FIRE

FIRE 11

"Did you not miss me, O Great Emperor?" The Crown Prince of Yani implored, almost weeping then. "Don't you know how I long for your promises? Look at me, Love... Had time erased your affection for your beloved?"

"There was a time, someone I dearly cherished used to remind me how even walls have ears." The Great Emperor curtly chuckled. "It seemed like such a long time ago, I'm afraid. But those were the days, right? Glorious days indeed."

The Crown Prince of Yani almost lost his footing, shocked at the startling difference in the man he worshipped for countless moons. There is something amiss. His love simply will not deny him like this. Not after all the time they wasted apart from each other. Perhaps, his beloved's affection had dulled with time? It can't be! How can time changed a man that much? "Love, this is my palace... We are safe here from any prying eyes." Standing tall, he approached his beloved with desperate steps. "Are you repulsed with the sight of me now? I refused to believe my scars erased your affection so easily! Have you no pity for me? My longing for you consume me far too long and your distance is killing me. Will you not embrace me? Will you not save me from this misery?"

The sudden dark coldness in the powerful man's eyes terrified him as much as it confused him.

"How-"

"Great Emperor!"

The Crown Prince of Yani heaved a sigh of relief. He wasn't even aware he'd stopped breathing but he welcomed the interruption gratefully. Softening his features, he nodded at the familiar face. "Royal Advisor Shim."

Raising his head up, the kneeling man informed. "Great Emperor, the preparation is done. We are ready should you want to leave now."

"Leave?" Unable to hide his fear, the Crown Prince of Yani turned urgently at his lover. The Royal Advisor knew about them so there was no use pretending. "Yunho, where are you going? Why are you leaving me?"

"I will not leave Yani. Not yet."

"Then-"

"I intend to explore Yani today. I had come to ask you to join me and my people but seeing your emotional state, I believe it is better for me to go on my own."

"No! I-"

"Crown Prince of Yani!"

The said man staggered at the roar, suddenly frightened to the very core.

"Have you forgotten my tittle and yours? Are you unaware of what your people would say should they see their Crown Prince this frantic? How could you be this careless? My Jaejoong who'd die for his kingdom, where had he went to?"

"I- I-"

"Rest, Crown Prince of Yani. Let me take my leave now and enjoy Yani in all its glory. We will talk later."

The Great Emperor simply brushed him aside and left, sparing one last glance with a mysterious glint that brought tears to the pitiful Crown Prince's eyes. What's wrong with Yunho? How... What happened to him? Why... He's different. I don't know him anymore. It's like he no longer want me. No no no...! He couldn't have known, could he? He clutched on the precious ornament hidden behind his royal robe tightly. He couldn't have known anything. Not after everything that I faced to see him again. He chuckled deliriously. I am Jaejoong, Crown Prince of Yani. His one and only beloved. He's mine... Mine!