The Edge Of Forever

37| treasured smile

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37

t r e a s u r e d  s m i l e : 소중한 웃음

"YOU'RE ALREADY SO STRONG, MY LOVE."

I brushed my fingers against the cheek of Princess Hee-Young, her small hand habitually wrapped around my index finger. My words were not far from the truth; her fingers were wrapped tightly, in no way wanting to let go.

Her eyes drifted left and right, analyzing the candles, focusing on the bright colours in the room. Her mouth moved slowly, opening and closing. I listened to her silent words, cooing my replies to her. 

"Of course," I smiled down at her, rocking her lightly with one arm. "One day, you and I will explore far beyond the Palace. I'm going to show you the beauties of the world." 

She blinked, slowly bringing her eyelids down and up again.

"Ani ani, of course not." I spoke without a care, only minding the young Princess in my arms. "There is nothing more beautiful or purer than you."

Using my thumb, I brushed her little fingers.

Just watching her, fawning over her slight moves had become my past-time these last two weeks. I was engaged everyday with the Princess, unaware of the time that passed between us that flew by, not in favor of us. 

She had become the source of merriment throughout the Palace, bringing a sharpness to the red of the Palace, a liveliness to the green and a coat of glitter for the gold. She dissolved many troublesome affairs and brought about a unity we could only pray would last for so long.

"Can I take my hand back so I can rock you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at the young Princess who spared me a few glances. Her gaze had been captured by the heavily decorated room behind me that brimmed with red and gold for her. 

I slowly slid my finger out of her hand and tucked it under her blanket before wrapping my other arm around her to rock her. 

"Your mother is useless at remembering any poems." I informed her, chastising myself for not being enticed by words that had people falling at others feet. "I'm not a good storyteller in the least." 

She let out a high-pitched noise, close to a cry but more words of agreement to me. 

"Yah," I shook my head at her. "Don't become like your mother, okay, I am useless at things I should be skilled in? Be more like Concubine Mother Ki." 

I smiled down at her and just then, the doors to her room opened.

Concubine Ki entered, surprised that I was in the chambers of the Princess.

She stopped short before the four poster bed I was seated on and bowed.

"Your Highness, I was not expecting you to be here, I only came to visit Princess Hee-Young." 

I smiled lightly, "Don't fret, Consort, you have made no mistake." I turned to the head maid assigned to the Princess. "Leave us." I ordered her.

"But your Highness, his Majesty ordered she never be left alone." She bowed, not moving an inch.

"Are you insinuating I will harm my daughter when we will be alone?" Just like the edge of a sword feathering the skin, my words had the same effect, causing her to shake her head.