The room was a mess with the flower vase broken around and papers scattered on the floor. He was fuming in annoyance. Why does he always spoil his plans? He was so close.... So close to putting an end to her life. Why does he have to spoil everything? She would have been long dead it wasn't for him.
"Damnit!" Kang Jimyeong cursed aloud, slamming his hand on the table in front of him. His teeth and jaws were clenched breathing in a fit of rage. He wondered how long it would take for Zayden to kill him.
"Your majesty" a maidservant called from outside "The princess is here to see you"
"Let her in" he said, composing himself and killing his anger. Immediately the princess walked in.
"My beautiful sunshine" Kang Jimyeong praised his daughter while she took a bow.
"Good morning, father" she greeted with a straight face.
"Good morning my dear. Did you have a good night?"
"I did, father" she replied, sitting on the chaise opposite him.
"Tell me dear, what brings you to my manor this early?" Kang Jimyeong demanded.
"I heard father has plans to execute Ryan" she went straight to the point.
His brows creased "I do. Why does that bother you?"
"I'm not bothered" she lied "I just thought he shouldn't be killed"
He stared at her for a while "By chance.... Are you still crazy about him?"
"I'm not" she replied reluctantly, lowering her eyes to the floor.
"Then why shouldn't he be killed? He's a threat to us"
"He is in exile, father. He can't be a threat" she tried to convince him.
"I see you haven't gotten over him. You still have that stupid love for him, don't you?"
She lifted her eyes and met his glare "I....I don't"
"Of course you shouldn't, because it's forbidden"
"Father please, do not kill him. He has done nothing wrong" she pleaded. Guilt has already devoured her. She only wished for another chance to right her wrongs. And she cannot let her father take that chance.
"It's not me who would, so do not plead" he said sternly.
"But father....."
"Nayla!" He cut her off "Enough about the half breed. If you do anything stupid, I won't hesitate to punish you. Get him off your mind and focus on only one thing..... being the Queen. Is that clear?" He ordered.
Nayla gulped, lowering her eyes "Yes, father" she replied reluctantly. "I shall take my leave then" she stood up and left.
*....*.....*.....*.....*.....*...*.....*...*.....*
Ryan and Arianna were having breakfast. A quiet one. Occasionally, Ryan would place vegetables and meat on her plate. Or give her water when she needs one, and add more soup to her bowl.
She was totally surprised at how caring he became overnight.
"Uhm....I wanted to thank you for saving me last night" she broke the silence.
"You don't have to thank me. Now eat." He said without sparing her a glance.
She continued eating, touched by how he was caring for her.
Leonel barged into the dinning, interrupting their breakfast.
"Young master" he called in excitement.
"What is it?" Ryan asked.
Leonel chuckled "I found the culprits" he said cheerily with a grin.
Ryan chewed on his food "Impressive!" he said. Arianna looked at them in wonder. What are talking about?
"So where are they?"
"Right outside" he said, showing his thirty two. He was proud of himself. He got to find the culprits in less than 24 hours. Well, with the help someone.
Ryan stood up, waking out of the dinning. Arianna remembered his instructions. Never to leave his sight. So she stood up and followed him, without getting to finish her food.
Leonel led the way out of the house to the compound. There stood two young men, sweating bullets. Immediately they saw Ryan, their hearts went on a marathon. Zariel also came there to see what Ryan would do.
Ryan took a seat at the table, crossing his legs. He gestured for them to take a seat, which they did in fear. Sweat strolling down their face.
"So...." Ryan began "You're the morons who took my goods?"
"Forgive us, sir" one of them spoke "We didn't know it was yours"
"Did you return them safely?" He asked indifferently while checking his fingers.
"Y-Yes sir" he replied.
Ryan smirked as he could feel the fear that coursed through them.
"Who sent you?" He asked out of the blue.
They gulped "N-No one"
"One thing I hate most....is lies" Ryan stated "Do not lie to me" he said through clenched teeth.
"We're not...l-lying, M-Mr. Han" the other spoke. "N-No one sent us"
"Really?" He tilted his head to the side.
"Y-Yes sir"
Ryan was getting more angered by the minute. He gritted his teeth, feigning a smile.
"Alright. I'll let you go" he said. "But before that.... let's play" he smirked. They lifted their eyes, wondering what he was going to do.
"Chairman Park!"
"Yes, young master" Leonel left as he understood what he meant. After a while, he came back with a small briefcase, dropping it on the table in front of them. He opened it and everyone's eyes grew wide at what they saw inside. Zariel and Arianna's hands were over their mouth.
Gun?!
Ryan took the gun, taking just a bullet he loaded the barrel and cocked it. He placed it on the table, pushing it towards them.
"Let's play the russian rou'lette, shall we?" He smirked.
They could feel their hearts reaching their throats. The air became more suffocating than it has been and both were drenched with their own sweat.
"Mr. Han please, forgive us" they cried.
"Take the gun" Ryan ordered in a calm tone.
"Please, sir"
"Do not let me repeat myself" he looked at the one on his left "Take it!"
With shaky hands and unevened breath, he took the gun. His lips trembling.
"Shoot him!" Ryan said like he was asking him to eat.
"Gosh" Arianna whispered, her fingers touching her lips.