𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿𝘀. . . nishimura riki ✔

𝟬𝟰𝟲; outshine the stars

A FEAST IN THE GRAND HALL WAS TO BE HELD IN JIEUN'S HONOUR. As the preparations for the grand feast were underway, Jieun found herself compelled to seek out Riki. She could not shake off the thoughts and emotions swirling within her, and she knew that speaking with him would bring her a sense of solace. Accompanied by Jake and Sunghoon, who remained vigilant by her side, she made her way to Riki's chambers.

The corridor leading to his room was dimly lit, the flickering torches casting long shadows on the stone walls. Jieun's heart raced with anticipation, her steps quickening as she neared the door. With a gentle knock, the door swung open, revealing Riki within, pacing back and forth with a troubled expression.

His eyes widened with surprise at the sight of Jieun, his visitor unexpected yet welcomed. The guards lingered near the doorway, their presence a reminder of the boundaries that still separated them. Jieun offered a small smile to Riki, a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty dancing in her eyes.

'May we have a moment alone, please?' she requested, her voice steady but carrying an undertone of vulnerability. Jake and Sunghoon exchanged a brief glance before nodding, understanding the unspoken need for privacy. With a bow of their heads, they withdrew from the room, leaving Jieun and Riki in quiet seclusion.

Gingerly, she took a step forward, closing the distance between them. She observed Riki's restless movements, the furrowed lines on his forehead, and the weight of guilt that seemed to burden him. There was a silent understanding between them, a recognition of the intricate tapestry their lives had woven together.

'I wanted to thank you, Riki,' Jieun began, her voice soft but filled with sincerity. 'Without your help, the truth might have remained hidden. You showed me loyalty and compassion when others doubted me.'

Riki met her gaze, his own eyes revealing a mix of remorse and determination. 'I had a debt to repay,' he admitted, his voice laced with regret.

Her voice trembled slightly as she uttered the words, her eyes searching Riki's for understanding. 'Forgive me for doubting your innocence,' she implored, her sincerity radiating through her words.

Riki met her gaze, his mischievous demeanour momentarily replaced by a profound empathy. He reached out and gently grasped Jieun's hand, offering her a reassuring squeeze. 'There is nothing to forgive, Jieun,' he responded, his voice filled with warmth. 'If our roles were reversed, I would have harboured doubts as well. We have both been shaped by the narratives fed to us, the beliefs ingrained in our hearts.'

A hint of a smile tugged at Jieun's lips as she considered Riki's words. It was true, they came from opposing factions, indoctrinated with stories that painted the other as the enemy. Trust was a fragile thing between them, built upon shared experiences and their willingness to challenge the preconceived notions that had shaped their lives.

'You've always had a way of seeing beyond the surface, Riki,' Jieun remarked, her voice tinged with both admiration and curiosity. 'In the midst of chaos, you manage to find humour and mischief. It's. . . refreshing.'

Riki chuckled softly, a glimmer of playfulness dancing in his eyes. 'Well, life is too short to be serious all the time, especially in our predicament,' he replied, a mischievous grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. 'Besides, you always keep me on my toes.'

Tilting his head, Riki walked over to Jieun, his eyes tracing the elegant lines of her attire. The fiery hues of her gown seemed to accentuate her every curve, leaving him momentarily captivated. With a mischievous grin playing on his lips, he gently nudged her chin up with a crooked finger, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

'My, my, my. . . What's the occasion, my princess?' he teased, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. 'You're positively radiant tonight. Are you trying to outshine the stars themselves?'

Jieun's cheeks flushed at Riki's flattery, a mixture of amusement and intrigue dancing in her eyes. She playfully swatted at his hand, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. 'Oh, don't get too carried away, my prince,' she responded, her voice laced with a feigned nonchalance. 'A princess must always dress the part, even if it's just for a feast.'

Riki leaned in closer, his voice dipping into a husky whisper. 'Ah, but you do more than simply dress the part, betrothed,' he murmured, his breath brushing against her ear. 'You embody regality and grace in every step, captivating the hearts of all who lay eyes upon you.'

She locked eyes with Riki, a hint of a challenge shining in her gaze. 'Flattery will get you nowhere, dear Riki,' she replied, a mischievous glimmer in her voice. 'But it does make for an entertaining diversion amidst the chaos, doesn't it?'

A grin spread on his lips. 'Ah, Princess, it is in the chaos where the most thrilling moments can be found,' he quipped, stepping back slightly to maintain a teasing distance. 'And with you by my side, I am ready to embrace every twist and turn this journey has to offer.'

She let out a humourless laugh. 'It is a good thing it is your duty as my betrothed and future Prince Consort to accompany me to this feast then?'

The young prince's grin faltered slightly at Jieun's humourless laugh, sensing the undercurrent of unease in her words. He observed her guarded expression, the fleeting glimpse of vulnerability in her eyes. A flicker of concern crossed his face, but he quickly masked it with a playful smirk.

'Oh, my sweet princess, duty may have brought us together, but it is the unpredictability of the heart that keeps us entwined,' he replied, his voice carrying a hint of sincerity beneath the teasing tone. 'But fear not, for I am more than willing to fulfil my role by your side, even if it means navigating the treacherous waters of duty and desire.'

Brown eyes flickered with a mix of emotions, caught between the yearning in her heart and the weight of her responsibilities. She took a small step back, attempting to create a distance between them. 'It is not our hearts that dictate the fate of our houses, Riki,' she murmured, her voice tinged with a touch of sadness. 'Our duty lies in preserving the legacies that have shaped us, even if it means denying the pull of our emotions.'

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