Deok Cheol held the sick man's hand, trying to convince him to stay and just rest. He was worried that something might happen to him, considering that his emotions were heightened at the moment.

"Please calm down, seonsaengnim. You are ill."

The old man shoved his hands and frowned, "I do not care if I am ill or dying. I need to go to the capital and get my son!"

"What if we do not cross paths with Shun? What if the moment we arrived there, he has already arrived here? Please think about it first," pleaded Deok Cheol.

Pounding his chest, Muhyuk insisted that he felt something strange about Shun's entire travel. "I could feel it, Deok Cheol. Something wrong is happening to my son. I cannot just sit in here and wait for him. It is really bothering me so badly!"

The plump boy hugged the old man, tapping his back. "All right, seonsaengnim. I know. Forgive me.

"Thank you, Deok Cheol."

Heavens, please do not let my son step foot in the palace.

The two stood and prepared all of the things they would need for the travel. While ransacking some chest, Muhyuk asked Deol Cheol about certain apparel from the Gokturks. "Deok Cheol, do your parents have this head apparel from the Gokturks—also, this type of cloth which covers the entire face.

"Hmm, oh, you mean a turban? I guess we have one in our house. About the veil, I am not sure but maybe we have those types of clothes there. Why did you ask?"

"I will explain it to you along the way. Could you please get some for me?"

The boy nodded and dashed to his house to search for the things the old man wanted. After a few minutes, Deok Cheol came back with a veil and a turban. Muhyuk quickly wore those as he told the boy to check all their things. When everything had been settled, they left the house and borrowed a horse to one of their neighbors, starting their travel in the cold night.

~~•~~

The next morning, Sae Joo woke up from his deep, cozy sleep—all thanks to Shun's arm and body. Soon after, Shun followed and felt the slow, stinging pain of the cramp on his purplish arm.

"Good morning!" greeted the Prince.

Shun curled his lips and frowned, "Good morning, my butt! My arm hurts, thanks to you!"

Sae Joo grimaced in a pang of slight guilt and embarrassment, "Forgive me."

"Never mind. My arm will be fine in a few minutes," he said, stretching.

"Ah, before I forget, let me return this to you." Shun dove his hand to his pocket and handed the eagle figurine to Sae Joo.

"Oh, Heavens! Thank you very much! I, myself, have even forgotten about this."

Looking at the young boy, Sae Joo noticed his headband, as it flashed a sudden, random memory at his mind. "Err, that headband... where did you get that?"

"Oh, this? It belongs to my father. I found it when I was ransacking down our basement. He has no idea that I have this."

"Is that so? Your headband looks familiar. It has the same design as the palace red hwarangs."

Shun's eyebrows met, acknowledging Sae Joo's assertion. He untied the headband and examined it carefully.

"Look at this! It has been in the chest for many years but its colors are still vibrant. This insignia did not corrode as well," said Shun.

"It must be of high value. I suggest that you keep it hidden instead of flaunting it around. Who knows, someone might have an interest in taking that from you. I am suggesting this for our safety. I will just buy you a headband when we arrive at the capital."

"Right. Better safe than sorry. Sure, I would not mind receiving a gift," chuckled Shun. He folded the headband and hid it in his chest pocket. He smiled and stood, asking Sae Joo to get ready as they were about to start their long journey again.

Just like what the village men had told them, the two took another long hour of travel. The blue spear mountains, the purple flowers in the wide meadow, the greens of the evergreen forest, and the smooth flow of the streams were few of the many things that bloomed in Sae Joo's mind as they moved from one place to another. He was inspired again to continue his craft, after witnessing the wonders of their kingdom's nature, unknown to his eyes for a long time.

The time of day became history, as the hands of the night wove wondrously at the blue skies again. Finally, after long hours of tiring, yet aesthetically enjoyable travel, the two boys finally reached the capital. They started seeing villages and marketplaces, which were about to close. People also started lighting up their torches and lamps to light their ways in the upcoming darkness.

When the two had arrived in the front of one of the palace gate, Sae Joo held Shun's arm and smiled, "I am home."

The Prince announced his presence, and the surprised guards opened the gates happily, yet with full strong stature.

As they walked down the palace courtyard, Shun's jaws almost dropped at the elegant designs of the huge pavilions, the magnificence of the men and women's delicate apparels, the sturdy formation of the colorful hwarangs and guards, and the entire huge space occupied by the palace.

"Wow! This place is even larger than my hometown!" he nudged Sae Joo and laughed, "Where is your room?"

Sae Joo chortled and pointed the huge, maroon-painted pavilion beside the King's pavilion, "That is my pavilion. You can find my room there."

"What? That whole thing is yours? The entire people of Myeongju could fit inside that! Wow!" his eyes moved around as he scanned the entire palace, up to the last line of his sight.

"Shall we?" invited Sae Joo.

The two walked closer to the main council hall. The guards, hwarangs, and the court ladies just passed by, probably because they could not recognize the Prince's dirty, ragged appearance. After a few minutes, Sae Joo saw Ministers Yoo Min, Dae Wong, and Yeol, walking down the stairs from the main council hall, going to the courtyard.

Filled with great joy and excitement, Sae Joo called, "Minister Dae Wong! Yoo Min-seonsaengnim! Harabeoji!"

The three looked around and saw the missing Crown Prince, waving at them. Their hearts suddenly jumped with joy as they ran altogether to Sae Joo.

"Sae Joo-wangja!" Yeol called.

The elderly minister hugged his grandson tight. "We have been very worried!"

Yoo Min and Dae Wong ran back to the main pavilion, stormed inside the council hall, and announced the Prince's return. Everyone inside was surprised, especially Jae Joong, who almost cried in relief and joy. Jung Ho threw sharp glances to the King as he followed him outside.

The King ran as fast as he could and welcomed his son with open arms. This was when the entire palace was notified. Almost all officials stopped from their works and went to the courtyard, to welcome the Crown Prince. Some even exchanged whispers for they are shocked to see the Prince's look.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

"Why are you dressed like that?" asked Jae Joong.

Before Sae Joo could had explained, Jung Ho butted in and suggested, "Sire, I know that this is a moment worth rejoicing, but may I suggest we talk about all the details formally inside the council hall? Plus, the Prince needs a general body cleaning."

"Fine. Gather all the council members. We shall talk about it formally," commanded Jae Joong. His attention was suddenly seized by an unfamiliar, teenage boy beside Sae Joo, whose sparkling eyes seemed restless while looking around at the entire place innocently.

"Who is this boy?" he asked.

"Oh Sire, this is my savior and friend, Shun," said Sae Joo. He nudged Shun's arm, signaling him to bow down.

Shun dipped his head in a bow, his eyes darting sideways. He lifted his head slowly and introduced himself, "Uhh, My name is... Shun, Y-yo-your Majesty."

The King's entire presence made his heart skip some beats. Completely overwhelmed by his divine appearance, Shun's words were seized from his lips, and his entire body was nailed on the ground.

"Is it true that you are the one who saved my son?"

"Y-ye-yes, Your Majesty."

Jae Joong's lips curved into a smile, "I want to know the details of that later... Court Ladies, take this boy to the kitchen and give him some decent clothes, as a sense of gratitude... Sae Joo, go to your quarters and take a bath. I will meet you in the council hall after an hour." he tapped Sae Joo's shoulders and left.

The thronging people started dissipating. Sae Joo's retinues assisted him to his pavilion, while the kitchen servants led Shun to the kitchen.

Strolling down the courtyard going to his pavilion, Sae Joo crossed paths with Jung Min, who was with some hwarangdos. The Prosecution Minister bowed his head and spoke, "It is a pleasant surprise, Your Highness. Thank Heavens you are safe."

"I deeply appreciate your kind words, Hyungnim."

"Mind if I ask what happened to you?" smirked Jung Min.

"It was a long story. I will tell the council all the details later. I shall retire at my chambers to take a bath and rest for a while," said Sae Joo. He bowed his head a bit and walked past Jung Min.

When the Prince was already about a couple of inches behind him, Jung Min spilled the hot beans, which Sae Joo could not ignore. "Do you believe that what had happened to you has something to do with your identity?"

The Crown Prince turned around and asked, "What do you mean?"

"Some people here always keeps a dagger behind their backs every time they talk nicely to you."

"Could you please tell me straight what you really mean?"

Jung Min grinned, giving the Prince a stupefied, judging look, "Those men who tried to take you when you were near Lord Nori's house... they know your real identity."

A memory flashed in Sae Joo's mind. He started realizing that Shun definitely had a point when he mentioned that those men might had known his real identity. Disturbed by the increasing probability of Jung Min's statements and the connecting dots between his and Shun's claims, the Crown Prince could not help himself, but to ask more, "Please tell me what you really know."

"May I speak candidly then?"

"Sure you may."

"Prince, it does not have to come from my lips. I know that deep inside your chaotic mind, you already know who are those people behind. It is just a battle between trusting your instincts and denying them." Jung Min stepped closer, "I cannot blame you though. This must be a traumatic experience for you. Denial is not a bad emotion, but do not let it get through you along the way."

Sae Joo frowned, "How about you? Are you also involved?"

After a scoff, Jung Min arched a brow and defended himself, "Why would I even have to waste my time talking to you about this matter if I am involved? I am no fool, Wangjanim."

"I hope that you are telling the truth."

"I do not have to lie. I, as well, had been affected by your sudden disappearance. Everyone was truly worried about you! The whole palace felt like a restless, warzone. All people's normal routines were altered. Do you know why? Because you are the King's son—the supposedly next ruler of this kingdom. People envision you as their savior and hope. They had invested so much faith and trust on you, so, please... please, on behalf of all people who look up to you, stop from being a disappointment, do not be a liability—a waste of investment."

The sharpness of Jung Min's word dagger pierced through Sae Joo's heart, transcending to his soul. It lingered in his chest and kept of twisting and drilling inside, dismantling every tissue of his heart. Small teardrops peeked on the corners of his eyes, feeling the pain of his cousin's taunting words. "Forgive me," mentioned him. Jung Min glanced a bit, bowed his head, and continued walking, leaving the Prince anchored to his position. It took almost five minutes before he started moving to his pavilion.

~~•~~

One hour had passed, Sae Joo came out from his chambers—all washed up, wearing a green jeogori robe and his small golden crown in his topknot. He strolled down the courtyard and met Shun in the middle, who was with some kitchen ladies.

Shun's eyes rolled in disbelief, upon seeing the real look of the Crown Prince.

"Daebak! You really look so different, Sae Joo!" he stepped closer and tried to touch the Prince, but a hwarang blocked and reprimanded him, "How dare you? Fix your tone boy, you are talking to His Highness.

"Do not make so much fuss about it. Let us go," said Sae Joo.

They walked to the King's pavilion and entered the main council hall. When the guards had opened the door, the eunuch announced, "Prince Sae Joo has arrived."

Sae Joo walked down the yellow carpet, passing the council members and some high ranking Jingols, who were lining on the two sides of the carpet. He paused and bowed to the King and the Prime Minister before he sat on his throne. Shun, on the other hand, just stood silently beside the guards on the far end of the hall.

"Our discussion shall commence," announced Jae Joong.

The Prime Minister stood and stated what had happened during Sae Joo's disappearance, "Wangjanim, based on Lady Jin Ri's story, you are the one who ordered her to take you outside the palace. She respectfully refused you, but you threw tantrums to her, forcing the poor lady to follow your demands. That is why she thought of a plan just to grant your orders. But when you were outside, you were attacked by unknown men, and Lady Jin Ri fell off the river in an attempt to save you. What is your take on this?"

Scanning the judging eyes of the nobles awaiting for his answer, Sae Joo clenched his quivering fist as a memory flashed into his mind—his and Jung Min's entire conversation an hour ago.

~~•~~

Jung Min suddenly turned around and warned Sae Joo, who was on the verge of crying because of his tormenting words, "Ah! Before I forget, Jin Ri will surely be there at the council hall. She mentioned that... you were the one who ordered her to take you outside the palace, and that she just followed your orders."

"C-co-could you please repeat what you said?"

The young man sniggered, "Jin Ri said that you were the one who ordered her."

"What? No! That was not what really happened!"

"That was what she said, and since you were not present nor any witnesses that could defend you during the course of our investigation, the Prosecution department had no choice but to believe her statements. Now that you are here, it is your time to tell us your side."

Sae Joo's eyes darted sideways, looking down, pinching his palm—out of disbelief, "No, no, not Jin Ri."

"If you are telling the truth, Jin Ri must have had too much courage to tell that you were the one who planned it all. From the way I see it, there are two things that could explain it: one, she is ready for your rebuttal, or worse, she really expects that you would not be able to return here safely."

Jung Min continued, "I really have to go. This conversation is getting too much longer; just explain your side later."

~~•~~

Back in the council meeting, Jung Ho asked the anxious Prince, who seemed to be lost in his connection with the world, "Prince Sae Joo, are you ready to state your statements?"

Sae Joo stole glances at Jung Min and Jin Ri. The latter avoided his eyes and bowed her head.

Liar. Total lies. How could you do this to me?

"All I could say is that... I am at fault. I really wanted to go outside the palace, so I opened up my sentiments to Lady Jin Ri. She was the one who planned how I could escape, granting my request."

Jung Ho smiled and convinced the King, "Sire, the Prince has admitted already his mistake, and he is safe now. Could we please put an end into this case already?"

Before Jae Joong could reply, Sae Joo stood and cut in, "However..."

Jung Ho's eyebrows assembled at the top of his nose bridge in a frown, "Wh-what is it, Your Highness?"

While Jung Ho started to feel a little nervous inside, Jung Min just stared at the Prince and his father as he mocked them in his mind. Go. Fight until your throats explode.

Sae Joo spoke, "Those men who tried to take me... it seemed like they knew my real identity. I felt like the entire attempt to abduct me... is staged."

Jung Ho and Jin Ri's eyes grew bigger in surprise. They could not believe that the Prince could actually had a hint about what they did, thinking that their plans were done very secretly—with no stains of their involvements. The nervous lady looked to her brother, who was smirking at her. Orabeoni, it was you!

"Staged? How could you say that it was staged?"

"I suggest that you just ask the boy who saved me. He is there!" Sae Joo pointed at Shun.

After asking permission to let the boy speak, Jung Ho ordered the young boy to come closer: to state what the Prince meant. Shun walked down the carpet, his head leveled in a bow.

"Your name is Shun, is it not?" asked Jung Ho.

"Y-ye-yes."

"Could you attest to what the Prince had said?"

Still, with his head down low, he did not dare to look at any of the royal members' eyes, "I will just say what I have had observed."

Jae Joong commanded, "Raise your head, boy. Tell us what you know."

__________

NOTES:

Harabeoji (할아버지) - Korean term for, "Grandfather"

Harabeoji (할아버지) - Korean term for, "Grandfather" [https://em.wattpad.com/5ffd87d7cabbb7ae85629afc10fa5a1878ead189/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f55657a36453679594a41517153673d3d2d3639383533333838372e313538356162336263653831626462393734313630373630363231312e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]