Chapter Forty- One #2
He locks the door and draws the curtain over the door before joining us, taking the remaining seat beside Mingi, opposite Iseul and me.
The way Eojin looks at the siblings, especially Iseul, seems to hold extra meaning. Perhaps he is reliving memories from their shared childhood.
“How did you find me?” he asks Mingi.
Mingi nods in my direction. “She did.”
Eojin turns his attention on me, full of suspicion. “You, I don’t know. Tell me, what is a human doing traveling with fae? And how is it that you were the one to track me down?”
“I’m Vi—”
“I know your name. I want to know who you are.”
After so much time with Joon, the younger prince’s prickly demeanor is not quite what I’d expected. Knowing his position, I can’t blame him.
“I am Prince Joon’s seventh wife,” I say matter-of-factly. It pleases me inside when Eojin’s brows jump higher in surprise.
“Impossible. We fae do not take multiple spouses.”
“It’s a long story,” Iseul draws out the first word as she offers a smile that is more grimace.
Leaving out the intimate details, I explain everything from the beginning—my condition, my theft, and the bargain with Joon.
I explain how I discovered the clues in my research, and the book with the true history disguised as a fairytale.
Iseul and Mingi help fill in the details.
All the while, Eojin sits back listening with rapt attention.
“Joon killed the Traitor King the night he broke the curse,” I finish.
Afterward, the young prince is silent, as if lost in thought.
“Why did you stay here after your memories returned?” I ask after a while.
Prince Eojin shrugs, then leans on the table with folded arms. Most of his princely demeanors have faded, leaving traces behind that can only be found if you know what to look for.
“I have spent more years in this life than the one I was born into. It’s simple, but it’s a good life.” Eojin gazes out the window to a distant point only he can see with his mind’s eye. “There is no need for a spare to complicate matters. With the curse broken, my brother can take the throne.”
Iseul jabs me in the ribs below the table.
“That brings us to the matter we’ve come to discuss with you,” I say.
Eojin sits straighter, his expression hardens. Perhaps he can sense the gravity in my tone.
I swallow the lump in my throat and steel my spine for the part I must say next. “We found the Traitor King’s body, but we haven’t been able to find any trace of Joon. We’ve searched and can’t find a trace.” Warm pressure builds behind my eyes as tears build, threatening to drown me.
Iseul gently squeezes my hand, then takes over. “For now, everyone believes he is recovering, but there’s no telling what chaos will break out if anyone discovers the truth about the crown prince.”
“I cannot claim his crown while he lives,” he says.
“That is why we must declare him dead—”
“No.” I nearly choke on the word as I get to my feet. They had “I won’t give up on him even if you do.”
Iseul tugs on my arm, having me sit back down. “We’re not giving up. This is necessary to prevent unrest while we keep searching.”
“If Joon returns to claim his birthright, then I will abdicate,” he says. “I will do everything in my power to aid you in your search. However, it will be difficult to do so if the world believes him dead.”
“What do you suggest?” Mingi asks.
“I will return, in full support of my brother. Then, after a few days, I will announce that his condition has worsened and he will need to be placed in stasis until we can find a solution,” he says, meeting my gaze.
“Depending on public opinion, it may prove difficult to place him on the throne when he’s found.
Though not impossible if the people’s memories have returned as well. ”
I dip my chin, grateful for the prince’s thoughtfulness.
Prince Eojin’s return is met with a mix of joy and skepticism. But any doubts about his validity are squashed when his bonded demon emerges from hiding. Mandu is the bright blue of a summer sky with a mane so pale it shimmers like moonlight.
With his demon’s assistance, Eojin quickly regains any confidence he might have lacked from his years away from the palace and falls back into his natural roles with ease.
Over the following days, a numb detachment comes over me. Each one a blur and an eternity. I watch the coronation beside Iseul and Mingi, though I can barely bring myself to pay attention.
I wait for the search for Joon to resume.
As King Eojin restores order. One of his first official acts is to bestow power, nearly equal to that of the royal bloodline, onto Mingi and Iseul for all they have done for the kingdom.
The decree instantly elevates their status to nobles and eradicates the stigma they once carried as orphans.
I am truly happy for them. They deserve recognition for their loyalty.
One of his first official acts is to enact a system that will create better conditions for orphans, which will give current and future orphans an equal opportunity to find a good place in society, rather than being relegated to the edges, barely scraping by. Forgotten.
By the time the palace repairs are complete, the king has familiarized himself with the running of the kingdom, using his years among the people to find ways to improve laws and policies.
Eojin shocks the kingdom by declaring the border between the human and fae lands open for the first time in centuries since its creation.
The decree is unexpected, receiving mixed reactions of reservation and excitement.
Many on both sides of the line begin migrating immediately, eager for the potential prosperity and trade.
On and on, time passes without wavering. Refusing to slow.
I go through the motions I must, moving through the world, but never truly part of it. I am stuck, unable to move forward or back.
Even when everything has settled, the only time I feel like myself is when I ride over plains and tundra, searching for Joon.
Mingi and Iseul spend an increasing amount of time with the Eojin, join the last true king’s personal spies, Hyeon and Yuna, in near constant discussions about possibilities for the future, as they help him adjust to a life he was never prepared to live.
Clutching the near-empty bag in my hand, I slow Star Runner and stare up at the Maldan Ice Wall. The top reaches so high into the heavens that it’s lost among the clouds.
After months of searching, I have finally reached the end of Arum’s northern land. I pull out one of the markers Iseul created for me and toss it down, then I turn and head toward the palace.
I am weary but not defeated. I can’t shake the feeling that I'm getting closer to finding Joon, even though there’s no logical reason to believe so.
Upon my return, I head straight for the throne room. The guards are used to the routine. With a nod, one turns to announce me, then motions for me to enter.
I stride in, stopping at the foot of the dais, and bow to King Eojin. Instead of the usual cue to rise, there is the gentle susurration of his robes sliding over the steps as he descends.
His hand alights on my shoulder. “I am glad you see you return safely.”
I straighten.
“Tell me what you have to report,” he says. He is giving me a rare courtesy by hearing what I have to say, when a simple glance can tell him everything he needs to know.
“I reached the Maldan ice wall… My results are the same. However, there are still the southern lands to search.”
Eojin nods. “I am sorry to hear that. I was hoping it would be different. It has been a long time since I last saw my brother, and I would like to see him again. I miss him.”
“I will go rest now,” I say. “I want to begin as soon as the sun rises.”
“No,” he says softly.
I freeze. “W-what do you mean?”
Eojin smiles kindly. “My brother is lucky to have someone who loves him as you do. I will always be thankful for your unwavering loyalty, but it is time for you to return to your family. I am sure they are waiting for you.”
I am shaking my head before he finishes speaking. “Please don’t ask me to give up on him,” I plead.
King Eojin clasps my hands. “If Joon returns half the love you have for him, then you know he would not want you to abandon your own life.”
Tears burn my eyes.
I do miss my family. After all, I bargained with Joon to live and have them restored. They must wonder if I am even still alive at this point.
I don’t want to admit that he’s right. It feels like leaving him for dead.
“Do not fret. We will not stop searching. One way or another, we will find out what happened. I will send for you the moment we learn anything. You have my word.”
“Thank you.” I bow.
He nods, signaling that our meeting is over.
I bow at the waist again, then turn to go make my preparations to leave the winter fae lands behind.