Escaping from her Palace

Chapter Ten: Escaping from her Palace 

The small tea party was a successful event. Haneul used Dana's hostility towards her to intimidate those who would try to mess with her in the future. She exited with both satisfaction and a triumphant smile.

Haneul hummed along the chilly night and fireflies guiding her way as they shone like stars. 

Feeling enthusiastic, Haneul turned around and faced Kyung Mi, walking backward with her hands clasped at her back, and asked, "Say, what is for today's meal?"

Kyung Mi dipped her head lowly, "Before I answer her majesty's question, pray look where your destination is. This lowly maid does not mind if her highness asks me a question without facing me directly."

It was rather a nag than a request. Kyung Mi is like a mother scolding her daughter who got home past her curfew. Haneul chuckled and turned around finally facing forward. "Alright."

Kyung Mi's eyes relaxed and continued, "Lord Yoon ordered everyone to cook all of your favorite dishes."

As soon as Haneul heard Kyung Mi's answer, her face turned pale and her lips puckered up.

 'I literally forgot that Yungsoo wants to eat dinner with me.'

When she noticed that she is already in her palace she turned back just to hear Yungsoo annoyingly calling her name.

"Han-i, come here!"

She scowled and gritted her teeth. She can't go out using the main palace gate because it's been blocked by Yungsoo, she's trapped. Haneul closed her eyes for a while and heaved a loud sigh before picking up the ends of her robe and ran away.

She could hear her attendants chasing her and calling her to come back but she pretended not to hear anything except for the crispy leaves that she stepped on while running and her fast heartbeat. Haneul firstly chased away those attendants by hiding before staring at a head level wall.

'Not bad.' she thought.

Haneul started to stretch her arms and legs and prepared her heart for something she'll be doing again after many years. She tipped her feet and pushed off the ground, leaping into the air and aimed for the other side of the wall.

For a jump, she looked like flying graciously. Her sleeves fluttering open like the wings of a butterfly and landed on top of the thick wall with both poise and elegance. The other side of the wall was dark and silent. Guessing from the long bamboos peaking at the light coming from her palace, it was probably the bamboo forest. 

She was anxious about jumping off the other side but the thought of Yungsoo made her jump without hesitation.

Haneul expected to land at a rough surface but then, unexpected things happened. She was caught by a pair of tough arms. It was a man.

The unknown fellow caught her perfectly like he was waiting for her to jump down the wall. With a hand across her back to grasp her shoulder, and another hand under her knees to support her weight, the fearsome Haneul blushed.

'This guy had the guts to catch me like a bride when I can handle myself since it's not that deep at all.'

Thinking that the man did not know her identity, she swiftly held on tight to his shoulders. "Thank goodness you caught me, I was scared." she faked sob.

'By his well-built arms, I know he's handsome even though I can't see his face right now since it's too dark.' She silent laugh in a sly tone.

"If you were scared then what were you thinking, jumping out of your own palace?" 

Haneul flinched like someone poured a cold water on her and her lips quivered. It was not because the man is already aware of her identity, but because she recognized the strict yet gentle voice that resonated in her ears. She pulled herself from the sly embrace and finally uttered, "Wangchul-ah?"

"Who else?"

Haneul blushed even more remembering what she did a while ago without knowing that it was the Emperor.

"Did you not expect that it was me? Then who will you be embracing like this if not me?" he replied vexedly.

Haneul knew she was wrong. A married woman clinging to an unknown man is certainly wrong. But it was the original Haneul who married Wangchul, not her. 

Having no intention of getting into trouble, she can't help but to lie. "Of course I knew it was you. I just called your name because you sounded mad when you answered me."

Haneul heard him groan before answering, "Then why won't you answer my question?"

She gulped a few times before picking up a good excuse, "T, the night market!"

She paused for a bit and continued, "I want to go to the night market but I know that I'm not allowed to that is why I'm sneaking out!" 

Haneul can't even count all of her lies and excuses starting from the first day she got her new body. But it was for the sake of survival thus, she naturally didn't think of it as a big deal.

"Is that so." When she heard that there's only one push left to convince Wangchul, she bobbed her head aggressively.

"Yes!"

"Very well then, allow me to accompany you." After he said those words, he snapped his two fingers and a ball of fire appeared midair.

Wangchul doesn't use his Diety's Blessing unless it was for the public and it was the first time to see it since her transmigration. Despite knowing that this world consists of people who have magical abilities, she was still amazed to see it in person. 

Haneul simply replied with a nod. She would love to protest but if it's the Emperor's words then she can't convince him to leave her alone. 

When she noticed that Wangchul wouldn't put her down, she tapped his shoulder lightly, "Wangchul-ah, you can put me down. I can walk on my own." 

Wangchul firmly replied, "No, the land is filthy."

Due to the fire ball's light, she was able to clearly see Wangchul's facial features. His sharp eyes were crimson-red; despite the dark surroundings, it was bright and clear. His thin lips unspeaking; poised and solemn, his few strands of hair that lightly littered on his forehead. Because Haneul won't bother to spare Wangchul a glance, she didn't know that he was this good looking.

"Han-i, we're here." Wangchul said and gently put her down.

The whole journey was just Haneul staring at the Emperor's face but despite the uncomfortable feeling, he didn't tell her to stop staring but instead he just walked and faced forward ignoring her stares.

Haneul straightened her dress and roamed her eyes around the sight of the bustling night market.

A "Wow." escaped from her mouth and Wangchul smiled at her reaction.

Haneul excitedly grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the crowd. "Come, Wangchul-ah. Let's go find something to eat!"