Chapter 39: Cold Nights, Warmer Fears

‘…It smells.’

As he closed his eyes, his sense of smell sharpened. Because of that, Seong Seol’s faint natural scent reached him, something inherent to a person, not the “scent” itself.

It was proof that this sarangbang was not just any ordinary room. This was Seong Seol’s domain, the place where he spent most of his time, writing, reading, even sleeping.

‘This isn’t the time to be thinking about things like that.’

Hae-min steadied his wandering thoughts. Perhaps it was because his eyes were closed that such distractions crept in. Or perhaps it was because he was being held in Seong Seol’s arms.

‘Focus on the flow of will, and follow it.’

Recalling the method Seong Seol had taught him, Hae-min concentrated again. It felt like trying to catch a falling petal, almost within reach, yet slipping away.

He felt as though he was close to understanding, yet couldn’t quite grasp it, and the frustration made a faint groan escape his lips.

Seong Seol quietly watched Hee-yul like that.

Though seated behind him, unable to see his face directly, Seong Seol could easily recall it. There was no way he would forget it so soon.

Perhaps because he was an omega, Hee-yul was the most beautiful man Seong Seol had ever seen. Not merely pretty, he was like a delicate work of art. Something that required immense effort to create, yet could be ruined by the slightest mistake.

His inability to control his scent well, his somewhat clumsy way of navigating the world, perhaps they stemmed from that very nature. After all, art is rarely practical.

In any case, if he had ever met someone like this before, he would surely remember. And yet, even now, with Hee-yul right before him, no clear memory surfaced. Even that faint sense of déjà vu was beginning to fade.

Hee-yul’s scent gradually softened as well. Had he begun to grasp the technique? Like fog dispersing at sunrise, the thick fragrance diminished.

Even at this close distance, it was no longer overwhelming. The subtle plum blossom scent remained, but it no longer stimulated Seong Seol.

It was a good thing, yet, for some reason, Seong Seol felt just a little… disappointed.

“…”

On impulse, he reached out and touched Hee-yul’s ear.

Hee-yul flinched as if startled.

“My lord.”

“What is it?”

“…Is this posture truly necessary to learn the technique?”

His voice trembled slightly, as if he had agonized over asking. Seong Seol answered honestly.

“Not at all.”

The moment he said it, Hee-yul sprang up as if escaping a trap. Like a rabbit fleeing for its life. Rather than feeling offended, Seong Seol found it almost amusing.

“Why run away all of a sudden? As if you hate even touching me.”

“Not ‘as if.’ That’s exactly how it is.”

Hae-min turned and said it clearly.

It was rude, he realized the moment he spoke, but it felt refreshing. A part of him didn’t care anymore. After all, he had once come close to dying, what was there left to fear? Besides, he planned to leave this place within a year.

“I believe I’ve learned the method now.”

“Indeed. You’re still somewhat clumsy at controlling your scent, but at least you won’t get into trouble wandering the marketplace.”

“Then I’ll take my leave.”

With nothing more to say, Hae-min turned to go. The lingering sensation on his ear made his skin crawl, he wanted nothing more than to wash it away.

But suddenly, someone grabbed his wrist.

He didn’t need to turn to know who it was. It was Seong Seol. Hae-min simply lowered his gaze to the large hand gripping his wrist.

“Do you have something to say?”

“Do not turn your back on me.”

What an absurdly serious statement. Did he think he was a king?

Then again, he was a prince.

‘Is that why?’

Turning one’s back before royalty was considered disrespectful. Officials were said to step backward when leaving the king’s presence.

Still, to demand such etiquette from him felt excessive. Just as Hae-min thought that, Seong Seol’s finger traced lightly over his wrist.

“…”

The tip of his finger brushed the tendon at the center. It didn’t hurt, but it felt strangely ticklish and unsettling. Hae-min decided to call that sensation discomfort.

‘The wrist is a vital point.’

It was where the artery ran, no wonder fighters targeted it. He didn’t need distant examples. Even he himself had once cut his own wrist in despair.

Surely Seong Seol wasn’t holding it for such a reason. Hae-min knew that much. If anything, the gesture felt… intimate. Depending on how one saw it, even gentle.

A cold winter breeze brushed past his nose. Someone as skilled as Seong Seol wouldn’t accidentally let his scent leak.

‘Could it be…?’

A chill ran down his spine. Still, Hae-min carefully pulled his wrist free without showing his unease.

“Yes. I won’t turn my back on you again.”

He worried he might be grabbed again, but fortunately, he wasn’t. Bowing his head, Hae-min left the room.

****

The moment he returned to his quarters, Hae-min shut the door tightly, as if a beast might burst in at any second. Only after leaning his back against it did he feel slightly at ease.

“Ha…”

Perhaps it was his imagination, but it felt as though Seong Seol’s scent lingered in his breath. Hae-min shuddered, not from the cold, but from unease.

If Seong Seol were to treat him as a mere outlet for his desires again…

“…”

He couldn’t be certain it wouldn’t happen. Nor could he trust the words, “I have no interest in picking a flower that spreads its scent so freely.” Seong Seol had already gone back on similar words before.

People’s promises were not to be trusted. Especially those of alphas in the grip of desire.

Then it struck him.

‘What if it’s rut?’

Yes, that must be it.

During certain times, like the shortening days after the autumn equinox, alphas could be overtaken by instinct, their reason fading. In such times, they were no different from beasts driven to reproduce.

“What should I do…?”

If Seong Seol was in rut, then this was serious. In this house, there was no easier prey than him. And if Seong Seol laid hands on his own concubine, who would dare criticize him?

At most, Hae-min himself could only protest weakly.

‘Do you know that every night, the wind carries the scent of plum blossoms?’

Seong Seol’s words suddenly came back to him. Perhaps that had been a warning. A rough but, in its own way, considerate one, not to provoke him.

“…I can’t spend the night with him.”

The memory of being forced into his arms was still vivid. A fear that might never fade. He could not go through that again.

And if he were to become pregnant again…

That would be a disaster.

“I can’t…”

A sudden idea struck him. Reckless, but he had no time to weigh it. Without hesitation, Hae-min flung the door open.

Cold air rushed in immediately. Though the floor still held warmth, it would soon fade. Even so, he neither closed the door nor covered himself.

“Ugh…”

Shivering, he endured the freezing air. He would surely catch a cold—but that was exactly what he wanted.

‘Surely he wouldn’t touch someone who’s sick.’

Even in rut, an alpha would have enough sense to avoid illness. Instead of approaching him, he would likely stay away.

Yes, this was a perfect plan.

Even if it meant suffering, at least he could protect himself.

****

Cough, cough! Cough!

Hae-min coughed violently. The maid beside him spoke with concern.

“Young master, please drink some warm water. It’s best when your cough is bad.”

She helped him sit up, and he accepted gratefully.

“Here.”

“Thank you.”

The cup was warm in his hands. He savored the heat for a moment before taking a sip.

The water went down smoothly…

But suddenly, a violent cough rose from deep within his chest.

Cough! Cough!

Startled, he quickly wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Fortunately, it wasn’t enough to soak the bedding.

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