Collection of TaeNy Oneshots (TheDonkatsu Collection)

Up on that tree - 2

(Part 2)

After running back up to her room to cry her heart out, Tiffany decided to sneak into town to see the hanging for herself. The thought of seeing Taeyeon like that killed her but she had to know; she had to see her for one last time. Deep down, she kept hoping that it wasn't Taeyeon although she knew it was impossible.

She summoned her most trusted maid and borrowed her clothes, much to the young woman's surprise. But the maid was well aware of her little escapes and had even covered for her on several occasions so she got her wish without much delay or struggle. She took off every piece of jewelry, erased her makeup and redid her hair to make sure that people wouldn't recognize her as anything but a plain young lady from one of the villages. She covered her head with the hood of her borrowed robe and ran out to get her horse.

The different atmosphere in town greeted her as soon as she rode near. Although the common folk adored Taeyeon and her men, the rich and powerful ones despised her with everything they got. She could see the unusual amount of the higher class wandering around the streets.

It was crowded because people just loved hangings in general, she realized with a sinking feeling as she tried to hold back her tears.

She slowed down then got off her horse. She handed it to a stable boy she was familiar with, passed him a silver coin to look after the animal and left to wander around town on foot.

She fixed her robe, making sure that her face stayed hidden.

Walking in the direction of the square in the middle of the busy area, her eyes immediately caught the gallows, standing eerily strong and ready.

She gulped. She had seen a hanging or two but never anyone she knew – or worse, anyone she loved.

Her stomach lurched at that thought and her eyes were again blurred with tears.

She stopped walking and took a step aside, leaning against a wall to calm herself.

A couple of royal guards walked past her, holding spears while talking loudly among themselves.

"You can finally take a day off."

"I know right? We finally got them. Now I wish they would just get on with it and hang those scums. I want to go home already."

"The missus is waiting?"

"You betcha!"

The two then laughed.

"Never seen such a small girl hanged before though."

"Me neither but there's always a first for everything. I wish every criminal we caught were her size. Saves us rope."

They laughed again, their mocking tones echoing behind them.

She clenched her jaws and fist. This can't be happening. She shook her head furiously then bit her fist to stop herself from crying.

She contemplated on begging the King for mercy upon Taeyeon but that would require a reason. And she wasn't sure that "Because I love her" was convincing enough. If anything, it might cause her family to banish her or maybe even let her join Taeyeon especially if they knew what she had done with that girl. Then again, that's not such a bad idea. What's life without her anyway? The realization gave her a sudden determination. If she couldn't have Taeyeon in this world then she'd join her in the other.

She was about to execute her plan, moving to walk towards the castle, when someone grabbed her from behind. A hand covered her mouth, preventing her from screaming. She struggled but the person was stronger and before she knew it, she found herself being dragged forcefully into a narrow and dark alley. It didn't stop her from trying to get away but she kept failing.