Thief of Twilight

Part One: Chapter 9

It was several days before the emperor left the palace again. He was so worried about my safety that he tightened up security around the palace walls both on and off the property. There have been a few nights that I roam the palace grounds. I would see dozens of guards making their rounds. Does he fear for my safety that much? I even asked if I could go into the city but my request was denied. It's not like he said anything. But he did shake his head several times before walking me back to my room.

But on this particular night, I was able to make my escape. I raced through the trees with a woven sack at my side. I did manage to ask the emperor if he could buy me a bag while he was in the city. It was a simple canvas bag that went over my shoulder. He was skeptical at first but he bought me one anyway. Inside of the canvas bag were the cow ears I had asked Beom to get for me. I can't wait to treat the wolf. I hope that the wolf likes them. But then again, why wouldn't it? I mean, a wolf is basically an undomesticated dog. A very large...undomesticated dog.

I slowed to a light jog before coming to the riverbank. I wish there was a way that I could call for the wolf. But it is just an animal. And a wild one at that. Still, these past few days, I have been able to visit the library. But there wasn't any information on wild beasts that roam the forest other than deer and elk. I wonder why the giant wolf isn't mentioned. It's not like I can ask Lord Baek or Beom about it. They would just think that I'm crazy or something.

Crack.

I listened closely to the sound of heavy footsteps. I happily spun around to see the wolf walking toward me.

"You're here!" I immediately threw open my arms.

The wolf narrowed its eyes before stepping forward. It rubbed its nose to my cheek then pressed its cheek to mine.

"I've missed you! Oh! I have a surprise for you!" after reaching into my bag, I pulled out the cow ears. "Here!"

The wolf sniffed each one before taking them with its teeth. The beast lay on the ground and began chomping away at its treat.

"I knew you would like them." I smiled. "I'm sorry I haven't been able to pay you a visit." my hand ran through its thick fur on top of its head. "But I've been locked away.

The wolf rolled its large golden eyes at me.

"The emperor has me locked up in my room again. Jeez, when will this stop." I sank to the grassy forest floor.

The wolf perked up.

"There was this huge incident during our engagement party. I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't a little shaken up. But that doesn't mean that I have to be locked away like a bird in a cage!"

The wolf finished off the cow ears before sitting up.

"I can't go into the city. I can only stay inside the palace. And most of the time, I'm in my room drawing."

The wolf lowered its head.

"Hey..." cupping its massive head in my hands, I massaged the sides of its jaw. "What are you sulking about?" I rubbed its chin before burying my face in its thick black fur. "You didn't do anything wrong."

The wolf slowly licked my cheek.

"I just miss going outside." I said. "I don't like being confined." my hands dropped as I hugged my knees to my chest. "I just wish I could have...a little bit of freedom..."

The wolf pressed its face to my chest.

"But...I guess it's okay if I can at least see you whenever the emperor is away." I held the wolf's face to mine and kissed it between the eyes. The wolf immediately tore itself away from me. It began pacing back and forth with its nose in the grass.