Golden chains [Part 8]
>Part 7<
Chapter 8
Today was a happy day. The temperature was cool between the Pillars of tall stone. But there was hope. Little bits of greens growing between the rocks, they promised so much more. The caravan seemed more relaxed, the fight against heat was over and celebrations started when the first creak was spotted. Flowing water, it was such a cheerful sight to see. It was dissolving the stones little by little, creating cracks and baths, and such lovely music.
Jonghyun couldn’t help but smile. Kibum had promised that at the first pool they saw they could rest their feet and water the horses. They had enough water with them to continue but there was no rush and this might be the best water there was. Jonghyun could not wait for it, he didn’t have the chance to wash in the last three days and with this heat his skin was starting to feel painful.
He listened for the trickle, he was hoping for a splash or something. His lord looked back like he always did so once in a while. “Soon, we will meet a waterfall. We can rest there for a little bit. I want to camp out in the grass fields tonight.” The slave smiled and but the information was not meant for him. The lords behind him nodded and called for the message to spread. Yet their eyes met and his lord returned the smile.
~~
Just as promised, soon after they were met with the element. It crossed there path innocently and Jonghyun couldn’t help but jump off his horse. Oh, heaven’s he had missed the glow of cool water. His feet touched the large yet shallow stream and Amin followed him. He crouched down and cupped the clear liquid in his hands. He splashed his face once and then another time to have a little bit more bliss. Besides him, Amin lowered his head, taking a drink for himself.
It was continuant for Jonghyun. He got up and rustled with the saddle bag on the horse and took out a clay bowl. With the edges painted it didn’t seem too poor and Jonghyun hope that his lord wouldn’t mind. He cupped some water in the bowl whilst doing the same thing his hand. He quickly drank before wading his way to his lord.
The noble man had dismounted but, yet had tasted the waters. Jonghyun smiled when Kibum noticed him. “My lord.” He smiled as if he was a child that had found a precious flower for his mother. The noble man blinked for a second but still took the ailing cup. The white of his fingers contrasted so harshly with the red of the clay. Jonghyun bit his lip. Maybe he should have waited until the cart with glass and riches had reached and he could prepare a refreshing drink.
He took a careful sip, distracted by Jonghyun's dripping fringe and smiling face. Yet the freshness of the water soon took its toll and the Lord remembered how thirsty he was. "More please." He handed the bowl back and Jonghyun nodded, running back over the rocks to where the horses watered themselves.
Jonghyun repeated his steps bringing water to his Lord while they had found a place to sit to hold council. "Jonghyun, we will be host lunch here. Wait until the caravan fully arrives to prepare. In the meantime wash up and relax a bit." Kibum ordered and it there wasn't anything that sounded sweeter. Jonghyun bowed in gratitude and called out a happy "Yes, my lord."
Kibum smiled after him. Jonghyun looked more like a free dog on a new terrain. Sniffing his surroundings and looking about. It was clear that Jonghyun missed the mountains. He sighed, the fresh air also did him good.
~
~~
Jonghyun walked up stream. He knew that there should be a pool somewhere close. There was a soft trickle that seemed promising. He had the biggest smile on his face. Just around a big lose rock he found what he was looking for. The pool might be only knee deep but it would do. Jonghyun stripped his clothes and sank his feet into the water.
It was icy, so cold it seemed to burn. He hissed but it was only something to get used too. Soon enough he kneeled down and cupped water up to cover his arms in a light shimmer of water. The sand that had stuck to him from the desert had no chance now. The slave took his time you letting the water wash him and sitting down on the stone bed. He started to play. The stream making music as he passed his hands through its surface.
It was relaxing. Calming, something that he had not done for a long time. He closed his eyes and lowered his head back. The flow of water joked with the weight of his hair. He let it move over his fore head, holding his breath when he lowered himself in the other world. Bliss, cold hard bliss. His lungs started to complain forcing him to head out of the water. He took a big gulp of air and sighed.
A giggle, no wait a pair. Jonghyun turned, looking around himself. Nobody, he pouted, his ears shouldn’t play tricks on him. But out of the corner of his eyes he saw something move. There around the rock where he came from. He narrowed his eyes. To his luck, the girl tried to steal another glance. But he didn’t expect it to be three of them.
“H-Hey! What do you think you are doing?” He shouted and the girls giggled and ran away. Jonghyun in his haste stood up but only to realise that that was the worse thing to do. His most precious was not happy and sensitive from the cold water. It was not an honourable sight to see and with second thought Jonghyun cupped himself just to see that the girls were already long gone.
He grumbled. How dared those girls sneak up on him. How could an innocent maid be so weak to temptation? He stepped out of the water and audibly groaned. He had forgotten a change of clothes. His tunic was filthy and he didn’t want to touch it. Still he bit his lip and threw it over his head.
With wet hair and clean skin he move back to where he knew his lord would be. The message of lunch was already spread and servants had put up an open tend for the noble men. Somewhere close, some one had started a fire and meals were being prepared. Jonghyun need not worry about that. He searched up where the horses just to find that someone had already unsaddled them. He looked around him and noted what he was looking for not far away.
Finally he could change into something cleaner. He took a robe of dyed sky blue cotton, airy yet thick to be his outfit. With a pair of white, lose hanging pants for under it. He took the clothes and looked around him. He was in the buzzling centre, every one busy with his or her duty and Jonghyun had to be too. He just hoped that his lord was distracted for the time being.
With that hope, he sat out to find a place to change. There were rocks everywhere so it should not be too hard to get some privacy. Jonghyun didn’t have to go far. He hid behind one of the bolder and stripped again. So much for taking a bath. He felt weird with the dirty clothes on. Quickly he pulled on the pants but hissed when he realised that the string had escaped him and was hiding inside the lining of the cotton.
“Oh no.” He hated when this happened. He had no choice but to slow down and feel the rim to find the end of the string. There it was. Jonghyun frowned when he found it and tried to push it forward. Why was this always so tricky? But in the corner of his eye he saw something move. He looked up, was he really being followed? The slave rolled his eyes, these girls really. He held his pants tightly and walked closer to the rock. If he was smarter than his stalker than he could catch them red handed.
A movement and Jonghyun attacked. “Hey!” He shouted enough to startle. His hand reaching and grapping the glance thief. “M-my lord?” Jonghyun froze. Kibum’s eyes were wide, his hand raise in defence and a rosy colour on his cheek. It took a second; they blinked at one another. The slave realised that he hold his master’s wrist in what could be an aggressive way. He let him go as if the noble blood burned him.
“My… lord…” Jonghyun said again, his head bowed and ready to be scolded. The noble recomposed himself and coughed. “What do you think you are doing?” He said in a stern voice. He had all the right to be angry. If he would have been less merciful, he would have Jonghyun whipped for his boldness.
“I- I was looking for you.” The lord said, averting his eyes from Jonghyun’s very naked chest. “I’m sorry, my lord.” “And what do you think grabbing me like that?!” Jonghyun flinched at the accusation. “My lord, I’m sorry. I just…” Jonghyun didn’t know what to say and Kibum was waiting. “It is just that when I bathed I noticed three maids spying on me. And now that I was changing I notice a person too. I just thought that it were the same people. I would never dreamt it was my lord. Not… that you would be spying on me. Heavens no, that would not be the case.” He was rambling, digging his own grave. Until he heard his lordship sigh.
“Whatever. Get dressed and back to work. I’m hungry.” Kibum said sternly, closing the argument. Jonghyun bowed but glanced up just to check if his master was really angry. Just as quick, he lowered his sighed and blinked confusingly. Why were the lord’s cheeks so tainted in a blush?
~~~
Jonghyun laid the platters of wild goat cooked in honey and lemons on the low table. The lovely smell was making his own stomach growl. He had been living of flat bread and figs until now. He was hoping that he too would see some meat. “Please enjoy.” He whispered but his lord didn’t meet his eye. Clearly still upset. Jonghyun pouted but he could not make a scene with the other lords there. He poured another drink for his master and stood back.
Soon after, when Kibum was happily eating and content. Jonghyun was given his own meal. Flat bread again but this time there was shredded meat and yogurt on it. It looked so much better than he expected. He thanked the girl and sat down where he stood. Oh, it was the best meal he had in a long time.
It was a feast on the road. A smart move from Kibum’s side. He reminded his people what they were here to do. It was a march of celebration. Food made everyone merrier and even whine was making people sing. Jonghyun relaxed, listening to the lords tell stories. His lord didn’t have it in heart to pressed the people. So when the sun was low in the sky he called for the tents to erect and another hunting party to supply for dinner.
There was a feast then; A real one. There was music and dances. Everyone was called out to enjoy. Jonghyun poured wine but mostly sat behind his lord clapping his hands and smiling. Watch the pretty girls twirl. It was the first time that Jonghyun was allowed to enjoy an event like this and it made it extra special. People talking, all smiled, many joined to dance. It was making the slave’s heart light and his smile painful.
“Jonghyun.” His lord’s voice called him and the slave stood up that second. He got back to his professional stand. “Yes, sire.” He bend down lower so that Kibum didn’t need to raise his voice over the music. “If you wish to dance, you may. It is also a party for you.” Kibum did not meet his eye but Jonghyun might have guessed why. His heart swell but he shook his head. “I’m happy watching, it is only my first time to an event like this.” Kibum turned to him. “Well, you better get used to it. We will be in a lot of them.” The shared a smile and enjoyed the night.
~~~
On the morrow, Kibum ordered the journey to continue. The people were in high spirit yet the party might not have been the best idea if the lord wanted the leave at first light. There was a bit of grumbling and slurring. Kibum was up and bright. Jonghyun had served him stew of potato herbs and lamb. With a heavy breakfast like that his lord wanted to get started with the road.
Jonghyun mounted Amin with a little bit of difficulty. It was still not his favourite part of horse riding. Dalchin came to meet him with her master on her. “Sound the horns. We ride now.” He said a little sternly. Jonghyun clicked his tongue, imitating what his master did to get the horse to start his walk. Nothing, not even when Jonghyun moved in his saddle or petted his horse’s backside.
There was a chuckle and the blond looked up. Kibum had seen his attempts. The slave gave him a pitiful face. He needed held, the steed, though well trained, knew that Jonghyun had no skill. The lord ordered his horse to get closer without a sound and Jonghyun wondered how. “I guess that I have to teach you a new skill.” The noble man said and clicked his tongue. The horse took his first step and Kibum made Dalchin follow.
“I’m sorry, my lord. I had never imagined that I would ride a horse.” Jonghyun confessed in a guilty voice. “Your fantasies don’t go very far. You should be more ambitious.” Kibum countered. They were the first that set the pace of the caravan. Jonghyun smiled in a sorry way. He was never ably to think too much about his own future. It was not in his nature.
"It is easier than the skill of reading, I promise." Kibum continued when he didn’t get a reply, and Jonghyun did not doubt him. "Shall I teach you?" Jonghyun blinked, his Lord would be his teacher. "I don't want you to use your precious time on me.”
"You are not sitting straight. Press your knees together. Let the horse feel that you are in control and not just a potato sack." Jonghyun stiffened in his seat. His master sure was strict. The Lord looked over his posture and tapped his whip on Jonghyun's ankle. "Under your knees." He reminded him. The first advise he had given him when he first sat on a horse.
"We use the stirrups to guide the horses on the way." Jonghyun took hold of the rains and held them like his master did. "Turn his head and he will follow." Jonghyun nodded to himself. Soaking the information up like a thirsty sponge.
The rocky step started to be more a slope the high walls started to decline. They were at the end of the passage way and with a head start. "My lord, I think we should wait until the others catch up." He said unsurely but Kibum gave him a wicked grin. "Why? It is my day off." Jonghyun cocked his head. He never knew that his lordship had one of those. "I have given command to Lord Lee. That way I could go riding." He explained further. And Jonghyun understood. Kibum breathed in a big breath, his eyes closing and his face relaxing into a soft smile.
Jonghyun did the same, imitating him to see the result of it. The air was fresh, light and had something so familiar to it. They went around a bent in the road and Jonghyun gasped. The land had opened, hills covered it's surface, green with grass. "Jonghyun." The name made said man turn and caught Kibum's wide grin. "Hold on tight."
It was the only warning Jonghyun got before his Lord hit the backside of his horse. Jonghyun didn't know what happened really but screamed, the horse cried and ran. The slave forgot everything that he learned and held on for dear life, his hands clutching at the saddle as that seemed more stable. The hooves were soundless in the springy grass, but Kibum’s laugh followed him. His Lord came into his vision. His backside off the saddle, one hand fisting the rains and the other holding his feathered whip over Dalchin's behind. She was galloping, her muscles moving so beautifully under her white coat, her tail held high and her ears pressed flat.
With ease she over took them but Jonghyun didn't mind. At least he knew that Amin wouldn't go astray. It first shock left him and he started to understand what was happening. He was riding; no he was flying. The wind in his hair and adrenalin in his veins. He called out for himself. Laughing heartily as his lord did the same. He needed to speed up. Amin galloped but he was never faster than Dalchin.
The grasslands seemed endless. Still his lord seemed to slow down. Jonghyun didn’t need to give any sign to do the same. The horse did it all by himself. Kibum had halted on top on one of the hills and looked beyond it. The slave wilted the horse to get closer but Amin seemed to get interested in the grass beneath his feet.
The slave moved in his saddle but it was useless. Kibum laughed when he noticed Jonghyun’s attempts. “Use your ankle to tap him in the sides. Not too hard. Just a sign.” The master said. Jonghyun copied the advice nervously, unwilling to hurt the animal. Yet the slightest touch with his ankle did make the horse step. Jonghyun tried again, with a little bit more bravery. Amin got the gist and moved. Slowly walking to what could be his mate.
The two horses sniffed each other and huffed in communication. Kibum gave him a smile but turned his attention to the horizon again. Jonghyun followed his gaze and wondered what he saw. There in the distance was a river. Far away glinting, contrasting against the green and brown of the land. The slave narrowed his eyes when his master started to point.
“There.” He said and his finger pointing were the land turned grey. “There is where we are heading.” Of course. It was the city. Jonghyun blinked in realisation. It was big, yet too far to really understand what what was. It was bordering the river, a couple of islands inhabited too. “Which one is the palace, my lord?” Jonghyun asked when he remember that detail. The noble giggled. It is the one on the far east. Second to last one that you can see. it’s a little bit too far to see it all now.”
Kibum was telling the truth, it was hard to see what even were islands, what were houses and what was rock. Still Jonghyun felt impressed by the overall size. Never in his life did he see something like that. Never in his life he thought that he would be going to the capital. He bit his lip, how would it be like? “Are you nervous?”
Jonghyun turned to face his lord as best he could on the grazing horse. “I…” There was no need to lie to his master. “I am, my lord.” He confessed. He just didn’t know what awaited him. “Don’t worry too much. There won’t be too many people around. After all, I’m a guest of honour.”
Kibum unmounted and Jonghyun hurried to copy the action. The slave took the rains of both the horses questioning what the reason was. "Unsaddle the horses." The master said as he stretched. Jonghyun looked about himself, there was no tree or anything to tie the animals.
"I will have them have some fun, don't worry, they won't go far." Kibum said to lift Jonghyun's stress. The servant cocked his head but did what he was told. As soon the horses were free, they ran again. Kibum had sat down to relax. Jonghyun smiled and reached for the water skin.
He served his master water from a clay cup and Kibum took it gratefully. "My lord, what could I expect it the palace." The master opened his eyes. But he smiled. "Endless boredom." Jonghyun blinked. "I spend three years in that palace. They have the top scholars there. So I came here on my father's orders to study. I did but the palace it more protected and there are more people that pay attention to you." He gestured Jonghyun to sit down with him. He did, and pour another drink if his master wanted it.
"Onew is the only prince. So I got to spend a lot of time with my cousin. And he might not look like it but his as other sides to him." Kibum told. "He got me in a lot of trouble. We used to run away from lectures and other duties. After it all, I think I learned more from him than any book." He laughed to himself. Jonghyun joined in with a smile.
“Before, Onew was the only one that I could talk too.” Jonghyun’s face fell, and he sat closer to his master. He sighed but his smile came back when he looked up to him. "I never been lonely again with you with me."
Jonghyun felt his heart swell and his cheeks heat up. His words had touched him. "I thank you, my lord." Cutely Kibum cocked his head. "For what?" He had don't thinking, if anything it was Kibum that should be thanking Jonghyun. The slave gave him a sweet smile. "That you let me close. That you let me be with you." If anything Jonghyun had been worried that Kibum might never warm up to him. yet now, he couldn't be happier.
Kibum nodded but didn't look at him anymore. Yes, he did let Jonghyun in, he did let him see his ugly and weak side. And that despite the fact that he had fought, that he would not except the slave. Didn't that make him a hypocrite? But Jonghyun's large round eyes didn't bring him guilt. It was bringing him care and ease, something that he had been searching for a long time.
He could count on the slave, he could keep his secrets, he was the one he could trust. Jonghyun gently shuffled closer. "I'm happy, my lord." Kibum smiled at him as he lifted his hand. Jonghyun closed his eyes as if he was a dog awaiting a pet. His Lord touched his cheek, going up and grazed over the piercing on the edge of his eye.
The touch was gone as soon as it came and Jonghyun wished it back. It was the first time that his master had caressed him and it seems silly but the simple action meant so much.
"I too, an happy." Kibum whispered and Jonghyun bowed his head, unable to look his Lord in the eyes. There were too many emotions now. It was not save. The burning in his chest, the heat on his cheeks; the smile on his lips. He wished that he could have his Lord alone for himself for longer.
Chapter 8
Today was a happy day. The temperature was cool between the Pillars of tall stone. But there was hope. Little bits of greens growing between the rocks, they promised so much more. The caravan seemed more relaxed, the fight against heat was over and celebrations started when the first creak was spotted. Flowing water, it was such a cheerful sight to see. It was dissolving the stones little by little, creating cracks and baths, and such lovely music.
Jonghyun couldn’t help but smile. Kibum had promised that at the first pool they saw they could rest their feet and water the horses. They had enough water with them to continue but there was no rush and this might be the best water there was. Jonghyun could not wait for it, he didn’t have the chance to wash in the last three days and with this heat his skin was starting to feel painful.
He listened for the trickle, he was hoping for a splash or something. His lord looked back like he always did so once in a while. “Soon, we will meet a waterfall. We can rest there for a little bit. I want to camp out in the grass fields tonight.” The slave smiled and but the information was not meant for him. The lords behind him nodded and called for the message to spread. Yet their eyes met and his lord returned the smile.
~~
Just as promised, soon after they were met with the element. It crossed there path innocently and Jonghyun couldn’t help but jump off his horse. Oh, heaven’s he had missed the glow of cool water. His feet touched the large yet shallow stream and Amin followed him. He crouched down and cupped the clear liquid in his hands. He splashed his face once and then another time to have a little bit more bliss. Besides him, Amin lowered his head, taking a drink for himself.
It was continuant for Jonghyun. He got up and rustled with the saddle bag on the horse and took out a clay bowl. With the edges painted it didn’t seem too poor and Jonghyun hope that his lord wouldn’t mind. He cupped some water in the bowl whilst doing the same thing his hand. He quickly drank before wading his way to his lord.
The noble man had dismounted but, yet had tasted the waters. Jonghyun smiled when Kibum noticed him. “My lord.” He smiled as if he was a child that had found a precious flower for his mother. The noble man blinked for a second but still took the ailing cup. The white of his fingers contrasted so harshly with the red of the clay. Jonghyun bit his lip. Maybe he should have waited until the cart with glass and riches had reached and he could prepare a refreshing drink.
He took a careful sip, distracted by Jonghyun's dripping fringe and smiling face. Yet the freshness of the water soon took its toll and the Lord remembered how thirsty he was. "More please." He handed the bowl back and Jonghyun nodded, running back over the rocks to where the horses watered themselves.
Jonghyun repeated his steps bringing water to his Lord while they had found a place to sit to hold council. "Jonghyun, we will be host lunch here. Wait until the caravan fully arrives to prepare. In the meantime wash up and relax a bit." Kibum ordered and it there wasn't anything that sounded sweeter. Jonghyun bowed in gratitude and called out a happy "Yes, my lord."
Kibum smiled after him. Jonghyun looked more like a free dog on a new terrain. Sniffing his surroundings and looking about. It was clear that Jonghyun missed the mountains. He sighed, the fresh air also did him good.
~
~~
Jonghyun walked up stream. He knew that there should be a pool somewhere close. There was a soft trickle that seemed promising. He had the biggest smile on his face. Just around a big lose rock he found what he was looking for. The pool might be only knee deep but it would do. Jonghyun stripped his clothes and sank his feet into the water.
It was icy, so cold it seemed to burn. He hissed but it was only something to get used too. Soon enough he kneeled down and cupped water up to cover his arms in a light shimmer of water. The sand that had stuck to him from the desert had no chance now. The slave took his time you letting the water wash him and sitting down on the stone bed. He started to play. The stream making music as he passed his hands through its surface.
It was relaxing. Calming, something that he had not done for a long time. He closed his eyes and lowered his head back. The flow of water joked with the weight of his hair. He let it move over his fore head, holding his breath when he lowered himself in the other world. Bliss, cold hard bliss. His lungs started to complain forcing him to head out of the water. He took a big gulp of air and sighed.
A giggle, no wait a pair. Jonghyun turned, looking around himself. Nobody, he pouted, his ears shouldn’t play tricks on him. But out of the corner of his eyes he saw something move. There around the rock where he came from. He narrowed his eyes. To his luck, the girl tried to steal another glance. But he didn’t expect it to be three of them.
“H-Hey! What do you think you are doing?” He shouted and the girls giggled and ran away. Jonghyun in his haste stood up but only to realise that that was the worse thing to do. His most precious was not happy and sensitive from the cold water. It was not an honourable sight to see and with second thought Jonghyun cupped himself just to see that the girls were already long gone.
He grumbled. How dared those girls sneak up on him. How could an innocent maid be so weak to temptation? He stepped out of the water and audibly groaned. He had forgotten a change of clothes. His tunic was filthy and he didn’t want to touch it. Still he bit his lip and threw it over his head.
With wet hair and clean skin he move back to where he knew his lord would be. The message of lunch was already spread and servants had put up an open tend for the noble men. Somewhere close, some one had started a fire and meals were being prepared. Jonghyun need not worry about that. He searched up where the horses just to find that someone had already unsaddled them. He looked around him and noted what he was looking for not far away.
Finally he could change into something cleaner. He took a robe of dyed sky blue cotton, airy yet thick to be his outfit. With a pair of white, lose hanging pants for under it. He took the clothes and looked around him. He was in the buzzling centre, every one busy with his or her duty and Jonghyun had to be too. He just hoped that his lord was distracted for the time being.
With that hope, he sat out to find a place to change. There were rocks everywhere so it should not be too hard to get some privacy. Jonghyun didn’t have to go far. He hid behind one of the bolder and stripped again. So much for taking a bath. He felt weird with the dirty clothes on. Quickly he pulled on the pants but hissed when he realised that the string had escaped him and was hiding inside the lining of the cotton.
“Oh no.” He hated when this happened. He had no choice but to slow down and feel the rim to find the end of the string. There it was. Jonghyun frowned when he found it and tried to push it forward. Why was this always so tricky? But in the corner of his eye he saw something move. He looked up, was he really being followed? The slave rolled his eyes, these girls really. He held his pants tightly and walked closer to the rock. If he was smarter than his stalker than he could catch them red handed.
A movement and Jonghyun attacked. “Hey!” He shouted enough to startle. His hand reaching and grapping the glance thief. “M-my lord?” Jonghyun froze. Kibum’s eyes were wide, his hand raise in defence and a rosy colour on his cheek. It took a second; they blinked at one another. The slave realised that he hold his master’s wrist in what could be an aggressive way. He let him go as if the noble blood burned him.
“My… lord…” Jonghyun said again, his head bowed and ready to be scolded. The noble recomposed himself and coughed. “What do you think you are doing?” He said in a stern voice. He had all the right to be angry. If he would have been less merciful, he would have Jonghyun whipped for his boldness.
“I- I was looking for you.” The lord said, averting his eyes from Jonghyun’s very naked chest. “I’m sorry, my lord.” “And what do you think grabbing me like that?!” Jonghyun flinched at the accusation. “My lord, I’m sorry. I just…” Jonghyun didn’t know what to say and Kibum was waiting. “It is just that when I bathed I noticed three maids spying on me. And now that I was changing I notice a person too. I just thought that it were the same people. I would never dreamt it was my lord. Not… that you would be spying on me. Heavens no, that would not be the case.” He was rambling, digging his own grave. Until he heard his lordship sigh.
“Whatever. Get dressed and back to work. I’m hungry.” Kibum said sternly, closing the argument. Jonghyun bowed but glanced up just to check if his master was really angry. Just as quick, he lowered his sighed and blinked confusingly. Why were the lord’s cheeks so tainted in a blush?
~~~
Jonghyun laid the platters of wild goat cooked in honey and lemons on the low table. The lovely smell was making his own stomach growl. He had been living of flat bread and figs until now. He was hoping that he too would see some meat. “Please enjoy.” He whispered but his lord didn’t meet his eye. Clearly still upset. Jonghyun pouted but he could not make a scene with the other lords there. He poured another drink for his master and stood back.
Soon after, when Kibum was happily eating and content. Jonghyun was given his own meal. Flat bread again but this time there was shredded meat and yogurt on it. It looked so much better than he expected. He thanked the girl and sat down where he stood. Oh, it was the best meal he had in a long time.
It was a feast on the road. A smart move from Kibum’s side. He reminded his people what they were here to do. It was a march of celebration. Food made everyone merrier and even whine was making people sing. Jonghyun relaxed, listening to the lords tell stories. His lord didn’t have it in heart to pressed the people. So when the sun was low in the sky he called for the tents to erect and another hunting party to supply for dinner.
There was a feast then; A real one. There was music and dances. Everyone was called out to enjoy. Jonghyun poured wine but mostly sat behind his lord clapping his hands and smiling. Watch the pretty girls twirl. It was the first time that Jonghyun was allowed to enjoy an event like this and it made it extra special. People talking, all smiled, many joined to dance. It was making the slave’s heart light and his smile painful.
“Jonghyun.” His lord’s voice called him and the slave stood up that second. He got back to his professional stand. “Yes, sire.” He bend down lower so that Kibum didn’t need to raise his voice over the music. “If you wish to dance, you may. It is also a party for you.” Kibum did not meet his eye but Jonghyun might have guessed why. His heart swell but he shook his head. “I’m happy watching, it is only my first time to an event like this.” Kibum turned to him. “Well, you better get used to it. We will be in a lot of them.” The shared a smile and enjoyed the night.
~~~
On the morrow, Kibum ordered the journey to continue. The people were in high spirit yet the party might not have been the best idea if the lord wanted the leave at first light. There was a bit of grumbling and slurring. Kibum was up and bright. Jonghyun had served him stew of potato herbs and lamb. With a heavy breakfast like that his lord wanted to get started with the road.
Jonghyun mounted Amin with a little bit of difficulty. It was still not his favourite part of horse riding. Dalchin came to meet him with her master on her. “Sound the horns. We ride now.” He said a little sternly. Jonghyun clicked his tongue, imitating what his master did to get the horse to start his walk. Nothing, not even when Jonghyun moved in his saddle or petted his horse’s backside.
There was a chuckle and the blond looked up. Kibum had seen his attempts. The slave gave him a pitiful face. He needed held, the steed, though well trained, knew that Jonghyun had no skill. The lord ordered his horse to get closer without a sound and Jonghyun wondered how. “I guess that I have to teach you a new skill.” The noble man said and clicked his tongue. The horse took his first step and Kibum made Dalchin follow.
“I’m sorry, my lord. I had never imagined that I would ride a horse.” Jonghyun confessed in a guilty voice. “Your fantasies don’t go very far. You should be more ambitious.” Kibum countered. They were the first that set the pace of the caravan. Jonghyun smiled in a sorry way. He was never ably to think too much about his own future. It was not in his nature.
"It is easier than the skill of reading, I promise." Kibum continued when he didn’t get a reply, and Jonghyun did not doubt him. "Shall I teach you?" Jonghyun blinked, his Lord would be his teacher. "I don't want you to use your precious time on me.”
"You are not sitting straight. Press your knees together. Let the horse feel that you are in control and not just a potato sack." Jonghyun stiffened in his seat. His master sure was strict. The Lord looked over his posture and tapped his whip on Jonghyun's ankle. "Under your knees." He reminded him. The first advise he had given him when he first sat on a horse.
"We use the stirrups to guide the horses on the way." Jonghyun took hold of the rains and held them like his master did. "Turn his head and he will follow." Jonghyun nodded to himself. Soaking the information up like a thirsty sponge.
The rocky step started to be more a slope the high walls started to decline. They were at the end of the passage way and with a head start. "My lord, I think we should wait until the others catch up." He said unsurely but Kibum gave him a wicked grin. "Why? It is my day off." Jonghyun cocked his head. He never knew that his lordship had one of those. "I have given command to Lord Lee. That way I could go riding." He explained further. And Jonghyun understood. Kibum breathed in a big breath, his eyes closing and his face relaxing into a soft smile.
Jonghyun did the same, imitating him to see the result of it. The air was fresh, light and had something so familiar to it. They went around a bent in the road and Jonghyun gasped. The land had opened, hills covered it's surface, green with grass. "Jonghyun." The name made said man turn and caught Kibum's wide grin. "Hold on tight."
It was the only warning Jonghyun got before his Lord hit the backside of his horse. Jonghyun didn't know what happened really but screamed, the horse cried and ran. The slave forgot everything that he learned and held on for dear life, his hands clutching at the saddle as that seemed more stable. The hooves were soundless in the springy grass, but Kibum’s laugh followed him. His Lord came into his vision. His backside off the saddle, one hand fisting the rains and the other holding his feathered whip over Dalchin's behind. She was galloping, her muscles moving so beautifully under her white coat, her tail held high and her ears pressed flat.
With ease she over took them but Jonghyun didn't mind. At least he knew that Amin wouldn't go astray. It first shock left him and he started to understand what was happening. He was riding; no he was flying. The wind in his hair and adrenalin in his veins. He called out for himself. Laughing heartily as his lord did the same. He needed to speed up. Amin galloped but he was never faster than Dalchin.
The grasslands seemed endless. Still his lord seemed to slow down. Jonghyun didn’t need to give any sign to do the same. The horse did it all by himself. Kibum had halted on top on one of the hills and looked beyond it. The slave wilted the horse to get closer but Amin seemed to get interested in the grass beneath his feet.
The slave moved in his saddle but it was useless. Kibum laughed when he noticed Jonghyun’s attempts. “Use your ankle to tap him in the sides. Not too hard. Just a sign.” The master said. Jonghyun copied the advice nervously, unwilling to hurt the animal. Yet the slightest touch with his ankle did make the horse step. Jonghyun tried again, with a little bit more bravery. Amin got the gist and moved. Slowly walking to what could be his mate.
The two horses sniffed each other and huffed in communication. Kibum gave him a smile but turned his attention to the horizon again. Jonghyun followed his gaze and wondered what he saw. There in the distance was a river. Far away glinting, contrasting against the green and brown of the land. The slave narrowed his eyes when his master started to point.
“There.” He said and his finger pointing were the land turned grey. “There is where we are heading.” Of course. It was the city. Jonghyun blinked in realisation. It was big, yet too far to really understand what what was. It was bordering the river, a couple of islands inhabited too. “Which one is the palace, my lord?” Jonghyun asked when he remember that detail. The noble giggled. It is the one on the far east. Second to last one that you can see. it’s a little bit too far to see it all now.”
Kibum was telling the truth, it was hard to see what even were islands, what were houses and what was rock. Still Jonghyun felt impressed by the overall size. Never in his life did he see something like that. Never in his life he thought that he would be going to the capital. He bit his lip, how would it be like? “Are you nervous?”
Jonghyun turned to face his lord as best he could on the grazing horse. “I…” There was no need to lie to his master. “I am, my lord.” He confessed. He just didn’t know what awaited him. “Don’t worry too much. There won’t be too many people around. After all, I’m a guest of honour.”
Kibum unmounted and Jonghyun hurried to copy the action. The slave took the rains of both the horses questioning what the reason was. "Unsaddle the horses." The master said as he stretched. Jonghyun looked about himself, there was no tree or anything to tie the animals.
"I will have them have some fun, don't worry, they won't go far." Kibum said to lift Jonghyun's stress. The servant cocked his head but did what he was told. As soon the horses were free, they ran again. Kibum had sat down to relax. Jonghyun smiled and reached for the water skin.
He served his master water from a clay cup and Kibum took it gratefully. "My lord, what could I expect it the palace." The master opened his eyes. But he smiled. "Endless boredom." Jonghyun blinked. "I spend three years in that palace. They have the top scholars there. So I came here on my father's orders to study. I did but the palace it more protected and there are more people that pay attention to you." He gestured Jonghyun to sit down with him. He did, and pour another drink if his master wanted it.
"Onew is the only prince. So I got to spend a lot of time with my cousin. And he might not look like it but his as other sides to him." Kibum told. "He got me in a lot of trouble. We used to run away from lectures and other duties. After it all, I think I learned more from him than any book." He laughed to himself. Jonghyun joined in with a smile.
“Before, Onew was the only one that I could talk too.” Jonghyun’s face fell, and he sat closer to his master. He sighed but his smile came back when he looked up to him. "I never been lonely again with you with me."
Jonghyun felt his heart swell and his cheeks heat up. His words had touched him. "I thank you, my lord." Cutely Kibum cocked his head. "For what?" He had don't thinking, if anything it was Kibum that should be thanking Jonghyun. The slave gave him a sweet smile. "That you let me close. That you let me be with you." If anything Jonghyun had been worried that Kibum might never warm up to him. yet now, he couldn't be happier.
Kibum nodded but didn't look at him anymore. Yes, he did let Jonghyun in, he did let him see his ugly and weak side. And that despite the fact that he had fought, that he would not except the slave. Didn't that make him a hypocrite? But Jonghyun's large round eyes didn't bring him guilt. It was bringing him care and ease, something that he had been searching for a long time.
He could count on the slave, he could keep his secrets, he was the one he could trust. Jonghyun gently shuffled closer. "I'm happy, my lord." Kibum smiled at him as he lifted his hand. Jonghyun closed his eyes as if he was a dog awaiting a pet. His Lord touched his cheek, going up and grazed over the piercing on the edge of his eye.
The touch was gone as soon as it came and Jonghyun wished it back. It was the first time that his master had caressed him and it seems silly but the simple action meant so much.
"I too, an happy." Kibum whispered and Jonghyun bowed his head, unable to look his Lord in the eyes. There were too many emotions now. It was not save. The burning in his chest, the heat on his cheeks; the smile on his lips. He wished that he could have his Lord alone for himself for longer.