Chapter 59 (Stable boy 1)
“Alright, leave me. I’m going for a stroll around the palace.” Changling said as he walked out of the disciplinary court.
Wu Yong stared at his son. Changling was fine and all on the outside, but everyone could tell that he was in his head since Youxian had left.
It’s been over three months now and Changling only ever spoke or saw the others when it came to official business other than that. Not even his mother saw him.
Making his way to the stables, Changling went to find his horse. Walking up to his corner, he smiled. Opening the gate, he walked in and brushed his mane, “It’s been three months, two weeks and four days since the one who gave you to me disappeared. I don’t know where he is. Do you know where he is, Komcha?”
“So that’s his name?” Someone said from behind him.
Changling turned around and saw someone he hadn’t seen before. Raising a brow, he asked, “Who are you?”
The man smiled and bowed. “Forgive me, your majesty. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I saw the light and thought something must’ve happened. I’m Jin Dae Kwan, the stable boy.”
Changling stared at him, taking note of his features, “How long have you been working here?”
Jin Dae Kwan walked over and fed Komcha an apple, saying, “My mother works in the kitchen, so I’ve been around for a few years. It’s only since his arrival did I start working in the stable because they needed a caretaker for him.”
Dae Kwan looked at Changling, asking, “What does his name mean?”
Changling watched as he brushed his hand over Komcha’s black fur, saying, “He was imported by my lover. His name means I love you. Komcha cie, is his full name.”
Dae Kwan nodded his head slowly as he repeated the name, saying, “It’s a beautiful name. There’s a sweet meaning to it.”
Changling sighed as he thought out loud, “Then why did he leave?”
“Sorry, did you say something, your majesty?” Dae Kwan asked.
He shook his head, “No, nothing.”
Dae Kwan nodded his head. “Alright, I’ll be off then. Enjoy your evening.”
He bowed, then left.
Leaning his head against Komcha’s he said, “You’ve got someone handsome looking after you. How lucky.”
The horse neighed as if smirking, which made Changling laugh. He looked back in the direction Dae Kwan left in and smiled. His heart fluttered, but then Youxian’s face appeared before him. “Why didn’t I see the signs that he wasn’t happy? Should I’ve rejected the crown prince title?”
The horse let out a huff and walked off to the corner, and sat down. It looked at Changling briefly then went to sleep without a care, but a thought had gone through its mind wondering where the other man was that rode it.
*
A few days later…
Changling rode Komcha back to the stables and jumped off.
“Welcome back, your majesty,” Dae Kwan said as he walked over.
Changling looked at him and smiled.
Taking the reins from him, he asked, “Did you enjoy your ride? Did he give you any problems?”
Changling shook his head. “No, he was fine. He just seems a bit lazy today.”
“You woke him up early your majesty, I’m sure he is upset with you,” Dae Kwan said with a chuckle and urged Komcha with a pull of the reins towards the water.
Changling followed them, saying, “Why don’t I see you in the palace?”
Shaking his head, Dae Kwan said, “I don’t have business there, but if I did, I don’t think others would be happy with having me around.”
“Why is that?” Changling asked.
“Because I smell like the stable,” he answered.
Changling raised a brow. He walked up right behind him, placed his hands on his hips, then placed his nose in the crook of his neck.
Dae Kwan’s eyes widened. He turned to look at what Changling was doing but froze when he felt Changling’s nose run up the side of his neck.
Dae Kwan had heard the rumours of Changling and his lover, the all famous Commander Hwan who was missing. The lover he spoke about who gifted him Komcha cie.
Turning to the side, he looked down at Changling, who stopped moving and asked, “Wh, what are you doing, your majesty?”
Changling pulled back, noticing the nervousness in his whisper, and said, “No need to be on guard. I wanted to smell if you smelled like the stable. I guess you’re right, you smell like shit and sweat, too.”
Dae Kwan’s chest was beating fast. It’s not like he had a preference between male and female. Maybe it was just his imagination, but it’s as if he was expecting Changling to say something else.
Laughing nervously, he said, “I didn’t mean to offend you, your majesty.”
‘Offend?’ he thought to himself then recalled something, “Don’t worry, I wasn’t offended.”
He bowed, saying, “I didn’t mean to be nervous. It’s just that I couldn’t help but think about the rumours, and I wouldn’t want you to be wrapped up in a scandal with me.”
Changling raised a brow, asking, “Why? Am I not good enough for you?”
“Oh no, that’s not it. You are more than qualified. I’m just a lowly citizen. I’d ruin your reputation,” he said while shaking his hands.
Changling smiled, amused, “Isn’t that for me to decide?”
Dae Kwan paused, recalling his words. He became embarrassed. “Sorry, your majesty, it looks like I messed up again.”
Changling laughed and winked at him. “Well, I’ll leave you to your work. See you soon, Jin Dae Kwan.”
Dae Kwan looked at Changling as he left and felt his heart beat oddly. Komcha nudged him with his head, making Dae Kwan smile.
Rubbing him, he asked, “What? Do you think he’s interested in me?”
Komcha huffed and walked off to eat grass.