Why flowers wither {Completed}

Unravelings

Prince Chin mae was worried about Yoo hwa so he went to visit her at her home but he was told she only returns just before sunset, as his Majesty wouldn't tell him what is actually going on he couldn't tell to where she is.
That day he stayed behind to spend time with Prince Young Soo before she returns.

Yoo hwa has decided to stay with the General and help with his leg therapy, as she said the General has done so much for her it is the least she can do.
The General for a few days now has been hesitating to tell her an important detail, it was something to think of after he knew she was told in a letter his location and details, he was deciding whether keeping it from her is the best.

"General, may I come in?"

"Yes, your Maje..yes you may"

"General, it is time to take a walk"

"Is it? Alright"

After a long trek around the valley, they decided to sit so that it doesn't tamper with the General's injury.

"I heard the 18th Prince of Rouran assisted your escape even though from the tales and plays going round it had to be more than assisting"

"The people can be quiet exaggerating sometimes"

"And imaginative too"

"His Majesty has extended his protection to him in case he intends to stay here, he is now even friends with Prince  Chin mae but I know he would return soon because of the war, he has that sense of responsibility"

"Isn't he afraid of the consequences"

"He believes his father wouldn't put him to death at least and the consequences, he would have to face them sooner or later"

"I believe their people will blame him for the downfall of their nation"

"Yes"she replied looking disturbed.
"I have a lot of people to feel sorry towards"
"General, you are yet to tell me why you have decided to live like this"
Because Yoo hwa couldn't place her finger on it.

"Your Majesty"
He raised his leg to an angle and rested his hand on it.
He was wearing a cream robe and it illuminated golden under the warm morning sun.
"I... it's a long story"

"We have all day"

"Have you eaten? You haven't have you, we should.."
He was almost in a hurry to stand up.

"General"
She warned with a cool glare.

"Alright Alright"
He adjusted back to a sitting position.

"You were about to get married, what could have.."

His expression changed and he began.
"Does your Majesty know the things I like?"

"I do"
She replied fast and he half smiled for her to go on and make mention of them.
"Being a General, serving his Majesty, Lady Yu na, the Queen dowager, the palace, your friends including his Majesty, and me"
She said to tease him.
He smiled looking away at the last part.
"These are the things dear to you"

"Right"
"but with the condition of this leg every one of them seem to have disappeared"
"I can not serve this nation any longer neither do I want to burden Yu na, when I am to take care of her I don't want it to be the opposite, and you are right, other people( referring to Yoo hwa) might dislike the palace but for me it is my home, everything I hold dear is there"
Her eye brows knitted almost in rage.

"What?What about us ?What about the people that hold you dear too, don't you think we would want to have you around no matter what your condition is?"

"Which is exactly why I left"

"How can a Prince be so neglectful of his nation?"

"How can a Queen be so neglectful of her nation?" he retorted.

"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for her highness"

"Then why don't you have any thoughts of going back, I think we are no different your Majesty"

"Hah!"

"You were in pain?, I was too but I am glad my sacrifice united the two factions"

"Hmm"
"Do you even know what I have been through..I am just surprised your highness treated our relationship very lightly"
She said more calmly.
"I can't believe you left our lives because you didn't want to receive pity from anyone, that you chose death in it's place, I don't know for others but your highness means a lot to me as my teacher and family"
"And which physician said you can't use your leg again?No matter how long it will take I will return your favour, I will find a way and you will fight like you used to and walk like you used to"
"Your highness can give up on your self but the people you are dear to won't"
"It is an order 'Goguryeo's fourth Prince get your head on straight and return to duty' "
"I hope you have heard me clearly"

He just blinked and stared blanking to a distance.
"This subject will honour you Majesty 's order"
He spoke out in a monotone.
"But there is something else you should know, do you know from the day you came back I have actually been waiting for you, I knew it was almost impossible for him to send you to me but I still hoped and waited"

"What are you saying? you know the person who sent me the letter?"

"Only one person knows I am still alive, only one"

"Who?"

"It is his Majesty"

Yoo hwa thought about how she was dismissed by his Majesty as soon as she made entrance to the court, like he knew what she was going to say.
This explained everything but it has also made it harder for her to return to his Majesty because she will forever be embarrassed to.