The Promise ♡

🍃Birth in to conflicts

Jeon took the soldier outside the tent to give Tae some privacy to dress. He began giving instructions to the soldier, who gratefully followed his orders.

"Untie the horses and pack essential fruits and water. We might have to take the longest  forest route... get the horses ready. We are riding back to Oasis."

"Oasis?? If you don't mind, may I ask you something?" the soldier humbly inquired.

"Go ahead, ask," Jeon responded.

"Why don't we travel to Paradise Land? All our first and second division soldiers are completely loyal to you, and the other division soldiers might not blindly side with Vlad-shi like the twelfth division soldiers, who are completely groomed by Vlad shi and his son."

"It's not about my safety or who is going to  supports me. The threat is on Tae, not me. Also, our king is there in Oasis right now. Besides, it's safer for Tae to be with our Queen Ji min and his Pak Dynasty people more than him being with our soldiers," Jeon explained.

"Whatever you think is safe, Jeon-shi. I'll follow your orders," the soldier said, proceeding to collect the fruits.

"Also... it's going to be a long night ride to Oasis. It's going to be a difficult one as well. If something happens to any of us... , you should go report to our Queen and let him know what happened."

"Our Queen?" the soldier asked, puzzled.

"Yes... not the king, not any of our soldiers. Go straight to Ji min shi. It's good for Tae. If something happens to me, you should take Tae to Ji min shi. Remember... he is my wife. Protect my wife," Jeon said firmly.

"You are married? Congratulations, Jeon shi. I owe you my life. I'll obey your orders," the soldier humbly bowed.
.
.
As the soldier went about his tasks, Jeon reentered the tent to find Tae dressed and ready.

"Tae, we're heading to Oasis as you suggest..... I hope it's safer for you there... with or without me... " Jeon said, his voice filled with determination.

Tae nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. " With you... only with you hyung... I'm going with you , no matter what... Let's get out of here now."

They exited the tent together and mounted their horses. The loyal soldier was already on his horse, waiting ahead of them. Jeon helped Tae onto his horse, and as he did, the soldier couldn't help but think..

What a beautiful couple!!

At that moment, he spotted dozens of soldiers behind the tent, riding fast toward them. As he focused, he realized it was none other than Vlad with the twelfth division soldiers. Alarmed, Jeon quickly mounted his horse.

Jeon's loyal soldier tried to warn them and return to their side, but Jeon shouted a firm order, "Ride north! Find the Queen!"

Without much choice, the soldier rode his horse fast towards the north, casting one last glance back at Jeon and Tae. He saw Jeon trying to send Tae away, but Tae stubbornly stuck by Jeon's side.

The last thing he saw was Jeon and Tae being surrounded by soldiers, forced to dismount from their horses. The sight of Vlad and his soldiers closing in on them left a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach as he rode into the night, determined to reach the Queen and relay Jeon's message .
.
.
.

The Next Morning in Oasis..

Early in the morning, Ji Min was walking with Mila, keeping her company for her daily pregnant workout. Despite the snowy weather, they walked on the pathway, bundled in layers of clothes.

Both Mila and Ji Min were not yet full term, yet Ji Min started feeling uneasy due to the herbs he had been taking, which were capable of inducing labor. Markov, worried about Ji Min carrying over term, had instructed the royal physician to add labor-inducing herbs to Ji Min's medicine.