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Chapter Text

As the sun is getting closer and closer to setting, turning the mountain peaks crimson, the corset around Gahyeon of Lee Dynasty is getting tighter and tighter, marking the start of yet another social gathering where her parents will try to force a spark between her and not even remotely interesting suitors.

It’s always going through the same motions: smile politely, nod as they talk about their riches and reveal exactly nothing about their personality, and get reduced to a pretty little plaything when she is so much more than that.

Gahyeon believes she can lead her country. Marcuria might not be the biggest spot on the map but Gahyeon knows she can make it prosperous. Living peacefully, building her own legacy without wars unless extremely necessary and focusing on constant improvement of the lives of her citizens.

Her parents deem her romantic and unrealistic. Gahyeon gets slightly annoyed but hides it behind a polite smile.

That’s what irritates her the most. Constant smiling. Pretending you are completely satisfied with how things flow when they couldn’t be closer to a disaster. Tied hands, interwoven with blood bonds that run too deep.

Gahyeon is their precious little girl. The only one they didn’t lose during labor. Gahyeon used to feel appreciated but now it’s more of a burden. A lot of pressure to bring honor to the empire. The irritating thing is that she has to marry someone to do that. She can reign well enough on her own, she has read all the possible books she could find on politics but her parents still deem her unworthy.

You are fragile, Gahyeon. You won’t be able to handle it on your own, Gahyeon. You need someone strong beside you, Gahyeon.

Gahyeon knows she will be the strong one. And that realization makes her scream into the pillow because she can’t scream anywhere else. Ladies don’t do that. Etiquette and proper form might as well make her completely lose her mind.

That would be a fortunate outcome for all of those who want to see her fail.

She must not allow that to happen.

She put it quite plainly to her parents: she will not go for an arranged marriage. It has to be her heart’s calling. She was proving to her parents once again that she might not be built for the political games but she didn’t care.

If she is to be stuck with one person for the rest of her life, might as well be someone whose company she actually enjoys.

There is one problem though: all the princes from distant lands and local noblemen are not exactly the brightest folk. Sometimes the riches from infancy remove self-awareness entirely and replace it with constant urge to be entertained.

Gahyeon might as well become a circus clown to entertain them, then she’d finally have a chance to escape.

It’s not like she doesn’t like her parents. She used to be fond of them quite dearly.

But when you grow up and suddenly transform from a precious little girl into a potential offer they can trade, the fondness quickly turns into resentment.

She could’ve had it worse. She could’ve had no support at all. But having all the things you can imagine while being completely trapped in the inner workings of the royal world is not exactly as magical as the common folk imagines. Gahyeon hates herself for not wanting the life people would kill for, but she wants out. As quick as possible.

The way out presents itself in the most uncommon way imagined.

In the form of a prince that’s not actually a prince but might as well be better than any of the princes Gahyeon met in her lifetime. Or so she thought.

It starts off with yet another parade of moronic men. Gahyeon really tries not to be judgmental but she really does not give a damn about how many villages they plundered or how many horses they own. Besides that, the only interesting thing they have to offer is how comically they all look in bright purple costumes mixed with green. A ridiculous request Gahyeon made to make them look more like clowns and that made her smile in amusement throughout the whole greeting process.

Someone in the corner clearly missed the memo, adorned in black and red, making them stand out. Gahyeon can’t keep her eyes away from the stranger’s frame but gets distracted by the last suitor.

Kang Hyunggu really tries to present himself in the best way possible but he looks like he doesn’t want to be here even more than Gahyeon. That’s a first.

They exchange polite greetings and seem to use telepathy to communicate how much they hate arranged marriages. They even laugh at each other to make their parents take a step back and hope for a whirlwind of romance but the minute they are at a distance they can’t hear them anymore, Gahyeon hisses through gritted teeth and a pained smile:

— If they send me someone again I might as well just throw myself out of the balcony.

Hyunggu tries to stifle his laughs but it turns out very clumsily.

— Rapunzel style, I like it. I heard she’s doing well and thriving.

— Wish I had what she has, but alas…

— Speaking of balconies, the red suit went there I think.

Gahyeon pretends she doesn’t understand what he means. She fails miserably because now her gaze is constantly checking the direction the balconies are at.

— How do you know?

— Oh I’ve been observing you for a long time. End of the line and all that. It was pretty much clear you are not interested in the main event. I would know.

Gahyeon pretends to be scandalized.

— How preposterous, Hyunggu of Kang dynasty, implying I’m not at all interesting.

— It’s not that. My interest might lie… Elsewhere, -- he looks down bashfully and after a moment looks up in the direction of one of his guards. He’s much taller, frame seemingly fragile but still looking over them with visible concern.

It’s not that hard to put two and two together. Gahyeon chuckles.

— Then why are you still chatting up with me? Go tell your guard you broke your ankle after I kicked you in the shins or something.

— Same reason you’re still not at the balcony, I suppose.

— Right. I better check before it’s too late.

— Won’t be too optimistic. You know how we princes are.

— If only all of them were as delightful as you, Hyunggu, if only.

They bid farewell much to their parents' chagrin, and Gahyeon heads to the balconies.

She really despises the fact that she has to walk around in the most leisurely way possible because that’s what ladies do. Gahyeon would rather do what ladies don’t.

The cold air breaks Gahyeon out of the haze. It also makes her very much aware that she is on the balcony with a complete stranger.

They are not taller than her by a lot, though they did make sure to wear boots to make them seem taller. Moonlight highlights their caramel hair and the minute they turn around to greet her, a realization dawns on Gahyeon.

It’s not a prince. Not even a nobleman. But rather a girl unknown to her dressed as one. For the first time during these special gatherings Gahyeon feels excited.

The girl has delicate features and holds herself like she could be royalty but her wary gaze makes it obvious that she’s not. It softens immediately though when she sees Gahyeon. It shouldn’t make her heart flutter but it does. It’s a foreign feeling. Gahyeon is not used to feeling like that around people. Or maybe she was just hanging around the wrong ones.

— The princess herself. I’m flattered.

Rich lilt of her voice makes Gahyeon blush for some reason. Her timid reaction on her own makes the strange girl chuckle. It’s low and without any malice. She is genuinely amused.

This encounter reeks of red flags and possible dangerous repercussions. Gahyeon doesn’t care. If it makes her life even remotely more interesting than usual, so be it.

— How did you get in? This might be harsh but you don’t exactly look like the typical crowd.

— Let’s just say a certain prince would want to fix his carriage combined with his broken ribs in the process.

Gahyeon gasps scandalized this time completely genuinely, making the girl laugh. It’s still contained and flirtatious and Gahyeon hasn't met someone like that in her life. What else can you expect from life trapped in one chamber?

— He didn’t stand a chance anyway. You wouldn’t pick him. I did him a favor.

— Why are you here? To kidnap me?

Gahyeon is in her defensive stance all of a sudden making the girl laugh even more.

— I don’t fancy myself an injury from the countless guards. No, I’m just here… — she closes the gap between them to cup Gahyeon’s chin with her hand. It cools off the heat that spreads all over Gahyeon’s cheeks, — to see you.

Gahyeon holds her breath but the girl giggles to herself, dropping the act.

— And I just genuinely wanted to see what the fuss is all about and why they can’t find you a suitable prince. Then I looked at the candidates, and it all became clear… No one is remotely as good as me. It’s tragic really.

That makes Gahyeon scoff loudly. Great. Another overly confident one.

— And what makes you think you are worthy of my time?

That prompts yet another encounter that’s too close.

— Why, you standing awfully close to me and not moving of course.

She is truly insufferable. Gahyeon feels stupid for feeling intrigued.

She is about to ask her more questions but the bell inside signals that she should make yet another welcoming speech to the guests.

She narrows her eyes and looks over the unwanted guest’s frame once again. It’s really irritating that she might be the most attractive person she’s seen throughout tonight’s ordeal. And she is well aware of that, making Gahyeon’s blood boil.

— This is not over.

— Wouldn’t dream of it, my princess, — she even dares to curtsy and the fact that Gahyeon didn’t even have the time to ask her name irritates her.

Good thing she can recognize her anywhere in the room with that outfit.

The problem is, she completely disappears from sight after Gahyeon’s speech.

It’s not like Gahyeon gives up on finding her but when you look around all the main halls the purpose defeats itself. Unless she is somewhere she’s not supposed to be.

Gahyeon enters her room just to freshen up really and encounters her new acquaintance covered up in her jewelry, one knee on the floor, hands deep in the cabinet. She quickly looks up and pockets the rest as if she’s done nothing wrong.

Gahyeon feels her rage going into a boiling point. The one time she deemed a person interesting and they turned out to be a thief. How marvelous.

She doesn’t find anything better to do than start tossing everything right into the girl’s direction. The miscalculation though seems to be that she throws even more jewelry at her while she quickly catches it all and pockets even more stuff. How sturdy exactly are her pockets?

— You come into my castle and choose to steal from me? How dare you?!

— Princess, you seem like you might not need those by the way you’re throwing them right at me, why should we fuss so much…

— And if I call the guards?!

— Ah, I wouldn’t do that.

— Why not? You might as well deserve what’s coming for you.

— But then you will get rid of anything thrilling happening in your bleak life, princess.

That makes Gahyeon pause with a vase in her hand mid-throw. The endless suitors. No one to talk to. Not an ounce of excitement.

She gets distracted by her own thoughts clearly because now the girl is at her window, ready to jump, trusty rope in her hands.

— Wait!

The girl actually stops, which is completely irrational for a person in her position, but she doesn’t seem like a stickler for the rules.

— Can you at least tell me your name?

She flashes Gahyeon the most charming smile and Gahyeon has to try really hard to fight the urge of punching her in the face. She hasn’t trained her punches well enough anyway.

— You can call me Dami, princess. Until next time.

— What next time? Don’t you dare--

— You and I both know you will let me get away with it again, — she has the nerve to wink and disappear into the night right after.

Gahyeon watches her run away through the window and marvels at how fearless she is. She would love to be the same way.

The next day Gahyeon demands extra hours in training. If they are to meet again, might as well be physically prepared. And mentally too, for that matter.

Chapter Text

Life presents itself as a blank canvas when you don’t have an authority weighing on you. Though that concept is relative in Yubin’s case. No one knows her by that name anymore.

Yubin is soft, sensitive and gullible. Yubin will give you her last plush toy if you ask her nicely and clumsily will bake you cookies if you kindly smile at her. Yubin will believe your every promise and will make up excuses if you don’t keep them. Yubin will give you the world if you ask.

Dami doesn’t believe in that anymore. Years of abandonment and issues derived from it taught her that much. They taught her that the only person she can trust in this world is herself. This might sound hopeless and lonely, but Dami still has friends. They just don’t know that they can be expendable the minute a threat dawns upon her.

Yubin doesn’t like that. She thinks no one should be left behind and friendship is the most important thing in life when you have lost your family.

Dami scoffs and clenches her jaw while tending to her wounds because her family chose to abandon her, no excuses can be made this time. They won’t come back for her after all these years.

Dami hisses from slight pain because apparently jumping from the tower where the princess’s chambers are is not the smartest choice even if you have a safety net in the form of a rope.

That makes Dami think about the princess and she immediately brushes those thoughts off. That princess will get tired of her soon enough. She doesn’t need another heartbreak. Princess Han Dong has done enough damage already.

This makes Dami ponder about her life. How no one ever stays, takes all they can, and leaves her bare. Her soul wide open, her mind scattered.

That one time Dami thought she could be happy with her precious gentle princess, fate takes her away and weds her with a man. Nothing she can do. She’s still a nobody.

Thinking about the pink in her cheeks that complimented the pink in her dress makes Dami think too hard as she secures the bandage too tightly and hisses from pain even more.

— Didn’t know there were snakes in here, — Siyeon enters with a mischievous smile while Dami rolls her eyes at her remark.

In this current journey Siyeon might be the only one she trusts enough to let her share one bunk bed. They proved to each other through years that something truly despicable should happen for the both of them to completely abandon each other.

Maybe that thing about not needing anyone is a lie that Dami tries to tell herself.

— No snakes, just a very tired panda, — Dami says softly, as Siyeon rests her head on her shoulder. It’s always nice like this. Having someone you can be truly comfortable with even in silence. Though with Siyeon that silence is very often broken.

— You sure you wanna head to that palace again? You got plenty of fortune from your last conquest.

— Yes. I saw a very rare painting around the castle, and, well. I need to return something.

— Return? Since when does the notorious thief Dami do returns?

— There is this pendant… I feel like it might be important to the princess.

Siyeon sighs. She knows the tale of Han Dong all too well. Was the one to wipe away Dami’s tears after the inevitable heartbreak.

— You and your princesses…

— It’s not like that this time, I promise.

— Uh huh. Don’t come running to me because I told you so.

— You literally didn’t say anything, Siyeon.

— Well you probably heard my thoughts, so that counts.

Dami looks at her in disbelief as they laugh at how incredibly stupid that sounds.

At the back of her mind Dami understands that she might be going out of her way for this. There really is no need to go back. But something tugs her back in. And maybe she just wants to be a decent person for once. Well, relatively decent if you count all the committed theft out.

Lavish parties were never to Dami’s liking. She was never the one to fit in the sophisticated talks probably because she wasn’t exactly of royal blood. Or any kind of noble blood. Just an unwanted farmer’s daughter. She spent years questioning what she did wrong until she got tired of thinking. It doesn’t do her any good anyway.

The parties are a good training tool though. How much you can fool a person, how much lies can you get through. It’s also fun researching the targets she is going to be posing as.

Yeo Hwanwoong is not exactly of her build but he will do. He is also extremely gentle so a bit of scaring him off is just enough.

This time Dami was posing as a ghost, face painted white, dark circles around her eyes, dress ragged and stolen from a dumpster behind the clothing factory.

Hearing high-pitched screams was extremely amusing, and Dami tried her best not to laugh, focusing on her performance. She wants his soul. But most importantly, the luggage he left behind running in fear.

He has an emerald colored suit that will help her blend in in the royal gardens. Perfect.

In retrospect stealing a painting right in front of royals seems like a bizarre task. It gets easier when the painting is the size of a simple detective novel and can fit into the inside pocket of your suit. It’s not really the contents of the painting but by who it was made.

The princess herself. As much as any royal blood is to Dami’s distaste, princess Gahyeon’s admirers would pay a fortune to own something of hers if they can’t own her. That makes Dami chuckle because knowing the princess's feisty nature she will pretty much end up ruling on her own and Dami would love to see it. She would be glorious at it.

Dami shakes her head. Siyeon is right. She’s getting into dangerous waters she never wanted to go into in the first place. She might as well drown from overwhelming emotions.

At the end, no one really notices she stole anything. It’s a shame really. Sometimes Dami gets into showmanship, and wants everyone to know about this mischievous thing she’s done. From a logical standpoint, it’s good no one noticed. From an idiotic one, Dami would love to be watched.

And she eventually is. By the princess. From a distance of endless suitors once again. Dami decides to be cheeky this time and gets into the line. It is a masquerade after all, what’s the harm? She notices Gahyeon raising her eyebrow at the notion, making Dami chuckle.

It’s the same ordeal. Zero interest in the men in front of her, and Dami would be lying if she said it didn’t flatter her that Gahyeon was more focused on her. Probably because of all the theft but still. This cat and mouse game is exhilarating.

When it’s finally her turn, Dami picks her most charming smile but it doesn’t seem to work on Gahyeon. She’s frowning and watching her intently. It’s adorable.

— Why are you here? To steal again?

— Yes. Your heart.

Gahyeon shows visible distaste towards Dami’s cheesy line, making her laugh.

— Can you be serious for one second?

— Can you be less serious at all?

— I’m talking to a thief, give me one reason not to call the guards.

— I’d rather show it in the gardens.

She reads a slight interest in Gahyeon’s eyes even if she tries to mask it. She looks slightly annoyed that she is interested. Even more adorable.

— Is this some sort of ruse to get me alone and kill me?

— Princess, stop painting me as the villain, I would never cause you any harm. The only reason I would want to get you alone is…

— Yeah, okay, let’s go.

Dami sees the red in her cheeks and is incredibly amused.

— Princess, did I make you blush?

— Shut up and lead the way.

— Your wish is my command, Princess.

Gahyeon huffs in annoyance, making Dami laugh once more. Meanwhile the royal parents are quite appalled that a suitor lasted with their daughter longer than two minutes. Could it be the end of their suffering? If only they knew it was only the beginning.

When they are finally in the gardens Gahyeon surprises Dami by pinning her against a pillar. She’s not even hurt but her grip shows that she’s been practicing. Interesting.

— Been preparing for our next encounter I gather?

— I won’t let you get away this time.

— I wouldn’t be so sure, princess.

In one brief moment the tables have turned and now it’s Gahyeon hissing from pain because Dami is twisting her arm.

— See. We don’t have to make it harder for each other. I’m just here to talk, — Dami says while whispering in her ear and simultaneously letting go, — I’m here to return something of yours.

Dami dangles the pendant in front of the princess and she immediately grabs it. So she was right. It is important to her.

Gahyeon is clutching it to her chest now. For the first time in months it seems that Dami has done the right thing.

— I don’t understand. Did you come all the way here to return it?

— Yes, and no. Figured it might be important to you because of the inscription.

— It’s the only thing left from my grandmother…

— Ah, the queen. Forgive me for being blunt but she was a much better ruler than your parents.

— Yeah, everyone knows that.

Now it’s Dami’s turn to be scandalized.

— My-my, a princess with no regard for authority. I like it.

— Well, this princess still can lock you up.

— Hmm? What else can you do to me?

Gahyeon smacks her on the shoulder, barely holding back a smile as Dami laughs loudly.

— Oh what is that I see, princess? You’re amused by me?

— Yes. By how annoying you are.

— Sure-sure, if that’s the lie you want to tell yourself.

— Shame we have to part ways like this, prince Dami.

Dami hears approaching guards soon enough, and narrows her eyes at Gahyeon. Never trust anyone is still the golden rule to live by.

— Why are you doing this, princess? Spite?

— I still want to be a prime example of a ruler. That includes locking up ungrateful scum.

— Funny how this scum has done more to the community than the royals.

— What is that supposed to mean?

— You don’t think I just pocket all the stuff to myself, right? I give out to the poor any chance I get.

Gahyeon looks like she might be evaluating all her life choices right now. Dami doesn’t blame her.

Guards are almost at the spot they were hiding out at. All Dami does is shrug.

— It’s your loss, really. Until next time, princess.

— What? Stop saying that when…

Dami sets off a smoke bomb in motion, and now Gahyeon and the guards are coughing while the sliver of green is disappearing in the smoke.

When it all clears up, Gahyeon finds an orange rose in her hair. This annoys her even more. Why does Dami keep courting her even when she was about to lock her up?

Her maid shows up with a puzzled expression on her face.

— Forgive me, your highness, but that’s an amusing way of courtship you’re into.

Gahyeon sighs exasperatedly.

— Not now, Yoohyeon.

That night Dami traces her fingers against the frame of the painting and for the first time in her thieving career considers keeping a conquest to herself.

Chapter Text

Gahyeon is carefully stitching a rose onto a piece of embroidery, eyes focused, no foreign thoughts in her mind. No one is talking about the rose today being orange and peculiarly reminiscent of a recent encounter. Maid Yoohyeon might chuckle to herself but immediately regains her composure when Gahyeon glares at her.

After the incident in the gardens her parents tightened the security to prevent unwanted intruders. They were fussing over her so much, Gahyeon regretted ever letting them know. Though you’d have to be pretty oblivious not to notice a horde of guards headed in one direction, and much to Gahyeon’s chagrin they were at least a bit observant.

Not observant enough to notice their daughter is losing her will to live in the boredom of one castle, surrounded by the same people and suitors whose faces she won’t recognize the next day.

Gahyeon hates to admit it, but Dami was right. Without her presence, castle life became mundane again. She equally hates the notion that she needs the presence of someone else to truly feel something. She would love to have fun on her own but there is so much fun you can have when you are trapped.

Gahyeon avoids all the gateways of thinking about Dami. She has to erase her from her memories now that they don’t have a way of interacting anymore.

One soiree after the other, less and less suitors, parents getting concerned that their daughter will never find anyone and Gahyeon keeping her mouth shut but wanting to say nothing more than the fact that she doesn’t need anyone. She can rule on her own. Why is this concept so hard to believe in?

Eventually Gahyeon gets burdened by her thoughts so much, she recklessly prickles her finger and a drop of blood tints her embroidery red.

Maid Yoohyeon gasps more than Gahyeon does, and immediately is there to her aid, bandaging her finger.

— I’m not a little kid, Yoohyeon. I can do it on my own.

— I know. But I also know Their Majesties won’t appreciate me slacking on the job.

— I’m really sorry you have to be here like this.

Yoohyeon smiles softly. She was the daughter of the chef, and when she unfortunately died from an illness still new to the world, Gahyeon’s parents decided to hire her as a maid.

Gahyeon and Yoohyeon used to excitedly chat about their future. How Gahyeon wanted to single-handedly conquer the world, and Yoohyeon wanted to be a famous opera singer. Even got lessons to do so.

But now years have passed and they are both trapped in a castle. Escaping Rapunzel style seems more and more appealing.

Yoohyeon is incredibly forgiving and actually thanks the King and Queen for their hospitality. Gahyeon wants to set her free one day, once she has the power, but Yoohyeon doesn’t seem to mind. Says it’s more stable than the arts.

Gahyeon dislikes this reality even more for stifling her fire.

— Gahyeon, we’ve talked about this. It’s alright. We all have to do what we can. No reason for sulking.

— Aren’t you bored?

— How can I be bored when my princess is constantly finding new ways of endangering herself.

Gahyeon smacks her on the shoulder with a free hand, which in turn makes Yoohyeon wince while she still bandages the wound making room for more pain for Gahyeon.

Gahyeon doesn’t have time to stop herself from exclaiming loudly, making Yoohyeon laugh louder than it’s usually allowed in these rooms.

— Instant karma, Your Highness.

— Ah, get out of here. I don’t need more nuisances today.

— You seem awfully irritated without your prince, Gahyeon.

— What prince?

— You know, the one with the flowers and stealing, and the charm, and mischievous sparkling eyes.

— Wish I never told you anything after drinking wine.

Yoohyeon chuckles once more. It is refreshing for her to see Gahyeon actually invested in someone. Even if she actively tries to deny it.

— Come on, Gahyeonie, it’s okay to admit having a crush.

— I do not have a crush! She is annoying. And stole from me. Repeatedly!

— Yet you keep thinking about her.

— Who told you I am?

— Well, that orange rose you’re stitching for starters.

Gahyeon looks at her embroidery helplessly pouting. It looks even more poetic now with her blood on it. The orange rose might mean desire and passion but with added splashes of red it also signifies danger. A fair warning. Gahyeon will never be truly safe in her presence.

— The lady doth meditate on a rose too much, methinks.

— Ah, get out of here already, I want to be alone.

Yoohyeon looks like she wants to say something but bites her tongue. She knows better than to try to get on the princess's nerves.

Gahyeon looks at embroidery once more and gets so annoyed with it, she chucks it into trash. Out of sight, out of mind would be a true statement if it didn’t make her think about the last encounter even more.

Dami intrigues her. They met twice but the way the chase never ends and she can never capture her riles her up. She wants to get to know her more and have an actual conversation instead of constant deflections and incessant flirting. She’s not sure Dami is at a stage of letting her in though.

And will she ever be, considering now the opportunities for an encounter are close to non-existent?

That night Gahyeon wishes on the stars to be free from her spacious prison, and somehow it works.

It’s a temporary solution but the Kang family is having a soiree of their own. Gahyeon makes the best out of her acting skills and convinces her parents that she is driven by her wish to see Hyunggu but in reality she just wants an out. A change of setting. And Hyunggu is the only one she can tolerate for more than a minute of greetings.

The theme of the ball is “Magic of the Night”, meaning everyone should be in shades of blue. Gahyeon picks out the baby blue dress she wanted to try on for the longest time.

It might be the high of excitement, but even the preparations don’t seem like a tired routine today. She’s giggling and being extra playful with Yoohyeon, and Yoohyeon is glad to see that development. The princess, and more importantly, her friend, deserves to enjoy herself once in a while.

— I wish you could come, Yoohyeon. I would trade you for any of those boring guards coming with me, — Gahyeon is pouting again, making Yoohyeon smile. She will never get rid of the urge to protect the princess however she can.

— Stop thinking about others and have fun for once, Gahyeonie. You will let me know what happened later.

And do just that she will.

It’s easy to interact with Hyunggu because he seems to be not even remotely interested in getting closer to Gahyeon. It makes the conversation flow easier, and Gahyeon doesn’t realize half of the evening is already gone and that makes her frown.

Seeing Hyunggu’s interested look, she shakes her head.

— It’s nothing. I just don’t want this night to end.

— Princess, didn’t know you enjoy my company that much.

— I really hate to break it to you, but it’s not about you.

— I’ve figured that much. Considering your prince is somewhere there, lurking in the background once again.

— What? Where?

Gahyeon immediately looks anywhere but at Hyunggu. She suddenly feels eyes on her. At the corner of the room, here she is, suited up in dark blues, looking at Gahyeon intently. When their eyes meet, she smirks once again, pleased with herself, disappearing into the terrace.

— If you’ll excuse me…

— By all means, I won’t stop you, — Hyunggu graces her with a kind smile and Gahyeon thinks she might find a dear friend in him. For once something good came out of endless pursuit after the suitors.

Gahyeon finds Dami sitting on the bench, fiddling with a pen in her hands. The pen seems to be adorned in gold and definitely doesn’t belong to her. Gahyeon rolls her eyes.

— Can’t spend one day without stealing?

— Well, I for sure don’t come to these parties to have fun. What fun can there be when there are people already on the lookout for me.

— Aw, sorry for making your life harder, but I’m also not sorry because you keep leading this life.

— I don’t lead it out of pure boredom, don’t you think? — Dami’s gaze suddenly hardens, and Gahyeon feels bad. She has no idea about her circumstances and, cocky attitude aside, Dami doesn’t seem so bad.

Gahyeon feels the sudden urge to change the topic.

— So, steal anything good yet?

— Oh, plenty. But you don’t have to know about it, Princess.

— Maybe I want to know.

— Why? So you could snitch on me to everyone?

— Maybe I want to get to know you.

That makes Dami look her in the eyes. She tries to read dishonesty in Gahyeon’s eyes but doesn’t find any. That makes her frown.

— Why would you want to do that, Princess?

— You seem… interesting. And your enigmatic persona surely doesn’t help.

That makes Dami laugh. It’s a hearty one, and makes Gahyeon’s insides flutter. She tries to act nonchalantly about her body’s response to this.

— Enigmatic. That’s a first. What else do I seem like to you?

She gets closer to Gahyeon, eyes shining with mischief. Flirty banter again. This won’t go anywhere unless Gahyeon uses Dami’s tactics against her.

— You seem genuine. Which I missed after all the parties. Well, if we exclude your masterful deflection. You also seem kind. No one vile will consider giving out riches to others, instead of pocketing everything to themselves. And it’s annoying to admit, but you are funny. Your sense of humor irritates me very often, but I can live with that.

Dami is clearly taken aback, smile dropping. She lazily observes Gahyeon’s features with a special kind of tenderness that makes Gahyeon blush slightly, but it’s thankfully concealed by the moonlight. Gahyeon notices Dami’s gaze quickly dropping to her lips, but this observation is interrupted by Dami suddenly standing up and offering her hand.

— Princess, care to dance?

— There is no music, Dami.

— I beg to differ.

She signals with her head in the direction of the halls. The sound is very dim, but it will do.

Gahyeon takes her hand, and Dami leads the dance with confidence. Even twirls Gahyeon a couple of times, making her laugh, and they end up standing too close, the proximity amplified by the embrace.

Dami is smiling at her softly, and Gahyeon feels like any cliche in romance books she read. For the first time she feels truly seen and appreciated, and it suddenly makes her sad because in this reality there is no way they can make it work. It’s not like Dami would agree to be her maid with her love for nonconformity.

They get too caught up in the moment, and Dami seems to sense that, coughing awkwardly and putting a bit of a distance between them.

She looks in the direction of the halls, and suddenly takes Gahyeon’s hand in hers again.

— Always a pleasure to see you, Princess.

She kisses her hand tenderly, eyes fixated on hers, making Gahyeon’s breath hitch. She might be falling too deep but it’s not like she can control any of this. Heart is always foolish in comparison to the mind.

Dami bows before her and disappears into the night once again.

After a moment, Gahyeon finds herself nervously clutching her wrist and then realizing: Dami stole her diamond bracelet.

That makes her curse loudly into the night, all the ladylike manners be damned, and now she’s left with a confusing mix of anger and fondness. She is truly becoming a hopeless case and doesn’t know how to handle her feelings.

Now she definitely has too much to talk about with Yoohyeon, preferably for the whole remainder of the night.

If only she knew Dami was restless that night too, fiddling with a bracelet on her wrist, fond smile on her face as she takes out her long-forgotten notebook. It's once again the season for unreasonably sappy poetry.

Chapter Text

It starts unexpectedly. Like anything involving Dami, really.

Gahyeon is in the middle of a cartography lesson that she arranged without her parents knowing. Well, not exactly arranged. She nagged her tutor Kim Bora endlessly until she caved in and started showing her the basics, teaching about the world as well as the resources that can be exchanged with other countries.

It’s fascinating. Gahyeon thinks bitterly that if she were a man those lessons would come to her without asking. But being a woman in a strictly patriarchal kingdom, you have to use your teeth and claw your way to greatness. Like her grandmother did.

Everyone loved the queen but never dared to cross her. Everyone knew better than that. Queen Doona was known for being sensible but never too merciful. If you cross her — you regret it.

Gahyeon would love to reach the same heights.

But right now she seems to struggle with heaps of information coming her way. She might’ve taken too much in her pursuit to get where she wants to be.

They hear a tentative knock on the door and Kim Bora seems to take it as an opportunity to take a break. Gahyeon tries to protest but a pointed look from her tutor silences her immediately.

Yoohyeon comes in and looks between them as if she’s sitting on the juiciest piece of information but can’t reveal anything in front of Bora.

Bora is good at reading people. Always can detect Gahyeon’s lies whenever she is trying to get out of additional homework. Always knows when Gahyeon knows the answer but decides to cheat sneakily. Now she definitely senses the tension in the room, and that makes her roll her eyes.

— Whatever. I’ll leave you two to the secrets you are so insistent on keeping. Gahyeon, I gave you plenty of information today, make sure to know it in detail at our next meeting.

— Unnie, that’s too much!..

— You asked for express courses, do not make me repeat myself next lesson, — She looks Gahyeon in the eyes, making sure she sees that she means every word.

Gahyeon nods meekly. That makes Bora soften a bit. She never means to be too hard on her, she just tries to prepare the princess for the harsh world. She ruffles her hair a bit, laughing light-heartedly and making Gahyeon whine (she’s been working on that hairstyle for hours).

— There-there. You can do it, Your Highness. I believe in you.

— Thank you, unnie…

Bora leaves, and Gahyeon looks at Yoohyeon in question.

Yoohyeon simply shoves a letter into Gahyeon’s hands, a cheeky smile on her face.

— It’s from your prince, — Yoohyeon winks, and Gahyeon would cringe at how cheesy she acts, but right now she has a more important matter on her hands — the letter and her increasing heart rate.

— How did it get here?

— Your prince knows ways around the castle. The baker somehow got it through the mail. Must be good friends.

Gahyeon traces the seal on the letter. It must be handmade, and a certain someone carved little smiling pandas on it. That makes Gahyeon smile like a fool, but she immediately stops when she feels Yoohyeon’s eyes on her.

Yoohyeon looks so smug, Gahyeon barely holds back from smacking her.

— Aish, get out of here, I need a moment alone.

— To longingly stare at your prince’s handwriting?

— Yoohyeon-ah! — Gahyeon starts to breathe quite aggressively, almost heaving, making Yoohyeon laugh as she bids farewell.

Gahyeon delicately places the letter on the table and makes sure not to break the seal too much. And if she does that to keep it, she will take no judgment at all.

The handwriting inside is neat. Legible enough but still with enough flair and gets a bit messy when Dami gets seemingly excited about what she’s talking about. Gahyeon finds it endearing. Then immediately tries to shake it off because Dami still stole from her. And in heaps.

Greetings, Princess.

I would love to say how utterly sorry I am for fleeing the scene like that and taking your bracelet no less but I would be lying. I am not sorry at all. And can you blame me for wanting something to remember you by? This sounds extremely dramatic, but we might not meet for another couple of months. Not out of my lack of trying but rather… a series of circumstances.

I am leaving Marcuria soon. This is not final but I wanted a change of pace. I must admit, your treasures provided me with needed resources to afford a trip to the Alais Island. I heard the sun there shines brighter than here, and the wooden creatures, Stickmen, protecting it, are truly adorable. Just like you when you get angry at me.

I’ll make sure to bring you a trinket or two. Who knows, maybe something reminds me of you? You have lovely features, I’m sure I can find a flower that resembles you and preserve it for you in the heaps of books I’m taking with me. Will make a lovely herbarium. My partner in crime curses me for taking too much but what else will I do on a boat to the islands?

I’m attaching the address of my approximate location if you ever want to reply. No need if you don’t want to, I will understand.

Hope you’re having a lovely day, Princess.

Gahyeon positively doesn’t understand why she is bright red after reading the letter. And why she rereads a couple more times. But she immediately scrambles after ink and a pen to write an answer hastily.

Dami is lounging on a terrace of a rented lodge she shares with Siyeon when a letter drops on her lap.

Siyeon is looking at her with crossed arms, her look stern. Though she doesn’t look threatening enough in her summer shirt and a straw hat with dancing palm trees on top of it.

— Who said you can snitch on our location to the royals?

— Relax. Gahyeon won’t do anything.

— And you have such great trust in her, why, exactly?

— Well, do you see royal guards around us?

A retort dies on Siyeon’s lips as she huffs in annoyance, making Dami chuckle.

— I’m going to take a nap, swimming in the sun drained all my energy.

— Take care, Singnie. Don’t hallucinate about riches too much, — if Siyeon had a pillow by her side it would fly in Dami’s direction.

Dami opens up a letter to find hasty scrawlings that might be fueled up by Gahyeon’s fiery temper. The opening to the letter makes her laugh but not too loudly in case Siyeon wakes up.

Greetings Asshole,

I wouldn’t believe your apologies anyway because I can see your smug face as you were writing this letter. Glad I provided your vacation, hope you get sunburnt and bugs are crawling on your bed.

Alais does seem nice… I have heard about it but never been. Wish you could capture it for me because I have no idea when I actually get to see it in person. I feel so trapped here sometimes, wish I could have more freedom in my actions…

Hope you’re having fun on the money that belongs to ME. Also, why would you keep my bracelet? Do you like me too much or something? Well I don’t! And I’m replying to you just so you won’t have the last word!

And making herbarium flowers… That sounds very sweet, thank you… My favorite ones are lilacs! I don’t know if you can find them there, if not, I will take anything really. Yes, I am that desperate, don’t you dare tease me.

And what exactly makes you think I won’t send my guards to hunt you down to the location exactly?

Sincerely not yours,
Princess Gahyeon.

Dami admits to herself that the letter is the most amusing thing that happened to her today and she swam with tiny little crabs in the morning. She sneaks into the room to get some parchment and starts on the reply.

The response gets to Gahyeon months later. She already burned out waiting and even convinced herself that Dami is not that interested in her anymore.

She is in the middle of War History class and she almost pokes her eyes out at how boring it is. It is mostly men picking unreasonable fights and Gahyeon tries listening only for Bora’s sake. She prepared a colorful presentation, even drew some illustrations. That’s some dedication that is wasted in the confinement of one castle. That makes Gahyeon slightly sad. Most women here are trapped in circumstances.

Yoohyeon’s knock is now a rescue from mundane life, and even if Bora tries to be stern, her heart swells at the sight of Gahyeon looking excited. She feels sympathy for the Princess. She works too hard for something that should come to her easier.

This time the letter feels heavier. Gahyeon is thrumming with anticipation of possible gifts.

In-between a neatly packaged postcard with a drawn picture of Alais here they lie, lilacs picked from one of the fields there. Dami also made sure to include unique flowers that can be only found on the island, Gahyeon doesn’t even know their names. But it’s a colorful selection of oranges, blues and yellows. Gahyeon stares at them fondly, until suddenly she remembers that she still has a letter to read.

Greetings Sunshine Princess,

I know for sure you won’t be able to sneak your guards to me because by the time you send them in I will be out of here. It’s been a nice vacation. I even got tanned a bit! Never could happen in our gloomy kingdom with constant rainy seasons.

Hope you like the flower arrangement I compiled. The picture on the card, drawn by yours truly, is my favorite spot on the island. You get to relax here and get into engaging talks with one of the Stickmen, Woody. He claims he is not the smartest but I feel like he is downplaying his intelligence. He even writes a book on flora and fauna of the island, can you imagine? He might be smarter than all of us combined.

I think you will like it here. Maybe one day you get to experience it yourself, there is always hope. Can’t wait to see you again.

Until next time,
Dami.

Gahyeon looks at the picture once again. Of course Dami had to be pretentious and copy Monet’s style in her depiction of the island. It looks magical. And if Gahyeon frames the picture to put it on her bedside table, no one says a thing. They only exchange curious glances.

Their letters go on for months. It’s safer that way. That does make Gahyeon long for seeing Dami again but she has no idea how that can be arranged. She even curses herself for putting her on high alert with her parents, but she did have other thoughts in mind when she did it. Now they both have to suffer. At least, Gahyeon likes to think that Dami suffers along with her.

When Dami receives a letter months into their endeavor, something about this letter seems off. Gahyeon never takes so long to answer, and when she opens it, it’s written hurriedly like Gahyeon is afraid she won’t be able to say anything. The contents make her heart drop.

Greetings False Prince,

I wish I could tell you all of this in person but I fear there won’t be time. My father has fallen quite ill and my mother doesn’t want to go on ruling without him. If she abdicates, this means the kingdom is in need of a ruler. They don’t want to appoint me, so I have to take this measure in order to preserve the kingdom: I have to marry Kang Hyunggu.

It’s rushed but he’s the only one I can trust and who I know for sure is not interested in me. It’s a business transaction after all. I hope one day we can all be free and do whatever we truly desire.

I still hope to see you one day, my Prince,
Sincerely Yours,
Princess Gahyeon.

Dami wonders why there are no tears left in her. She can’t relive the same experience all over again. So she will do her best to forget that love exists.

The day of Hyunggu’s arrival at the castle Gahyeon finds herself restless. Dami hasn’t replied to her ever since and that tortures her. She has no idea what’s going on in her mind but it’s not like Dami will let her know.

Gahyeon feels rejected by the deafening silence and wishes she could overthrow all the society’s norms and finally find her happiness. Even if her happiness is with someone who annoys her on a daily basis if they try hard enough.

Hyunggu arrives, his face painted with concern. He knows well enough the struggles Gahyeon faces and he has similar ones of his own. He nods politely at her when they meet, his entourage seems endless, but he does come from the richest family of noblemen in the kingdom.

They can make it work. It will be a functional partnership.

He suddenly lowers his voice, his smile secretive as he gets a bit closer to Gahyeon.

— Princess, I might’ve brought a present for you.

— I’m really sorry, Hyunggu, but I don’t think any trinket in the world can cheer me up right now.

— It’s not really a trinket. But rather a person. I found you a candidate to be your Favourite.

Gahyeon looks at him puzzled, as Hyunggu chuckles to himself.

— See for yourself.

Adorned in violet hues of Hyunggu’s entourage, here she is, dressed yet in another suit.

She looks at Gahyeon in amusement, as she gracefully bows, and says her greetings:

— Pleasure to serve you, Your Highness. I’m Lee Yubin.

For the first time in her life, Gahyeon cannot find anything worthy to say. Dami seems to be disarming her every time they meet.

Chapter Text

It could be the least of her concerns but Gahyeon finds herself fixating on the fact that Dami, or dare she call her Yubin now, looks different. Nothing drastic, she even kept her hair the same length, only now it’s black. Probably closer to her natural hair color, which makes Gahyeon wonder which fairy lotion she’s been using for it.

Her actual thoughts should be occupied with how to get out of this predicament and how to make sure her parents do not connect the dots and realize it’s the same prince but her features seem softer. Less burdened with heavy thoughts.

But instead they are staring at each other. For what seems to be hours but it's mere minutes.

Gahyeon – in total confusion, Yubin – so smug she could’ve founded her own dynasty here on the spot.

Gahyeon’s parents are gushing over how considerate Hyunggu is and completely miss the point where the tension between Gahyeon and appointed Favourite becomes unbearable.

So they talk about their important matters in the private of Gahyeon’s chambers. It’s ironic, considering last time they had an encounter here, Gahyeon almost knocked Yubin down with a vase.

It’s all quite simple. Yubin got tired of letting fate decide for her. She can yield her own, no matter what everyone else says. A ballsy move but she was willing to take it. Might be too sappy for Dami but that’s when Yubinnie stepped in.

Yubinnie who longs for a connection. Someone to share concerns with without a fear of being judged. She had a similar kinship with Siyeon but they still kept some parts of each other private. Some parts that are too vulnerable to talk about out loud.

It was easier through letters. They got to let the most wild thoughts roam across the page and realized how similar they are. Trapped in a cycle, no possible way out other than living through it and managing the struggles to their best abilities.

They both believe in making the world around them better. Yubin’s methods are quite unorthodox but she still makes it work. Together they could come up with the best decisions for the kingdom.

They have quite similar senses of humor too. Quite snappy and sarcastic but they play off each other well. Yubin would find herself giggling to one of the letters, until she meets Siyeon’s pointed stare.

Dami knew from the start, this pursuit was pointless, have fun while you can. Yubin chose to have hope.

Hyunggu didn’t seem like a person that needed threats to be persuaded. Even recognized Yubin, assured that the last thing he wanted to do is to step on someone’s toes. He really did seem like a good option.

Still. It gets Yubin to the point of insanity how life is most of the times unfair when you try your best.

Hyunggu’s plan seemed like a plausible enough option.

Gahyeon listens to the story, reacting to details with exclamations and comical facial expressions that make Yubin giggle giddily.

It’s odd to see Yubin out of her usual Dami bravado, but it’s quite endearing. Makes Gahyeon’s heart warmer that she has this effect on the suave false prince.

She looks at her in the softest manner she can muster and Yubin stops her storytelling time abruptly.

– Why are you looking at me like that?

– Because you are very cute.

That makes Yubin pout as she grumbles a denial about the statement, not intentionally proving that she is exactly what it said.

Gahyeon laughs light-heartedly and suddenly Yubin watches her attentively with a small smile, and now it’s Gahyeon’s turn to blush.

Yubin giggles in victory, and they are interrupted by Yoohyeon.

She peeks inside warily and seems to look relieved when she sees them at a respectable distance from each other.

– Thank god you are both useless, I was afraid of walking in on something I never wanted to see.

– Hey!!! – Gahyeon is reeling, meanwhile Yubin smiles cheekily at Yoohyeon.

– Thank you for keeping my letters safe, maid Yoohyeon.

– Of course. Anything to set up a love life for my bestie. Anyways, I’m here to announce that you are needed downstairs to go over the marriage agreement.

– Does this have to happen today? – Gahyeon whines and looks at Yubin. She doesn’t want to leave her, not after weeks of silence.

– It’s okay, Princess. I’ll test out the bed in the meantime. Never had such glorious mattresses in my life.

She plops down and hugs a pillow as if she is used to the luxuries from her childhood. Gahyeon will admit it, even if it’s just to herself, but she can get used to Yubin constantly being present in her life.

She still slaps Yubin on the knee as she acts too frivolously but Yubin doesn’t even flinch. Gahyeon scoffs but pretending to be mad at Yubin gets harder with every passing second.

– I’ll be there in a minute, Yoohyeon.

Yoohyeon nods and adds a conspiring wink making Gahyeon roll her eyes.

Yubin is lying with her eyes closed now, so Gahyeon finds herself asking tentatively as if she’s not supposed to rule over Yubin now:

– Yubin?

– Mmhm? – she sounds coherent but still refuses to open her eyes. Yet Gahyeon still needs to know.

– Are you sure you want to stay here? It’s pretty isolated…

That makes Yubin look up. She’s watching over Gahyeon’s features now as if she wants to memorize every detail. Gahyeon tries her best not to be shaken up by that.

– Well… if you let me sneak off a night or two…

– Yubin. No more stealing.

Yubin pouts once again. Gahyeon starts to suspect it has a disarming effect on someone else in Yubin’s life. Gahyeon is actively learning to adapt to her charms.

– But… I’m so good at it, – she adds a tentative touch of her palm against Gahyeon’s arm making Gahyeon laugh (and if it’s out of panic everyone in the room pretends it’s not). – I can steal anything you want for you.

– Yubin, we can buy it.

– Buying is no fun. Stealing from the rich is much more satisfactory.

– Yet now you’re working for the rich.

– Can’t bend the system, learn to twist it in your favor?

– This doesn’t make any sense.

– You don’t make any sense.

– You are much more childish than I thought.

– And you are still prudish but no one is surprised, really.

– Oh yeah?

– Yeah?.. – Yubin seems to be unsure of where this is going, and to be frank, neither does Gahyeon, but the next moment she grabs her by the lapels of her suit jacket and kisses her.

It’s very short because Gahyeon’s brain has a much better stop system than Yubin’s, apparently, who was ready to go all in, and now Gahyeon is staring at her in fear, and Yubin seems to be pondering.

Pondering on barely anything of value because next thing that comes out of her mouth is:

– Hm. Nice. Do it more.

– That was improper, I won’t.

– Do you want me to...

– No!!! – Gahyeon is quick to protest and then adds weakly, – maybe later…

That makes Yubin snicker. She’s still insufferable. Gahyeon doesn’t seem to mind. But she still has to go down to that meeting, they took way too long.

Gahyeon comes back to a soundly sleeping Yubin, buried under all the covers, murmuring nonsense in her sleep. Gahyeon doesn’t have the heart to wake her up. In the morning she gets rewarded with soft kisses pressed to her shoulder making her giggle. Being this stupidly in love might be very dangerous to her heart but not when the master thief manages to steal it.

On the wedding day, Yubin is dressed in pastel pinks as the rest of the entourage is.

When Yubin sees Gahyeon walking down the altar, she tries her best to maintain her composure even though she feels choked up from her beauty.

Gahyeon is dressed in vibrant pink, and all eyes are on her not only because she is the main event today but because she deserves it. She’s radiant, while a whole world illuminated by kindness reflects in her eyes. She smiles softly at Hyunggu, making Yubin long to be in his place.

But then Gahyeon shoots a secretive smile her way, and Yubin seems to feel fine. They will be alright, won’t they?

Especially when Gahyeon gives in and eventually lets Yubin pull pranks on the most accredited rich people in the kingdom in the favor of the poor.

Hyunggu doesn’t tell it to his parents but soon enough he announces his desire to abdicate. He never wanted the power but truly believed it belonged to Gahyeon.

Sky's the limit for Gahyeon now, she has so many plans and so many tactics she went through with Kim Bora, that makes her tutor look at her proudly.

Yubin gets promoted from a trickster favourite to an international diplomat. She’s good at charming people after all. And if accidentally Gahyeon finds a ruby necklace of Duchess of the North on her nightstand after a fruitful political debate, no one will bat an eye.

Much needed balance can be acquired in Marcuria after all.