JiMina Collection

More Than Gold ~ Part 16

      Mina noticed she was getting far too attached to be safe. She had always been able to make friends, whether it be the children or other adults. However, she had never had a friendship like this. Mina could feel a hint of sadness over these past few days when she could no longer spend any time with Jimin. He was swept up in preparations for the royal ball, and any other time he had was spent being swarmed by the other girls. The most she could do was make eye-contact with the prince from across the room. Judging by the sorrowful look in his gaze, she knew he was missing her company as well. Mina hadn't slept well that night. Or the nights after. She thought hard and long of the new revelations floating through her mind.

     She had always been an independent person. She had to be. Mina had grown up unsupported and alone. The orphanage was cruel, the men she worked for were greedy and not to be trusted. She preserved herself, both emotionally and physically, by keeping her distance from others. Mina had travelled from village to village. She was strong, she was clever, and she could take care of herself. Terrible things happen, it's just a part of life. Thus, Mina learned not to dwell on things. Not to feel. If Mina had truly let someone into her life, she knew it would hurt to leave. Even worse, it would hurt even further should that person betray her trust. It was for these reasons that Mina made sure to remain solitary. Getting attached to anything meant being vulnerable.

      This was why Mina was starting to feel uneasy, perhaps even frightened. Jimin had become a great friend. She had never made a friend her age before. At first she doubted him. He was a royal, thus, he was rich... And even worse, a rich male. Mina had only ever grown up seeing those with wealth holding their money over the heads of others. They were cruel and ignorant of the suffering in others' lives. All that mattered was the money in their pockets. Furthermore, Mina had only ever had negative experiences with the male demographic. Men of all ages would constantly try to take advantage of women like her who just wanted to make a living. Unlike what they thought, being a woman didn't make her weak or idiotic. She was no trophy to be claimed. 

     Combining the two traits was surely a recipe for disaster. And yet, Jimin continued to prove her wrong. Unlike other men she had met, he had not once tried to court her, nor had he expected her to fall at his feet. He treated her as an equal, whereas others would have turned away from such treatment towards a woman. Moreover, although he was certainly rich, he had not once flaunted it. During her time with him, Mina had begun to discern his values from the values of his father. Jimin couldn't care less about status or wealth. Mina knew all he wanted was a friend. When he had quite literally crash-landed himself into her life, Mina knew that what she couldn't provide for herself, she could provide for him. He reciprocated eagerly, for he had been shunned all his life.

    That was why she offered to help him. He was alone like her. She didn't expect to gain such a kind accomplice as a result. But where there has been benefit, there is even more to lose. Now, Mina was starting to doubt her ability to walk away from all this, just as she has walked away from so many things before. She knew she would have to. What business did someone like her have in a castle anyways? But this time, there was a price. A painful one. She would have to leave her greatest and possibly only true friend behind. 

     Mina sighed and stared out the window in her chambers. She knew it was inevitable, and so, she supposed she just had to make the most of it now. The only problem was that she couldn't do just that. As long as Jimin was trapped by the other girls, they couldn't sneak off for some actual fun. It took patience and timing. Unfortunately, time was not on their side.

     A brief knock sounded outside her door, shaking Mina out of her thoughts. "Come in!" Mina called out. The door swung open to reveal the old maid who greeted her with a smile.