Uncharted Affections

"How's Dan?" Min Jun asked as soon as he saw Soo Young walk into the dining room.

"His temperature is stabilizing. With his strong body and high metabolism, he'll recover in no time," Soo Young replied, setting her bag down. The steward offered her lunch, but she politely declined.

"Send it to Dan-ssi. I don't think I can eat anything right now," Soo Young sighed.

Since morning, she had been closely monitoring Dan's condition, doing everything she could to ensure he pulled through. Though Dan could be a thorn in her side, there were reasons why Soo Young put her concerns towards Dan.

"You seem worried about Dan-ssi..."

"You have to understand, he's still under house arrest. If he dies at the Red Ruby, you'll be in serious trouble," Soo Young said, her tone calm but her expression revealing more than just political concern.

"You do care about him..." Min Jun teased, a smirk playing on his lips as he noticed the faint blush creeping up Soo Young's cheeks.

"I don't. At least, not in that way..."

"In what way? Did I say something?" Min Jun continued, enjoying the chance to tease her.

"Daegum..." Soo Young let out a soft, awkward laugh, lifting a tea cup to her lips to avoid further conversation.

"My first patient died when I was in my third year as a medical student. He had a viral plague, the kind that causes high fever and scabs all over the body. The virus attacked his immune system, leading to organ failure," Soo Young shared, her voice tinged with the weight of old memories. Min Jun listened intently.

"Does Dan have that?" the prince asked, his voice suddenly more serious.

"No. He just has a normal fever with a cold. But still, anything can happen, and I don't want history to repeat itself," Soo Young answered sincerely.

"So, it's not because you like Dan-ssi?" Min Jun pressed on, knowing the truth but wanting to lighten the mood.

Soo Young crinkled her face, her shoulders lifting slightly as if unsure of her own feelings. Being around Dan was fun, but to develop deeper feelings, she knew it would take time.

"Where's Uk-ssi?" Soo Young asked, changing the subject.

"Still in bed. He was having... some technical issues..." Min Jun looked away quickly, sipping his tea to hide a sheepish smile.

"You made him work hard last night... didn't you?" Soo Young gave Min Jun a knowing look. The prince grinned, shrugging his shoulders.

"He wanted to switch, so I gave him a chance..."

Soo Young shook her head, silently praying for Uk's recovery for the week ahead.

***

Uk strolled along the riverbank, taking in the fresh, cold air. The river was frozen now, so there was no chance of fishing.

He felt rejuvenated after last night's refreshment, and the thought made him chuckle.

"Should've stuck with the previous role. I don't think I can handle more than that..." Uk murmured to himself.

After a leisurely walk, Uk stopped to gaze at the sky. It was mostly white with hints of blue, the clouds covering almost everything and making the day colder than usual.

"Forecasting the weather, Gisa Ahn?"

The voice behind him made him turn. Myung Yu stood there in her silver-white hanbok and white fur coat, holding a leather-bound book.

"Gongju jaga..."

"No need to bow, Gisa Ahn. Like I told you before, we're friends," Myung Yu said casually, walking closer. She tapped her fingers on the book, trying to ease her nerves.

Uk nodded slightly, blinking with an innocent look. He was slightly aware of the true nature of this princess, but he chose not to judge him based on what he heard last night. At the best, he tried to keep his thoughts clean about her.

"So, were you forecasting the weather?" Myung Yu asked again, since Uk hadn't answered before.

"No. I don't have that knowledge..." Uk replied nonchalantly.

"I believe you learned it in the army. It's basic," Myung Yu said firmly, glancing up at the sky and scribbling something in her book.

"That's true, but I could never match your level, gongju. You're an expert in astronomy and history, and I'm just a former soldier," Uk praised Myung Yu sincerely, though his words made her scoff.

"I still can't be compared to daegum jaga."

Uk blinked, sensing the awkwardness that filled the air as Myung Yu stared at him.

"What do you mean, gongju..." Uk was about to ask something when Myung Yu abruptly walked away. He decided to follow her, curious about the meaning behind her words.

As they passed by a tree, Myung Yu showed interest in it. She tiptoed, trying to grab a branch but almost slipped. If not for Uk catching her in time, she might have fallen into the river.

As Myung Yu found herself in Uk's arms, she locked eyes with him, her gaze filled with an intense, unspoken desire. This man, with his gentlemanly demeanor, drew her in, not because of any royal recommendation but because she had fallen for him since the first time she saw him storm out of her brother's palanquin.

"I'm sorry, gongju jaga!" Uk quickly helped Myung Yu stand before stepping back. He could see the disappointment in her eyes as he let her go.

"Uk-ssi, I like you," Myung Yu's straightforwardness shocked Uk. He stared at her, eyes wide in disbelief by those sudden words from her

"Gongju..."

"I'm not like other women. Being a gongju doesn't differ me from others. It's just, I don't hide my feelings or speak from behind a curtain. If I like you, I'll tell you directly," Myung Yu declared firmly.

"I can see that, gongju..." Uk replied with respect.

"So, here I am, confessing my feelings. I've liked you since I first saw you at The Sapphire. Though I don't know much about you, from jeonha-mama, I've learned a lot. And I believe you're the man I've been waiting for all these years," Myung Yu continued, her voice unwavering.

"Pardon me, gongju-jaga, but being by your side seems impossible. You can find someone more suitable. I'm too old for you," Uk said, trying to reject her politely. Myung Yu's expression hardened, her eyes sharp.

"You're indeed old, even for orabeonim, Uk-ssi."

Her words made Uk lower his head, feeling a mix of fear and embarrassment.

"Don't think I don't know what's going on between you and orabeonim. That's why I'm here. Not to see it for myself—I've seen enough to know. I saw what happened that night at The Sapphire."

Uk looked at Myung Yu in alarm.

"I'm not here to stop you two. But I want to fight for what I believe in. Besides, what orabeonim has, I have too. It's a fair match," Myung Yu stated confidently.

"You're too great for me, gongju..."

"Don't flatter me, Uk-ssi. I know you don't mean that," Myung Yu replied with a sarcastic tone, smiling while her sharp gaze remained fixed on him.

"I do mean it, gongju. You're too great for someone like me..."

"Then let me prove I'm worthy of being your life partner. If you think I'm great, let me show you that I have what it takes," Myung Yu's determination left Uk speechless. She was truly a force to be reckoned with.

"I hope you'll reconsider, gongju-jaga. There's no way a man like me could be your choice. I'm not a lord, not even a daegun. And for you to go to such lengths..."

"Then what right do you have to be with orabeonim? He's a daegun, and he's eligible to claim the throne. Compared to him, I'm a step behind. And you say you have no right to be with me?" Myung Yu chuckled. "Then you have no right to be with him either. His level is higher than mine. Plus, he's a man. It's out of the norm," she added, applying subtle pressure on Uk.

He lowered his gaze, realizing he had no solid reason to counter her. She was right about everything.

"I'll give you time to think about it. Don't answer now. Let me try to win your heart. I know I can do it. I'll make you change your mind—that's my promise to you," Myung Yu said, softly taking Uk's hand. "There's nothing to fear. I believe this relationship makes more sense and offers a brighter future. Until then, don't stop me from pursuing you," she finished, her eyes full of determination.

Uk stood there, his mind blank, feeling helpless. One thing was clear to him:

The siblings of the Ki royal family were indeed in a fierce rivalry with each other.