Two Kingdoms | Park Sunghoon

18

IN THE FOREST.

Aeri took her aim, pulling the bow string tight and straight towards her target. The bird was perched on the branch, so still it seemed to be waiting for another bird acquaintance, however Aeri felt it in her gut that it was waiting for its lover. Animals love too, and that urged Aeri to go after this specific prey even more.

Just before releasing the arrow, the young woman felt a pair of warm arms wrap around her. Catching her off guard, the arrow missed and ended up piercing through the thick oak branch, causing the bird to fly away within milliseconds, letting out a warning cry.

"Who do you think you ar-" as she turned around, she bit her tongue and didn't dare finish her sentence. Only to find that the warm embrace was that of Park Sunghoon. Awfully odd that the Queen seemed to enjoy the brief moments that she was held in his arms; once again causing that flustered emotion to devise in her stomach.

"Who do you think you are to go after a bird waiting for its loved one?" Sunghoon started, his face stern and surprised at her thought process. He seemed slightly disappointed at her too. Was she that against the idea of love?

"It shouldn't matter to you. What are you doing here, this is in fact my forest that I use for hunting. Do you have a death wish Park Sunghoon?" The arrogant Queen replied, only to earn a distasteful scoff from the man in front of her.

Whilst inspecting him, she realised his eyes were softer today. So was his attire and aura. His hair seemed to be parted to the side, his chocolate brown eyes were gleaming innocently, however that gaze of his was, as always, impenetrable; just as his Kingdom. Although she had never seen him this way before, it felt normal for Aeri to see him this way. Almost as if they were close childhood friends.

The girl couldn't help but stare adoringly at his gorgeous eyes. Never in a million years would she admit to finding anything about him gorgeous.

"If you're done staring, I'd like to get to my point. My father is holding a masquerade for his most trusted allies and friends. I thought it would be fitting for my beautiful Queen to receive her invitation personally. I hope to see you there." The silence broke by Sunghoon's words and he offered the invitation to her, whilst on one knee.

"I do love masquerades. And your father is known for his balls. Consider me present. I'll see you there lover boy, I know you'll bother me everyday if I reject." Aeri chuckled whilst Sunghoon gave her a wholeheartedly smile, his fangs glistening despite the lack of sunlight in the forest. He gave one last glance before heading off to his home.

"That damned boy. Always getting to my head." She scoffed as her cheeks flushed at the thought of Sunghoon's homely embrace.