Chapter Text
“This isn’t a good idea.” Kyungsoo sidesteps around a man holding sticks on fire. The fire sputters as smoke floats into the sky. The man turns to wink at you while Kyungsoo crosses his arms. You roll your eyes and grab his wrist.
“Come on, don’t be scared.” You pull him through the crowd of brown cloaks and carnival mysteries. The crowd seems unaware of the drizzle that begins to douse them in a thin mist. Kyungsoo lifts his other hand and adjusts your hood.
“I’m not scared. Just reminding you that you come up with bad ideas.” He throws a faint smirk at you. “But we can’t be derailed for long. His Majesty is already nearly there.”
“Don’t worry about Father. We’ll blame the weather.”
The two of you walk amongst others, everyone staring in morbid curiosity at the oddities surrounding you. You point at a pair of twins performing a contortionist dance when a small woman catches your eye to your left. Without motioning to Kyungsoo, whose gaze is fixed on the tigers roaming just behind the twins, you move toward the woman.
She sits at a table in a small tent, wrapped in deep blue linens. She fidgets with the rings on her fingers. She doesn’t look up at you as you approach, a smile forming on her thin lips.
“Curious about your future, love?” Her voice is thick with invisible smoke. You find it adds to her enchantment.
“Ah, I think I know what’s in store for me.” You laugh and hold your hands together tight to your stomach, snaking your fingers up to barely adjust your hood.
“But you were drawn to me,” she glances up at you, “why?” You meet her golden eyes hidden under layers of wrinkles and your breath hitches in your throat. You gently shake your head.
“I’m not sure, I,” you pause, deciding what to say next. “I was hoping you’d tell me.”
“Used to having others do the work for you, huh.” She nods, pulling a stack of cards from her shawl. She extends the cards in her palm toward you. “Then allow me, Your Highness. Please shuffle.”
You gape as she winks, nodding the cards to you still. You take the stack, feeling the weight of them between your gloved fingers. The mist falls harder, collecting in bigger drops just outside the covered tent. You struggle to switch the order of the cards, all the while feeling overwhelming visible to the woman. She watches you silently before looking up at the grey sky as drops pelt the mud in thick plops. You pass the deck back to her as a hand appears on your shoulder.
“Are you kidding me? Why did you run off?” Kyungsoo’s deep voice stings you from behind. You throw a glance at him, watching his expression falter under a slew of emotions just under his brow.
“Excuse me, young man. I requested her.” The woman pulls out three cards, laying them on the velvet-covered table. She taps against the first card. “You don’t have a lot of control of your life, do you?” She flips over the other two, staring at them. You don’t speak, barely nodding.
“My Lady, we really must take our lea-”
“When the rock is wet, you can free yourself of its weight.” She cuts off Kyungsoo and looks deep into your eyes. Her golden eyes glaze while her stare burns you. You watch her as her demeanor shifts more seriously. “When you’ve done that, you’ll find the clarity you’ve been searching so long for.”
You blink rapidly, furrowing your brow. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.” You look at Kyungsoo who only scowls at the ground. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Find the rock.”
“Thank you, ma’am. Have a very good evening.” Kyungsoo reaches into his pocket, producing three silver schillings, putting them on the table. He grabs your hand and twists you around back out of the traveling carnival. The rain soaks into your cloak, ebbing dangerously close to your plaits and dress. He dodges past drunkards and collections of men fawning over dancers. He doesn’t stop until you’re back at the carriage.
“Kyungsoo, please slow down.” You rip your arm away from him as he opens the door.
“Get in.” When you don’t move, his hands find your wetted waist and nudges you up inside. He whistles to the coachman who quickly maneuvers to the front of the carriage.
“Goodness! Will you calm down?” You settle in the seat while Kyungsoo gives orders to the man before shutting the door and sitting across from you.
“Do you have any idea what you just put me through? How awfully inconsiderate you were?” He struggles to keep his tone level. He shuts his eyes, sighing as he drops against the seat.
“I’m sorry, but she was just giving me a glimpse into the future.” You lightly chuckle and he shoots you a glare.
“Right, as if you need more assurance of your impending arrangement.” He crosses his arms. “You just walked away. I can’t believe I wasn’t looking at you for one minute and you’re galivanting with charmers and witches. What would Her Majesty do to me if she found out?”
“Kyungsoo, it’s really not that big of a deal.” You lean toward him and pat his arm. He jumps beneath your fingers but doesn’t speak, his eyes flicking up to yours. “Besides,” you sigh, smoothing out your dress. “She didn’t tell me anything. You heard it. ‘Find the rock and all will be clear.’ What does that even mean?”
“In any case, we’re not stopping until we reach the palace.” Kyungsoo closes his eyes and rests his head on the back wall of the carriage while the cart jostles down the road. You look out the window, following the water’s gravitational pull in the early evening.
***
“Her Royal Highness! You’ve arrived!” A man greets you warmly as Kyungsoo holds your hand to guide you from the carriage. You straighten while he bows to you. The rain falls steadily and Kyungsoo ushers you toward the palace.
“Indeed. Have my parents arrived in such fashion as well?” You stare at the marble and gold reflecting light on you. The man trails behind you, wiping the rain from his glasses.
“Of course, His Majesty the King of Naraneun and Her Majesty the Queen arrived earlier this evening. They are eagerly awaiting you.” He motions for the two guards at the door to open as you reach the steps.
“What is your name?”
“Kim Junmyeon, your Highness. I’m the Royal advisor to the Kingdom of Badaleul. You may come to me with any concerns or questions during your stay.”
The three of you walk through the doors when handmaids come up to you to remove your damp cloaks. You attempt to look over the faces of each person, but the workers move fluidly around you, as though they are nothing more than the air.
Junmyeon motions you to follow him past the grand staircase. Kyungsoo stays close to your right, glancing at all the people floating through the palace. Junmyeon turns to a door and opens it, revealing your parents and the King and Queen inside. Two men stand behind the Queen near the wall. They both look at you, the taller one’s gaze lingering on your features.
You and Kyungsoo bow to the four Majesties before you and Junmyeon gives clear introductions. Kyungsoo shifts closer to the wall as Junmyeon clears his throat. You bow your head to the King and Queen before meeting the eyes of your betrothed.
“And of course, His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Chanyeol of Badaleul.”
“Lovely to meet you, Princess of Naraneun.” Chanyeol gives you a deep bow, dropping his head low. You match his respect, still staying quiet. He stands straight again before shooting a glance you can’t read to the shorter man next to him. Kyungsoo stands near you, straight-faced as you clasp your fingers in front of your hips.
“Since the Princess has now arrived, might we all adjourn for dinner in the grand hall? It has been a long day of travel for our guests.”
“Thank you, Junmyeon. Swell idea.” The King proclaims as he stands, taking the Queen’s hand. She smiles at you and you find yourself blushing. They pause to allow your parents to stand as well and all four monarchs leave the room with Junmyeon following close behind. You bring your hands tight to your stomach and share a look with Kyungsoo before Chanyeol speaks.
“I hope you found your travels easy.” He moves silently, hands held behind his back. Your eyes trail over his black tunic adorned with silver buttons. The other man walks in time with him. He stands closer to you, towering over you from his substantial height. You release a breath you didn’t realize you were holding and smile.
“Of course. Nothing of significance to note.” You turn with the Prince, following his lead out the door. You pause, looking at the other man. “How incredibly rude of me. This is my personal guard, Do Kyungsoo.” You gesture to Kyungsoo who bristles from the attention. He bows again to Chanyeol who smiles.
“As is mine, Kim Jongin.” He claps Jongin on the back who bows to you deeply. “But we’re more like brothers. I owe him my life.”
“Please, your Highness, don’t joke.” Jongin blushes and steps out of the room, waiting for Chanyeol to begin walking. Chanyeol smirks and motions for you to follow.
“Are you in the business of often falling to perils where your life is endangered?” You ask, your voice thick with a smile that threatens to cross your lips. Chanyeol scoffs as the four of you move toward the grand hall.
“Business finds the company it keeps,” he lets out a laugh. “I assure you, it’s never my idea that attracts it to us.” He winks and you glance at Kyungsoo, knowing he is also thinking of the carnival detour.
After a few moments, you enter the grand hall where your seats have already been prepared. Kyungsoo and Jongin take their places on the opposite side of the room against the wall. A servant pulls your seat out across from Chanyeol. Servants enter quickly with bowls of soup and place them in front of you. While your parents talk with him, you slowly eat, savoring the warmth against your chilled hands. Chanyeol participates in the discussion, watching you out of the corner of his eye.
You finish the soup with everyone else as another plate gets set in front of you. You stare at the rice and look up to Kyungsoo. He stands straight, shoulders at attention, hands balled in tight fists at his sides. He concentrates on the wall before his gaze falls to you. He only looks at you for a moment, glancing down at the rice and narrowly shaking his head for only you to see.
You barely knot your brow, annoyed that these royals do not allow their guards to eat with them. Chanyeol watches your silent struggle and turns his head to a servant.
“Please bring out more dishes for two more. Our guards will be eating.” His order is quick and even as he speaks with one woman who bows and rushes from the room. The King stares at his son.
“The guards?”
“Yes Father, the guards who not only risk their lives for us every day but one of which has been traveling with the Princess all day in the rain. I’m sure he is also chilled and would like some soup.” Chanyeol lifts his glass of wine to his lips while both sets of parents look at each other. The King doesn’t say anything more as the servants return with dishes to set up at the end of the table. When they finish, Kyungsoo and Jongin walk swiftly to the seats and lower themselves while not looking at anyone at the table.
“Thank you for your gracious hospitality, Your Royal Highness.” Kyungsoo bows toward Chanyeol, still not looking at him.
“Please, enjoy.” Chanyeol meets your gaze and you take a quick sip of your wine, giving him a barely noticeable inclination of your head. You look toward the end of the table where both Kyungsoo and Jongin seemingly eat one grain at a time as to not be noticed. You turn back to Chanyeol as the conversation between your parents resumes, watching him smirk to himself while he taps his fingers on his forearm, aware that you’re looking at him.
***
You and the Prince leave the four monarchs for the evening and follow Sehun, the Master of the Household, to your rooms. He leads you to the staircase, Chanyeol allowing you to move in front of him. Gathering your dress, you shuffle up the steps, listening to the men follow you. Sehun hardly looks you over before continuing down the hall, pausing at an inconsequential door. Chanyeol pats the butler’s shoulder and smiles at you.
“It seems this is where I leave you for tonight, your Highness.” He takes your hand, lifting it to his mouth and pressing a light kiss to your skin. You blush as he looks up at you. “It was a pleasure to meet you.” Chanyeol nods to Kyungsoo and points to Jongin, both of whom bow to him, as he opens the door. He gives you a lasting smile, a dimple appears embedded in his cheek as he shuts the door.
“Your Highness, if you’ll continue this way.” Sehun spins and walks down the hall in long strides. “Your room has been freshly turned with an array of towels and extra linens should you need them. Your bags have been unpacked and set up for you.” Sehun pauses at a door on the opposite side of the hall. He opens the door and stands beside it, not looking at you.
“Thank you, Master Sehun.” You nod at him, though you’re unsure he saw, and turn to the patient guards. “Thank you for your presence and work tonight, Jongin. I hope you have a healthy rest.”
Jongin gives you a wide-eyed stare and briefly smiles. “Of course, Your Royal Highness. Thank you for your kindness.”
“Good night, Your Highness,” Kyungsoo bows before backing into the center of the hall, looking at Sehun for further instruction.
“Good night, Kyungsoo. I look forward to seeing you both in the morning.” You give them a smile and turn into your room. Sehun shuts the door behind you and you hear them shuffle further down the hallway.
Sighing, you stretch your shoulders as you glance around the room. The bed, lined with fresh cotton sheets, is pushed against one wall. The hard moonlight filters through the window onto the floor and splashes on the blankets. To your left, you wander to the door and peek inside the dark bathroom.
You move to the wardrobe, opening the metal latch. Your dresses are neatly lined in a row as you sift through them, looking for a nightdress to throw on. You look down at your traveling dress, stiff from sitting all day. A knock at the door whips your attention away from your clothes. You move quickly, opening the door to find a handmaiden bowing.
“Good evening, Your Royal Highness, I’m here to help you get ready for the night.” She stares at her shoes, not meeting your eyes. You smile.
“Thank you, I’d be stuck in here all night if left to untie my corset alone.” You chuckle and watch her cheeks burn red. You stop, a pang of guilt flooding you for her nervousness. “What is your name?”
She looks up at you with wide eyes and mumbles, “Kang Seulgi.” You hum and take her hand, leading her to the closet.
“Well, Seulgi, if you wouldn’t mind helping me, I imagine we can both head to bed a little early tonight.” You smile as her fingers fly to your waist, unknotting the strings dangling off your corset. Within ten minutes, Seulgi helped you change into your nightdress, setting up your outfit for the morning.
“You don’t have to worry about that now. It’s late, you’ve done more than enough.” You pull the pins from your hair and massage your scalp as it falls from its coiled position around your neck. She bows once again before turning and rushing from the room.
When the door shuts, you smile, still playing with your hair as you move to the window. In the moonlight, you can see a large garden to the right of a courtyard. Pools of water reflect the sky from your vantage point, and you look toward a mass of hedges. In the darkness, you squint and see rows of the plants in various lines. The rows twist and seemingly have no order to their position, the depth of the green hedges roll further into the darkness.
“A maze?”
Another knock pulls your head back to the door. You quietly grimace, feeling the weight of your exhaustion. You drop your fingers from your hair and move across the room, thrusting the door open. Kyungsoo leans against the frame holding a small candle.
“Might I have a meeting with the Princess?” He whispers, softly smirking.
“Goodness, get in here already.” You swing the door wider for him to enter. Poking your head out to glance down the hall, you shut it, turning to find him sitting on your bed, setting the candle on the nightstand to his left. He offers you a small smile as you move closer.
“Someone is a little high-strung right now, isn’t she?” He smirks and looks around the room.
“Wouldn’t you be if you were marrying into this?” You sigh, flopping on the bed next to him. You lie back, closing your eyes and resting your hands on your stomach. Kyungsoo rubs his palm against the side of his neck as he leans down to you.
“Hm, no I think I’d be rather excited for a change of scenery.” He laughs as you push into his shoulder, a smile budding on your lips. “Well, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but our palace isn’t much different.”
Your eyes shoot open and you gasp at him – your faces only inches from each other.
“Do Kyungsoo, they have a maze! Mother would never allow something so grandeur at home.” You bite your lip and stifle a laugh. Kyungsoo chuckles, his eyes never leaving yours.
“Be that as it may, it’s not that bad, right?” He sighs, turning to stare at the high ceiling and allowing himself to lay flat on the bed. You look up too, turning your head closer to his shoulder.
“Do you wish we could go back home?” You bounce your feet against the cool floor. “What I would give to climb a tree right now.”
“Right now? This very second?” His quip is met with a soft push and a few bursts of giggles.
“I don’t know – maybe?” You interlock your fingers with his. “I don’t know anything about him. Things are going to be terribly different. I’m not ready for my life to change.” You meet Kyungsoo’s eyes and see an ocean of emotion float within them. You can’t name most of them.
“Change will be good. The Prince seems like a good man.” His voice strains for only a second, his fingers tightening around yours. “As evident by his actions already.”
“That was nice of him to offer you a meal,” you hum, running your thumb over his gently. “It’s not great that they don’t seem to do that regularly, though.”
“You’ll find happiness here.” He whispers, shifting his head closer to yours, ghosting a kiss into your hair. You close your eyes and sigh, the heaviness of sleep rushing over you.
“If only it were that easy.”
Kyungsoo stills for a moment before unclasping your fingers. You watch him sit upright and retrieve the candle. He pauses, holding it in his palm as he turns back to look you over. He knots his brow and exhales a deep sigh as he pats your knee twice before standing to move to the door.
“It will be.”