The Destiny of the Undone
chapter 2

They're going west. I don't know where the destination is. As much as possible very far and if you can go abroad. But it was impossible because Jisoo did not have anything at the moment. Just a few gold coins was enough to eat it for a week.

It's been less than two hours drive. They both decided to take a break in the middle of the forest, lighting a fire to warm themselves up. It's almost winter but they don't care.

“I brought some fruit from my room. You want?” Fresh Jiwon.

“You have an apple?”

“Sure. Here, take.”

There was no sound except for the insects of the night and the wind blowing. Jisoo and Jiwon decided to sleep leaning against a very shady tree trunk. When dawn rose, they decided to continue their long journey towards the land of the middle of nowhere.

Jiwon was still busy feeding her horse. Jisoo was writing a word on the ground using a tree branch. “Happiness” that's how it sounds. Something he had wanted for a long time. He never felt very happy in his life. Everything is regulated, there is no freedom. He's fed up. Fortunately, he had a cousin who understood his feelings. Jiwon is the son of her father's sister—from her grandfather's second wife. They are very good and Jisoo feels that Jiwon family understands Jisoo's condition better than her father who only attaches importance to power. Sometimes if Jisoo misses his mother, he goes to see Jiwon's mother. Jiwon's mother treated Jisoo like her own son. Since Jiwon was also an only child, she almost played with Jisoo every day when they were little.

"Soo-ya, let's go." Bring Jiwon.

Jisoo rode his horse and followed Jiwon from behind. The sun is starting to get high now. They did not want to waste time because they believed the King had already deployed people to search for their whereabouts. They continued to move through the forest non-stop.

After a few days, a village that looked quite comfortable caught the attention of Jisoo and Jiwon. They decided to rest there before finally continuing the journey again. They went to a very simple place to eat. It is undeniable that they are both very hungry after a very long journey and only armed with the fruit they ate for approximately three days.

"The fruit! Jinjja, this is so delicious!" Jiwon said with her mouth still full of food.

Of course Jisoo eats voraciously as well but still gracefully. The identity of a Crown Princess is undeniable how hard she denies it.

"Isn't it better to stay here tonight? There might be an inn we can rent."

"Good idea, Jiwon-a. But where is it?"

"Attent." Said Jiwon looking for the shop owner.

"Excuse me Halmoni, where can I find lodging here?"

"There's no lodging here, son. But you can come to the Song family's orphanage. They usually give you a ride to stay a while for travelers like you." Answer the shop owner.

"Ah, so is it. Can you show me where it is?"

"Walk straight, then at the end of the road turn right. There is a complex of houses that are quite large and there is a board that reads Orphanage. You can meet Song Kyu Hyung. He's the owner of the orphanage." Obviously the shop owner.

"Ah, I understand halmoni. Thank you very much."

"Together."

"Kajja! I have to take a shower. My body's been so sticky from not bathing for days." Jiwon.

"I'll pay first."

After that they went to the place said by the owner of the shop. It was getting dark and it was a good time to rest. When they found him, they opened the door and put the horse in. The spacious courtyard and the sunflowers that grew beautifully there greeted them. Someone younger than them came over.

"Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Ah, that's right. Tie your horse to that tree. After that come with me to see Abeoji." Friendly reply.

They entered a room full of books. Not everyone is able to read unless they are of noble descent or scholarly descent.

"Can I help you?" Said a man who looked not too old.

"We're in need of a ride for a break. Just for tonight." Answer Jisoo.

"Where are you guys from?"

"We're from Gwangju."

"Well! Far-away. All right then. There are two empty rooms you can use. My son will drive you." Said the man.

"Thank you very much." Reply Jisoo enthusiastically.

"If you may know, what's your name?"

"Kang Jisoo and Kang Jiwon." Jisoo replied, with a sharp gaze from Jiwon.

"You brothers?"

"Yes. We are cousins."

"All right then. My name is Song Kyu Hyung. You can call me Abeoji like a kid here. Feel free to ask us anything if you need it the most."

"Well, Abeoji."

"Chanwoo-ya, please take them to his room."

"Well, Abeoji. Come with me."

Just a small room that is not very big, but very comfortable and warm. Everything is made of wood and clean. It seems they will not be willing to leave this place.

"Good break. Oh yes my name is Song Chanwoo. You can just call me Chanwoo and I'm sure you're all older than me because you guys look like I'm with my brother."

"You got a sister?" Ask Jisoo.

"Yes. A sibling. He's in his room right now. He's a bookworm."

"Sorry if you're presumptuous, but are you noble families? I mean only people from the kingdom or scholars can read."

"We are the royal family. But Abeoji and Eommoni decided to break out of the family tree and take care of some of the children abandoned by his parents."

"Ah so yes. Sorry if I was so quick to ask."

"It's okay. Yes, I'm going back to my room. See you tomorrow, Hyung, Nuna!" Chanwoo said goodbye to Jiwon and Jisoo and then left the room after they had nodded.