Jang-Geum assisting me in my escape under the cover of night. I find myself running towards the forest, the moon and stars my only source of light.
As I sprints towards the treeline, a mix of excitement and trepidation fills my heart. The cool night air rushes through my hair, and the sounds of the forest seem closer now. I glances back at Jang-Geum, whose support has allowed me to reach this point.
As I reach the riverbank, I hesitate for a moment, uncertain how to cross. Luckily, Won-Guk steps forward, using his power over ice to form a sturdy bridge of ice across the water. The ice glistens and glows subtly in the night, casting a soft, ethereal light upon their path.
I look in awe at the ice bridge, a smile of excitement and wonder upon my face. I carefully follow behind Won-Guk, marveling at the spectacle before us.
I halted momentarily, my heart filled with a mix of emotions. I turned to face Jang-Geum, my voice tinged with concern. "Jang-Geum, won't you come with us?"
Jang-Geum smiled warmly, her expression a reflection of her stoic nature. She responded, "Don't worry about me. I'll be alright here. If you have the chance, please come visit me occasionally."
As we finally crossed the river and entered a seemingly plain forest, my excitement turned to disappointment... at first.
But then, I touched a nearby tree, and to my surprise, it vanished, revealing an illusion. As I stepped forward, my eyes widened at the breathtaking sight before me - a village frozen in a snowy landscape, its houses crafted from ice.
I looked up at Won-Guk, my curiosity piqued. "What is this village called?"
Won-Guk regarded the village with a sense of pride and familiarity. "This village is called 'Glacia'," he replied, his voice brimming with a subtle hint of nostalgia. "It serves as the home to a unique community of arctic creatures who have adapted to the cold climate."
I looked up, my gaze following Won-Guk's. My eyes fell upon a breathtaking sight - a majestic mountain, blanketed in snow, with an awe-inspiring ice castle perched atop it.
Gasping softly, my voice was filled with wonder as I murmured, "That castle..."
My eyes widened in astonishment. I turned to Won-Guk, my voice carrying a mixture of surprise and admiration. "You're the ruler here?"
Won-Guk's response was matter-of-fact, but laced with a sense of duty. "Yes," he replied. "I am the one responsible for safeguarding and protecting this village and its inhabitants."
When I sneezed, Won-Guk chuckled softly, the sound of his laughter filling the air. "Ah, the cold must be getting to you, huh?"
Won-Guk then scooped me into his arms, carrying me effortlessly as we ventured into the castle.
As we entered the castle, I marveled at the cozy interior. I made a beeline for the chimney, the warmth beckoning to me.
Won-Guk followed closely, a tease in his voice. "You're so warm…" he said with a playful tone, wrapping his arms around me from behind.
Startled, I attempted to push him away, my voice laced with a hint of playfulness. "Ah! You're so cold, it's like your body is made of ice!"
As Won-Guk's fingers grazed my wounded wrist, I couldn't help but flinch. Won-Guk's tone turned serious, his gaze filled with concern.
"Dae-seong, show me your wrist," he firmly commanded.
I hesitated, my resistance obvious. I tried to pull my wrist away, mumbling a dismissive, "It's fine, really."
Won-Guk's anger surged as he lifted my shirt, revealing the scars and fresh wounds on my back. The sight of the physical abuse filled him with a mix of anger and concern.
Won-Guk's voice cracked with a hint of frustration as he asked, "Why did you let Chul-ki do this to you? Why didn't you fight back?"
The question hung heavy in the air as Won-Guk's eyes softened with a mixture of sympathy and protectiveness. He gently touched the fresh wounds, his voice filled with sincere concern.
"You didn't deserve this, Dae-seong. You shouldn't have to endure such pain..." Won-Guk whispered, his voice laced with a hint of anger at the thought of Chul-ki's cruelty.
My voice was soft but filled with resignation as I responded, "I'm not like the others with those superhuman abilities. Do you think I could take on Chul-ki with just kicks and fists? It's impossible..."
My voice trailed off, a mixture of helplessness and acceptance evident in my tone.
I quickly snatched my shirt back, my playful tone laced with a hint of mock annoyance.
"Right, give me my shirt back. I'll freeze to death if I don't cover up soon," I quipped, playfully exaggerating the threat of frostbite.
Won-Guk chuckled at my dramatic response, his playful demeanor returning.
"Oh, you'll freeze to death, huh?" he teased, a hint of laughter in his voice. "Well, can't have that happen now, can we? Here, your shirt, my fragile little one," Won-Guk said, offering the shirt back.
———••The next day••———
One sunny morning, I perched atop the stair ledge, my mischievous side coming out. I decided to slide down the banister, enjoying my little moment of silliness.
Meanwhile, Won-Guk leaned against the wall nearby, watching me with an amused smile on his face.
The knight's report delivered a grim message, stirring a mixture of anger and concern in the room.
"Chul-ki has been spreading false rumors," the ice knight announced. "He accused Jang-Geum and yourself, King Won-Guk, of kidnapping Dae-Seong. Jang-Geum's scheduled for beheading."
My anger flared instantly, my fists clenching. "That bastard," I hissed through gritted teeth. Yet, Won-Guk remained calm, his composure undisturbed.
My blood boiled with anger, his frustration reaching its peak. "Won-Guk! You're so damn calm! Do something!"
Won-Guk folded his arms across his chest, his expression stern. "Save her by doing what? Throwing yourself back into the hands of Chul-ki?"
I Won-Guk's warning, My determination didn't waver. I stubbornly turned away, heading back to Hwan-Myu village to confront Chul-ki and save Jang-Geum, ignoring Won-Guk's advice.
With stealth and cunning, I tucked myself away, carefully observing from a hidden vantage point. Chul-ki had gathered a crowd, his deceitful words spewing from his lips like venom.
Chul-ki spun his web of lies, portraying the false narrative of how Jang-Geum and Won-Guk had abducted me. The townsfolk hung on every word, their trust and loyalty swayed by Chul-ki's manipulation.
I concealed in his hidden spot, wrestled with my thoughts, my mind working rapidly to devise a plan. Despite my determination, I felt paralyzed, unsure of what to do next.
Anxiety and doubt crept into my mind as the townsfolk's growing support for Chul-ki became more evident. My heart pounded, the weight of the situation weighing heavily on me.
TO.BE.CONTINUED.