Bound By Fate

Whispers of Unseen Bonds

The garden’s silence was soothing, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. Kim wandered aimlessly, her thoughts clouded by the strange pull she felt toward Wan. It wasn’t just curiosity—it was something deeper, inexplicable. She ran her fingers through her hair, letting out a soft sigh.

“Why do I feel this way?” Kim muttered to herself. “I’ve only just met her.”

Her steps led her to a bed of red roses. Their vibrant color caught her attention, and she crouched down, brushing her fingers lightly over the petals. Lost in thought, she didn’t notice the sharp thorn hidden beneath.

“Ah!” she gasped as pain shot through her finger. A bead of blood appeared, staining the pristine red of the rose.

Before she could react further, Wan’s voice called out, sharp with concern. “Kim!”

Kim turned, startled, as Wan rushed to her side. Without a second thought, Wan took Kim’s hand in hers, inspecting the wound. “You should be more careful,” Wan said, her voice tinged with worry.

“It’s just a scratch,” Kim replied, trying to pull her hand away, but Wan held firm.

“No, it’s not ‘just a scratch.’ It’s bleeding,” Wan insisted, her tone softer now. “Come with me.”

Wan led Kim back into the palace, her hand still gently holding Kim’s. Kim followed silently, her heart inexplicably racing at the small, protective gesture. Once inside Wan’s room, Wan motioned for Kim to sit on a chair by the window.

“Stay still,” Wan ordered, retrieving a small box of medical supplies. She cleaned the wound with practiced care, her touch surprisingly tender.

Kim watched her, feeling an odd warmth spread through her chest. She caught herself staring at Wan’s focused expression—the way her brows furrowed slightly, the way her lips pressed together in concentration.

“You don’t have to fuss over me,” Kim said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Wan glanced up, a small smile playing on her lips. “Maybe not. But I want to.”

Kim’s breath hitched, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Why?”

Wan paused, her smile fading just a little. “Let’s just say… I have my reasons.”

Kim didn’t press further, but her mind raced. The warmth in Wan’s gaze, the tenderness of her actions—it all felt oddly familiar, yet she couldn’t place why. Why does she make me feel this way? she wondered.

Wan finished bandaging Kim’s hand and stepped back, her eyes lingering on Kim for a moment longer than necessary. “There. All better.”

Kim looked at her hand, then back at Wan. “Thank you,” she said softly, her voice tinged with something she couldn’t name.

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Elsewhere in the palace, Mon stood in the corner of Sam’s study, watching the sunlight filter through the curtains. She felt tired, an ache in her body that refused to fade. She pushed herself to stand, but as soon as she did, the room tilted.

“Mon!” Sam’s voice called out as Mon’s knees buckled. Before she could hit the floor, Sam was there, catching her in strong, steady arms.

Sam’s heart pounded as she scooped Mon up, carrying her carefully to her own room. “You’re pushing yourself too hard,” Sam said, her voice trembling slightly. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

Mon didn’t respond, her eyelids fluttering as Sam laid her gently on the bed. Sam sat beside her, her hands trembling as she pressed them over Mon’s forehead. A soft, golden glow emanated from her palms—a secret she had always kept hidden. The warmth spread through Mon’s body, her shallow breaths growing steadier.

Moments later, Mon stirred, her eyes opening slowly. “Princess…?”

Sam let out a shaky breath of relief, her hands falling to her sides. “Thank goodness,” she whispered, her voice breaking. Without thinking, she leaned forward, wrapping Mon in a gentle hug.

Mon stiffened in surprise, her heart racing at the unexpected closeness. Sam’s warmth enveloped her, and for a moment, she felt… safe. But the feeling confused her.

“Princess… why are you—”

Sam pulled back abruptly, her face flushed. She looked into Mon’s wide, questioning eyes and hesitated before speaking. “Please… take care of yourself, Mon,” she said softly. “I’m not going to be here for long.”

Mon frowned, her confusion deepening. “What do you mean?”

Sam shook her head, avoiding Mon’s gaze. “Just promise me you’ll look after yourself. That’s all I ask.”

Mon wanted to press further, to ask what Sam meant, but something in the princess’s eyes stopped her. There was a weight there, a sadness that Mon couldn’t understand. So she simply nodded. “I promise,” she said quietly.

Sam offered a small, strained smile. “Good.”

As she left the room, her heart ached. She had saved Mon’s life, but she knew that her time with her was fleeting. And though she didn’t want to admit it, she was already terrified of the day she’d have to say goodbye.

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