INT. LIBRARY – DAY
HR entering from corridor as steward exits.
HYE-RYUNG
Oh, hello Lee Seong.
STEWARD
Hello, my lady. His Majesty is inside if you're looking for him.
HYE-RYUNG
Thank you.
HR enters more happily and quickly. Gwi is pulling a book from the shelf but looks up as HR comes in. HR stands near Gwi.
HYE-RYUNG
(whispers)
Hello, dear.
GWI
Why are you whispering?
HYE-RYUNG
(still quiet, looks back at the door)
I don't want anyone to hear me calling you 'dear'.
GWI
I want everyone to hear
(loudly)
She called me 'dear'!
HYE-RYUNG
(reaches up and puts her hand over his mouth)
Shhhh!
GWI
(eyes light up, holds her hand in place and kisses her palm lovingly)
Were you looking for me?
HYE-RYUNG
No, I came to work on my history for the day.
GWI
Disappointing.
HR smiles, goes to sit down and begins looking through her materials.
HYE-RYUNG
Your Majesty, when will we see Soo-ji again? It would be nice if we could have her round for dinner or something similar soon.
GWI
(to the air)
Soo-ji-ya. Hye-ryung misses you. When can you drop in?
HR signalling that she didn't mean for Gwi to ask her straightaway. Gwi smiles this away.
GWI (CONT'D)
(to HR)
Will lunch do?
HYE-RYUNG
Yes, that would be perfect.
GWI
(to the air)
Yes, she'll see you then.
(to HR)
That works out well. I have to go visit some more charges today so I'll leave when she arrives.
HYE-RYUNG
Oh, can't I go with you?
GWI
Not just yet, I think. A couple of them have rather difficult circumstances so I want to check them first before taking you. Not that you don't already have a wealth of experience with that sort of thing, but it can be difficult to watch and not act.
HYE-RYUNG
Okay, well take me soon. In the meantime,
(shuffling her books and papers)
I'm too distracted to work on history, I think. I'd rather get ready for Soo-ji.
GWI
If it was a distraction you wanted, I'm standing right here.
HYE-RYUNG
(smiling)
Yes, but guests come first.
HR passes him, walking to the door.
GWI
I don't like that rule. This is my palace. I come first. Come back!
HR laughs, running out into the corridor while Gwi walks quickly to catch up to her.
INT. NEW THRONE ROOM – DAY
SJ and HR sit eating at a small table laid for lunch.
HYE-RYUNG
You do something different to the work that Tae and Gwi do, right?
