Chapter Text
Paedyn
This isn’t good.
The king has just announced the next Trial—my death sentence. I pace the room relentlessly, my hands fidgeting and thoughts racing as I think of a way out of this. I could… run away? No, that would be incredibly stupid. I’d inevitably be spotted or caught in my efforts to flee. I could just hope that I can keep myself from thinking… at all? Sure, because that’s obviously possible. The only option left is preparing myself for my tragic downfall. My breathing matches the pace of my racing thoughts; my lungs start to burn slightly, my throat tightening up.
Damn the king and this kingdom for wanting a more ‘entertaining’ and ‘immersive’ experience. As if watching people fight for their lives and their reputation in sick trials isn’t interesting enough. This shouldn’t even be possible, combining the powers of Mind Readers and Sights into some sort of mutant power, but of course they figured it out. Not only is it just a huge violation of privacy to have my thoughts displayed to the whole kingdom, but it’s also a huge risk to exposing myself. I survived all the previous Trials for what—to die a pathetic death.
Plague, this is not good.
My dad didn’t train me for this; how am I supposed to combat this? My whole ‘power’ is built off of reading others’ minds, not other people doing it to me. The only thing left for me is to wonder how far I’ll make it before my own thoughts are my death.
I’m suddenly shaken out of my thoughts by a knock on the door.
Kai.
I can tell even before the charming lilt of his murmured ‘darling’ echoes though the tall oak door. Taking a few deep breaths in a lousy attempt to cover up my panicked breathing, I slowly make my way towards the door. My shaky hand turns the pristine gold handle hesitantly, silently praying that he doesn’t realize he’s caught me on the verge of a panic attack. The second the door is opened he casually steps in, leaning against the door frame with his signature cocky smirk.
“Almost thought you were going to leave me waiting out there, Gray-” He immediately cuts himself off, the smirk fading into a look of worry and concern as he notices my shallow breathing. In an instant, he’s in front of me, hands on my shoulders to ground me. “Deep breaths, Pae. Just focus on me.” he instructs, taking deep breaths to help guide me.
I nod, urging myself to match his breathing, focusing on those piercing grey eyes that are fixed on mine. My breathing gradually slows down, the tears welling in my eyes withering away gradually.
Kai lets out a slight breath of relief as I calm down, but his grip on my shoulders only tightens.
“Come here,” he whispers, his voice cracking slightly, pulling me into a warm embrace. My muscles immediately relax as I melt against him. I bury my face in his chest, the soft silk of his dress shirt caressing my cheek. A few shuddering breaths escape me along with some muffled, weak cries. His calloused hands rub my back, his touch so gentle I can almost forget that my blood will soon be on them. He pulls back slightly, one hand leaving my back to lift my chin. I meet his seemingly calm gaze, but I notice the panic behind the grey clouds, trying to block me out.
“Tell me what’s wrong, Pae. Please.” His muttered plea breaks slightly on the last word, clearly distraught by not knowing what the cause of my upset is. A flicker of uncertainty flashes in my mind. I trust him, I do, but I can’t risk it. I only hope that he thinks that the hurt in my expression is a part of my panic, and not because of the thought of lying to his face.
“It’s just the Trial; it’s messing with my head. Reading our minds, really? That- that just doesn’t feel right.” I reply quietly, breathing shakily as I look up at him.
A slight sense of relief washes over him. I can see it in the short exhale and tenseness leaving his shoulders. He offers me a small smile, his hand still resting softly on my chin.
“I know, Gray. You’re too stubborn to want anyone to know your clever thoughts.” He teases, attempting to cheer me up.
I scoff, shaking my head as I force a tight smile. He doesn’t understand. Why would he? I haven’t told him. The fact slowly eats away at me every time I see his face, his scars. He confides in me, tells me about his past, explaining each scar carefully just to earn my trust. All I can do in return is lie.
“Besides, you’re finally getting a taste of your own medicine.” He nudges my shoulder playfully, that charming grin distracting me from my worries for a moment before his words snap me back to reality.
“Yeah, I guess.” I reply with the most obvious fake laugh, doing an amazing job of pretending I’m okay.
His smile fades for the millionth time tonight, easily picking up my uneasiness.
“Pae, I need you to be honest with me. Tell me what’s bothering you, no bullshit. Just tell me who and I’ll-”
“That’s not it.” I butt in, raising my hand to rest on his shoulder. “Look, I’m just nervous for the Trial. Don’t worry about me.” I assure him, my eyes silently begging him to stop prying for more.
He picks up on my obstinance, knowing I won’t budge. Letting out a defeated sigh, he shifts on the bed to sit behind me, running a hand through his ebony curls.
“Keep quiet all you want, but I’m staying with you tonight. No arguments. I’m not leaving you alone, not like this.” He says sternly, his stubbornness almost rivaling my own. I nod in agreeance, deciding not to push my luck.
“Let’s get to bed, alright? You need rest for tomorrow.” He murmurs, his voice low and soft again.
“Mhm.” I hum softly, climbing into bed. He moves next to me, gently pulling the covers over me. I offer him a small, grateful smile as I look up at him. He returns the gesture, combing my hair out of the way before pressing a small kiss to my forehead.
“Sweet dreams, Pae.” He murmurs, his warm breath tickling my skin, the sensation sending a shiver down my spine. He lays down, his arm draping over me as if shielding me from whatever problems I’m facing.
I settle against him, the usual comfort of his touch dimmed by the impending thought of what is to come.
I’m selfish, allowing myself to sleep peacefully beside him, knowing he is unfortunately going to be the death of me. It’s not fair to him, letting him get this close to me. I shouldn’t have let him in this close. I'm going to cause him more hurt than I could ever imagine. When I’m caught, he has to kill me, it’s his duty, and I know. I hate myself for setting him up like this.
Regardless, I lay comfortably in his embrace, withholding the fact that we’ll both be each other's undoing. Undoing. The memory of my own words hit me like a ton of bricks. One thing is true, I never break my oaths.