Conquering the Emperor

Chapter 164: Understanding

Finally, I managed to say everything that I needed to say. I finally told him everything that really happened that day. What happens from now will be up to Ren.

“Let go of me...” Ren said softly as he tugged on my arms.

Slowly, I let go of him and he turned around to face me. Before I could say anything more, Ren pulled me into a tight hug. His arms hugged me tightly to him as his large hand cradled the back of my head, pushing my head against his chest. I started sobbing softly into his embrace as he continued to hold me.

“Rin...I’m sorry,” Ren whispered softly as he stroked my back comfortingly.

I blinked in surprise. Did Ren just apologize to me? This is probably the first time that he properly apologized to me. No, this is probably the first time I have ever heard Ren apologize. I stood there stunned at his sudden apology. The crown prince just apologized to me. To be honest, I was more shocked than happy at that moment.

“Ren...” I whispered his name.

I didn’t quite know what to say so I just hugged him back tightly. We were silent for a while, but I was very relieved that Ren seemed to understand me. It had taken a long time and we both probably made a lot of mistakes but in the end, he finally listened to me. We had many things that we probably need to talk through and consider together but in that moment, I felt like we could get through it. I firmly believed that because once again, I felt like Ren had returned to my side.

“Did it hurt?” Ren whispered close to my ear.

My eyes widened in surprise at his direct question. I knew what he was referring to...

“A little...” I replied softly.

All those nights that we spent together while I was locked up in his room were rough and demanding nights. My body did hurt a little here and there, although it was bearable. What was less bearable was how much my heart hurt.

“I’ll be kinder to you...gentler to you...” Ren whispered tenderly into my ear. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

Perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself, but his words were making me believe that he was going to be good to me so that I wouldn’t want to leave him. But that’s not quite right...

I pulled away from his embrace just enough so that I could glance up and see his face. Ren looked trouble to say the least and my heart ached for him. In the past, I wouldn’t have the courage or conviction to say this but, perhaps now, I would be able to say it and actually mean it.

“Ren, there’s no need for you to lock me up anymore. To be honest, I hated it when you locked me inside your room. There’s no need for you to do that...if it’s ok with you, I’d like to stay in the palace with you forever...or until you decide that we should not be together anymore. That’s what I’ve decided...so...let’s just lay our insecurities to rest, ok?” I said in a small and hopeful voice.

It was Ren’s turn to be stunned into silence. I have never seen Ren look so surprised before as he looked down closely at my face. After a while, his stunned expression melted into relief and then he smiled warmly at me.

“So, you’ve finally decided to stay...really?” Ren asked still in disbelief but I could tell that he was overjoyed.

“Well, yes...as I said...until you don’t want me here anymore...” I said softly.

Before I could say anymore, I felt Ren’s warm hand on the side of my neck before he bent down and placed a soft kiss on my lips. It all happened so fast that I was quite astonished. The kiss was just a small peck on the lips, but it left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside. I couldn’t help but smile a little at his gentle gesture.

“I’ll take care of you well, Rin,” Ren said seriously.

“I’ll hold you to that promise then,” I replied cheerfully before smiling at him.

“You should head back...” Ren said, bringing our long conversation to a close.

I wondered if he was busy today as well. Since we haven’t been on good terms for over a week, he hasn’t been telling me anything about what he was up to or his work.

“Are you busy?” I asked, sounding concerned.

“Not more than usual,” Ren replied casually.

“Then...will you join me for dinner?” I asked after summoning up my courage.

“No...” Ren replied after a brief thought.

Honestly, I didn’t expect him to reject my invitation outright like this and I was beginning to wonder why.

“I’ll come to you when I’m ready...if I see you tonight, I don’t think I’ll be able to keep my end of the promise...” Ren mumbled.

Does he mean...? I felt heat rushing to my face at his suggestive words.

“Umm...I should leave now. Have a good day, Ren...” I stammered before turning to leave the room.

After Rin had left the room, Ren returned to his seat and sighed. His eyes were on a report that had arrived a few days before. Unlike reports from other towns, that report bothered him greatly. It’s such bad timing for this unfortunate news, he thought. If Rin finds out, she’s going to lose it...

...

That evening, Ren did not join me for dinner, nor did he visit me at my palace. Although I wanted to spend time with him, I tried to look on the bright side that I could use some time alone as well. Tomorrow, Shin will be taking me to the prison where Jeely was being imprisoned. After leaving Ren’s palace I had met up with Shin who took me back to my palace. We had time to talk, and I could remember the grim look on Shin’s face.

It was clear without him voicing it that he too did not approve of me visiting Jeely and that he was beyond surprised that Ren allowed it. To be honest, I had thought that Shin would be more supportive of what I wanted to do. However, he too seemed to have reservations about me visiting Jeely and visiting the prison in general. Since it was Ren’s orders, Shin had no option but to go along with it.

--To be continued...