The Enchantress

41.

Prince Chaeyoung.

I hate Rowan for leaving Mina, for making her cry like this. It breaks my heart seeing her like this.

And what hurts more is that I couldn't do anything. She gripped on that necklace tight and lie down on her side sobbing. I couldn't stand it so I left the room and give her space.

I spent the night in the cold but that's nothing compared to what she's feeling. Somehow I felt like I was at fault. She asked me to protect him yet I failed her. How will I face her. I felt like I don't want to go back there but then I don't want to leave her alone. I then decided to go back to her after a few hours.

I slowly opened the door hoping she's already asleep. But I was surprised seeing her sitting at the bed hugging her knees. The necklace was on the bed and she's just staring at it.

I'm afraid to approach her. I don't know what to do. I'm afraid of what she'll do or say once she sees me. Damn, I felt like I'm more nervous now than going into a fight. I just stood there uncertain what to do.

Then she noticed I was back. She looked at me with the most saddest eyes I've ever seen. She was no longer crying. She then put her head on her knees staring again at the necklace.

"He died because of me, because of his love for me. He... He'll still be alive if... If it wasn't for me..."

I couldn't see her face. Honestly, I don't know what to do in these situations. I don't know how to comfort a woman in this state.

"No Mina. You shouldn't blame yourself. He wouldn't want that. In fact I..."

She looked at me and cut me off.

"I can't help not to think that way. He cares and love me so much... too much... but I..." She looked at the necklace again. "What I hate the most is... He... It felt like he knew. He was saying things as if he...he won't come back." Her eyes are now tearing up again.

I sat at the end of the bed. Still nervous yet preparing myself to be nagged anytime. I could feel it's coming.

"I even asked him to stay, to run away but he doesn't want to turn his back on his kingdom, on his country. He... He said he'll fight for our future... For my future..."

She then looked at me, tears are now flowing from her eyes.

"Please tell me you did everything you could for him. That you didn't just left him cause you like me."

"I tried. He's badly wounded and needs immediate medical attention. I told him I'll get a medic but he won't let me. He loved you too much and wants you saved rather than him. I didn't leave him even if there were enemies charging at me. I only left him when he..."

"I hate him. He's so stupid!" She punched the bed. "Who does that? Propose then leave? So stupid."

"Don't hate him... His last breath was him saying he loves you."

She looked at me then broke down again. I didn't think and just went to her and held her in my arms.

"I'm sorry Mina, I couldn't save him." Seconds later tears left my eyes.

Losing my mom was the last time I cried and now this. I cried for her pain. If I could only take away her pain, that I'll be the one who'll endure the pain instead of her... I'll do it for her.

I held her through the night. She cried on my chest her hand gripping my clothing. I did not let her go. I just held her in my arms until we both fell asleep.