Hello Darlings,

I apologize for updating so late. Sometimes I loose inspiration and fail to produce worthy content. Life is busy and I been preoccupied with "living". Over the past few months, I did get a lot of messages asking if I dropped the series. I promise you all that I will always let you know if I gave up on something for good. I strive to be good at updating, and its a promise I am still working on as I balance a few things out in life.

Once again, I thank all of you lovelies for all the support and love you shown me. Don't be shy to message me if you are curious on how the series is doing. It is actually the PMs that keep me in check and remind me to stop slacking off!

Please enjoy this update. I hope to update sooner after this!

Please remember to R&R!

Love, Blissful Illusions~

Chapter Three: The Baring of the Branches

There was the constant buzzing of low toned murmurs in her ears; they were words, but she could not make sense of them. Despite being in a state of confusion she was still able to sense the dread of fear. There was something unsettling about one of the voices and it radiates a sense of terror within her. The voice may present a joyous front and seemingly giving off an aura of warmth, but to her it was more like the burning sensation of poison slowly spreading its fatality throughout the body. There was only person who could possess such a sinfully deceitful voice…and upon the realization, a sensation worse than terror itself filled her body.

"This appears to be such an inconvenience doesn't it?" the older man spoke as he glanced at the young girl lying in bed.

He hates to admit this, but this young girl had inherited the all the best and worst traits from both of her parents. A fair complexion with a noble elegance only able to be rivaled by her late maternal grandmother; she is a beauty of an era. However, her personality was less than desired for a woman of this era. Like her mother, her mind was filled with wild ideas that transcended the gender norms of the time. Like her father, she is stubborn with an insistence for carrying on something to fruition even if it would be end of her. He had thought that he would never have to come face to face with the persistence of Chung-Hee and the ambition of Hwa-Young ever again, but it they seem to live on in their daughter, Ah-Reum. This whole family was nothing but a nuisance, a constant thorn at his at side.

Such a pity that such a pretty face would be so ugly on the inside.

"The Lady Ah-Reum is currently out of danger-"

"And the scarring?" the older man glared at the physician to get straight to the point.

It is almost time to send her off; she must not be scarred or show any signs of imperfection. As much as he would like to get rid of her, she still has her use. Despite possessing a troublesome attitude, this girl had also inherited the brilliant beauty of her Hwa-Young and the gentle grace of Chung-Hee. She was the only thing that could buy him time before another war is waged against his kingdom. Although he does not have enough faith in her to end all wars, but at least she could offer him the luxury of time without the expenses of sacrificing his own daughter.

"The scarring is only temporary until the colour returns back to her. A couple of days of rest along with the prescribe medication will-"

The goal was not to have her feel better, the goal was to get the goods to the buyer before the contract expiration. If a live body arrives at the receiver's doorsteps, then he holds no responsibility for whatever may happen afterwards. The leader of the neighbouring Sen province, Li Hazara, was not to be tested for his patience. The Kai empire was known for their brutish behaviour.

After all these years, materialistic goods such as offering of harvests and gold could only suffice for a limited time before a marriage union is required. Unfortunately, with the exception of General An Joon-Gi, none of the generals had a daughter or sister they could offer for this position. It was out of the question to ask General Joon-Gi for his daughter, no father would send his daughter off to certain death. Marriage to Li Hazara was never a means to secure a position as his wife, but rather a concubine position. Once sent off to the foreign land, the bride will never see her home again and must carry the immense burden of appeasing her husband in order to delay the chance of an invasion on the Kouka Kingdom. Failure would mean death, but the rate of success was predicted to be slim. If this young one could birth at least one son to Li Hazara, then it would be a little victory for him to secure a longer peace treaty. Li Hazara sired multiple children already, but if this girl could birth one child who could catch his eye then it would a fortune for both Kouka and for her.

"So, she will be able to make the trip then?" the older man interrupted once again. He has no time to consider the wellness of the girl.

As a final tribute to the horrific deaths of her parents, he already delayed the date for as far as he could afford; his act of kindness was waiting until she was at least of appropriate age before sending her off. He will not her delay this important matter. How dare she even pull this dirty trickery on him?

"She will be, but I strongly recommend that you would give her-"

The physician was forced to keep his suggestion to himself as the older man approached him and patted him on the shoulder. He stood still as he felt the chills running down his spine. The young physician heard rumours of the King's cruelty, but it was at this moment that he truly believed that those rumours may have some ground.

"Thank you for your help. I apologize for disturbing you so late in the evening." He presented himself with a homely sense of warmth, but there was something far more sinister lurking behind that kind smile. A smile that replaced the need to physically tell the physician to keep everything from tonight to himself.

There was a certain density in the air as the temperature seems to drop as the "kind" king looked at the young physician "sincerely" in the eye. It was a true defining moment of hiding a dagger behind a smile.

"It is my duty, your majesty." The physician realized that less words would do him good.

"You have my gratitude." Although King's eyes were looking in his direction, but his glaze was really aimed at the door.

"I shall take my leave then, your majesty." The physician hurried out of the room as soon as possible. He could feel the room getting colder by the second and he does not intent to stay to find out the aftermath.

The young man left in a hurry, sparing no second thought as to what will become of the young maid left trembling on her knees at the corner of the chamber. Despite not having any direct interaction with her, he wished her well and he wished that she would stay strong enough to withstand whatever the "kind" king has in store for her.

The young maid cowers in the corner as she witnessed the physician leaving with such haste. She watched as the door closed, soon the departing footsteps of the physician were replaced with her heavy heartbeats. He was the only thing standing between her and the cruelty of the man who now stands before her.

Tears rim around her eyes as she starts to recall the pains and scarring from the previous punishments. No…she must remain brave. She must withstand them so that her mistress will not fall victim to them. She prayed that she will stay and remain strong.

"Tell me, who's idea was this?" The older man spoke in a deeper voice than before, it was thick with maleficence.

She bit her lips and tense her body as she prepared for the brutal contact of his feet. She repeated to herself that it was only physical, he will not injure her mentality.

However, nothing came.

She was still trembling, but she wouldn't dare to open her eyes. She prayed to herself that this was a nightmare. If she didn't open her eyes, then this was not reality.

"Do not worry, child. I believe we should have graduated from the simple means of physical punishment." There was a sinister humour to his tone.

Her eyes open to face his smirking face. She could have sworn that her heart had skipped a beat. What was he thinking? What could be worse than physical punishment? What more was this man capable of?

"My goal is not to hurt you. You have done no wrong, it is the mistress whom you serve who angered me." He chuckled as he turns his gaze towards the Lady Ah-Reum. He turned the direction of his stroll and began to shift towards her mistress.

"No. Please! Please punish me! This lowly slave was the one who offended Your Majesty!" Chan-Mi's voice was coarse after having been denied water for the past hours. She crawled to the older man's feet; she clung to him as she begged him to spare her beloved mistress. She couldn't protect Ah-Reum from the political dangers, but she could shield her from the physical pains.

Having no patience with this, he gave the young maid a sturdy kick which sent her frail body flying away from him.

"…ugh" Chan-Mi gruntled at the pain of impact. It hurts. The pain was swelling, radiating throughout her body, but she continued her attempt to crawl back to her mistress's side. She will lay down her life to protect her beloved mistress.

"You are loyal, my dear, I will give you that." The king spoke calmly as he witnessed the girl push out every breath from her struggling body to move herself a little closer to her mistress. The sight pains him slightly as he admired her for her selfless loyalty, but all fools needs to be taught a lesson.

He granted the wish of this lowly slave and kicked her around, until she was able to move no more.

Tears gathered around Ah-Reum's eyes as she laid helplessly while her ears broadcasted the cruel torture of Chan-Mi. The physician must have given her a sedative as she could not move a muscle, not even a grunt could vocalize from her throat. She failed as a mistress and she failed as a friend; she was never able to protect Chan-Mi. She screamed silently as she struggled to regain her body.

"Still willing to serve a mistress who lays there carelessly while her faithful handmaid dance on the verge of death?" The King taunted after delivering his final kick.

The young maid merely laid there as a crumpled mess. Although not being able to speak due to the pain surging throughout her battered body, the King still understood that her loyalty remained.

It may be a sentiment that lowered him, but he respected this young maid. Since his was able to comprehend a basic understanding of the environment around him, he had witnessed nothing but betrayal. It fascinated him to see the young maid's utter devotion to her mistress; usually it was the servants who sell out their masters at the first opportunity. Either Ah-Reum was more complicated than he had thought her to be, or this young girl before him was just plain stupid and just as stubborn as her mistress.

He did nothing and continued to observe the young girl from afar. As frightened as she may be, she pushed on a tough exterior of bravery as she glared at him from her bruised eyes. There was an exchange of eye contact between them; the king and a lowly servant. There was a subtle hint of defiance behind her eyes, but it was greatly overshadowed by fear. Those were an almost replica of those same eyes belonging to a certain someone from before.

"Relax yourself, child. I will let this one slide only for this time. Once your mistress awakes, let her know that my tolerance should never be tested." He chuckled to himself as he exited the room after having just exercised his body for the first time in awhile.

Once he turned his back to walk away, he had heard a nearly silent but desperate cry. He was not a sadist, he merely wanted to convey the message. Mercy was shown on the account that he did not wish for take away another life away from Ah-Reum. Not yet, that is.

He wanted to break her; this young maid may be the only one left in this world who could love her so unconditionally. He will allow them enough time to bid each other farewell. After all, the young maid said that she could not live on without her mistress, then it was only fair to let her naturally perish from her wounds. Ah-Reum will be able to leave knowing that there is nothing left for here and go on to place her faith on her new life in Kai. She may not realize this, but this was a gesture of kindness from him.

"The Lady Ah-Reum attempted to hang herself but has stopped by her handmaid just in time. The King was notified and visited her chambers with a royal physician."

"When did they leave?" Soo-Won asked.

"I only saw the physician leave in a rush."

"And the King?"

The servant averted his eyes from Soo-Won's gaze.

"Please, leave nothing out." Soo-Won assured the servant sincerely.

"The King physically assaulted the handmaid." The servant averted his eyes away.

"And?"

"After the room got quiet, the King took his leave and ordered no one was to visit the Lady's quarters for three days."

"I see…" Soo-Won rubbed his temples to ease the headache before dismissing the servant.

Anger boiled Soo-Won's blood. He was trying his best to contain his anger. Three days means no medical attention for the ladies. Three days is just enough time for the abused Chan-Mi to die from her injuries and thus leaving Ah-Reum with no one by her side. The King Il really wanted to take everything away from Ah-Reum. It was not enough that he orchestrated the deaths of both of her parents, but he wants ripe everyone away from her. He truly wanted to break her into a submissive doll.

Soo-Won's hands gripped tightly into fists. His eyes look out towards the night sky with fury.

"My Lord." Kye-Sook spoke out before being silenced by the gesture of Soo-Won's hand.

Soo-Won walked over towards the lounging chair and gestured Kye-Sook to join him.

"The King must be in a hurry to send the Lady Ah-Reaum off. I hypothesize that this will occur within the three days. The lady is too weak and subdued to protest or take her life again, while the handmaid would die of her injuries. A perfect timing, indeed." Kye-Sook spoke as he cautiously examined Soo-Won's changing composure.

The young lord had never been so fumed with anger before. It was a first to see him radiate a murderous aura. It was like watching the godly transformation of a dragon; it was awe-striking.

"We will follow through with the plans by tomorrow's eve." Soo-Won spoke in a low and deadly voice.

"But you were the one to insist on waiting after the Princess Yona's birthday celebrations were over-" Kye-Sook was cut off.

"We will strike tomorrow night." It was a command.

Kye-Sook nodded before excusing himself for the night, leaving Soo-Won deep in thoughts alone in his room.

Everything was going to change tomorrow night. Whatever may happen will happen. Which ever bonds will be broken, will never be healed. Whoever perishes tomorrows will be erased from history. For better or for worse, there is no going back once the sunsets tomorrow eve.