castle runaway. ˡᵉᵉ ᵈᵒⁿᵍʰʸᵘᶜᵏ

FIFTY ONE

Monique's POV

We came in to the castle and presented our filthy selves in front of the King and Queen—Derek and Odette. I felt so embarrassed because I was so dirty from fighting off the criminals earlier.

Haechan returned the treasure box while I gave Odette back her bracelet. I carefully handed her the sleeping Nathan. She thanked us a hundred times and even suggested we should go eat dinner at the palace. Of course, we declined.

We left the kingdom after Derek rewarded us with a big sum of money. The both of us didn't want to accept it, but Derek insisted, so we're currently home with a few gold coins with us.

Haechan and I bought food at Snow and ate chicken wings for dinner. We called it a day and set off inside our bed rooms, getting prepared for another practice the next day.

It was morning again and my whole body was aching. I can't freely move my arms and I can only walk slowly with my legs. Every inch has an immense pain. I guess the practice has to wait.

The boy barged inside my room, panicking badly and almost shedding tears because of what happened to me. I laughed at Haechan's reaction. "I just can't shift my arms like I did yesterday. I'm not really used to move around a lot." I said reassuringly.

He made me vegetable soup for breakfast and since I can't raise my hands, he fed me. Of course, I sat down to eat the food. "Is it because of yesterday?" Haechan asked worriedly. I shrugged. "I don't know. It could be any reason."

Sighing, he placed the bowl beside me and plopped down on the floor. Is he blaming himself again? "I know we defeated the thieves and got to return the things and Prince Nathan back to Queen Odette and King Derek, but I'm seriously worried about you." He said.

I cupped his cheeks and made him look at me. "Haechan, it's not your fault. Stop blaming yourself for everything that happened to me. I'm fine, really." I calmed him down, but my arms were aching from holding his face.

He smirked. "Your arms hurt right now, doesn't it?" I smiled painfully and pulled my hands back. "Uhm, yes. Hehe." He chuckled and patted my hair. "Do you want me to massage you?"

"This doesn't need to be massaged.. I think. Ugh, do it." Haechan laughed and went out of my room to get something. When he returned, he was back with some liquid ointment. "This will ease the pain in your muscles."

I nodded and he sat beside me then started to run his fingers on my arm. I wince every now and then because of the pain. "Hold still." He said when I tried to pull my arm. I bit my lower lip and remained stiff so that he can massage it a bit and put the ointment on.

He proceeded to my right arm then to my feet and legs. My thighs were definitely fine so he didn't have to put it there. I stretched my arms and let out a big sigh. "Thanks, Haechan. I feel a bit better now." I said and smiled.

"You're welcome. If you feel bored inside here, just go outside and not go too far." I chuckled. "I won't. And where are you going?" He pointed outside. "I'm going to help Pin at his shop and also buy us some food. Do you want some snacks when I get back?"

I grinned. "Tarts, please." Haechan smiled and ruffled my hair softly. "Okay. Take care." He left my bed room and went on to Snow.

Since I was feeling a lot better after he put the ointment on me, I decided to practice for a while. Maybe the pain will be gone when I'm done. I exited the house and didn't see Elyas on the porch so I was guessing he went with Haechan.

Again, I fought with a tree. Though its trunk was hard, I didn't feel the pain in my hands and legs. I continued for a few more minutes then I was done. I stood still after the practice and holy cow, does my body hurt even more.