Trapped

chapter 24

He found Min Hyun as a snarky, irascible man, heavily loved to snort and scoff at him. Min Hyun didn't make any attempt to keep his thoughts to himself; he mindlessly shared them to Kyungsoo, and Kyungsoo would return them just as mindless. He really did enjoy their silly disputes.

"Stop wasting your energy to reprimand me and do me a favor. I need more water, and go get yourself a spade, there are two more rows need to be loosened."

Min Hyun made a sour expression. Two more bald spots on the old man's head.

***

A royal guard came to Royal Consort Residence, informing Kyungsoo that King Jongin was expecting him at the practice field. He bowed, respectfully asking Kyungsoo to follow after him.

Confusion swept through Kyungsoo. He wondered why King Jongin would want him at the practice field. Giving the guard a small nod, he gestured the guard to lead him the way.

They proceeded through a gate, entering the area where Kyungsoo, or any royal consort, was not supposed to get in. Rows of trees shielded his eyes from the area behind them, and after he walked past the barricade, a green grass field spread out within his range of sight. His eyes easily recognized King Jongin, who was holding a bow, shading his eyes with his hand to look at the target afar.

King Jongin had changed his daily garment into the more practical one for practice; a simple red robe with round golden emblem of dragon sewn on the back. Wearing only a simple headband around his forehead, he looked relaxed. A guard was standing next to him, holding a quiver.

Three straw targets were placed within certain distance. Kyungsoo narrowed his eyes, trying to look at the furthest one. He could barely spot the target. In his mind, it was impossible to hit the mark.

King Jongin took an arrow from the quiver. Raising the bow with his left hand, he placed his fingers along the grip. He positioned himself and nocked the arrow against the string. After having a brief look at his target, without hesitation he pulled back his arrow, releasing it to fly at lightning speed. His bowstring snapped back at once, and the arrow fled right to its target, hitting at the center. Kyungsoo gasped in awe.

King Jongin lowered his bow and turned his back to see Kyungsoo. "Come here, Kyungsoo." He gestured Kyungsoo to come closer, and Kyungsoo complied.

"Your Majesty." Kyungsoo demurely bowed from his head.

"It will be good for you to do something different for once. Have you ever tried to shoot an arrow?"

"No, Your Majesty," Kyungsoo replied politely. "I have never held a bow."

"Then I will show you how."

King Jongin motioned the guard to give him the quiver. He wore the leather strap on his back and took out an arrow from the container. "Stand upright, release your tension."

He lifted his bow, eyes aiming for the furthest target. "Use your three fingers to hold the arrow against the string. Don't put too much pressure on it," King Jongin went on. He sighted through the spine of his arrow, piercing at his target with such intensity that made Kyungsoo shiver. There was no doubt in his mind that King Jongin would hit the mark perfectly. "Hold your bow as relax as possible. Focus on nothing but the center of your target."

King Jongin's jaw hardened. He had a pull, stretching it back tightly the bowstring grew taut. The moment he released his fingers the arrow fled with a buzzing sound, cutting through the wind. Without sparing a heartbeat he fitted another arrow to the bow and shot. And another one. And another one. Kyungsoo unconsciously held his breath. Five arrows flew fast, sinking into the center with perfect precision.