Exo Imagines

The Gardener's Son (Xiumin)

"But, father! He's my closest friend!"

"I will not allow a daughter of mine to converse with a peasant! If you wish to do so, I will disown you, and you can live amongst the animals!"

Your anger was rising with every word that spilled out of your father's mouth. How could he keep you away from the only person you truly trusted in the kingdom?! You grew up with the boy, and put your very life in his hands many times. Your royal heritage didn't matter to you, you simply wanted to keep Minseok, the gardener's son, in your life.

"I would rather live there than with you! Maybe there they will accept who I love, despite my family!"

The king's jaw dropped, and you covered your mouth, just now realizing you had revealed your true love. You decided that now was the time to leave, run to the woods and never return.

Slipping past the numerous guards at your door, you hitched your skirt up, heading straight toward the castle gates. You hid yourself well amongst the trees, nestling near a stream deep in the foliage.

For days, you lived off of wild berries and the water from the flowing resource. Your hair became tangled and matted with dirt, and your dress was torn in several places. Your face makeup and powder had long since worn off. But, your anger persisted, and you refused to return to the kingdom.

One day, Minseok was sent on an errand to find the wild flowers that only grew deep in the woods. On his travel, he heard the angry cries of a young girl.

"Hello? Is anyone there? Miss, I can hear you...are you in need of assistance?"

Your heart swelled at the sound of your love's voice, but then you remembered the consequences of revealing your identity to him. He might bring you back to your father. You came up with a wise plan, and stood to face Minseok. Gesturing to your mouth, you silently told him you were mute, hoping he would believe your weak lies and that he wouldn't recognize you without your makeup.

"Ah, you cannot speak? Please, come with me, I'll take you to my house to clean up. Have you even eaten today?"

You shook your head. You had just run out of berries last night, and it was by sheer fate that he had found you.

Gently taking your arm, he led you to a small house just outside the kingdom. He brought you a small tub of water and helped to clean your hair, his smooth hands working their way through the long tangles. He took a cloth and wiped your face, and suddenly, he stopped his actions.

"You're...._____?!"

"Shh!"

You covered his mouth, looking around you for anyone listening. Luckily, there were none.

"You can't tell anyone! I...I ran away, Minseok. My father doesn't want me anymore, because I choose to spend my time with you. But I told him I'd rather live with the animals, if it meant that someday I'd be with you. And, as destiny foretold, you found me. Please, don't take me back to my father...."

He took you into his arms, not caring about the incredible amount of dirt caked on your dress.

"If it is what you wish, I won't return you to your father. We belong together, as you said, and nothing can change that. As soon as the dirt was washed from your beautiful face, I knew it was you. I almost lost you, and I won't lose you again."

You continued to spend every hour with the gardener's son, and eventually moved to the neighboring town with him. Under a different identity, you married him, and he grew you a massive garden filled with roses and daisies.

Your father had never sent any letters for your return.

You bore two children, and together, you lived a happy, fulfilling life, without the boundaries created by royalty.

Because, after all, love conquers all.