Bound By Fate

Shadows of Departure

Mon sat in the quiet of Sam’s room, the princess’s words echoing in her mind like a relentless whisper: "I’m not going to be here for long. Please take care of yourself."

She didn’t understand why those words hurt so much. It was as though an invisible weight had settled on her chest, pressing harder with each passing second. Her eyes followed Sam as she entered the room carrying a tray of food.

The sight confused her. The palace was bustling with servants—why would the princess personally bring her food? Mon’s curiosity mixed with admiration, though she kept her expression neutral.

Sam placed the tray on the small table near the bed, pulling up a chair to sit beside her. “Here. You need to eat and regain your strength,” Sam said softly, her voice holding a warmth that Mon wasn’t used to.

Mon hesitated before picking up the spoon, her mind still buzzing with questions she didn’t dare voice. The room was filled with an awkward silence, broken only by the clinking of cutlery as Mon ate.

After a while, Sam broke the silence. “Mon, as you promised, you need to take care of yourself, alright?”

Mon paused, her grip tightening on the spoon. She looked up, her voice trembling as she asked, “Why? Where are you going, Princess?”

Sam’s gaze flickered around the room, avoiding Mon’s intense stare. “I have… I have three weeks left here. After that, I’ll be gone.”

Mon’s heart raced. Gone? The word echoed in her mind like a thunderclap. Her stomach twisted painfully at the thought. Was the princess dying?

“Gone?” Mon’s voice cracked. “Why did you save me, Princess, if you’re… if you’re not going to be here?”

Sam’s eyes softened, her lips curving into a small, sad smile. “I saved you because I wanted to. No one deserves to be treated the way you were.” She paused, her expression turning somber. “As for why I’ll be gone… it’s just… it’s something I’m destined for.”

Mon felt tears sting her eyes before she could stop them. She looked away, ashamed of her own vulnerability. “Why does it hurt so much?” she whispered, more to herself than to Sam. “Why do I feel like I’m losing something important?”

Sam reached out, resting a hand gently on Mon’s shoulder. “Hey,” she said softly, her tone lighthearted in an attempt to ease the tension. “Stop overthinking. Finish your meal. I’m still here for three weeks, remember? I’m going to bother you every day until you’re sick of me.”

Mon’s chest tightened further at Sam’s attempt to comfort her. She shook her head, her voice trembling. “Princess, I… I can’t live here if you’re not here. I’ll leave. I’ll find a job somewhere.”

Sam straightened in her chair, her tone suddenly firm. “No, Mon. No more arguments. You’ll stay here and live peacefully. That’s an order.”

Mon opened her mouth to protest, but Sam’s sharp gaze silenced her. “Eat now and rest,” Sam added, her voice softening.

Mon lowered her gaze, swallowing her words along with her food. She couldn’t understand why the thought of the princess leaving felt like a knife to her heart.

---

In the garden, Kim sat on a stone bench as Wan dabbed her injured hand with a cotton swab soaked in antiseptic. Kim flinched, pulling her hand back.

“Stop squirming,” Wan scolded, her tone carrying an edge of annoyance.

“It stings!” Kim retorted, her brows furrowed.

Wan sighed, her lips twitching as if holding back a smirk. “You’re such a child.”

Kim scoffed, crossing her arms. “I’m not a child! You act like I’ve never dealt with pain before.”

Wan raised an eyebrow, her gaze meeting Kim’s defiantly. “If you were as tough as you claim, you wouldn’t have been wandering around the garden getting yourself hurt.”

Kim huffed, yanking her hand away. “I don’t need you lecturing me, Princess Wan.”

Wan’s expression darkened slightly. “Don’t call me that. Just Wan.”

“Fine,” Kim muttered. “But don’t act like you’re the boss of me.”

Wan leaned closer, her tone dropping. “You don’t even know me, Kim. So don’t test my patience.”

Kim blinked, momentarily stunned by the intensity in Wan’s eyes. She felt her heart skip a beat but quickly masked it with a scoff. “Whatever. I’m fine now. Thanks for the help, I guess.”

Wan shook her head, leaning back and crossing her arms. “You’re welcome,” she said coolly, though a flicker of something softer crossed her face.

Kim stood abruptly, cradling her bandaged hand. “I’m going to check on my sister.”

Wan didn’t stop her, watching her leave with a thoughtful expression. Something about Kim’s fiery demeanor stirred memories she thought she’d buried long ago. As she stared at the garden, her mind wandered to the past.

Could it really be her? she thought, her heart tightening with both hope and fear.

..........