When Peony Blooms #AMBW

Chapter 48: Invisible Lines of Battle

Life and it's mysteries had tightened its grip on the palace since the heated exchange between Seo-jin and So-ra seemed to be magnified by the numbing chill in the air.

Outside, the world was being gently graced by the heavens, soft snowflakes falling gracefully from the overcast sky.

While confined within her chamber, So-ra found herself a captive of her own restlessness. Akin to a caged bird, she paced back and forth, her gait agitated, her mind a whirlpool of turmoil. Every now and then, her gaze would dart towards the window, the gentle snowfall compared to her inner unrest.

Her slender fingers clung desperately to the ends of her hanbok, the fabric crumpled under her firm grip. The knuckles of her hand were pale, a silent testament to the ferocity of her anxiety. Her mind was a stormy sea, waves of regret and frustration crashing against the shores of her thoughts.

The realization that she had overstepped her boundaries with Seo-jin. The gravity of her harsh words bore down on her, the guilt heavier than the most elaborate of royal attire. Yet, she was aware that an apology was due. The notion was a blow to her pride, a bitter task that she found hard to stomach.

But despite the bitter taste of humility, she knew she needed to make amends. The need for Seo-jin's forgiveness. Rather the requirement it happened.

With a deep sigh, she steeled herself, setting off down the cold corridors toward Seo-jin's quarters. The muffled sound of her footsteps was swallowed up by the thick stone walls, her apprehension seeming to write themsleves through the empty hallways.

As she approached Seo-jin's room, her heart pounded in her chest, the rhythm matching the rapid fluttering of her thoughts. She hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the thick door before she finally gathered her courage and gave it a gentle knock.

The door creaked open to reveal Seo-jin, his sharp gaze scanning her face before his eyes narrowed slightly. He seemed about to say something, but then his expression turned icy, his body language closing off.

"So-ra," he began, his tone cool and detached, "What brings you here?"

"I...I came to talk," she stammered, trying to keep her voice steady. Her eyes were pleading, a stark contrast to the haughty demeanor she typically wore.

Seo-jin's gaze hardened further, his posture stiffening. "I think we said enough on our last encounter," he retorted, a noticeable chill seeping into his voice. "Or do you have more insults to throw my way?"

" I want to be honest..."So-ra winced, his words hitting her like a physical blow. "No...No, I...I wanted to apologize, I was just... I am just... there is a reason why I did, I was annoyed and scared," she admitted, the words tasting bitter on her tongue.

Seo-jin studied her for a moment, his gaze piercing. Then, he shook his head, an edge of frustration in his voice. "Your apologies won't change the truth, So-ra... I can see why my bro..." He cleared his throat, " The crown prince got so easily tired of your ways." He said curtly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have things to do." He said grabbing a book.

In an abrupt, unceremonious dismissal, the door slammed shut in So-ra's face before she could receive a response. Left in the biting chill of the palace's stone-laid corridor, she stood rooted to the spot, the stinging cold gnawing into her skin. The sound of the closing door echoed ominously in her ears, reverberating within the silent hallway and amplifying her sense of rejection.

After the dismissive encounter, So-ra couldn't bear to linger. As she retreated, Seo-jin hastily darted out of his quarters, his usual calm demeanor disrupted. An overwhelming sense of unease engulfed him, the air thick with an indefinable tension, its erratic rhythm alarming.