Sohee POV

It has been ten years since Howon came to live in the mountain. Although I had told his father that I had intended to marry him, we never actually got married. Despite that, everyone considered us to be married. We got tired of trying to explain, so we just accepted it.

Howon's brother would come and visit us all the time. Then five years ago, their father passed away and he had to take the throne. He still visits from time to time to ask for advice, but not as often as he used to.

The medicine I had been using to treat him, started to loose it's effectiveness not long after he came to live with me. We found some different herbs and we experimented with other methods, but eventually everything stopped working. 

Ever since I was young, I wondered why I only had two tails while everyone else had many. Over time, I would notice them loosing their tails and eventually dying. I had spoken to the elders about it and they explained that our tails were the source of our life. If that was true, maybe I could use my life to help Howon.

I worked hard and eventually discovered a way to share the power of my tail with him. I used the power within me to create a necklace from my tail that would help alleviate his suffering. Unfortunately, it could not cure him.

Prince Howon POV

The past ten years I spent living with Sohee were the happiest I ever felt. Just living being able to live here without having to worry about the conflicts in the palace was a relief. 

Daeyeol came to visit often and told me how things had been. He even said that our father regretted how he treated me before I left. He wanted me to go home and visit him, but understood when I told him I couldn't. I sometimes regret not visiting him one last time.

Daeyeol took the throne when our father passed away. Thankfully, I had made all the preparations before leaving and Daeyeol had the support he needed from the ministers. Ever since Daeyeol took the throne, the people constantly talk about how great he is. I'm glad that I can at least hear news about him, even if he can't visit.

Today had been a nice day and we were enjoying a nice meal outside when a fox came running up to us. It began making so much noise, I can only imagine that it was talking to Sohee.

"Apparently, your brother is at the temple. He wants to see you" she translated for the fox.

"I don't feel well enough to travel down the mountain. Could you go and bring him up?"

"Of course" she smiled. Then she stood up and gave me a peck on the cheek before transforming and taking off.

"I wonder what brings him here now?" I mumbled to myself as I waited for them to return.

Sohee POV

I wonder what is wrong. Usually Daeyeol sends a message before he comes. I rushed off down the mountain, hoping that everything was alright.

I arrived at the temple and quickly transformed as I approached Daeyeol. "What's wrong? Why the sudden visit?"

Daeyeol rubbed the back of his head and chuckled "Sorry. I happened to be a few towns over for a surprise inspection and thought I would drop by and visit on my way back."

I couldn't help but smile at his silliness. "Your brother will be happy to see you."

"I'm not troubling you, am I?"

"Are you kidding? Your brother loves when you visit. We should probably go now if you intend to return before nightfall."

"Right" he chuckled.

Thankfully the guards had come to trust us with Daeyeol's protection on the mountain. If not, it would have been hard to keep people from discovering where we lived.

"I would never be able to find you guys if you didn't come down to get me. This mountain is so confusing."

I had to giggle at his statement, because he says this every time he comes to visit.

When we arrived, Howon couldn't help but smile. "Daeyeol! It's so good to see you!"

"It's been too long" Daeyeol smiled as he gave his brother a hug.

"What brings you by?"

"I just told Sohee, I happened to be close by for an inspection and wanted to visit you before heading back. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all. I miss having you around" he chuckled. "How is Mother?"

"She is doing well. She still misses Father and you."

"What about your wife and children?"

"Yeonhee is doing well and the children are more rambunctious than we ever were. I don't know how she manages to keep them in line" he laughed. "Makes me wonder how our Mother managed to keep us in line."

The afternoon seemed to fly by having Daeyeol with us. He always knew how to make Howon smile.

"I can't believe how late it is" Daeyeol commented. "It feels like I just got here."

"I know how you feel" Howon said. "Time flies by so fast when you are having a good time."

"I don't know when I'll be able to visit you next" Daeyeol sighed heavily. "There are so many things going on right now, I hardly have any time to myself."

"I understand" Howon smiled sadly. "Take care and don't overwork yourself, like Father always did. Try to have a bit of fun and spend time with your family. I think they would enjoy that too."

"I will" Daeyeol smiled.

"Sohee, could you see him off?"

"Of course" I grinned. "Your Majesty, this way" I gestured politely as I began escorting him down the mountain.

When we were far enough away, Daeyeol asked "How long does he have?"

I was taken by surprise at the sudden question. As a single tear fell from my eye, I said "Not long... A week... Maybe a month at most."

"I'm glad I stopped by."

"It's good you came" I agreed. "He won't admit it, but he misses seeing you."

We arrived at the base of the mountain and I bowed to him.

"You'll let us know when..." he couldn't even finish speaking.

"Of course" I replied. Then I pulled out a small box and handed it to him. "Could you give this to your Mother. Howon had wanted me to send it to the palace in a few months for her birthday, but, considering the situation, I think it would be best to send it now."

"May I?" he asked.

"Of course" I smiled.

"It is beautiful!"

"Howon and I made it for her. He wanted to give her something special to remember him by. We thought a hairpin would be appropriate."

"She is going to love this!" Daeyeol beamed.

"I hope so." I looked at the sky and then said "You should probably head out now before it gets too late. Have a safe trip."