The Infernal : The Rise Of A King (K.TH)

Ch 31: The Bard's Inn

Taehyung

I didn't know how to explain it, as I was lying down I felt aware of the fact that I was no longer sleeping. Something in my mind voiced me to open my eyes so I did. Bright specks of light burned my vision while I gasped for air as if resurfacing from a breathtaking dive. The golden ceiling above me sends alarm bells ringing through my head and within a second I shot up from my laying position. 

''Your highness!'' A wet cloth got pressed into my face masking my vision. However, it soon started to move away from my eyes, to my cheeks, my forehead, and my neck. This allowed me to lay eyes upon a female. She wore a long dress partly covered up with a white apron. Staring at her face it seemed she was immersed in cleaning up every trail of sweat on my face.

Her dark hair was held together in a bun while a cap rested on her head. Her eyes were big, with long lashes and a mole on her left cheek. 

''Has he awoken?'' Another concerned voice entered the room and the female before me dipped her head low stepping away from me. 

''Yes, your majesty.'' The maid came to halt at the end of my bed allowing the woman to approach me. I was fixated on the powdery blue dress that swayed its way toward me. It was beautiful as if dancing along the room.

''How are you feeling?'' A set of gentle hands held onto my cheeks guiding me to look up. My heart came to an abrupt stop and at that moment I forgot about my surroundings. Those familiar dark brown eyes, her long braided hair, that gentle touch. The only thing that was missing was her earnest smile which got replaced by a concerned frown. 

''M-Mom.'' What is happening? 

My jaw was weakened by her touch and the locking of our eyes made mine feel teary. 

''Yes, my son.'' She sat next to me, her touch still as eager but I didn't want it any other way. I leaned into the warmth closing my eyes for a short moment. 

''I'm feeling fine,'' I answered her long-awaited question. A deep relieved sigh released through the room and her hands lowered away from my face.

''You came down with a strong fever and were asleep for almost 2 days. Please don't scare me like that ever again Taehyung.'' Even her scolding was able to make me smile, making me nod in delight. 

Ah, that's right. I didn't feel well so I decided to sleep it off. I didn't feel that sick...to think I have slept for 2 days.

''Prepare a bath for the prince.'' My mother instructed the still-present maid. Her head was lowered this whole time and with a confirmation, she left the room.

''I'm going back to the kitchens to help prepare breakfast. Take a bath and get dressed, I'll see you in a bit.'' Her eyes took another moment to scan my features while her hand moved along. 

''Yes.'' I didn't know why I felt so shy, every glimpse and every touch made me tremendously happy. As if I haven't seen her for a while, but the truth is I get to experience this every day.

After breakfast, I attended my lessons as usual by far the most boring part of my day. First I had to indulge myself for hours in dusty old books regarding the northern Islands and their history. After a light snack, I had my body take a toll sweating it out with my swordsmanship lessons with the knights. It didn't stop there, after being dragged into another heated bath and dressed up accordingly I joined my father at his council meeting. The only thing that held my head up was the fact that after this was done. I could finally slip away into the gardens with one of my favorite books. 

So I did, the moment the meeting was over I was probably the first to exit that room. The cold shivers my father sent, at last, came to an end. During those times his stare was agitating enough. As if he held a knife to my throat. I had to be careful of what I said, how I looked, how I sat, and how I even breathe. If I even make a small mistake I will not hear the end of it. My father is a man who firmly believes in the term 'There is no room for failure'.