Tales Of Choices

Into The Fox Eyes

The next two days went by quickly – all thanks to Chaewon’s stubborn and overly protective self and Minjoo’s trust in the general’s instincts. They now had a plan to follow and if luck was on their side, it would work out.

 

“We need to keep moving. I don’t think they will hunt us down openly, it would ruin whatever leverage they still have. But they will surely try to find us before the king’s army can.” Chaewon had said in that first morning after they got some food from her bag – the always prepared soldier had made sure to keep some essentials with her just in case something happened; however, she didn’t expect things to escalate as quickly as it had. “Going back through the main roads would be the best, getting a horse in the next city and moving to the north it would surely get us killed.” Pursing her lips into a thin line, the brown-haired woman contained a grimace. “We will have to take the long way, let’s walk through the forest and to the sea-side, once we are close enough, we can follow the coastline until we are out of the East territory.”

It was Minjoo’s turn to frown. She knew Chaewon was a good strategist and she didn’t have any reason to doubt her plans, yet, she felt a little uneasy. “But how long will it take? If we don’t come back soon, my father may think I have…” She omitted the word, knowing fully well the weight such an event would have not only over her family, but also over her country. “He may think it was Beojji’s doing and join an unnecessary war.”

“It will take a few days, maybe a week or more depending on the circumstances we meet. I can’t risk bringing you near the cities for now.” The older Kim shook her head, she understood Minjoo’s worries but she also knew better than to take the risk. “I think the threat from the South was a lie, just another one of Lee's schemes. I contacted General Kwon before we left, she will be there to open the king’s eyes to the lies he is being told.” At last she hoped so, if the neighbor country was indeed attacking, there was nothing she could do now and she could only hope the new rulers of the kingdom weren’t fed the same lies the Lee’s had told them. “I promised the king I would keep you safe. I will bring you home in time, Minjoo.”

It was impossible to not feel apprehensive, they would have to cross the country with little resources and having to watch out for enemies at all times – but the small, dependable, smile Chaewon was giving her now was enough to give her hope they could do it. “General Kwon is one of the best, my mother was close to her and I know we can trust her.” Giving Chaewon a smile of her own, she nodded in agreement. “Then I guess I’m exploring the kingdom finally.” It wasn’t under the best circumstances, but at least she was with the person she would have chosen.

 

Ever since that talk, they were – slowly, since Chaewon was still recovering and they needed to be wary of any threats – making their way through the vast forests of Geumyeou, going back to the north where the palace was located. Thanks to Chae’s knowledge of the kingdom and Minjoo’s influence over nature, they could advance efficiently to compensate for the slow pace – it was still, however, pretty slow.

But it was fine, after all, there were no signals of enemies so far. Minjoo’s acute senses didn’t even catch a trace of anyone nearby, the wind bringing nothing but the clean smell of the forest. Everything was going according to Chaewon’s prediction so far, still she didn’t lowered her guard, making sure they found a safe place to sleep every night and insisting on keeping a watch even if it only made the dark circles under her eyes grow darker and her healing process slower – Minjoo would force her to take a nap during the day to compensate for it at times.

During the days, they would make a few stops, to leave subtle marks and make sure they weren’t walking circles – walking through the nearly endless green forest could be confusing even for someone who knew the place well, and Chaewon had been there only once before –, eat and if they were lucky enough, find a place to wash up.

The food Chae had on her bag didn’t last long and albeit she also carried some money, it was useless since they were far away from the closest town and it would be too risky to go there, even if they had just left behind Lee’s territory.

Today, the fourth day after leaving that doomed place behind, was particularly hot and they stopped earlier than usual. There was a small waterfall deep in the heart of the forest, a rocky wall and crystalline water forming a pool below it. With the cover of the high trees, it was the perfect place for a bath and Minjoo really needed one – Chaewon was sensible enough to give her space to allow it.

The general – with very red ears – had found a place on top of one of the big rocks in the farthest point of the waterfall, sitting facing the opposite direction and giving Minjoo freedom to bathe. Knowing the soldier, she wouldn’t move an inch unless there was any signal of danger – of course, Chaewon wasn’t one of those smelly mercenaries that had an attitude as bad their smell; Chae also happened to have a very nice clean scent, the clean smell reaching Minjoo’s nostrils even now, no wonder the general insisted on escaping the cave last night to wash up on the stream nearby and change into new clothes.

The older woman was also thoughtful enough to lend Minjoo something – the freshly washed clothes weren’t in the best condition, but they were clean and much better than the ones Min was using for a while.

Chaewon waited patiently, one hand resting on the flexed knee of her left leg, the other grabbing to the sword’s guard, resting against her extended leg. Her sensitive ears were currently suffering as they captured every sound Minjoo made behind her, but her gaze was over the peaceful trees in front of her. She had chosen the place carefully, in a way she could spot an enemy from afar and act if necessary – maybe she would work on making a bow and some arrows later, having a long distance weapon would be useful now that her arm was almost back to normal.

Luckily, there was nothing out of normal and she was left with only the embarrassment of having to guard her princess in such an unusual situation – she tried counting over and over again the fruits she had gotten for them earlier, but for some odd reason, every time she reached a different result.

It was the first time she felt thankful for not having her friends and fellow guards around – she wouldn’t survive Hyewon and Yena teasing her for so long.

With a sad smile, she shook her head. Thinking about her friends made her chest tight. She knew they were very capable soldiers and probably could hold their own without problem, but casualties were always a possibility and now she could only pray they were well. She also trusted them to make the right call and keep an eye on the Lee family instead of trying to look for her and Minjoo – it would be a waste of time and only give the enemy space to act.

“Chae, I’m done.” Chaewon was taken away from her thoughts by Minjoo’s sweet voice, and she carefully looked over her shoulder to see the princess was once more presentable, but this time with her clothes.

With a relieved smile, the general jumped from the rock to the ground and proceeded to prepare their lunch for the day.

 


 

The said lunch was just a bunch of fruits, like they had been eating for the past few days. Neither Chaewon nor Minjoo enjoyed hunting, and without a trap or a bow it was difficult. They could still fish though and Chaewon would make sure to catch something for dinner, they couldn’t afford not having enough energy to continue the long journey.

They ate in silence, the general regained the normal color to her cheeks and the fox princess eating well, with a smile on her face as she felt refreshed after the nice bath. Once lunch was over, they collected a few more fruits from the trees nearby and drank some water, but they didn’t leave right away.

The clothes Minjoo had washed were still drying under the sun and she took the chance to check on Chaewon’s shoulder as well – the general’s ears became red once more, a natural reaction that wouldn’t let her live peacefully.

“It’s fine now, you don’t have to…” Chaewon tried as Minjoo reached so naturally to touch her shoulder and shamelessly push aside the robe to reveal the pale skin underneath. Chaewon held her breath as the brunette touched the skin with the familiar light fingers.

“But I want to.” Minjoo as usual, marveled at her general’s ability to heal. The skin under her fingers was smooth and warm, the black veins completely gone and only a tiny hole in the place of what was once a serious wound. Smiling to herself, she couldn’t help but give the woman a hug – they were in the middle of nowhere, relying only on each other, and if there was anything good from this whole situation was the fact that didn’t need to hide her affection for the woman who used to be her annoying bodyguard and now was so much more to her.

Chaewon tensed up at the sudden embrace, but didn’t try to push Minjoo away – the princess's presence and even her touch was becoming so natural to her, and it would be a lie to say she didn’t enjoy it.

“It looks good. You look very good, General Kim.” The smile on Minjoo’s face was smaller when she let go of Chaewon, but more genuine, just like the warmth spreading through her chest.

The soldier only nodded in answer, fixing her clothes before turning around to face the woman sitting behind her. With that smile and her bright eyes that were more golden than brown now, dark hair messy and the small depression on top of cheek appearing and making her look even more like a fox – how could she ever not be flustered by such a sight? Still, it warmed her heart, not only the beauty she could see, but the kindness she could feel with everything the princess did for her. The hands that touched her were always so gentle and warm, reflecting Minjoo’s personality perfectly.

Her silver eyes were serious, albeit her lips were curved in a small smile, as Chaewon reached out for her hairpin, taking it off her own hair and allowing the long light-brown locks to be freed. Minjoo blinked in confusion when the older girl leaned in to touch her hair, skillfully fixing the messy dark locks into a bun and using the hairpin to hold it into place. “There is a dagger inside of it, you can use it if you ever need.” Chaewon explained as she sat back and Minjoo could barely register anything, but a natural smile appeared on her face.

“You are getting used to it.” She said instead of thanking the soldier for the gift.

Chaewon frowned slightly, it was her turn to be confused. “To what?”

“Touching me.” Minjoo returned with a hint of playfulness, it was hard to think that this sweet Chaewon was the same general that used to follow her around the palace and frustrate her little escapades – now here they were, in one of their own. “You used to not even be able to look me in the eye.”

The older girl didn’t reply right away, hesitating a bit before asking, “Is it a bad thing?” They weren’t in the palace, not even near anyone who could judge her actions or deem them wrong – there only Minjoo’s opinion mattered.

“Why would it be? It feels natural.” Minjoo leaned in closer, inspecting the face she was so familiar with now – from the cute tiger scar to the beautiful cat-like eyes that gave her a much more innocent and gentle aspect now that they were so vulnerable. “Why do you push me away whenever we get closer?”

“There are lines and we can’t go back once we cross them. I think you know that.” Chaewon said in a quiet tone, not averting her gaze from Minjoo’s, deciding to be honest. When else would she have the chance? Even if those lines – Minjoo’s title and Chaewon’s position as her guardian – didn’t seem to matter now, it was only temporary.

“And why should we care about invisible lines?” Minjoo asked, her tone no longer playful and curious, but similar to Chaewon’s. If for Chaewon the things that separated them seemed so big, for Min they weren’t anything but minor nuisances – she was an adult now, adult enough to act like the princess she was and to make her own choices. “I will rule this country, you know?”

The general sighed, knowing Minjoo wouldn’t ever be able to understand her worries – she was, after all, a free spirit even when the fox inside of her was trapped. “I know. And at the end of the day you are still the princess, and I’m just-” Chaewon tried to be rational.

A waste of time in Minjoo’s opinion.

You are my general. My Chaewon. My choice.” She cut Chaewon off, putting into words something her heart knew for a while now – she had made her choice a long time ago, before she even realized. Cupping Chae’s face with one hand, she dared to dive into the pools of silver stars inside Chaewon’s chestnut eyes. “If you don’t do it, can I cross this line for us both?” Whether it was because they were alone and free of judgment, maybe because such a thing had been stuck in her head for so long – in both of their heads –, but she couldn’t hold back anymore.

A whole world waited for them back at the palace, yet she didn’t want to lose the universe of Chaewon and her.

And neither did Chaewon.

At the end, it was the overly formal and honorable General Kim who crossed the line first, it was Chaewon who pulled the princess a little closer and placed her lips on top of hers, it was Chaewon who kissed Minjoo for the first time and she was the only thing on the princess mind at that moment.

Chaewon found out Minjoo’s lips were soft and seemed to fit hers just right, her breath as warm as the hands that hugged her now, warm like the explosion of emotions inside of Chaewon as she put behind all she had ever known to allow herself to fall in the sweetness of this moment. Because it was Minjoo and she knew from the first time she had put her eyes on the princess that she would fall -- deep and hopeless – for her, and still she allowed herself to do so and as her universe crashed against a new one, all she could think of was that it was worth it.

The morning breeze blew quietly, the sun shining on them at the same time a light drizzle started to fall from the skies, covering them in droplets so small that they couldn’t even notice it. They wouldn’t know, but it was almost as if the forest was watching over them kindly now, satisfied with the events unfolding inside the safety of its green heart.

As the couple broke apart, blushed cheeks and bright eyes, with nervous but genuine smiles on their faces, no words were needed. They had crossed that line, but regret wasn’t the feeling filling Chaewon’s chest, in fact, all of her could only think about how beautiful and infinite Minjoo’s eyes were now – like a universe of their own, an universe Chaewon was now a part of.

The general pulled the princess for a gentle embrace, and Minjoo gladly accepted the offer, finding comfort there. Her heart was beating steadily, her head light with so much warmth as she nuzzled into Chaewon’s neck, hugging her a bit tightly.

The couple didn’t move as the persistent drizzle continued to fall as a shy rainbow appeared in the sky – the fox’s choice had been made.

 



 

“Was anyone hurt? Where are the others?” Those were the first questions the king asked that morning, his voice low and solemn, after hearing the news. Hyewon, the young lieutenant that had come back all the way from the east, nodded. Being a messenger was never an easy job, but she had to do whatever she could for her friends and Yena and she agreed it was the best strategy.

“Some soldiers sustained minor injuries. Major Choi is currently recovering from a wound back in the east, but she is accompanied by the rest of the company. We called for reinforcements from the nearest station as well.” In other words, Yena was currently being watched over like a baby as Nako nagged her and Hitomi threatened to hit her if she dared to move before she was fully well. “I brought soldier Ahn with me, we came as fast as possible.”

The man nodded, his dark eyes glancing at the woman before he asked. “What about the princess?” He asked albeit he already knew the answer, the news reaching his ears before the soldier could come all the way there.

Hyewon lowered her gaze, shaking her head slightly. “The princess ran away to the forest, she wasn’t harmed as far as we know. General Kim Chaewon was with her. That’s all we know for now…My apologies, My King.”

The room was silent as the king gritted his teeth, hands holding tightly onto the arms of his chair as he took his time to answer the young lieutenant who carried such terrible news. His heart was heavy, so much anger and pain filling his body that it took him a moment to recall his position and duties.

“You couldn’t find any trace of her, after two days?” Byun Hoon asked, his usually warm tone, cold and rigid. His anger wasn’t aimed at the soldier, but right now it was hard to keep his temper in check.

Hyewon nodded, tension in her face as she didn’t move from her position, keeping a knee on the floor as she delivered the news – after riding a horse for two days and one night, her body was sore from the journey, yet she couldn’t voice any complaints. She was, after all, reporting about her own failure – their failure at protecting the most important person of Geumyeou. “There were no signals of the princess, we looked as far as we could, but the forest is dense and the rain made any traces they could have left behind disappear.” She bowed her head apologetically. “General Kim is with the princess, Your Majesty. She will keep her safe.”

Everything was a mess after the attack, bodies and blood everywhere. The unexpected attack took by surprise all the guards, however, their big battle was against the doors of the house that were tightly locked, making it harder to go inside and help to fight off the intruders – what they eventually managed to do, overcoming the mercenaries easily once they were about to reach them. The numbers were against them, but they had far superior training and the need to protect their princess and fellow soldier made them stronger.

By dawn, they had conquered the enemy with only a few injured soldiers. However, the princess was nowhere to be found and now they only had the house nobles to deal with – the very own nobles who were probably behind that attack.

The king massaged his forehead with a hand, taking in deep breaths. Byun Hoon had heard from Hyewon the report about everything that had happened at the Lee’s house and he knew it wasn’t a simple matter, it wasn’t something the guards could have prevented – the fact that all of them made it out alive was already enough proof of their bravery and strength. Yet, as a father, he couldn’t help but worry about his daughter. Kim Chaewon was one of his best and right now he had to trust her – and Minjoo’s own abilities – to keep the princess safe. “What did Lee say?”

“They claimed it was an unknown attack, probably from the South. Claimed they were trapped in their quarters during the attack and that the masked men also tried to harm their heir.” Hyewon explained, trying to contain a frown. The explanation didn’t sit well with her – or any of the soldiers that had been suddenly attacked by masked men after being sent out to patrol the land when they were supposed to stay near the princess. It was rather obvious it was a scheme. “We couldn’t identify the men, they looked like mercenaries. But a few of them escaped…And we didn’t see Lee's heir until the next morning before he went away to help looking for the princess.”

Hate wasn’t an emotion that should govern a ruler’s decisions, however, it was hard to not be guided by it.

The Lee’s, a family that was supposed to be loyal to him and this kingdom, a family that was given the rights to live a good life and have their own land – still, their greed was too great. Byun Hoon expected them to try something, but not trying to kill his daughter. And what for? Did they think they would be able to take the throne if Minjoo was dead? Or just weaken the king’s powers and help Beojji to take over? It didn’t matter now, Geumyeou wouldn’t crumble under anyone’s pressure, he wouldn’t let it happen. “Lieutenant Kang, send a message to the men at the east. They should continue the searches, but a group should stick to the heir of the Lee’s at all times and watch over him, and if nothing comes from it…Mercy is not an option.” Minjoo wasn’t found safe and sound quickly, the Lee’s would suffer the same fate his daughter did.

The young lieutenant could only nod. Hyewon trusted Chaewon’s skills and she had seen the princess progress as a swordswoman, still she didn’t believe the Lee’s deserved any mercy for what they had tried. Moreover, she didn’t think it was prudent to keep them in a position of power after this act of treachery.

She couldn’t voice her thoughts, as one of the oldest advisers entered the room with his high hat and white beard. The man was known for being the one responsible to read the signs of fate in the stars, his wise words guiding their kingdom through tough times.

“I apologize for intruding, but I reckon I have important information.” The old man, informed as he greeted both with a bow.

The king took in a deep breath, before giving him a wave. “Go ahead, Yuan.”

“There is a signal, my king. A signal all over Geumyeou.” Yuan had a small, nervous smile on his face – hopeful. Of course, Yuan had helped to raise the princess and he had been looking for her by using all the ways he knew. “You should see it for yourself, my king.” He gestured to the tall doors that showed the sunny outside, asking the king to come closer and take a look.

Byun Hoon was willing to believe anything that could be a sign that showed his daughter was alive and well, therefore, he didn’t mind his manners and nearly ran to check for himself whatever Yuan had found.

It was almost like he was punched by the warm breeze and the air filled his lungs once again, relief invading him as his eyes marveled at the sight of an imponent rainbow in the sky – even if there was no rain to explain its existence. With a relieved sigh, he felt his eyes warm – Minjoo was, after all, a part of his heart that he couldn’t live without.

“I believe it’s the princess’s doing, although I’m not sure what why it is here now.” Yuan added, a gentle hand coming to pat the king’s arm softly – the old man who had guided him ever since he was still a kid, was there once more to support him.

Byun Hoon smiled, nodding. The two of them know what it meant and who was the only person that could’ve created such wonder. It was the same rainbow that had illuminated the skies once, over twenty years ago – the fox choice. “I suppose General Kim is doing a good job at keeping Minjoo safe.” More than this, whatever Kim Chaewon was doing, it made Minjoo happy regardless of any ploy the Lee’s could have for her. “Lieutenant Kang?” The king raised his voice so the young soldier who was still patiently waiting, could hear him.

Hyewon blinked, surprised with the change in the man’s expression. “Yes, my king?”

“The Lee’s will surely come to visit soon.” And probably try to twist the truth, to fake a loyalty that doesn’t exist and try to manipulate him. “ them back here, we shall treat them kindly until General Kwon arrives from the South. Do you understand me?”

The woman had a small smile on her face as she understood the king’s plans. “Yes, Your Majesty. They won’t go anywhere.”


 



 

A/N: Took them 10 chapters, but now 2kim is here (and now you guys can also relax about the other soldiers). The ‘fox rain’ is a direct reference to Gimletrue’s beautiful work “A Lifetime of Certain Uncertainties”, so this is a little homage to my friend’s work. I would also like to thank Alex for suggesting names, thanks!

Maybe I will update more often since it should be done before the end of this month, but let’s see what I can do. Thanks for reading, see you soon.

 

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ginny41
Story is over. Thank you all for your support.

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maazpatel #1
:')
turtlerabbitpeach #2
Chapter 16: 🙆💖🙌
turtlerabbitpeach #3
Chapter 3: "my general" 😩
hunnie0927
#4
I am so glad to read this fic only when it is completed because it doesn't come as a surprise that i read this in one sitting.

seriously ginny, you are the best when it comes to writing budding young love. i don't think anyone does it as well as you - my personal preference at least haha. it feels so simple the way they learn what feelings are and in turn, for each other and it's beautiful to watch as a bystander, sweetened by their untouched territory.

i usually don't enjoy fantasy fic because they often seem to carry the story too much, becoming more than the characters themselves, but this fic has the right blend of fantasy included. it doesn't taint the young love i mentioned above, but it makes its whole-r. also want to commend you on writing action! you haven't done it before (or not to my recollection of reading) but it's on point! doesn't get too technical yet clear enough to visualise the intensity of the scenes, so you got nothing to worry about a good work there.

all in all, another job well done and you made the several hours of my sunday morning entirely pleasing. i am reminded once again the beauty of first love. and to end off my comment, a must-note is my favourite part of your story: gisaeng. Gosh it made me laugh and you used the joke/tease so tastefully in just the right moments, it's perfect.

Good work as always! rest well!
kimmysan28
#5
Chapter 16: Thank you authornim for this story.
koyuki902
#6
Chapter 16: Thanks author-nim, for continuing this and sharing us your works. I really love your works. It's amazing. Hope to see you pick up writing again in the near future, if ever.
Fairyzone_12
#7
Chapter 16: Wahh, finally the king got his revenge to lee's family, i was so happy that the king do it himself. That traitor really deserved that.
So the king already plan everything since the begining? I was worried for nothing, at the begining i thought it will be a little bit hard for chaewon and minjoo, but i was wrong, really wrong lol.

Obviously this is one of the best story I've ever read, thank you so much for finishing this story and the beautiful ending too.
I already read almost all (i said almost because i might be missed one or two stories) of your stories, and every story always amazing. Thank you for always entertain me with your story.
If i can be honest, TYE is one of my personal favorite story from you. I don't know why, but TYE feels really different from the other story. I was a little disappointed when you put it on hold. But you make it up with this great story.
Once again, thank you so much for your hardworks for writing so many beautiful 2kim stories, hopefully i will be here if one day you decide to come back and continue to write TYE.
Thank you Ginny41-nim
cleofierayne 34 streak #8
Chapter 16: Ahhhhh!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU AUTHORNIM!!! 2kim witH their cute babiesss ahhhhhh!!! BLESSED YOU FOR MAKING THIS AMAZING SUPER FABULOUS STORY!!❤️😍😆😆 I REALLY LIKE THE WAY YOU WRITE EACH CHAPTERS! IT KEEPS YOU WANTING MOREEEE😆😆 AND OVER ALL YOU DID YOU'RE BEST TO CONVEY THEIR EMOTIONS AHHHHHHH THANK YOU!!
minguri_iz_coming
#9
Chapter 16: uwu: cute ending..amazing and wonderful story from the start till the end..
Thank you so much ginny41 for all the efforts and hard works you put in writing into your stories. I've really enjoy it Everytime I read your stories from TSOTH to this, and willing to wait for your another works in the future. But for now, have a beautiful break and take a rest author-nim..... Again! Thank you so much for all the 2kim fics you write, see you soon author-nim....