When Peony Blooms #AMBW

Chapter 40: " Beneath the Moon's Embrace."

As Ayodele's world seemed to have crumbled in an instant, the very core of her existence ripped from her.

Minister Kim, noticing her state, hastily directed the servants, "Our crown princess is in distress. Help her!" His voice was stern, commanding. He didn't wait for an answer as he turned, following the servants as they hastily moved Ayodele to the palace physician.

Inside the room, Ayodele was placed on the bed, her eyes sought out Minister Kim as he entered the room. The pain reflected in his eyes told her everything. As she looked away.

Minister Kim, walked over, standing at the foot of her bed. He gave her a sorrowful look, his gaze speaking volumes. His voice was gentle but firm when he said, "I told you, you can always cry in front of me."

Hearing those words, something within Ayodele broke. The dam that held back her grief and despair gave way, the overwhelming sadness flooding her. Her breath hitched, tears welling up in her eyes. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, she nodded, giving herself the permission to let go.

Tears rolled down her cheeks, each one an emblem of her profound loss. Her body shook with the intensity of her sobs. Minister Kim reached out, taking her hands in his, his presence a comfort in her world of hurt. In her agony, she clutched at the front of his robe, her fingers digging into the fabric as if it were her only lifeline.

Unable to contain her pain, she began to hit her fist against his chest, each strike echoing her despair. Minister Kim bore her blows stoically, understanding that this was her way of grappling with everything. He simply held her, providing the support she needed as she wrestled with her grief. Eventually in his embrace the crown princess fell asleep.

Leading into the morning, the smile of the crown prince met his wife's " You look beautiful." The crown prince carefully smoothened out the wrinkles of Ayodele's hanbok, tucking them in around her body. Once he was satisfied with the fit, he stepped back to admire his handiwork. He leaned forward and whispered softly in her ear, "Are you warm?"

Ayodele smiled and nodded. He placed his hands on her shoulders and tilted his head down so that their eyes met, expecting a kiss she closed her eyes.

Suddenly, almost unexpectedly, he stepped forward and tapped gently on her nose with his index finger. Ayodele blinked in surprise before a mischievous smile crept onto her face.

Before she could voice her disappointment, he leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips – leaving Ayodele stunned yet pleasantly surprised by this unexpected display of affection. She felt herself smile further as the crown prince pulled away from the kiss with a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. Taking one last look at each other, they began walking out into the city together – entwined in each other's embrace, upon a small escape from the rigorous life of the palace.

They rode on horseback, their figures casting elongated shadows under the midday sun. The paving stone streets of the city buzzed with life - children chasing after each other in a game of tag, merchants trying to sell their wares with boisterous voices, the aroma of various street foods wafting through the air. He led her to a local sweet vendor, buying her favorite sticky rice cake. Watching Ayodele's eyes light up as she took the first bite was a joy that warmed the crown prince's heart.

As they meandered through the narrow lanes, the crown prince pointed out the various sights. He told her stories of his own escapades in the city as a young prince, each anecdote drawing a soft chuckle or a gasp of surprise from Ayodele.

Ayodele, for her part, was lost in the enchantment of the moment. Being with the crown prince, away from the confines of the palace, felt like a dream. She looked at him, her eyes reflecting the depth of her love for him. In response, he offered her a gentle smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling in an affectionate way that made her heart flutter.