🌸 POV CHANGE 🌸

Wang So was already irritated from the exhausting journey. The constant, nitpicking ‘instructions’ from the Kang household member had done nothing to help his mood; if anything, it had intensified his annoyance.

Dismounting from his horse, he took a few steps forward, feeling his anger reach its peak. The tension in his muscles mirrored the storm brewing inside him.

“Prince So!” Jina's voice suddenly called out, cutting through his fury.

Lifting his gaze slightly, he saw her standing a few meters away.

Dressed in traditional female attire, she looked extremely regal and beautiful. Her hanbok fluttered lightly in the breeze, and the golden hairpin in her neatly arranged hair glinted under the sunlight. If someone didn't know her, they could easily mistake her for a princess.

Wang So's anger immediately vanished upon seeing her, replaced by a rush of excitement.

He quickly composed his expression, masking his emotions.

He couldn't let others know that he and Jina had known each other since childhood.

He moved towards his horse and removed a brand-new sword in an ornate scabbard from the saddlebag.

It was a gift for Jina, and he could hardly contain his anticipation to see her reaction.

Keeping a stoic face, he approached her, his heart pounding despite his controlled exterior.

“Greetings... to you, Your... Highness,” Jina said.

His eyes filled with concern as he noticed her stammering.

Just as she finished speaking, he saw her eyes flutter shut, her head falling backwards.

Throwing the sword to the ground, Wang So quickly stepped forward, catching her unconscious body before she could hit the ground.

He held her tightly, his heart racing with a mix of concern and fear.

“Jina-ya! Wake up!” he whispered urgently, gently patting her cheeks in an attempt to rouse her. “What happened to you?”

From the top of the sky tower, Astronomer Jimong observed the scene with a growing alarm. His keen eyes caught the moment Jina collapsed, and without hesitation, he hurried his way down the staircase.

“Fetch a physician immediately!” Jimong commanded as soon as he reached the ground, his voice sharp with urgency.

Several guards, recognizing the gravity of the situation, sprinted off to comply.

Wang So looked up as Jimong approached, his expression a mixture of desperation and relief at the sight of the astronomer.

“Your highness, bring Lady Jina to the sky tower,” Jimong suggested, his tone calm yet authoritative.

Wang So nodded, adjusting his grip on Jina's limp form. He carefully lifted her, cradling her close as he began to follow Jimong.

The path to the sky tower seemed longer than ever, every step filled with anxiety and dread.

As they ascended the stairs, Jimong glanced back, his face etched with concern. “She'll be alright, Your Highness,” he said.

Wang So didn't respond, his focus solely on Jina's pale face. He could feel her shallow breaths against his chest, and it only heightened his fear.

Upon reaching the tower, Jimong led them into a quiet room.

“Lay her here,” he instructed, pointing to a low bed adorned with soft cushions.

Wang So gently placed Jina down, his hands lingering on her shoulders as if afraid to let go.

“What could have caused this?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“We'll find out soon, Your Highness. For now, we must focus on reviving her.”

As the physician arrived and began to examine Jina, Wang So stood by, his heart aching with a mix of hope and fear. All he could do was wait and hope that Jina would open her eyes again.

Hang in there, Jina. I won't let anything happen to you.

🌼~🌼~🌼

In Eighth Prince Wang Wook's residence, Go Ha Jin, who was unconscious for two hours after hitting her head in the washing area, finally regained consciousness.

As two ladies, Lady Hae and Chae Ryung, attended to her, she asked them why she was being called ‘Hae Soo’ and ‘Miss.’

She informed that her name was Go Ha Jin but recalled that she drowned back in the 21st century and accepted that she had indeed died.

It took a while for Chae Ryung to explain that ‘she’ wasn't dead.

Without waiting for further explanations, Ha Jin dashed out of the room.

She stumbled into the open courtyard, her breath quickening as she took in the unfamiliar surroundings.

The architecture, the attire of the people, the sounds and smells—all were so different from her world.

She spun around, her eyes searching for any sign of familiarity, but all she saw were strangers in ancient garb, busy with their daily tasks, oblivious to her turmoil.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she looked around frantically, trying to make sense of it all.

She placed a hand on her forehead, the enormity of the situation crashing down on her.

It wasn't a dream.

If I'm not dead... where am I?

Lady Hae and Chae Ryung hurriedly caught up to her, their faces etched with concern.

Ha Jin's breaths came in short, rapid bursts, her panic evident in her eyes.

Lady Hae quickly turned to Chae Ryung, her voice firm but urgent. “Get the doctor, now.”

“Yes,” Chae Ryung nodded, about to find help.

Just then, Ha Jin grabbed Lady Hae's hands, her grip tight and desperate.

Her eyes, filled with confusion and fear, searched Lady Hae's face for answers.

“Where is this place? No... No... Who am I?” Lightly patting her chest, she asked, her voice trembling and edged with hysteria.

“Are you unable to remember anything at all?” Lady Hae asked, her expression softening with concern.

“Your name is Hae Soo. Hae Soo,” she repeated gently. “I am your sixth maternal aunt, Myung Hee.”

Ha Jin thought for a while, trying to piece together how she could be Hae Soo. Then, it hit her.

I'm not... inside another person's body. Am I? She placed her hand over her mouth, hoping to contain her gasps.

Lady Hae gently took Hae Soo's hands in hers, trying to console her.

“Think about it carefully. Take a close look at me,” she said softly. “You are in Songak right now. This is the residence of the Eighth Prince Wang Wook.”

Hearing about Songak, Ha Jin connected the dots.

“Then, this is Goryeo?” She asked hesitantly, “Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla, and Goryeo... that Goryeo?”

Lady Hae smiled with relief. “Do you remember now? Yes, it is that Goryeo.”

Ha Jin snatched her hands off of Lady Hae's grip, panicking again. “Then... then right now... who is the king?”

After a brief pause, Lady Hae replied, “It is His Majesty who founded this land, ofcourse.”

His Majesty who founded Goryeo...

It can't be...

“Taejo Wang Geon?” Ha Jin gasped, the realization hitting her like a tidal wave.

🌼~🌼~🌼

In the grand hall of the royal court, King Taejo presided over the assembly, his stern gaze sweeping across the gathered officials and princes.

The air was thick with tension, an unspoken weight of the kingdom's troubles bearing down on everyone present.

The seven princes stood in attendance, their expressions ranging from calm to concerned, though notably, Wang So was absent.

A dead bird was presented before the court, lying lifelessly in a polished golden cage.

It was a small, pitiful creature, its feathers ruffled and eyes closed.

The room was silent as the officials and princes looked upon it, the implications of its presence all too clear.

Astronomer Jimong explained that the bird was the evidence of tampering with the crown prince's breakfast, having dropped dead even before it could swallow the first bite.

“It was great luck that the Crown Prince skipped his meal because he was not hungry,” he added.

“Why is there no response? Catch the culprit who tried to kill the Crown Prince,” the king said, his voice echoing through the grand hall like a thunderclap.

“We should find out why it happened. What would change just because we catch the culprit?” Minister Wang Shik Ryeom, the king's cousin, asked, his voice calm but his eyes intense.

“Minister Wang Shik Ryeom, what is it you are trying to say?” the king questioned, his voice edged with both curiosity and irritation.

King Taejo's piercing gaze locked onto his cousin, trying to decipher the deeper meaning behind his words.

The tension in the room was palpable as the courtiers exchanged uneasy glances, waiting for Shik Ryeom's response.

“Is the Crown Prince acting like a Crown Prince? At the assembly meeting, he only received greetings from foreign envoys and left,” Wang Shik Ryeom said, his tone laced with criticism. “He's either on the battlefield or visiting all known hot springs.”

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, “Did you know that there is a rumour that the Crown Prince has an incurable illness?”

King Taejo's eyes scanned the room, watching the ripple of unease spread among the courtiers.

“Therefore, I, Wang Shik Ryeom, am making a request to you, Your Majesty. Please depose the First Prince Wang Mu as Crown Prince. I entreat you to make a new Crown Prince.” He bowed, his voice reverberating through the hall, challenging the very foundation of the current succession.

Crown Prince Mu, who had arrived outside the room moments ago, heard the appeal, worrying what the future might hold for him.

“Do you all agree with him? Speak up. Who among you do you think will suit the position if not the current Crown Prince?” The king challenged, his voice booming across the hall.

His eyes, sharp and discerning, scanned the assembly, daring anyone to speak.

The courtiers and princes looked around, some shiftily, some uneasily, the weight of his gaze heavy upon them.

The air grew thick with tension as the king's challenge hung in silence, demanding a response.

As the eldest in line after the Crown Prince. It's only fair that I show my support to our first brother.

Second Prince Wang Junso, who was quietly observing everything, decided to intervene.

He took a quick glance at Prince Wook. Sorry for stealing your lines, eighth brother.

Prince Junso stepped forward, his expression a mix of resolve and urgency, and knelt before the king.

“Please withdraw those words, Your Majesty,” he implored, his voice firm yet respectful. “There is no one among us who wishes to become the Crown Prince.”

Eighth Prince Wang Wook joined him in agreement, his eyes steady as he knelt beside his brother. “I agree with second brother, Your Majesty,” he added, his tone equally sincere.

Thirteenth Prince Baekah quickly followed suit, his usually cheerful demeanor replaced by solemnity.

He dropped to his knees, his head bowed low. “That is true, Your Majesty,” he pleaded. “Please withdraw your words.”

Third Prince Yo, usually the most ambitious, hesitated for a moment before kneeling as well. His eyes flickered with a brief inner conflict, but he ultimately joined the chorus. “Yes, please withdraw them,” he stated.

Catching on, the remaining princes, Won, Eun and Jung, exchanged glances and quickly knelt too, their voices joining in unison.

“Please withdraw your words, Your Majesty!” they all echoed, their collective plea filling the room with a powerful, unified voice.

As the tension in the courtroom lingered, the king's booming voice cut through the air, summoning his trusted astronomer and fortune-reader, Choi Jimong.

With animated gestures, Ji-mong delved into his explanation, his voice resonating as he spoke of the stars and their intricate dance across the night sky.

The court listened attentively, some nodding in agreement while others exchanged cautious glances.

Meanwhile, King Taejo, stood from his elevated throne, maintaining a regal composure. His piercing eyes scanned the assembly.

“It has been 24 years since this land has been founded. First Prince Wang Mu, fought with me in many wars. He laid the foundation for this nation.” With unwavering authority, he reaffirmed the legitimacy of Crown Prince Mu.

“Choi Jimong,” the astronomer turned towards the king, his head bowed.

“During this spiritual ritual, Wang Mu will chase away the evil spirits. Prepare for it with great detail.” The king decisively declared Crown Prince Mu's role in the upcoming rites with a commanding voice that brooked no dissent.

Among the princes, Wang Yo stood out with his shifty demeanor, his displeasure thinly veiled despite the ceremonial decorum.

As the assembly ended, Prince Junso exited the hall alongside the other princes.

The clamor of voices filled the corridor, but Junso's attention was diverted by a soft chime from RealmLink, signaling an incoming call from Jina.

He excused himself with a polite nod and moved towards a secluded alcove, away from prying eyes.

Tapping his right ear once, he accepted the call.

Buin (Wife), aren't you with your agent, Lady Won? What if she noticed you are talking to me? Junso communicated telepathically, his thoughts laced with concern. We can't blow my agent's cover, remember?

“She's too engrossed watching the drama to notice these things,” Jina replied, her thoughts tinged with a hint of amusement. “Also, I'm talking telepathically so our secret is safe.”

Wang Junso leaned against the cool stone wall, glancing around to ensure no one was nearby.

“Seobang-nim (Husband), I won't be able to return to the narrative until the portal appears.” Jina informed him, her mental voice tinged with worry.

“I'm afraid Doo Na and Yong aren't aware of 'my' fainting incident. Will you inform them?” She requested.

I will, Wang Junso assured her, his mind steady and resolute.

“Thank you,” Jina replied, her gratitude warm even through the telepathic connection.

With that, the call disconnected, leaving Junso alone in the quiet alcove.

🌼~🌼~🌼

Outside the palace, Doo Na and Yong, along with the other soldiers, were waiting anxiously for Jina's return.

The late autumn air was a cool gentle breeze, rustling the fallen leaves around them.

A palace servant played the gong, its resonant tones signifying that the hour of the monkey (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM) had begun.

Doo Na paced nervously, her brow furrowed with worry. “Brother, it has been hours since Miss went inside. I'm afraid something happened to her,” she said, her voice tinged with anxiety.

Yong nodded in agreement, his face mirroring her concern. “I agree with you, Doo Na-ya,” he replied.

He took a deep breath, straightening his posture. “Let me go and check,” he said, starting to head towards the palace entrance.

Just then, Prince Junso emerged from the palace, his presence commanding immediate attention. His eyes scanned the group before him with a calm yet authoritative gaze.

“Greetings to you, Your Highness,” Doo Na, Yong, and the other soldiers greeted him in unison, bowing respectfully.

Prince Junso nodded his head, acknowledging their greetings.

“Lady Jina passed out near the sky tower two hours ago,” he informed them, his tone steady but laced with concern.

The news sent a ripple of worry through the group, but it was Doo Na and Yong who seemed affected the most.

Doo Na's eyes widened with alarm, while Yong's face tightened with anxiety.

“Wh... Where is she now?” Yong asked, his voice trembling slightly as he tried to keep his composure, his eyes filled with deep concern for Jina.

“She's in the sky tower,” Prince Junso replied.

“Thank you for telling us, Your Highness,” Doo Na said, bowing her head deeply, with Yong following suit.

“Doo Na and I will check on our Miss and inform you about her situation,” Yong announced to the soldiers, his voice firm with determination. “You all wait here.”

“Yes,” the soldiers responded in unison, bowing their heads.

Yong and Doo Na hurried towards the sky tower, their steps quick and purposeful, driven by their worry for Jina.

As Prince Junso watched their retreating figures, his eyes hardened with determination. His jaw clenched slightly, and his fists tightened.

I will not repeat my mistakes.

He declared mentally, a steely resolve settling over him.

🌼~🌼~🌼

Queen Sinmyeongsunseong, King Taejo's third queen and mother to princes Junso, Yo, So, and Jung, met with Minister Wang Shik Ryeom in the quiet confines of her chambers.

Her expression betrayed a mixture of concern and intrigue as they discussed the recent events at court.

“Crown Prince is very lucky. He has a very long life.” The queen smirked, pouring tea for the minister and herself. “We have only made him more aware and vigilant now.”

Wang Shik Ryeom, ever composed, replied with a subtle nod. “Indeed, Your Majesty. But perhaps, this incident should make us reconsider the succession.”

The queen's eyes narrowed slightly, her maternal instinct protective of her own sons. “Yo deserves his chance,” she insisted firmly. “He has the ambition and the drive to lead.”

Wang Shik Ryeom tilted his head slightly, considering his next words carefully. “Your Majesty, the king's fondness for Prince Junso is evident. If we advocate for him, I believe the king might be persuaded to willingly dethrone the Crown Prince.”

Queen Sinmyeongsunseong's eyes narrowed, her protective instincts flaring.

“Junso is destined for a short life,” she replied with a mix of sadness and determination. “He's 22 now, and with less than a decade left, I want him to live a happy and peaceful life.”

Wang Shik Ryeom nodded, understanding the depth of her concern.

🌼~🌼~🌼

In the sky tower, the physician was stressed. For two hours, he had performed numerous procedures, trying everything within his knowledge and skill to uncover the cause behind Jina's sudden fainting.

His hands trembled slightly as he moved from one method to another, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

The presence of the infamous Wolf-dog, Wang So, seated nearby with an intense gaze fixed on Lady Jina's unconscious form the entire time, only intensified the physician's stress.

Despite So not physically obstructing the physician's work, his formidable presence and unwavering attention casted a shadow over the room, adding to the physician's already mounting anxiety.

He could feel So's piercing gaze on his back, a constant reminder of the dire consequences of failure.

He knew the prince’s reputation for being both fierce and unyielding, and the thought of facing him without answers was terrifying.

Reluctantly, the physician stood up, his shoulders heavy with the weight of his failure.

He shook his head, a gesture that spoke of his exhaustion and frustration.

“I cannot seem to find the reason behind Lady Jina's fainting,” he informed, his voice wavering slightly.

Wang So's eyes narrowed, and his lips pressed into a thin line.

“What do you mean by that? What were you even doing for the last two hours?” he snapped, his voice sharp and filled with barely contained fury.

His patience was wearing thin, and the sight of Jina lying unconscious was fueling his anxiety.

The physician flinched at So's harsh tone, his eyes darting nervously around the room.

“I have tried everything within my knowledge, Your Highness,” he stammered, "but I cannot determine the cause. It is as if her fainting has no apparent reason."

Un-shielding his sword, Wang So took a step closer, his presence looming.

“Find a way, or you'll feel the edge of my blade,” he growled, his voice low and threatening.

The physician's face paled, his hands trembling as he quickly bowed. “Y-yes, Your Highness. I will do everything in my power,” he stammered, backing away slightly.

He turned back to Jina, beads of sweat forming on his forehead,  his mind racing to find any possible solution.

As the tension hung thick in the air, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed up the tower.

Doo Na and Yong burst into the room, their expressions a mix of worry and determination.

Their breaths came in quick, ragged gasps as they struggled to catch their breath.

“Y-- Your Highness,” Doo Na stammered, her voice trembling.

Out of breath, they bowed deeply before rushing to Jina's side.

“Miss, please wake up!” Doo Na's voice cracked with desperation, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Yong's face mirrored her anguish, his jaw clenched tightly as he knelt beside Jina.

The sight of their beloved Miss lying unconscious was unbearable. The pain in their hearts was almost too much to bear.

“Brother, why is it our Miss again?” Doo Na's voice was a pained whisper. “Just a few days ago, she encountered the Spirit Split Mal--”

“Han Doo Na,” Yong sternly cut her off, his voice firm.

Doo Na's eyes widened in realization, her heart pounding as she remembered Jina's instructions.

“Doo Na-ya, Yong-ah. Let's keep my Spirit Split Malady a secret to ourselves. I'm afraid our enemies will try to take advantage of it if they find out,” Jina had instructed them, her voice serious yet gentle.

Doo Na hoped the slip hadn't been caught by anyone.

While the physician, lost in his own worries for his life, paid no attention, Wang So's keen ears caught the phrase.

His eyes narrowed, determination sparking within them. He was resolute to uncover the mystery behind this, ‘Spirit Split.’

“Leave,” Wang So dismissed the physician with a sharp wave of his hand.

“Y—Yes, Your Highness,” the man hurried out, relief evident on his face.

Once the door closed behind him, Wang So turned his intense gaze on Doo Na and Yong. His eyes, dark and penetrating, demanded answers.

“What is this Spirit Split?” he demanded, his voice a low growl that brooked no defiance.

Doo Na and Yong exchanged anxious glances, the weight of his question pressing down on them.

The air in the room seemed to thicken as Wang So's impatience grew, his presence dominating the space.

“Han Doo Na,” Wang So's voice cut through the tension like a blade, his eyes sharp and penetrating. “What did you mean by ‘Spirit Split’?”

Doo Na's heart sank. She glanced at Yong, hoping for a solution, but his expression mirrored her own concern.

“I... I apologize, Your Highness,” Doo Na stammered, her voice wavering slightly. “It was a slip of the tongue. Please forgive me for my mistake.”

Yong bowed his head in agreement, his voice steady but tinged with regret. “She did not mean to speak out of turn, Your Highness. Please forgive her.”

Wang So's gaze hardened, his lips curling into a faint smirk that held no warmth. “Very well,” he replied coldly, his voice slicing through the tense air like a blade.

Drawing his sword with a fluid motion, he pointed it towards Doo Na's neck, the steel gleaming menacingly in the dim light of the chamber.

His eyes bore into hers with an intensity that made her breath catch in her throat.

“Let's see if you still keep your mouths shut,” he continued, his tone dripping with icy determination.

The threat was palpable, hanging heavy in the air, as Doo Na and Yong exchanged uneasy glances, their faces etched with fear and uncertainty under the weight of So's relentless gaze.

Just then, Prince Junso entered the room.

Wang So, sensing his presence, lowered his sword and greeted his older brother with a respectful bow.

Wang Junso's eyes briefly flickered towards Jina's unconscious form, before settling on Wang So.

“What did the physician say?” He inquired, his voice calm.

Wang So's usually stern demeanor softened slightly as he turned to face Junso. “The physician could not determine the cause of Jina's fainting,” he began, his voice carrying the weight of worry.

"But there's something they know," he continued, pointing towards Doo Na and Yong, who stood nervously under his piercing gaze. "Something about a matter called Spirit Split.”

“They refuse to speak of it but I will make them speak, by any means necessary,” he declared, his tone resolute and unwavering as he pointed his sword towards Yong.

Prince Junso's brows furrowed slightly, his demeanor calm yet authoritative.

“If they are choosing silence, it must be because Lady Jina wishes it,” he reasoned, his tone gentle but firm. “Are you willing to go against her wishes, brother?”

The room fell into a heavy silence, tension thickening as each person grappled with the implications of Wang Junso's question.

Wang So's gaze flickered between his brother Junso and Doo Na, his expression unreadable as he struggled internally with his desire for answers and his respect for Jina's privacy.

“Is it true?” He asked, looking at Doo Na and Yong.

“We are simply following our Miss’s instructions,” Yong answered.

“Then…” Wang So began, his voice trailing off as he wrestled with conflicting emotions.

He lowered his sword slowly, the tension in the room easing slightly as he took a step back.

“I will respect her wishes,” he finally conceded, his voice tinged with resignation.

Wang Junso nodded approvingly, his gaze softening as he turned towards Doo Na and Yong.

“Thank you for your loyalty to Lady Jina,” he said sincerely, his voice carrying a note of gratitude. “Please continue to watch over her.”

Doo Na and Yong bowed their heads in acknowledgment, relieved yet still tense under the weight of the situation.

Wang So sheathed his sword with a sharp click, the tension in his shoulders easing as he too turned towards Jina's unconscious form, his thoughts heavy with concern for her well-being.

The room settled into a quiet vigil, each person lost in their own thoughts and emotions, waiting anxiously for Jina to awaken.

After hours of waiting, Jina finally woke up, her eyes fluttering open.

Her vision was initially blurry, the dim light of the room slowly coming into focus. The familiar scent of herbal incense filled her nostrils, grounding her in the reality of her surroundings.

Time to follow the plot. She reminded herself and carefully sat on the bed.

She shifted slightly, testing her strength, and then asked, “How long have I been unconscious?”

Wang So stepped forward, his expression softening. “About seven hours,” he answered, his eyes reflecting his concern.

Shock flashed across Jina's face. “S…seven hours?! What hour is it?”

“It's the hour of the Dog (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM),” Doo Na replied, her voice steady.

I need to hurry, or else Haejin-ssi won't be able to prevent that Soo-Wook moment.