After Hyebi left, there was a loud commotion in the empress’s palace. This was because when she tried to stand up, she stumbled and lost consciousness. The physician was brought in again and, when he did a thorough examination on the Empress, the palace only became quiet.

The Court Ladies stayed beside the sick Empress. There was still no news from the Emperor’s palace, but they expected to have none. He was informed that his wife was sick, but the stone-faced Emperor never responded. This made Court Lady Park mad. The Emperor’s cold-heartedness was unforgivable.

It was dawn when Woo finally opened her weak lashes. Next to her bed, she found Court Lady Park dozing off with a towel in her hand. Lee Woo felt like crying because of the Court Lady’s kindness. Instead, she just giggled silently.

“Hey, Court Lady Park.”

Her voice cracked in the middle but still was as effective as her normal voice for waking up the dozing off Court Lady. The helper then threw the towel aside and helped the Empress sit down.

She then hurriedly took clean drinking water from the jug and gave it to the Empress for her to drink.

“I’m fine, so go back to your place and relax.”

The kind Court Lady shook her head at Lee Woo’s words. She thought she didn’t deserve to rest since her master was sick. Despite the Empress’s dissuasion, Court Lady Park insisted that she stay beside the Empress no matter what.

Tired and in pain, the Empress fell asleep again.

The following morning, the Empress woke up with dizziness and nausea. She knew that she wasn’t completely better, but the sleep really helped alleviate her symptoms.

Court Lady Park told her not to overwork herself as much as possible. She even took it upon herself to excuse the Empress from the early greetings, to which Lee Woo was thankful for.

All of the Court Ladies helped divide her work into urgent and non-urgent ones. Since they knew that the Empress couldn’t take a day off, they all pitched in and helped lighten her workload.

“I’m here to say hi to the Empress.. if you don’t mind, can you tell her that I’m here?” Hee-won smiled so adorably. Court Lady Park then smiled and led him to the Empress’s workroom.

“Your Majesty, Prince Hee-won has come to greet you.”

Court Lady Park told the prince to visit the sick Lee Woo to help her with recovering since the bond between them was good and had no trace of tensioner stress or negativity.

“I also greet the Prince for coming here to see me.”

“I came because I was informed of your illness. Are you uncomfortable anywhere? Do you want anything?” Hee-won said.

In Hee-won’s eyes, Woo really was sick and had a pale and thin face. Her dry lips and droopy eyes made him sad. But he knew his limitations, there was nothing that he could do. He was a friend, and the only thing that he could help with was by saying comforting words.

“I appreciate the concern, my Lord.”

The Prince sighed. The girl in front of him had this unfamiliar and low voice that was very much concerning for him. Everything felt cruel to him, especially when he was being forced to watch the woman he liked suffer like this.

Nevertheless, Hee-won couldn’t help but feel a little bit better whenever Lee Woo was within his sights. He knew that he would be hurt in the process, but it was very calming to know that Woo trusted him.

“It’s okay. I’ll be fine soon.”

She said while smiling. Her gaze fell on the Prince, who was very concerned looking at her. But she was notably oblivious that the way the Prince was looking at her was very meaningful. The Prince, however, noticed her indifference, and this broke his heart even more.

The Prince composed himself. He then jokingly scolded the Empress, which made Woo a little relieved and scared; because no matter how close they were, their status wouldn’t lie.

Hee-won, on the other hand, wore a mask that hid his messed-up feelings. And on the outside, he was still laughing like a prince would. Lee Woo appreciated the sight and paused a little, and with Hee-won noticing the rhythm, soon followed as well.

“I should probably go now. My military duty is up soon, and maybe this will be our last meeting with each other.. You really made me worry, Your Majesty.”

“Are you leaving already? Can’t you stay a little longer?”

Lee Woo said with a frown that showed her sadness. This was because the Prince’s visit was not very frequent. It was about twice a year and could go on up to two years when the trip was prolonged. Occasionally, he would send some valuable items and precious gifts, but that didn’t mean the longing disappeared.

But on the other hand, Hee-won was a coward. He couldn’t stomach the situation while staying at the Empress’s side. He knew that his growing greed would soon swallow him up and eventually cause an uproar. This was why he needed to go away almost every time.

Like a coward that couldn’t do this or that, he would leave far away and then come back. But even if he wanders around all the time, when he couldn’t overcome his longing, he would eventually return to Lee-Woo’s side.

“I guess my heart couldn’t settle for one place. I should really go now.. Your Majesty, please stay healthy.. it’s okay to be a little selfish sometimes and act for yourself.. your heart should be only yours.”

She smiled awkwardly at Hee-won’s sweet words. It was because she knew that her selfishness was for the Emperor only. Her world spun for Emperor Hee-yon only. Both of them knew this fact, so they could only smile at each other awkwardly.

When Hee-won left, the Empress cried because of the loneliness and despair that poured in. The only person that understood her and cared for her left for someplace again.

Her family was no use either. Their high status and great pride couldn’t help the emptiness in her heart after all. Honestly, it only cost her their relationship because when she became the Empress, she distanced herself from them and them from her.

She felt the weight of her position. It was hard to maintain the glory and pride of her seat without someone to lean on. In order to help the Noble Sun, she endured everything for him in hopes that his path would be a little more comfortable and with less hardship needed. She was even ready to sacrifice her life for him! However, the relationship between them was far from being friends and even farther from being lovers.

Everyone knew that she was an Empress the moment she entered the palace. She grew up as an empress and learned that the seat next to Hee-yon, who would become an emperor, belonged to her. It was a clear path for the both of them since the beginning.

She remembered that the young Hee-yon was very sweet and gentle. Even his slightly shy face was very charming and lovable. Lee Woo smiled as she recalled these things.

What happened? What went wrong?

Only questions with unknown answers plagued the mind of the Empress.

Light and Darkness (1)

You always smile at me whenever you want something from me. You take it for granted when I gave up everything and gave you what you wanted. Have you ever really looked at my way?

You are my light, my happiness, my hope, and my greater good.

And yet you see me as your darkness, your despair, and your evil.

You will be happy and grateful for all the sparks and sweet words of love. And I will be here denying my own existence by being your shield from misfortunes. But I know that in the end, I will be left standing by your side. Standing next to you, the best thing that you’ll ever have is me.

*

“Please ask the Noble Consort Song to meet me, Court Lady Park.”

After Woo woke up, she immediately headed for breakfast and called Court Lady Park. She left the Empress’s palace with a smile because she thought the Noble Consort would be scolded.

“I greet the Empress.”

“Welcome.. I asked for you today since I have something to say.”

Noble Consort Song was very cautious at the moment. She was trying not to make any mistakes to avoid repercussions. After the greeting, she carefully sat down and also fixed her dress.

She was so busy memorizing the laws of the palace that she was surprised when the Empress suddenly called her.

“I prepared a simple refreshment because I know you like sweet things.”

“Thank you for your sincerity.”

Everything that Woo prepared was based on So-hwa’s preferences. The poor girl hadn’t noticed the efforts of the Empress because of the tension. She couldn’t relax even after drinking and tasting the sweetness on the tip of her tongue.

On her right, the Empress’ beauty was incomparable to anything. Her behavior was also very commendable, as well as her voice. Everything, everything was very well prepared and incredible, including the Empress’ clothes which were also simple and frugal in appearance.

Of course the Empress was one of the most wealthy women in the Empire, and her fortune cannot and will never be shabby. But compared to the appearance of the other concubines that she visited last time, the attire of the Empress seemed ordinary compared to her position. The room was also well-kept and had a simple touch to it.

“I just want to ask the Noble Consort something.”

“Yes, ma’am. Tell me anything.”

She smiled bitterly at the appearance of the Noble Consort, who did not let go of the teacup she was holding while answering the question. You’re soft and are often comparedable to flowers. You’re totally different from me. After realizing that, tears were trying to escape her eyes once again. Woo felt the despair building up inside her.

“Hmm, why should we stop riding the palanquin that the Emperor gave us? There’s only one reason for that. Originally, the only ones allowed to ride it were the Emperor, his parents, or those who were physically ill. I know that the Emperor gave his own palanquin to you, but I hope that you’ll refrain from using it because the law strictly states that you’re not supposed to ride it.”

Woo slowly brought the topic up. The Noble Consort’s face was immediately colored by embarrassment as she bowed her burning red face. She had yet to let go of the cup that she was holding, but anyone could tell she was embarrassed.

“I didn’t know about that law, so please forgive me. I won’t ride the sedan chair from now on. I apologize.”

Woo felt uncomfortable at the sight of So-hwa. Her face, which almost turned the cup upside down, heated up once more. She remembered something.

A year after she entered the palace, the Hyebi tripped her. She had no idea on why the Hyebi would do that. She remembered that the Empress covered for her. It was really pathetic that she almost cried. Everyone was muttering hurtful words, and it was really painful. The Emperor’s overproduction was very isolating.

She only accepted the palanquin because the Emperor insisted that she use it. She didn’t know there was a bloody fight. And in the middle of it, she was using the Empress as a shield.

“I’m not blaming you, of course. Your actions are justifiable if I’m being honest. However, I’m asking you to be here right now because there are a lot of eyes watching you when I don’t want them to. It’s not your fault.. Didn’t I say that I hoped and asked for it? I’m not scolding you. I’m asking you for a favor.”

Woo’s calm and soft tone froze So-hwa. She held out a handkerchief while the lady accepted it with teary eyes and nodded. She waited until the Noble Consort calmed down. While waiting, she drank the tea and kept saying consolidating words. While seeing the true So-hwa, Woo opened her mouth.

“Are you okay now?”

“I’m sorry, ma’am.

She replied while slightly rubbing her red eyes with her sleeve despite having a handkerchief. It was embarrassing to show her disorderly appearance in front of the noblest woman in the Empire. As a daughter of a fallen noble family, she felt so ugly and worthless. The pit of her stomach hurt as she reminisced about the old times.