Save Me (Kim Namjoon X Readers)

Chapter 17

It would seem that the palace was much closer than you had thought. After a few hours of traveling by foot, you've reached the regal structure. It was definitely much more modest than you thought, a grander version of your own house. Your father had always talked greatly of the Empress, praising her for being so strong in a male dominant world. She had been your role-model for so long, meeting her now gives you goosebumps.

Namjoon, on the other hand, was not as relaxed, he was internally panicking. The witch is in Silver Stone, even further away now. And if this interrogation doesn't go well, he can kiss his future goodbye. But then he thought how nice it was that he was able to spend his last few days with you. He watched as you walked alongside him, and when your foot would twist because of the rocky terrain, you wouldn't cry out or complain. Instead, you kept flashing him a hidden smile and he was grateful for it. His hope was still there.

Before meeting with the Empress, Commander Jeon told you and Namjoon to rest awhile in the servant quarter, which will be guarded of course. Even for being reserved for servants, the place was much nicer than Namjoon's old room at the Kim's residence. At least they had actual furniture and windows. Back at home, Namjoon was stuck painting his own sky.

Right when you got into the room, you collapsed onto the floor, and panting. "I have never walked that much before in my entire life." you said breathlessly. You kicked off your shoes and began massaging your feet. Namjoon frowned and stepped closer, crouching down until your eyes met.

"You're doing wrong. You might get a cramp doing this." He held his hand out, aiming right at your feet. "May I?" You've heard of woman rubbing her husband's feet, but never the other way around. It seemed almost taboo and scandalous. But you still nodded politely. He cleared his throat and touched your feet. You watch as he meticulously massage your feet and you feel the muscles slowly relaxing, back to their original form. After he was done, he gently placed them down and backed away.

"T-thank you. You should get some rest too, I'll make the bed for you." The sentence came out of you naturally. It was certainly a shock for Namjoon, who never had someone offered to do that before, especially a noblewoman. When he didn't say anything, you stood up and grabbed the blanket from the closet. As you were spreading the garment on the ground, he reached out to stop you, his hand brushing lightly against yours, giving you chills. Both your hands had touched before, but only when he was fading away. So that felt urgent, but right now, it wasn't out of necessity, but desire. His eyes sparkled an outrageous amount that was blinding you, yet you couldn't break the eye contact.

Namjoon had pictured a similar moment like this, with his wife, the person he truly loves. He didn't think that it would be possible for them to be the same person, because the person he loves is you and you would never be his wife.

The door flung open, and stood Commander Jeon. His demeanor changed a bit, slightly more relaxed. Something about being within safe walls comforted him. Namjoon and you retreated to separate walls. "The Empress will see you now." the commander announced. He led the two of you through the maze of corridors. The night time had begun falling and lanterns strung across the sky lit up. Unknowingly, your feet had stopped to stare at the wonders. Namjoon was also staring at something beautiful, but looked away once Commander Jeon noticing.

"My father told me stories of these lights, of how the Empress wrote wishes for her citizens and hung them up herself. I was so inspired that I did that in my room. But mother was fearful that my room would catch on fire one night." you chuckled. It was a story Namjoon hadn't heard before. One that reminded him that you were a simple girl with colossal dreams, like himself.

"That's somewhat true." Commander Jeon commented. She started a tradition. Every year for her birthday, she would ask everyone in the palace, lords and servants, to write their wishes and hang them up." His eyes fixated on the glowing orbs, and smiled fondly. You were shocked to know he was capable of smiling.

"Is yours up there, then?" Namjoon asked.

The smile faded, "Let's not talk about that. We shouldn't keep Her Majesty waiting."

You refrained from asking on. But wishes should be private, and you need to respect that. You wonder what Namjoon's wish was. Right now you're sure he's wishing to be free of the curse and free from you.

The meeting place was not at the royal court as you would have expected, but it was Her Majesty's chamber. The space felt personal and your presence seems to be tainting it. Yet, the woman's face in front of you was so bright and inviting. Paintings of her could not do justice the beauty and grace she held. Empress Wei sat behind her table, alluring purple Hanbok flows out like wine. Her petite face and small frame caught you off guard, but she was no less regal in your mind.

Commander Jeon bowed down to the ground, and you nudged Namjoon to follow. "Welcome back, Jeon. I am glad you have returned in one piece." She raised one eyebrow in your direction. "They do not look much like the smugglers you told me about."

"I found them snooping around the area that the other smugglers were caught, Your Majesty. I brought them back for further questioning." the man answered. To be grouped with smugglers was humiliating enough, to also be in the presence of royalty was mortifying.

"Your Majesty, if I may?" you asked quietly. That was not how you had intended to begin the conversation, you wanted to sound courageous, especially in front of Namjoon. The Empress nodded. "I am the daughter of Lord Song, and I am accompanying a friend who needs the witch to break a curse that she put on him. We do not have much time now that the witch is in Silver Stone."

The Empress's expression did not falter to a surprise or distrust, she had always been a fan of folktales and believed in almost all of them. "Young man, speak yourself." She lifted her chin towards Namjoon, who positioned himself behind you. The rare moments where he felt little.

"I was cursed by the river witch, Your Majesty. If I don't rid myself of it before the next full moon, my body will disappear and I will cease to exist." Namjoon explained. He had gotten so used to the words that he no longer needed to think or work through the mechanics and implications.

The Empress exhaled. "I have always been fearful of magic," she whispered. "I cannot promise that we will get you there on time, but I can guarantee my assistance."

"Your Majesty," Commander Jeon interjected. The woman held up a hand to stop him.

"If the daughter of a Royal Doctor is willing to risk her life for a friend, I think it is only decent for us to help them. Tomorrow, Commander Jeon will be escorted Lady Park to Lord Jung's house that is near Silver Stone. You can join the convoy. I do hope you two the best of luck."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." the two of you bowed at the same time. Namjoon breathed out of relieved. You unconsciously touched his arm to reassure him. The Empress took notice of that strange interaction and smiled to herself.