Crazy Thoughts

Eun-Ae

I had shifted back and slept for a few hours after Dae-Hyun had left. The sounds of those who passed by the room had my nerves on edge until I was alerted by the clanking of keys and a man's disappointment as he could not unlock the door. His shadow stood outside of the room as he cursed under his breath at the failed attempts to break in.

I lifted my nose into the air in an attempt to catch the scent of this man and noticed it was the foul-smelling person from before. I scrunched my face in disgust and tucked my head back under the pillow to conceal my snout and ears.

So sleepy, so so sleepy. I thought to myself as I pushed closer to the wall.

The man's angry stomping faded down the hallway. There was a moment of silence before the door was successfully unlocked and slowly swung open. I waited for the door to close before I peeked out from under the pillow.

When the door didn't close, my heart began to race. I didn't know who it was until that awful scent had hit me again. It was the man with the dark aura. I laid completely still and had even slowed my breathing just enough to refrain from showing any movement.

What the hell is he doing here? And how the hell did he get in? I screamed in my head as I squeezed my chest.

"Bool-He, what the hell are you doing in here? You were told not to come in this area." I heard Dae-Hyun shout with immense anger. Oh, his angry tone made my skin prickle with goosebumps. 

"I needed to see what the hell was keeping you so busy and now that I've satisfied my curiosity I'll be taking my leave." the man named Bool-He replied as his hastened footsteps exited the room.

The door was shut and locked from the inside quickly before the bed shifted. A hand patted its way toward me, and once it landed on its target, my hip, he let out a sigh of relief. 

"Are you okay?" His tone had softened as he pulled back the blanket.

I shifted back and quickly pushed myself up, bumping into him. I gasped and pushed away for a moment, bringing my hand to my chest, "I, I'm sorry."

Dae-Hyun raised a brow at me, "For what? I'm the one who should be apologizing to you for bringing you into this mess." He ran his hand over his face and scoffed, his tongue rolled alongside his inner cheek.

I scanned over his facial expression as his eyes searched the room. "You are conflicted. What happened?" I moved a little closer to him, placing a hand on his.

"It's nothing you should concern yourself with." He pulled away quickly, a tint of red shading his cheeks.

His words stung my heart. I knew I shouldn't get myself involved in royal business, but I didn't like seeing Dae-Hyun upset for some odd reason. Lowering my ears as I shifted my gaze to the bed, "Well, I don't want you to be upset." My heart raced. If he was mad about something, he could easily have me killed. Or the tables could turn.

"Has the sun set yet?" I asked, changing the subject.

He sighed and shifted his gaze to me, his eyes softened as we stared at each other for a moment. "It's a whole new day. You slept through the night without issue. But it's already begun to set."

I gave him a small smile and nodded before shuffling off of the bed toward my clothes that I had hidden in a nearby vase.

"What are you getting dressed for? It'll be easier if you shift and I carry you." 

I shook my head as I slipped into my underskirt and then the top skirt. "I can always adjust my size but what fun would that be?" I pouted my lip. "I wanted to walk around like a normal person so I need to look as normal as possible. People can only see my shadow."

"What about your ears?" He pointed out the obvious.

I lowered my ears and tucked them into my hair as I turned around. "What about now?" I asked with a frown as I fiddled with the ribbon on my top.

He shook his head and rose from the bed. At his height he easily towered over my small frame. We stared at one another for a moment before he stepped toward me and extended his hand. I flinched and lowered my head, shutting my eyes.

Dae-Hyun sighed loudly as he patted the top of my head before grabbing my hand. "Let's go, I know you want to bathe and the faster we get that done and over with, the better."

I squared my shoulders, trying to walk as the other courtladies do. "Okay," I replied with a small smile on my face as he led me to the door.

"I really hope no one is out here. I don't feel like talking to anyone right now." He muttered.

I pouted for a moment and pulled my hand away from his. Honestly I didn't mind the gesture but feeling his touch warmed my heart and I wasn't sure I could let anyone near me in that manner. Granted the men in this kingdom would swoon over any female that would look their way but I was not keen on giving attention. Most men wanted my pearl for their own gain just like Jung did and I wasn't ready to let anyone in just yet.

I needed to know what his intentions were with me. Until then I must keep my heart locked away.