Better Half Pt. 4
“Lady Tiffany, it is not safe wandering out the castle. Why must you insist on gathering your own ingredients for your meal? Your maids can do that.” Yuri begged. “Did you not enjoy today's breakfast?”
Tiffany smiled as she pulled the edges of her hood to her cloak closer over her head. She shuffled the opening of her cloak together to hide her clothing underneath then gripped on to the handle of her basket. Yuri quickly looked around the village as Tiffany walked beside her. She couldn't understand why Tiffany wanted to leave the castle.
Although, the people outside the castle were the king's people, weak and harmless, there were still some within this village who hated the king. Yuri had not ruled out that they might even be planning against their king. By having Tiffany walk out into this risk could mean that the plotting villagers can strike even if the person they are looking for is not the king, Tiffany's status will be enough to send their message.
Yuri did not want to put Tiffany in danger. She will get in trouble enough for helping Tiffany sneak passed the guards to leave. If the king or Yoona's father found out there was a punishment to pay. Yuri became more nervous.
“Of course I enjoyed my meal. It was delicious.” Tiffany commented. “I just prefer certain ingredients in my meals. Do not worry yourself Yuri. I have done this before. I enjoy walking among commoners, these are harmless people. They are sad and they are suffering, but they are people who have trust in their king and they should.”
“These people are not from your kingdom. They are different. They do not know you.” Yuri corrected. “You can not trust people so easily Lady Tiffany. You are of royalty. You live a much better life than they do, because of that some of these villagers may very well be envious of you!”
Tiffany stopped at a merchant stand and picked up a pear to examine it. She had collected several pieces and dropped them into the bag.
“That will be ten golden coins.” The merchant announced.
Tiffany pulled out her pouch and emptied out the coins into her hand before handing them over. The merchant thanked her and Tiffany walked away to continue walking down the alley way of the supermarket.
“You are correct Yuri. These are not my people and I do not know them. Some may hate me and I am aware of how dangerous this can be to leave the castle.” Tiffany agreed. “But sometimes in order to help your people you have to take the time to listen to them. What is a better way to do that then to be where they spend their life? How can I begin to help and understand these villagers if I do not take the time to know about their lives?”
Yuri looked at her amazed. Tiffany stopped at another stall filled with herbs. Tiffany picked up a clump of herbs and carefully smelled them. Pleased with the scent it emitted she paid for the herbs and put it into her basket.
Yuri remained quiet, deciding to end her questioning and watch Tiffany as she walked and interacted with the villagers. She had continued to smile and greet the villagers as if they were no strangers to her and her status didn't seem to separate her from the other lower citizens in this kingdom. Yuri didn't understand how happy and friendly Tiffany can be to anyone. She was care free and welcoming to everyone that came upon her presence. It was enchanting.
“Am I permitted to ask what the king meant about your father's kingdom?” Yuri carefully asked.
Tiffany looked at her cautiously. “What is it do you wish to know?”
“Only what you want me to know.” Yuri replied.
Tiffany looked in front of her and continued to walk. Off to the side, she saw a small child sitting next to a merchant stall covered in dirt and crying. It was a small girl probably not more than six years old. She looked very thin and covered in filth. Her clothing was torn with holes all over. Tiffany frowned watching her cry.
“My people in my kingdom are not pleased with my father.” Tiffany answered. “They have grown to hate him. I know that they will not harm me, but my father can not risk me getting hurt should they decide to attack the castle. I was sent here to be safe, but I can not say the same for my father or my mother. I worry for my family.”
“A rebellion?” Yuri whispered. “Why is your family not here with us?”
“My father does not want to endanger any more royal blood. My brother and sister have been sent to another relative, but as king and queen my mother and father must stay.” Tiffany frowned.
She went over to another stall and collected several loaves of bread. Tiffany quickly paid the price for her items. She left the stall and made her over to the crying girl. Steadily, Tiffany got down on one knee and nervously placed a hand on to the child's leg. She instantly stopped sobbing and looked up to Tiffany with curious watery eyes. Tiffany had on a timid smile.
“Do not cry.” Tiffany cooed.
The girl looked at her still unsure why a fit woman like her had approached her. Tiffany took a loaf of bread from her basket and handed it over to the girl's hands. Shocked, she looked up from the piece of food and back to Tiffany. A complete stranger had given her food.
“Are you not hungry?” Tiffany questioned. The little girl nodded. “Well then, go on, eat it. Give the rest of these loaves to your family. They must be hungry too.”
Tiffany handed over the rest of her loaves. The little girl pulled her into a hug. She stopped hugging Tiffany and used the rags of her clothing as a make-shift basket to carry the loaves. The little girl smiled.
“Thank you.” The little girl whispered.
Tiffany smiled and watched the girl hurry away out of joy. She got back up to her feet and looked at Yuri. She had never seen such an act of kindness like hers. Yuri was taken a back. Tiffany began to laugh, which made her eyes close into sparkling moon crescents. Yuri felt her stomach flop.
“You are...” Yuri was speechless.
Tiffany laughed again. “You are embarrassing me!” Tiffany giggled. “Come Yuri. We can return to the castle now.”
Yuri nodded, allowing Tiffany to lead the way, still in awe to her generous act. The more she stayed with Tiffany the more curious she got about this cheery woman. She had never seen one like her before.
***
A week had passed since Tiffany's stay. There was still no word to the king about a resolve to her father's problem at the kingdom. The king was unsure on how much longer she must stay and the longer Tiffany stayed with her uncle-in law and aunt the more worried she became.
Not that she did not enjoy her stay here, the knights had taken good care of her and she was treated with the most respect and pampering a royal blood princess deserved, but she missed her kingdom and especially her family. Yuri had decided to spend more time with Tiffany to cheer her up. She was aware of Tiffany's unhappiness and she had always thanked Yuri for spending almost an entire night with her either talking with her late at night on her room balcony or agreeing to take long walks with her in the garden.
She was much more comfortable with Yuri's presence and the request of her maids were less. Tiffany enjoyed her company. Yuri could not be happier standing in Tiffany's presence, but Yoona had not been as lucky. She has not heard or seen Jessica since her incident at the lake.
Yoona had expected Jessica had something important to attend, which is why she was not given letters requesting for her visits or her company. Still stuck as a peasant, Yoona had to obey Jessica's commands, even if she wanted more than anything to see Jessica again. She was growing lonely and she had started to worry. She could not understand why Jessica had kept her away.
The ninja was sure she had done nothing wrong to upset her. She could not understand Jessica's motive her the reason to her odd behavior. Jabbing her dagger into the dirt next to her feet, Yoona stared into the thick bright orange fire in front of her.
This was the eighth night she had stayed at her base, sleeping in her usual hut. A few times Sooyoung had come to her to ask about her appearance at the base and not with Jessica, but Yoona was not sure how she can answer. She mostly avoided that question.
While Yoona admitted to being hurt by Jessica's cruel actions, she did not want to admit that she was angry. The curious girl was even sure, she had started to hate Jessica and that emotion scared her.
“You can not spend another night here staring at the fire until it burns itself out.” Sooyoung's soothing voice spoke.
Yoona continued to stare into the crackling pit of flames, wondering that if she kept her eyes open long enough it might dry her tears away. She felt her forehead and eyebrows shift into a frown. She was glaring and she knew it was because she had started to be filled with anger.
For once, she was angry with Jessica and she didn't like it. She despised it, but every time she thought of the shy princess more threads of hatred were tangled into her body. It was starting to bury her.
Biting her bottom lip, Yoona stabbed the dirt even harder, causing bits of rocks to smack against her feet. She was afraid to speak.
“What else am I to do?” Yoona sneered.
Her voice sounded so icy and bitter it caused her to cringe. She did not expect herself to sound this spiteful. She was losing her control.
Her emotions were controlling her thoughts. Yoona heard Sooyoung's footsteps as she came over to join Yoona at the fire. She took a seat on the ground with Yoona. She felt Sooyoung's eyes on her the second she sat, but Yoona had still ignored her presence after she replied to her with such venom in her words she was sure it could make Jessica cry alone.
“If you choose to stay here the bitterness you feel now will be all you know.” Sooyoung explained. “Is that what you want to have? Your judgment will not be pure.”
“That does not concern you, or Jessica anymore.” Yoona remarked. “Her judgment is no longer pure either!”
Sooyoung remained silent, allowing Yoona to cool down as she saw her jaw clench to her statement. If she did not continue to talk, she knew that she may see Yoona now begin to follow an unclear path, one blinded by her pain and her rage. Sooyoung looked into the fire, watching the bits of burning wood flutter into the air, disappearing into the sky as it melted away into the flame's heat.
“You are no longer a child Yoona and you can no longer act like one either. Everyone must grow up and make the right choices even if you do not want to.” Sooyoung softly spoke. “You can not remain a child forever and you can not hide from your problems either. Have you learned nothing from your father?”
“The princess is no better.” Yoona mumbled.
“The princess is very fragile. I admit that.” Sooyoung agreed. “She may be too emotional and helpless, much like a baby, but you are much stronger. Why do you think your father has assigned you to protect her? You can not only protect her, but you can shape her into the woman she can be, all while bringing happiness to her life. She may be hurting now and she will push you away because of it, because she is lost in her own sorrow, but if you do not come to her in her time of need you may lose her.”
Yoona looked away from the fire and stared at her. Sooyoung knew she was getting through her wall. The rambling in her head was dying down. Yoona's hand stood still, the point of the dagger resting an inch into the dirt.
“What will you do if you lose her Yoona?” Sooyoung asked. “She is your friend. Just as much how Yuri and I are yours. Will you not be lost if we were to leave your life?” Yoona slowly nodded. “Then way are you not trying hard enough to get to her? She is important to you just as much as you are to her.”
Yoona yanked her dagger out of the soil and sheathed it into holster. Sooyoung watched one of her best friends smile. The flame of anger in Yoona's eyes were gone. She pulled Sooyoung into a firm hug.
“Thank you.” Yoona whispered.
Sooyoung watched her stand up and quickly race back to the castle. When she was gone from her view, Sooyoung looked back into the fire. While she was glad to have gotten through to Yoona so that she would not be lost to her fury, she was also sad.
Yoona will probably never be able to understand the princess because she herself was not mature enough to face a side that life had to offer. The gift of love. Yoona was too blind to find that. She wasn't ready.
And she knew the princess had started to see that herself. Ridding herself of this frustration, Sooyoung got up to take the pale of water beside her and throw it into the fire. The pit began to sizzle and smoke burst from the center, rising into the sky. Sooyoung checked for any glowing bits of rock that can start a fire again and walked away when she found none. She can now return to her hut and sleep in peace.
***
“It is a bit strange to be here at the dead of night is it not Lady Tiffany?” Yuri questioned, trying to understand why she had asked for Yuri to bring her to the garden at this time. “Do not tell me you have become a night owl now?”
Yuri laid back into the grass and let out a content sigh. She gazed into the stars, finding the glittering diamonds soothing to watch twinkle. She had not once thought of doing this before the sun went down. Her mind was too preoccupied with her duties to spend the time to relax for once. She now wondered if Tiffany had started to catch on to that.
“At least the stars are beautiful tonight.” Yuri smiled, finding herself slowly fall into a comforting slumber. “Do you not agree Lady Tiffany?”
Yuri closed her eyes, allowing herself to feel the content breeze of cool air that brushed against her face. Her mind was emptied of its worries and her body started to feel rejuvenated the longer she laid here. The gentle croaking of crickets and frogs added more to her calm state-of-mind.
“Tiffany.” Yuri heard her say.
Quickly she opened her eyes and turned to the left. Tiffany was sitting up, staring down at her with a soft smile in place like she had always done. Yuri's eyebrows shifted inward to her confusion.
“Please call me Tiffany. You do not need to use my title anymore.” Tiffany explained.
Yuri sat up. Tiffany continued to smile. Feeling embarrassed, Yuri looked into the grass and ran her hand through her hair a few times. She realized she had started to feel more bashful around Tiffany lately.
It was something Yuri was not used to. She had been very calm and collected of her emotions. Tiffany had often become the level-headed one.
“Is that acceptable?” Yuri cautiously asked.
“No one has to know.” Tiffany replied. “It will only be something between us.”
Yuri felt herself blush and turned away. She had decided to stare back into the stars. Tiffany didn't mind. She started to know when Yuri wanted her space or didn't have anything else to say and she was okay with that.
When Yuri's body started to cool down and her heart wasn't about to explode, she felt Tiffany lean to her right and press against Yuri's shoulder. Her head had rested comfortably on to Yuri's shoulder. The dark-skinned woman's face began to heat up again. She sat up a lot more stiff.
“Thank you for agreeing to come with me here today.” Tiffany whispered. “To be honest, I rather have no one here but you with me.”
Yuri rested her head on top of Tiffany's and smiled. She had caught a sweet scent from her hair. While Yuri's body was shaking and so hot she was probably glowing red, she enjoyed being this close to Tiffany. She enjoyed it more than talking to her.
“Your hair smells pleasant.” Yuri blurted out, unaware of her words. Tiffany laughed. Yuri broke some space between them. “I do not mean...it is just...”
Yuri was in for a bigger shock when she felt Tiffany's lips pressed against hers. Her body had shut down and she froze. Seeing the lack of motion from Yuri, Tiffany stopped. Yuri's mouth slowly started to open.
“T-Tiffany?” Yuri croaked.
“Is this too much?” Tiffany asked. “Maybe I should have warned you?”
“Are you aware of what you are doing?” Yuri whispered. “You are the daughter of a king! A princess! A cousin of the Jung family! Do you not know who I am?”
“I do understand.” Tiffany confirmed. “I am aware of our status. All of that is irrelevant to how I feel.”
No longer flustered, but angry, Yuri frowned and started to get up to her feet.
“You do not know what you are saying Lady Tiffany.” Yuri corrected. “You do not understand what you are feeling.”
Tiffany reached out and latched on to Yuri's wrist then pulled her back. She turned around, with a stern face on, but Tiffany was much more angry. Yuri remained still.
“Do not belittle me, or overlook my emotions because I am a princess of some wealthy king!” Tiffany defended. “I am no longer a child! I am twenty. I am of the marrying age.”
“That is why this can not go any further!” Yuri pointed out. “You are not only a princess, but one that is to be married soon in due time and to a man! I am not a man, nor am I of royal blood. I am Kwon Yuri, member of the Im clan, a mere peasant. I am a nobody!”
“I am in love with you.” Tiffany stated. “I do not care of your status, or what wealth you possess, but for who you are. Gender does not matter either.”
Yuri shook her head. “Tiffany, it is best that I no longer remain your protector. I will take my leave. Goodnight Lady Tiffany.”
“I know you are in love with me too.” Tiffany requited. “You are just as guilty as I am!”
“You do not understand.” Yuri whispered. “If this were to reach the king he will...”
Tiffany placed a gentle kiss on Yuri's lips. “The king...and my father will not know. No one will suspect anything.” She promised.
Yuri exhaled and felt Tiffany brush her lips against hers. Her body had started to shake again, but it was because of her strong desire. Yuri laid back, placing her hands on to Tiffany's waist.
The last thing Yuri saw was the shimmering bright stars and Tiffany's heart-melting smile, glowing as the stars decorated her in its light. Then all Yuri felt was soft skin against her own and pure bliss that consumed her, knocking her into a daze and all she can register was bliss, pure bliss and contentment.
Tiffany smiled as she pulled the edges of her hood to her cloak closer over her head. She shuffled the opening of her cloak together to hide her clothing underneath then gripped on to the handle of her basket. Yuri quickly looked around the village as Tiffany walked beside her. She couldn't understand why Tiffany wanted to leave the castle.
Although, the people outside the castle were the king's people, weak and harmless, there were still some within this village who hated the king. Yuri had not ruled out that they might even be planning against their king. By having Tiffany walk out into this risk could mean that the plotting villagers can strike even if the person they are looking for is not the king, Tiffany's status will be enough to send their message.
Yuri did not want to put Tiffany in danger. She will get in trouble enough for helping Tiffany sneak passed the guards to leave. If the king or Yoona's father found out there was a punishment to pay. Yuri became more nervous.
“Of course I enjoyed my meal. It was delicious.” Tiffany commented. “I just prefer certain ingredients in my meals. Do not worry yourself Yuri. I have done this before. I enjoy walking among commoners, these are harmless people. They are sad and they are suffering, but they are people who have trust in their king and they should.”
“These people are not from your kingdom. They are different. They do not know you.” Yuri corrected. “You can not trust people so easily Lady Tiffany. You are of royalty. You live a much better life than they do, because of that some of these villagers may very well be envious of you!”
Tiffany stopped at a merchant stand and picked up a pear to examine it. She had collected several pieces and dropped them into the bag.
“That will be ten golden coins.” The merchant announced.
Tiffany pulled out her pouch and emptied out the coins into her hand before handing them over. The merchant thanked her and Tiffany walked away to continue walking down the alley way of the supermarket.
“You are correct Yuri. These are not my people and I do not know them. Some may hate me and I am aware of how dangerous this can be to leave the castle.” Tiffany agreed. “But sometimes in order to help your people you have to take the time to listen to them. What is a better way to do that then to be where they spend their life? How can I begin to help and understand these villagers if I do not take the time to know about their lives?”
Yuri looked at her amazed. Tiffany stopped at another stall filled with herbs. Tiffany picked up a clump of herbs and carefully smelled them. Pleased with the scent it emitted she paid for the herbs and put it into her basket.
Yuri remained quiet, deciding to end her questioning and watch Tiffany as she walked and interacted with the villagers. She had continued to smile and greet the villagers as if they were no strangers to her and her status didn't seem to separate her from the other lower citizens in this kingdom. Yuri didn't understand how happy and friendly Tiffany can be to anyone. She was care free and welcoming to everyone that came upon her presence. It was enchanting.
“Am I permitted to ask what the king meant about your father's kingdom?” Yuri carefully asked.
Tiffany looked at her cautiously. “What is it do you wish to know?”
“Only what you want me to know.” Yuri replied.
Tiffany looked in front of her and continued to walk. Off to the side, she saw a small child sitting next to a merchant stall covered in dirt and crying. It was a small girl probably not more than six years old. She looked very thin and covered in filth. Her clothing was torn with holes all over. Tiffany frowned watching her cry.
“My people in my kingdom are not pleased with my father.” Tiffany answered. “They have grown to hate him. I know that they will not harm me, but my father can not risk me getting hurt should they decide to attack the castle. I was sent here to be safe, but I can not say the same for my father or my mother. I worry for my family.”
“A rebellion?” Yuri whispered. “Why is your family not here with us?”
“My father does not want to endanger any more royal blood. My brother and sister have been sent to another relative, but as king and queen my mother and father must stay.” Tiffany frowned.
She went over to another stall and collected several loaves of bread. Tiffany quickly paid the price for her items. She left the stall and made her over to the crying girl. Steadily, Tiffany got down on one knee and nervously placed a hand on to the child's leg. She instantly stopped sobbing and looked up to Tiffany with curious watery eyes. Tiffany had on a timid smile.
“Do not cry.” Tiffany cooed.
The girl looked at her still unsure why a fit woman like her had approached her. Tiffany took a loaf of bread from her basket and handed it over to the girl's hands. Shocked, she looked up from the piece of food and back to Tiffany. A complete stranger had given her food.
“Are you not hungry?” Tiffany questioned. The little girl nodded. “Well then, go on, eat it. Give the rest of these loaves to your family. They must be hungry too.”
Tiffany handed over the rest of her loaves. The little girl pulled her into a hug. She stopped hugging Tiffany and used the rags of her clothing as a make-shift basket to carry the loaves. The little girl smiled.
“Thank you.” The little girl whispered.
Tiffany smiled and watched the girl hurry away out of joy. She got back up to her feet and looked at Yuri. She had never seen such an act of kindness like hers. Yuri was taken a back. Tiffany began to laugh, which made her eyes close into sparkling moon crescents. Yuri felt her stomach flop.
“You are...” Yuri was speechless.
Tiffany laughed again. “You are embarrassing me!” Tiffany giggled. “Come Yuri. We can return to the castle now.”
Yuri nodded, allowing Tiffany to lead the way, still in awe to her generous act. The more she stayed with Tiffany the more curious she got about this cheery woman. She had never seen one like her before.
***
A week had passed since Tiffany's stay. There was still no word to the king about a resolve to her father's problem at the kingdom. The king was unsure on how much longer she must stay and the longer Tiffany stayed with her uncle-in law and aunt the more worried she became.
Not that she did not enjoy her stay here, the knights had taken good care of her and she was treated with the most respect and pampering a royal blood princess deserved, but she missed her kingdom and especially her family. Yuri had decided to spend more time with Tiffany to cheer her up. She was aware of Tiffany's unhappiness and she had always thanked Yuri for spending almost an entire night with her either talking with her late at night on her room balcony or agreeing to take long walks with her in the garden.
She was much more comfortable with Yuri's presence and the request of her maids were less. Tiffany enjoyed her company. Yuri could not be happier standing in Tiffany's presence, but Yoona had not been as lucky. She has not heard or seen Jessica since her incident at the lake.
Yoona had expected Jessica had something important to attend, which is why she was not given letters requesting for her visits or her company. Still stuck as a peasant, Yoona had to obey Jessica's commands, even if she wanted more than anything to see Jessica again. She was growing lonely and she had started to worry. She could not understand why Jessica had kept her away.
The ninja was sure she had done nothing wrong to upset her. She could not understand Jessica's motive her the reason to her odd behavior. Jabbing her dagger into the dirt next to her feet, Yoona stared into the thick bright orange fire in front of her.
This was the eighth night she had stayed at her base, sleeping in her usual hut. A few times Sooyoung had come to her to ask about her appearance at the base and not with Jessica, but Yoona was not sure how she can answer. She mostly avoided that question.
While Yoona admitted to being hurt by Jessica's cruel actions, she did not want to admit that she was angry. The curious girl was even sure, she had started to hate Jessica and that emotion scared her.
“You can not spend another night here staring at the fire until it burns itself out.” Sooyoung's soothing voice spoke.
Yoona continued to stare into the crackling pit of flames, wondering that if she kept her eyes open long enough it might dry her tears away. She felt her forehead and eyebrows shift into a frown. She was glaring and she knew it was because she had started to be filled with anger.
For once, she was angry with Jessica and she didn't like it. She despised it, but every time she thought of the shy princess more threads of hatred were tangled into her body. It was starting to bury her.
Biting her bottom lip, Yoona stabbed the dirt even harder, causing bits of rocks to smack against her feet. She was afraid to speak.
“What else am I to do?” Yoona sneered.
Her voice sounded so icy and bitter it caused her to cringe. She did not expect herself to sound this spiteful. She was losing her control.
Her emotions were controlling her thoughts. Yoona heard Sooyoung's footsteps as she came over to join Yoona at the fire. She took a seat on the ground with Yoona. She felt Sooyoung's eyes on her the second she sat, but Yoona had still ignored her presence after she replied to her with such venom in her words she was sure it could make Jessica cry alone.
“If you choose to stay here the bitterness you feel now will be all you know.” Sooyoung explained. “Is that what you want to have? Your judgment will not be pure.”
“That does not concern you, or Jessica anymore.” Yoona remarked. “Her judgment is no longer pure either!”
Sooyoung remained silent, allowing Yoona to cool down as she saw her jaw clench to her statement. If she did not continue to talk, she knew that she may see Yoona now begin to follow an unclear path, one blinded by her pain and her rage. Sooyoung looked into the fire, watching the bits of burning wood flutter into the air, disappearing into the sky as it melted away into the flame's heat.
“You are no longer a child Yoona and you can no longer act like one either. Everyone must grow up and make the right choices even if you do not want to.” Sooyoung softly spoke. “You can not remain a child forever and you can not hide from your problems either. Have you learned nothing from your father?”
“The princess is no better.” Yoona mumbled.
“The princess is very fragile. I admit that.” Sooyoung agreed. “She may be too emotional and helpless, much like a baby, but you are much stronger. Why do you think your father has assigned you to protect her? You can not only protect her, but you can shape her into the woman she can be, all while bringing happiness to her life. She may be hurting now and she will push you away because of it, because she is lost in her own sorrow, but if you do not come to her in her time of need you may lose her.”
Yoona looked away from the fire and stared at her. Sooyoung knew she was getting through her wall. The rambling in her head was dying down. Yoona's hand stood still, the point of the dagger resting an inch into the dirt.
“What will you do if you lose her Yoona?” Sooyoung asked. “She is your friend. Just as much how Yuri and I are yours. Will you not be lost if we were to leave your life?” Yoona slowly nodded. “Then way are you not trying hard enough to get to her? She is important to you just as much as you are to her.”
Yoona yanked her dagger out of the soil and sheathed it into holster. Sooyoung watched one of her best friends smile. The flame of anger in Yoona's eyes were gone. She pulled Sooyoung into a firm hug.
“Thank you.” Yoona whispered.
Sooyoung watched her stand up and quickly race back to the castle. When she was gone from her view, Sooyoung looked back into the fire. While she was glad to have gotten through to Yoona so that she would not be lost to her fury, she was also sad.
Yoona will probably never be able to understand the princess because she herself was not mature enough to face a side that life had to offer. The gift of love. Yoona was too blind to find that. She wasn't ready.
And she knew the princess had started to see that herself. Ridding herself of this frustration, Sooyoung got up to take the pale of water beside her and throw it into the fire. The pit began to sizzle and smoke burst from the center, rising into the sky. Sooyoung checked for any glowing bits of rock that can start a fire again and walked away when she found none. She can now return to her hut and sleep in peace.
***
“It is a bit strange to be here at the dead of night is it not Lady Tiffany?” Yuri questioned, trying to understand why she had asked for Yuri to bring her to the garden at this time. “Do not tell me you have become a night owl now?”
Yuri laid back into the grass and let out a content sigh. She gazed into the stars, finding the glittering diamonds soothing to watch twinkle. She had not once thought of doing this before the sun went down. Her mind was too preoccupied with her duties to spend the time to relax for once. She now wondered if Tiffany had started to catch on to that.
“At least the stars are beautiful tonight.” Yuri smiled, finding herself slowly fall into a comforting slumber. “Do you not agree Lady Tiffany?”
Yuri closed her eyes, allowing herself to feel the content breeze of cool air that brushed against her face. Her mind was emptied of its worries and her body started to feel rejuvenated the longer she laid here. The gentle croaking of crickets and frogs added more to her calm state-of-mind.
“Tiffany.” Yuri heard her say.
Quickly she opened her eyes and turned to the left. Tiffany was sitting up, staring down at her with a soft smile in place like she had always done. Yuri's eyebrows shifted inward to her confusion.
“Please call me Tiffany. You do not need to use my title anymore.” Tiffany explained.
Yuri sat up. Tiffany continued to smile. Feeling embarrassed, Yuri looked into the grass and ran her hand through her hair a few times. She realized she had started to feel more bashful around Tiffany lately.
It was something Yuri was not used to. She had been very calm and collected of her emotions. Tiffany had often become the level-headed one.
“Is that acceptable?” Yuri cautiously asked.
“No one has to know.” Tiffany replied. “It will only be something between us.”
Yuri felt herself blush and turned away. She had decided to stare back into the stars. Tiffany didn't mind. She started to know when Yuri wanted her space or didn't have anything else to say and she was okay with that.
When Yuri's body started to cool down and her heart wasn't about to explode, she felt Tiffany lean to her right and press against Yuri's shoulder. Her head had rested comfortably on to Yuri's shoulder. The dark-skinned woman's face began to heat up again. She sat up a lot more stiff.
“Thank you for agreeing to come with me here today.” Tiffany whispered. “To be honest, I rather have no one here but you with me.”
Yuri rested her head on top of Tiffany's and smiled. She had caught a sweet scent from her hair. While Yuri's body was shaking and so hot she was probably glowing red, she enjoyed being this close to Tiffany. She enjoyed it more than talking to her.
“Your hair smells pleasant.” Yuri blurted out, unaware of her words. Tiffany laughed. Yuri broke some space between them. “I do not mean...it is just...”
Yuri was in for a bigger shock when she felt Tiffany's lips pressed against hers. Her body had shut down and she froze. Seeing the lack of motion from Yuri, Tiffany stopped. Yuri's mouth slowly started to open.
“T-Tiffany?” Yuri croaked.
“Is this too much?” Tiffany asked. “Maybe I should have warned you?”
“Are you aware of what you are doing?” Yuri whispered. “You are the daughter of a king! A princess! A cousin of the Jung family! Do you not know who I am?”
“I do understand.” Tiffany confirmed. “I am aware of our status. All of that is irrelevant to how I feel.”
No longer flustered, but angry, Yuri frowned and started to get up to her feet.
“You do not know what you are saying Lady Tiffany.” Yuri corrected. “You do not understand what you are feeling.”
Tiffany reached out and latched on to Yuri's wrist then pulled her back. She turned around, with a stern face on, but Tiffany was much more angry. Yuri remained still.
“Do not belittle me, or overlook my emotions because I am a princess of some wealthy king!” Tiffany defended. “I am no longer a child! I am twenty. I am of the marrying age.”
“That is why this can not go any further!” Yuri pointed out. “You are not only a princess, but one that is to be married soon in due time and to a man! I am not a man, nor am I of royal blood. I am Kwon Yuri, member of the Im clan, a mere peasant. I am a nobody!”
“I am in love with you.” Tiffany stated. “I do not care of your status, or what wealth you possess, but for who you are. Gender does not matter either.”
Yuri shook her head. “Tiffany, it is best that I no longer remain your protector. I will take my leave. Goodnight Lady Tiffany.”
“I know you are in love with me too.” Tiffany requited. “You are just as guilty as I am!”
“You do not understand.” Yuri whispered. “If this were to reach the king he will...”
Tiffany placed a gentle kiss on Yuri's lips. “The king...and my father will not know. No one will suspect anything.” She promised.
Yuri exhaled and felt Tiffany brush her lips against hers. Her body had started to shake again, but it was because of her strong desire. Yuri laid back, placing her hands on to Tiffany's waist.
The last thing Yuri saw was the shimmering bright stars and Tiffany's heart-melting smile, glowing as the stars decorated her in its light. Then all Yuri felt was soft skin against her own and pure bliss that consumed her, knocking her into a daze and all she can register was bliss, pure bliss and contentment.