Thief of Twilight

Part Two: Chapter 47

I guess the ginseng tea worked after all.

My energy has returned and I can walk around the palace without taking long extensive breaks to catch my breath. Now that I have my independence back, I can start thinking about what I want to do.

I walked up the steps to the art studio only to pause just outside the doors. I haven't been inside since I ran away. I almost didn't want to come here. I bet everything is covered in dust and the paint needs to be replaced. Should I even go inside? I placed my hand on the door and gave it a push. The sound of the door's metal gears shifting echoed throughout the studio. Everything was just as I left it. Closing the door behind me, I made my way to the table. All of the brushes and paint were still in the same place. Even the charcoal sticks were just where I had left them. I guess he really hasn't been here since I ran away.

"...Maybe...I can try painting today..." I picked up a brush and set it aside. Taking two containers of acrylic paint, I set them next to the brush before reaching for a piece of parchment.

Zurine.

I sharply spun around. "...Yohan?" I searched the room for any sign of movement. "What the hell was that?" that ghostly voice left me feeling uneasy. It almost...sounded like...

"No." I firmly pat my face with my hands. "I'm not thinking clearly. The investigation must be getting to me or something. All this talk about Lord Baldwin and his affairs are just stuck in my head."

"Zurine?"

I jumped as Yohan walked into the studio. "O-Oh, hey..."

"The servants said that you were here. I thought I would visit you before I go to my study." he looked around. "How are your art supplies? Does anything need to be replaced?"

"...No..." I looked at the paint and shook my head. "Everything seems to be fine."

Yohan brushed the loose strands of hair from my face. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." I took a deep breath.

"Would you like anything to eat? My grandmother said you can eat more solid food now. You can have dumplings..."

"Red bean paste..." I murmured.

"Hm?"

"I want dumplings with red bean paste..."

Yohan kissed my forehead. "I will have Min-ji bring you dumplings with red bean paste. Is there anything else that you would like? Maybe tea?"

"Yes...a red tea..."

"Then I will make sure that she brings you some red tea as well." before he could walk away, I grabbed the end of his sleeve.

Yohan turned to me.

"Do you...have to go right now?" I asked.

"The morning assembly ended some time ago. I spoke with one of the officials for a bit but I need to sign a few documents."

"...Yeah...you're right..." I don't know why I even asked him to stay. He has work to do. That was selfish of me.

"Would you like for me to stay with you longer?" he placed both hands on either side of me, pinning me against the table.

"...Y-Yes..."

He inched closer before his lips brushed my cheek.

"Yohan."

He turned his head to see Tae-sung standing in the doorway.

"Yes?" Yohan turned to him.

"Lord Shu is here to see you."