With Strength and With Fe (1/1)

<3:42pm>    The knight lead me to an empty bedroom. It was furnished with the most beautiful paintings and extravagant furniture that must have been handcrafted. I gawked at the finely detailed room and followed him in, momentarily forgetting my predicament.      “You may rest here,” he said, snapping me back into reality and I stopped, giving him my full attention. He continued. “Someone will be here soon to prepare you for the sacrifice. After you are finished prepping for the ceremony, we will escort you and the male sacrifice-“ I winced when he referred to Sungmin and I as sacrifices and he noticed, pausing before continuing, “to the meeting point where we will be joined by the other four kingdoms and their..sacrifices.” He said and bowed as deeply as he could, in respect.     I stood there, not knowing how to react; never experienced being bowed to like this.      “Please don’t bow. I’m not anyone important-“        “No. You and Mr. Lee are making the ultimate sacrifice in order to save the whole kingdom. You deserve more respect than even those of royal blood.” I was speechless. He stayed in his position for a few minutes, then lifted his head and looked me straight in the eye.         “Thank you for your sacrifice. I will pray for your safety and will never forget what you have done for this kingdom.” He finished, and just by looking into his eyes I could feel the strong and immutable sense of respect he has for me. Taking a better look at this knight, he was quite handsome and had an aura of chivalry that was displayed with his every action.        I bowed my head in respect and gave him the best smile I could muster as a thank you. He smiled back and bowed his head lightly before turning to leave the room.         “Wait!” He stopped in his tracks and turned to listen.         “Would it be strange if I asked for your name?” I asked and he smiled warmly.         “No, not at all. My name is Donghae. Lee Donghae.” He said in a smooth tone before he turned to leave, showing his warm and comforting smile until he closed the door.  Knight Lee Donghae…Thank you for the respect and kindness you have bestowed upon me before this…sacrifice…_____________________<4:37pm>*knock knock*     “Yes?” I asked, my heart started to race and I could feel that the time was approaching. During the time I was left alone, I found myself getting sucked into the intriguing books that just collect dust on the bookshelves. I placed the book that I was reading down on the table next to me with shaky hands.        “Miss Kumamoto?” a soft voice called as the door opened. A slender woman who seemed to be in her early twenties, came through the doorway with a couple of younger women following her. She had beautiful flowing maroon hair that reached her waist. One of the women following her had bouncy short hair that danced just above her shoulders as she walked. The other woman had hair as dark as night that was fashioned in perfect ringlets that rested just above her chest. They were all beautiful and wore traditional ladies in waiting attire.         “Yes?” I stood up to be respectful but my legs shook as I tried to stand, my knees gave in, and I fell back into the chair.      “Oh! Are you okay my lady?” The lady with the maroon hair asked as she rushed over to my side.      “Yes, I’m okay thank you… My legs felt weak all of a sudden..” I said and she looked worried.         “My lady, please regain your strength so that you may be able to live.” She said and I turned to her with a questioning look.      “What do you mean by that? Is there a way to live?” I asked her desperately. She looked as if she regretted telling me that, but nodded.     “I heard this from a knight, but there are rumors that the gods aren’t killing all of the sacrifices, but are keeping them around as servants…Even if they are only rumors, you never know!” Then she looked down and I could see the broken heart she tried to conceal.      “…Are you waiting for someone who was chosen?” I asked her and she bit her lip before nodding slowly.         “…My fiancé was chosen six years ago… I know that it is highly possible that he is dead, but I can’t help but have hope after hearing the rumors!” She said and then she looked down at her feet again, holding the sides of her dress tightly in her fists.         I grabbed her hands and held them tightly in mine and she looked stunned, shyly looking at me, confused.         “If I somehow stay alive and am able to, I will do whatever it takes to see if he is still alive. And if he is I will try to let you know in any way I can.” I said, my own heart starting to ache by just thinking about how broken she must be, holding onto that little fragment of hope.      Her eyes started to tear and she hugged me tightly.      “Thank you my Lady…thank you…” She said and I rubbed her back gently.         “Call me Annie.” I whispered and she nodded and pulled away