When Peony Blooms #AMBW

Chapter 10: "Bound by Duty, Yearning for Freedom"

As dawn peeked through the royal windows, the Crown Prince awoke, the other side of the bed noticeably vacant. A sense of curiosity tugged at him, an unfamiliar feeling that urged him to find out about Ayodele's whereabouts.

    He turned to the servants waiting outside their room, their heads bowing in respect as they answered his query. "The Crown Princess left early this morning, Your Highness," they informed him, their words laced with reverence.

    Meanwhile, Ayodele had found solace in a quiet corner of the palace. She was seated in front of the ancestral pillars, her gaze fixated on the one dedicated to the late queen. Her heart brimmed with affection for the deceased royal, a bond that had formed over shared experiences and silent understandings.

    As she lit the incense stick, a wisp of smoke spiraled upwards, carrying with it she whispered words. "I truly loved you," she confessed softly, a playful smile curving her lips as she continued, "But, ah... if only you had a different son. This Crown Prince, he's a bit too much to handle."

    Her words, though spoken in banter, echoed her genuine feelings, a hint of frustration seeping through her otherwise composed demeanor. The solemn pillars became the silent witnesses to her candid moment.

    Ayodele sat bathed in the soft morning light filtering through the pillar's intricate carvings, a sigh slipped past her lips. Her eyes, reflecting the golden rays, bore a far-off look, one that transcended the physical boundaries of the palace and delved deep into a trove of cherished memories.

    A memory of the late queen surfaced, like a preserved lily floating atop a tranquil lake. The queen, on one of her visits to Ayodele's homeland, had embraced her young self with maternal warmth, setting her upon her lap and sharing tales of her fascinating travels. She had painted a vivid world with her words, her eyes sparkling with wisdom and fond reminiscences. Her laughter was like a melody that echoed through the years, her assurance of Ayodele's destined queenhood a prophecy woven with love and belief.

    "I think you made the wrong choice, sometimes. Other times I am angry at you for planning out my life for me." Ayodele whispered into the stillness, tugging at her hanbok. Her words filled heavy with regret and uncertainty.

A single tear traced its way down her cheek, a silent testimony to her emotional turmoil. She missed the queen, her gentle wisdom, and above all, her unwavering belief in Ayodele's capabilities. " I also feel guilty for thinking about it that way, being mad at you... but... you planned then left me with no instructions." Ayodele said as she wiped away her tears once more.

    "Also. Please lend me the strength not to expedite your son's reunion with you," Ayodele sarcastically said, a chuckle escaping her lips. She paused returning deep in thought " All of this... being said I really... really miss you. I came to this country thinking I would at least see you, but when I arrived they said you went on an adventure again... but for some reason, you aren't coming back from this one" Ayodele continued. Her hand reached up to brush away the tears that cascaded down her cheeks, a silent river that seemed to have lost control of its dam.

    The serenity of her solitude was interrupted by the arrival of Seo-jin. He found Ayodele in a rare moment of vulnerability, her tear-streaked face a sharp contrast to her usual poise. His heart ached at the sight of her.

    Unable to stop her tears, Ayodele quipped amidst sobs, "They just won't stop," her attempt to lighten the mood evident in her wobbly smile. Overwhelmed by emotion, Ayodele found herself swept up in a tide of tears that refused to cease. "They really... really won't stop, Seo-jin," she managed to choke out between sobs, her voice faint and tremulous.

    Taken aback, yet filled with concern, Seo-jin closed the distance between them. His hand reached out, steady and reassuring on her shoulder, lending her the support she needed in that vulnerable moment. Their shared silence, under the watchful pillars.