Main Characters

Kim Yeong soo - female lead, age- 18,chief state councillor's daughter

Crown Prince Dowon/ Yi Rim- Male lead, age - 17

The air in Hanyang crackled with the joyous energy of a new year's dawn, the streets a vibrant tapestry of bustling crowds. Yet, within the stoic walls of the palace, a different kind of tension brewed.

Minister of Rites: (Steps forward, bowing deeply) Your Majesty... the unyielding drought since the onset of winter weighs heavily upon our people. I believe the time is now auspicious to conduct a rain-calling ritual for their well-being.

King: (Leans forward, his voice booming with displeasure, yells) Oh, the right time, you say? And in all these preceding months, what profound thoughts occupied your mind?

Minister of Rites: (Hesitantly) Well... the matter required careful consideration, Your Majesty.

King: (Scoffs) Careful consideration? Or were you perhaps too engrossed in the… consideration of the hefty taxes unjustly levied upon the citizens? Do you think I remain ignorant of their burdens?

Right State Minister: (steps forward)Your Majesty, we took ample time to thoroughly understand the intricacies of the situation, ensuring a comprehensive approach.

King:(His voice laced with sarcasm) Comprehensive, you say? Meaning all of you, my most trusted subjects, deemed it fitting to withhold this crucial information, leaving me to stumble in the dark.

Minister of Personnel: (Bows low) We acted with what we believed to be in your best interest, Your Majesty. If you perceive our silence as keeping you in the dark, then we humbly accept any punishment you deem appropriate.

King: (A cold smirk plays on his lips) Oh? Should I?

The heavy silence that follows hangs thick in the air before the King dismisses the assembly with a curt nod. The officials, their faces etched with varying degrees of apprehension, file out of the court.

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Meanwhile, in the Crown Prince's chambers, a flurry of hushed activity unfolds. Maids scurry about, their worried whispers echoing in the opulent space, searching frantically. Unbeknownst to them, the object of their concern executes a daring escape, leaping nimbly from the high palace wall.

Eunuch Jung:(Speaks in a low, anxious voice, glancing furtively around) Saeja... (hesitates)do you truly intend to sneak out of the palace?

Rim:(Landing silently on the other side) Yes

Eunuch Jung:(His brow furrowed with concern) But… your royal robes, Your Highness? What if you are recognized?

Rim:(With a mischievous grin, he swiftly removes his outer robe, revealing simpler attire beneath) Tada! See? One must always come prepared for a little… adventure.

With a shared look of nervous excitement on the Eunuch's face and determined anticipation on Rim's, they make their way towards the vibrant chaos of Hanyang's bustling marketplace.

Eunuch Jung: (Trying to sound nonchalant) So, Your Highness, what… discreet activities do you have planned for our outing today?

Rim: (A wide smile spreads across his face) We shall… (His words are cut short as his gaze is suddenly arrested by a young woman amidst the throng. Their eyes meet for a fleeting moment.)

Eunuch Jung: (concerned) Saeja?

Rim:(Turns back to Eunuch Jung, a thoughtful expression on his face) Just… a moment. (He moves through the crowd, drawn by an unseen force, and subtly positions himself to overhear the young woman speaking with a small boy.)

Yeong: (Her voice gentle and caring) Here, keep these tonics. Drink them diligently, and you will surely recover soon and be able to run and play with the other children.

Rang: (Speaks with his mouth full of sweets, his eyes wide with gratitude) Thank you so much, nuna! I am truly grateful for your help.

Yeong: (Smiling warmly) Now, I must go, but I will visit you again later, alright?

Rang:Alright, See you later!

As Yeong turns and gracefully navigates through the crowded stalls, she seems to vanish into thin air.

Rim: (Looking around, a hint of bewilderment in his eyes) Where did she go? She was just… right there.

Yeong: (Appearing suddenly directly in front of Rim, her eyes sharp and assessing) Are you a spy? Why were you watching me?

Rim:(Taken aback, he stumbles backward slightly) You… you startled me! How did you…?

Yeong: (Her initial suspicion softening slightly) Oh.. Would you care for a sweet? I just bought a handful.

Rim:(Shakes his head, still slightly disoriented) No, thank you. I am quite alright.

Yeong:(Nods) Very well. My name is Yeong Soo.

Rim: (Hesitates) I…

Eunuch Jung:(Steps forward quickly, bowing slightly to Yeong) Pardon me, young lady, but the hour grows late, and I believe it is time for us to depart, young master.

Rim: (A sigh escapes his lips) But I only just arrived. Please, allow me a few more moments.

Eunuch Jung: (Lowers his voice, his eyes darting nervously around) Your Highness, the outside world… it is not always safe. We must return to the sanctuary of the palace.

As the two men engage in their hushed debate, Yeong's eyes catch a flicker of movement in the periphery. A figure, cloaked and masked, raises a bow, an arrow aimed directly at Rim. Reacting with her instinct, Yeong shoves Rim with all her might, realizing with chilling certainty the deadly intent. The arrow meant for the Crown Prince finds its mark in her shoulder.

Rim: (Stumbles and quickly regains his footing, his eyes wide with shock and dawning horror as he sees the arrow protruding from Yeong's shoulder. He reaches out, his hand hovering over her injured arm) Are you alright? Are you hurt?

Yeong:( A grimace of pain flashes across her face) Yes… yes, I am fine.

Rim:(His voice rising in panic as he sees the crimson stain spreading through her garment) No! No, you are not! You are bleeding! It’s… it’s blood!

Yeong:(Gently but firmly removes his trembling hand) Please… please, you must go. I believe… I believe your life is in danger.

Rim:(His face pale with disbelief and a burgeoning sense of responsibility) No! I cannot simply leave you here like this! You… you saved me.

Eunuch Jung:(his voice in a desperate plea) Young Master! Please! We must go home! Now! (He bows deeply to Yeong, his voice choked with emotion) Thank you, young lady. We… we will surely compensate you..

Yi Rim reluctantly leaves away, his gaze lingering on Yeong's injured form as they disappear into the bustling crowd.

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