The Princes Street Rat

24 - That's an order

𓆩♡𓆪

Felix had taken Jisung outside. Jisung felt trapped in and needed the air. Felix was ready to assist.

For the first time in what seemed like a long time, Jisung got another view of the palace grounds. This time, still as the prince's consort, yet the situation was entirely different. He was now facing the brunt of the prince's anger, and having no other choice, to accept it in order to go through with their agreement. At least it could last for so long before he's set free. Hopefully, he'd go back home after this, to a home that would fare better than it did when he left it.

Felix escorted him to the garden, that had plenty of blooming flowers to show off this time of year. Flowers too extravagant and fragile to grow anywhere else. Definitely wouldn't be able to bloom in the forest. Ironic as it was.

He conversed with Felix, who was always eager and excited. He loved his bright and calming energy, helping him find comfort while away from his loved ones. Keeping him grounded when he felt like he was in the middle of making the biggest mistake of his life.

All while Felix was the only person he had to confide in about all the turmoil going on in his mind.

It helped that they didn't always talk about the fact that they might both be charged for committing treason if word ever went out about what they do and who they associate with. It helped that they easily found countless things they had in common.

Jisung often listened to the youngers tales— they talked of his studies, about Changbin, about growing up in the palace among the maid's and guards. And they did just the same as they ate fruits under the shade with Jisung draped in extra adornments before he left the room. An order for him to look presentable at all times due to his proximity to the prince.

Jisung was reaching for a fruit when he caught a view of the prince walking up to them, his guard nowhere in sight. His gaze fixed dead on Jisung. Once Felix noticed this development as well, the two looked at each other in shock.

"Minho." Felix let out as the total arrived at a close distance.

“Good day Felix; Jisung. I was at your quarters. You weren't there, the maid's told me you were out in the gardens. So, I presume you're spending your time in leisure?” Minho began.

“Yes. Just for some time, I'll return if I need to, if you need me to, I wasn't sure—”

“No need. Join me for a walk?” Minho offered a hand. Jisung stared, he wasn't sure what the princes' presence meant.

“As your highness pleases.” He took his hand after some hesitance and followed his stride; minding to walk slightly behind him as the rules he studied stated.

“The gardens are lovely this time of year, are they not?”

“Very. I've never seen anything like it.”

“The people that work on these grounds are very detailed with their work. With meticulous attention, they are able to give us produce and flowers that are as easy on the eyes are they are on the soul. I assume this reminds you of home, since you grew up in the forest.”

“Yes, I grew up in the forest, but flowers are a rare sight. At least, one's like these.”

“You've never seen anything like orchids or grape roses at all?”

"Of course I have. Beyond the forest, in markets and gardens in front of homes. Never in the forest."

"Not at all?"

“Some trees bloom with flowers during the spring. Most were medical or wild, not meant to be tampered with to keep the sacredness of the forest intact. We practice taking anything it gives us in moderation to pay thanks to the forest as it provides to us all.”