Book 2: Seven Demon's Hearts

Episode 61: Influence

Episode 61: I n f l u e n c e

"Pride, where are we--"

"Hanul?" A familiar voice called out to her, forcing her eyes to grow wide and teary.

"Mina?!" Hanul quickly ran over and gave the woman a gentle hug. "You're still here? I thought I'd never see you again! But you--" she looked back at Pride and smiled, watching the small smile teasing his face. "You really could have given me a heads up. But I'm glad you two had a chance to finally meet." 

"Well, given that my traitorous brother and his annoying wife who left without me, it was only proper that Mother would grace me with her visit. Because you know, it's been only over six hundred years since we've last seen each other's faces." The bitterness in his voice still showed the grudge he held against them. 

"Oh, Pride! You should be more understanding of Hanul's situation. I'm just glad I've gotten a chance to see you two again since I will be returning tonight." Mina looked down as a frown took over Pride's face.

"You don't have to return." He suddenly spoke up without batting an eye. "No one is there for you in that place. Besides, there is no king yet, what can guarantee your safety as father's ex-concubine? There's no need for such foolishness. Just stay with us at the mansion instead." 

Hanul's brow rose, surprised by the passionate emotions coming from Pride. It was one thing getting used to Jungkook's tenderness, but it was another experiencing it from Pride. Hanul hadn't witnessed him ever care about someone so deeply since he'd seen the way he looked at Solmi. But she was glad that Pride was at least loved by his own family member. Most of them couldn't afford that luxury, and having a mother like Mina was probably any person's goal. 

"My poor child." Mina's eyes glowered down as she placed a hand to her lips before looking back up at him with determination. "I must go. I have to." 

"You're lying." Pride's eyes raged blue. "You always lie when you do that!" He pointed out her habitual manner. "What are you still doing here, mother? Since we've met you've told me that you've been meaning to return back to hell. You're not bound by our curse, so why is it that it's been weeks and you're still here? What are you hiding from me?!" Catching the quick exchange between Hanul and Mina, Pride was almost now certain that there was something he didn't know. "What is it." He asked with a darker tone, glaring at Hanul. 

"It's nothing, Pride." Hanul automatically covered up with a pitiful tone. "Mina should return, there's just no reason for it. Not everyone's suited to live here. You've all adjusted by now, but Mina probably feels homesick."

Pride kept a suspicious eye on her before looking down at the floor. "Either way, Mother told me she wanted to see you. That's why I brought you here."

Hanul furrowed her brows and looked to Mina, questioning. The older woman placed on a stern smile and walked up to Pride, giving him a hug that caused him to stumble back, flustered by the intimacy in front of Hanul. To give them some privacy and not shatter his pride, Hanul pretended to not realize and turned to look away.

"I would like to speak to her on a few things regarding Aiko and her new role as V's wife. If you'd allow us some time, I'll be forever grateful."

"Of course, Mother. You don't have to be grateful to me--not ever." Pride obediently whispered back, placing a kiss on her forehead before bowing his head. "I'll be back to see you off then." 

As soon as Pride left, Mina doubled over, coughing out a gush of blood that terrified Hanul on sight.

"Mina!" Hanul immediately dashed over, holding onto the frail woman before she fell to her knees. With little effect, the subtle healing spell Hanul activated on contact managed to only soothe her wheezing.