But that was ruin since she was already here before.”

“How about our marriage?” Dang-gu turned to the heiress, which made both the Crown Prince and the Ice Stone user eyed them. “We came to ask you blessing for our marriage, since they wanted to marry you and Young Miss Jin.”

“That was ages ago.” The future king stared them incredulous.

“Your Royal Highness the Queen still summons me for tea, Crown Prince.”

“Is that so?” That intrigued him. “Very well, I shall give you both my full support, I’m guessing your plan is that Young Miss Cho-yeon leave her title of heiress.”

“And since that would made Uk the husband of the future leader, he came to give his support.” Dang-gu nodded satisfy. “A little truth, and a little lie. They will believe.”

“How about we make a little more of it?” Jang Uk suggested. “The Crown Prince can be offended and refuse to help, even more, he can demand the hand of my sister-in-law.”

“What?” Dang-gu eyed his friend offended. “Why would…?”

“It might be for the better.” The noblewoman said with a thoughtful pout, very alike her older sister. “Would good excuse for me and unnie to enter the palace, and Jin Mu would think you are all fighting.”

By the end of the meeting, they all dinner together, carefully crafting their little story. It was fun, Prince Go was surprise that politics could be this nice with allies. The only people he usually talked about was the King and Jin Mu, and they always felt like their were ready to scold him.

Well, and the shaman, he owed Bu-yeon for making his days a little less lonely. However, she did not know who he was back then.

For the first time in years he felt light and content. The conversation changed to more mundane topics, the prince almost felt like they were all friends. Then the dinner ended with Dang-gu and Cho-yeon leaving together, while pretending they weren’t going to a secret date, while the Ice Stone user linger around.

Clearly waiting for someone.

“Is that anything else, Jang Uk?” He asked arching his brown while savory sweet tea.

“Yes, I’m waiting for my wife.” The mage chewed the cream biscuit.

“You think she will come back with you here?”

“Your turtle is precious after all…”

“Jang Uk, allow me to give you an advice…”

“I do not need counsel on my marriage from a eunuch.” He replied through gritted teeth.

“It’s not my fault that your wife didn’t understand when I clue her that I was royalty.” The future leader of Daeho scoffed at the man. “Now, listen, because she did and that action improve your marriage.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well… She did go to wish you good night every night, didn’t she?” Jang Uk had murder in his eyes now. “Calm down, before you freeze the whole palace, alright? If you really want to talk to her, you need to apologize first, the woman is quite cross with you.”

“She is?”

“Well, it looks like that… What did you do anyway?” The mage fell in silence and the prince arched his eyebrow remembering her words from before “Wasn’t your bride who tried to kill me?”. Looks like Jin Mu was right. “She knows about Naksu.”

“She knows about Mu-deok.” He agreed.

The name felt like a punch in the stomach, filthy Mu-deok… The very reason why Crown Prince Go end up becoming a farce. One of his closest friend, the one who would tell him the truth without really telling the truth, the first subject that the prince actually felt like he should earn her respect and loyalty. She deceived him all along.

“Will you blame that individual and get rid of them?” She asked in their last conversation with impossible understanding eyes.

The Crown Prince sent her away without a proper goodbye, it was only later that he realized that even though he demanded her to go away, the servant girl end up taking all the blame because of him. Jin Mu said himself, and while he knew it was an attempt to manipulate him, the terrible truth was that the prince should have arrest the man at first sight.

 But he didn’t, and for years now, he carried the pain of his sins. The guilty for Jang Uk, for Mu-deok, for the bloodshed, for letting Jin Mun live through it all.

Bu-yeon, Jang Uk’s new bride, was just like that too. A good friend, who somehow understood the royal too well, and was put in dangerous because of him and political game again.

Well, I’m not making the same mistake twice.

“Filthy Mu-deok… Very few calls her that. It’s not even her real name, isn’t it?”

“Yes… Her name was…” Jang Uk paused for a moment, because the pain of regret would always be there. “Cho Yeong.”

“Well, Bu-yeon is not the type of woman to resent one because of the past. I know because she told me so about her old lover.”

“She what?”

“Don’t pretend you weren’t the same, you also had a peacock, making her suffer to.” Jang Uk crossed his arms speechless. “My advice here, Jang Uk is quite simple: break into her room and talk about your feelings.”

“What? That’s it?”

“The simplest thing can be the hardest quest, Jang Uk. Look at us… I want to be the king and you don't, still, people will try to pin us against each other. How did we resolve the issue?”

Jang Uk made a face that he didn’t like anything he was hearing, but for a matter of fact, the Crown-Prince Go was right – as usual. Jin Mu had tried to make they enemies over and over again, the Gwangju even told him about the secret of Jang Uk’s birth, something the prince chose to keep to himself for now.

“Is not only that, we both know that.” He said in a sharp tone, the prince avoided his eyes. “My loathe for you goes deeper than some stupid political game.”

“As I said before, I understand, I truly do. Still, you have my trust to do the right thing not only to Daeho, but for your wife as well.”

The mage nodded, then he drank the rest of his tea before going out to get his wife’s forgiveness. The future king smile to himself very satisfy by the events of the day, he truly outdone himself this time. Too bad I’m so good in helping others and not myself.

“That’s terrible advice, you know.” Bu-yeon said behind him, the nobleman turned on his chair startled. The woman was standing in the shadows by the windows caressing the turtle in her arms. Somehow it was a chilling vision. “I do not wish to talk to him, let alone about my… Feelings.”

“How… How did you get in here?” He blinked surprise as the priestess gently put the turtle in her pool.

“You two are after Jin Mun… My uncle.” He didn’t miss the way her voice changed to a deadly tone. “Is he the one who tried to kill me?”

“Yes.”

“Did he also kill Naksu? Jang Uk’s bride?”

“He… He caused it, she followed his orders blindly.”

“And yet you let him go? You must really consider her less than filthy.” He frowned not liking how honest she was, where did all her gentle manners went?

“It’s not as simples as you think.”

“Then, it shouldn’t be too complicated, after all the simplest thing are the hardest.” She sat down in front of him, an icy glare studied him now.

Her behavior made him pause again, it was the same feeling he got when she first arrived.

“There something else, isn’t? It’s been bothering me since you got here, something is different in you, shaman.”

She smirked at him, almost wicked, a strange cleverness appeared in the woman’s eyes.

“Oh… I recover some of my memories, actually. The ones that were locked away for a very long time…” She stared her hands.

The royal blinked remembering their previously conversations, she said once that her past was like bottomless lake, no matter how deep the shaman dived she couldn't catch more than the glimpses of her old life. He even helped her exploring a few places, trying to figure it out if she could recover more memories.

“Congratulations, my friend, I know how much you've been suffering from your remembering dilemma.” He said in a nonchalant manner, it didn't seem right to congratulate the shaman judging her reaction.

“… With them I also recover this wretched feeling of violence and wickedness.”

Prince Go stopped his motions for a moment, the unexpected words were unsettling to say the least. The woman in front of him seemed to light up now, there was a sinister fury and hatred burning in her eyes, the very air around Bu-yeon tremble with her presence alone. This was the most powerful priestess of Jinyowon.

Then, he realized.

Her words. They were familiar.

It was his words.

“Tell me, prince Go, do you still vehemently despise seeing me and Uk together?”

Filthy Mu-deok.

“It’s not possible.”

“Before calling your guards, you should give me the courtesy to listen my story.” She poured herself a cup of tea. “After all, the same fate that happen to me could occur to your mother.”

“Are threaten me?”

“Crown Prince! I’d never dare!” She looked almost offended. “To tell the truth, you don’t really know what happen with Naksu.”

“You are Naksu.”

“I used to be her, just like I used to be Mu-deok.” The soul shifter calmly took a sip. “Jin Mu raise me to be an assassin, as you know, in a way we were trained by the same master. We are fellow pupils.”

“How sentimental of you.” He spat reaching his hand under the table.

“Danju, it was what I called him.” She looked to the window. “Don’t even think about using that sword, I may not be able fight but I have divine powers.”

“What?” He dropped immediately the thought of summoning his sword.

“That day, my last day, I heard two things: Jin Mu’s voice and the bells. I didn’t blindly follow his orders, I was going to marry Uk and be happy, for what should I take revenge? My poor father? That was Jin Mu’s doing anyway.”

“What are you saying?”

“I was controlled with a curse, is something that Jin Mu’s can do with soul shifters, Seo Yul told me about it and he can explain better to you. That’s for later, for now, I want you to think about it: who is a soul shifter supporting our abominable master?”

It was too much information, all at once, but he was trained for this. The Crown Prince poured himself a tea, accepting her game for now. She was at least a very entertainer talker.

“My mother.” He took a sip. “Does that mean you can still lose control?”

“No, I have divine powers now. Master Lee can vouch for me if you want.”

“How can this be? You took another body…”

“I didn’t, this is the body of Bu-yeon, the heiress of Jinyowon. Once upon a time, they called her Mu-deok…”

The assassin soul shifter then told the whole story to the prince. Naksu had taken over the body, in order to save it she had merged with it that’s why her true face took form, however soon the real Bu-yeon would come back.

The more the soul shifter spoke, the more stunned he became. It was an unprecedented tragedy, the woman in front of him survived things one couldn't begin to fathom. By the end of her tale, the Crown Prince Go made up his mind.

I’ll end this travesty for once and all.

And he did.

With the help of his cousin, Seo Yul, who was also aware about Bu-yeon being Naksu, they lock the Queen on the day of the banquet. If wasn’t enough, Jin Mu had  the never to try to get rid of his beautiful turtle days before.  Somehow the beautiful creature found her way back to them.

Actually, she to find Seo Yul, who very kindly let he stay with him in Chwiseonru. The three of them, began to meet there since no one would suspect thanks to Lady Ju Wol’s discretion. The prepared the plans and took action as the days went by, she had mark every single soul shifter in the palace and around, the secret society suffered a few lost that made Jin Mu turned to the Crown Prince as a ally, as they slowly pulled apart the Gwangju Cheonbugwan’s little web of political power.

At some point, the royal realized that there were two groups work together, the ones who knew about Naksu and the ones who didn’t.

Although he had his doubts about Jang Uk not knowing about his wife.

“What do you think?” He asked to Seo Yul, after Jang Uk break into their dinner. “He knows, right?”

“They are married anyway.” His cousin shrugged. “You seemed to have taken well the truth.”

“You too, cousin.” He wondered for a moment. “She… Is much more than the shadow assassin they whisperer about. Somehow, I feel like a owe her something, it’s quite ridiculous, I’ve been in pain for so long because of her and now she’s just here.”

“Soon to be gone.” He murmured; they shared a look. “It almost feels like repentance, doesn’t it?”

“May we be worth it.” The royal raise his glass to the nobleman.

The night of the banquet, those villainous people were supposed to performer a new alchemy of souls with the young heir of the noblehouses of Daeho, his mother wanted to have the body of Young Miss Jin Cho-yeon, the heiress of Jinyowon. The future king was supposed to capture the woman, since there were rumors of make her the Crown Princess.

“Take care of my sister.” Bu-yeon asked when the three of them met in the gardens.

“I can take care of myself, unnie. You should go now before they miss you.” She replied stepping close as Naksu went away. “Your Royal Highness.”

“Young Miss.” He complimented back. “You should drink this to be able to wake up when is time.”

“This is the relic.” She offered a gold hairpin; it looked like a simple object but the moment he touch the power vibrate through his arm. “One drop of your blood and I’ll lock everyone in that prison, Jang Uk will handle them.”

The prince nodded to her, hidden the relic on his sleeve, they both stared to the sky, it was not time just yet. He sighed before peering at the Young Spring, Bu-yeon’s sister, Did she know about her older sister? Probably not, she called the woman “unnie” and Naksu had murder her father on Cho-yeon’s weeding day.

In front of her, actually, he frowned feeling unsettle, the young noblewoman should know the truth one day. The priestess suddenly turned her eyes to him intrigued.

“Is something on you mind, Crown Prince?”

“I’m just wondering how much of the plan do you know.”

“Not everything, my sister tried to keep me out of a few things. You see, she doesn’t trust me, not with mother.”

“I understand that you helped her through the years when Jinyowon was close to the world.” He frowned intrigue.

“You mean I helped keeping her lock.” She played with a blade that was hiding on her sleeve. “Do not fret, Your Royal Highness, we sisters have already paid the suffering we owed to each other.”

Oh… The first firework explodes in the sky, it was the signal, the heiress drank the potion with his blood and faint into his arms seconds after. The future king carried Cho-yeon to the secret room in Cheonbugwan, soon Songrim would take control over as Jang Uk used the Ice Stone’s power to attack all soul shifters at once. At the palace, Seo Yul and the shaman would keep his mother’s body safe.

“Let Jin Mu think he won, I want him to taste the victory and feel the despair as we take everything from him”. Naksu said in vicious tone over tea as Seo Yul played with the turtle who found her way to Daeho’s autumn arms.

The Gwangju Cheonbugwan open his arms to him, showing his work with a greedy proudness, around them lay ten people that would have the souls stripped away. In the wicked mind of his former master, soon the Queen would arrive to begin the ritual, after all his mother’s still had the body of Shaman Choi, her blood had the magic to do it.

In the end, they didn’t need truly need the Ice Stone to perform the alchemy of souls, what they need was its power to be able to control stability between soul and body. The plan from before was to take the Ice Stone from Jang Uk, however, since he die with it, they had be merge, only a powerful priestess could do it.

And the only one who powerful enough was now his beloved wife, Jin Bu-yeon.

So they were going to access Jinyowon through the family Jin’s youngster daughter. The Fire Bird is the answer to all our problems, with the creature a new Ice Stone shall fall from the sky.

“Where’s your mother?” His former master asked frowning after the introduction. “Soon it will be time.”

The prince arched his eyebrow to the small mage.

“It’s time already, Jin Mu.” He stared the whole room with disdain. “As my subjects I shall bestow you all the fit punishment.”

With a pulse of his energy Cho-yeon woke in a gasped, without hesitation the royal cut his hand with a hairpin.

The air crackled with the Jinyowon's power surrounding the room, trapping everyone at same time the Ice Stone inscription flashed in the air. Jin Mu tried to attacked her, but Jang Uk’s sword stopped him, pushing the villain away, the men disappear in one of the portals.

The Young Spring came closer and held his bleeding hand, in a blinked of eyes, they were pulled away, to outside Cheonbugwan, where Songrim’s leader waited for them. Around them all the soldier were either dead or unconscious, they had successfully take over the place. The royal was rudely pushed aside as Master Park Dang-gu anxiously checked the heiress for injuries.

The Crown Prince scoffed at the lovers.

“Blood.” Dang-gu spoke in panic.

“It’s my blood.” Prince Go cleared his throat while stared daggers at the summer heir.

Luckily, Young Miss Cho-yeon had more manners and sense, she stepped around her lover and gently capture the relic from the royal. He blinked finally realizing how much the object suck his energy, eunuch Oh was by his side in a blink of eyes, helping his master to sit.

“How are things?”

“No one suspected a thing” Dang-gu nodded. “The banquet is happening now.”

“You Royal Highness… His Majesty, the King is summoning you, sire.” One of the guards bow to them.

Before he could reply, the quiet night was broken with an icy wind that carrying away the cries of sinful greedy.

It was done.

“What have you done?!” Father shouted at the son.

“My duty, my King.” He lowered his eyes in respect, the King sneered at him and send him away.

Not surprising, it’s not like anything he did ever please father. For as long as prince Go remembers his royal progenitor have always seek a new heir, the one born under King’s star. It almost drove the young heir insane, it was only after Naksu’s tragedy that he started to understand the price for his wickedness and perversion.

For three years he walked in Daeho, knowing the people, the country, the ones he should protected. The royal thought all he could do was enough. The Shaman was the first one who actually said a good thing about him without his title, the first one who believe him.

The turtle, his adoring daughter was the prove, if he could do right by such a small creature, he could do it for his country.

Finding out about Jang Uk truth father only fortified his decision to be more, to be what Daeho needed.

He slept at peace that night.

Only to wake up by a frantic eunuch Oh, who begged him to fled the palace. The King along with Unanimous Assembly had just stripped prince Go from the crown and send the order for him to be imprisoned.

“What? Have you gone mad?” The guards entered the room that moment, the prince pushed the eunuch way, ready to fight.

“Let’s not make things more difficult.” His cousin, Seo Yoon-O spoke with a strange smirk, it was familiar somehow. “My appearance is too different for you to recognize me?”

“What’s the meaning of this?”

“It’s me, your former master and the rightful Gwanju of Cheonbugwan.”

“You… You shifted your soul?” He asked narrow his eyes stunned by the man.

“His Majesty wisely sent someone to save me from the fate that Naksu bestow upon me.”

“Naksu?”

“Yes, she’s alive, in the body of Bu-yeon from Jinyowon.” The King himself came in. “You aid her, and for that act of treason I’m taking away your Gold Plaque “

“Your Majesty!”

“Guards! Locked him up!” The prince could only stared as the guards grabbed him.

“We shall active our goal to bring the Ice Stone to this word so we can fight Naksu and her husband, Jang Uk.” Gwanju spoke him a low voice. “Fret not, young prince, soon your body will be sitting on the throne.

And with that horrifying words echoed through his mind, the prince was dragged away.

…

First thing Seo Yul learn after waking up was that he slept through two political disaster and one attempt murder.

“You almost die, you FOOL!” Master Heo Yeom had screamed angry, the old man’s face was all red with teary eyes. “You should have told me about that thing inside of you!”

Memories came rushing in, leaving him disoriented; Yul had been investigating the Naksu’s rumor when they attack So-I and he interfere. As he remembered the facts, Naksu herself came in, looking worry about his well-being, as if she wasn’t his first love, his childhood friend, the woman who was his biggest regret.

Al least, he understood why there was a sense of familiarity when they first met, Bu-yeon had Naksu’s real face, but that was the only similarity. Her height was wrong, Naksu’s was as tall as him, and her build was different too, not an assassin but a fragile woman. The differences weren’t only physical either, their personality too, Bu-yeon was like the warm sunlight, while Naksu was the burning sun.

However, the woman now had different eyes, and just like that he knew.

“How long did you know?” The woman had tilted her head, intrigued with Yul.

“So-I told me just before she was attack, Mu-deok was the real Bu-yeon.”

“I see… Three days ago, I recover a bit of my memories, it all came back when the supposed ghost of Naksu tried to kill me.” She scoffed. “Can you imagine?”

Yul smile faintly, destiny had a dark sense of humor.

He knew a lot more about what had happened to her, in that last fateful conversation with So-I, the woman told him about the bell curse, about Mu-deok, about the truth nature of the parasite, and she would have told him about the secret society if wasn’t for the arrive of Cheonbugwan’s mages.

There was a lot to talk about with her, but that was for later, since Naksu demanded him to not tell Jang Uk, he tried to arguer, only for Master Heo rush in with Dang-gu. Naksu eyed him in warning, and he complied confuse, By what in the name of the skies the woman was thinking. Jang Uk had been the one who took the whole blame, who carried the guilty as his most precious possession, while Yul went way, running from his sins, with guilty choking him every time the parasite acted.

He must know the truth.

“You should all go, master Seo needs to rest.” Young Miss Heo Yun-ok spoke in a soft voice getting between Yul and Naksu. “Isn’t that right, grandfather?”

“Yes… This rascal must rest! Yun-ok, assist him, please. Everyone, please, this way.” Naksu turned her icy gaze to the healer, who only raised her eyebrow in disdain, before going away.

“Oh Yul!” The assassin smirk at him. “Master Lee will soon come, he took care of you, just like he did to me.”

With that, Naksu went away that day. The warning was clear as day, Master Lee knew about it, that change the whole picture.

Fortunately, Yul didn’t have to say a word to his best friend, a few days after waking up Jang Uk storm in inquired about Naksu’s real face. As expected, no matter how much fate pushed the couple apart, their souls would always find each other.

However, that meant Yul been doom to watched his two friends pretending they did not know a thing while cling to each other as two helpless stupid people. Can I even love like that? He wondered sometimes, his first love seemed so afar, so little, so insignificant now.

When he fully recovered, the autumn master decided to stay in Chwiseonru Courtesan House, there Naksu and, surprisingly, the Crown Prince met with him to establish their plans, since both of them were the only ones who knew about her. Well, the ones she knows and trust about it.

 She begun to mark the soul shifter around the palace with their help. Aside that, they were establishing a parallel plane about the Queen, she could go mad at any second thanks to the Bell curse, and both of them were her closest relative aside his uncle Seo Yoon-O, who was actually aiding Jin Mu. It was because of that kind of thing that Yul didn’t miss Seoho Fortress.

Screams at the hallway during diner time, made the mage curious, at first, he thought about ignoring but decided against to at least see what was happening. He opened the door only to almost step on a turtle, the little creature was fiercely walking toward his door. Without understanding much, he picked it up and took inside, before going to deal with the mess.

It was his uncle, of course, screaming about losing something. Lady Ju Wol apologize to him resolving the whole situation with sending everyone to look for the thing. Yul sneaked away, deciding to not deal with his relative for now. The owner appear later, compliment him bringing a new set of food.

“Master Seo.” Lady Ju Wol “These are gifts from a very beautiful…”

“Tell them I politely refuse, please.” He asked without looking, the woman paused in a judgmental silence. “There’s no need to give them false hope.”

“Master Seo… I don't think they were expecting much, they just want to convey their best wishes for your recovery to good health.” She replied a little dry.  “These are excellent cheese!”

“Then, you can have it.” He sighed. ”What was the confusion with my uncle early?”

 “Oh… He lost a creature…” She stopped staring the turtle. “That, he lost that!”

“A turtle?” The owner frowned studying the turtle who was resting peacefully. ”What is it?”

“This is… Oh… I must be wrong, I’m confusing with the one from the palace.”

“The palace?” He frowned remembering one of Naksu and the Crown Prince’s talks. “Lady Jun Won, please keep it a secret that she’s with me.”

“Of course, Master Seo.” She nodded curious. “In exchange, please, eat some of your gift.”

He sighed before nodding.

 “Is the boy well?” He inquired quietly while watching her shameless opening his gift and serving the fine delicacies.

After So-I’s death, her helper Yong-Pil had become homeless again, Dang-gu had gave the boy shelter, but Yul’s decided to take responsibility for the boy who was loyal to his lady until the end. They were both staying in Chwiseonru, with the owner helping while he was busy with the palace’s schemes.

“He’s well, very hard-working, when I told him to bath and rest, only for him to do all in less than an hour and inquired about what he could do to help.” The owner chuckles. “So I gave him a few things to do. Please don’t look at me like that, the boy is mourning, at time likes these is good to have something to filled the emptiness.”

“Is that so?” He observed the dessert before taking a bite, A little too sweet, or perhaps life was too bitter at this point. “And what you do when that emptiness is gone?”

“Gone?”

“For the longest time I tried to erase everything through the pain.” He replied lost in his own thoughts. “Only to find that I’m not guilty of anything.”

“You have a gentle heart, Young Master. Here, try this.”

Yul accepted the red fruit without hesitation only to almost spilled the sweet, the owner laughed as he tried not to grimace. It was sweet as honey at the beginning and then turned incredible sour after a few seconds. He took a long sip of his tea, shallow the horrible thing at once.

“We eat that to wake up.” She took a bite like it was nothing. “It’s a bittersweet fruit, like strawberries.”

“I prefer strawberries.”

“About your problem, Young Master, sometimes we grow use to pain, just like the woman eating this fruit, it becomes a companion of some kind, something vital somehow. Without it, we momentarily lose our sense of direction.” She said serving a pine pollen tea biscuit.

The mage stared at the fancy snack for a long moment.

Yul almost laugh by the irony of all of it, losing the sense of direction was something he should be use to by now.

 Lady Ju Wol’s words stay with a long time after the conversation, it was truth that he lived for so long with guilty and the parasite worsening that without it felt like losing a limb. Why I’m like this? I should be happy, there’s no pain anymore. Maybe Naksu could help him understand, at very least, Yul thought she must have gone to something similar.

Unfortunately, he did not have the opportunity to discuss the matter with his oldest friend, for disaster strike as the Royal Banquet came. With their successful attack on the secret society, everything was supposed to be alright and in peace.

But there was no time to think about that, calamity had befallen Daeho. Jin Mu with the support of the Royal Family and Unanimous Assembly had attacked Jinyowon and take the Fire Bird’s egg.

That’s when Jang Uk came with her. A strange Bu-yeon, who wore a blindfold and held herself in a complete different way from his childhood friend. Yul knew immediately that wasn’t Naksu anymore, neither Mu-deok. It was Bu-yeon

The couple came with three hurt people, Master Lee went to work immediately, while their think over a new plan. The had the advance for now, Jin Mu didn’t know how deep and well plan was their attack, and with everyone thinking they’ve killed the heads of both Jinyowon and Songrim, the time to attack was now.

And there was only one way to stop the danger once and for all. To awake the Fire Bird themselves.

“If the awakening of the Fire Bird is inevitable, it is better to let it happen while we still have control over it so we can change the outcome.” Jang Uk declared to all.

They set each other their tasks, Dang-gu and Jang Uk went to rescue the Crown Prince, Cho-yeon got Jinyowon’s forces to destroy the remaining relics that ignite the Fire Bird’s energy. Seo Yul’s job was a rather simple one, but extremally vital.

“Take Bu-yeon to Cheonbugwan.” Jang Uk asked. “She’ll wake the Fire Bird.”

“Uk…” If Yul wasn’t sure before, now he knew. “I’m sorry.”

It sounds stupid to say, while Yul wasn’t in love with Naksu anymore, she was still his dearest friend. Uk didn’t deserve such a cruel fate, to bare the world on his shoulders like this… Surprising as usual, the Ice Stone user gently smile to his friend, although his eyes were a little hollow.

“We made our decision, my friend. Now, I’m going to make sure that her sacrifice was not for nothing.”

The friends nodded to each other before going separate ways, Later we would drink to her, Yul promise himself. Naksu, Mu-deok, even Bu-yeon. She deserved more than been remember as monster.

“It’s been a long time, High Priestess Jin.” Master Lee said bowing his head, Yul blinked surprise.

“It’s good to find you in good health, child.” Bu-yeon smiled, her voice sound solemn and distance as at the time, like she was far away from there. “I’d like a word with my mother if you don’t mind.”

As she went away, Master Lee turned to the autumn lord with a knowing smile.

“I know you have questions, come now, young one.”

Master Lee finally explained the whole story to him, who the woman really was, how was possible, and why was happening. It shocked Seo Yul to his core, her finally understood Naksu, the very reason for her to not tell the truth to Jang Uk.

She was always meant to disappear, she probably didn’t want to hurt Jang Uk even more, letting only their happy memories to stay in his heart.

What a foolish friend! A brave foolish friend. He thought sadly.

Mourning for his friend, the mage sat down watching the sunset, his heart heavy with the knowledge of the cruel fate that was bestow to his friends, how there was truly no way around. He started to get angry too, the world took everything from Uk and Naksu, they didn’t choose any of that and in the end… They did the right thing despite the world giving them every reason to see it destroy.

Once upon a time he would be the first to say that Jang Uk and Naksu made the right decision

Duty above love, he thought to himself in bittersweet consolation.

“Young autumn, why do you carry so much pain in your heart?” Jin Seol Ran asked him suddenly by his side.

“It’s for my sins, High Priestess. I could had stop so much pain if only…”

“”If” is a dangerous word. Makes one wonder what could have been, what should have been, and what it will never be.” He nodded bowing his head, Yul didn’t need to know the obvious. “Do not fret over the fate of others, dear, you are not responsible for their decisions, only yours.”

“It’s unfair.”

“The world is like that, always hanging in a dangerous balance, for honorable ones like you there will be the greedy ones. It was like that 200 years ago, it’s like that now, and it shall be like that 200 years from now.”

“Then… What should I do?” He asked quietly, the woman turned here head to him a little.

“I must have asked that myself a thousand times over my life. You see, seeing the future doesn’t help at all. In my foolishness, I end up contributing into bringing the Fire Bird to this world.” She seemed sad now. “Fate have a way to twist things in the most unexpected ways, even if you tried to work in their favor.”

That made him think about her story, an antient priestess whose soul guard the last Ice Stone for the world one day would need it again, and in the end she was the one who made that destiny possible. Still… This whole time she protected Naksu’s soul by Uk’s side, why?

Because it was meant to be. Yul realized surprise. They have always been meant to meet, she saved Naksu with alchemy of souls, and then save Mu-deok again from that lake. Naksu claimed that was her soul who revived the body, but… What if the High Priestess was the one healing the body and Naksu’s soul from the Bell curse this whole time?

“May I ask something?” He slowly breath. “That body… It’s like Master Lee, isn’t? You have always been a soul shifter that’s why the blue marks are on your eyes…”

The High Priestess offered him a silence smile. It was all the answer he needed.

“If it’s inevitable… You should just let it happen.” He murmured.

“It seemed you have already found the answer to your question.” She said in a distant tone.

The battle began soon after that, at sundown. The blind priestess opened a portal to the constellation basin, he wen int firsts attacking the few guards around, cleaning the way so that she would come safely. Outside, he heard Songrim’s attacks, distracting the people outside for them. 

“Go take the Jang Uk’s constellation plate.”  She ordered him stepping closer the basin. “It’s that way…” A spark of light flowed out of her finger

He nodded following her energy, even in such small light Seo Yul could fell her divine powers vibrating in the air. When she was Naksu, he felt a similar feeling, but not as strong as it was now. The mage quickly retrieve the plate and follow to her, around the woman was now Dang-gu, Cho-yeon and Prince Go.

“Your Royal Highness…” Seo Yul blinked surprise, the man only nodded arching his brown to Bu-yeon, he softly denied with his head.

“I came to be one of the stars to gather energy to the awakening.” He nodded giving the plate to the High Priestess.

“Uk said he will wait the Fire Bird in the lake Gyeongcheondaeho.” Dang-gu added.

“We have taken the people to shelters too.” Sang Ho spoke after reading the message. “Daeho is ready.”

“All the relics are gone too.” Cho-yeon stared her sister frowning. “Unnie?”

“It’s time to begin.” The woman announced, and without warning she threw the plate of the King’s star on the basin.

The air around change to show them the King’s star.

It was unlike anything the mage ever felt before, everyone gasped feeling as her divine powers surround them in a warm breeze, penetrating their bodies, consuming their energy and connecting them with her. This was the power of the sky? He wonder amazed as he felt his energy going through the blind priestess, summoning the King’s star upon the Fire Bird.

A powerful force came to it, he stepped back with the pressure of energy, but the High Priestess continued the wakening without any sign that it affect her in anyway.

“You said it was seven stars that gather their energy…” Dang-gu frowned intrigue. “But that’s only six of us.”

“No, there’s seven.” Seo Yul eyed the High Priestess, because he knew it, nothing is truly gone from this word. “There’s one more soul, who was always besides Uk.”

He pray that Naksu’s story hadn’t end just yet.

The blue light surround them turned to a powerful red as the Fire Bird woke it up, the creature reborn with the promise of destruction and ashes, trying to attack the city only to be defended by powerful families of Daeho.

The blind priestess carefully used their energy to guide the dangerous creature to Jang Uk in lake Gyeongchandaeho, where the Ice Stone user finally slayed it and brought the beginning of a new Era of peace and prosperity to Daeho.

“Jang Uk did it.” The High Priestess announced as she let go of her powers. “The Fire Bird has disappeared.”

And with that she fainted.

It was absolutely chaos, everyone went to her immediately, for one moment she didn’t seem to even breath. Master Lee appeared then, calmly examining her and ensuring it was just exhaustion from the amount of power she used. The Crown Prince and Yul exchange a long look before Dang-gu announced that he would send word to Jang Uk to come.

“Is better for her to go to the Jang Household.” Cho-yeon spoke. “It will be chaos in Sejukwon Infirmary and Jinyowon is mess after the invasion.”

And so they did it, they all had much work to do, the Fire Bird had left a trail of destruction, but thanks to their preparation it wasn’t as big as could have been. Seo Yul had also to get word to his father, after all, both the Queen and his uncle had died in the conflict, while the King was now only Lord Go, stripped away from his crown, his power, and his status.

 The group worked together telling a story that was almost all truth, the king had fall to Jin Mu’s lies that Naksu was alive and in Jin Bu-yeon’s body, together with the Unanimous Assembly, he helped to wake the Fire Bird. Luckily, the Crown Prince had been able to escape and warn everyone about the danger, that’s how the four seasons of Daeho save the country. Now, they had a new King to rule the people to a for a prosperous future.

As for Naksu, her sacrifice would be the secret they would all bury in their hearts.

Jang Uk agreed to it and when it's all said and done.

“She’s still the face of someone precious, it’s not her fault.” He said to Yul. “I’ll help her for now, before asking for the marriage annulment.”

With that, the master Jang quietly went away to his household to look after the body of the woman who used to be his wife.

Two days later the first rumors reach Yul at the palace.

“Lady Jang is awake and well, her husband cherish her so much that he didn’t let her leave his sight if you know what I mean!”

Then, there was the nasty ones about they locking themselves in their bedchambers, while Yul knew better than believe rumors, he hoped a little and wrote a letter asking if Jang Uk wanted him to start the petition to his marriage annulment.

“No.” The Ice Stone user replied.

 The heir of the Seoho Fortress smiled to himself knowing now the truth. His friend regained her body now.

After all, fate twist things in the most unexpected ways, Cho Yeong was always meant to be Uk’s protector, his lover, his wife, even with the alchemy of souls, she somehow got her face back. Everything fell in place like it was supposed to since the beginning.

“Did you hear the rumors?” King Go inquired after finishing up the preparation for the funeral, the former king would go to Seoho Fortress, where he would help protected until his last days. “About them?”

Yul didn’t dare to say what he was thinking, there was no point in giving hope for no reason, right?

Both of the man found the truth a few days later, over a private dinner, where the Jang couple appeared glowing with happiness and joy. Bu-yeon was wearing a beautiful sky blue dress with red details that matches Uk’s darker blue garment.

The woman was without her blindfold,

She didn’t need to say anything more, Naksu only ask one question for the two nobleman with a beautiful wistful smile.

“Where’s the beautiful turtle we shared?”

The three of them shared a smile, Yul tear up with the vision of her, while the King took her for a dance, much to Uk’s demise. That night they all cheer for Daeho’s future, the victory over the Fire Bird, and secretly, they cheer to the woman who made that all possible.

After that good news, life went on, with their usual problems and usual happiness. For the first time in three years, Yul found a sense of peace within as he started to plan his future.

First, he needs a home, a propre household, and not a room in Chwiseonru, the charming owner would always gladly welcome him into her establishment, however Yul crave for a private space, one that he could grow old and settle. One day he might come back to his family home, of course, but for now Daeho needed him at the capital, as close adviser of the royal family and the new leader of Jeongjingak.

“I did hear of a few households outside the town, in the north area.” Lady Ju Wol carefully chewed the fancy a pine pollen tea snack, which he brought to bribed her. “I do know the owner if my lord want..”

“My lady!” Someone shout outside the door, Ju Wol gave permission to enter after he nodded, it was Yong Pil, who carefully carried a familiar turtle. “I found this in the hall.”

“Oh…” She frowned but Yul interferer.

“She’s with me.” He gently held the turtle. “She supposed to be resting in my room thought.”

“Is it yours, Young Master?” She winked with a knowing smile, and then offer a refreshment to the boy. “Say hello to your patron, boy.”

“Young Master Seo.” He bowed his head; Yul smile a little. “She’s very precious, right? Must be quite expensive.”

Lady Ju Wol laughed and slap the boy.

“That’s not a proper thing to say, child! Forgive him, Young Master, I’m taking care of his education as best as I can, but I’m still lacking.”

“You can sense that she’s precious, Yong Pil?” Yul stared the boy curious, who nodded eating quietly.

He had start to toy with the idea of taking him as his pupil after Naksu commented on his potential. I could help children to avoid falling in the hands of evil man like it happened to Naksu.

Yul smile calling the boy to sit by his side.

…

Master Park Dang-gu had got really good in pretend over the years.

Pretend he was not in love with Cho-yeon, then pretending he was in love with her while not really in love but secretly truly in love with her; after their terrible wedding day he grow use to pretend it didn’t hurt, that he was a capable of leader, that he didn’t cry over his former fiancé once a week, that looking at Jang Uk didn’t hurt…

One can say he was a master in the fine art of pretending.

That was until his dear mother-in-law decided to have dinner with her daughters and their husbands.

It was the one-year anniversary of Bu-yeon and Uk’s marriage. Not the official one with the party that last five days, the date was the day that Uk bluntly announced in front Unanimous Assembly their marriage.

The one, Lady Jin was fiercely against.

“Yeong had such a lovely time here, of course, I’ll do anything to avoid the same fate to my daughter.” Uk explained in an affable tone as he cut the chicken for his wife.

“Bu-yeon knows I’ll give the best education possible to my grandchildren.” She took a sip of her water with a venous smile. “Of course, we don’t know if that will even be the case since Cho-yeon is pregnant.”

Dangu-gu almost choked as both of them smile fondly to him and his heavily pregnant wife. It was getting more and more difficult to understand why the animosity of the conversation, and when Uk started calling his wife by the name "Yeong"; the leader of Songrim found it impossible to keep a straight face, unlike Bu-yeon who ate calmly ignoring the conversation.

“Mother, in any case, my husband is just being overly protective since what happened before. I have let go of the past much like you did.”

“I do understand, child, still, you should control his tongue. He keeps calling you by your real name.”

“We are among family.” Uk rolled his eyes.

Dang-gu started to coughing this time, his wife gave him a few pats to help him recover. They all stared at him intrigued by the reaction, truth be told, Dang-gu was at lost. Uk turned to Cho-yeon frowning.

“You didn’t tell him?”

“I thought you told him yourself.” She snapped defensively. “My love…”

That was how Dangu-gu became the last member of the Jin’s family to found out about their most precious secret. Bu-yeon was a soul shifter that possess the body of the oldest daughter and end up being adopt by Lady Jin  Ho-gyeong.

That’s why her eyes had a blue mark. Not the Ice Stone power healed her eyes after the Fire Bird attacked nonsense that they all told Daeho and Dang-gu believe it.

Now, the surprise didn’t stop there. No. You see, the soul? It was Naksu, Jang Uk’s former bride, his murder, Cho-yeon’s father murder!

And if that wasn’t hysterical enough, the body was Mu-deok, who actually was Bu-yeon, who actually was the High Priestess Jin Seol Ran, who possess the baby’s dead body on lady Jin’s womb.

To say the least, Dang-gu needed a drink, a strong liquor from Bu-yeon’s collection.

“And none of you thought about tell me?” He asked offended and enrage.

Memories of before came to him, once upon a time Uk confess to him calling Bu-yeon “Mu-deok” and she left home because of it! Dang-gu sat down by the garden long after the dinner thinking about now everything from before made so much more sense. For the night, they were all stay for the night, Mother-in-law took Cho-yeon to give her a special bath, good for pregnancy and to control the energy on her body, Bu-yeon…. No, Naksu went to assist as well since she was a Jinyowon’s priestess, so he and the traitor known as his best friend went for a stroll.

“Are you that upset?” Uk inquired sitting by his side. “I honest thought sister-on-law had told you by now.”

“I mourn her, you know.” He sighed hurt. “Mu-deok…”

He pause thinking when Dang-gu first heard of the Jang marriage, he was a little skeptical about it, then uncle told him that Jang Uk said that he married the priestess because of her beauty! Of course, both Park shared a good laugh not believing. However, his mind changed a little after meeting the woman. You see, Bu-yeon was truly Cho-yeon’s sister, that was no denying the woman’s beauty; if there was one woman who could melt the Ice Stone user’s heart, that was her. But only a fool would fall for Jang Uk’s words about his marriage being a real one, right?

The leader thought that his poor friend would never let go of Mu-deok… Naksu. His first bride, Dangu-gu’s friend, the servant girl who ran as fast as she could and did her job with a grimace, the one that killed Cho-yeon’s father in front of her. Sometimes, Dang-gu had nightmare about that moment, the prince of summer had the assassin under his blade, but that look stopped him. It haunted him for a long time.

 That was Mu-deok after all, his friend’s face, and yet her eyes were dead, she had no expression, no soul; a soul shifter who lost control, a dangerous woman who deceive everyone.

For that one second of hesitation, Dang-gu lost everything, his best friends, his love, his freedom. In the first years, the guilty made him avoid Jang Uk as much as one could; both were too hurt to console each other, and the wounds would open the moment they started do talk.

It was quite a relief as they both tried to move on little by little after that first year, although the Ice Stone user actively isolated himself back then. That was until Bu-yeon, the one who mended his friend’s heart.

And she was Mu-deok the whole time.

Uk threw his arm over his friend's shoulders in consolation. Dang-gu drop his face into his hands, not believing the whole situation.

“Man… You even called her “Mu-deok”, she was angry and everything!”

“Oh… That was she pretending, I didn’t know the truth back then and she wanted to avoid me.”

“Yeah, because the woman thought she was going to die. Goodness, I was there the whole time!” He laughed offended. “Am I that stupid? How did I not see it?”

“You had a lot going on, my friend, the lake was drying out, Cho-yeon didn’t speak with you, Master Park was trying to feed you his food…” Uk offered him a bottle of liquor.

 “Being the leader of Songrim is not an easy task.” He agreed. “Can you believe I’m stuck in negotiation with the South Fortress?”

“We are going there next week, they wanted only me to come actually, now let me tell you, Yeong is quite excitement.” Jang Uk smiled fondly at mention of his wife. “Would you consider find in your pure heart forgiveness for our secrets if we help?”

“Don’t be cheap, Uk, doesn’t suit you.”

Both friends laugh to each other, later that night, when his wife joined him in bed, she quietly said:

“I hope that it’s a beautiful babyboy.” Dang-gu blinked surprise to her silhouette in the dark. “I mean it.”

“Why do you say that, my love?”

“Oh…There was a time in my life I’d absolutely do anything to be a worth heir, for that I used to ignore everything else, including my heart. I became blind with pain, I even drove you away.” He hugged her tighter. “We never talked about my sister for a reason.”

“Were you ashamed?” Her silence was telling. “Wife…”

“It’s silly, I did so wrong by you. The truth is: I… I’m not ashamed for what I did to Bu-yeon in those years, I’m ashamed for the lack of guilty I feel.” She sighed. “Like she said, it… It feels like our debt was settle.”

“Then, there is nothing more to talk about it.” He touched her swollen belly. “Except I also hope we have a boy. Uk will laugh so hard if that happen.”

“Oh, Dang-gu… You almost made me wish for a girl.” They giggle in the dark. “Aren’t you mad? For me not telling you?”

“It’s cute that you think I’m able to ever be anger with you.” He kissed her goodnight, holding her and his child close.

Life went on after that night, at first, he didn’t know how to treated his sister-in-law, Naksu? Mu-deok? Cho Yeong? In the end, he preferred to called her Bu-yeon, that’s how he was already used to anyway. The priestess had chucked about when the leader told her about his dilemma stating that she did not care as long Dang-gu keep taking care of her little sister.

Just like that, he became the proud father of twins baby boy, who were both the biggest gift and the most challenging tortuous trial of his life. Cho-yeon and him would take bets to see who would get up during the night to take of them, but in time it became more effective for both of them to attend to the boys. Thank goodness for Uncle and Aunt for falling in love with the babies.

“If you hold like this, they will sleep faster, the heartbeat is the best lullaby.” Aunt Do-joo explained with a smile. “Jang Uk was just like that.”

“He was, aunt?” He nurses his son. “Is difficult to imagine that tall man as a small baby.”

“One day that baby will be bigger than you, dear.” She pointed out amuse. “I can wait for them to come back with good news.”

Aunt always said that every time Uk announced they return to the capital, the woman was ready to be a grandmother. She suddenly stood up and ran away, the Songrim’s leader blinked surprise by her behavior. Master Park came in with his other son on his arms.

“He’s all clean up now, Dang-gu. Where’s my wife?”

“She just ran away, I think she’s not well, uncle.” He spoke worry.

“Oh that’s just morning sickness, she be back soon.”

Both men stared at each other as the word dropped between them, both too stunned to speak. Dang-gu laugh and congratulate his uncle before giving a recipe to help his aunt’s healthy,. They both him not to tell a soul, which he did – except Cho-yeon, for one must know that if you tell Dang-gu a secret, you are telling him and his bubble wife - when he met Jang Uk days latter he pretended not know a thing.

After all, Dang-gu was good in pretended, even if these days he did need to do it much.

Although the world was still a wicked and greed place, Daeho prospered after the defeat of the Fire Bird. Of course, it wasn’t perfect, after the whole incident with Unanimous Assembly, the noble families went to a power struggle that only the King was able to barely control. The commercial transactions also suffer, people tried undermine Songrim’s power since the leader was marry now to Jinyowon, and his brother-in-law was the Ice Stone user, the general Jang Uk, who was refusing the position of Gwangju Cheonbugwan for more than two years now.

The noble families all agreed that they had become to powerful, but since they had the support of the people and the Royal Family that was nothing anyone could do.

Except make up rumors.

“It’s all the biggest headache.” He complained to his sister-in-law, the couple came back to the Capital to stay for the winter as usual.

“I thought we all agreed that master Sang Ho would be a fine Gwangju.” Bu-yeon laughed accepting the tea from Lady Ju Wol.

They were meeting in Chwiseonru, the owner of courtesan house was now his business partner, she was the one running his new place in Gaema Village. Bu-yeon had join their little partnership in after helping with the negotiations in South Fortress. Together the three of them began to grow a quite profitable business. Every once in a while, when Bu-yeon came to town, she would bring gifts and new trade deals.

“Master Seo told me the Unanimous Assembly want to make Master Cha Beom the new Gwangju.”  Ju Wol chuckles. “The power at the moment is concentrated on the four families, it is clear that they are nervous.”

“It doesn’t help they don’t know what’s going to happen between our heirs, Bu-yeon.” He added drinking his liquor and offering to her.

“There’s a rumor that the heiresses of Jinyowon are at odds with each other.” The owner agreed taking a bit in her cheese. “It’s the reason why you usually stay away from the Capital, Lady Jang.”

“Of course that’s the reason. It has nothing to do with the relics having their fun around the country because of the Unanimous Assembly.” Bu-yeon replied skeptically while smelling the liquor with a wrinkled nose, he eyed her curious but she denied with her head quietly.

Right at moment, a knock on the door interrupted them, one of the gisaeng came in, one of the guests were summoning the owner to complain. She rolled her eyes before quickly leaving them alone, Dang-gu stared his sister-on-law’s cup intrigued.

“It would easier if you stay and assumed your role, sister-in-law.” He stated. “Cho-yeon never complains, but it’s not easy been a mother of twins and the high priestess of Jinyowon.”

“Nonsense, she was meant to be their Lady for a long time when I was said to be death.” She frowned to him. “People are questioning her authority?” She eyed her food a little pale.

 “They are not questioning her, rather they keep asking for you. It got worse since the boys were born.”

“Never show weakness, must be Mother favorite line.” She nodded with a pout. “Something is smelling terrible, isn’t it?”

“Is it? Let me see… I’m the one who is concern, we both know she never complain about nothing, my dear flower is just too proud.” Dang-gu helped her inspecting the food. “I do not smell anything, unless it’s the shrimp.”

“It might be that… And people are trying to create a feud between my sister and me.” She agreed with a deep breath as she put away the dish. “Hopefully seeing us working together might put an end in the rumors.”

The Songrim narrow his eyes to her, to the food, and think about everything he knows as a father.

“Or maybe you having a beautiful babygirl will do the trick.” He smiled at her, who blinked surprise. “Don’t look at me like that, I have already figure it out.”

Bu-yeon stared at him speechless for a moment, then drew in a sharp breath, clearly annoyed,

“How did you know?”

“You are pale as milk, and nauseous after you were the one asking for the shrimp….” Dang-gu raise his cup. “The liquor was a dead give away, you must be the best drinker in Daeho and yet was disgusted with the liquor.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

“Well… You are glowing with the pregnancy already, sister-in-law.” He giggled excited with the prospect of welcoming a new family member. “I should know that much. I’ve been surround by pregnant women between my wife and aunt. You and Uk are keeping a secret?”

“He… he doesn’t know.” She replied in a small voice. “I’m only suspicious actually, I was going to see Master Heo Yeom first.”

“Wait… I… I’m the first to know?” He threw his head back laughing hard. “Serve them all right.”

“Shut up.” She scoffed. “Uk is already sour about the King and Yul knowing about me first.”

“And he will have to live with me knowing first after being the last to know about you, Yeong. Congratulations, sister-in-law.” They shared a smile. “May you have the prettiest girl!”

“Thank…” She stopped talking closing her eyes, before stand up to ran away, probably taking care of the morning sickness.

Later that night, Cho-yeon laugh excitedly as he told her the good news, after all there was no secret between a marry couple. The twins were bigger now and finally slept through the night, what gave the couple time to just cuddle up in bed in peace while chatting about their day. Sometimes Dang-gu was afraid that this was all a dream, that he would woke up to that terrible years when the world was dull and cold, without his love, his spring.

But no, this is my life. He smiled content in hugging Cho-yeon closer, smelling her sweet cherry blossom scent.

“I miss you.” She murmured sleepy. “How can we be always together and I still miss you?”

“Perhaps it’s because we are usually sleeping when we are together.” He replied fondly, they both giggled. “It's all those brats’ fault.”

“I wonder who they take after.” She yawned. “Do you know what I heard today?”

“It’s about the king’s bride?” The leader closed his eyes. “Your sister is going to help with that, now with the baby on the way, she finally going to have stay.”

“Oh never mind unnie. You haven’t heard the rest of the rumor about the King, my love.” His wife gently stroked his chest. “Supposedly he is in love with the court lady who takes care of his pets.”

“His turtle, you mean?” Only the King’s closest circle were aware of his favorite pet, the turtle. To this day, His Majesty still claimed that the reason for him to get rid of Jin Mu was because the former Gwangju of Cheonbugwan had tried to harm the animal. “Must be truth then, that creature is the apple of his eyes.”

“Can you imagine thought? The queen being a former court lady?”

“Darling, you sister used to be an assassin and a servant girl. She’s one of the most powerful priestess in Daeho.”

“I’m not judging her background, silly, only point it out how the woman is going to suffer with the etiquette and diplomatic games in the palace. Is not an easy place to live.”

“Daeho is not an easy place to live either, my love, however if she’s the King chosen one, the woman must be the very least formidable.” He laughed. “I mean, she manage to conquer that stone heart.”

“That’s truth, he did even blink when I almost became his bride.”

“Don’t remember that.” He gave her a kiss.

…

It was the middle of summer, when household Jang at last welcome their first born.

The whole capital spent the last months betting on the Jang child’s gender, since it might decide the future of three noble families. Even the King's wedding was postponed in the name of Lady Jang's pregnancy, the gossip was he was betting on a boy, just for the drama of it would be.

As for the Jang Family itself, they were all over the moon, the grandmothers – lady Jin and Jady Park - would come day in and day out, concerned about the health of the future mother and educating the husband on what not to do to harm the pregnancy.

In the beginning, when the news hit, there was a mini scandal, as Jinyowon tried to take their oldest daughter to stay in a pregnancy retreat, since Bu-yeon was known for her frail disposition. However, as everybody and their dog know in Daeho, master Jang Uk wasn’t the type of husband who let his spouse stay away from him.  Since it was a known fact that the general mage usually took his wife everywhere, him threatening to destroy his mother-in-law's entire home if his wife didn’t stay with him was not surprising at all.

At first, many criticized him for prioritizing his feelings over his wife's health, however the talk vanish as the months went by and everyone testify the caring husband the Ice Stone user was.

For starts,  Jang Uk took a long leave of absence from his duties - Master Seo Yul took over his place – and stay with his wife on their household. Everyday the couple would be seen taking a stroll around, as he spoiled her with gifts, flowers and delicacies.  The young women started to reunited to watch them, sighing from afar, dreaming of the day they'd find a lover like that.

It became quite the romantic tale, for it’s not a usual behavior for a male partner to behavior like that.

It also became routine seeing the powerful Ice Stone user going around the capital buying tea or other delicacies that Lady Jang wanted, or bath herbs, or even supplies for sewing. Of course, everything he bought became an immediate bestseller, since everyone long to have a bit of the couple’s happiness.

And if that wasn't enough for the public interest in the couple, Bu-yeon's power was at its peak during her pregnancy, while people knew about her enchanting gardens, now even the flowers outside the household Jang and in Jinyowon bloomed for months on end. The sale of cosmetics, perfumes and medicines also increased during those joyful months.

Then, one day, the merry couple was not seeing in their usual stroll.

For the baby have finally come.

It was a beautiful baby girl, they named her Jang Man-wol.