When Peony Blooms #AMBW

Chapter 30: "The Silent Sonata"

"Crown Princess..."

The voice flowed through the quiet palace, a slow and steady river parting the silence. Ayodele turned, her eyes meeting the soft gaze of So-Ra, her approach marked by a slowness that mirrored her hushed words.

As she was about to respond, another call filled the air, the familiar cadence of her name taking on a new weight. From the shadowed corners of her quarters, a figure emerged, the outline of the crown prince unmistakable even in the dim lighting.

He moved like a breeze, swift and warm, closing the distance between them in what felt like a single heartbeat. His arms reached out, wrapping her in an embrace that was as gentle as it was earnest.

"You're extraordinary," he breathed, showering her with kisses, each one a testament of his affection. "A blessing," he murmured between kisses, his words painting a smile on her face.

As he cradled her face with his right hand, Ayodele twined her fingers around it. She kissed his palm reverently, again and again, before her lips found his in a tender dance. A single tear traced a path down her cheek, a silent testament of her unspoken emotions.

"I've missed you," she confessed, her eyes roving over him, her relief tangible. "I'm so happy, I'm so happy." Her fingers traced his hands, her brows knitting together in worry. "Did they harm you?" she questioned, while her eyes took in his appearance, a slight pause in her words as a thought struck her. "You seem remarkably neat for a returning prisoner," she noted, a hint of amusement colouring her words.

A soft laugh rolled off the crown prince's lips as his thumb traced the line of her cheek. "I insisted on cleaning up before seeing you," he confessed, his lips brushing against hers in another sweet kiss. "I could not come meet you in an unfit state, I know you have standards." His words though honest also teased her enough to receive another smile from her lips.

" It's great to see you out, Jeonha..." a little voice from behind him spoke.

The soft, hesitant voice slipped into their intimate bubble, causing the couple to turn, drawn back to the presence of another. The reminder of So-ra's patient wait was a gentle intrusion, yet a reminder of their audience.

"I should probably return later..." So-ra began, her voice trailing off. But before the Crown Prince could consent to her suggestion, Ayodele interjected.

"Allow me some time with her," she said, her voice firm yet soft, as though she could decipher the thoughts swirling in his mind. With a nod of acquiescence, he released her. She traced her fingers delicately along his chin, memorizing the moment.

The compliment from So-ra floated towards them. "You two complement each other beautifully." Her voice was soft, a whisper carried by the breeze.

A slight smile graced Ayodele's lips at the compliment, her cheeks tinted with a hint of unease. She ushered them towards the pavilion, her arms wrapping around her torso as her forest-green hanbok danced in harmony with her walk, as if softly chanting her steps across the ground.

With measured grace, she sank onto a plush cushion, the folds of her hanbok settling around her like a blooming flower. She met So-ra's gaze, her silence an invitation to continue.

"We aren't close are we, So-ra?," Ayodele began, her voice steady as she held So-ra's gaze. "I sense you didn't travel this distance just to flatter me. So,  tell me what's the bother, So-ra. The urgency that prompted you to seek me must surely mean something of importance."

"Well... I presume you've already saw it," So-ra broached the topic, her words punctuated by the arrival of a handmaiden bearing a tray laden with an array of fruits, a delightful display of nature's bounty. The fruits were carefully inspected by a food tester before being deemed safe for consumption.