Rage

Ch-11Past-Trauma

The most harrowing experiences often linger as haunting nightmares. Kim, not prone to dreaming, had one impactful dream that left a lasting impact. In the dream, he fervently pleaded with his parents, urging them not to leave. "Stay here! I aim to be a dutiful son, and I won't insist on seeing Grandpa in the palace." Seeking therapy for this haunting dream only intensified his fear, prompting him to hide his vulnerability behind a facade of well-being.

Weeks passed in the wake of the edict from the big Madame. Kim and Fang moved through the palace with the awkwardness of strangers, a palpable tension lingering between them. The unspoken rift cast a shadow over their interactions, rendering the once-familiar halls of the palace a silent, confined space that mirrored the constraints of a metaphorical jail.

Though their connection remained unspoken, the weight of unaddressed issues hung heavy in the air. The stringent rules enforced by the guards dictated their every move, turning their once-shared world into a landscape of solitude and restraint. The palace, once a haven of opulence and warmth, now echoed with the footsteps of individuals who, though physically present, seemed emotionally distant.

Fang, confined by the limitations of her altered status, found herself yearning to bridge the gap but was restrained by the watchful eyes of the guards. The palace, once a realm where she effortlessly fulfilled her duties to Kim, now felt like an unfamiliar terrain where the boundaries of their connection were meticulously defined.

As the guards maintained their vigilance with unyielding precision, ensuring the strict separation of Kim and Fang, the routine of their once-shared life became a distant memory. The absence of Fang from her usual duties in attending to Kim left a void, a poignant reminder of the connection that had been severed by circumstances beyond their control.

In the midst of this silent separation, Kim and Fang navigated their days in isolation, each burdened by their own thoughts and the unspoken desire to bridge the gap that had emerged between them. The palace, once a symbol of grandeur and unity, now stood witness to the quiet unravelling of a connection that had once seemed unbreakable.

Fang, observant of the increasing under-eye bags, grew concerned as Kim buried himself in relentless work. Aware of the false identity assigned to her due to her background, she understood the temporary nature of her presence. Recognising the toll on Kim's health, she couldn't stand idly by, knowing he would inevitably fall ill without intervention. Navigating disability wasn't easy either, but Fang's understanding of Kim's challenges evolved. Despite having hurt him deeply, the king's reprimand complicated their relationship, leaving Fang hesitant to approach Kim. The weight of an agreement forced her to breach the law in a moment of anxiety.

"Why the mistress can't meet her master is beyond me," a perplexed observer remarked, questioning the constraints on a royal couple leading an ordinary life. The complexities of their circumstances and the strain on their relationship were evident in the intricate dance of secrets and societal expectations.

"God, why?" The anguished question echoed in Fang's mind as she faced the disdain of Rebecca, her former financial officer, who exhibited blatant rudeness due to Fang's lower social status. The hurtful inquiries about her father's actions and the absence of familial love haunted Fang, compounded by the societal challenges imposed on her as a girl.

Feeling stifled and unable to utilise her skills in the restrictive environment, Fang contemplated breaking into Kim's room. Despite the omnipresent surveillance, she saw it as a necessary risk given Kim's escalating anxiety. With a sly smile, Fang expressed confidence in her planning abilities, dressed in a black ninja outfit with a rope tied around her waist. Despite her physical limitations, she believed in Kim and ascended with determination, recognising the source of light as Kim's chamber. As Fang joined Kim on the balcony, her rapid heartbeat and uneven breaths reflected the tension of the moment. Kim swiftly pulled her inside, closing the window behind them—an impromptu alliance forged in the face of adversity.

Kim remains eerily silent, absorbing Fang's rants without uttering a word. Frustrated, Fang prods, "Why won't you speak, Kim?" hoping for some response or dramatic reaction. The hostility he feels towards her contractual partner perplexes him, leaving her questioning her own behaviour.

"Why did you overlook me?" Kim inquires, gently cupping Fang's face. She gazes into his light brown eyes as if entranced by the stars within them.

Curious, He asks, "What brought you here? Is there a plan to subject me to another reprimand from my grandfather?"

"No, Master, no," She quickly responds. "I came to check on you. I saw you the day before yesterday, and you seemed worn out. I couldn't ignore the fact that you worked too hard that evening."

"Is that so?" Kim asks, drawing Fang near enough for their lips to briefly touch. He holds her firmly in place, despite Fang's valiant efforts to escape.

"Why are you here in the middle of the night?"

"At this hour?"

Fang's cheerful demeanour shone as she hugged Kim tightly, her head nestled against his shoulder. Tearfully, she confessed, "Do you realise how much I've missed you?" Kim responded with a comforting embrace.

"Why do you act like a fool?"

"I'm your home nurse, remember?"

"Why didn't you stand up for me when everyone else was blaming and demeaning me as a lowly peasant?"

Kim seems resolute in not letting go of Go this time. As he kissed her, she gasped, her body freezing in response. His hands enveloped her waist, his fingers gently stroking through her hair.

"What exactly are you doing?" Fang inquired.

"Loving my dear wife," Kim replied. She forcefully pushed him to the floor, commanding, "Leave me." Kim smirked, wiping the corners of his lips.

"Why weren't you satisfied with my gift? My queen, you've been concerned about me, so I decided to surprise you with something truly unique," Kim explained.

"There are different ways to give gifts," Fang remarked casually. "For example, a simple hug, a heart-to-heart conversation, a bouquet of roses, or asking the same question, 'How have you been?'"

Instead of responding, Kim tightened his grip on her. "I had no idea this is how a couple is supposed to be. I was too obsessed with my responsibilities as the next king, unaware of your efforts to keep up with me. Despite stating that you're my temporary wife, my perspective has completely changed. You've changed my life, and I see the world differently now. My officials blindsided me. I apologise for my rudeness when we first met, and I promise to do better from now on."

"Stay close to me and don't say anything," Kim insists.

"Is that a yes?" she inquires.

"Is that how you confess, i***t?" Fang frowns.

"Alright, my love!" Kim laughs, kneeling and presenting a box. The fang's mouth closes in shock.

"Will you kiss me again?" Fang stomps her feet and sits on the bed.

"I was expecting you to propose to me."

"I will, but now is not the time, love. I need to get some things in order." Fang lunges at Kim, pulling him into bed while kissing him. Kim promptly responds, swapping positions so he is now on top. They kiss until they are breathless.

"For the time being, let us simply cuddle," Kim suggests.

"Hmph, you ruined my mood," Fang mutters, exhibiting a little pout. As he falls asleep, she pecks at his small pout.

"Even in the midst of worldly distress, small things have the power to bring happiness. Relationships take precedence, and responsibilities can be set aside when the bond is more significant."