#wang yo

(beg pardon for the photos of a screen, I really wish Viki allowed screenshots)

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: 달의 연인-보보경심 려 | Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (TV), Once Upon a Time (TV) Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Hae Soo | Go Ha Jin & Wang Yo | Third Prince Characters: Hae Soo | Go Ha Jin, Wang Yo | Third Prince Additional Tags: Hae Soo | Go Ha Jin-centric, Land of Untold Stories (Once Upon a Time), Angst, Second Chance at Life, Self-Indulgent, Canon-Typical Violence, Forgiveness, No OUAT knowledge required, Episode 17 canon divergence, dying character Summary:

Hae Soo looks at Wang Yo lying on the floor, now just a broken defeated husk of the man he used to be. She clears her throat to get his attention and starts speaking. "If…If you could get another chance at life, in a place where you wouldn't be dependent on the opinions of others, where you wouldn't have to constantly fight for survival, where you could live - not just survive -, in a place where you could be free, truly free, would you be interested?" There is a silence for a heartbeat. And two. And three. Just when Hae Soo thinks that he didn't understand, a horrible sound rips itself out of his lips and Wang Yo starts laughing.

Or

Jimong gives Hae Soo a magical key that will take her to a different dimension where time doesn't flow. She decides to take someone with her.

Winter 946

Around this time, King Jeongjong barely started his reign, being that it had only started the season before. Though the first snow of the season hasn't arrived yet, all around could tell it was winter by the cold air, layering up drinking tea more than ever.

Unlike many, Hae Soo liked when winter arrived. Even as Ha Jin, she liked the thought of winter, seeing the snow fall then playing in it with her family. Despite now not being able to enjoy this time of year the same way, the memories were enough to keep her in a pleasant mood.

As preparation for the first snow, all construction was at a halt, allowing So to come for the Winter festival. She also heard that Jung too would come, though he would have to return back to the army seeing he was the head general.

The king may not be too pleased hearing of So's return, but he knew trying to ban him without a proper excuse would make the consul start talking, maybe they'll try to put a stop to him. It wasn't that he was scared of them, he just didn't need anymore stress.

He looked outside from his high place, donned with a dark fur at attempts to keep him warm. A snarl came across his face. He hated the cold. It stopped him from his archery. Well, not exactly, but he knew if he attempted to there was a chance he could get ill, which isn't something he could afford. If he got sick like Mu, someone would try to take the throne from him.

He watched the court ladies doing their various tasks, all except Lady Hae of course. It wasn't that she was lazy, quite far from it. That may be mostly due to him not really giving her a chance though. Jeongjong wouldn't be surprised if He Soo thought if she slacked off he may try to terminate her. In all truth he wouldn't, she was worth too much in terms of keeping his brothers in line.

He learned from his court men whenever she didn't have duties, she would either confine herself in her room doing who knows what or talking to his 13th brother. The thought of doing the latter infuriated him. He knew they were always close, but it seems with the lack of the others her attention almost always went to him.

He noticed the smile she would have when around his brother, not even something she would give So. It was like she fawned over him.

There were also the gifts she would give his 13th brother at almost every meeting, according to one of his spies. He didn't doubt that the time she spent locked up in her room she would create these things.

Jeongjong wasn't her biggest fan, but it was shameful knowing she openly did all this with Baek Ah, while serving him. It seemed like a lack of respect. If others got a hold of what they do, some would suspect they were having their own secret liaison. Though he didn't like to think about it, there was that small fear that it was indeed true, and that one day both of them would try to overthrow him.

He knew in order to keep the chain of power permanent in the palace, he needed to start on his plan. He knew it was drastic, but it needed to be done.

Despite it being early in his reign, Jeongjong needed to think of a crown prince. He didn't need to declare who it is right away, but he'd be damned if he allowed his mother to talk him into making Jung crown prince. He never felt animosity towards his younger brother, but he knew that wouldn't last long of his mother meddled.

Since his 'death', his first wife decided it would only make sense to not only kill herself, but also his son, thinking they would suffer. He thought it was cowardice and showed the lack of faith they had in him. Maybe the others were right in saying his political marriage so young was a mistake.

That being done, Jeongjong knew he needed to marry again. This time, he knew he needed to be careful. He needed a woman who was head strong,who wouldn't allow others to bully or overthrow her. He needed someone calculating and would take things mind over heart.

Of course, his first thought would be Hwangbo Yeon Hwa, but she along with her brother proved to be unworthy. He admired her a little when they were younger, especially with the stunts she pulled against Hae Soo. That was all done though after her brother betrayed him. Despite working close to him now, he knew the true intentions they had for the crown. He refused to take the chance of marrying her then losing the crown to her brother.

Then, he thought, just standing there for some time, ignoring the head eunuch begging him to take a step inside.

What finally distracted him from his thoughts though was seeing a figure in the royal garden. It wasn't any figure, but Hae Soo of course. She must've finished all her duties for the time being. From where he saw, she was picking flowers, most likely thinking they were the last for the season.

How childish he thought. He attempted to look away, but couldn't. It was mesmerizing, seeing her look happy despite all of the happenings to her. How was it that she could keep up such a farce? How was it that the mere sight of flowers could make her so happy?

There was no real reason why, but he needed her to suffer. Jeongjong wanted her to feel pain. Maybe it was because he saw how she managed to enchant every one, even his father at the end. It's no fair she rise up the ranks for simply being nice. Those on top need bite; not that she didn't have any now, but there was just something off about her.

The picture of the royal decree his mother hid for so long came to mind. He never read it, and by the looks of it his mother didn't either. It was sealed from the outside; so if she had opened it, it would be an act of treason.

Maybe that's the key to his reign, what ever was in the parchment.

Walking away towards his room, he tells the head eunuch to call Lady Hae to give him tea, he needed something to warm him.

~~~

Hae Soo was picking the last of the flowers, knowing she wouldn't see them again until spring. She planned to dry them to use for soaps throughout the cold season, knowing how dry the skin could get. Maybe she could make a cream instead, it would be nice seeing that she basically made her own makeup line. Not that she would be able to do anything with it.

She was able to get a basket full of flowers when the head eunuch said the king had summoned her. Though grimacing, she nodded and replied she would be there shortly.

She decided it would be best to head to her room and tidy herself a bit before serving the royal pain. Not looking ahead, she managed to bump into a familiar face, one she didn't care to see, but familiar nonetheless.

"Hae sangung"

"Greetings Your Highness" she looked directly into the eyes of the eighth prince. He didn't change much from when they were younger. You could see the stress in his face.

Ever since the 1st King's death, Hae Soo did all she could to avoid him, realizing quickly after the warning the late king himself gave became evident in someone she wouldn't suspect.

Plus, there was that underlying threat he gave saying she would become his person again one day. That brought up another thing. Why did every one assume she was 'their' person? Couldn't she just be her own person ? She didn't need that protection everyone was so eager to give.

Well maybe now she did from King Jeongjong, but it sure as hell wouldn't be from Wook.

Wook on the other hand mostly remembered the happy memories they shared from the accident Hae Soo had. Though he didn't want to admit it, his subconscious did say that he did her wrong by leading her on while his sick wife was alive. She was young and naive, and despite what those saw with the naked eye, he was a manipulative vindictive man.

Maybe if he had helped her that day instead of So, they would be together.

There was still an inkling of hope though, seeing that his brother was gone, she would need someone to lean onto. Sure there was Baek Ah, but he had no sort of power. With Yo in power, Wook was promoted into the highest consul giving him much more power than he ever had.

He knew if he played his cards right he could win her back.

Wook looked down in her hands, seeing the basket full of flowers his mind went back to when she would make those soaps. "I see you're getting ready for the incoming season." He gave her a closed off smile, hoping for some sort of interaction.

She returned his politeness with a curt smile. "Yes, I suppose so."

"Are you planning to make some for his majesty?" Though there was no bad intentions with his remark, she couldn't help but to have a bad taste in her mouth.

"No, and I'm more than sure you know why. His majesty wouldn't be as recipient to me giving him anything 'homemade', especially after the dilemma of the last king."

Soo just wanted him to admit his wrong doing, that it really wasn't her but him who poisoned Mu, not that Yo would do anything to take the crime away from her name, but at least it would somehow be out there that she didn't do it.

"I'm sure he would appreciate it, you just underestimate how merciful he could be."

"You would know wouldn't you?"

Though there was still a smile on his face, his eyes turned cold, just like that day.

With nothing left for her to say, she started to walk off, but by surprise he grabbed onto her wrist. Such a strong grip there may be a bruise.

She turned back to him, narrowing her eyes slightly wanting to pull her arm away, but she knew better.

"Did you ever really love me at all?" That wasn't what she expected to hear from him at all, she thought love would be the last thing on his mind.

Quietly clearing her throat, she looked him straight in the eye, not afraid of him. "Maybe at one time there was an admiration towards you and your love of learning and inquiry, but you know that all changed since that day."

"Can I ever win you back?"

"I don't think you really ever won me"

Giving a sharp pull, she got off of his grip, rushing to her room, ignoring his stare.

When she finally reached the privacy of her room, she rubbed her wrist harshly, trying to remove the redness and imprint of his hands on her. She knew she was late, no doubt, so she placed everything as quickly as possible, fixing her hit then headed to the kitchen to make the king some tea.

~~~

In the throne room, there was a harsh tapping coming from the slim fingers of the king. If there's one thing to know about him, he hated to wait for anything.

Those who knew him from a child knew his mother would give him his every whim and wish without a moment to waste. As he grew up he thought waiting was for those who were weak, having no power of their own to demand and receive.

That being said, he didn't like to wait, especially for his tea. He could only wonder what was taking her that long.

"Did you not tell Hae sangung to immediately come and prepare my tea?!" As he said each word his voice raised to an almost high pitch.

The head eunuch, now scared, ran in front of the king and bowed, "Have mercy, Pyeha! I told her and she was immediately going about your orders. I'm sure there's a good reason." Now he was known for not taking in account for other people's errors, but working with Hae sangung for years he knew she wasn't one to be idle, especially since Wang Yo came into power.

As if she heard his screams, which would not be surprising, Hae Soo quickly but steadily brought the tea the king was adamant for.

"EVERYONE OUT"

Within seconds, everyone left save the king and Hae Soo.

Out of protocol, she immediately bowed before him as she rested the server of tea.

"Forgive me, Pyeha, I have committed a grave sin."

He watched her with dark eyes, contemplating whether she was truly sorry or mocking him, the latter which would drive him mad.

"Tell me, Lady Hae, why were you so late in serving me my tea?"

Soo squirmed under his gaze, not sure of how to tell him about her encounter with Wook.

Without his permission, she got up, but remained in a respectable bow. "I was stopped by the eighth prince who had a question your majesty." His eyebrows furrowed together. He knew she wouldn't lie, but why would the eighth prince stop her?

"What did he stop you about?"

"Nothing too important for his majesty to worry about. It was trivial and I had notified him I needed to report to you."

Something about her statement made him feel proud inside. Maybe because he remembered at one time she would do anything to be around Wook, but now she knew better and would do anything to be around him; although it was only by his command.

Yo decided to dismiss the topic, ordering her to serve him tea. He would usually watch her make it, only because her intricate movements would calm him. Jeongjong didn't acknowledge it, but there were many things that she did which soothed him.

Soo wouldn't pay much mind to the King's stare as she made tea, knowing that it was the only time she wasn't under his scrutiny. What she didn't realize was that the red mark Wook left on her wrist was very much visible to the eye.

A hand jumped up and held her wrist, a much lighter grip than the previous one.

"What happened here?" Soo's eyes managed to get bigger at his interrogation, "N-nothing your majesty"

Now he was holding her wrist in a vice grip. "Don't lie to me. Did Wook do this?"

Though she didn't say anything, he knew the answer.

Fury was the only thing Yo felt at the thought of Wook touching what was his.

Not his in a romantic sense but rather the thing he could control and bend to his every whim. She was his toy whom he could use and bruise in any way he please, how dare another try to do the same?

"Don't ever let another man touch you, you hear? If any man is to touch you it is under my command or else there will be consequences." His grip gets harsh, as if he's trying to mask the previous mark Wook left. Soo stayed quiet, unsure of what exactly was happening.

She tried to stop her heart from beating fast, scared for what may happen to Wook now; yes the man did her wrong but to be punished for something dumb like this, she would pass.

Throwing her wrist down, he put his hands on his knees, as if he was trying to forget what had just happened. His mind started to wander into the possibility of Wook trying to win back Soo, maybe even attempt to use her to poison him like he did Mu. He knew better than to push Wook in a lower rank, understanding his importance, but he needed to somehow establish the idea that Soo will only do what he says alone.

After serving him his tea, Soo stayed in place, now having a wary look on her face. Somehow she managed to warrant his attention for the past few weeks much more than before. She would try to minimize the interactions as much as possible, but he kept on prying, as if getting to know her was part of his priority.

Hae Hong Ha Jin and Queen Yoo want their children on the throne. Taejo will do anything to stop anyone but Mu from taking the throne. Yo and Soo want to be free. In the greater game of their parents’ meddling, the princes and their wives are just flower petals waiting to fall and be stepped on.