Royal Love

Chapter 23

"You know that I can't show you me, give you me
I can't show you a ruined part of myself"
The Truth Untold - BTS's Vocal Line

Earth wakes up from his afternoon nap. His eyes scan his hospital room, an action he had been doing the last few days. He heaves a sigh, disappointment filled his whole body. The figure he had been longing for is still nowhere to be seen.  The person who he is willing to give up his life for never show up.

During his coronation ceremony, he saved his fiancé during that dreadful day. When Kao arrested Earth's uncle toward the police car, he failed to notice the danger. Earth, who was standing behind Kao, did not though. He saw the tiny red dot on Kao's back. The moment his brain recognized it, his whole body had already moved. His hands reached out and pushed Kao to the ground. Earth took Kao's place and got the bullet on the chest. The last thing he saw was his mother's tearful face.

When he woke up, all his family members were by his hospital bed. They briefly gave him some explanation about the situation, refused to gave him the whole story. They kept saying his fiancé would be the one to explain everything. Yet, he has been in the hospital for a week; but, there is still no sight of Kao.

"Your Highness! Dr. Thitiwat is coming in for check up." Mark announces.

It's funny how Ohm Thitiwat is his attending physician, as a back up for the Royal doctor. After the last accident with Fluke, the family had trusted Ohm and his skill. They decided to let Ohm be the attending physician, allowing the Royal doctor to take some rest since he is reaching his retirement age.

"Come in!" Earth answers, his voice still hoarse from his sleep.

"Hey! How are you feeling?" Ohm strides in with his confident smile.

"Good except for the fact that I'm dying for a shower." Earth grumpily answers. He hadn't take a shower for a week. His body can't get wet since his wound is still healing.

Ohm chuckles at the sassy response. He performs the usual checkup and checks the wound, "Your wound is healing well. At this rate, you will get that shower in no time, Prince."

"If your no time is now, then we are talking. If not, I don't want to hear your comfort words."

At this Ohm didn't say anything. His eyes lose their mischievous glint that was just there two seconds ago. He just stares at Earth. Earth looks right back at him, trying to figure out the look that his brother's boyfriend is giving him.

Pity?

Sadness?

What is going on?

"What is is Ohm? Say it!" Earth commands in his Crown Prince's voice.

"Kao wants me to deliver this to you." Ohm reaches into his white coat's pocket to take out a white envelop and a black velvet box.

Earth somehow has a feeling that he knew what is in that box. He reaches out his hand to receive them. Ohm might see the tremble in Earth's hands, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he excused himself out of the room.

Once alone, Earth takes a few deep breath. He is trying to calm his nerve down. His heart is already beating faster. Using his shaky hands, Earth slowly opens the white letter. Kao's handwriting is dancing in front of his eyes.

"Dear Earth, my Crown Prince!
By the time you read this letter, I am already gone. I owe you an explanation for everything that happened. I'm sorry that I could not tell you in person; because I am a coward. I can't face you anymore for everything that I have done.