Ryan was working endlessly in his room when a knock came on his door.
"Come in" he said and the door opened. Zariel walked in with the first aid box, she bowed.
"Are you still working?" She asked
"Yes" Ryan replied, his fingers moving endlessly on the keys of his laptop.
"Well, it's time to treat your wounds." she said, coming closer to him.
"Forget it"
Zariel came closer with a straightened face. "No" she said "Undo your buttons"
"Forget it I said" Ryan repeat, slowly getting annoyed.
"Undo your buttons now!" she ordered. Ryan looked at her. She had a complete solemn look, that could shrink him in his seat. He could only obey. He undid his buttons reluctantly and forcefully, flinging his shirt open.
Zariel took off the band aid and cleaned it before applying ointment on them. She applied on his arms as well, before helping him with his shirt. His wounds were halfway healed, looking mostly like it was stitched.
"Thank you" he said reluctantly.
"Next time you try to prove stubborn, I'll make sure I beat you you up" Zariel spoke solemnly.
Ryan looked at her "You may have forgotten I'm the boss here" he said as a reminder.
"I haven't. But you don't play stubborn when it's about your health. Get up!" She ordered.
"Why? I'm still working"
"It's evening, you're tired, so have some sleep" she lifted him up and dragged him towards the bed.
"Ms. Jung...."
She made him lie even if he never wanted to and covered him with the duvet.
"Once you get enough sleep, then you could continue" she said, giving him a smile that says he couldn't do anything now. "Goodnight" she turned off the lights and left. Ryan felt tiredness course through him the moment his back touched the mattress. Really, he needed rest. So, he let sleep take him, drowning in that darkness again.
*....*.....*.....*.....*.....*....*.....*.....*....*.....*
Zayden laid on his bed in deep thoughts, wondering if he was doing the right thing. The more he thought, the more past memories came flashing.
Those times when they would play in the fields laughing like crazy..... Those times when they would practice archery and swordsmanship..... Those times when they would be mischievous.... Those times when Ryan would always be there for him. Give him a piggyback ride and walk up and down the hill.
All those memories....all those moments... The joy.... everything came flashing.
Is he doing the right thing by listening to Kang Jimyeong's words? Ryan has always been there for him until his was banished. Even now he still cares. Why should he betray him now?
'Don't let memories distract you. Just kill him and have the throne. He's your only hindrance' he inner self spoke.
Zayden closed his eyes to sleep, but one last memory never failed to flash again. The day took a poisonous arrow for him, saying his death doesn't matter.
As sleep took him, he found his way to Ryan's dreams. A thing which he had been trying for ages. Now he's fully sure he can reach there.
To his surprise, it was so dark when he got there.
"How can someone's dream be so dark?" He said "I can't even see" he said while walking slowly.
"What are you doing here?" he heard
"Brother? Is that you?" He called "Are you there?"
"You can't see me?" Ryan asked
"Of course not. I totally cannot see you. It's pitch black in here." Zayden said. Ryan's golden eyes shone in the dark, Zayden could only make his silhouette.
"Ah... there you are" he took careful steps towards him. "Why is your dream so dark, brother?"
"I don't know, it just happened all of a sudden" Ryan replied. " It's been so long actually"
"Aish!" Zayden cursed "I can't see a thing. You should put some touch lights in here"
"Why are you here, Zayden?" Ryan asked again.
"Ah... I uhm.. I wanted us to meet." he said.
"Why?"
"I...I want to you tell you something"
"Which is?" The idea of meeting is something Ryan wasn't ready for. As a matter of fact he has a lot on his desk which he has to attend to.
"You'll know soon" Zayden said. Not willing to give him a hint at all. "Let's meet at that mountain where I found you. Tomorrow morning. It's very important"
Ryan looked at him skeptically. What's that important thing he couldn't say here?
"I'll be there" he said
"Alright. See you soon, brother" he said and disappeared, leaving Ryan in awe.
*...*...*.....*.....*....*....*....*.....*....*...*
Ryan stood at the top of a mountain, taking in the fresh air, and watching the city below, miles away. He could hear birds chirping from the trees, even the sound of air and rustling of leaves.
Cold air swept passed him, coursing through his skin.
"You're late" he said, turning around.
"I know. I have my reasons" Zayden said. He lifted his hand and showed him the canned beers he bought, throwing one towards Ryan and he caught it with ease.
"Nice catch" Zayden said. They both sat at the edge of the cliff, sipping their drink.
"I heard you took a wife" Zayden blurted out of the blue.
"Who told you that" A wife? When was that? Wife his foot!
"Just some birds who couldn't keep their mouths shut" Zayden replied, taking a glance of his brother. With that look Ryan understood whom he was referring to.
"She's not my wife" he said sternly.
"Well as mistress becomes a wife in the future" Zayden blurted, having it in mind to tease his brother a little today.
"Don't be delusional. It won't happen" Ryan said, slowly getting irked. There's no way he'd ever get married to her. He doesn't need a woman in his life.
"She must be really beautiful to make you fall for her" he blurted again, taking a sip casually like he wasn't aware of what he he was doing.
Ryan scoffed "No woman is beautiful in my eyes."