King ► N.RK

25

The days turned into weeks, and the kingdom thrummed with an air of celebration. Ni-ki and Lusi had quickly become the heart of the realm, their love story woven into the fabric of everyday life. Hera often found herself wandering the streets, caught between the joy of the kingdom and the ache in her heart. The laughter and admiration for the couple echoed everywhere she went.

In the marketplace, vendors displayed wares adorned with images of the prince and princess, their faces radiant in painted murals. Children sang songs about their love, tales of bravery and kindness that painted Ni-ki as a hero and Lusi as a gentle, wise queen. Hera would sometimes pause at the stalls, pretending to browse, her heart heavy as she listened to the exuberant chatter around her.

"Did you see them at the festival?" one woman exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "The way he looks at her-it's like she's the only person in the world!"

"Yes! And did you notice how she blushed when he whispered to her?" another chimed in. "They truly are a perfect match!"

Hera forced a smile, but each compliment felt like a reminder of the distance between her and the life she once hoped to share with Ni-ki. She watched from afar as they walked hand-in-hand through the streets, Lusi's laughter ringing like music, Ni-ki's eyes shining with affection. They seemed to illuminate the world around them, a beacon of hope for the people.

One afternoon, as she meandered through the gardens, Hera caught a glimpse of them beneath the boughs of a sprawling oak tree. They sat close together, engaged in quiet conversation, their expressions soft and tender. Lusi brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, and Ni-ki leaned in, his laughter spilling into the air like sunlight. The sight twisted something deep within Hera, a mix of longing and sorrow.

"Can you believe it?" a voice interrupted her thoughts. It was Sunghoon, appearing beside her. "They're just as sweet as everyone says. It's hard not to admire them."

Hera nodded, unable to form words. The sight of them together felt like a surreal dream, one where she was a ghost, forever watching but never participating.

"Are you okay?" Sunghoon asked, concern creasing his brow.

"I'm fine," she replied, forcing a smile. "Just... taking in the beauty of the day."

Sunghoon studied her for a moment, then sighed. "You know, it's okay to feel hurt. You fought for this kingdom too, and you deserve happiness just as much as they do."

Hera turned her gaze back to the couple, wishing for the warmth of Ni-ki's affection. "I know, but it's hard when it feels like everything has changed. They deserve each other, and I'm happy for them, but... it's complicated."

Sunghoon placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're stronger than you think, Hera. Finding your own path is just as important."

As they stood there, she tried to focus on the positives. Ni-ki was no longer just her friend; he was a symbol of resilience, a beacon for the kingdom. Yet, every time she glimpsed him, the memories came rushing back-shared laughter, tender moments, the secrets they had exchanged. They felt like whispers of a past that had vanished into the wind.

Days turned into weeks, and each time Hera ventured out, she found herself gravitating toward places where Ni-ki and Lusi often went. She would sit in coffee shops and parks, hiding in the shadows as she watched them interact with the people. Their kindness was infectious; they listened to the concerns of the citizens, shared stories, and laughed together, embodying the hope the kingdom had needed.

At the annual Harvest Festival, the couple took center stage, dancing gracefully beneath a canopy of lanterns. The townsfolk surrounded them, cheering as they twirled, their movements fluid and elegant. Hera stood at the edge of the crowd, her heart a mixture of admiration and pain. The way Ni-ki spun Lusi around, the pure joy on her face-it was a scene that seemed to be painted by the hand of fate itself.