Two Kingdoms | Park Sunghoon

32

TWO DAYS LATER.

"Enter!" Sunghoon's voice boomed across the room, signalling the door to open revealing a fairly obviously stressed Aeri. Sunghoon stood up and approached her immediately, outstretching his arms and engulfing her in a warm hug. Rubbing her back in assurance, she exhaled shakily.

"Whatever it is you, no we, we can do this. We'll make it out and finally get married and live a happy life together. After all, you have the amazing Park Sunghoon on your side." The young man spoke softly, attempting to cheer her up with his small jokes.

"Tell me about the armies? How is my army doing? Will your army be joining me in this battle?" Aeri questioned as the two headed to their seats, taking out multiple maps and letters spreading them across the table.

"Of course my soldiers will assist you, is that even a question?" Sunghoon smiled. "Um.. your army is doing great. Their training has been advanced and more vigorous upon hearing Saebom's advancement. Upon earning my position, I studied each Corp and their weaknesses. Thankfully, they have improved greatly and I feel they are thoroughly prepared for battle." Sunghoon continued, his legs shaking uncontrollably underneath the table as he thought upon his lies.

FLASHBACK.

"And so, Father, the front line troops have communication issues. They tend to work and think individually and struggle to work together and think of solutions on the spot. Instead of building that, I've come up with excuses to make them focus on their archery instead of communication. For the Cavalry, there aren't many weaknesses, but more than half of the soldiers cannot throw spears or use them properly. They may be skilled with their swords but they stand no choice when it comes to their spears. They hold their sword in their dominant hand whilst holding the spear in the other. We should have Saebom knock their swords out so they are forced to use spears to fight. That's all I've managed to gather for now" Sunghoon informed his father and the General of Saebom, Dong Min.

"Wow... Sunghoon I am so proud of you. You've managed to pick up such critical information in only a few weeks." The King praised his son, Sunghoon's face beaming in content.

"Thank you, Prince Sunghoon. This information has proved very useful to us. I will get my soldiers ready accordingly." Dong Min spoke, placing a hand on Sunghoon's shoulder as he exited the room.

BACK TO PRESENT.

"If I may make a suggestion, My Queen, what about attacking this Friday at sundown? I know it may seem soon, but I have a strong feeling Saebom will not attack until next week. The decision is all yours, but catching them by surprise is the best bet. From past experience, most of their victims and waited for them to attack first and it has always led to defeat." Sunghoon advised, pointing to different points on the map with his dagger, unsure if she would buy his act.

"That is a fair point, Sunghoon." Aeri replied, scratching her head while disappearing into her own thoughts for a while. The woman thought of the pros and cons of the situation, as she always did. Sunghoon's suggestion did seem convincing and the best bet so far. Yet her love blinded her from thinking of any other possibility herself or even consulting General Daeho.

"Sounds good. Get the preparations in place then. Thank you, for everything, my love." She said softly while placing her hand on top of his, rubbing it with her thumb, he simply gave a pained smile to the girl.

"Hey Sunghoon?"

"Mhm?"

"Would you care to visit me on Thursday before we attack?"

"Of course, I'll always be here. Any particular reason?"

"I just... I've never done this before. I'm petrified just thinking about it. Every time I pass through the corridor to my room, I see their camps and I feel my blood run cold and my body shake intensely. Sunghoon I'm scared: truly scared. I want to be with you to put myself at ease." Aeri spoke shakily as Sunghoon glanced at her with pure concern for her mental state.

"I really need you, Sunghoon. So please stay with me for a bit before it all goes down. You're the only one I have and the only one I care for. It's you who I'll choose and you who can keep me happy."

"Aeri... of course I'll be here with you. I'll stay as long as I need to if it's to keep you distracted." He said placing a kiss to her head.

"Thank you." She said looking up towards the tall man.

"I love you ever so Aeri."

"I love you too."