Four

The royal palace seemed tranquil from the outside of the doors of the main entrance. The two guards, who were probably no older than 19 or 20 years old, seemed serious about their posts. Hwi watched as a few young court maids chatted excitedly with one another as they carried their buckets of laundry to the other side of the palace, where they'd spend nearly all today washing and drying. It reminded him of his Dam-I days.

"Did you forget something, Your Majesty?" Eunuch Hong asked.

"No," Hwi replied, turning around. "Let's go."

He mounted his horse and turned to look at the palace one last time before officially setting out on his royal expedition.

"The royal carriage would've been a lot more comfortable," Eunuch Hong mumbled.

Hwi had ultimately decided against a royal carriage.

"It would just attract too much attention," he told Kang Eun Soo.

Besides, he'd miss out on Joseon's beauty being contained in the carriage the majority of the way.

"We will head to Prince Wonsan's residence in Yeoyeon first," said Hwi, adjusting his hat.

The mystery behind his older cousin's place bothered him too much for him to stick to the original route on the map Shin Yeong Su had constructed.

"We'll begin there and follow the route until we reach the palace again," Hwi told Kang Eun Soo and Eunuch Hong.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Eunuch Hong replied from several feet behind him.

"You must watch your lingo, Bok Dong," Hwi reminded him.

"Yes, my lord," Eunuch Hong replied loudly. "Also, I'm not great at riding so could you just slow down a little?!"

Hwi and Kang Eun Soo glanced at each other and chuckled.

"I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've seen your teeth," Hwi said to his bodyguard.

He smiled and rode on, carefully sticking next to Hwi on the dirt path.

For the first time in a long time, Hwi felt good. He didn't feel stuffy or pressured. Most importantly, he didn't feel lonely. Although he was a man of a few words, Kang Eun Soo was a loyal and great friend in addition to an excellent swordsman. Eunuch Hong Bok Dong, on the other hand, definitely served as a comical relief.

"Could you two slow down just a little?!" Eunuch Hong called out again.

Hwi gently tugged at ropes around his horse's neck in order to slow down.

"Don't tell me you're tired already, Bok Dong," he said, whirling around on his horse.

Kang Eun Soo did the same.

"I- I'm tired of trying to keep up with... with you two," Eunuch Hong panted as he approached them. "I'm not good... good at riding."

Hwi gave a small laugh and promised he will slow down. The trio then proceeded to ride until the town and people disappeared behind them. They entered the lush, evergreen forest and slowed down their pace to soak in the non-polluted air.

"So green," said Eunuch Hong. "Nothing but greenery."

"It's wonderful, isn't it?" Hwi questioned, admiring the natural beauty they were surrounded by.

"Definitely a fresh breath of air," replied Kang Eun Soo. "You must be relieved."

He turned to Hwi, who nodded in agreement. Now he understood why Prince Jae Eun so wished for him to see the world.

"If only I could've done this sooner," said Hwi.

This was one of the regrets he held against himself. He could've taken Prince Jae Eun's advice and fulfilled his thirst for adventure long ago. Nothing else would've mattered anyway.

"How big is this forest?" Eunuch Hong groaned. "Where are we going to fill our stomachs?"

Hwi and Eun Soo laughed again.

"We may or may not have to hunt," Kang Eun Soo replied.

"Ah."

Eunuch Hong made an uncomfortable face. He wasn't used to this. The longest he had been outside of the palace was probably from early noon to dusk, and that was with Hwi, who also allowed him to indulge in various delicacies along the way back then during their little outings.

"Relax, Bok Dong," said Hwi. "I won't let you starve."

It wasn't long before Eunuch Hong could hear and feel his stomach growl. He departed the palace with just a cup of tea and light snack, afraid that Hwi would scold him if he consumed a heavy meal that could potentially slow them down on their journey.

"We'll stop up front near the river for lunch," Kang Eun Soo announced, much to Eunuch Hong's satisfaction.

Hwi nodded and retrieved his bow and arrows to prepare for a long overdue hunt. The last time he partook in such activity was during his Crown Prince years, in which he recalls so vividly as if it were yesterday.

"You alright there, my lord?" Kang Eun Soo questioned, seeing that Hwi's mind had wandered again.

"It's just that... nothing," Hwi sloppily finished.

Eunuch Hong, on the other hand, knew exactly what occupied His Majesty's mind. He was the one to blame for that incident during that last hunt. It was his fault for bringing upon that silk wrap instead of the cotton one His Majesty had originally requested. His mistake had initiated a dangerous series that brought upon bloodshed, tears, and heartbreak.

"We'll fish for lunch," said Kang Eun Soo, dismounting his horse.

He put his hands on his hips and scanned the picturesque surrounding.

"It looks like a painting in front of us," said Hwi, dismounting his horse, too.

"Indeed," Eun Soo replied.

"Bok Dong, come familiarize yourself with this setting," said Hwi.

After a brief moment of wallowing in self-pity, Hong Bok Dong joined Hwi and Eun Soo along the riverbank. The water was crystal clear, so clear that you could see the fishes swim freely.

"So that's our lunch," said Eunuch Hong.

"Watch and learn," said Hwi.

Eunuch Hong and Royal Guard Kang watched as the young king mounted his arrow and aimed at a school of fish.

"Well done!" Eun Soo exclaimed while Eunuch Hong clapped.

Hwi handed the arrow with two fishes to Kang Eun Soo.

"You know what to do," he said to the guard. "I'm going to take a browse around."

"I'll come with you," said Kang Eun Soo.

He didn't like the idea of Hwi browsing alone.

"No need," said Hwi, holding up one hand for him to halt in his steps. "Stay here and set up for lunch and I'll be back shortly."

Hwi felt like a bird out of its cage. Things didn't go as he had planned but at least the pressure had subsided, too.

"There's another one there!" he heard Eunuch Hong shout.

Hwi looked up at the sky and shut his eyes, drew a deep breath, and exhaled. It was a different kind of relief now and just required some getting used to.

The sound of leaves rustling nearby shifted Hwi's attention from the serene surroundings to the thick bushes to his right. He quickly jerked his head over to the opposite side where Hong Bok Dong and Kang Eun Soo were... they were still there by the riverbank...

"Who's there?"

Either he was losing it or there was definitely someone or something hidden in those bushes. Hwi slowly approached it with caution and drew his small knife from his belt.

"Yu Gong!" Hwi gasped.

The former court maid leapt out at him. She gasped for breath and scrambled to her feet at once. Hwi concealed his knife and stared at the woman.

"Your Majesty!"

She stood there before him in complete shock. Sweat was dripping down her youthful face.

"What are you doing here?" Hwi asked, grabbing her left arm.

He must've scared her because she dropped to her knees at once.

"Sorry!" he hastily exclaimed. "I didn't mean to."

"It's really you!" she gaped, still in shock.

"Yu Gong, what are you doing here?" Hwi repeated. "I told my queen... uh, Noh Ha Kyung to leave the palace!"

"It's a long story, my lord," the fragile young woman replied. "Please don't kill us!"

"Kill you?"

Hwi was slightly confused.

"Why would I want to kill you?" he questioned.

Yu Gong was panting out of fear.

"Where's Noh Ha Kyung?" Hwi asked.

The young maiden gulped as she rose to her feet. Without notice, however, Kang Eun Soo leapt in with his sword drawn and held it against the woman's neck.

"Wait!" Hwi exclaimed. "Release her!"

Kang Eun Soo nodded once and freed Yu Gong as ordered.

"Yu Gong!" Eunuch Hong gasped.

"My Lord, please spare us!" Yu Gong begged.

Kang Eun Soo glanced at Hwi, who shook his head to indicate he wasn't sure what the hell was going on either.

"Why do you think I want to kill you?" Hwi questioned. "Is Noh Ha Kyung safe?"

Yu Gong nodded.

"Where is she?" asked Hwi.

"You... you won't kill us?" Yu Gong stammered.

"Of course not," Hwi shook his head. "Now tell me where she is."

"Her Majesty, er, Miss Noh is in a nearby hut," Yu Gong finally replied.

"Take me to her," said Hwi.

Yu Gong hesitated and looked away uncomfortably.

"Please take me to her," said Hwi in a soft tone.

Yu Gong nodded once and led the way.

Why did Noh Ha Kyung and Yu Gong think Hwi wanted their lives? 

Maybe it was his fault for not sending soldiers to protect them when he ordered her to leave the palace. He didn't have a lot of time to prepare for anything then.

What exactly happened to her after she left?

If anything happened to her he would never be able to forgive himself. Deceiving her and breaking her heart was already devastating enough.