Dong Hee's entire world stopped. A mixture of emotions populated her mind; fear, paranoia, anger, and most of all regret. Why did she choose to pass through a longer route? If she were early, this would not happen probably. She kept imagining how the Prime Minister got her baby. Did he use force? Did he hurt her husband? Where is her husband? Random static sounds pierced her eardrums gradually. She felt nothing, heard nothing. Her lungs shut its doors, rejecting any air to come in.

She swallowed, pleading fervently to the Prime Minister, "Your Excellency, please... please hand me, my son. I am begging you."

She got down on her knees as the river of tears dripped down from her eyes.

For some people, the sight of a mother begging for her son's life would be one of the most heartbreaking sights ever. Some, but not for the Prime Minister. Instead of being moved by her actions, his mouth gradually widened, and he burst into laughter; laughter that echoed around the entire place.

"Get up! Listen to me."

She raised her head, and then her body followed. Hugging the baby Prince in her chest, she did not dare to steal a glance at the Prime Minister's eyes.

His eyes sharpen in a glare as his lips curved into a grin, "You will have your son."

Dong Hee's eyes grew large in a mixture of surprise and doubt. How will she have her son?

"Let us play a game. I will ask you a question, and you shall answer in all honesty. After that, you give me something to do in return, and then vice versa. How is that?"

She was trapped in the Prime Minister's schemes. Resisting towards what he wanted might harm her baby and the Prince. Even though it means playing with a demon, and her chances of winning this game are low, she agreed to play with the Prime Minister's dirty tricks.

"All right, my turn first. Who is that baby?"

She knew he would ask it despite the fact that he knew that the baby she was carrying is the King's son. He wanted the truth to come out from her own lips. Hence, lying would be pointless.

"He is... the King's son."

Carving his lips into a half-smile, he ordered Dong Hee to ask him in return for the game to continue.

"Your turn. Give me something to do. You better think about it first."

"Please... please give me my son."

Upon hearing those words, the Prime Minister handed her the baby in an instant. It did not even take a minute. Dong Hee was able to hold her son. The word 'happy' would be an understatement. No words in this world can describe her feeling now that her baby in her arms. Her mind shut down momentarily, and she just focused on the presence of her baby. Together with the King's son, she wrapped the two babies on her arms.

"Your turn. Now, ask me a question."

Dong Hee sighed. What would she ask? If he would let them go? No. That will be a ridiculous move. He would not make them go away that easily. Surely, he would ask them to do a lot of things. However, despite these thoughts, she still tried. Nothing is wrong with trying. It is better to be disappointed with the result rather than having regrets in case the tides chose their favor.

She mumbled, "Would you let us go?"

The Prime Minister lifted his shoulders, "Definitely."

Honestly, she was surprised with the Prime Minister's response. It sounded very suspicious. In fact, that did not make her heart flutter in joy. Instead, that made her very anxious. She felt the need to prepare for something dangerous. She has sensed it. The game would go extremely unfair. Of course, it was the Prime Minister's game. His game, his rules. He can break the rules any time he wanted to, and she can do nothing to reverse it.

"It is my turn again to ask you something to do..."

"Give me the King's son."

That was it. She expected it, of course. The Prime Minister was just being treacherous for staging this little game. All he wanted was a trade. But why did he ask for a game? Why did he not ask her directly? The situation was really killing her.

She did not have a choice. Running would be very dangerous because it might infuriate the Prime Minister, and he might decide to kill them. Pleading would be useless as well. The Prime Minister does not easily get swayed with tears because his character is darker than the dirtiest waters in the world.

Her hands were trembling with fear. She walked slowly to the Prime Minister and gave him the baby Prince. Caressing the baby's hands, he asked for his name. Dong Hee informed the Prime Minister that there was a name embroidered on the silk cloth where the baby was wrapped. He scanned the cloth and found the name at the lower part of it, near the baby's feet.

"Sae Yoo? This Prince's name was Sae Yoo?"

"Yes, Your Excellency."

"We are done."

"Uhm?"

"I said we are done. This game is over. I am keeping my word. Now, go!"

Dong Hee genuflected, praising the Prime Minister's name. When she rose, she turned around and ran away from the Prime Minister. She felt relieved as if a big thorn was removed from her chest. Maybe that was it. The Prime Minister just wanted to have to Prince. No more, no less.

Running freely at that moment was like one of the biggest luxuries she ever had. She ran against the cold gust of the wind, hugging her son. As of the moment, the thought about her husband and sister-in-law's whereabouts did not cross her mind. Her utmost priority was getting away with that insane beast, to safeguard his son.

When she was about to pass by a huge tree, a few paces away from the Prime Minister, she heard a rapid swooshing sound of the wind going towards her. With a quick sideward glance, she saw a blurred image of a thin line traveling like a speed of lightning, passing a few inches near her face. It almost hit her. To her horror, she saw what that thing was. It was an arrow shot at the trunk of the tree.

Gasping in fear, she turned around slowly, her curiosity killing her. The audacious grinning face of the Prime Minister from afar welcomed her sight. What made her shudder in fear were the number of hwarangs aiming crossbows at her.

"Run!" the Prime Minister laughed boisterously.

Biting her lower lips, tears from her swollen eyes flowed again. There was no single way she can dodge those arrows. She did not even know if those arrows were poisoned or not. She was giving up. The last string of her hope was slowly vanishing into the thin, cold air. Closing her eyes, she hugged her baby tight.

"Il Woo. Forgive your worthless mother. I have failed to protect you."

She was ready to be shot. Standing on the green grass in the foot Ojin Hill, she has marked to the Heavens the death of a powerless mother who has failed to protect her innocent son. The Prime Minister signaled one of his men to shoot an arrow. He could just order all his men to shoot her, but he did not. Up until the end, he still thought of playing with her.

A hwarangdo shot an arrow, but it missed. It was on purpose. The Prime Minister yelled at her, ordering her to run but she did not. She stood there like a statue, barely moving a single muscle.

"That is what you get for serving the wrong person," he uttered.

"All right men, shoot!"

Just as when all his men aimed delicately their arrows at Dong Hee's back, one of the hwarangs noticed moving silhouettes going towards their directions from afar.

"Stop!" the Prime Minister ordered.

Narrowing his eyes, he stretched his head to recognize what those were. The silhouettes grew bigger, making them recognize that those were horses. As the horses galloped closer to them, the riders' features became more vivid because of the faint light coming from the moon. They were his archenemies, the King and Minister Dae Wong, with some hwarangs as well.

With an arched eyebrow, the Prime Minister signaled one of his hwarangdos to get Dong Hee. A young hwarangdo unsheathed a dagger and dashed to Dong Hee. The poor nurse did not have the chance to run, afraid to be shot. Upon catching Dong Hee, the hwarangdo covered her mouth and pointed a dagger to her neck. He dragged her quickly towards the Prime Minister and gagged her with a piece of cloth. The Prime Minister ordered the hwarangdo to bring her inside the palanquin.

Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

Unfortunately, the King has failed to catch up the most critical seconds of Dong Hee's life, her wager between life and death. Suppose the King was earlier or they have moved at a faster speed, there will be a higher chance that she would be saved rather than being completely frightened to a hwarangdo pointing a dagger in her neck. As the horses screeched, marking a complete stop a few paces from the Prime Minister, the King jumped off and stomped quickly towards his brother.

"Jung Ho!"

Everyone was dumbfounded with a rare moment, hearing the Prime Minister's name.

"Sire, what are you doing here?"

"Stop those pretentious acts! Where is Dong Hee?"

"Who is that? I was just here to breathe some fresh air."

"I am no idiot! You know why I am looking for her... Really? Breathe some air together with some hwarangs with crossbows?"

"They are my guards, Sire. Again, you were misunderstanding things."

The King does not have the luxury to play jokes with his brother. He stated his intentions for meeting him. Wanting to settle things peacefully, his face became neutral, relaxing every muscle, toning down his voice. Seeing the King's sudden change, the Prime Minister did not respond. He stood there, with his crossed arms and sardonic face.

"You still do not get it, do you? I am doing this for the whole kingdom. I am saving the royal family. What do you think will happen if the people knew about...?"

"Stop!" the King spat out.

"Please?"

It was a peak and valley emotion, hot and cold, fury and calmness. The King's shifts in emotions were abrupt yet calculated. He knew the word 'please' should not come out from a ruler's mouths easily. It spells weakness or even incompetence at times, but he really wanted to save the Head Nurse, his son, and the whole kingdom at the same time. He waited for seconds until it turned into minutes. The Prime Minister did not consider his humble plea, ignoring his compassionate words.

The King gave up. Time was ticking too fast. Now, he has decided to do his alternative plan. If you cannot persuade a person through a decent talk, try persuading him using harsh actions. As those saying ran through the King's head, he went back to his men, leaving the Prime Minister confused.

"Jung Min!"

The boy's name traveled through the Prime Minister's ears, crashing his eardrums gradually. It made him flinch a bit, thinking differently. Why would they bring the child there? Was the child even there? Why did he not notice? He shook his head slowly to erase those negative thoughts. Anchoring his eyes to the King, he was distracted by a movement from Minister Dae Wong's back. Curious, he walked a little forward just enough to recognize who or what that was.

As Minister Dae Wong assisted the boy, getting down from the horse, the Prime Minister's eyes widened in shock. His hands trembled a bit, so he hid those in his purple cloak. The boy walked down towards him slowly. Watching him walk has been new to him, for he has not seen his son in years. His son's every step felt like forever. With extreme awe in his face, he did not notice that the boy has genuflected before him, paying his respects.

"Father, how have you been?"

He did not respond. Instead, he gazed at him with his icy, cold eyes, contrary to its chestnut color. The King walked beside the boy and put his arms around his shoulders. He smiled to the Prime Minister, giving a signal, which made him grit his teeth.

"No!" the Prime Minister yelled.

"You did not honor my words when I was talking calmly. Now we do this the other way. Give me my son, and I will give you your son."

The Prime Minister lifted a brow and turned around, walking back to his palanquin. Instead of shock, the King felt a great sense of pity, towards the boy, but especially to his brother. His heart was full of darkness, and it even reflected the way he treated his son. He thought that maybe that was his unique way to show his concern. However, he was wrong. Definitely wrong.

"Do whatever you want to that boy!"

He turned his head, giving them a sideward glare, "I do not care."

"Jung Ho! How could you say that in front of your son?"

"Go ahead. Are you going to kill my son? Can you do it? If you think you can convince me to have a stupid trade, well you can just do whatever you want because that is not going to happen."

Jung Min screamed. The once sweet boy with innocent eyes became a little wild tiger cub. The King was shocked to see the look in his eyes. It was a remorseful look, with extreme sadness; the same look the Prime Minister had when they were young, "Stop!"

"I am not a toy or something! I do not understand why I am even here. Father, do you really resent me that much?"

The Prime Minister turned around and walked to his son. He crouched and hugged him coldly, his lips traveled near the boy's ear, "Yes! I loathe you."

Letting go, he leveled a stare at the boy's puffy eyes. Without even blinking, he repeated what he whispered. This time, it was aloud, "Yes! I loathe you... You disgust me!"

That made the boy burst into tears. What could be more hurtful to a young innocent child who hopes every night to be accepted but in return being loathed by his own blood father? Watching his father walk away, he promised himself never to beg for his attention anymore. The King apologized to the boy, hugging him tightly. He asked Minister Dae Wong to bring Jung Min back to the palace.

His plan failed. Obviously, the Prime Minister did not bite his bait. It was a wrong idea to use his nephew for a trade. He was wrong when he thought that his brother would have a soft side for his son. He was running out of ideas. How can he bring back his son? How can he save him from the claws of pure evil?  Watching the Prime Minister entered the palanquin, his mind blurred with confusion, thinking what he was scheming this time. He walked closer to him, passing the hwarangdos with their crossbows.

The Prime Minister got off his palanquin, holding a baby in a silk cloth, "This child is the root of our conflict. If you want to get him, kill me!"

"Jung Ho, no! Whatever you are thinking, please stop."

"We shall end it by ourselves, Sire. No hwarangs. You send them back to the palace. I will do the same."

The King looked at Minister Dae Wong from afar who was shaking his head. The Minister tried to tell the King that it might be another trap, but the King did not listen. Instead, he ordered his men to go back to the palace. Minister Dae Wong ordered the nangdos to return to the palace together. When they left, the Prime Minister ordered all his hwarangs to move out. The servants who were carrying the palanquin followed as well.

All their servants have left, leaving both of them standing a few paces apart with each other. The two were determined to finish this tiresome conflict at once. As the wind blew and the grasses danced, the two shot burning glares with each other, contrary to the cold gust of the winds.

"Sire, let us end this now."

"Jung Ho, give me my son!"

The Prime Minister's lips twitched upwards in a smirk. Jumping quickly to a stallion, he lashed it, making the poor horse galloped away.

"Hey!"

The King ran quickly to his horse, jumped into it, and then followed the Prime Minister. It was their fight. No retinues. No hwarangs. Just the two of them. As the Prime Minister ran away with the Prince, the King tried his best to catch up with him. He did not have any idea where this fight will be. He did not care if they would reach the ends of the world. All he cared about was his son's safety.

Truly, he did want the other twin to be banished from the kingdom in order to protect him. Now, the tides have changed. The life of his son was in the hands of the person with whom he shared the same blood. He did not believe his brother's reason, which he was just trying to protect the royal family. He was trying to use the baby for his own personal gain. Reveal the twins to the people, and dethrone him.

"Jung Ho! Stop!"

Obviously, he did not listen. The Prime Minister lashed his horse harder, making it gallop faster. They have traveled across the deep forest, ducking thorny vines, and galloping tall bushes. It took almost twenty minutes before the King saw the end of the trail, going to a cliff, where a valley can be found under it. The Prime Minister's horse screeched, marking a full stop beside the cliff where the stones and sediments had crashed down. He jumped off from his horse, waiting for the King who was a few meters away.

When the King stopped, he immediately went down from his horse and confronted his brother, "Jung Ho, you are insane!"

Holding the baby, the Prime Minister scowled defiantly to the King, "Yes, Your Highness. Now, we shall end it here."

"Kill me!"

"No! Jung Ho, I cannot do that!"

"Choose. You kill me, or your son dies."

The King stretched his arms forward, trying to convince his brother. Beads of sweat came out and dripped down from his face, his palms trembling with fear. His heart slammed to his chest repeatedly, worrying about his son's safety and his brother's questionable sanity. He stepped his left foot forward, his right foot supporting his weight at the back, like a guard in stealth mode trying to catch a criminal.

With every forward step of the King resulted in the Prime Minister's backward steps - a dance choreographed by the devil. Obviously, the Prime Minister was near the edge of the basin of death. He felt the gradual change in the soil consistency. He was once stepping on hard soil, but as he stepped more, he felt the soft parts of it, some sediments and rocks falling down the cliff. Without looking back, he knew that he was on edge.

"One more step, and we die."

The King cannot help it. His brother looked very serious in killing himself, together with the Prince.

"My life belongs to Silla. If I cannot have it, then I shall perish."

Without any hesitation, the Prime Minister stepped backward. Losing his balance, he fell off the cliff and rolled through the bushes and eventually down to the valley. It happened very fast. With just a blink of an eye, the King's brother and son were gone.

"No!"

He looked down the cliff, but his brother was nowhere to be seen. Because the cliff was not steep, there was a chance that the Prime Minister and the Prince's survived the fall. Wasting no time, he quickly rode his horse and searched for the quickest way down the cliff.

Going down the cliff, to the valley was not easy. First, it was dark because the Heavens sent a faint, crescent moon as his guide. Second, he went around the forest to find the safest way down the hill, because his horse refused to go through a quick yet steep route. It felt like the entire world is against to save his son, knowing the prophecy. It was the Prince's destiny to die, perhaps.

Upon successfully reaching the spot where his brother fell, he screamed at the top of his lungs hoping that his brother will respond. He searched for every bush even though some have scathed and pricked him with thorns and sharp edges of leaves. Heaven knew that he did not give up. The tall grasses and the bushes of that vast valley were his witnesses.

After hours of searching down the valley, he found the cloth in which the baby Prince was wrapped. It was hanging on a branch clinging on the cliff but on a side, farther to where they had fallen. Even though he has found it, opening a small light of hope, the bodies were still yet to be found. He did not lose determination. He continued searching every portion of the valley, hoping that he could find them. The darkness of the night and the coldness of the wind did not make him falter a bit.

"Sire!"

A deep voice distracted him. Squinting his eyes, he noticed a familiar silhouette of a man. It was Minister Dae Wong with a couple of nangdos. They went to the King who was standing from afar, speechless, tired, and drained.

"Sire, we have been very worried. We have searched thoroughly. Thank Heavens, you were safe."

The King did not respond. He passed out.

__________

[https://em.wattpad.com/7582d5121f2596dabefda0f25b1101280b4dc92e/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f324a51665746326c4251316b56413d3d2d3630353534333835382e313534333638636539386337623931623433373733313238383230372e706e67]