JiMina Collection

More Than Gold ~ Part 27

     Mina's mind was falling apart at the seams. Every part of her conscience screamed. Her thoughts tore viciously at one another. As much as she tried to ignore it, the deadline approached faster than ever; a haunting presence that followed her every waking hour. Jimin had to announce his choice of queen in two days' time, meaning her time with him would soon be over.

     Walking over to the mirror in her chambers, Mina stared into the hallows of her own eyes. She knew she didn't want to be queen. Jimin knew she didn't want to be queen. She would not become queen. She just wanted more time. Or perhaps just... More. She would be lying if she denied imagining a reality where Jimin was born of the same social standing as her. They could be happy together; far from grey, stone walls and cold, castle corridors. 

     Just a month ago, Mina had been against love; against the nonsense of fairytales and romantic stories. But Jimin had shown her something new. Something different. Something that threatened to question her beliefs. And now that she was finally starting to warm up to his advances, everything was being pulled out from underneath her.

     Mina felt trapped. Helpless.

     The sound of birds chirping, carefree in the morning air, seemed to mock her troubles.

     Since when had she become weak? Since when did she not have control over herself? Since when had she lost her independence? Well, Mina knew the answer to that. It was ever since Jimin had wriggled his way into her life with a kind smile and warm heart. Where did the old her go?

     The more she thought about it, she didn't know if she wanted the old her back. Life had been so monotonous back then. Lonely. Friendless. It was here in the castle where she had made her first friend. Her best friend. Someone who understood her like no one else ever did. Someone she could bare her soul to. Someone who would listen. Mina could no longer imagine a life without him.

     But she would have to live that life soon. It didn't matter if she was ready or not.

     Not for the first time, Mina considered breaking off whatever it was she had with Jimin. Did she truly want to end it? No. If she was honest with herself for once, no, she did not want to. She genuinely liked- loved spending time with him. But did she need to end it? Yes. Mina knew this couldn't last. Wouldn't it be better to save herself some heartbreak and just break it off on her own terms? 

     One thing was for sure. She would miss him. Dearly.

     Every time she would open her mouth to end whatever it was they had, one smile from him stole the words from her throat. He was so happy. She would be the one to wipe out that spark in his eyes.

     Mina smoothed out her dress and took a deep breath. Two more days. The cowardly, selfish part of her was winning. Perhaps she could make the most of it, to give her more to reminisce about once she returned to the outer villages as a ghost of her old self. 

     She was to meet Jimin at their usual spot, in the kitchens, just like the day before. But just as Mina reached for the door handle, several soft knocks echoed from the other side. "Come in!" Mina called, stepping back to make way for the visitor. 

     It was none other than the kind old maid, holding a piece of parchment in her worn hands.

"Oh, Greta! What a surprise. Is something the matter?"

"Not at all, my dear." The maid raised a nurturing hand to Mina's cheek. "You are as radiant as ever today."

     Mina laughed. "Thank you. You're too kind."

     Greta pushed the parchment into Mina's clasped hands. "His highness, Prince Jimin, asked me to give this to you."

"O-Oh?" Mina was taken aback.