Episode 21

"**The Wicked Lady of Rumor (1)**" is the twenty-first released episode of *Your Throne* by SAM. With newly-gathered information on Psyche's divinity, Medea makes the necessary preparations for her next move in the battle against the crown prince. Meanwhile, Psyche keeps her promise to the guardian deity and resolves to continue living. Before she begins her swordsmanship training with Helio, Psyche comes across a secret that Medea has been keeping.

## Synopsis

In a flash-forward scene, what appears to be Psyche stands on the balcony underneath the warm sunlight, her newly-cut hair blowing gently in the wind. Count Callista stands at the entrance to the chambers, speechless at his daughter's transformation. A sly smile forms on her lips as she recalls the vow on the night of the imperial banquet to kill Eros. She informs the count that she has had a change of heart.

Seven days prior, an elderly maid holds Medea's hand as the two of them slowly amble down the pathway in the gardens of the count's estate. The wind passes through the vibrant cherry blossom trees, carrying with it delicate, pink petals that gracefully drift to the ground. The maid advises Medea against frequent strolls, claiming to be concerned for the young lady's health. A butterfly suddenly flutters by and lands on Medea's outstretched hand. As Medea expresses surprise for its presence, the maid cheerfully explains that butterflies have appeared in the gardens since the night of the imperial banquet. Medea smiles at the butterfly, knowing that, unlike the servants of the House of Callista, it means her no harm. She reminds herself that it is safer to treat all the servants as potential spies for the crown prince. It is essential that she makes the first move before she experiences betrayal. Right as this thought crosses her mind, blood suddenly drips from her nose. The servants cry out in horror at the sight of their beloved lady bleeding. Quickly, the elderly maid urges Medea to return to her room, worried that the short walk in the gardens has exacerbated Medea's condition. Medea clutches her nose in frustration, resigned to the fact that she has been pushing herself too hard since the body-switch.

At the duke's manor, Psyche enters Duchess Solon's chambers and approaches the bed. Laying underneath the comforter, unmoving, is the ailing duchess, whose face has become gaunt and sunken due to her rapidly declining health. Psyche looks at Duchess Solon, recalling rumors she heard that there is a possibility the duchess will die within the year. Silently, Psyche stretches out one hand to summon her divinity. Before she can proceed, however, a young maid enters the chambers. Bowing respectfully, she reports that she has finished cleaning and asks if Psyche wishes to explore manor. Psyche responds with a curt nod, reminding herself that she has decided to properly impersonate Medea to the best of her abilities. Psyche withdraws from the chambers. It is of utmost importance that she learns everything about the House of Solon and Medea's life to accomplish this goal. Psyche immediately walks into Medea's study to investigate, knowing that Medea spent most of her time in that particular room.

Psyche peers around the room before heading towards the handsomely-furnished mahogany desk that stands beside the window. As she searches contents of the desk, she comes across a locked drawer. The maid notices this and informs Psyche, who she believes is Medea, that the drawer has been locked for a long time. She explains that she left the drawer alone while cleaning, as instructed, so its contents remain undisturbed. Psyche represses a sigh, frustrated at how difficult it is for her to impersonate Medea, who holds many secrets. Noticing the maid's teary expression, Psyche decides to investigate further. She finds a gold key placed in a rather conspicuous spot and deduces that Medea did not bother hiding it. Silently apologizing to Medea for trespassing on private property, Psyche unlocks the drawer and opens it. She reaches inside and pulls out a delicate opal necklace. Before she can contemplate on its significance, however, a butler abruptly enters the room and announces the arrival of the young marquess. Psyche quickly fastens the necklace around her neck, deciding to ponder on its familiar appearance after her meeting with Helio. It would be easier for Psyche to avoid such situations if Medea shared these secrets beforehand.

Helio and Psyche meet each other on the training grounds of the Solon estate, both dressed in combat clothes. Helio patiently explains the basics of swordsmanship to Psyche, who struggles to properly execute the moves. Seeing her trembling hands, he reassures her that no one is watching. Without warning, she suddenly slashes the sword downwards, nearly missing Helio's face. Momentarily stunned by the unprovoked attack, Helio sarcastically reminds her that a sword has the potential to kill a person. Psyche smiles sheepishly and resumes her training. As she struggles to practice the moves, Helio recalls the years when Medea taught him swordsmanship. Medea explained to him that the swift sound of the blade slicing through the air was an indication of his skills and determination. It was a sound worth rejoicing rather than fearing. Though young Helio worried that he would injure her, Medea cheerfully declared that his skills were not nearly good enough to scathe her. Helio reminisces over the odd feeling of familiarity. Though swordsmanship is a skill that Medea taught him, it feels as though he is now teaching it back to her, with Psyche in Medea's body. Not noticing Helio's bemusement, Psyche grips the hilt of her sword and focuses hard on her training. As sweat drips down her face, she reminds herself that she is now determined to live.

The training session continues until the sun begins to set. As Psyche catches her breath, Helio compliments her determination. He admits that she has surpassed his expectations, as he assumed that she would dissolve into a fit of tears after learning the truth about the crown prince. Psyche smiles and wipes the sweat off of her place. She explains that she has reached the conclusion that she must continue to live. She owes Medea her life, so it is necessary to remain resolute and firm in order to pay Medea back. Recalling Eros's face, Psyche tells herself that she can no longer afford to be swayed by unwanted distractions. Suddenly, Helio approaches Psyche and reaches for her neck. Psyche freezes, startled by the close proximity. He pulls the opal necklace out from underneath her shirt and calmly asks why she is wearing it. Psyche realizes that his tone, despite his composed demeanor, is brimming with hostility. With forced calmness, Psyche explains that the necklace appears to be something that Medea treasured. Psyche assumed that wearing it is only natural if she is to impersonate Medea. Helio coldly states that she is ignorant and unclasps the necklace from her neck. He adds that wearing the necklace will not allow her to properly mimic Medea, as Psyche has no right to wear it. Thoroughly perplexed, Psyche begins to ask for an explanation but falters at the sight of Helio's frightening expression. She realizes that she has forgotten how intimidating and cruel the young marquess can be. Helio brusquely tells her to search for the answer herself if she wishes to know the truth. As he tells Psyche that she should already know who the owner of the necklace is, a memory of Nana flashes before his eyes.

At the count's manor, Medea's nose begins to bleed once again. Medea takes a golden handkerchief and wipes her nose, frustrated at the frailty of Psyche's body. It is quick to show signs of fatigue after experiencing only a little bit of work. Regardless of how difficult it is, however, Medea is determined to finish. She recalls all the strange events that occurred recently. Psyche is the child chosen by the guardian deity. The divinity that Medea witnessed on the night of the imperial banquet is real. She mulls over the possible implications that this knowledge can offer. Medea buries her face in her hands, recalling Nana's face. With a sad smile, Medea asks whether she should continue living as Psyche or find a way back to her original body.

## Characters

*Characters are listed in order of appearance. Character first appearances are **bolded**.*

* Count Callista
* Medea Solon
* Eros Orna Vasilios (mentioned)
* Psyche Callista
* Duchess Solon
* Medea's Maid
* Helio Niccolo
* Nana (mentioned)

## Trivia

* In the official English translation of this episode, Psyche's last name is written as "Poly," the romanization of her name in Korean.

## Gallery

A butterfly lands on Medea's hand.Psyche visits Duchess Solon's bedside.Psyche finds an opal necklace.Helio teaches Psyche the basics of swordsmanship.Helio spots the chain of the necklace and reaches for Psyche's neck.Medea's nose begins to bleed from overexertion.