As they sat in silence, Jimin couldn't help but notice the way the morning light filtered through the window, casting a warm glow on Minjeong's face. Her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and the sunlight danced off the delicate curve of her cheekbone. Jimin's heart skipped a beat as she took in the beauty of the woman before her.

She then carefully examined Minjeong's wound, her fingers tracing the edges of the gash with a feather-light touch. As she did so, she could feel the heat radiating from Minjeong's skin, the warmth seeping into her own fingertips. A shiver ran down Minjeong's spine, causing Jimin to pull back ever so slightly.
Concern etched across her features, Jimin asked softly, "Does it still hurt?"

Minjeong shook her head, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "It's much better now. Thank you for taking care of me."

Jimin's heart swelled with affection for the knight before her. She admired Minjeong's strength and determination, even in the face of adversity.

"Of course," Jimin whispered, her voice barely audible above the rustling of the bed sheets. "I couldn't let you suffer alone."

Their eyes met, and they held each other's gaze for a moment, lost in the depths of their own thoughts and emotions. The silence between them was heavy, filled with unspoken words.

Suddenly, Jimin's stomach growled, a loud interruption that broke the spell between them. Minjeong chuckled softly at the unexpected sound, her laughter like music to Jimin's ears. A flush of embarrassment colored Jimin's cheeks, but she couldn't help but smile in response to Minjeong's good humor. "I guess I should go get us some breakfast," Jimin said, standing up from the bed. "Is there anything you want me to bring back?"

"Just surprise me," Minjeong said, a small smile still playing at the corner of her lips.

Jimin grinned, feeling a flutter in her stomach at the thought of spending more time with Minjeong. She made her way out of the room, her heart filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

______

Jimin walked down the winding corridors of the castle, her heart racing with anticipation. The thought of surprising Minjeong with breakfast made her feel giddy inside. She made her way to the kitchen and spoke with the chef, a portly man with a jovial smile, who had been more than happy to oblige, requesting some of Minjeong's favorite dishes. Jimin carefully arranged them on a tray, making sure they looked as presentable as possible.

With the tray in her hands, Jimin made her way to Minjeong's chamber. She stopped outside the door, took a deep breath, and knocked softly. "Come in," Minjeong's voice drifted out from the other side. Jimin pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was still filled with warm, golden light, and the sweet scent of fresh flowers wafted in the air.

As Jimin walked into the room, her eyes immediately locked onto Minjeong, who was sitting up in bed. She looked radiant, even with the bandage wrapped around her arm. Jimin's heart skipped a beat as she approached the bed, her eyes fixed on the tray in her hands.

"I brought you breakfast," Jimin said, her voice barely above a whisper. She walked over to the bed and placed the tray on Minjeong's lap.

Minjeong's eyes widened as she looked down at the tray, taking in the delicious spread of food before her. "You didn't have to do this. I was only joking," she said, her voice soft.

"I know," Jimin replied, her eyes locked with Minjeong's. "But I wanted to. I just wanted to do something nice for you."

Minjeong's heart swelled with warmth at Jimin's words. She picked up a fork and started eating, savoring the delicious flavors. Jimin sat down on a chair next to the bed, watching Minjeong eat. The soft rustling of the sheets and the clink of the utensils filled the room, creating a soothing rhythm.

"Thank you, Jimin," Minjeong said between bites. Jimin smiled, feeling happy that she could do something for Minjeong. She watched Minjeong eat, noticing the small expressions of pleasure and contentment that crossed her face with each bite. Jimin felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over her as she sat there, basking in the warmth of Minjeong's presence.

However, as sudden knocking reverberated through the room, Jimin's heart raced with fear, causing her to quickly move away from the knight's side. Her body tensed as the king entered, and she couldn't help but feel relieved that he was there to diffuse the tension. Jimin and Minjeong stood up, bowing their heads in respect, as the king's sharp eyes landed on Minjeong's bandaged arm. He furrowed his brows in concern, making Jimin hold her breath, worried about what he might say.

"Minjeong, how are you feeling?" the king asked in a deep, authoritative voice, stepping closer to examine her wound.

"I'm feeling much better, your Majesty," Minjeong replied in a tone that revealed her obedience and loyalty.

The king's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained stern as he continued, "Good. I hope you will be able to resume your duties as commander soon. We need our strongest knights ready for battle."

Jimin's eyes flickered with worry as the king spoke, fearing for Minjeong's health and safety. But Minjeong's response showed no fear, only determination and resolve to return to her post.

"I understand, your Majesty. I will do my best to recover quickly," Minjeong replied with a steady voice.

The king nodded, his face betraying no emotion. "Very well. I expect to see you back in training as soon as possible," he said before turning to leave the room.

Jimin breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that the encounter was over. But as the door closed behind the king, Minjeong slumped back against the wall with a heavy sigh, revealing the pain and exhaustion that she had been hiding. Jimin's heart ached at the sight, and she felt an intense desire to comfort her friend.

"I'll be back soon," Jimin sighed and shot Minjeong a sad look as she left the room. As she walked down the dimly lit corridor, she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of her stomach. The castle was filled with knights and soldiers, many of whom had not taken kindly to her presence. But it was the evil knight who had threatened her that she was most worried about. His menacing demeanor and the way he had spoken to her left no doubt in her mind that he was capable of doing harm.

Jimin clenched her fists, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead. She knew that she had to be careful, but she also knew that she couldn't let her fear control her actions. Her thoughts turned to Minjeong, and the sadness she had seen in her eyes when she left. She couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to her.