Chapter 2 - Small Village in the North (part 1)

Moving towards the back of the palace they proceeded across the larger buildings using them as momentary covers. The man guiding him suddenly halted and pushed him back against the wall to the side as a few royal guards walked past barely missing them, both of them holding their breaths slightly pressed against each other's side.

The man looked up towards the roof of another building and tilted his head, following his gaze, Dohyun found out that he was not alone.

At least six other people were moving with them! All this time he only realized that now.

Once receiving the signal, they started to move again, not much longer on they successfully left the vicinity of the palace.

For a while they walked through dense woods, Dohyun occasionally taking glances at the people around him. By this time, he had counted seven people all in all. All wearing the same black cloth and carrying the same swords and arrows, they moved nimbly and had light steps.

Though it was dark and in the middle of the night, he thought he could hear the faint sounds of horses neighing some distance away from them. In a few minutes, what he thought was proven true, four horses stood in front of them tied to the surrounding trees.

The people dressed in black now each stood in front of him, placed their swords in front of them, and knelt on one knee, their voices low but vehement in unison greeting him, "Your highness."

At a loss of what to say, Dohyun stood there momentarily dazed at the people's sudden actions. Recalling the words from the letter 'they are your people', before he could speak up, the one leading them from before spoke, "Your highness, at the moment, the royal palace is not suitable for your safety. Thus, we were instructed to formally meet you and take you somewhere safe for the time being."

The man stood up and the rest followed. "We are your wonhwa", he said, almost sounding somewhat reluctant to say so.

'Wonhwa? Where have I heard that again?' Dohyun pondered, 'Ah! Female warriors? But- female warriors, he's a she!?'

Judging from the expression on the prince's face another person spoke up, "Yes your highness, we are all here to serve you, um, Jaeyong is an exception." This time a woman's voice spoke and he was assured that they were the so-called female warriors, but how come he's never known of this? So Jaeyong is the name of the one who had been seemingly leading the group…

Sounding slightly flustered, 'Jaeyong' managed to say "I'll explain to you when we arrive at our destination if his highness allows."

Dohyun could only, once again, nod his head and follow their lead.

Jaeyong motioned for him to mount the horse. In a moment, Dohyun was on top and the others also mounted theirs. Since there were only four horses and eight people including himself, all of them were shared by two each.

From below him, "Please excuse me your highness" Jaeyong said before mounting the horse, sitting behind him. Everything was so fast Dohyun could only give the reins to the person behind.

Their long robes billowed in the wind as Jaeyong gave a signal, the pair beside them led the way, making it easier for them to follow.

They traveled nonstop throughout the night, the cool wind brushing their faces and the sound of hooves meeting the ground filled the air. Dohyun was finally able to think, not that there was much progress, his mind was a mess, his thoughts wondering why only he had to leave and more on why the secret code was used. He was reluctant at first but only two people in the world would know that name. There was no mistaking who sent these people to him.

A code only mentioned once years ago, it would be easy enough for one to forget.

Sensing his distress, Jaeyong spoke, "Your highness?" His tone gentle, like their first encounter in Dohyun's room. As if knowing what was on his mind he spoke, "I don't believe the other princes are in harm's way" he said reassuringly, his voice carrying a slight hint of contrition. Somehow, Dohyun was comforted by this because he cares deeply for his brothers. "Thank you," he replied.

"No need for thanks, your highness, it is our duty."

And like that, hours later, the sun began to rise. It probably would have been easier for the person behind him to sit in front but since they left, they haven't stopped once, leaving no chance for them to change positions.

Although Jaeyong was the one holding the reins, Dohyun still kept his eyes on the path they were taking. There was no particular road as if they purposely were avoiding going by known paths. It had been hours already yet Dohyun still couldn't make any sense of the situation. He had long wanted to ask the person behind him but he had already earlier agreed to wait until they arrived.

Eventually, they had seemed to be nearing a river, minutes later the person behind him spoke again, "Your highness, shall we take rest here?" as if asking for his approval.

Dohyun spoke, "Yes, the horses also need to take a break, we have been traveling all night, perhaps we could find some edible plants around here."

They both hopped off the horse's back as well as the others. Jaeyong led their horse to a tree near the river and tied it there, allowing it to get some water and nibble on the grasses at the river's edge.

Scanning the area, it seemed like not many people frequented this place as it looked rather untouched by human life, no smoke trails, no camps. Trees and wild bushes thriving on each side of the river, the water also clear and fresh. As the sun was rising fastly over their heads, the early morning rays of sunlight warmed Dohyun's face as he stood closing his eyes.

For a few moments, he stood there just like that taking in the warmth of the sun. Noticing someone approaching from behind him, he turned around. Now facing Jaeyong, but unlike the other times he had faced this person, he could now clearly see all the features of this person's face.

Having faced the person who so suddenly just appeared in his life, Dohyun didn't expect him to have an appearance in perfect alignment of how his voice sounded. The person in front of him had a deep and gentle voice, his face resembled much of it.

With the absence of the sheer black cloth covering his face, he could see skin as pale as white lotus leaves matched perfectly with the obsidian black eyes this person possessed. He had cherry-shaped lips shaded a light pink like chrysanthemums, a strong jawline, and thick brows which complemented his eyes. He was handsome to say the least, and yet, despite the strong features of his face, his expression bore that of a kind and gentle sort. Two distinct aspects seamlessly blended.

Having been stared at for so long, Jaeyong unconsciously looked towards the ground avoiding meeting eyes with the prince standing in front of him. Raising his hands, he offered a basket of steamed buns and other foods they had prepared beforehand, "Your highness, there is no need to look for edible plants, we have prepared everything that you might need" he said.

Taking the basket, Dohyun felt as if he was the only one carrying food in his hands at the moment, he then inquired, "What about the others?"

"There is no need to worry about us, your highness, your needs are our foremost priority" Jaeyong stated.

"Nonsense", Dohyun blurted out, if it were his highness the crown prince, he wouldn't even bat an eye towards his disciples as long as his needs were met, but Dohyun hated more than all to see other people face the music for things that were caused by him or were 'done for him.'

Jaeyong, on the other hand, not expecting to be instantly refused by the prince couldn't help the slightly shocked expression from appearing on his face.

Seeing this, Dohyun elaborated, "I mean, we have all traveled through the long night, how could I let my... how could I disregard the needs of my people?" It felt new and weird to regard them as 'his people' since he didn't even know their names, but for them to have come this far, it was more than clear that they were on his side.

Taking a single bun from the basket, he continued, "There is plenty of food for us all, it would be senseless to leave them all to me." With that, he turned to the rest of the group, "Everyone, please take what you need, we all need to replenish our energy", he smiled and walked over to one of the women and handed the basket. Afterward, he returned to Jaeyong's side and said, "You too, go take your share."

With a conflicted look on his face, Jaeyong only glanced in their direction for a moment before breaking a small smile, their prince surely was a benevolent person. One of the women walked over to Dohyun cautiously as he patted one of the horses neck, "Master said before a man that is kind to animals is a good person", she said, causing him to turn around.

"Uh-" Dohyun was surprised by the sudden compliment, the other added, "Not that our prince wouldn't be any less but I couldn't help but overhear you earlier, your highness. When Jaeyong suggested we rest, you first mentioned the horses also needed a break." With that and a small smile, she bowed her head and turned around again to join the group.

After everyone had refreshed themselves, they once more mounted their horses taking off.

The forest was now awake, the chirps and songs of birds could be heard throughout, and rays of sunshine passed through the foliage now and then. Behind him, Jaeyong spoke, "Endure a little longer your highness, we should arrive there before noon."

The 'there' still unknown to him, unable to hold in his curiosity any longer he mindlessly blurted out, "Can I at least know where we are going?"

He could physically sense Jaeyong stiffen behind him as the other let out an "Oh", "My mistake for not informing you sooner your highness, I thought-" he paused for a second choosing his words, "A secluded village to the north, not many people pass by which proved as a decent place to stay in the meantime."

A secluded village to the north?

There were numerous towns and villages throughout the Great Kingdom of Joseon, some more well-off than others while a thought modicum of those villages were impoverished and overpopulated slums; they were often located far from the Golden Capital, the center of prosperity and success.

The Golden Capital was known for being home to the noblemen and women, the households of esteemed officials, and majority-owned by those who had relations or worked in the premises of the royal palace.

The wealthy economy of the capital had always been flourishing with inns and restaurants of the finest services. On the contrary, those who lived on the outskirts and further villages were often regarded as common peasants and farmers surviving off the land.

Hours later the sun was now beating down on their backs, the sweltering heat had the horses naturally decelerate their pace. Dohyun had been so focused on the path and his jumbled thoughts that he failed to notice the other six people had departed from them. Stretching his neck left and right, there was no sign of the others. Just then a familiar deep voice spoke from behind him, "It would be too conspicuous for many people to suddenly arrive and could attract unnecessary attention from others."

They seemed to have clearly and meticulously thought this out, Dohyun thought.

"Where will they be staying?" he asked.

"Your highness, we wonhwa, they know how to make use of the forest, you do not need to worry for them."

It indeed would be too conspicuous if a group of people randomly started staying in a new place, but wouldn't it be a bit harsh to stay in the forest? The more Dohyun thought about it the more he found it odd. He had read about wonhwa groups being strictly trained to serve their masters in neighboring kingdoms but had never actually met any from the Great Kingdom of Joseon, they were only things he had read about in books. Adding to that, he found it odd for there to be a man in the group, could it be that he was, actually, a very manly woman? He did seem to have beautiful features…

Jaeyong choked behind him, Dohyun quickly turned his head and asked "What's wrong? Are you okay?" Jaeyong's face had already been sealed away earlier by the black cloth and thus only his eyes could be seen, though his ears had a slight tint of pink.

"Your highness, I am a- man" he confirmed.

He had been speaking his thoughts aloud all this time!?

Dohyun immediately faced front again wanting to be anywhere but on this horse with this person behind him. He mentally slapped himself a few times before speaking three times faster and quieter than he usually spoke, sounding like he was squeaking, "Forgive me, I was only speaking my mind earlier." Jaeyong also hurriedly replied, "I- I will explain when we arrive, your highness."

Not having it in him to say anything else, Dohyun nodded and stiffly sat for what seemed an eternity.

After the time it took an incense stick to burn, a narrow dirt road appeared in front of them. From afar, Dohyun could already make out what seemed to be small houses and cattle grazing grass on the sides. As they grew nearer towards the small village, it was clear that the people there must have been close with one another judging from the circle of women and men chatting away, sitting together at a single house table outside one of the larger residences.

As they drew nearer, Jaeyong pulled on the reins bringing the horse to stop in its place. He soon jumped down and assisted Dohyun in climbing down as well. From where they were standing, they could hear the excited gossip of the women sneaking peeks at the newcomers.

"I thought a newly married couple was moving into that old residence", one said.

Another voice added, "Same here, there are two people but there is clearly no bride… how much do you wanna bet that he got dumped?"

A third person joined in, "Shh you two, talk quieter do you want to be heard that much?"

As if they couldn't already hear them, the two exchanged a glance and mutually decided that they didn't hear anything. This time Jaeyong had already taken off the piece of cloth again revealing his charming face.

As though it weren't already enough for those ladies to loudly proclaim their gossip, the three of them came over and approached them with a basket of fruits in their hands. The smaller woman wearing plain clothes was first to speak, "Say now, you must be the new fellows moving into the Han residence is that right?"

Not sure of how to respond, Dohyun looked at Jaeyong who had already opened his mouth to speak.

"We are." He said.

The woman continued, "Last time people were here, they said a married couple was to move in, why is that there seems to be no bride?" she persistently asked.

A few moments later, "The wedding of my master had been called off", he replied, gaining a fair amount of "Ooh's" and "Aah's" from the women who now seemed to have doubled in number.

Dohyun: "..."

Forget 'clearly and meticulously thinking this out', Dohyun thought.

A younger woman brazen enough not to hide her excitement asked "Really? Why was it called off?" The other ladies gave her a look but were also secretly interested in learning of this new fellow's misfortune and didn't bother to scold her.

If Jaeyong didn't respond, they most likely wouldn't stop nagging until content so he might as well quickly finish the story and added, "She ran off with another man... my master is rather tired from our journey and wishes to rest, please excuse us for the moment."

Dohyun, too stunned to speak hearing his own misfortune by what Jaeyong had told the women, could only give him a look that would chill someone's blood in an instant.

The other could only cast him a look with slightly-guilty, slightly-pleading eyes.

You could have at least left me some face! Dohyun thought, now he could only be that poor man whose bride left him for another. A more frugal backstory could have done better! Seizing the situation, Jaeyong led him to the residence that the people had just mentioned, not far from where they were previously standing. The front gate held a wooden sign carved with the words 'Han Residence'; the walls surrounding the place were low and made of stone, a few patches of flowers could be seen here and there and two connected houses that seemed old but comfortable enough. Having already reserved a place to stay and accommodations, the person who had sent these people to him had probably been planning this for some time.

Jaeyong had already quietly called "Your highness" a couple of times before he eventually came out of his daze. With a somewhat worried tone, Jaeyong asked, "Is it not to his highness' liking?" Dohyun waved his hand assuring him that it was fine and they entered.

At first glance, it didn't seem like much but after inspecting a little bit, Dohyun had decided that the state of the house was not bad either.

The interior of the first house was quite desolate having not that much furniture aside from a bench-like seat in the middle and a small table to the side of it, in the corner stood a small wooden chest for storing items and more seats. To the left side of the room was a smaller door leading to the bedroom while the adjacent side was connecting to the other house that had a similar structure with one bedroom connecting to the side.

Having settled down on the rectangular seat, Dohyun motioned for the other person to join him.

Jaeyong took one last glance outside and through the windows making sure they were alone. Once he was certain it was good to talk he knelt in front of Dohyun bowing his head, "Your highness, allow me to properly introduce myself, my name is Baek Jaeyong, leader of the wonhwa. Despite being a man, I was still brought into the group under a certain circumstance. We have now been instructed to serve you in all ways needed, please accept us as your wonhwa, your highness."

Knowing who was behind and who trained these people, how could he not accept them, though An Byung Ho and Yang Minhye would most likely be flabbergasted to know a bunch of people would be working with them now.

Despite their identities unknown to him, he knew they could be trusted at the least.

"Alright," Dohyun said.