If Time Can Dare [BL]

6

A few years before Gin was born, his mother lived in the capital. She is of a noble birth in a clan that can remember their past lives. They were highly regarded by the king and were the king's secret weapon.

One day, a prince of the king asked them to help him ascend the thrown when his elder brother, the crown prince was alive. Loyal to the king only, they refused to help him. Slowly but gradually, the prince found ways to make the king suspicious of them.

The final straw before the clan was massacred happened in the eve of a new year. The prince asked his kingly father, "With all the incidents around them, father, surely they want to be royalties sooner or later."

"What do you mean, my son?"

"Father, have you ever asked yourself why they won't offer their library to you? What kind of knowledge is in there? If that knowledge can help you defeat your enemies and rule the world, why won't they give it to you? Are they saving it for themselves?"

The king shakes his head, "A greedy king is a dead king my son."

"But a knowledgeable king is a prosperous king, father."

The prince stared into his father eyes without a muscle agitated. His words ringed in the king's ear for many nights.

After much contemplation, the king asked the clan for access to the library. He believed the knowledge in the library ought to be reviewed by people from his side. The clan was reluctant as knowledge regarding the shape of a water molecule and its properties, the text of war strategies, mathematical predictions of stars, and among many others are in the library.

Though such knowledge may seem casual as first glance, if one who has the prospects to understand and intents to do evil was to access the library—they often had to eliminate their own children who have those prospects and intents.

The clan knew they couldn't service the king any longer. They begin to transfer the library piece by piece, book by book, and model by model. When the king got wind of it, he ordered to burn the clan on stakes.

Gin's mother was only twelve at the time. His grandparents hid her away among strangers in the streets. The money left for her was stolen and she was left hungry... In the end, she became an indentured servant.

At the age of sixteen, her beauty caught the eyes of many, including her master, the previous lord. He told her, "Become my mistress. I'll treat you well. You'll eat every meal until you're satisfied. You'll sleep on a soft and warm bed until you wish to wake up. You'll have all the cosmetic powders and dresses you'll ever want."

"Master, those are not things this servant girl wish for."

"Then what do you wish for?"

She was meek and shook her head, "This servant girl wishes the lord and madam a long and happy marriage."

The previous lord splashed his cup of wine onto her. When the madam found her and learnt of her husband's indecent behavior, she became heartbroken.

"He stole me with those same words, and look at me now. All those things are fulfilled except for what I asked of him, his loyalty... You ought to work in my quarters."

In the late summer of that same year, the madam asked Gin's mother to pick some cloudberries for her son's birthday. When the previous lord heard this, he made the excuse of gaming and followed her into the woods.

When he was sure that they were alone, he appeared in front of her, "You are as rare as the berries you pick. If I can't have you, I'll settle for a taste that'll last me a lifetime."

"Master. I do not wish for what you suggested."

"Yes, it's not what you wish for, but what I wish for."

He grabbed her wrist and threw away her basket. She opened her mouth for a cry but his lips covered hers. They fell onto the soft meadow.

Tears fell from her eyes. Her cries were just mumbles through the lips. Their clothes were torn and violently scattered around them.

While under the body of her predator, she heard a loud sound then blood and gore washed across her face. The upper half of the previous lord's head was gone.

She was too stunned to speak. Her savior removed the corpse and wiped her face with his clothes without saying a word to her. His face was handsome and her tiny body fitted neatly in his arms. This man is Gin's father.

Gin often recalls the story of how his mother met his father. He wants what they have, and yet unlike them the person he saved is a married man and a king at that.

'Are you okay, Gin? You've been daydreaming a lot lately,' his father taps his shoulder. He wears a worried expression. 'Are you lovesick?'

Gin's eyes widen, 'No! Anyway, I'll go see if we have any customers.'

His father shakes his head and returns to sculpting wood.

In the front of the shop, a well dressed gentleman is followed around by Gwen. He would touch a piece of furniture, shakes his head, and moves onto the next one. As soon as Gin sees the gentleman's face, he recalls one of the king's bodyguards.

"Shouldn't you be attending your king?" Gin pulls his sister's arm and shield her behind himself.

The corners of the gentleman's lips arch up, and he lowers his head, holding his hat against his chest. "You are worthy of His Majesty's praises. I am here to meet with your mother."

"Why?"

"It is as per the agreement she made with His Majesty of course."

"Gwen, call mom to the back and bring them some tea." Gwen rushes back to her mother and Gin guide the gentleman to the back of the shop.

He was hopeful that the king may have lingering feelings for him and he for the king. However, things are never (exactly) what one hoped for.