Timeless Obsession

Ep 23: Mine (M)

3rd Person's P.O.V

The sun hung low in the sky, casting dappled shadows through the dense canopy of the forest. The quiet stillness of the woods was broken by the rhythmic clatter of hooves and the steady crunch of wheels against the dirt trail. Four carriages made their way through the winding path, each surrounded by a small army of soldiers. The scene bore a faint resemblance to a parade in New York, yet the wild, untouched nature of the forest marked it as distinctly different.

The journey back to the north had been long and arduous, stretching on for hours without pause. The soldiers, clad in heavy hanboks, felt the oppressive heat bearing down on them. Their clothing, once a source of pride, now clung to their bodies uncomfortably, and the weight of their swords seemed to grow with each passing step. Yet, they pressed on without complaint, their faces stoic and determined, wary of showing any sign of weakness in front of the formidable woman they served.

At the forefront of this convoy was a grand carriage, standing out in stark contrast to the three more modest wooden carriages trailing behind. This grand carriage, an epitome of opulence, was flanked by numerous soldiers and drawn by two majestic white horses. The horses, adorned with intricate harnesses, moved with a grace befitting their regal burden, pulling the grand carriage with an almost ethereal elegance.

The grand carriage itself was a marvel of craftsmanship, befitting the royalties of the Joseon era. Its structure was a harmonious blend of strength and beauty, with sturdy wooden beams intricately carved with traditional motifs. The exterior was painted in vibrant hues of red and gold, symbolizing power and prosperity, while delicate lattice windows allowed glimpses of the interior without revealing too much. Silken curtains, embroidered with scenes of nature and myth, swayed gently with the motion of the carriage, adding a touch of softness to its imposing presence.

Inside, Jimin and Winter sat in silence, the quiet hum of the carriage's movement filling the space between them. The interior was no less splendid than the exterior, with plush cushions and finely woven tapestries lining the walls. The air was thick with the faint scent of sandalwood, a calming fragrance that contrasted sharply with the tension of the journey. Jimin's gaze was distant, her thoughts a mystery, while Winter sat beside her, her presence a silent support in the confines of their luxurious yet stifling prison on wheels.

"Win, are you hungry?" Jimin suddenly asked, turning herself towards Winter, who had been silently gazing out the window of the carriage.

Winter, hearing Jimin's question, turned slightly to face her. Instead of replying verbally, she moved her head side to side to signal "no," but her stomach betrayed her, growling audibly in hunger. Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and she quickly looked away, embarrassed.

Jimin only smiled, a tender expression on her face as she opened the curtain of the carriage window. She caught the attention of her assistant, Jae, by clicking her fingers.

Jae, always alert, raised a hand to signal the entourage to halt and quickly approached Jimin's carriage. "What do you need, Your Majesty?" he asked with a respectful bow.

"Let's rest and camp out. It's time to eat," Jimin replied.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Jae acknowledged, immediately setting about his task.

With a graceful twirl of his hand, Jae commanded the guards to veer off the main path into the nearby forest, searching for a suitable camping spot. After a short search, they found an ideal location: a large, sheltered cave.