When Peony Blooms #AMBW

Chapter 15: "Tides of Change and Unseen Forces"

I have appreciated the comments and votes, I really like seeing you all enjoying the story. So I did a three chapter update day, this being (3) enjoy.

Ayodele was engrossed in the book that Seo-jin had gifted her, losing herself in its enchanting tales. Her serenity was disrupted as Lady Song and Afi, with lines of worry etching their aged faces, approached her.

" Sejabinmama, are you okay?" they inquired, their voices steeped in an undercurrent of nervous tension. Ayodele acknowledged their concern with a mere nod, her eyes still scanning the pages of her book. " Any reason I shouldn't be?" she asked .

They were both quiet for a moment too long, causing her to look up from her book.

She could not ignore the unease exuding from the pair. Their nervous glances and jittery energy seeped into her peaceful reading nook, causing her to lift her gaze from the captivating world within her book. "What's making you two so nervous?" Ayodele asked, her voice echoing her concern.

Exchanging a brief, worried look, Lady Song and Afi confessed that the Crown Prince wasn't well. The lightness in Ayodele's eyes dimmed at their words. She responded with a light-hearted response, "Perhaps you should tell So-ra to handle it," her tone playful.

The two women returned her tease with grave expressions, signaling that the situation wasn't one to be taken lightly. Realizing the seriousness of their concern, her banter quickly faded into silence.

With a heavy sigh, Ayodele closed her book. The fanciful world within its pages would have to wait. Rising without uttering another word, she moved to check on the Crown Prince.

Ayodele was entering the Crown Prince's chamber when she watched So-ra approaching. Seeing her approach, Ayodele swiftly stepped outside to intercept her.

Upon reaching the chamber doorway, So-ra bowed, " I have come to see the Crown Prince."

Ayodele nodded, understanding So-ra's worry despite her usual distaste for her. Even still her tone was firm. "Only Lady Song and Afi are allowed in right now," she said, glancing back at the guards who stood stiffly at their posts. Their gaze met hers and they immediately straightened, understanding her directive.

So-ra's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't protest, it was more her guilt that anything  supressing her usual want to dispute. So, instead, she offered another bow, then hesitated, "Please... make sure he's alright."

"Don't worry, So-ra, there's a reason I'm the crown princess" Ayodele reassured her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, while she also silently remindered the young woman of her place "He is in good hands. Please rest."

As So-ra nodded and turned away, Ayodele turned her attention to the guards.

"No one other than Lady Song and Afi are to enter the Crown Prince's chamber. And I mean no one, not even the king. This is an order from your Crown Princess. Are we clear?"

The guards nodded in unison; their faces serious as they took in her command. "Yes, Your Sejabinmama," they responded.

Ayodele took a deep breath, watching as So-ra retreated, before she stepped into the Crown Prince's chamber. Her limbs already began to fill with dread. She had to steady herself as she parsed the scene before her. He was in a pitiful state, his body coated in a sheen of cold sweat and writhing in discomfort. His eyes were squeezed shut, his brows twitching as if he was stuck in a loop.

Drawing closer to him, Ayodele felt a tremor of unease run through her fingers. The sight of him reduced to this feverish state was unsettling. A heatwave rolled off his body, the force of it hitting her like an unexpected gust of summer wind. His heartbeat thundered in his chest, a rapid staccato that filled her ears, adding to the symphony of his illness.