Another set of days passed by. Ara would bump into Sicheng but neither of the two of them would make eye contact and everytime a situation like that happened, Ara would always feel at guilt even if Sicheng appears in her sight.
Who wouldn't feel bad when you've just refuse to the confession that someone who has always helped you and been with you at times have given you, and have feelings to the other person that they trust the most and vice versa.
Ara felt even more overwhelmed when her and Jungwoo passed by Sicheng, she saw the sadness, disappointment and anger in his eyes.
For Taeyong's case, they've bump into each other at least once or twice and in both times, Taeyong would glare at Ara. Most specifically, her necklace. He would give her threatening looks as if he's indicating that Ara better get herself ready for whatever he has up his sleeves. However, only her, Miyeon and Suho know about that. Ara never bothered to tell it to Jungwoo, she knew he would come at Taeyong and somehow make the situation bigger.
But she regretted on not doing so. She noticed every little changes that the kingdom had. The villagers didn't look as comfortable as they did before. Instead, they look threatened. Ara knew someone did that to them, and she knew exactly who it was.
Ara knew that Taeyong had no idea she had connections with the princes, and he was taking advantage of it knowing Ara had no power when it came to ruling. So, she ended up telling Jungwoo and other creatures that she had connections with in the kingdom.
Jungwoo had a little argument with Ara for not telling it to him sooner, but got along again not long after because dealing with the problem with Taeyong was more of a serious matter.
Jungwoo and Ara went to the village and asked some villagers on why the village wasn't as productive as before. And Ara's predictions were right, Taeyong was the one who caused it. By asking Hwayoung, a fellow elf, Taeyong has told them to get ready when he rules over them once he gets the pendant in an aggressive way. As if he would slaughter those who doesn't follow as he say.
The villagers knew how strong and violent Taeyong can be so they let him take advantage of them.
He grew up that way from lacking love and affection from his parents. More specifically, his step mother. She was all about the winning and gold, she treats Taeyong badly especially when he loses from something, which ruined his sanity.
—
Ara sat on the small hill where she met Sicheng. She would go there when she needs space and when her mind was full. The place gave her peace. Luckily, she never encountered Sicheng along those days.
She had a lot of things going on in her mind and wanted to clear it out for atleast just a little moment. She sat on the grass, legs stretched out as her back leaned onto the tree. She closed her eyes and let the sound of nature take over her.
All the sounds of the wind blowing, the leaves on the trees dancing, the birds chirping, were interrupted when Ara felt a presence standing right in front of her. She opened her eyes and was greeted by Jungwoo, with the sun light stopping right behind his body giving him a glow. Ara gave him a smile before patting the seat beside her.
"Mind's packed again lately?" Jungwoo asked right after sitting beside Ara
Ara nodded
"Yeah, even thinking of a person like Taeyong exists is already a bad headache for me" She chuckled
"We'll eventually get through this" Jungwoo chuckled along
"But it would be easier if you let us become official" He added, staring right at Ara's eyes
Ara gave him an 'are you serious?' look.
She noticed how comfortable Jungwoo became around her and how straightforward he actually was. It sometimes made Ara uncomfortable but it was fine because she loves him anyways.
"We'll deal with that after this" Ara smiled at him
"Okay, I'll wait" Jungwoo said, scooting closer to Ara as he put his arm around her shoulder. Ara was startled but calmed down after realizing what it was.
"Go on, lean your head" Jungwoo said. Ara looked at him before doing as what she was instructed.
She leaned her head back with the support of Jungwoo's arms.
It indeed felt comfortable and cozy. Jungwoo also leaned his head on Ara's and closed his eyes. Ara chuckled at the boy's behaviour before closing her eyes as well and letting sleep take over her.
—
Ara opened her eyes, surprised to see Jungwoo awake, staring at her.
"What?" She asked
Jungwoo chuckled
"It's nothing, you just look adorable when sleeping" He said
Ara felt her cheeks heat before brushing it off and speaking up
"Are you saying I look ugly when I'm awake" Ara playfully glared at Jungwoo
He chuckled once again before patting her head
"No, it's not like that. Anyways, a guard came saying Miyeon was looking for you. But I couldn't move nor wake you up so I waited for you to do so" Jungwoo said
Ara stopped for a moment before escaping from Jungwoo's cuddle
"Well, I'll go. It must be important, see you later" She said, ruffling Jungwoo's hair before walking to Miyeon's hut.
It was still dawn so it wasn't too dark nor too hard for Ara to walk to Miyeon's hut. But even if it was, she was used to it anyways.
She knocked on the door before carefully opening it once she reached the hut.
"Oh, Ara. Come in" Miyeon said
Ara went inside and gently closed the door. She walked closer to Miyeon after doing so.
"You called me?" Ara asked, sitting down on one of the chairs
"Yes, I have some news for you" Miyeon replied
"And what is it?" Ara asked, starting to feel anxious
Miyeon inhaled deeply before proceeding
"Taeyong and Sicheng are the fully blood related brothers"
