When Peony Blooms #AMBW

Chapter 29: "Crimson Petals, Icy Hearts"

The state of her nerve was pounding a frenzied tempo in her chest. The flurry of concerns left her senses overwhelmed; fear for her husband, relief at his intervention, and a budding respect for his unexpected courage. Yet, amidst the storm of feelings, a discomfort of responsibility lived itself in her heart—guilt for being the incentive of such a violent confrontation.

In the aftermath of the prince's departure, the room buzzed with activity. The guards scrambled, hauling the battered King onto a bed to get looked at by the physician. The prince's wrath had ushered in a shift of power dynamics, the chain reaction of which remained to be seen.

Seo-Jin, turned his attention to Ayodele. He approached her, his eyes softening with concern. "Are you alright, Crown Princess?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Ayodele nodded, the adrenaline that had fueled her moments ago waning, leaving behind a dull exhaustion. "I am... thank you, Seo-Jin."

He offered her a comforting smile, reaching out to gingerly take the brush from her hand. "You defended yourself admirably, Crown Princess," he complimented.

As Seo-Jin left the chamber to fulfill his duties, Ayodele found herself alone in the aftermath of chaos. Her gaze drifted to the grand doors through which the prince had exited. She hesitated for a moment before deciding to follow him to her chambers.

Lady Song and Afi ran out to comfort Ayodele as she walked in a fashion that wobbled on her path to her room.

Elsewhere, In the quiet solitude of his confinement, the Crown Prince sat heavily on the cold stone floor, his back against the wall. His royal robes, stained with his father's blood and dirty with dust.

His mind was a whirl of tumultuous thoughts, like a tempest threatening to consume him. Images of Ayodele, strong and defiant against his father, flashed through his mind. He remembered the fire in her eyes, the fainted pain in her voice. Despite his circumstances, a faint smile tugged at his lips. She had stood up for herself, even against the King.

Yet, as the silence of his confinement stretched on, his thoughts began to drift towards the consequences of his actions. He could only imagine the uproar his actions had caused within the court. Yet, he found himself with no regrets.

Suddenly, the door to his cell creaked open, a sliver of light piercing the gloom. As the door swung open fully, he saw the figure of Seo-Jin.

Seo-Jin made his way over to the Crown Prince, his face grim. "Your Highness," he began, bowing slightly, "I bring news from the court."

The Crown Prince looked up at him, his face a mask of calm. "Speak," he commanded.

Seo-Jin cleared his throat, "The King is alive, and he has ordered your imprisonment until further notice. As for Ayodele, she is safe. She was taken to her chambers and put under guard, supposedly for her protection."

A breath of relief slipped past the Crown Prince's lips. Ayodele was safe, and in that moment it was the most concerning him.

"But I must warn you, Your Highness," Seo-Jin continued, "The court is in an uproar. Many are speaking out against you, stating that you should be stripped of your title and exiled. There are even some who are calling for your execution."

The Crown Prince's lifted a brow as he scoffed in disbelief. He had expected consequences, but to hear them spoken so bluntly, it sent a chill down his spine. Still, he steeled himself, clenching his fists at his sides.

"And what of Ayodele?" he asked.

Seo-Jin's expression softened slightly, "She is being supported by a few. Some claim she hurt the king in anger and this being a disrespect to Joseon. Though not all the majority believe that she should be punished, as well. Many are calling for her to be demoted to a lower rank, or even to be banished."