Ethereal - TaeBin ✐

Chapter 7

The never ending night finally came to an end and the sun replaced the moon, it shone over the city and awakened the people of the South Kingdom, the same people who would soon be told the news of Princess Cassandra's death.

Soobin opened his eyes and looked at the intruder who was standing next to the window.

"Did I wake you up?" came Choi Sunghoon's voice, he turned around and locked eyes with his son.

Soobin didn't answer, instead, he looked to his side and found the bed empty. He opened his mouth to ask where Cassandra had gone to, but closed it once the memories of last night flushed in his mind. He looked at his hand and caressed it, as if it was Cassandra's hand in his and not just its empty feeling.

Last night, he stayed by the princess's side, he did not call for anyone, he did nothing for a while and just wept, he cried in silence so that she could sleep in peace and not be bothered by his sobs. But Cassandra did not stir awake, not even after the clock struck midnight. And at that moment, he realized that he had truly lost her.

"Soobin, Grace was found dead this morning by the other servants-"

"Where did you take Cassandra? I had hoped to spend some time with her before bidding my last farewell."

Sunghoon sighed, he knew that Soobin would change the topic, but he couldn't let it go, even if it was his son, so he tried again.

"Did you- no, were you the one who did it? Why... why would you do such a thing?"

"I did not harm a single hair on her head, she inflicted the pain upon herself and I just happened to be her witness"

Soobin's voice was empty and shallow, his eyes held no emotions or feelings other than tiredness. He was tired, his body and soul were tired and he just hoped to close his eyes and never wake up. Last night, when Death snatched Cassandra's life, he made sure to grab Soobin's soul as well. Now, Soobin felt nothing but exhaustion.

Sunghoon sighed once again and looked at the empty bed beside his son. He was of course saddened by the death of Cassandra, she had been such a youthful and sweet soul, and he saw her as his own daughter. Fathers tend to feel hurt when their daughters die, but Sunghoon was not just a father, he was also a king, and a king must not show any sign of vulnerability.

He walked up to Soobin and offered him a hand, Soobin, however, did not look at him nor accept his hand.

The king looked at his son one last time, his eyes reflecting pain, and walked towards the door. Soobin wasn't in a good state right now, he had just lost his lover, and Sunghoon knew that the boy was too young to feel this amount of sorrow.

His heart ached at the sight of his son looking so hopeless and staring into nothing.

He was too young to feel this much hurt.

Being with Soobin at the time and comforting him was the best thing he could do, yet, he knew that Soobin would most likely want to be alone, so it was better to give him some time.

"They are waiting for you, come down when you feel ready." Sunghoon said and closed the door behind him.

***

The dark haired boy walked down the dark hall decorated with candles, his steps were quiet and did not elicit any sound. He stopped once he reached the close door, and smiled at the servant who had a tray in her hands, unsure of whether she should go in or not.

"How is he?" the boy questioned, his voice was deep yet held a soft tone in it. Hearing his voice would calm anyone, and his smile was enough to lift up the mood and erase all forms of sadness in anyone.