46 Torn

"This is not the behavior of a promised woman Mama, forgive my bluntness for saying so. You are being cruel to my lord by giving him hope. Even more so by allowing his good name to be marred by tangling into scandals with you."

The words feel like a slap. Seol flinches, her ears begin to ring. She hasn't forgotten the beheaded minister, his empty eyes still staring at her with accusation from a pool of his own blood.

"You are misunderstanding me - lady Ji," she begins in a small voice. "I -"

Lady Ji stands straight, wiping her hands.

"Your highness is precious to their majesties. The only princess. Star of your father's eye. Your highness would not be at the receiving end when the push comes to shove. My lord, could lose everything."

Hadn't Yong said the same thing, in a less punishing tone?

"Lady Ji -"

"Leave his hand Mama!" Her voice is no longer gentle, but cracking like a whip. "Spare him!"