Bittersweet | l.fx au

Chapter 10

"How is he?" You ask and rush to help Taeyeon in any way you can.

Taeyeon doesn't answer and motions for you to go on the other side of your father to help him into bed. Once you all do, Taeyeon lets out a sigh of relief. "Ouch, my back."

You smile and then look towards your father. He looks like he's in a daze. Briefly, his state makes you uneasy. His unfocused eyes stare into space. "I take it that the surgery went well?" 

"It seems like." Taeyeon rubs her arms. "The doctor said that there were no complications but to keep an eye on him in case the wound gets infected." She goes to the side of the bed and checks on him. "He's still under the influence but should sober up soon."

You nod thoughtfully. There are no other words to describe what you're feeling but it almost feels like you returned to a life of normalcy. Almost. 

Taeyeon glances over at Ryunjin who's babbling in her high chair. "How was Ryunjin?"

"Oh, she was great!" You then went to the middle of the room to pick up the couple of toys you had. "We played for a bit and ate some snacks."

"It's such a good thing you had the night off." She says and picks up Ryunjin.

"It is." You comment and put the toys back in the corner of the room. "Luckily, it's Miss Lia's turn this week for the overnight shift. And I'm so glad the doctor was able to do the surgery after my shift."

"I am too." Taeyeon does look grateful. She mindlessly pinches Ryunjin's cheek as the baby babbles cutely. "It was horrible. Since his leg had healed up, they had to break it again to set it right." She seems to be recalling the memory then her dazed eyes turn to you. "Thank you for taking the job at the castle. I think that if we didn't have your pay, we wouldn't have been able to afford the surgery."

You feel a sense of pride swell up inside you. Although you're afraid for your life, the money from the job sure came in handy to assist your family. You don't want to think of the unimaginable if you didn't have the money for the surgery. "It's no problem." You say, quite happy that you're making a good contribution.

A groan of pain interrupts your conversation. It seems like your father is stirring from the dose of medications. Quickly, you go to check on him. He seems to be awake some more and you're not sure how Taeyeon managed to drag a somewhat conscious man home. "How are you feeling?" You ask.

He blinks trying to get a sense of his surroundings. "I think they gave me too many drugs to make me pass out." He jokes.

You stifle a laugh. "Of course. Did you need anything or need me to do something?" You offer.

It takes him a moment to process your question. "No, I'm okay. I think I need to sleep more or something."

You smile and tell him to rest. Once he closes his eyes, you walk back to the area where Taeyeon is starting to prepare Ryunjin for bed. You bite the inside of your cheek as you need to tell Taeyeon that you're leaving for a trip in a week or so.

It started when the Fourth Prince was frustrated with everything.

"I think I need to make a trip to these kingdoms." He mutters, eyebrows furrowed.

"A trip, Fourth Prince?" Lia questions. She went back to the bookstore to pick up a book that came in.

He nods and leans back in his chair. "Yes, since this information seems to be outdated. I think we need to go and get some new information... It would also be best to try and ally ourselves with kingdoms if they do start to advance..."

You can see what he's thinking. You just wonder if you also have to go with him. His eyes flicker to everyone. "Um, I hope it's not too much trouble, but can you all come along with me?"