Chapter 7: The Poison

I fall deeper and deeper into the pitch-black hole - one very similar to the magical rabbit hole Alice fell into in Alice in Wonderland. The only difference is that this one has no lamps, no objects; just complete darkness and nothingness. I'm so afraid, I can't even find the voice to scream. Where does this go to? Am I dead and headed towards hell? What lies ahead of me?

I snap my eyes open and let out a big sigh, relieved that it was just a dream. I realize I have a major headache and massage my temple. When I look to my side, there's no sign of Grace. Her nightgown and reading book lie in the center of her neatly made bed. Where could she be off to this time? We've both been so caught up in housework, we haven't been able to spend quality time together. She must feel lonely. Maybe I should plan something for us to do. I sit up and I'm struck by a large knot in my stomach. Suddenly feeling extremely nauseous, I rush into the restroom to throw up in the bowl. Yeah, I'm definitely sick. I can't recall how long it's been since I've felt this ill. I'm someone who generally makes an effort to stay healthy. I flush the toilet and brush my teeth thoroughly. Then I wash my face and brush my hair as I usually do.

Once I'm dressed and I've done my daily hair and makeup routine, I dizzily get up from my mirrored desk. At that moment, there's a knock at the door and a voice calling for me - "Jade! It's Jinheung. Are you alright? I heard you're not feeling well." I walk over to the coat rack to grab and wear my silk robe, then open the door for the king.

"Your majesty, my apologies for appearing indecent. I just got up."

"That doesn't matter. You look awful. Come on, lets get you back in bed." He attempts to guide my towards my bed but I stop him.

"I have to get to work."

"No, Jade. Listen to me. A-ro told her father that you haven't been seeming well. He's on his way now, so lets get you back into bed." He rests his hand on my back and guides me towards my bed. I lay back in it and the king lifts up the covers to my shoulders. I can't tell whether the worsening knot in my stomach is from the flu or the effect of his proximity. As he tucks me in like a child, I watch his every graceful move.

"She didn't have to do that. I'm fine, sire, it's just a cold."

Hovering above me with his hands still gripping my sheets, the king opens his mouth to speak but is interrupted by two knocks on the door. He opens it swiftly to welcome Dr. An.

"Dr. An, I'm sorry for the trouble. I'm actually not feeling that bad," I say with a smile.

"Well, that's not what his majesty here tells me, Miss." The king grabs him my desk chair and Dr. An thanks him. As he sits, he opens up his medical kit and reveals a bunch of doctor's material. In a matter of seconds, he seems to have figured out the problem, as he nods slowly while checking my heart rate. I have a cold, yes, I know, Dr. I'm sorry to have wasted your time.

"Poison," he says sternly. Wait, what?

"What do you mean, poison?" I ask.

"You know, the thing that could kill you?" he clarifies.

"Yes, I know what it is. I mean... How? Why?" I look up at the king.

"I can't believe this. Who would do such a thing?" He says angrily, his eyes swimming in panic.

"I'm glad it was me and not you, your highness."

"Don't be ridiculous. How can a king not protect his woman? I feel like a fool right now." Did he just call me his woman? Touched, I place my hand above his. He meets my gaze and his tense expression turns soft. He sighs and rests his free hand above mine so it's sandwiched.

"Should I notify the officials about this, your majesty?" Asks Dr. An.

"No. For all we know, it could be one of them. Go notify A-ro and Pao as well as the swordsman. But no one else."

"Yes, sire." Dr. An gets up and hurriedly leaves.

I lay in silence, trying to recall when I could have consumed the poison.

"It's going to be okay," the king comforts me. "I'm going to find out who did this to you and I won't let them hurt you again." I'm so touched that I don't know what to say, so I simply smile. "Now, do you have any idea who could have done this?"

I think long and hard, and all I can come up with is that whoever did this was after the king, not me. "I think whoever did this is after your highness. I'm very relieved I consumed the poison instead."

"Don't say that. This is outrageous. I promise you, I'm going to find who did this." He gently rubs his thumb across my cheek and I smile. "Where is Lady Grace at a time like this?" He glances around.

"I have no idea. She's been a little distant lately." Grace, I need you the most right now... Where are you?

That afternoon, Court Lady A-ro comes by with a bowl of porridge and some tea. "Thank you, court lady. You're very kind."

"Of course, Miss." She sits where the king previously was and politely hands me the spoon as I sit up in bed. I smile and take the first scoop of the hot substance - but something stops me from putting it in my mouth. "Is something the matter, Miss?" It's not that I can see or smell it, but somehow I know that there's poison in it.

"A-ro, who is the chef that prepared this? And did anybody touch it before you brought it here?"

"I could go check who the chef is. And, no, the chef and I should be the only ones who have laid our hands on this bowl." She stares at me wide-eyed. "Miss?"

"Call your father. Now."

"Yes, miss." She scurries out and moments later appears with Dr. An.

"My lady!" the doctor enters in a panic.

"Dr., do you know if the taster has tried this beforehand?"

"Yes, I'm sure that she did, Miss. We just hired a new taster for you who seems very trustworthy." Trustworthy? I don't even know who I can trust anymore.

I grab the spoon again and dip it into the lukewarm porridge. Then I slowly carry it towards my mouth until-

"Stop!" I look up to see my father march towards me.

"Father. What brings you here?"

"Don't eat that." He snatches the spoon out of my hand and closely examines the content on it. "It could contain poison. Dr. An, have this thoroughly investigated right now."

"Yes, Marquess." The Dr. takes the spoon in both hands and carries it carefully out.

"My girl," Father sits on the stool beside my bed and takes my hands in his. "I'm so sorry. It's my fault."

"No, it is not, father. Whoever did this was after the king. But I'm glad things didn't turn out the way they wanted to."

"I'm sorry, Jade. It was my idea to make you a wonhwa. This wouldn't have happened if-"

"Stop. None of this is your fault. But this can't happen again. We all need to be careful so that his majesty doesn't get hurt." I look at the king who smiles at me.

Just then, the door swings open and my best friend comes into full view. "Jade!" She prances over to my bedside and bows down to his majesty before kneeling beside me. She takes my hands in hers. "Jade, I'm so sorry. I know I don't deserve your apology, but-"

"Hold up." The king stands and so does Grace, naturally.

"Yes, your majesty?" She slightly bows her head down and faces him with one hand laid over the other before her.

"Did you do this?" He demands, his fists clenched by his sides. What is he doing?

"Your majesty! Of course not," I say angrily.

The doctor then reappears with the results. "Your majesty, there is in fact poison on this spoon."

The king's eyes widen and he turns back to Grace. "Answer me," he orders her. Grace stays in place, evidently shaking. He's scaring her.

"No, your majesty. I would never do such a thing. Jade is my best friend - she is like a sister to me."

"Then why would you try to make a move on me when you know she and I are in love?" he tests her. Huh? What is he going on about? Okay, I think this headache is worsening now.

"Your majesty, I beg you to please lower your voice," my father requests.

"Jade... I'm sorry," Grace apologizes to me, eyes filled with tears.

"Call the guards," the king tells my father.

"Jade, I'll be right back," says father before he scurries off. Soon after, two guards appear with my father and stand sturdily in the doorway.

"Arrest this woman," orders his majesty.

"Wait!" I proclaim. "Your majesty, please don't do this. Grace wouldn't do this to me." My pleads are no use.

"Jade, how can you defend this girl right now? Lock her up," the king orders the guards. Soon, Grace is out of sight and I'm left in the room with my utterly puzzled father and upset king.

"What is happening?" My father plops down onto the floor.

"Father."

"I'm sorry I didn't inform the two of you earlier," apologizes his highness. "I've known about Lady Grace for a while now, I just didn't want to break Jade's heart." The three of us stay in silence.

And during that silence, I remember the conversation I had with Court Lady A-Ro. "Wait a minute..." Father and his highness turn their heads towards me. "Court Lady A-Ro warned me about this. It's not Grace." I look up at the king. "It's her father. Marquess Bae did this. Release Grace at once, your highness!" I beg.

"Jade, calm down," says father. "If Marquess Bae did this, we'll have to hear it from Grace. They're the only ones who know the truth. For now, just relax. You need to get better." I obey and lay back down to rest. What a mess.