"Captain, please bring me my medical box," he urged his voice steady yet laced with urgency. Captain Gi, understanding the gravity of the moment, swiftly gathered the prince's medical supplies, his movements quick and silent.
As Young-Sik began to clean, disinfect, and dress Jin-Ri's wounds, his anger simmered just beneath the surface—not directed at her, but at the circumstances that had led to her pain. He worked with meticulous care, his fingers gentle yet firm, wishing he could take away her hurt.
Once he finished tending to her, he stood, ready to confront the Queen about what had transpired. However, just as he was about to move, he felt a soft hand grasping his, pulling him back. He turned to find Jin-Ri looking up at him, concern etched across her features.
"Please," she whispered, shaking her head slightly, her eyes pleading for him to let it go.
The gentle touch of her hand soothed the turmoil within him. He knelt beside her, feeling an overwhelming sense of remorse. "I'm so sorry for leaving you," he murmured, his voice a soft caress filled with warmth.
Jin-Ri offered him a soft smile, her expression brightening the dim room. "Yes, you really shouldn't have," she replied, a light chuckle escaping her lips, filling the air with a hint of warmth that enveloped both of them.
Captain Gi, sensing the delicate atmosphere, bowed slightly. "I will stand guard at the door, Your Highness," he said, retreating slowly and closing the door behind him, leaving the two alone.
"I regret avoiding you, Your Highness. It was foolish of me," Jin-Ri confessed, her eyes reflecting the sincerity of her words.
Young-Sik shook his head gently, determined to ease her burden. "No, you bear no blame in this. Please, rest so you can heal," he urged, rising to leave. But Jin-Ri's grip tightened around his hand, halting him in his tracks.
"My prince… could you stay with me? I'm scared of being alone right now," she pleaded, her voice trembling with genuine emotion. Young-Sik's heart swelled at her words, and he nodded with a warm smile.
"Of course," he replied, settling down on the floor beside her bed. Their hands remained connected, a silent promise of support and comfort.
Days passed, and despite his royal status, Young-Sik devoted himself to Jin-Ri's care. He cleaned her wounds daily, bringing her meals, dismissing the rumors that swirled within the palace like leaves in the wind. All that mattered to him was Jin-Ri's speedy recovery.
One serene afternoon, Young-Sik entered his room, his heart light at the thought of seeing her either peacefully sleeping or enjoying a meal. But to his surprise, he found her standing before a towering bookshelf, her gaze fixed on a blue book high above.
"What are you up to?" he asked softly, placing his hands on her shoulders. "You really shouldn't be on your feet for too long; the strain on your legs could reopen your wounds." He gently guided her back to the comfort of her bed.
"Your Highness, this is simply too much!" Jin-Ri exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of admiration and disbelief. "I am your devoted servant, destined to serve you, not the other way around."
Jin-Ri sat quietly, her heart racing as Young-Sik knelt beside her, concern etched on his handsome face. "Would you let me help you with those wounds?" he asked softly, his voice a gentle caress that sent a flutter of butterflies dancing in her stomach. His smile was warm and inviting, a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds of her worries.
She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, yearning to see him more clearly. Young-Sik's focus was entirely on her, and it sent a thrill coursing through her. "Oh, dear heart, please calm down," she chided herself internally, feeling the waves of joy ripple through her as his fingers grazed her skin while he worked.
As he finished securing the last bandage, her gaze was drawn to a blue book resting atop a nearby shelf, its vibrant hue standing out among the muted colors of the room. "What is that blue book? Why is it the only one that's different?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Young-Sik glanced at the book, his expression shifting to one of nostalgia. He rose and walked over to the shelf, retrieving the blue tome with care. "This is a storybook that Prince Seo-Joon gave me. He said it was from a bookmaker who journeyed from the other side of the sea." He brushed the dust from the cover, revealing its intricate design, and began to turn the pages, a fond smile gracing his lips. "He used to read this to me and Prince Man-Ju when we were young."
Jin-Ri's heart softened at the sight of Young-Sik reminiscing. "You miss him, don't you? The former crowned prince, I mean?" she asked delicately, not wishing to delve too deeply into his nostalgic reverie.
With a solemn nod, Young-Sik's expression turned reflective. "I respected him more than anyone. He was my guide in strength and virtue. The man I've become is a testament to his influence." His words hung heavily in the air, and Jin-Ri could sense the weight of his memories.
Gently, she reached out her hand, her voice barely above a whisper. "Could I take a look at the book, your Highness?"
Young-Sik's smile returned, tender and genuine, as he handed the blue book to her. As Jin-Ri turned the pages, her heart skipped a beat when she stumbled upon an illustration of a young woman in tattered clothes, cradled in the arms of a prince. Her eyes sparkled with delight as her fingers softly traced the image, feeling an overwhelming sense of connection to the story.
"That's Cinderella," Young-Sik explained, his tone animated. "She was enslaved by her stepmother and stepsisters until she was helped by a fairy. She met a prince, and they fell in love." His eyes twinkled with the memory of the tale.
"Really? So, she was a court maiden who fell for a prince who loved her just as deeply?" Jin-Ri's excitement bubbled over, and she turned to him, her eyes wide with wonder. "Could you read it to me? I'm not familiar with this language," she admitted, a bashful grin lighting her face.
With a warm, inviting smile, Young-Sik settled beside her, taking the book from her hands. "Once upon a time, there was a girl named Cinderella…" he began, his voice weaving the enchanting story into the air around them.
As the prince lost himself in the tale, Jin-Ri gazed at him, her heart fluttering uncontrollably. "What is it about you that stirs these feelings within me?" she mused silently, her thoughts swirling. "I was raised to despise people like you, yet… it's not hatred that fills my heart." A soft sigh escaped her lips. "If only I could be Cinderella and you, my beloved prince."
Jin-Ri softly shut the book, after Prince Young-Sik's finished the story. The sudden silence drew his gaze, at Jin-Ri. "Did you like the tale of Cinderella?" he asked, his brow furrowing slightly.
Tilting her head gracefully, Jin-Ri met his eyes, her voice soft yet probing. "Why do you show such kindness to me, Your Highness? I am merely a humble court maiden, unworthy of your gaze, let alone your concern. Yet, here you are, treating me as if I hold great significance." The intensity of her stare sought the truth hidden within his gaze.
Young-Sik's brows knitted together in contemplation as he returned her stare. "I honestly don't know!" he blurted out, the sincerity of his confusion evident.
"Eh?" Jin-Ri's heart sank at his response, her hopes collapsing comically under the weight of his words.
"I mean, I am befuddled myself. Dozens, no! Hundreds of beautiful ladies from the entire Kingdom threw themselves at me, but I never once paid any attention to them. You must have put something in the food that I eat to make me care for you," he continued, his words tumbling out absentmindedly.
Jin-Ri's expression shifted, a mix of surprise and sarcasm washing over her. "Okay, I get it. I'm not special… there is absolutely nothing special about me." With a scoff, she flopped onto the bed, pulling the white sheet over her.
Young-Sik grinned, unfazed. "I can't say why it's important, but there's one thing I'm certain of... I want to take care of you." He gently set the book next to her before making his way toward the door.
As the door clicked shut behind him, Jin-Ri peeked out from her sheets, her heart racing. The book lay open to an illustration of Cinderella and her prince. "He wants to take care of me," she whispered, a flutter of hope igniting within her as a giggle bubbled up, echoing softly in the quiet room.
As the sun streamed through the window, Jin-Ri settled into the cozy atmosphere of the Cherry Blossom, her legs finally feeling strong enough to support her again. With Young-Sik's generous offer of a day off, she had decided to spend it with her ever-watchful friend, Yeng, who was already bustling around the room.
"Just make sure those legs are secured on the table, okay? We don't want our guest's food flying everywhere," Yeng said, her tone half-serious and half-teasing, as she arranged a display of colorful accessories on the shelf.
"Got it, Mom!" Jin-Ri shot back, sarcasm dripping from her words like honey. "You're like my mother on steroids!" She rolled her eyes dramatically, shaking her head in mock disbelief.
Yeng laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "That's because you have a knack for forgetting what I tell you, and I have to keep reminding you," she replied, watching Jin-Ri attempt to repair a damaged table. Jin-Ri stuck her tongue out playfully, making a goofy face that only made Yeng chuckle more.
"I saw that! Now, keep an eye on any guests that may arrive while I fix myself!" Yeng called out, disappearing into the back room.
With a huff, Jin-Ri slumped in front of the mirror, muttering, "What a day off! I came here to unwind, not to play your assistant." She sighed, running her fingers through her hair.
"Oh, pish posh…even Captain Gi has been helping Lady Hu. He's been seen here a lot lately," Yeng mentioned, her voice floating back into the room, a sly hint of matchmaking in her tone.
Jin-Ri shot a playful glare at Yeng as she reappeared, busy organizing her vibrant accessories. Her gaze wandered and landed on a stunning jade pendant that caught the light. Intrigued, she picked it up for a better look. The pendant was round, featuring a fierce dragon at its center.
"Hey Yeng, is this the real deal?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Let me take a look," Yeng said, extending her hand. Jin-Ri passed the pendant over, and after a moment of scrutiny, Yeng smiled and returned it. "Yep, that's genuine jade!"
Jin-Ri's face lit up like a full moon. "This is mine now!" she declared, slipping the necklace around her neck with a flourish.
"Whoa there! You can't just claim that! It's worth at least two gold coins!" Yeng protested, her voice rising as she lunged to snatch the pendant back.
"Get your…porky fingers…off of it!" Jin-Ri shot back, playfully swatting at Yeng's hands like they were pesky flies.
"Excuse me? My fingers are not porky!" Yeng retorted, glancing down at her hands with exaggerated indignation. "That really hurt my feelings," she pouted, her voice taking on a whiny tone that could melt even the iciest of hearts.
Jin-Ri burst into laughter, the warmth of their friendship enveloping the room like a cozy blanket. "Alright, alright, let's share it. You can borrow it whenever you want, Mom!" she teased, throwing Yeng a wink as they both settled into their familiar rhythm of playful banter.
Jin-Ri gazed at the pendant with a twinkle in her eye. "You know, my family believes that dragons are the ultimate guardians of Chiongsun. Did you know Prince Young-Sik is known as the Dragon!" She twirled the pendant, her smile growing wider. "The soldiers say he was breathtaking on the battlefield—his speed, his precision, and yes, even his fierce brutal efficiency!" She sighed dreamily, lost in her thoughts.
"Efficient brutality? Seriously?" Yeng raised an eyebrow as she plopped down next to her friend. "That's not exactly a romantic notion, Jin-Ri. she said, shaking her head.
Jin-Ri's mind drifted back to that unforgettable night when the prince had saved her from the Queen's wrath. She remembered lying on his bed, while Young-Sik sat on the floor, looking every bit the hero. "Your Highness, what does it feel like to take a life?" she had asked, her heart racing.
Young-Sik remained lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the bookshelf. "Like a piece of your soul has been ripped away" he replied with a casual nod.
"Then why do you continue to do it?" she inquired, her tone laced with genuine curiosity.
With a playful grin, Young-Sik responded, "Because it's my duty, to protect the King."
"Are you not concerned that you will one day lose your soul!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with intrigue.
He turned to her, a sad glimmer in his eye. "Every day of my life"
Jin-Ri quickly set the record straight about Yeng's wild claims. "The tales about the prince's gallantry on the battlefield are true and he does it to protect all of us!"
Yeng, with a mischievous glint in her eye, suddenly turned Jin-Ri's face toward her. "Ouch! That's a bit rough!" Jin-Ri exclaimed, taken aback by the abrupt motion.
Yeng locked eyes with Jin-Ri, then let go of her friend, covering her mouth in shock. "Oh my goodness... you've got it bad for the prince! Don't even try to deny it, you little witch; it's written all over your face!" she teased, a wide grin spreading across her lips.
"What?!" Jin-Ri stammered, her laughter tinged with nervousness. "What do you mean? Seriously, what?"
"Oh sure, that clears everything up," Yeng shot back, rolling her eyes at her friend's flustered reaction.
"I'm not infatuated! The prince didn't... smite me? Or is it smitten?" Jin-Ri fumbled, unsure of the right term.
"Jin-Ri, you've got to spill! Did he lay one on you yet? Did his fierce charm leave you all dizzy?" Yeng asked, her expression shifting to something more mischievous. "Did he wrap you in his arms and brandish his... sword?" she quipped with a playful wink and a teasing smile.
"Yeng, if the prince had really used his sword on me, I'd be in pieces by now," Jin-Ri replied, exasperated.
Yeng flashed a knowing grin. "Oh, I'm just waiting for that juicy detail," she said, biting her lower lip.
"What are you getting at..." Then it clicked, the cheeky double meaning behind Yeng's words. "You naughty little minx! I mean, I haven't partaken in any scandalous activities, just so you know!"
Yeng still on the attack asked Jin-Ri "Admit it you want that to happen right?"
Jin-Ri suddenly fell silent, unable to answer such a simple question "Do I?" She asked herself, she looked at her reflection "Do I want the prince?" She noticed how her cheeks turned red from the question she posed to herself