226 His Truth (2/2)

As General Donghai spoke, the Emperor's expression grew grimmer. His emotions toward An Sun were swaying. Gritting her teeth in frustration, Rin had been about to retort again, when a hand held her back. Shocked, Rin lifted her head to see An Sun meet General Donghai's gripping gaze.

”I assure you, my loyalty lies with Strategist Lan.” An Sun stated quite firmly.

”And how do I know his loyalty lies with us? For you to know the Tuhan's name and their secrets...how do we know you're not working for them?” From his tone, it was clear he thought nothing of this, but General Donghai was pushing An Sun for an answer.

There was silence for a moment. Everyone's eyes had turned to An Sun as they awaited his response. He met their gazes without fear and turned to Rin - her expression revealed concern. After a while, An Sun sighed and focused his gaze on the whickering candle flame.

”I was an orphan. I never knew who my family was, never met them, even as a child. That's why…I never once imagined someone would take me in to join their family. They raised me, fed me, taught me how to defend myself. But despite all those years I've lived with them, not once did I feel like a real son. I was a bastard, an unwanted rut they brought in.” He said in a tight voice.

”Who is this family you speak of?” The Emperor asked dubiously.

Meeting the Emperor's narrowed eyes without the slightest hesitation, An Sun said, ”The An Clan.”

It was at that moment the entire room fell silent. Just as An Sun expected, the look in the Emperor's eyes grew sharp and wary. Even the usual indifferent General Donghai revealed a distant and dark expression. His large hand rested on the hilt of his sword.

Noticing this on the side, Rin's eyes narrowed. Again, An Sun stole her a glance and shook his head. Before, he had used her influence to gain their acceptance. But now, before the Emperor, he needed to prove himself.

An Sun's eyes lifted to meet General Donghai's. ”You are right. I'm not the captain here or of a large army. But I am still the captain of the men I promised to lead. And with that promise I made to them, I also have kept the one I made to Strategist Lan. Because he's not just my friend, but my brother. If I ever betray that trust, then I'll have you kill me.”

Again, no one said a word. Everyone seemed to take in An Sun's words thoughtfully.

The Emperor looked at him for a long time. His finger tapped against the table. ”I'm not one to judge based on how one was raised. Whether you are a rut or bastard, all will be determined on what I see you do in the present. If you can show me that you are indeed trustworthy and never break your word, then I don't see a problem keeping you around.”

With wide eyes, An Sun looked at the Emperor before curving his lips into a faint smile. He bowed his head with cupped hands.

”Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Meanwhile, on the side, Rin sighed a breath of relief. However, after hearing about An Sun's past once more, she couldn't help but feel a throbbing in her chest. Staring at him silently, Rin's fists clenched by her side.

...

After their discussion, everyone returned to their rooms to rest. Despite the previous exhaustion, Rin found it hard to fall back asleep. She went out to the balcony and stood with one hand on the rough stone balustrade. She looked out at the night and the rain.

The pinging rain was musical and comforting.

She closed her eyes for a bit before she heard the sound of soft footsteps approach her. When she opened her eyes, she was surprised to see An Sun standing beside her on the balcony.

”You should sleep.” An Sun said.

”I'm fine.” Rin assured.

”I saw you fall asleep on your horse earlier.” He told her.

”I was resting my eyes.” She scratched her nose.

”You were resting them a long while then. You haven't slept for two nights. You need to sleep, Rin.”

For a moment, she was surprised. Not just because of his caring words, but because he had called her name so calmly.

”You need to rest.” An Sun said once again, this time his voice sounded firmer.

Instead of responding, Rin just stared down at her hands resting on the stone balustrade. Physically she knew she was tired, however, her mind at that moment was wide-awake.

Too many thoughts and feelings keeping her up in the night.

”An Sun…have you ever wondered who your real parents were?” Rin asked softly, her question catching An Sun off guard.

He blinked his gray eyes and sighed.

”I did. Still do.”

With bright eyes, Rin turned toward him. ”Then when this is all over, I…we can try to find them. Together.”

An Sun stared at her clear emerald eyes and smiled. But behind that smile was something different. Something sad.

”Rin, there's something I didn't tell you about my childhood. Not because I didn't trust you but…I was ashamed.” He said in a low voice.

”What is it?” Rin's almond-shaped eyes were opened wide, a trace of confusion in their depths.

The sound of the rain grew stronger. Droplets hit against the balcony as they both stared at one another.

A trace of emotion rippled across the depths of An Sun's eyes upon looking at Rin. Taking in a deep breath, he stared at her with a serious gaze.

”Until my father found me, throughout my whole childhood…I was a slave.”