"Stop being so stubborn, Minjae," Seung was exasperated.

  "I'm just readying it in case of an emergency," Minjae reasoned.

  They had been arguing on and off about Minjae preparing her hideout which meant regular trips into the forest, something that was a continuous source of displeasure for Seung.

  "If you don't get on the boat that leaves tomorrow, I am going to bodily carry you there!" Seung's voice rose.

  She neatly tied the bow of his handbok before stepping back to unhook his gat from the rack. "I thought you could not live without me, and now you can't wait to get rid of me," she said quietly, extending the gat to him.

  Seung's eyes narrowed. "That's not going to work on me anymore, Kim Minjae."

  Faint morning light was beginning to stir the windows, though the dawn had yet to make a full appearance. The world outside of this warm chamber was bleak. Still, her heart fell full. The difference this man had made in her life was nothing short of a miracle. In the depth of her heart, she knew he didn't want her to go either, though he was trying to convince himself otherwise every day.

  "Hmnn. So what is going to work then, Dari?" Minjae raised her eyes to him, soft.

  Inviting.

  A half groan and a half scoff left his lips.

  She stepped back towards the bed.

  As if pulled by an invisible thread, he stepped closer. "Nothing," he said.

  A slight lift of her lips, accompanied by a raised brow, was her only reaction.

  The heels of her feet touched the soft mattress. The tips of his stockinged toes touched hers. It was a dance that was new and old.

  "Why are you following me? You must leave for work, His Highness must be waiting," she said, pushing the gat on his chest. "I need to roll the bed. Im Ji-won will be here soon with today's stock."

  "You asked what would make a difference," Seung said. His large hand clapped on her hand, his fingers curling into her palm, trapping the gat against his chest.

  She nodded breathlessly.

  "You move into that cave after Omoni and Gil-ae leave tonight and don't come out, no matter what until I come to fetch you."

  Her eyes widened. His gaze travelled across her face before settling on her lips.

  "I will come to you every night, so you keep the smaller chamber only for yourself," he said.

  There could be other women from the village, but it could be managed, she guessed.

  "Take more mattresses. And a lot of quilts. When I get there, I'll manage the firewood," he said.

  Minjae nodded eagerly, a gigantic breath of relief exploding from her chest, like a much-needed sneeze when something tickled her nose. Her face broke into a wide smile.

  "And we are going to try ... erm...those very interesting things in those books you brought from the Keisang house, starting tonight."

  Minjae's free hand rushed to her cheek as if she could physically stop the fire of mortification spreading rapidly over her cheeks.

  "How-"

  He didn't let her finish. "You forgot the books were in your sleeve pockets when I took your jeogori off you in my room," Seung said, his eyes carrying an unholy gleam. "Now, that is an incentive for me to keep you close."

  Minjae croaked out a laugh.

  It was strange and yet oddly fitting that they could speak so freely and, for these few moments, forget that there was a war raging outside. For these stolen moments, they could pretend the gunshots polluting the air in the distance were thunder cracking across a stormy sky. If they had each other, they could ignore the reality that when the enemy decided to invade, their lives might never be the same.

  They could go living with the belief that things would always be like this.

  "You realise after everything is over, that hideout will not remain a secret anymore?" he asked, tossing his gat on the bed behind her.

  "It will be worth it. But what are you- Dari!" She pushed at him as he swooped his face closer.

  "You started it," Seung chuckled at her struggle. He grabbed her waist, and she swatted it away like a fly. "Do you ever stop!"

  "You don't want me to stop," Seung teased.

  "Right now, I do." She extended her arms, her palms flat on his chest, trying to push him away and not managing to budge him an inch, ending up with a loud, frustrated huff.

  "You look like a Snowpuff," Seung laughed.

  She blew out a pout. "Just go already," she laughed.

  "After a kiss, my lady," his eyes twinkled, "and with the condition that you are going to make up for this when I come back tonight."

  Minjae huffed and coloured up.

  "That's not a promise," Seung laughed, the sound deep, teasing in his chest.

  Lee Seung always got what he wanted. So she gave in. "I promise I'll make it up to you when you come back tonight."

  Satisfied, Seung leaned in for a kiss that made her sigh happily and kick her feet.

  He hummed as she picked up his gat and handed it back to him. Securing it on his head, Seung turned and walked towards the door, then paused. He turned back and closed the distance between them, pulling her back in his arms.

  "Dari?" Her voice came out muffled against his chest.

  "Once this war is over, I'm taking you away. Away from everything. And tell your father to hang a noose around his neck. Once this is over, I'll hunt him down like the rat he is."

  They stood silently in each other's arms, the breath mingling, some in agitation, some in reassurance.

  Then he was gone.

  ∞

  Their fingers moved expertly as they sorted the herbs and packed the small pots and pouches. Woo Sari, still unable to believe how much her mistress had evolved from the days she had known her earlier, would grunt something in appreciation, at which Im Ji-won raised her brow in askance while Minjae smiled.

  The fact that Woo Sari's words were becoming clearer as she continued to practice her speech warmed Minjae's heart. There were words and phrases even Seung could pick up now.

  The monotone of their work broke when Gil-ae walked across the courtyard, followed by her maid. She didn't stop or greet Minjae. Instead, she dipped her head away and kept moving past them.

  Where was she going this early?

  Feeling the weight of responsibility as someone who had to look after Gil-ae, whether the latter wanted it or not, Minjae asked, "Gil-ae, we are supposed to go out when there is enough light."

  "I'm only going to the Shaman's house," Gil-ae said without turning her head.

  It was then that Minjae noticed something different.

  Gil-ae was wearing the dress. The blue and purple were muted, and the green jangot shimmered a deep grey, but the intricate lace of her skirt stood out against her skirt.

  "Is there a reason you are wearing that dress, Gil-ae?" The words tumbled before Minjae could stop them.

  "Why should there be a reason for me to wear a dress my brother got stitched with a lace my father bought for me?" Gil-ae asked, her lips thinned.

  Shaking her head, Minjae sighed. "No. It looks lovely on you. Return soon; it's not safe outside."

  "Don't pretend you care about me."

  Gil-ae just would not let it go. At times, Minjae didn't understand why Gil-ae had taken to hating her so much, especially when they had shared such closeness. Perhaps that was why she couldn't forget. Maybe now it was also easier for her to blame Minjae for all the problems she had in her life, including the fact that the small scandal years back had all but rendered her ineligible for the marriage market. Feeling betrayed could do that to you.

  And who else but Minjae could understand what betrayal felt like, especially from those you trusted.

  It didn't mean Minjae was ready to peel the layers of this unwanted relationship before others, especially before people who had no idea of the reality of her relationship with the Lee household.

  Throwing a worried glance at Im Ji-won, Minjae said, "We will speak later, Gil-ae."

  With a slight toss of her head, Gil-ae made it out of the gate, her maid almost running to keep up with her until they disappeared.

  "The last boat leaves tonight," Minjae said. "I want you to leave with them Im Ji-won."

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  "But Minjae, I'll not be allowed to board with the women. I don't even work for them."

  "I already spoke with Lady Kim. You will accompany her."

  "But I don't want to leave you behind!" Im Ji-won protested.

  "I'm with Dari. I stay where he stays. That's why I'm readying the cave. You already know that."

  "Lady Gil ae, your mother-in-law, and Lady Choi Jina are also leaving tonight, are they not?"

  They were headed towards the cave. The darkness gave them some cover on the way to it.

  "My mother-in-law and Lady Choi have already left. Gil-ae will go with Lady Kim Ion. There is plenty of space for you and Woo Sari," Minjae said.

  From her periphery, Minjae saw Woo Sari vigorously shaking her head, the words running with each other as she protested the plan Minjae had for her.

  "No, you are leaving too, Woo Sari," Minjae said and turned to her. "It's an order,' she added softly, so only Woo Sari could hear.

  This didn't mean Woo Sari could not stomp her feet in agitation or protest, which she did, but Minjae knew Woo Sari would never go against a direct order from her.

  She understood Woo Sari's anxiety. Nothing in a war was sure. Would she ever see any of them again? If the enemy chased them, would they be able to get away? The barbarians were notorious for kidnapping and taking enemy women hostage. But in the last war, Joseon men had been equally barbaric, killing women who they thought had brought shame to them.

  There was no respite for the weak in a war like this, and Minjae knew she was doing the right thing by sending whoever she could. Many on the island had already refused to leave. Kim Da-bom included, though she had agreed to send her young son away when the first boat had left the shores of the shallow water.

  The cave was cold, damp, and far too austere for comfort. Minjae moved quickly, shoving the extra bedding aside and creating space for the sacks of rice and dry rations they had hauled in earlier. It wasn't much, but she did plan to get more later today. Seung planned to use his horse to haul some more essential supplies when it was dark to avoid prying eyes. Woo Sari was already setting up the cooking pots and more empty pots they would use to haul water later.

  Im Ji-won had gone out for firewood minutes ago.

  The wind outside howled through the cracks in the rock, but then—

  A frantic pounding of feet.

  Minjae froze just as Im Ji-won squeezed into the cave, falling in, pulling at her skirt from the small hole in the rocks, twisting and turning as if a monster was hunting her. She gasped for air, her eyes wide with terror.

  "Someone's out there!" she wheezed out a whisper. "A woman—she's hiding. Men—armed—they're looking for her! They didn't see me, but I heard them!"

  Minjae didn't hesitate.

  She yanked her cloak over her shoulders and reached for the pouch at her waist. Woo Sari grabbed her arm. "No."

  Minjae looked at her, eyes firm. "It could be anyone. It could be someone from the village. We can't leave them."

  Woo Sari's grip tightened, but she let go. "Be careful."

  Minjae stepped into the shadows of the forest she knew, like the back of her hand. The wind bit at her skin as she crept through the trees, her breath steady, her steps light.

  Then she saw her.

  Minjae's heart felt like claws clamped onto it, twisting it, leaving her short of breath.

  Gil-ae.

  Minjae's breath hitched. The girl was half-collapsed against a tree. Her chest heaved in frantic, shallow pants.

  She wasn't alone.

  A shadow moved just beyond the clearing, voices whispering. Searching.

  Gil-ae's eyes widened, terror bringing out the white. She moved away from the voices and hunched her shoulders as if that could somehow shrink her size to invisibility.

  Limping.

  How nasty was her wound? Did she break something? Worry generated beads of sweat on Minjae's forehead. She gauged the distance and mapped out the way she could get closer to Gil-ae without alerting the men.

  The ground crunched beneath her sturdy boots as Minjae inched closer. It was morning, and there were a lot of scruffing noises around them - animals - little and big - scurrying around preparing for their day. Still, Minjae held her breath, praying she would not be noticed, her hands curled around the needles in her sleeve. Quietly, she slid forward and crouched before Gil-ae.

  Gil-ae's eyes widened as she almost shrieked in terror, but she stopped herself just in time when she followed Minjae's finger to the lips, gesturing for her to keep quiet.

  Gil-ae nodded, her eyes still frantically looking over her shoulder. Minjae inched herself closer to the tree trunk and slid up slowly, making sure not to make any sudden movements that would attract attention.

  "Sister-in-law-"

  "Shh. The noise carries," Minjae whispered.

  The distance from the tree they were hiding under to the mound of rocks the entrance to the cave was hidden behind was not too long and away from where the men were, but it would take effort and noise to get Gil-ae across to safety.

  "Can you put your weight on your leg?" Minjae asked.

  Apprehension clouded her eyes, but Gil-ae nodded, determination forcing the uncertainty out.

  Their attention was caught by a man who was now somewhere very close to the tree they were hiding behind. The thicket hid them well, but Minjae put her hand on Gil-ae's mouth for good measure.

  "Find her! It's daylight. The bitch killed my man. I want her dead. She cannot go back to her brother or Kim Minjae, you moron!" one of the three men barked. He didn't even care that his voice carried.

  "I have put three men at the exit points; she can't escape," another voice replied.

  "You bastards better find her if you want a head attached to yer shoulders. And pick up Kim Minjae now. We can't wait any longer."

  'She is always surrounded by the Commander's men, sir," another new voice piped in.

  "Do I look like I care? I need you to bring her to me. And I better not find the body of his sister, do you understand? If she escapes, go to her house and kill her for all I care."

  Icicles ran down Minjae's spine. She knew that voice.

  Cha Moon-shik, the Shaman's son.

  Unbidden, the voices from the night in the forest long ago drifted to Minjae's mind.

  He was there that night.

  That meant he was in the thick of whatever conspiracy was afoot on the island.

  And he knew who the princess was.

  She had to tell Seung that, but it would have to wait.

  It felt like an eternity before the voices faded to enough distance that Minjae could persuade Gil-ae to shuffle across the forest floor to the opening of the cave.

  Coaxing Gil-ae into the small opening was difficult because she had hurt her leg somehow, a wound that obviously needed attention, before Minjae could follow her in.

  The safe sanctuary of the cave broke the last of Gil-ae's walls. She turned to Minjae and buried her head in Minjae's shoulder.

  "Sister-in-law—" Gil-ae choked on a sob, her voice hoarse. "They—they want to kill me."

  Minjae patted her back, her movements soothing, up and down. "Not tonight, they won't."

  Gil-ae was shivering, her face white. Her face had already puffed up with fear and pain.

  "Let me see your wound, Gil-ae," Minjae said gently.

  There was a deep cut in her calf. It was still seeping with dark blood, having already drenched her thick socks and the inner skirt.

  Woo Sari pulled out a strip of cloth and began dabbing at the wound on her calf.

  "What happened?" Minjae asked, ignoring Gil-ae's question.

  The frightened girl unravelled. "I'm so sorry; I should have listened to you. In the morning, you asked why I was wearing this dress..... it's because I didn't want to leave Oraboni, and I didn't want.... didn't want you to be with us anymore." Guilt and shame mingled with pain had turned Gil-ae's face into a grimace.

  Except for a sigh, Minjae didn't reply, focussing her attention on tending the wound.

  "The shaman had given me a talisman that had to be buried in the forest. I had to wear something that my father bought for me when I did it, so this dress was the only thing I could think of. This was supposed to bring good luck, help punish my father's killer and...." Gil-ae sobbed, covering her face with her hands. Her hiccups filled the cave.

  "Shh.....the voice can carry outside," Minjae said gently. "Stop crying."

  "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry I've been so mean to you."

  "Why are those men chasing you?"

  "I stumbled upon them talking - talking about kidnapping you."

  Minjae went still. Seung was right; she probably always had a target on her back. She had left her two guards at the base of the hill, but they were on the other side. Minjae had not wanted them to know the location of the cave, and surprisingly, Seung had agreed as long as she was never alone up here. However, now, there was no way for her guards to know they were in danger. She had to figure out a way to get to the guards so they could all get to safety.

  "They also spoke about some woman on the island who was going to escape tonight and join a barbarian ship," Gil-ae continued.

  Must be the woman from the forest that night. Minjae chewed her lips. Who could she be?

  "How did you hurt yourself, Gil-ae?"

  "At first, they didn't see me, so I ran. But I slipped, and the noise alerted them. One of them caught me, but I managed to kick him, and that man fell down the gorge. I-I think he died. But he had a knife, and it slashed me when he was trying to hold on to me. There was another man who recognised me, but I managed to hide until you came to me."

  Gil's face was still scrunched with pain, but regret clouded her eyes, her hands that gripped Minaje's arm trembling.

  "You are safe now. We just have to wait them out," Minjae whispered. "I'm sure the guards will come looking -"

  A shout pierced the air.

  There were muffled noises. Before Minjae could stop her, Woo Sari was crawling out. She returned a few minutes later.

  "The guards came up to find us," Woo Sari said in a horrified whisper, her words surprisingly clear. "These men killed them."

  Minjae closed her eyes. They could live in the cave, but Gil-ae was developing a fever, shivering under the blankets, and it was getting colder, so they had to get her to safety.

  They could hear the scuffles of footsteps above them and muted shouts every once in a while.

  Minjae reached for the water jug, but Woo Sari's face was grim.

  "We're running low. We don't have enough for all of us."

  Im Ji-won sat hunched, her arms wrapped around herself. "They're still out there. They aren't leaving."

  They could escape from the other side of the cave along the stream, but Gil-ae was too injured to make it out from that side.

  Minjae exhaled sharply. A cold weight settled in her stomach. It wasn't just a chase. Whoever they were, they were hunting Gil-ae, but they were looking for her. Kim Minjae.

  Minjae's mind raced. She and Woo Sari could easily hide out in the cave, but Gil-ae had lost a lot of blood, and she didn't have enough supplies to care for her. She would survive the cold.

  She turned to Im Ji-won. "Take Gil-ae to the last boat."

  Gil-ae's head snapped up. "No."

  "You have to leave. Now." Minjae was already stripping off her outer garments, forcing them over Gil-ae's shoulders. "Put this on. If they're searching for you, they'll mistake me for you. I can take care of myself. Im Ji-won will get you to the shore."

  "Sister-in-law, I'll not. I'll not let you put your life in danger for me. I have been a pig to you and Oraboni. I'll never be able to look him in the eye if anything happens to you. You must not-"

  "Gil-ae!" Minjae gripped Gil-ae's shoulder. "You'll leave this cave and go to that boat. The monks know what to do to care for you. I'll distract these men enough, so you, Im Ji-won and Woo-sari can get away. I'll return to the cave and wait for Dari. He will know to find me here."

  Im Ji-won hesitated, then nodded. She looped an arm under Gil-ae's, dragging her up. "We'll get there."

  Im Ji-won was already divesting Gil-ae of her clothes so Minjae could wear them.

  Minjae tightened the bow of the jeogori and turned to Woo Sari. "I'll go south away from the stream. Once they see me, all of them will come after me. I know this forest, and I'll be safe. Give it fifteen minutes and leave."

  Gil-ae didn't speak. She just reached out and clung to Minjae, her body shaking, her face buried in her shoulder.

  After a long, breathless moment, she pulled back, her hands lingering on Minjae's arms.

  She inhaled sharply, her lips parting as if she wanted to say something—anything.

  But she just swallowed and nodded once; the only words she uttered were a whisper, barely audible.

  "Come back to us, Sister-in-law. Live."

  Minjae smoothed her hand over Gil-ae's hair, then swung the familiar green jangot over her own head, tightening the ends under her chin. "I promise."

  Woo Sari's lips parted. "My Lady, you can't—"

  But Minjae was already gone, the small opening leading out of the cave swallowing her whole.