FIRE

FIRE 06

"Come my Prince! Faster, they're coming!"

Even as he clucked his tongue at the order, Jaejoong did as he was told. He have no luxury of scolding Hyun Chul now when they have an army of assassins trailing after them.

"Hyun Chul!" Jaejoong halted his steps when his Royal Companion suddenly tripped and from the look of it, strain his bleeding leg even more.

"Run! Do not worry, my Prince! I am fine! I will be right behind you. Go! You must not stop running!"

Despite his anxiety, Jaejoong agreed and silently sprint deeper into the forbidden forest. He cannot look back.

He is his people's hope.

As the Crown Prince of Yani, he cannot let anything or anyone cloud his judgement and risk his life. He'd been distracted enough before and look at what had happened. His men had died protecting him and Jaejoong will not let their sacrifice be in vain. He will return to Yani alive and find those responsible for this.

And he cannot lie. He have another reason to live. I must live to see you Yunho. I must see you again.

The sound of crushed leaves made Jaejoong skidded to a halt in disbelief. It can't be! Pushing his sword out front in a defensive stance, he roared. "Come out! Show your face!"

There was total silence before a bark of laughters could be heard all around him. Jaejoong felt his blood run cold but instead of panicking, he gripped his sword tighter. I've been had!

"Looks like His Royal Highness finally realize his stupidity."

Jaejoong mentally cursed as one by one materialized and they surrounded him. It is a trap! With the injuries he sustained from the previous day, he doubted he can hold his own against this many armed men. Hyun Chul, you fox! How dare you betray Yani!

"Where's the damn fox?! Who ordered this?!"

"Fox!" The burliest of them laughed. "You mean your pretty Companion? Oh I think he's well on his way to Yani, ready to take your place. Why? You'd like him to see you killed?" They all laughed then and Jaejoong's face hardened.

He had suspected but to have it confirmed still poured salt to his wounds. Without a word, Jaejoong readied his stance. Only the Gods can save him now but they're wrong if they think he'll go down without a fight. Idly, he remembered his lover's promise. Lend me your strength now, Yunho. And forgive me should I fail.