Chapter 3: Chapter 3

[This chapter contains violence, especially against animals. Please read with discretion.]

Chapter 3

Songak, Goryeo, Year 941. 

“It’s the Wolf!” 

People's screams could be heard as they dove out of the way. A team of horses fleeted by. A masked figure in black slowed down to a trot. A glimmer of silver and pink caught his eye. He stopped just outside a vendor’s cart. His eyes, hidden under his long hair. The merchant crumbles to his knees as the man approaches him.

“How much is this?” His voice, surprisingly soft and gentle. The masked man picks up a silver butterfly hairpin. Its body possesses a pale pink bead. It’s weighted in his hand. His fingers delicately traced its pattern.

“Just take it!” the merchant screamed. He began rubbing his hands together; a gesture of forgiveness. “Just please spare my life,” he sobbed.

The man sighed and walked away. The merchant could not help but let out a sigh of relief. Fate must have been kind that day. Until he heard metal clanging; hitting the tabletop of his stall. He flinched at the sound, closing his eyes. When he braved enough to open his eyes, he saw a black pouch. The masked man was nowhere to be seen. 

At a gradual pace, the merchant rose and inspected the content of the pouch. He let out a gasp. He rubbed his eyes in disbelief.  Fate must have been feeling very generous that day. Inside the pouch were coins. More than what was priced for the hairpin. He glanced around, but the masked figure was long gone. The merchant just stared, unable to move from his place. 

Was that the so-called Wolf?

~~~

Horses neighing could be heard at the gates of the Goryeo Palace. They soon haltered, waiting for the gate to open and rid them of their burden. One of the party members turned towards his younger, masked family member.

“I don’t think I have to remind you, Prince,” he said, “Once the ritual is over, do not delay and return to Shinju.” He smirked, clearly scheming something upon the Prince’s arrival. “Don’t forget, you are the adopted member of the Kang household. You will be representing that in front of His Majesty—”

“—Huh? An adopted member?” chided the 4th Prince Wang So, “And here I thought I was your hostage this entire time.” 

The man grimaced at his remark. So left him in his stupor and entered the Palace grounds. All the man could do was stare as So disappeared as the gates closed behind him. In a sharp turn, he faced his men and left; fulfilling their duty as escorts and clearly angered by the Prince. He would have to deal with the consequences when the Prince returned. 

The Palace guards couldn’t help but shake as the Prince drew nearer and nearer. When he finally arrived, they were helpless but to stare. He was a man all in black. His long hair was in a half updo; his long fringe covering his disfigured face. Or so they thought. 

Upon closer inspection they see a metal mask covering half his face. Their gaze burned the Prince. He glared back; vicious intent behind his actions. Fearing for their lives, they all shot down their eyes. 

Once he finally got off his horse, he drew his sword. Before the guards could react, the 4th Prince Wang So, slit the horse's throat. Blood marking his entrance. 

“Y-you can’t use weapons inside these walls,” one of the guards spoke, his voice clearly shaking as the shock slowly wore off. 

Aggressively, So handed him the sword. The poor guard trembled as he held the bloodied weapon. The Prince turned to leave. “Shall I prepare another horse for you?” the guard gulped. 

Without looking back, the Prince replied, “That won’t be necessary. I’m not going back.” 

The 4th Prince knew exactly where he was headed. It had been a couple of years since he had been on the Palace grounds, but luckily nothing had changed too much. His heart raced; both from the adrenaline from killing the horse and the excitement to his destination. 

He clutched the hairpin as he made his way, barely concealing the joy he felt in his core. The seconds felt excruciating. He wanted to run but knew that would be frowned upon. And the last thing he needed was more ridicule. But all that dissipated once he arrived. He couldn’t help but smile. 

Mother, I’m finally home.

The palace women, who served Queen Yoo, the woman who was So’s mother, all bowed as the Prince approached. He nodded at their gesture. Before he could open his mouth, the doors of the Queen’s home opened. 

His eyes turned, his heartbeat was faster. He couldn’t help but hold his breath. A smile tugged at his lip. In a slow grace, Queen Yoo descended the steps of her home. Her eyebrow rose as she sighted her son. So bowed in respect. 

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“Mother, I have returned,” he said.

“So I see,” the woman’s gaze is cold. 

“Oh, look... a family reunion,” called a voice behind. So rose from his position to see the 3rd Prince Yo standing next to his mother. “Maybe I should call Jung,” a smirk played across his lips as he made his way past his brother, “I'm sure he would love to pet the dog.” His voice was quiet enough for only So to hear.

“I’m sure this wolf has a nasty bite,” remarked So, his glare pierced through his brother. Yo’s smug face faltered. He couldn’t help but gulp as a reaction, as the anger steamed off the 4th brother. 

“It has been a while since you’ve been here in the capital, so enjoy your visit,” said Queen Yoo, “You no longer need to visit me while you are here. You may leave,” without batting an eye, she grazed past him.

“It’s been 2 years already and you would like me to leave?” So’s heart sank, her words leaving a sour taste in his mouth. The once pleasant, late autumn sky, left a dark cast as clouds began to descend. 

“As a Queen of this nation, I have many duties to fulfil. There will not be enough time to converse. I suggest you return to Shinju after the ritual has been completed,” she said. 

So’s smile faltered, his jaw clenched. He couldn’t go back. They would probably throw him to the wolves again or find other ways to torture him. He shook his head. This time will be different.

“I’m sure we will find time as I plan to stay a while longer,” he said as he regained his composure. 

“That is impossible!” her voice pierced the air, as she turned. The palace women couldn’t help but flinch. “You are a Kang of Shinju. Have you forgotten that the moment of your return would incite  the longstanding grudge between the two households?” Her eyes flared. 

So’s gaze fell to the floor, his lips quivered. His eyes stung as he tried to keep his tears at bay. “You say I am a Kang, but I am nothing but a hostage,” his voice, a low whisper. 

Muffled chuckling could be heard. So’s eyes traced back to Yo, who couldn’t contain it any longer. He let out a full belly laugh, tears almost forming in his eyes. “What a strange thing to say?” he began to wipe away his tears, his voice becoming more serious as he spoke. “Why would Mother send you as a hostage? She is worried that your return to the Palace would anger the Kangs.” 

Before So could interject, Yoo spoke out. “Yo is correct. Why would I send you as a hostage?” she challenged. So could feel his heartache subside. Of course, his mother would never send him in harm's way. She must not have known about the Kangs true nature. 

“Since you are saying that, I’ll trust you,” a soft smile on his lips. 

“Now if you don’t mind, I have matters to attend to.” Unamused, the Queen continued to walk on. Yo quickly followed. Before So could respond, the Queen was long gone. A sense of emptiness encompassed So, who clutched the hairpin tightly in his hand.

Once out of earshot, the Queen turned to Yo. “Once the ritual is over, make sure to send him back. If he insists on staying, send the Royal Army.” Yo nodded at her request. “Now find me that girl!”

~~~

“Your Majesty,” a servant called out, “The 4th Prince has arrived.” 

A wrinkled hand rose, as he acknowledged what had been said, but his eyes hadn’t left his desk. The servant quietly left the Royal Study. The King could not help but think if his son would truly help them. His mind wandered back to the events that transpired a few days ago.

“This is the bird that had eaten the Crown Prince’s breakfast,” The King of Goryeo, Wang Taejo, threw a birdcage at the officials of his government. The dead feathered creature rattled helplessly in the cage. The officers couldn't help but look at it in disgust. Eun held his nose as the cage rolled towards him. His hands were quickly swatted away by his brother, Won. 

“An attack had also befallen on the Princes.” The King’s eyes scanned the room. No one was daring to make eye contact. “Why is there no response?” he seethed, ”Find me the assailant!”

The King shook his head. The reports within his hands. They had found both men who meant to do harm. Unfortunately, they were both found dead in the early hours of the morning. He held the bridge of his nose. He had to rid the evil spirits that were surrounding the palace. As well as find ways to keep his family safe. 

I hope that calling for his aid is not a mistake.

~~~

End of chapter 3