Ashrain

25. No Hooves

Yeosang perched on the bench. He had crossed his arms and his battered face resembled a storm cloud. He had yelled at the trio to let him leave, but Mingi and Wooyoung blocked the door each time he tried to worm his way out of the situation. By now, he sat in displeasure and with a sneer. His left eye was black and his lip split around a bruise on his jaw.

If the situation were any less dire, Hongjoong would frantically avoid the trouble mistreating a noble could get them into. However, since Seonghwa was gone, he was out of his mind with fury.

The royal palace, of all places. The crown prince, who sounded as if he was the one owning that dreadful zoo, if what Yeosang had said was true. No place emanated as much fright and isolation from outside forces in Durnatel. Caught between wanting to break Yeosang's neck and shivering in fear for what might have happened to Seonghwa, Hongjoong stood at the wall. The heat of the fire didn't warm them any longer. It fuelled the flames of their rage and offered a murderous game to play with the one responsible for all this: the sneering elf in their midst who didn't understand his mistake, not even now.

Mingi slammed his fist on the table in front of Yeosang. Undeterred, the elf scowled at him as if indignant about their lack of hospitality after what he did.

"Why did you do that?! We told you he is a guest!"

Yeosang raised his chin, lashes lowering as he glared down on Mingi. Fury contorted the farrier's usually patient features into an ugly grimace.

"The crown prince took notice of him while you showcased him in the city for anyone to have. Why the agitation, llynfír? He lives in luxury now, and you got money out of it. Don't you agree the palace matches a creature as lovely as him better than this grimy hole?"

Wooyoung stomped in Yeosang's direction to kick him from his throne, but Hongjoong caught his arm. Urgency froze his veins rather than igniting him.

"Please, we need to hurry. I don't want him to get hurt, and every second spent on Yeosang is a waste. He won't change his ways."

Yeosang scoffed.

"Oh, wonderful, a coherent thought. Though you need not fret about your friend. The crown prince knows how to deal with people of his kin; he's had centaurs among his followers before. No harm shall come upon such an esteemed guest." Pleased, he nodded to himself.

"You know nothing," Wooyoung hissed and spat at his feet. When Yeosang rose to complain, Mingi did as well. He hauled the arrogant elf at the back of his tunic and shoved him outside. Once Yeosang had stumbled into the snow with an offended whine, Mingi slammed the door shut. Grim, the three looked at each other.

"Thanks. Every word of his made it worse," Wooyoung gritted. Mingi nodded, though all of them knew they had to catch up with Yeosang later and let him pay for his misdeeds. This wasn't about money. He had known where to strike and used that wicked opportunity.

"What now? Should we try to stake claims at the palace? We will be sent away at best and hanged for treason at worst," Mingi growled. His deep voice was laced with anger at how Hongjoong had never heard of him before, but he wasn't scared. Mingi was stressed the same way Hongjoong was and for the same goal. To save Seonghwa.

"The crown prince won't allow anyone to take away his property. He paid money, so he has rights that succeed our moral appeal."

Tension crackled in the air as it challenged the fireplace to a duel. They bit viciously at each other until Hongjoong's skin was smouldering hot under his clothes.

"We need to talk to San," Hongjoong said. His voice was a whisper in his throat, too small and terrified to pick up. Had the people taking Seonghwa away hurt him? Had he fought them? Perhaps he had escaped, but Hongjoong bet Yeosang came with enough soldiers to detain a centaur. Seonghwa was no fighter. There was no freedom for him.