to eternity | n. riki

21. like we used to

Hayoung's eyes fluttered as the sunlight rested on her face. It was peculiar that she felt as if she slept decently for the first time in years. She didn't have a nightmare nor woke up to a panic attack. And though she was uncomfortable in the chair, she slept for many hours that night. As her eyes opened, Hayoung tilted her head, to check on the prince before starting her day. However, the prince was nowhere in sight. She sprung out of the chair, the blanket from the bed, blocking her motion.

"What the," she exclaimed as she stumbled. The prince had placed his blanket on Hayoung as he left the inn early in the morning.

Hayoung, in a panic, quickly washed up, slid her boots on, grabbed her cloak and bag, rushing out of the door to the front desk of the inn. Hayoung noticed Delanie organizing items at the desk, desperate for help.

"Delanie, have you seen- seen that man I was with last night," Hayoung stuttered in panic.

"Oh, so you do talk," Delanie smiled.

"Please," she begged in desperation, "I need to know where he went."

"Geez, take a breath, honey. It's like you're his bodyguard or something," she let out a soft giggle, "He went out into town probably to buy some stuff. But don't ya worry, this town is small. You will find him."

Hayoung quickly dashed out of the inn, faced with an overpopulated crowd of people squeezing past each other. "Where on earth could this man be?"

She sighed as she walked around the small town of Aragon. It was lively with many small vendors selling fruits, vegetables, little trinkets, and sweets-- all things Hayoung hadn't seen in years. The war took a toll on Odessia and many of the common household goods were rationed.

Hayoug continued to walk around the town, in hopes of finding the troublesome prince. She came to a halt as she saw a small black cat stop and sit in front of her.

Crouching down to the cat, she muttered, "Are you a sign of bad luck?"

The cat warmed up to her, purring and rubbing its body against her in affection. Hayoung let out a little smile, stroking the head of the cat softly.

"Can you take me to the prince, little one?"

She heard footsteps in front of her and she looked up. Hayoung's eyes opened widely as she saw the sight of the prince holding bags of goods and his face stuffed with sweet pastries.

"Your highness-"

"Caf-tin," he exclaimed, his mouth stuffed with a cookie.

"Where on earth have you been this morning?" she snapped, "You know you're not supposed to leave me sight like this. Do you understand how dangerous your actions were? I can't believe-"

But the prince cut her off as she shoved something in her mouth. She bit down onto the parcel and her eyes grew wider in delight. The parcel was sweet and also tart, a flavor she didn't have for years.

"Strawberries?" she questioned as she swallowed the fruit.

Ni-ki nodded his head in satisfaction, "Yup. I know strawberries are your favorite so I got some for you."

He handed her the small box, sweet, red strawberries filled to the top. Hayoung hesitantly accepted them.

"Go on, eat up," the prince said as he began walking, Hayoung following him, "I know you haven't eaten in a while. You need to energize yourself if you're going to protect me."

Hayoung put her head down in shame, feeling her face heat up. She began to wonder how long the prince had known about her starvation and lack of nutrition. Hayoung had thought she was discreet about it, but it was quite obvious to the prince. From the day on the ship to their first night in Aragon, he had noticed everything. He knew she didn't eat, he knew she didn't sleep well. The prince clearly had concern for his bodyguard.

"I already bought most things for our journey. I'll make us something in the kitchen when we get back to the inn," the prince said nonchalantly.

"Your highness, how long have you known?"Hayonug asked, her voice low.

"Know what? You don't eat or you don't sleep?" he turned his head around, seeing Hayoung's exhausted face.

"I guess both," she murmured.

"Well, from the moment I saw you. You look gaunt. I mean your eyes and body language tell me everything. And on that boat when I was 'sleeping' I heard you trying to eat what you made. Your reaction was almost immediate when you couldn't swallow your food. You're not good at being discreet, you know? You've never been since you were a kid."

Hayoung sighed deeply, before catching up to the pace of the prince's footsteps.

"Anyhow, it seemed you slept alright for once last night. I didn't want to disturb you and you definitely needed the rest," he exclaimed.

Hayoung anxiously exhaled once again. "I'm sorry, your highness. I will take care of myself so I don't need to have you worry to this extent."

"Nothing to apologize for. Just take care of yourself," he hummed.

The prince continued to walk in front of Hayoung as she followed his steps from behind. There was an awkward tension. It wasn't anything bad, but it seemed like a part of their relationship was healing and reaching a soft spot. Hayoung didn't mind being on good terms with the prince, but it was a rather odd feeling, a tinge of nostalgia lingering in her mind.