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CHAPTER TWO
• ᴄᴏᴡᴀʀᴅ •

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You tied the bed sheets together, the base wrapped around the foot of the bed. You looked for any guards, but it was the dead of night. Most of them only guarded the main entrance.

You made sure all sheets were tight and threw them over the railing. Before climbing over the railing yourself, you wrapped extra bandages on your palms to keep you from hurting yourself any more.

Once at the bottom, you fixed your long silk nightgown and quietly ran to the back exit of the castle where no one guarded since no one knew of that exit.

"You aren't the brightest, are you?" You heard behind you making you come to a stop. You turned around to see Yunseok along with his two usual guards.

"Take her to the dungeon and put her in the pillory—only her hands, not her beautiful face." He commanded. "And call for the prince, now!"

• • • •

You were kneeled on the floor as you tried to find a way to get your hands out of the pillory's holes, but nothing would do. The only thing you were succeeding at was hurting your wrists. You heard the door open and you stopped struggling.

"What is she doing here?" Seokjin questioned once he saw you.

"She tried to escape, Jin. I think you know what she needs." Yunseok grabbed a leather whip from the table and shoved it into Seokjin's chest.

"No." Seokjin refused.

"Either she learns now or she'll always be rebellious."

"Then we let her go."

"That is not an option." Yunseok opened Seokjin's palm and wrapped his brothers fingers around the whip. "Twenty lashes."

"She'll be dead by then!"

"Ten—no less." He said. "Either that or I'll call father to give her the twenty she deserves," Yunseok smirked. "Better yet, I'll do them myself.

Seokjin gulped and held the whip. He knew his father nor his brother would have mercy on you. The guards ripped your gown, exposing your back. Seokjin stood behind you and took a deep breath in.

One.

"That wasn't hard enough," Yunseok spoke.

Two.

"Still not hard enough, brother!" Yunseok laughed bitterly. "Do you want me to come over there and teach you how to do it?"

Three.

You bit your lip as you began to cry out of pain.

Four...

Ten.

Yunseok looked at the blood running down your back from the fresh wounds and smirked in satisfaction.

"I didn't think you had it in you, brother." He clapped slowly. "Good job." He said before walking out with the two guards.

Seokjin released you from the pillory and kneeled in front of you.

"I'm so sorry." He apologized.

Your heavy breathing was shaky and your hands were trembling. The ripped nightgown kept slipping down your arms, but you held it tight against you.

"Why would you do this?" You asked softly as you looked down.

"I-I had to."

"No, you didn't. I know that you think all of this is wrong, but yet you still do it... to please your father?" You finally looked up. "You're going against your beliefs to please someone else?"

"I-"

"That's not what a king does." You interrupted. "You are not fit to be king. You are a coward who's too scared to stand up for himself."

You stood up but stumbled which caused Seokjin to quickly help you.

"I don't want your help." You pushed him off.

"Please, Y/N. Let me carry you to your room."

You wiped away your tears and stared at him for a moment. You were too weak and in so much pain. You knew you wouldn't even make it to the door so you agreed. You climbed onto his back and he carried you up to the room.

"Now leave." You said sternly once in the room.

Jin looked at you with sadness and regret then walked out of the room.

"Inha," Jin called one of the maids. "Help Miss Y/N. Do not take no for an answer."

"Yes, your highness." She bowed before entering your room.

• • • •

You were sitting in front of the mirror when you heard a gentle knock at the door. You stood up and Jin walked into the room. He walked over and stood in front of you.

"I'm sorry." He apologized. "You're right, I am a coward. I should be able to stand up for myself, but I can't. I talked to my brother and he will not lay a hand on you again nor will he have a say in what happens to you." He informed.

"What I don't have a say in is you leaving. Once here you are to be my wife," He carefully took your hands into his. "But I promise to treat you well and let your family visit whenever you please."

You knew Seokjin couldn't do any more then he already has, so you were thankful. He was kind and gentle, unlike his brother. You smiled warmly at him.

"Thank you." You gave him a kiss on the cheek and he felt his body heat up.

"O-of course."

"May they visit tomorrow?" You asked.

"I'll have some guards go for them at noon. You can spend all day with them if you'd like."

"I would love that."

"Great." He smiled. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

You sat on the bed and sighed.

You didn't want this, but it wasn't like you could run away from it. You were just thankful that if you had to marry it would be with Seokjin.

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me @ yunseok