Night Prince

The Masterplan

Their journey continues.

It has been approximately three weeks since their temporary stop and the prince was finally well enough for the journey on foot. To everyone's relief, the prince had recovered most of his usual motor functions. He wasn't at a hundred percent, but time was not on their side. This would do for now.

This time, the royal entourage was more careful about checking their surroundings, sensing that the possibility of an ambush was higher the closer they were to the rebels' base. 

It was days later when they were finally a few miles away from the base. That meant they had to analyse their surroundings before they could go any further, or risk being caught by the merciless killers.

Observing their surroundings, Ri Jeong Hyeok identified a tree and approached it cautiously. The rest followed closely, keeping their eyes on any potential threats as the prince inspected the tree.

Tapping on the tree a few times, Ri Jeong Hyeok frowned. "The tree won't be able to hold my weight."

Turning to the rest of the boys, the prince observed their stature and pointed at Captain Pyo.

"Captain Pyo, it should be able to hold your weight."

Spluttering hard, Pyo Chi Su countered instantly. "I beg your pardon, your highness? You want me to get on this tree that is probably centuries old?"

"That's exactly what I meant. Is there a problem?" The prince questioned.

"He's too much of a scaredy-cat to do it, Ri Jeong Hyeok. Let me do it. I'm the lightest out of all of us here. Besides, I climb trees in my past time." Seri volunteered.

"I'm not scared!" Pyo Chi Su argued. "But since you're an expert with trees...yes, you should do it."

The poor excuse of a man backed away from the tree, subtly pushing Seri towards it. As they argued, the prince was clearly preoccupied with his thoughts about Seri's safety.

Biting his lip worriedly, the prince eyed the tree wearily once more, glancing between the ancient bark and his Seri.

Sure, he had faith in Seri's abilities, but that protective side within him was screaming at him to keep her from climbing up a tree. Seri was much safer with her two feet firmly planted on the ground rather than venturing into the thick foliage alone.

It was the tree he didn't trust.

"Ri Jeong Hyeok. I'll be fine. Now give me a boost." Seri tapped his arm gently.

With much reluctance, Ri Jeong Hyeok hoisted Seri up to the nearest branch, watching her closely as she navigated her way up the old bark. His hands lingered on her, hovering because he truly didn't want to let her go.

Seri was not joking when she said she climbed trees in her past time. With how sure she was of her footing and the way she was practically swinging off the branches, the royal entourage was impressed.

Crack!

"Seri!" Ri Jeong Hyeok had shouted when one of the branches broke off.

Hanging off the branch she was holding, Seri clung on tightly to it, trying to use her natural momentum to swing herself up.

She was in a rather precarious position, one that made the boys fear for her life. Already, they were surrounding the base of the tree, attempting to catch her should she fall.

Heaving heavily, Seri mentally mapped out a path in her head and went straight for it. 

She was bold, she was fearless, she was sure. And that was all that mattered as she landed lightly on a solid branch.