3rd person POV

The village mistress was picking up fresh vegetables from a garden nearby when she saw three young men rushing into the village on their horses. She neither could see their faces nor could hear what they were saying but she assumed that they were trespassers for they were carrying weapons too. Soon the villagers started attacking them and suddenly she heard a woman's voice...

"JEONGGUKKKKK...."

"Huh?! Jeongguk?!" The mistress' eyes widened as she grabbed the hairpin from her hair and threw it toward the attacker.

Soyoung's POV

"AHHH!!" I heard a groan but it wasn't Jeongguk's voice. I opened my eyes and saw that Jeongguk was fine.....I ran towards him and hugged him tightly.

"A-are you fine?" I asked while checking for any wounds on his body. I saw that his wrist was bleeding from the injury.

Taehyun came running towards us to make sure too that Jeongguk was fine.

"I am fine!" Jeongguk assured us while hugging me right back.

Hearing him, I finally released the breath that I was holding and that's when I realized that the crowd was calm now. I broke the hug and looked at Jeongguk's attacker.....he was stopped at the right moment by someone who threw a hairpin at him and it injured his hand.

"Everyone move!!!"

The crowd moved apart to make a small passage and a lady in a veil walked in.

"You?!" Jeongguk's eyes widened.

"I welcome you to my humble abode, young master!" The lady bowed and that's when I realized that she was the lady whom I met in Jeolla province when Jeongguk summoned me.

"So are you the mistress of this village?" Jeongguk asked.

"Certainly!" She replied, "And I am sorry for the inconvenience my people caused you all. Everyone....apologize to them! They are not trespassers and they shall be our guests for as long as they want." 

"We are sorry!" All of them bowed in unison, "We shall serve you for as long as you stay here!" They promised.

"Thank you!" Jeongguk bowed, "I am Cha Jeongguk...this is my hyung Cha Taehyun and this is our wife Cha Soyoung." He introduced us to the villagers as I and Taehyun both bowed.

The villagers seemed confused by Jeongguk's statement. They looked at me curiously but didn't say anything.

"We couldn't recognize the lady because of her attire....we are sorry to trouble you!" Jeongguk's attacker apologized to me while picking up our baggage from the ground and handing it to me.

"Alright everyone.....go back to work!" The village mistress ordered and all of them dispersed.

"Let me show you the house you three will be staying in," She gestured for us to follow her.

Taehyun was quiet till now but all of a sudden she went in front of the lady and tried to peek into her veil to see her face, "You sound very familiar...I think I know you."

"H-huh? Hahaha...y-young master, you're mistaken!" The lady replied.

"Hyung, she is right! You must have been mistaken!" Jeongguk said.

Taehyun scratched his head and came back by my side, "Is that so?!" He wondered and grabbed our horses' reins to bring them with us.

After walking for a minute or so, she stopped in front of a hut, "This will be your home. It has a kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom. It is already evening...you all take some rest, I'll send you dinner."

I complained, "O-one bedroom?"

"Yes....will there be a problem?" The lady asked.

"Yes-" I was cut off by Jeongguk and Taehyun.

"No! We will be fine. Thank you, madam!" They said and bowed in unison.

"But-" I was again cut off by Jeongguk.

"I think you shall take your leave now, madam." He said.

"Ok!" She bowed and left.

"I will go and find some grass for our partners...you both should go in," Taehyun said.

"Ok hyung....." Jeongguk said.

I rolled my eyes and went inside.

"Heyyy...wait for me..." Jeongguk followed me in.

I went to the bedroom. It was a large room but how will we three share this room?!

"What are you doing?" Jeongguk asked. I simply glared at him in response.

 I put the baggage down and opened it to look if Iseul has packed some of my useful herbal medicines.

Jeongguk, "Are you changing? Should I leave?"

I was right...Iseul never disappoints me. I put the vial of medicinal powder in the pocket and went into the bathing chamber to fetch some water.

Jeongguk followed me to the bathing chamber, "Are you going to take a bath?"

I saw a bucket of clean water...I soaked my handkerchief in the water.

Jeongguk pouted, "Why don't you answer me?"

I looked at him and said, "Give me your hand!"

"Huh?"

"Your hand....." I took his right hand and pressed the wet handkerchief on his wound.

He hissed in pain. I gently cleaned his wound and carefully sprinkled the herbal powder on his wound.

"AHHHH!!! ARE YOU SPRINKLING SALT ON MY WOUND?!"

"No, Jeongguk....it is a herb that will heal your wound faster. It will sting at first but try to endure it...ok?!"

"How shall I endure it?! It hurts more than the wound itself," He complained.

"You're a warrior...ain't you?!"

"And what medicine do you have for a warrior whose heart aches?"

"Huh?"

He took my hand and placed it on the left side of his chest...I could feel his heart beating under my palm.

"I want a kiss so that I can endure the pain!"

I could feel my cheeks burning, "N-NO! Leave me...." I tried to pull back my hand but he wouldn't let go.

He pulled me even closer and looked into my eyes, "May I please get a kiss?" He asked while whispering.

"Absolutely not...I am mad at you!" I said looking away from him.

"Maybe a kiss will help?!" He cupped my face and kissed me. Instead of kissing him back, I bit his lower lip.

"Ouch!" He released me from his grip and caressed his lips.

I pushed him away and went back to the bedroom.

"Why are you so mad?" He asked.

"How are we three supposed to be sleeping together?" I asked.

"Oh, that!!!" He jumped on the bed, "You can sleep in between us!" He smiled and I noticed that his lower lip was swollen.

"Absolutely not!" I glared at him.

 "Fine! We both will sleep on the floor and you can sleep on the bed." He said.

I looked at the floor...there wasn't even a little place on the floor for one person and how on earth he expects to sleep there with Taehyun? Apart from that, the floor is too cold to be sleeping on it.

I grabbed Jeongguk's arm and pulled him out of the bed.

"Are you throwing me out of the bed just yet?" He asked.

I adjusted the baggage on the bed to divide it into one-third.

Pointing at the smaller half I said, "I will sleep here and you both will sleep there....don't even come in my area else I will kick you out of the bed."

Jeongguk giggled, "Ok, madam!"

"Now get out...I need to change!" I pushed him out of the room and closed the door.

I was going through the pockets before changing to make sure that there wasn't anything. Interestingly, I found a letter. I opened the letter and it was from Jimin.

"Hello, my beloved

I couldn't find any words to tell you before you left and I also didn't have the courage to say goodbye. Hence I am penning down my emotions for you.

I love you.....and I hope you can return to us as soon as possible. Once things settle down, I want to take you to a lovely garden in front of the palace where noble couples come to spend time.....

I will treat you better once you return and I hope that time comes soon!"

I smiled while reading the letter. What am I supposed to do with these men?!

Taehyun's POV

I collected enough fresh hay and grass for the horses and was about to return to the house when I spotted the village mistress again. This time she was not wearing the veil but her back was turned toward me. I decided to go near her and check if she is someone I know or not. As I got nearer to her, I saw that she was talking to a man about my age. As soon as I went near her to call her, the man came in front of her and guarded her against my view.

"Hello, I am Seojun...you must be one of the new members who came here today." He introduced himself with a smile.

"Ah....hello, I am Taehyun." I introduced myself but my attention was still fixed on the lady behind him. Soon she came by his side wearing a veil....now this is becoming very suspicious.

"Taehyun, do you need something?" She asked.

"Huh? Oh! No no...I just came here to pick some grass for our horses and I happened to see you so thought of saying hello." I replied.

"Very well! I was just sending Seojun here to deliver your dinner."

"Yes! Let's go together, brother!" He took the bundle of grass and hay from my hands. Seojun started walking while carrying the bundle with his left hand and the huge food basket with his right hand.

"Are you sure you don't need help with those?" I asked.

"I can even carry you, brother."

I giggled, "Ok! You're pretty strong!"

"And brother is pretty handsome!"

"Aish...stop!"

We were so engrossed in our conversation that we didn't realize when we reached home.

Jeongguk was petting the horses outside when we reached home. Seeing Seojun carrying so many things, he came forward to help.

"May I?" He asked for the bundle of grass and hay. Seojun handed him the bundle and he spread the bundle on the ground for the horses to eat.

"Hello there, handsome brother number two...I am Seojun." He bowed.

"Well, I am flattered...hello, I am Jeongguk," He bowed back.

Hearing us, Soyoung came out to check. She had changed into her clothes and was looking so pretty.

"Is Taehyun back?" She asked.

"Yes-" I was cut off by Seojun

"Wow....pretty lady, you are so beautiful....it is like the moon has come on earth." Seojun's eyes were fixed on Soyoung.

"Wellll...she is your SISTER!" I went in front of Soyoung.

"She is our wife, BROTHER!" Jeongguk put his arm around Seojun's neck and declared.

Seojun shoved his hand away and came near me. He pushed me away too and gave the basket of food to Soyoung, "Here is dinner for you, little sister...OH-OH....look how rude I am...I didn't introduce myself...I am Seojun at your service." He bowed.

Soyoung giggled, "Well, thank you, brother. I am Soyoung, their wife...." She pointed at us.

Seojun turned towards us only to find both of us with crossed arms, glaring at him.

"Well.....I shall get going now." Seojun cleared his throat and left hurriedly.

"Let's go and eat!" Soyoung said and we all went inside.

We two settled down beside each other on the kitchen floor to eat and Soyoung sat from across us. She opened the basket and took out rice cakes, soup, sushi, and wine.

"That's enough food for the three of us!" Jeongguk said as I grabbed a rice cake and started eating.

"Mmmmm~~ Delicious....but wait....this tastes so familiar!" I said.

"I know right?! She makes so delicious food that it reminds you of home!" Jeongguk said.

"Where did you taste her food before?" I asked.

"She used to take care of me when father used to send me off to Jeolla province." He said.

Meanwhile, Soyoung divided the soup into three bowls and gave two bowls to each one of us.

"Soyoung, I can't eat....my hand hurts....will you please feed me?" Jeongguk asked.

Before Soyoung could say anything, I shoved a rice cake into his mouth, "Eat up my little brother...today hyung will feed you."

Soyoung giggled and focused on eating her meal.

"Ahhh~~~ Hyung~~~~~" Jeongguk whined as I focused on feeding him.

After finishing dinner, we cleaned up and went to bed.

"You both...don't dare to come on my side....are we clear?" Soyoung narrowed her eyes at us.

"Crystal clear!" I said and Jeongguk nodded in agreement.

"Good night!" She said and went to her side.

The sleeping arrangement was like this.....Soyoung, baggage, me, and Jeongguk.

Jeongguk and I hugged each other and went to sleep.

.......................

3rd person POV

After dinner,

Jin was moon bathing in the front yard when he heard footsteps approaching their mansion. He looked at the main gate and saw Iseul coming in with Donghyung.

"Miss Iseul?" He went near her.

"Ahh, Jin sir!" Iseul bowed, "Sorry to come here this late but Donghyung was crying and was refusing to fall asleep without his mother."

Jin picked Donghyung up, "Dong Dong, my sweet child, why are you crying?" Jin looked at Donghyung's swollen eyes.

"I-I want to sleep with m-mother..." He sniffed.

Jin caressed his hair, "Baby...what if you sleep with your eldest father tonight?"

"NO!" Donghyung started to cry again.

"Ok ok! Stop crying...you're a good boy, right?!" Jin patted his back, "I will give you sweet candies...ok?!"

Donghyung sniffed, "Ok! He pouted.

"So shall we go to bed?" Jin asked.

"I will sleep with aunty!" Donghyung made grabby hands towards Iseul.

"Oh?" Iseul took him from Jin's arms, "Ok...shall we go then?"

"NO! You...me....eldest father....sleep together." He insisted.

"D-Donghyung, this is not possible! How about you sleep with your eldest father and 2nd father?"

"NO! I want to sleep with mother and father.....if they not here...I sleep with you and eldest father." He pouted and Iseul put him down with a sigh.

"See...he is whining like this and making unrealistic demands." Iseul frowned.

"Miss Iseul, you and Donghyung sleep in Soyoung's room." Jin whispered so that only Iseul could hear, "I will be there in the room. After he falls asleep, I will go back to my room."

"Ok, sir!" Iseul nodded, "Donghyung let's go..."

"We all sleeping together?" He asked.

"Yes yes!" Jin replied.

Next day,

Iseul woke up as bright sunlight fell on her face but as soon as she opened her eyes, she was shocked...Jin fell asleep on the floor while holding Donghyung's hand. She recalled that Donghyung wasn't falling asleep even though Iseul and Jin both sang lullabies to him.......

Flashback~

Jin, "Hush, Dong Dong, let us sleep~ If you don't sleep, then father won't take you to the beach~"

Iseul giggled, "What kind of lullaby is that?"

Jin frowned, "Then you sing!"

Iseul, "Good boy, good boy, go to bed, go to bed~~"

Jin, "This is worst than mine!"

Iseul, "I-"

Donghyung, "I want to listen song!"

Iseul, "Ugh...I am tired, Donghyung...let aunty take a break." She lay beside Donghyung.

Donghyung looked at Jin.

"Eldest father is tired too, Dong Dong...." Jin sat on the floor and held his little hand.

Flashback ends~

"That is how we must have fallen asleep!" She rubbed her temples and jumped out of the bed.

"Jin sir...wake up!" She gently tapped on Jin's shoulder.

Jin woke up and gasped, "WHAT? WHO ATTACKED SOYOUNG?!"

"Huh? SIR CALM DOWN!"

Jin sat down on the bed, looked at Iseul, and tried to process everything, "Ahh I must have fallen asleep here...I..uhh..I will get going now. I have got lots of work at the palace!" He said and left.

.......................

3rd person POV

At the palace,

In the morning, Yeji was on her way, all dressed up to meet her would-be-husband, the king.

As soon as she reached the room, she encountered that one person she would like to avoid for eternity...Eunsang.

"What brings you here this early in the morning?" He asked.

"I am here to meet Sian!" She declared

"Well, firstly he doesn't receive visitors now. Secondly, he is still asleep, and lastly, the bride should not see the groom before the wedding...it is considered bad luck. Are you trying to bring bad luck upon His Majesty?!" Eunsang asked.

"What?! No!" Yeji frowned.

"Then you can't meet him till-"

"YoU gEt cOrOnAtED....yes yes I know!" Yeji rolled her eyes, "One more day to go......once I get coronated, I will make sure that your life is a living hell." She glared at him and stormed off.

Eunsang was chuckling at her when the door opened and Sian came out.

"What were all these noises?" Sian asked while yawning. The fact that Sian was shirtless, kept distracting Eunsang.

"Uhh.....I-it was n-nothing, my king....just.....ummm.....just...."

"Just what, Eun?" Sian snapped his fingers in front of Eunsang.

"Oh! It's just your would-be-wife coming in to complete her daily task of threatening me." He finally completed his sentence.

"How insolent!" Sian rolled his eyes and then looked at Eunsang, "Did master Lee say anything about balancing the yin and yang energies?" He asked.

"No, my king. He was beaten up....tortured.....denied food and water....but still no use." Eunsang sighed.

"Change the tactics....tickle him until he opens his mouth." Sian ordered, "It is important that he tells me the way to balance the energies because Yeji is not the one who has a lot of Yin energy to balance out my Yang energy. If I don't find a way to balance out the energies.....I won't get the spiritual stone." Sian sighed.

"My king...." Eunsang cupped his face, "Wish I was a woman so that I could balance out your energies."

Sian caressed his cheeks, "I love you because you are not a woman. Your yang energy doubles my yang energy and I love that." Sian hugged him. Eunsang kissed his bare chest and hugged him back.

....................

3rd person POV

Taehyun woke up hearing the chirping of birds. As he sat up on the bed, he found that Soyoung was not there. "AHHHHH SHE IS NOT HERE...SOMEBODY KIDNAPPED HER!!!"

"HUH? WHO? WHAT?" Jeongguk woke up and grabbed his sword.

"SOYOUNG IS NOT HERE.....SOMEONE MUST HAVE KIDNAPPED HER!" Taehyun grabbed his sword and ran out, Jeongguk followed him only to find out that Soyoung was feeding the horses outside.

Soyoung noticed them and asked, "Oh good morning, are you both going for sword practicing?"

"Huh?! NO!" Taehyun put down his sword.

"I am going back to bed!" Jeongguk said and went back in.

"Huh?!" Soyoung looked confused, "Anyways, today is my day with you, Taehyun......are you ready?!" She asked Taehyun.

Taehyun looked at Soyoung carefully and saw that she had taken a bath and was already dressed for spending time with him.

"YES YES! Just give me one moment!" He said and went to take a quick bath.

After quickly preparing himself for the day, he came out. Taehyun noticed that Soyoung had a basket with her.

"What's in there?" He asked.

"Dumplings! The village mistress sent them as breakfast. I kept some for Jeongguk in the kitchen and these are for us." She explained and Taehyun nodded.

"So...how will we spend the day?" Soyoung asked.

Taehyun held out his forefinger and middle finger, "Choose a finger."

Soyoung was confused but she chose his forefinger.

"We are going to the river." He held out his hand and Soyoung took it.

"What was the other option?" She asked as they walked towards the forest.

"Forest!" Taehyun replied.

"Hmm...I think I chose the better option."

"Right!" He winked.

It was a windy day and near the river bank it was windier. Taehyun noticed that Soyoung had her hair in a half bun.

"Sit here.....let me do your hair. Else the weather will ruin your beautiful hair." Taehyun said as they both sat down under a tree.

"But...it's fine, Taehyun!"

"Hush!" Taehyun opened her hair and made a beautiful braid. He put the seven hairpins in between the braid and finished the look, "Perfect!"

Soyoung smiled and checked her reflection in the water, "I love it!"

"The pleasure is mine." Taehyun felt proud. He was about to say something else when his stomach growled.

"Ahem!" He cleared his throat pretending it wasn't his stomach but his throat.

Soyoung giggled, "You must be hungry....here...." She opened the basket and offered him the dumplings.

"Aaaa...." He opened his mouth. Soyoung took a dumpling in front of his mouth and then ate it herself.

"Hmmph" He crossed his arms.

Soyoung laughed and finally fed him. He took this chance to lick her fingers.

"Eww...." She wiped her fingers on his shirt.

Taehyun laughed, "You think only you can tease?!"

"I will get back to you!" Soyoung put her head on his chest as he chuckled lightly and continued to eat. In between, he would feed Soyoung and they would look at the calm river while enjoying their time together.

Everything was perfect till a veil flew in direction and landed on Soyoung's lap.

"Oh...I am sorry...it is so windy today!"

Taehyun, "YOU?!"

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