Chapter 19 - Companions
Sugi’s jaw dropped at the guard’s words. He stood there staring at him fidgeting with his mask. His racing mind didn’t know what to say next. He could feel Jimon staring at him wondering what he would do next. Jimon slowly got off the bed and walked towards the prince putting his arm around his shoulders from behind and resting his chin on Sugi’s shoulder.
“Is she here?” Sugi asked in an agitated voice.
“No, she is being held at the church after an altercation with some of the villagers.”
“How is she?”
“I heard her injuries are minor.”
“Jeon, make sure it’s her and bring her here quietly. We don’t want to add fuel to the fire.”
“As you wish. I’ll go myself.” Jeon bows and turns to leave.
Sugi turns and hugs Jimon as Jeon walks out.
“Jimon! This is wonderful news. I can apologize to her and get her to free me of this curse.”
“Apologize? No Sugi, you should put her in a dungeon after all the pain and suffering she has caused. You can’t trust her!”
“You still don’t understand! This is my fault.”
Jimon stared at him wide-eyed. “How can you think this is your fault? The death of your friend was all on her.”
“Sweetheart, let’s not argue. I need you to support me. We have a lot to lose if this doesn’t go right. I need to think about how I’m going to ask her. She is very distrustful of me, in fact, she is terrified of me.”
“She should be.”
Sugi just stared at him.
“We need justice for Hobi and for the torment she has put you through, but I’ll support you whatever you decide.”
Sugi smiled at him. “Thank you.”
Jimon walked up to him and kissed his warm lips. “Let’s get dressed and have breakfast, then we can discuss what you’re going to do.”
“Yes, you are right. I need to talk to Fay too. I really need her opinion.”
“Is her opinion more important than mine?”
“No, I just want a woman’s perspective.”
As they made their way down to the courtyard, Sugi tried to hide his nerves and the anticipation that he held. The way he felt, he didn’t think he would be able to eat any of the lovely foods that would be laid out for them.
They found Fay dining alfresco, always beautiful in any surroundings, her shiny long-hair glowed in the morning light and her skin looked as dewy and perfect as a summer peach. As the two males walked closer she put down her coffee cup and smiled at them like a true coquette. Her attire suited her curvy yet slim body perfectly.
“Good morning, ... you boys are up early, or have you not slept yet,” she said with a smirk.
Sugi kissed her cheek and Jimon followed suit, though a little self-consciously. She looked from one to the other wondering about their silence. Jimon did not meet her eyes as he was serving himself some eggs from the sideboard while Sugi was busy pouring coffee for both of them.
“Is anybody going to tell me what’s going on?”
“Baby, just let me have my coffee first,” Sugi wined.
“Okay, okay, I know you will tell me, you always do,” she complained while acquiescing to his request. “I’m so annoyed at Vante,” she expressed with a little pout. “He’s ignoring me and so are you.”
Jimon felt a pang of jealousy at how close the two friends were. He squeezed his fist under the table and repeated to himself, ‘he loves me, he loves me.’