Chapter 167. Byun Gyeongbaek Kidnapping (2)

Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan

The barbarians had said boldly that they would kidnap Princess Leah. It seemed quite possible. They were the followers of the former barbarian King and they knew the internal structure of the royal palace. They had suggested that Byun Gyeongbaek lead his men into the desert to meet them, as the other Kurkans would pursue the Princesss kidnappers. They would lead them into a trap.

Byun Gyeongbaek had foolishly committed to do just that. He didnt know that the kidnappers had an ulterior motive. They would lead their pursuers to Byun Gyeongbaek, but then continue fleeing with the Princess.

He had gathered as many troops as he could to march into the desert immediately. The commander of his knights had strongly opposed the idea, but Byun Gyeongbaek had insisted. He was sure civilized soldiers would easily defeat the barbarians if they faced them properly.

But he regretted it almost as soon as they began to march. He wanted to hold the Princess in his arms as soon as possible, but the wilderness was cruel. It was the first time that he had stayed in the desert for days in a row, and though he was being carried by his attendants, the swift changes in heat and cold were unbearable.

Tonight was no different. In the night sky, the stars flowed like a river, a magnificent sight, but Byun Gyeongbaek was huddled in his tent.

He was sick of the desert. He didnt even want to look at it anymore. He fell asleep muttering curses.

?

Late in the night, he woke up with a start. It was very cold inside his tent. The brazier had burned out, and the oil lamp was dark. He felt a shiver run through his body. In the dark tent, he rose and tried to hurry outside, but

Something struck the back of his head, and he fell into the dark.

When he came to his senses, he was sitting in a hard wooden chair, tied so tightly that it felt as if his blood wasnt circulating properly. His eyes were blindfolded, but he was not gagged. As he twisted, trying desperately to free himself, he felt someone elses presence.

Who are you? He cried out desperately. His lips were dry. Ill give you all the money you want

When the blindfold over his eyes was removed, he was stunned.

Its been a while, Byun Gyeongbaek, the man said arrogantly. You should have been grateful that you hadnt heard from me. Why are you doing unnecessary things? Youre making me notice you.

You, Ishakan! Byun Gyeongbaek looked around quickly. He didnt recognize this tent. He had set out to kidnap the Princess and ended up being kidnapped himself. He couldnt believe it. Rage filled him.

But its not me youre going to speak with today, Ishakan went on calmly as Byun Gyeongbaek yanked at his restraints. The canvas tent door opened and a woman entered.

Byun Gyeongbaeks eyes opened wide.

Her face was fresh as a flower in full bloom. Her eyes looked more vivid than ever before, bright as amethysts. She was filled with vitality, and her cheeks had color, like peaches.

Byun Gyeongbaek. She said slowly.

Princess? He muttered, perplexed.

***

Ishakan had talked about kidnapping Byun Gyeongbaek as if it were an evening excursion. His behavior was beyond belief.

Whats the point of kidnapping him?

Its a gift, Ishakan answered easily. I can kill him or keep him alive, as you wish He whispered with a smile. I will.

Looking into his golden, glowing eyes, Leah understood his intentions. What he meant to accomplish was quite simple. He wanted her trust.

Even though he had brought her to the desert, he knew she was anxious and unstable. The Queen was the biggest problem, but that couldnt be solved yet. So Ishakan was making an example of Byun Gyeongbaek to prove that he could protect her.

Ishakan never hesitated. If she asked him to kill Byun Gyeongbaek, he would cut his throat and bring her his head.

But she didnt just want him dead. Death was not enough to pay for everything he had done. Before he died, she would make him pay.

***

Byun Gyeongbaek looked from Ishakan to Leah and back again.

You dont have a relationship with this barbarian, do you? he asked suddenly.

Leah didnt need to reply. Her silence spoke for her.

With a lowly beast?! He shouted furiously. The wooden chair creaked at his violent struggling, but the tight ropes didnt loosen. They only rasped his skin. You dont even know, he said through gritted teeth. He was a slave!

!