Twelve

Breathtaking.

That was the first word that came to mind as they approached a calm creek with a dreamy waterfall. The yellowing leaves hinted that autumn was around the corner, Hwi's favorite time of the year. Unfortunately, that also meant it was a huge risk for Taeyeon, whose condition continued to fluctuate since they left Jinhae port.

"Perhaps, we should return to the palace," Eunuch Hong suggested.

Throughout their journey, Hwi had given the idea an extensive thought. Traveling with a two-month old baby is never ideal. Returning to the palace with him and his former Queen was also something he never imagined he even had to consider. It would be a total shock for everyone.

"Water, my lord."

Noh Ha Kyung handed Hwi some of the water she had just retrieved from the crystal clear spring.

"Thank you," he said.

Hwi held the leather canteen to his lips and took a small sip. He wasn't really thirsty but at least he could express he appreciated her effort.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Noh Ha Kyung was still in awe of the view before them, reminding Hwi how much of a plant enthusiast she was. He had to admit the bouquet she'd arrange for him last year was beautiful and vibrant.

"It's beautiful," Hwi replied. "Such shame that people in the palace will never get to see such beauty."

He was right. It was something she'd never thought of before. She was so invested in being his perfect queen and producing his heir that nothing really mattered to her. Being outside of the palace definitely opened a whole new perspective.

"If I've learned anything since being away from the palace it's that the commoner life is simple yet happy despite struggles here and there," said Noh Ha Kyung with a smile. "They get to see and experience things people in the palace do not see and experience, which is a huge advantage."

Hwi gave a half smile. He was quite surprised by her maturity, which had significantly improved in a short period of time. She was already lovely to begin with but even lovelier now.

"What is your opinion of returning to the palace?" he blurted.

He'd probably lose his mind if he didn't ask her any sooner. Noh Ha Kyung paused for a moment and turned to him.

"I think... whatever the best route for Taeyeon is, we should take that route," she carefully replied. "At this point, he is all that really matters."

Hwi nodded in agreement, glad that they were on the same page. This whole thing would probably be easier than he was thinking since he had nothing to hide to her anymore.

"I know this will be hard on you with everything that's happened with your father and all," he continued, again feeling guilty.

He turned to face her.

"I promise you that I will do whatever I can to protect you this time," he stated. "I... I...

"My lord...

"I owe you," said Hwi. "I think... I think that's what led me to you again."

He was forever indebted to this woman for he had wronged her in so many ways.

"You don't owe me anything, my lord," she replied.

"I just can't get over the fact that things weren't supposed to turn out like this," Hwi further expressed. "You deserve to have your happiness."

Noh Ha Kyung carefully wrapped her hands in Hwi's and looked up into his eyes. He was just a tad taller than her.

"I think I already found it."

They stared each other for a moment. It was as if time was frozen.

"I've dedicated my entire life to serving you since the day I met you," she continued in a soft tone. "I still intend to keep that vow."

Hwi let out a sigh. He suddenly found it hard to breathe. It had been a very long time since he felt this way.

"I...

"I guess you could say that it's my fault that my father did what he did," she added. "I don't blame you or anyone one bit."

"Your father did what a father should do," said Hwi, looking away in disappointment.

He was reminded of his own father, the late King Hyejong. Sometimes, he wondered how different his life would be if his own father had the courage to do what a father should. Too bad he was the crown prince before he was a father. The kingdom always came first.

"We'll do this together," said Noh Ha Kyung.

Hwi nodded. They watched as Eunuch Hong played with Taeyeon, the most adorable thing they'd witnessed all day. Although he was too young to understand the concept of peek-a-boo now, it would probably be just a matter of weeks before he begins to appreciate it more.

"So I guess we are heading back to the palace," said Kang Eun Soo, as they mounted their horses moments later.

Hwi replied with a nod and re-iterated the plan of keeping Taeyeon's true identity a secret.

"Secrets run in this family," Hwi scoffed, still not wanting to believe that he would be one to play this game of deceit.

At this point, it seemed to be the most logical thing to do anyway considering the dynasty would end with him if there was no royal bloodline. Furthermore, he would make up for the way his grandfather had wronged Prince Wonsan's parents. Last but not least, it would be a whole lot safer for Taeyeon to be in the palace anyway, instead of roaming the land on this royal expedition with him.

This baby is the sole heir.

"Good parenting," Eunuch Hong joked, as he climbed onto the carriage.

Even Kang Eun Soo smiled. Not only that, Hwi had noticed that he was also more vocal as opposed to before, much to everyone's satisfaction.

"You've come far from an emotionless bodyguard," Hwi said to him, breaking yet another layer of ice.

"And you've come far from an ice prince," said Kang Eun Soo with a single nod.

Hwi gave a half smile and watched as he made a U-turn several feet ahead. He then scanned the surroundings one last time before following the royal guard. This was not what he had imagined his royal expedition to be.

"At least you got rid of one nuisance," Eunuch Hong reminded him.

Right.

Hwi had almost forgotten that Baek Yung Woo was awaiting trial at the palace, which shouldn't be complicated at all considering they had more than sufficient evidence. Any last words he had Hwi was sure he'd be able to easily suppress them.

"All right there, my lord?"

Eunuch Hong was always quick to sense Hwi's worries.

"If you're asking if I am sure of this decision, you should know that I stand by it," Hwi casually replied without making eye contact. "A king does not joke."

Eunuch Hong reacted with his usual uneasy expression.

"I can already hear Court Lady Kim's voice... all of her questions," he groaned.

"I'm prepared to answer any questions anyone may have," Hwi replied in a firm tone.

He was stronger than before. He had no choice but to be. Now, he just wasn't being king to live up to his father and twin brother's legacy, he had to be a model king for Taeyeon.

"Re-evaluating your royal expedition plan, my lord?"

Kang Eun Soo had noticed Hwi's silence since their last break by that creek. He knew the man long enough to know when something was on his mind. As a matter of fact, his mind seems to be cluttered at all times.

"I gather you're always bothered by something when you're king," Kang Eun Soo answered his own curiosity.

"I'm trying really hard to be a great king," Hwi replied. "It seems like the more I try, the more complicated things get."

"At least now you have your life partner beside you."

Kang Eun Soo gave a slight nod at the sedan behind them. Hwi furrowed his brows and let out a sigh. How was he supposed to explained this current relationship with Noh Ha Kyung?

"We're just co-parenting," he replied, although he was unsure himself if this was truly the case.

His feelings had been leading him astray lately. Honestly, 'confused' was the word to define himself at the moment.

"Co-parenting," the royal guard scoffed.

Hwi noticed the subtle smirk on him.

"Care to elaborate on that response?" Hwi asked.

"You may not notice it but I'm sure everyone around you do," Kang Eun Soo replied. "You're glowing, my lord."

Glowing. Was he... truly in love with Noh Ha Kyung?