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jinterlude · 6 years

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Fight for Me (Final Chapter)

↳Story Header © @softjeon (do not steal this header!)

➵ Pairing: Kim Seokjin x Female OC (feat. Kwon Ji Yong)

➵ Genre(s): Historic!AU, Medieval!AU ,Royalty!AU, Knight!AU, Romance, SMUT, Humor, & Angst

➵ Words: 5.8K

➵ Summary: Once upon a time, there was a not-so-traditional kingdom. In that kingdom, the royal family had the freedom of marrying whoever his or her royal highness deems worthy. Now, of course, having that special privilege came with some interesting challenges, but that doesn’t stop a certain head-strong princess from doing whatever her heart’s desire, especially when she has her heart set on marrying her personal bodyguard. Unfortunately, her beliefs might face some hardships when a certain king sets his eye on her. Will her bodyguard continue to fight for her or is it finally her turn?

※ Previously: ch.1 | ch.2 | ch.3 | ch.4 | ch.5 | ch.6

※ Next Time: The Sequel: Our Second Chance

Final Chapter: So, the Princess & Her Knight…

Previously

Seokjin heard Sumin’s sporadic breathing and pulled her into a loving embrace. He rested his chin on top of her head and uttered words of love and comfort.

“I do not want to marry that horrid King Ji Yong. I will not!” Sumin declared, alerting Seokjin.

Upon hearing his name, Seokjin’s body immediately tensed, and a sudden wave of fury engulfed his body. That evil king would not leave his princess alone, and Seokjin had grown tired of him.

“Sumin, what are you talking about?” Seokjin inquired, glancing down at her.

Sumin remained silent, unsure if she should finally tell him the truth.

After quickly debating, Sumin opened her mouth and said,

“It is King Ji Yong… he…”

Seokjin eyed Sumin eagerly, wanting to know what that devilish king had done to her. He rested a loving hand on her shoulder, while the other hand rubbed her arm gently.

Encouraging words left his lips in whispers as he patiently waited for her to start talking.

Sumin inhaled, then exhaled. She repeated the process until the horrible anxiety left her tummy.

With one last breath, she mustered enough courage and looked in her knight’s eyes.

“As I said earlier, it is King Ji Yong. He had been sending me rather concerning letters, and they were always accompanied with red rose…” Sumin trailed on, trying to find the right words to say next. The last thing she wanted was to trigger her lover.

Seokjin sighed deeply as his eyes slowly closed. He calmed his sporadic breathing while the anger slowly took control. No. Sumin did not deserve to be on the receiving end of his wrath. If anyone deserved the consequences of his fury, it was that stupid king that had yet to realize that Sumin was his.

“Do you have any of those letters? May I see them?” requested Seokjin, wanting to know the severity of these “love” letters.

Sumin nearly choked. A nervous smile graced her lips followed by a few forced chuckles. Boy…how was she going to tell him that she had her dear nurse burn them? Would he think she was hiding something from him? Wait…scratch that… she technically did hide something from him.

Damn it…

“Um… about that, my love… you see… I…um…” Sumin paused, fiddling with her engagement ring that hung nicely from the silver chain around her neck, “I may have had my…um… nurse burn them because I did not want to worry you, my beloved.” She finished, feeling a tiny weight lift off her shoulders. She no longer had to hide this terrible secret from him.

Seokjin nodded slowly; his facial expression was practically unreadable. Uh-oh. That was never a good sign with him.

Sumin’s lips trembled as if she was on the verge of tears. Correction, she was already crying. Her chest tightened as the thought of losing Seokjin frightened her to know end.

“I am so sorry for lying to you, Seokjin. I was honestly terrified of the thought of me marrying someone who is not you, and the more I dwell on that horrid idea, the more I fear that it will come true,” A choked like sob escaped her lips, “I will not marry that cold, calculating King Ji Yong. I do not love him, nor will I ever love him.” Sumin firmly declared as tears continued to cascade down her cheeks.

Seokjin’s eyes flickered from concern to this sense of pride. He instantly captured her lips, not caring if his cheeks became stained with her tears. His heart soared from hearing your declaration.

Slowly, he pulled away from his princess; a warm smile graced his lips as he did.

With nothing but pure love in his eyes, Seokjin stared at Sumin as his thumb gently caressed her cheek.

“It will be okay princess,” He began, placing a soft kiss on her forehead, “As long as you wear that ring around your neck, I am not going anywhere. You and I will wed, and that is final. Nothing and no one will get in the way of that. I promise you.” Seokjin declared as he gently lifted both of her hands and kissed her knuckles softly.

Sumin looked at up with shaky eyes. Her heart warmed after his hearing his promise, however, in the back of her mind, she knew that it was worthless.

“Do not make promises you cannot keep…” She whispered as she eyed the stone walkway with nothing but utter sadness.

A depressed sigh escaped his lips as Seokjin felt his heart break just a bit. Sumin lacked faith in them right now, and it deeply hurt him. At the same time, he understood why she felt that way. With a pending battle happening a lot sooner than they had hoped, anything could happen to him. Hell, he might not even come back alive. Just the mere thought of him lying on the cold ground—lifeless—terrified them both, especially Sumin. She could not bear the thought of living on a world where her one true love was no longer present.

She was already losing her father, and she would be damned if she lost her childhood sweetheart as well.

If she could, she would ride into battle herself and end the war. No need to send her beloved to the bloody warzone…

Out of the corner of his eye, Seokjin noticed a familiar, scheming gleam in his princess’s eyes. He knew that she’s toying with the idea of fighting in place of her father, but with his good conscious, Seokjin could not allow that.

Placing both his index and middle fingers under her chin, Seokjin titled her head slightly. Their eyes met. Love glazed over them as they remained still. Their hearts beat as one as the sounds of waves crashing entered their ears. The soft ocean breeze brushed past their bodies. Little by little the gap between their lips closed. Then, in just one kiss, they poured their entire love…admiration…longing that had been building since they were mere children.

Seokjin pulled Sumin closer, wanting nothing more to keep her close, as they continued to kiss. Sumin cupped Seokjin’s face as she feared that he would disappear if she didn’t keep a firm hold on him.

After what seemed like forever, the lovers pulled apart yet remained holding each other.

With a loving smile, Sumin asked,

“Could you accompany me back to my chambers, especially since we must part ways tomorrow at dawn.” A short yet soft scoff left his lips as Seokjin smiled warmly at his woman.

“You never have to ask me to stay the night since I will always say yes.” He replied, placing a sweet kiss on her cheek.

Sumin smiled brightly and intertwined their hands.

“Well, shall we go to sleep, my love?”

In a blink of an eye, the moon had faded behind the mountains, and the sun took its place high in the sky. Sounds of birds singing their mating tune entered Sumin’s room. Tiny streaks of sunlight penetrated her ivory laced curtains, creating beautiful shadow patterns on the cold floors, walls, and even her blankets.

A faint groan was heard as the tired princess turned over, hoping to cuddle with her dear knight some more. Her arm landed on a soft padding rather semi-hard flesh. Sumin pried one eye open and then the other immediately shot open. She quickly sat up and frantically searched for her Seokjin. Though, deep down, she knew that he had already left in the early hours of the morning.

Her eyes sadly trailed down as tiny tears formed. She wanted to bid a fond farewell and send him off with a sweet kiss. Maybe even had given him a token to remind him what and who he was fighting for.

Maybe it was for the best that he had left while she slumbered…

Out of the corner of her eye, she had noticed a faint blob of yellow. Sumin instantly turned towards the right, the side where Seokjin had slept peacefully since the day they had become lovers and saw a yellow rose on top of a letter.

A gentle smile slowly appeared on her face as she picked up the rose. She held the flower up to her nostrils and inhaled its sweet scent. It was just like her knight to remember that she had grown fond of yellow roses. A special fact that Ji Yong would never understand.

After taking in the flowers scent for a few more minutes, Sumin finally lowered the flower. She then picked up the note and unfolded it.

Her eyes widened. Her brows furrowed. She scanned the graciously written content and with each word, tears formed.

“My darling. My love. The keeper of my heart. The one and only princess for me. By the time you are reading this letter, I have already left for the battlefield with the support of our kingdom. I could not bear the thought of waking you up from your precious slumber and bidding you a fond farewell in person. It honestly took all of my strength to remove my arm from your precious waist. If I had the opportunity, I would gladly stay by your side and enjoy your smiles. Your laughter. How your eyes light up whenever you are around me… Unfortunately, the Holy Father had other plans for me… I have but one request of you, my darling Sumin… Please do not shed any tears for me. I will return from the battlefield victorious, and you and I will be wedded. Until then, every time you feel the wind fan your face, think of its as my love. I had asked the Gods of nature to receive my love and carry it to you. I love you so much.

Forever yours,

Seokjin.”

Tears streamed down her rosy cheeks the second she read the last line of Seokjin’s letter. He loved her so much that he didn’t want to wake her up. He wanted to remember her with no tear stains, so that’s how she was going to honor his wish.

No more tears shall be shed. Only her endless amount of love would remain to be shown.

She would put on a brave face and hold down the castle. That way, there would be a castle for her beloved to return to.

With a determined smile, Sumin practically jumped out of bed and called for a servant. She sat down in front of her mirror and picked up her sapphire encrusted hairbrush. She smoothed away her atrocious bed hair.

As she was brushing her hair, the servant rushed inside her chambers. He quickly bowed and asked what he was needed for.

“I am in dire need to send Seokjin a letter. Pray tell me, where would he be stationed at?” Sumin told the servant, asking where her knight is stationed on.

The servant’s eyes widened, but he soon composed himself.

“Sir Seokjin is currently at the mountain pass. Shall I fetch you a messenger?” He asked, ready to anything and everything to make the princess pleased with him.

Sumin shook her head as she stood up from her vanity mirror.

“I will go to my father’s study and write him a letter instead. I am sure my love would rather have a written reply rather than some man relaying it,” She bowed her head, “Thank you, though. You may go now.” She said, politely dismissing the castle worker.

The servant quickly muttered, “Yes, your highness.”, before exiting her chambers.

Sumin waited to hear the door shut before dashing towards her wardrobe. She swiftly picked a pastel blue dress with a diamond accent detail. The diamonds were shaped as snowflakes that decorated the outer white laced skirt.

She paired the dress with navy blue heels and went for the simpler sapphire and diamond crown. She placed the crown gently on top of her head as she walked out of her bedroom, ready to write the first of many letters for one true love…

Minutes had turned into hours, hours had turned into days and just like that, days had turned into weeks.

Those long weeks without seeing her knight had been the most excruciating for Princess Sumin. However, each time she received a letter from Seokjin, it made those lonely nights bearable—especially since they were always accompanied with a yellow rose.

Each time she smelled the sweet perfume of the rose, a warm smile graced her lips. Her heart warmed at the thought of feeling his love with each word he wrote in the letters.

God, how she missed him…

Currently reading yet another of Seokjin’s letter as she inhaled the hypnotic scent that the flower had to offer, Sumin’s thoughts had been interrupted when a castle worker stormed inside her room; his breath heavy and sporadic.

“Yes?” Sumin politely questioned the young man.

The worker quickly bowed his head in respect before speaking,

“Your highness. My deepest apologies for the intrusion, but I have come here to announce that King Ji Yong shall be arriving soon.”

With just one little announcement, Sumin’s world came crashing down. What…no…why was that horrid king coming to visit? He had no reason to come…unless…he had found out about her father’s worsening condition. No. There was no way because each castle worker had been sworn to secrecy. No one would dare to defy the royal family’s orders, so why had he come then?

Unless…

He had come for her hand in marriage—again. Could he not leave an engaged woman alone?

Few seconds went by and nothing, but the ocean breeze was heard. Then, with a dignified smile, Sumin turned around and thanked the worker for his message. She then dismissed him, telling him to carry on with his duties. The worker smiled politely, bowed his head, and exited the room.

“Alright, you annoying pest. Why are you in my kingdom?” Sumin muttered to herself as she walked to the one place she had been lingering around for the past few weeks.

Meanwhile, with King Ji Yong, his carriage had just pulled up at the entrance. He peeked through the curtains with a scheming smirk. His plan would officially commence. His plan of having the dear Princess Sumin standing with him at the altar.

“How dare that lowly, pathetic knight propose to my wife…” King Ji Yong thought bitterly as he roughly closed the curtains. He leaned back in his seat, rubbing his chin as he thought about the idea of marriage with Sumin. He would have her one way or another. At this rate, he could care less if she married him while sobbing. She would be his wife—the mother of his children…

Stepping out of the carriage, King Ji Yong quickly ordered his driver to go wait for him somewhere else. The driver nodded and took off with the carriage. King Ji Yong then began to walk towards the courtyard as he scanned the area for someone—anyone. Luckily, he managed to find someone and with an intimidating stare, he asked the poor worker where the princess was at. Out of fear, the worker quickly said that the princess was in her father’s study and pointed in the direction of the room.

King Ji Yong smirked in response and thanked the servant for his assistant.

“I am coming for you, my lovely princess…”

Now holed in her father’s study, Sumin dipped her quill in the ink jar and continued to write out intimate details to her love. She wrote how she longed for his touch. How she longed for his sweet kisses. In short, how she longed for him to be her side.

A smile of content formed on her lips as Sumin signed her name on the bottom of the parchment. She blew lightly on the ink, making sure it was dry before folding it up. As a little gift for her knight, she pressed her lips onto the parchment. She pulled away satisfied with the lip stain that displayed near her name. Seokjin would love that.

Just as she poured a bit of hot wax onto the letter, a light knock entered her ears. Her brows raised. Her chest heaved. Something in the pit of her stomach told her that it was the one person she absolutely did not want to see that stood on the other side of the door.

Sumin rolled her eyes before mustering a diplomatic smile and said, “Enter.”

Not even seconds later, King Ji Yong strolled in and closed the door behind him. Sumin raised her brow, finding his actions rather odd.

“King Ji Yong, to what do I owe the pleasure of your presence in my kingdom?” asked Sumin as she bowed her head in respect.

King Ji Yong smirked, drinking in her splendid appearance. Sumin would forever be his most prized possession.

“Oh, I thought I should pay you visit since I have desperately missed you.” He replied as he walked over to her and lifted her chin. He wanted their eyes to meet.

Sumin fought the urge to vomit right and there. She despised his touch on her precious skin. Her sacred body would forever be reserved for Seokjin only.

“Your majesty, I appreciate your sweet words but do refrain yourself from using them as I am now an engaged woman.” Sumin confessed; her eyes flickered with triumph.

However, that sudden announcement did not waiver the scheming king. If anything, it made him more determined to make sure that his plan succeeded.

King Ji Yong nodded his head slowly. He took one step, then another until the gap closed between them.

Sumin felt vulnerable. She felt like a prey being backed into a corner by its predator. Every time he took a step, she took a step back until she felt her back hit the edge of the desk. Her hands gripped the corners, ready to pick up anything that she could stab this man with. She could care less of the consequences right now. She was willing to kill this king if it meant not only her safety, but the entire kingdom’s as well—especially Seokjin’s. She would go to war for that man, and it seemed like she was about to.

“Oh yes… I have heard that your fiancé is fighting in your father’s place. You know…” He began clicking his tongue in a condescending manner, “It is quite a pity that he is battling enemies that I have paid quite a sum to rage war against your people…” He confessed, smirking evilly.

In that moment, Sumin felt as if someone knocked the air right out of here. Had she heard him, right? Had he truly stooped so low to have paid a hefty sum just to rage war on her kingdom?

“Y-you what…?” Sumin questioned, stumbling over her words.

King Ji Yong merely smirked in response, “You see, my dear princess,” He stood in front her, trapping her between him and the desk, “I am quite a jealous man, and the moment I have set my eyes on you, I knew you were the wife for me.” He declared with an evil smirk.

Sumin practically snarled at the man. Her eyes narrowed, almost becoming slits. She was officially done with this rude king.

“I will never be your wife, so as long as Seokjin continues to fight for his life and for my people.” She said, practically spitting in his face.

A soft scoff escaped his lips as King Ji Yong created a bit of space between them.

“Well, it would be quite hard to fight for your people if he is captured by the enemy and is currently waiting for his execution.” He confessed, taunting the fiery spirted princess.

Now, it felt like someone stabbed her in the heart.

“His what?” She said softly; her voice practically a whisper.

“You heard me…” King Jiyong remained smirking.

No.

He was safe. He had to be safe.

As if someone pulled the rug underneath her feet, Sumin collapsed onto the fall; her sobs became uncontrollable. Her heart pounded against her chase as it broke little by little.

King Ji Yong had to be lying. He was cruel, deceitful, and dishonorable. No. She refused to believe anything that came out his mouth.

“You’re lying. He had been sending me letter practically every single day. There is no possible way that he could have been captured by my father’s enemies. No. I refuse to believe your petty lies.” Sumin said as she tried her hardest to calm herself.

King Ji Yong clicked his tongue yet again and looked at the princess with “sympathetic” eyes.

“If only they were indeed lies,” He then gestured towards the desk, “Look at the date at your knight’s latest letter. I am almost certain that it had been weeks since he had sent that, correct?” He finished, hiding the calculating grin that threatened to form.

Sumin stared at him before scrambling up and fetching his letter. Her hands hurriedly grabbed the piece of parchment paper. Her eyes homed in on the date written in the top left corner.

Shit.

That stupid kind had been right. The day he wrote it and the day she had received it, it was indeed a few weeks later.

Nope.

This was not going to happen. She had meant what she said about going to war for Seokjin. It seemed like the time had come. Time to draw her father’s sword and fight for her man.

“Guards!!” She shouted.

“What are you doing, princess?” King Ji Yong inquired, raising his brow.

Sumin glared coldly at the man and ignored his question.

“Guards!” She yelled once more. Seconds later, two guards rushed inside the office and bowed their heads and respect.

“Yes, Princess Sumin.” They answered.

“Ready my horse and tell the nurse to prepare my riding outfit.” She ordered as the anger surged through her veins.

“Yes, Princess Sumin.” They replied before hurrying out of the office.

“Again, what are you doing, Princess Sumin?” King Ji Yong asked with a bored expression.

Sumin sighed loudly, completely fed up with the annoying man.

“If you must know, I plan to draw my father’s sword, ride into enemy lines, and fight for my knight. Now, if you kindly do not mind, I will take my leave.” She stated, announcing her plans.

King Ji Yong stared at her with an amused expression. He mentally counted down from ten, allowing her to finish her little dramatic act. Then, just as she reached the iron door handle, he spoke.

“I actually do not mind since anyone with ears can tell you that your idea is terrible.”

Sumin scoffed and turned around; her body now faced him. She crossed her arms over her chest and gave him an impatient look, wanting him to continue with whatever he has to say.

“Your idea is rather horrid since there is no way those ruthless generals would ever listen to a mere princess…” He trailed on, pausing for effect, “But…”

“But?”

“But they would listen to a queen.” King Ji Yong finished with a devilish smirk.

Sumin’s eyes widened. Confusion painted on her face.

“Marry me, Princess Sumin and with a snap of my finger, the war will be over. Say yes to being my queen, and your precious Seokjin will return home unharmed.” King Ji Yong said, staring her down.

Sumin panted; she felt this unspeakable heavy burden crush her shoulders. Her heart raced as her palms became clammy. Tears began to fill the brim of her eyes. Too many thoughts flooded her mind. She questioned her morals but soon dismissed every single one of them. At the end of the day, she would do everything and anything to ensure the safety of her kingdom and the people that inhabited the land. Yes. She knew what must be done.

She met the cold King’s gaze and walked towards him. Taking one final deep breath, Sumin said,

“Okay…”

King Ji Yong’s brow perked up as an intrigued smirk appeared on his face. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer; the possessiveness in his stare was ever so visible.

“You made a wise decision,” He pressed his lips against her temple, “I promise that I will call of the war first thing tomorrow morning.” He whispered “sweetly” in her ear.

Sumin’s breath hitched as she forced a smile at her new fiancé.

“Please forgive me my love…” She thought sadly as Seokjin’s handsome face flashed once in her mind.

Few days later, in a camp zone filled with many tents, horses, and men practicing their swordsmanship, Seokjin studied the battle map once more. His body had little to no wounds, and he was safe. Unknown to Sumin, King Ji Yong had lied about Seokjin’s wellbeing. He was never captured by the enemy and awaited his execution. No. He spun the truth. In fact, it was actually the enemy general that was captured by Seokjin’s men and brought for trial. The enemy had been tried for treason against Sumin’s kingdom and was sentenced to death.

Too absorbed in the map’s details, Seokjin muttered different plans of attack to himself, wondering which route he should take. Suddenly, a loud wave of cheers was heard. His curiosity had gotten the best of him, and Seokjin walked out of his tent.

The moment he stepped outside, Seokjin instantly saw bright smiles and tears of joy spilled out of his men.

Now, he became even more confused.

Seokjin quickly grabbed one of his soldiers and demanded that he tell him what was going on.

“The war, sir. It is finished.” The solider announced with a bright smile.

Seokjin raised his brow, “What do you mean that the war is over?” He asked.

“One of the other enemy generals has offered his unconditional surrender. Then, eventually, the rest of them followed suit. The war is over, my lord.” The soldier happily explained before running over to his friends to celebrate some more.

Seokjin scoffed softly yet a smile of relief graced his face. The battle was over, and that meant that he was allowed to go home—to go back to Sumin.

Yet, something in the back of his mind would not leave him alone. While he was overjoyed with the battle being over, something told him that this war should not have ended easily. This bloody battle should not have ended in less than a month…

Then, realization struck him. This had the work of that evil King Ji Yong written all over it.

Seokjin dashed towards his horse and swiftly rushed back to the kingdom, silently praying that he was not too late. From where he had been stationed at, it would take him a little over two days to get back to Sumin’s kingdom, however, instead of allowing that to fill his heart with anxiety, he instead used it fuel his adrenaline—his determination—and increased the speed of his horse. He had to get back to his princess—his one true love…

Meanwhile, with Sumin, she stared blankly at her reflection; this emotionless wave washed over her eyes. She looked dead. She felt dead to be honest. Both on the inside and on the outside. She was about to marry someone she did not love nor; would she ever love.

She felt her hair being pulled in different directions. She watched her maids pin every curl into different spots until they were satisfied with how their princess looked. Her hair had been decorated with diamonds, that were shaped as flowers. Her crown rested nicely on top of her hand while her lacey veil shielded her face.

“P-princess… it is time to put on your dress.” Sumin heard one of her maids announce.

Sumin turned away from the mirror and forced a smile. While they were busy preparing her hair and makeup, Sumin had heard them sniffling and taking deeps breaths. Her maids, especially her nurse, hated seeing their beloved princess looking so dead. Their hearts ached for Sumin as they desperately wished that they could do something to stop this wedding. They always dreamt of helping their princess get ready for her wedding, but in their minds, the wedding was for her and Seokjin. Not her and King Ji Yong.

“Princess permit me to speak.” The nurse asked as she guided Sumin towards her dress.

Sumin hummed in response, allowing the nurse to speak her mind.

“It breaks my heart to see you this way. I pray to the Holy Father that he will put a stop to this ceremony. You do not deserve to marry such a despicable man.” The nurse said; her eyes dripped with concern.

Sumin’s lips trembled before she bit her bottom lip. She was doing a great job at not breaking down and sobbing. She was not going to start now. She had to remain strong for everyone dear in her life.

She smiles softly and places a warm hand on the nurse’s cheek.

“Everything will be okay…” She said softly, maintaining her smile.

The nurse sniffled. Tears filled the brims of her eyes.

Naturally, Sumin too began to tear up. However, she wiped them away before it could ruin her makeup. She then reminded herself that she was doing this for Seokjin’s safety. Once this was all over, Seokjin would be safe and back in the kingdom.

“He will forgive you, Sumin. He will…” She thought while she felt a few of the maids lace up the corset.

One of the maids then instructed that she stepped inside her wedding skirt. Sumin obediently followed their directions until her body had been completely covered by the ceremonial gown.

Sumin slowly turned around and faced the mirror. Her eyes observed her reflection. All this time, she had pictured herself in this dress for her marriage to Seokjin. A part of her wished that she had picked out a different dress for her marriage to King Ji Yong, but it was too late.

Time was something that was never on her side. What would make her wedding day any different?

The nurse and maids bowed their head in respect, not wanting Sumin to see them crying.

“Is the carriage ready? I am ready to embark on this journey to wifehood.” Sumin muttered, staring at the floor sadly.

The nurse nodded and escorted her out of the room.

Outside was King Ji Yong’s knights, ready to escort the princess to the church. King Ji Yong had ordered them to make sure that Sumin would not try any funny business or run, leaving him at the altar. He was only minutes away from having Sumin as his bride. Nothing and no one would stop him now…

After what seemed like forever, Seokjin had finally arrived back to the kingdom. He practically hopped off his horse and dashed inside the castle grounds. His eyes hurriedly scanned, hoping to find anyone who would know the whereabouts of the princess. He began to lose hope as nobody was seen in the courtyard.

Luckily, his eye homed in on a familiar face. Princess Sumin’s dear and beloved nurse.

“Nurse!” Seokjin hollered as he ran up to her.

The nurse’s eyes widened. A look of shocked washed over her face as she slowly became confused. What was Sumin’s knight doing here?

“Sir Seokjin?!” The nurse shouted back as she looked over the knight’s body, hoping to find any signs of being tortured. “You are alive and well? But? How is that possible?” She questioned.

Seokjin’s brows furrowed, “Of course, I am alive. Whatever that horrid King Ji Yong has said, it is nothing but lies. Now, tell me, where is Sumin? I must show her that I am alive and safe.” He demanded, panting.

The nurse stared at him with sympathetic eyes.

“I am sorry, Seokjin, but the princess is on her way to the church. She might be even already there.” She explained, fearing that all hope was lost.

However, Seokjin refused to admit defeat. He was ready to fight King Ji Yong if he had to.

He quickly uttered a “thanks” before rushing back to his horse and riding towards the church.

“Do not marry him, Sumin. Just hold on…” He anxiously thought.

With the church in his sight, Seokjin increased the speed of his horse. His heart raced with both anxiety and adrenaline as the church steps appeared in front of him. He then pulled on the reins and halted his horse’s steps.

Seokjin jumped off his horse and ran up the stairs. He pushed open the church doors and unfortunately, his heart shattered into a million of pieces. He froze in his place as his eyes widened. His fingers trembled as his breathing became sporadic.

There he stood, watching the love of his life kiss someone else. King Ji Yong had won. He had won his princess’s hand in marriage. That son of a bitch…

“I present you their royal majesties, King Ji Yong and his Queen Sumin.” The priest announced; though, he tried his best to sound happy. He saw Sumin’s body language, and it screamed at him to put a stop to the ceremony. Now, the priest would live with this guilt for the rest of his life.

Seokjin’s mind screamed at him to leave the church, but for some reason his feet refused to listen to him.

Suddenly, his eyes caught Sumin’s gaze. Due to being far away, Seokjin could not see the brokenness and despair in her eyes. To him, she was filled with joy. To her, she was depressed, defeated, and above all…she was surprised to see Seokjin alive and unharmed. Confusion filled her mind as her eyes switched from her knight to her now husband.

At that moment, she felt like an idiot. She angrily turned towards her husband but before she could demand him to tell her the truth, King Ji Yong roughly pulled her closer and whispered a bone chilling threat.

“If you do anything rash, I will have my men kill your knight where he stands. Now, do you really want bloodshed on our wedding day?”

Sumin fought back her tears, even though a few of them had already cascaded down her rosy cheeks. She shook her head, closing her eyes briefly.

King Ji Yong smiled and kissed her head sweetly.

“Good.” He said softly with a creepy grin.

Sumin opened her eyes and met Seokjin’s gaze one last time. With a sad smile, she mouthed,

“I love you.”

Seokjin forced a smile and mouthed, “I love you too…”

He flickered his gaze onto King Ji Yong, who was now smirking proudly, before turning his back towards the “happy” couple.

He opened the doors and walked away, leaving behind the cheers and lively applause…

And the princess and her knight lived unhappily ever after…

The End…

A/N: Yeah... now can you see why I couldn’t just leave Seokjin heartbroken like that? I kind of left it open regarding, Seokjin’s fate since I didn’t want to quite kill him off (especially, if I had a sequel in mind lol then his modern self wouldn’t even be alive lol). I always found it fun to leave certain character’s unknown fate up to the readers since it gives you an even closer bond to the story! If the sequel wasn’t happening, I want you to tell me your thoughts on what happened to Sir Kim Seokjin!

Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed this beloved story just as much as I did writing it! See you guys in the sequel!

Don’t forget to leave a like/reblog/comment/send in an ask on your thoughts! I love hearing them! :)

- Kim

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psychotherapyconsultants · 6 years

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12 Ways to Keep Going with Depression

About once a week I hear the same question from a reader, “What keeps you going?” The short answer is lots of things. I use a variety of tools to persevere through my struggle with depression because what works on one day doesn’t the next. I have to break some hours into 15-minute intervals and simply put one foot in front of another, doing the thing that is right in front of me and nothing else.

I write this post for the person who is experiencing debilitating symptoms of depression. The following are some things that help me fight for sanity and keep me going, when the gravity of my mood disorder threatens to stop all forward movement.

Find a good doctor and therapist.

I have tried to beat my depression without the help of mental health professionals and discovered just how life-threatening the illness can be. Not only do you need to get help, you need to get the RIGHT help.

A reporter once referred to me as the Depression Goldilocks of Annapolis because I have seen practically all of the psychiatrists in my town. Call me picky, but I am glad I didn’t stop my search after the third or fourth or fifth physician because I did not get better until I found the right one at Johns Hopkins Mood Disorders Center. If you have a severe, complicated mood disorder, it is worth going to a teaching hospital to get a consultation.

Be just as choosy with your therapist. I have sat on therapy couches on and off for 30 years, and while the cognitive behavioral exercises were helpful, I didn’t begin making real progress until I started working with my current therapist.

Rely on your faith — or some higher power.

When everything else has failed, my faith sustains me. In my hours of desperation, I will read from the Book of Psalms, listen to inspirational music, or simply yell at God. I look to the saints for courage and resolve since many of them have experienced dark nights of the soul — Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Mother Teresa. It is of great consolation to know that God knows each hair on my head and loves me unconditionally despite my imperfections, that He is with me in my anguish and confusion.

A substantial amount of research points to the benefits of faith to mitigate symptoms of depression. In a 2013 study, for example, researchers at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts, found that belief in God was associated with better treatment outcomes.

Be kind and gentle with yourself.

The stigma attached to depression is still, unfortunately, very thick. Maybe you have one or two people in your life who can offer you the kind of compassion that you deserve. However, until the general public offers persons with mood disorders the same compassion that is conferred on people with breast cancer or any other socially acceptable illness, it is your job to be kind and gentle with yourself. Instead of pushing yourself harder and telling yourself it’s all in your head, you need to speak to yourself as a sensitive, fragile child with a painful wound that is invisible to the world. You need to put your arms around her and love her. Most importantly, you need to believe her suffering and give it validation. In her book Self-Compassion, Kristin Neff, Ph.D., documents some of the research that demonstrates that self-compassion is a powerful way to achieve emotional well-being.

Reduce your stress.

You don’t want to give into your depression, I get that. You want to do everything on your to-do list and part of tomorrow’s. But pushing yourself is going to worsen your condition. Saying no to responsibilities because your symptoms are flaring up isn’t a defeat. It is act of empowerment.

Stress mucks up all your biological systems, from your thyroid to your digestive tract, making you more vulnerable to mood swings. Rat studies show that stress reduces the brain’s ability to keep itself healthy. In particular, the hippocampus shrinks, impacting short-term memory and learning abilities. Try your best to minimize stress with deep-breathing exercises, muscle-relaxation meditations, and simply saying no to anything you don’t absolutely have to do.

Get regular sleep.

Businessman and author E. Joseph Cossman once said, “The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep.” It is one of the most critical pieces to emotional resiliency. Practicing good sleep hygiene — going to bed at the same time at night and waking up at a regular hour — can be challenging for persons with depression because, according to J. Raymond DePaulo, Jr., M.D., co-director of the Johns Hopkins Mood Disorders Center, that’s when people often feel better. They want to stay up and write or listen to music or work. Do that too many nights, and your lack of sleep becomes the Brussels sprout on the floor of the produce aisle that you trip over. Before you know it, you’re on your back, incapable of doing much of anything.

Although pleasing our circadian rhythm — our body’s internal clock — can feel really boring, remember that consistent, regular sleep is one of the strongest allies in the fight against depression.

Serve others.

Five years ago, I read Man’s Search for Meaning by Holocaust survivor and Austrian psychiatrist Viktor Frankl and was profoundly moved by his message that suffering has meaning, especially when we can turn our pain into service of others.

Frankl’s “logotherapy” is based on the belief that human nature is motivated by the search for a life purpose. If we devote our time and energy toward finding and pursuing the ultimate meaning of our life, we are able to transcend some of our suffering. It doesn’t mean that we don’t feel it. However, the meaning holds our hurt in a context that gives us peace. His chapters expound on Friedrich Nietzsche’s words, “He who has a why can bear almost any how.” I have found this to be true in my life. When I turn my gaze outward, I see that suffering is universal, and that relieves some of the sting. The seeds of hope and healing are found in the shared experience of pain.

Look backwards.

Our perspective is, without doubt, skewed during a depressive episode. We view the world from a dark basement of human emotions, interpreting events through the lens of that experience. We are certain that we have always been depressed and are convinced that our future will be chock full of more misery. By looking backwards, I am reminded that my track record for getting through depressive episodes is 100 percent. Sometimes the symptoms didn’t wane for 18 months or more, but I did eventually make my way into the light. I call to mind all those times I persevered through difficulty and emerged to the other side. Sometimes I’ll take out old photos as proof that I wasn’t always sad and panicked.

Take a moment to recall the moments that you are most proud of, where you triumphed over obstacles. Because you will do it again. And then again.

Plan something fun.

Filling my calendar with meaningful events forces me to move forward when I’m stuck in a negative groove. It can be as simple as having coffee with a friend or calling my sister. Maybe it’s signing up for a pottery or cooking class.

If you’re feeling ambitious, plan an adventure that takes you out of your comfort zone. In May, I’m walking Camino de Santiago, or The Way of Saint James, a famous pilgrimage that stretches 778 kilometers from St. Jean Port de Pied in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The anticipation of the trip has fueled me with energy and excitement during a hard stretch of my life.

You need not backpack through Europe, of course, to keep moving forward. Organizing a day trip to a museum or some local art exhibit could serve the same purpose. Just be sure to have something on your calendar other than therapy and work meetings.

Be in nature.

According to Elaine Aron, Ph.D., in her bestseller The Highly Sensitive Person, approximately 15 to 20 percent of the population is easily overwhelmed by loud noises, crowds, smells, bright lights, and other stimulation. These types have rich interior lives, but tend to feel things very deeply and absorb people’s emotions. Many people who struggle with chronic depression are highly sensitive. They need a pacifier. Nature serves that purpose.

The water and woods are mine. When I get overstimulated by this Chuck E. Cheese world of ours, I retreat to either the creek down the street or the hiking trail a few miles away. Among the gentle waves of the water or the strong oak trees in the woods, I touch ground and access a stillness that is needed to navigate difficult emotions. Even a few minutes a day provide a sense of calm that helps me to harness panic and depression when they arise.

Connect with other warriors.

Rarely can a person battle chronic depression on her own. She needs a tribe of fellow warriors on the frontline of sanity, remembering her that she is not alone and equipping her with insights with which to persevere.

Five years ago, I felt very discouraged by the lack of understanding and compassion associated with depression so I created two forums: Group Beyond Blue on Facebook and Project Hope & Beyond. I have been humbled by the level of intimacy formed between members of the group. There is power in shared experience. There is hope and healing in knowing we are in this together.

Laugh

You may think there’s nothing funny about your depression or wanting to die. After all, this is a serious, life-threatening condition. However, if you can manage to add a dose of levity to your situation, you’ll find that humor is one of the most powerful tools to fight off hopelessness. G.K. Chesterton once said, “Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.” That’s what laughter does. It lightens the burden of suffering. That’s why nurses use comedy skits in small group sessions in inpatient psychiatric units as part of their healing efforts. Humor forces some much-needed space between you and your pain, providing you a truer perspective of your struggle.

Dance in the rain.

Vivian Greene once said, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

When I was first diagnosed with depression, I was sure that the right medication or supplement or acupuncture session would cure my condition. Ten years ago, when nothing seemed to work, I shifted to a philosophy of managing my symptoms versus curing them. Although nothing substantial changed in my recovery, this new attitude made all the difference in the world. I was no longer stuck in the waiting room of my life. I was living to the fullest, as best I could. I was dancing in the rain.

References

Rosmarin, D.H., Bigda-Peyton, J.S., Kertz, S.J., Smith, N., Rauch, S.L., & Björgvinsson, T. (2013). A test of faith in God and treatment: The relationship of belief in God to psychiatric treatment outcomes. Journal of Affective Disorders, 146(3): 441-446. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016503271200599X

Hildebrandt, S. (2012, February 6). How stress can cause depression [blog post]. Retrieved from http://sciencenordic.com/how-stress-can-cause-depression

Frankl, V.E. (1959). Man’s Search for Meaning. Cutchogue, NY: Buccaneer Books.

Aron, E. (1996). The Highly Sensitive Person. New York, NY: Carol Publishing.

from World of Psychology https://psychcentral.com/blog/12-ways-to-keep-going-with-depression/

#World of Psychology

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marilynngmesalo · 6 years

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Ray Lewis urges togetherness and love in Pro Football Hall of Fame speech

Ray Lewis urges togetherness and love in Pro Football Hall of Fame speech https://ift.tt/2OLELAO Ray Lewis urges togetherness and love in Pro Football Hall of Fame speech

CANTON, Ohio — One of the great leaders football has seen, Ray Lewis used his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech to call for more enlightened leadership in our country.

The last of the seven members of the class of 2018 on hand to be enshrined, Lewis eschewed notes and the lectern, instead strolling along the stage and passionately urging his listeners to come together.

“Are you living every day to make this world better?” Lewis asked Saturday night at the end of his 33-minute oratory, often invoking the teachings of Martin Luther King. “Think what we can do if we work together as a country … teaching our nation to love each other again.

“It’s how we react to the challenges in our life that shows our greatness. How do we execute that dream? Who will answer that knock on the door in the middle of the night? And it has to start right now. We need people willing to fight for what is good and what is right.”

Lewis was joined by Randy Moss, Brian Dawkins, Brian Urlacher, Jerry Kramer, Robert Brazile and Bobby Beathard as inductees at the hall ceremony.

One of the best linebackers in NFL history, Lewis won two Super Bowls with the Ravens; he often chanted “BALTIMORE!” during his speech.

“I came back, and boy did I come back,” Lewis said. “When you walk off the last time with that thing, that Lombardi, it’s a confirmation I am living proof of the impossible.”

That unveiling moment for the Class of 2018 Bronze Busts #PFHOF18 https://t.co/ILoOzLa93q

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 05, 2018

A first-year nominee, Lewis was selected 26th overall in the 1996 draft — what were other teams thinking? He wasn’t even Baltimore first choice: Jonathan Ogden was, and the big tackle made the Hall of Fame in 2013.

His impact was immediate, both on the field, in the locker room, and even in pregame introductions, when his “squirrel dance” fired up fans and teammates alike. He and Ogden even did a short version on the stage.

Lewis was the first player with 40 sacks and 30 interceptions in a career. An eight-time All-Pro and inside linebacker on the 2000s NFL All-Decade Team, he had a franchise-record 2,643 career tackles.

Dawkins also delivered a powerful speech and, as he promised, cried during it.

Former NFL safety Brian Dawkins delivers his induction speech at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, in Canton, Ohio.

One of the hardest-hitting and most versatile safeties in NFL history, Dawkins stared at his bust and nodded his approval to the crowd.

“The majority of success I have had has come on the back end of pain,” he said noting he had suicidal thoughts when he battled depression. “On the other side of it, all of a sudden I became better. There’s a purpose for my pain.

“I have grown leaps and bounds because of the things I went through. For those going through this now, there is hope on the other side. Keep moving, keep pushing through.”

Dawkins was the leader of an Eagles defence that made four straight NFC championship games and one Super Bowl. Voted to the 2000s NFL All-Decade Team and a five-time All-Pro, Dawkins intercepted passes in 15 consecutive seasons and had 37 picks overall. He averaged nearly 100 tackles a year and spotlighted his versatility as the first player in NFL history to get a sack, interception, fumble recovery and touchdown catch (on a screen pass) in a game, against Houston in 2002.

Urlacher became a record-28th Chicago Bear inducted into the hall. A first-year nominee who filled the tradition of great middle linebackers in the Windy City so brilliantly, Urlacher actually was a safety at New Mexico. Chicago selected him ninth overall in the 2000 draft and immediately converted him to linebacker. He spent two weeks in training camp on the outside, then was moved inside — for 13 spectacular seasons.

“I love everything about football: the friendships, the coaches, the teachers, the challenges, the opportunity to excel. I loved going to work every day for 13 years,” said the 2000 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and 2005 Defensive Player of the Year, a season in which Urlacher had 171 tackles.

The five-time All-Pro and member of the 2000s NFL All-Decade Team even did some work on special teams.

But it was in the heart of the defence where he shone.

“The most coveted position for a defensive player to play is middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears,” said Urlacher, who had to hold back tears several times. “Just think about it. I hope over my 13 seasons I made you Bears fans proud.”

Another first-year nominee, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Moss brought the perfect combination of height, speed, soft hands and agility to Minnesota as the 21st overall draft pick in 1998 after a rocky college career. His 69 receptions, 17 for touchdowns, and 1,313 yards helped the Vikings go 15-1 and earned him Offensive Rookie of the Year honours.

That was just the start for the eccentric but always dynamic Moss. When he finally hooked up with an elite quarterback, he caught a record 23 TD passes from Tom Brady in New England’s perfect 2007 regular season.

Moss rubbed the face and top of his bust, then delivered a sermon worthy of any church or synagogue. He paid tribute to his family, to the fans of his five teams, and to his roots in West Virginia — he promised he would return to his hometown of Rand on Sunday to show off his gold jacket.

“To my gold jacket brothers, I vow I will wear it proudly,” Moss said.

One of those Hall of Fame brothers, Terrell Owens , declined to attend. Instead, he held his own celebration at his college in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was shown in a video and his photo was hanging in Tom Benson Stadium. Otherwise, T.O. was MIA.

//<![CDATA[ ( function() { pnLoadVideo( "videos", "QAQAxoCz-4Y", "pn_video_386519", "", "", [] ); } )(); //]]>

In a lengthy and humorous speech, Kramer brought the crowd back to the Lombardi Era. A senior committee nominee, Kramer became eligible in 1974 after 11 seasons with the Packers in which he won five NFL championships and two Super Bowls.

“It was an incredible experience to be with him and have him bring you along,” he said about Lombardi, who gave him “approval and belief: powerful, powerful tools.”

Kramer also spent some time placekicking for Green Bay. He made five All-Pro squads, the NFL’s 50th Anniversary Team, NFL All-Decade Team of the 1960s and the Super Bowl Silver Anniversary Team.

Brazile, known as Dr. Doom when he played in all 147 games for the Houston Oilers in his 10-year NFL career, kissed his bust when it was unveiled. He spoke of how he and Walter Payton made history by being selected in the first-round of the same draft from a historically black college.

Also a senior committee nominee, Brazile was drafted sixth overall out of Jackson State, two picks behind his teammate. He made such an immediate pro impact he was the 1975 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, and went on to five All-Pro seasons as one of the game’s most versatile linebackers. He was in on a stunning 185 tackles in 1978.

Presented by his father, also named Robert, Brazile made the 1970s NFL All-Decade Team. He retired in 1984 and became a special education teacher.

“When they knocked on my door,” he said of finding out in February he had finally made the hall, “all of my dreams came true. And after all these years, I’m at home.”

Beathard won four Super Bowls as a team executive and drafted four Hall of Famers. His best hire might have been coach Joe Gibbs, who presented Beathard for induction.

A contributor’s committee nominee, Beathard worked for the Chiefs, Falcons, Dolphins, Redskins and Chargers. He won two NFL titles each with Miami, including the perfect 1972 season, and Washington. He also helped Kansas City and San Diego make Super Bowls.

Canoe Click for update news world news https://ift.tt/2vjwnQG world news

#metronews24 bangla #Latest Online Breaking Bangla News #Breaking Bangla News #prothom alo #bangla news #b

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investmart007 · 6 years

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CANTON, Ohio | Lewis urges togetherness and love in Hall of Fame speech

New Post has been published on https://is.gd/AqxZio

CANTON, Ohio | Lewis urges togetherness and love in Hall of Fame speech

CANTON, Ohio — One of the great leaders football has seen, Ray Lewis used his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech to call for more enlightened leadership in our country.

Turning to the 140 Hall of Famers on the stage, he told them: “We can go from being legends to building a legacy bigger than football, bigger than sports. Look at what unites us … the answer is simple, love. Hope, faith and love, and the greatest is love.” Lewis was joined by Randy Moss, Brian Dawkins, Brian Urlacher, Jerry Kramer, Robert Brazile and Bobby Beathard as inductees at the hall ceremony.

One of the best linebackers in NFL history, Lewis won two Super Bowls with the Ravens; he often chanted “BALTIMORE!” during his speech.

“Tell me something can’t be done is like pouring lighter fluid on an open flame,” said Lewis, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year who won a second Super Bowl for the 2012 season — coming back from a torn triceps — then retired. He was the MVP of the 2001 title game. “I came back, and boy did I come back,” Lewis said. “When you walk off the last time with that thing, that Lombardi, it’s a confirmation I am living proof of the impossible.”

Dawkins also delivered a powerful speech and, as he promised, cried during it.

One of the hardest-hitting and most versatile safeties in NFL history, Dawkins stared at his bust and nodded his approval to the crowd. “The majority of success I have had has come on the back end of pain,” he said noting he had suicidal thoughts when he battled depression. “On the other side of it, all of a sudden I became better.

There’s a purpose for my pain.

“I have grown leaps and bounds because of the things I went through. For those going through this now, there is hope on the other side. Keep moving, keep pushing through.”

Dawkins was the leader of an Eagles defense that made four straight NFC championship games and one Super Bowl. Voted to the 2000s NFL All-Decade Team and a five-time All-Pro, Dawkins intercepted passes in 15 consecutive seasons and had 37 picks overall. He averaged nearly 100 tackles a year and spotlighted his versatility as the first player in NFL history to get a sack, interception, fumble recovery and touchdown catch (on a screen pass) in a game, against Houston in 2002.

The five-time All-Pro and member of the 2000s NFL All-Decade Team even did some work on special teams.

But it was in the heart of the defense where he shone. “The most coveted position for a defensive player to play is middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears,” said Urlacher, who had to hold back tears several times. “Just think about it. I hope over my 13 seasons I made you Bears fans proud.”

“To my gold jacket brothers, I vow I will wear it proudly,” Moss said. One of those Hall of Fame brothers, Terrell Owens , declined to attend. Instead, he held his own celebration at his college in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was shown in a video and his photo was hanging in Tom Benson Stadium. Otherwise, T.O. was MIA.

“It was an incredible experience to be with him and have him bring you along,” he said about Lombardi, who gave him “approval and belief: powerful, powerful tools.”

Kramer also spent some time placekicking for Green Bay. He made five All-Pro squads, the NFL’s 50th Anniversary Team, NFL All-Decade Team of the 1960s and the Super Bowl Silver Anniversary Team.

Presented by his father, also named Robert, Brazile made the 1970s NFL All-Decade Team. He retired in 1984 and became a special education teacher.

“When they knocked on my door,” he said of finding out in February he had finally made the hall, “all of my dreams came true. And after all these years, I’m at home.”

Beathard won four Super Bowls as a team executive and drafted four Hall of Famers. His best hire might have been coach Joe Gibbs, who presented Beathard for induction.

By BARRY WILNER , Associated Press

#CANTON #enlightened #Kramer #leadership #Lewis eschewed #Lewis urges #Martin Luther #ohio #passionately urging #Randy Moss #TodayNews #togetherness

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