“No. It’s not! Please believe , Ren. I do not have any relationship with Prince Kin. There is nothing between us...I don’t feel anything for him. Please believe !” I pleaded desperately. I felt like I was going to start crying again.
What can I say to make Ren believe ? What can I do to make him believe ?
“Co closer,” Ren said, as he beckoned towards him with his hand.
Slowly, I approached him, not sure what he wanted to do. Ren patted the spot next to him on the wooden sofa, telling that he wanted to sit beside him. I sat down next to him as he had indicated. Now that I was close to Ren, I felt like bursting into tears once again.
“Listen to what I’m about to say and listen well, Rin,” Ren said as he took my chin in between his fingers and made sure that I was looking straight into his eyes.
I nodded slowly. To be honest, I was scared of everything that was happening. Suddenly, everything seed like it was my fault instead of being the victim. I was drugged and almost raped, but everything now looks like I was the one to bla.
“It doesn’t matter what I believe, Rin,” Ren said slowly and clearly.
“What do you an? Of course, it does! What you believe is the only thing that matters to ,” I replied in shock and confusion. To , the only thing that matters is whether Ren believes or not.
“Whether or not I believe your story, doesn’t matter. The truth doesn’t matter. What matters is what the emperor will believe and what punishnt he will decide on,” Ren explained, solemnly.
“Do you...believe ?” I asked, feeling so hope.
“I just told you twice. It doesn’t matter what I believe,” Ren replied stiffly.
I guess he doesn’t believe , or at least, not completely. Of course, faith and trust that has been lost is not easy to restore and I have lost his trust. That alone saddened more than anything.
“That’s not true. For , all that matters is for you to believe ...” I whispered.
“My belief in you can’t save your life,” Ren stated flatly.
“What...do you an?” I asked, sensing that sothing bad was about to happen.
“I told you before about the punishnt for infidelity of royal concubines. They’ll kill you and everyone related to you, Rin,” Ren said, seriously.
“That’s...it can’t be. I never...I would never do such a thing!” I imdiately denied.
My whole face and body felt numb from fear as I realized the full implication of what Ren has been saying. If the emperor and the high court believes that I’ve had a love affair with Prince Kin, then the least that will happen is that I will lose my life and the worse...I didn’t even want to imagine.
“Judging from your expression, I guess you’re starting to get it now. However, that is not all. If Kin is able to convince the emperor that you were the one who seduced him, then it is very likely that he will get off without bla and the only one who will be punished will be you,” Ren explained further. His tone void of any emotions. If I was looking for sympathy or empathy from Ren, he was no willing to give it.
“No...that’s insane! Ren...please help . You have to believe . This is all a big misunderstanding,” I pleaded.
“If I were to believe you, that wouldn’t change the fact that we’re at a disadvantage. Let’s say that your story is true, then Kin tried to rape my woman, but I can’t get the emperor to punish him without sacrificing you as well. Where does that leave , Rin?” Ren asked as his eyes narrowed at .
I see now. For the first ti, I realized the paradox in all of this. If Ren accuses Prince Kin of engaging in inappropriate acts with then that would an that I was also part of the act, and I would be punished accordingly. In other words, there was no way for Ren to ensure that Prince Kin received his punishnt while also shielding from bla.
If Prince Kin planned all this in advance, then it was a very well thought out and executed plan. I could understand Ren’s frustration and anger more now that I could see it from his point of view. He was right, where did my selfish actions leave him?
Ren sighs a frustrated sigh before he began getting up from his seat. He’s going to leave?
“Ren...please. I’m so sorry. I’ll do anything...please don’t leave...” I begged him.
I held onto his arm like I was holding on to dear life. What will happen to if he leaves now? What would happen to us?
Ren paused as he stopped and turned to look at . His hand approached my face before grabbing my chin, forcing my face up to look directly at him. His eyes at that mont were so cold and frightening. I would rather have him scream at and hit than face his cold and silent anger like this.
“Rin, if you don’t do exactly what I tell you to, then I cannot protect you. It’s that simple,” Ren stated coldly.
“I know that everything happened because I didn’t heed your warnings. I am so sorry, Ren. I will never do it again. From now on, I’ll do everything that you tell to,” I apologized again. I hoped that he would give another chance.
“Do I have your absolute word?” Ren asked, his tone serious.
“Yes. I promise. No, I swear!” I quickly promised before he changes his mind. I’ll do anything if Ren would just give another chance.
“I see. Then you shouldn’t mind if I put your oath to the test right now,” Ren said, his eyes narrowing at .
“Huh?” I let out a surprised sound of confusion.
“Strip, Rin,” Ren commanded.
I didn’t quite believe what I was hearing. Did Ren just tell to take off my clothes? Right now? Why now?
“Ren...?” I called his na questioningly. Not sure if I understood him correctly.
“Strip now,” Ren repeated his command.
--To be continued...
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