Young Wings • h.hj & h.js

28

It was the final day of the Hans' stay in the Hwangs kingdom. It was early in the morning when you were helping Minho load some of their belongings in the carriage when the knight suddenly got on his knees and bowed at you.

"Whoah. Sir Lee what the hell are you doing?!" You asked in panic, trying to make him get up. If there was anything that you learned in training, it's standing tall, being proud of yourself, and staying true to your duty. And based on personal experience, it takes a lot to lower your pride and kneel in front of someone who you don't serve.

"I'd like to apologize"

"I don't why you'd do that, but please get up!" You frantically replied, grabbing him by the arm and pulling him up. Although he remained in that position for a while, he eventually stood up once again and muttered "Sorry"

You paused for a moment to stare at the handsome knight before you. "Again, why are you saying that?" When he didn't respond at first, you awkwardly continued loading their stuff, Minho following in your suit as he suddenly spoke.

"I blamed you for Jisung's disappearance and I- I never even thanked you for all that you've done for him. The prince himself told me what happened in detail and I- I don't think even I myself would be able to do that. And if it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have found Jisung and-"

"- Sir Lee calm down" Minho was rambling at this point so you quickly put aside the chest that you were holding and placed both of your hands on his shoulders. 

"It's fine... Really" You said with a small smile. The knight's eyes went wide for a moment before he loaded another item in the carriage, muttering "Our kingdom could really use someone like you" 

And you froze, remembering the queen's proposition a few days back that you had to answer in a few hours. Not really knowing what to do or say at that point, you decided to pretend as though you didn't hear him and loaded the last few items on the carriage.

*

"So, have you made your decision dear?" Mrs. Han asked with a small smile as you, the royal family, and a few of the other staff stood in the throne room.

The whole room went silent as they waited for your answer, and you didn't know why but before taking a deep breath to answer the queen's question, your eyes trailed to Hyunjin whose own orbs were locked on you.

At that moment, it was as if you both knew what your answer would be. 

After a few seconds, you did a ninety-degree bow in front of the queen before saying "I really appreciate the offer your majesty but like I said before I still have a lot to learn before I can teach others" 

In all honesty, you were nervous. Rejecting such a grand offer seemed really dumb and may have come off as rude, but again, you learned to take pride in yourself, your kingdom, and stay true to your duty. So you slowly lifted your head up once again and let your eyes meet with the queen's. And she flashed you a small smile.

"I thought you would say that" She said with a little chuckle. "As sad as it is that you cannot join us, I like your mindset and respect your decision"

And everyone released a breath that they didn't know they were holding. "Thank you, your majesty" You muttered with a small smile.

Afterward, you stepped to the side as the royals conversed with one another before the Hwangs accompanied the Hans to their carriage. As the parents walked alongside each other, of course, their sons had to do the same. And as they headed out, despite not wanting to, your eyes trailed to prince Jisung. The only thing in your mind as of that moment was that as soon as he crossed through the enormous entrance, you wouldn't see him for a long period of time.