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Chapter Text

“Jimin, will you please stop being stubborn and get ready?” Her mother followed her around as the raven paced around in frustration.

The only thing that seemed to keep Jimin sane was the slight rustling that came from the trees around her. Dependency on calming atmosphere became such a norm for the raven at a young age. The dependence has only increased tremendously now.

Pretentiously, the raven lifted her dress and squeezed her eyes shut as she turned around. “How am I not supposed to be stubborn and anxious when I could be meeting the one I could be marrying soon?” She tried not to raise her voice but she was very agitated at the sudden message she had received earlier.

She didn’t want to remember the said message.

Her mother approached her and cupped her cheeks to which Jimin responded to by instantly melting into her touch, suddenly feeling her anger suddenly wash away. “You do not have to choose today, or anytime soon. Maybe, just try to have a little chat? It is only a small party.” Her mother explained to her calmly, subtle fingers brushing in between black strands of hair.

Letting out a sigh, Jimin slouched her shoulders. “You know I’ll have to spend the whole time forcing back disgusted and unamused expressions at the many men who’ll try to entertain me, right?” Her voice followed with a tint of whining.

Her mother chuckled, lowering her hands to squeeze the raven’s hand gently. “You will have Inhyuk and Eric near if anyone causes any trouble. You know how your brothers are when it comes to these ‘things.’ Now, make haste, I have been chasing you all over the courtyard. We need to get ready.” The woman turned her daughter around in a quick one hundred and eighty degree motion.

Jimin only shook her head reluctantly as her mother tugged her toward back from where they came from.

-

In the car, Jimin sat across from her parents with her siblings beside her. It was a quiet and comfortable drive, although, the princess still felt off. She still wonder why she had to go to some party in the middle of the day.

Terribly enough, it was very warm and Jimin was dressed in thick clothing as it was usually the attire for garden parties. Everyone had to be dressed appropriately. Jimin wondered why they just couldn’t have picked a slightly cooler day.

Her parents were oddly looking at her, occasionally whispering to eachother. Jimin was made anomalous due to the action as she knew it couldn’t have possibly been anything good. Whether or not it was good or bad, her parents would’ve told her by now, wouldn’t they? The raven shoved away the uneasy feeling in her stomach as the car turned sharply.

When the raven looked out the window, she noticed they were approaching a huge structure that seemed too much like a palace. Her head jerked toward her parents.

“Who is hosting this party?” Jimin suddenly asked, looking between her parents. Her parents only smiled awkwardly at her.

Jimin pressed her lips together, glaring at her parents with a sharp pointed look. She sucked in a breath and faced the window. “Turn this car around.” She deadpanned suddenly.

She didn’t mean to sound petty, but at this point, she felt as if her parents were making a fool of her They knew she was intelligent and that a random occurrence like this wouldn’t go unnoticed. Jimin understood and knew that. The whole occurrence became too apprehensive.

Jimin’s mother reached toward her to grab her hands. “Darling, please just stay put.” She pleaded as she lowered her eyes toward her daughter’s hands.

Something else that threw the raven off even more was the silence she was accustomed to, even with her brothers in the car. They were usually rowdy, talkative and loud. Now, they had not uttered yet a single word since the beginning of the drive.

Her dear brothers, they could not have made things any obvious. Jimin could even feel their tense shoulders against her own. They coursed with secrets, ones that made the two more aware that their sister would have easily found out. They never hid anything from their sister, for they adored her more than anything, even if they didn’t show it.

Disappointment may have been an understatement, howbeit, she’d never let it ruined her day. The raven only leaned her head back and took a deep breath. She imagined that it was going to be quite a long day.

She quickly lifted her head again when the car had come to a complete stop in front of the large estate. They exited the car one by one, one of the raven’s brothers helping her down. She folded her hands as she looked at the surroundings around her.

There were many other families walking toward the entrance of the unfamiliar building Jimin was also walking to. Certainly, Jimin underestimated the size of this garden party. She also couldn’t put a finger on why the structure looked so familiar.

She began walking toward the entrance, seamlessly putting on her warm smile. The smile had been accustomed to situations like this. To use it was always so draining but she knew she was going to keep it on for a long while.

They settled in the huge garden area, Jimin fixing her hat and sighing at the amount of people approaching the area. She faced her older brother, wrapping her arms around his own. She had to pull on her adorable wide eyes to get him to answer her important question.

“Inhyuk, you don’t happened to know who’s garden party this is, right?” She let her eyes wander cluelessly, occasionally looking at the man for answers.

Her brother cleared his throat before shaking his head. “Unfortunately, I do not, sister.” Inhyuk remained looking forward, not sparing his sister a glance.

Jimin shut her eyes closed in frustration before switching to the side her father resided on. “Father-” Before she could ask the question, her father shook his head.

Jimin groaned lowly in disappointment. She crossed her arms as she began walking away from her family and toward wherever her feet would lead her. If no one wanted to tell her who was hosting an enormous garden party, she was going to find out herself.

Well, after taking a short break on a nearby bench. She hadn’t realized how far away she had actually stormed off before she found herself in an even more unfamiliar setting. A secluded area with a small pond.

The raven folded her hands, looking at the birds that were at a distance from her. She was afraid of them but since they were at a reasonable distance beside her, she thought nothing of it. “I do not even know what we are doing here. Nobody wants to tell me who’s garden party this is and I have to spend hours in the sun faking smiles at people I do not even know.” Jimin frowned, exaggerating her sigh.

After a moment of sitting in silence and watching the birds chirp at eachother as they looked for food, Jimin heard footsteps. But she decided not the pay any mind to whoever might have been, knowing that it could’ve been one of her family members coming to drag her back to a snobby party.

“Are you….. talking to the birds?” A unfamiliar voice asked in disbelief.

Jimin breathed out lowly as she shook her head. “I am not. I am also very fine, so whoever you might be that my parents have sent, you can go back to the little party.” The raven responded without lifting her head.

When she didn’t hear the sound of the grass ruffling again, she knew that the person was still in her presence. However, she decided to ignore the person to continue staring at the birds, waiting to continue with her words without sounding insane.

“I’m pretty certain you were just talking to birds not too long ago. I apologize for cutting your conversation with them short but I can assure you I do not know your parents-” Jimin huffed obnoxiously loudly at the unknown person’s constant rambling.

Sitting up, she lifted her head and prepared to respond as nicely as she possibly could to this person. “I was not talking to the birds, thank you very much.” Jimin replied with an annoyed tone.

The other person chuckled in amuse. “But you were.”

“I was not.”

“You were.”

“I was not.”

“But you were! I heard you and when I looked over, there was no one else. So I concluded that you were therefore, talking to the birds.” The person exclaimed, causing the raven to finally stand up.

Jimin gripped at her dress as her anger had increased at the person’s unnecessary teasing. “Since you want to know so badly, I am having quite the day and you are not helping with that.” Jimin sucked in a sharp breath.

The lack of a response made the raven nearly feel bad for lashing out at the random person. But she thought they deserved it for pressing at her buttons too far.

Jimin kicked at the grass in frustration. “Nobody wants to tell me who’s hosting this stupid party and I do not even know what or where this place is.” The raven looked around her, surrounded by nothing but nature—which was one of her favorite things in the whole entire earth. However, not even nature was able to calm her down.

Frustration made her feel upset, and she was not frustrated just be frustrated. She just didn’t like when no one informed her about certain things. Not knowing about things just made her overly curious and anxious.

Beside her, she heard a scoff of shock. “Oh, the party is stupid?” The person repeated with concern and curiousness.

Jimin hummed in agreement. “Yes, it is stupid. Who would want to be under this heat for hours in a big area like this?” The raven kicked a clean rock toward her side with force toward the pond.

It had barely made it to the pond, stopping right near the edge of the waters. The action only made the raven more irritated than she was already was.

With a bit more rustling, the footsteps sounded more closer than before and a sweet scent embraced Jimin’s nose. Jimin watched as a girl in a purple coat dress kicked the rock just slightly into the water.

“There. You did it.”

Jimin furrowed her eyebrows at the unknown girl with shoulder length brown hair. Her back faced her, the raven knowing she wouldn’t be able to recognize the girl from the angle.

Jimin could see the girl’s edge of her lips curled upwards. Then, the raven couldn’t help but become even more curious.

The girl cleared her throat as she folded her hands behind her back. “Well, I guess I will have to fine tune the next garden party to your likings. I sure wouldn’t want a guest having to storm off due to how stupid the party is.” The unknown brunette lowered her head as she let out a small laugh.

Jimin widened her eyes, running a hand over her face in embarrassment. “I am so sorry, I did not know you were the one who was hosting the party. But if you’re hosting the party then that must mean-”

The girl turned around and Jimin was met with a warm charming smile. The raven felt something in her chest tug weirdly at the revealing of the unknown girl. Their eyes locked and it felt like Jimin had known the girl forever.

But she didn’t know the girl.

The brunette looked down, appearing to be gathering her words before connecting their eyes again. “I am Queen Minjeong. Kim Minjeong. It is nice to finally meet you, Princess Yu. I apologize, I fear my committee went along with such a lackluster garden party. We did not choose a relatively…..cool day to host it either.” Minjeong looked up at the sky as she pressed her lips together in disappointment.

Jimin made the move to do a small curtsy but Minjeong reached for her hand to stop her before she could even do so. The raven looked down at their hands in confusion, holding her breath as the Queen held it carefully.

“I hope to just be Kim Minjeong to you.” Minjeong told her with a hopeful gaze in her eyes.

Jimin tried to speak but she instead felt a lump in her throat. There was a thumb rubbing over her skin gently—which surprisingly made her feel nice.

Minjeong noticed the nervousness and breathed in and out as the smile on her lips only grew wider. The feeling in the raven’s chest also grew at the subtle movement.

Jimin blinked, garnering herself back to reality. “How do you know me? I do not mean to be rude, but, I am just curious.” The raven couldn’t comprehend the fact that the Queen knew her surname.

The brunette opened and closed her mouth in realization. “Oh, that. Right. I- Your friend told me about you. Ning Yizhuo? She is my best friend and my very trusted advisor. She actually told me that it’d be too warm to host a garden party, but I, obviously….did not listen. My parents made me throw one.” Minjeong clicked her tongue and the raven laughed.

After a moment, they were engulfed in silence, the two of them simply just staring at eachother. Jimin concluded that it was in fact, becoming very difficult to breathe properly in front of the queen. Maybe, it was because Jimin was so infatuated with the brunette’s beauty. It was almost as if Minjeong was glowing and radiating.

They heard a loud gasp and troubled footsteps, causing the raven to remove her hand from the queen’s in response. “Your Majesty, there you are! We’ve been looking for you everywhere. And who is this beautiful girl?” A tall man looked the raven up and down.

Minjeong folded her hands in front of her, looking between the man and the raven. “Oh? She was just lost. I was getting some fresh air before greeting the visitors and I happened to find her here. I am okay, Kang.” She assured the man who let out a breath of relief.

The man nodded, giving Jimin one last look before pacing off. He left the two girls alone near the pond. The raven cleared her throat, deciding that her stay was now over welcomed.

However, Minjeong stopped her once again, causing the raven to look at her. “Would you….. Would you like to walk back to the party together? I would hate if I let a beautiful lady become lost again.” Jimin caught the nervousness and the slight waver in her voice.

Jimin thought it was adorable, the Queen’s laughter squashed her own nervousness and knowing that Minjeong was more on the relaxed, nervous side made the raven feel less scared about her earlier comments and behavior.

The raven slid her hand around the brunette’s arm, looking carefully at Minjeong for a sign. The brunette only rubbed the raven’s hand gently with her other hand, a response that told Jimin that what she was doing was okay. She reflected the Queen’s grin, her heart beating abnormally again. She couldn’t understand why she felt that way.

They began walking back to the garden party and found themselves engaging in conversation as they did so. Minjeong was quite funny, making surprising comments about her experiences being the Queen. They were completely different in the terms of personality as the raven was more outgoing while Minjeong liked listening and observing.

Minjeong liked science, literature, math and liked playing with children. She was quite the nerd, explaining to Jimin topics that the raven liked and knew about as well. They ended up testing eachother’s ability to solve certain equations.

Minjeong had a little sister who was much younger than she was and a older brother who stepped down from the throne but still supported her as much as he could. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed helping the royal chefs cook for the family.

Jimin learned much about the Queen in a few minutes and truthfully, she wanted to listen to the brunette ramble about anything a little longer. Something about Minjeong’s voice made her look more gentle than she already did.

When they got closer to the large amount of people, the raven frowned. Her time with the Queen was officially up. Minjeong would have to continue on with her life just as the raven would as well.

“Thank you, Minjeong. You helped me clear my mind and I have forgotten about the awful day I was having. I hope you forgive me for my comments from earlier.” Jimin faced the brunette, who had now reached for both of her hands.

Jimin couldn’t count on her fingers how much the brunette had smiled at her in a short period of time. “Why are you so nervous? It’s just me.” The raven chuckled at the brunette’s state.

Minjeong ran her thumbs over Jimin’s skin, taking a moment to look down before taking a breath. She soon looked up and shook her head. “I’m just- I apologize, you are just really beautiful and I’m having a hard time trying to not make it obvious that I want to gaze at you for as long as I can.” She tilted her head slightly, taking another breath in.

Jimin widened her eyes in surprise. “The Queen just called me beautiful? I must be dreaming.” The raven said with a tint of humor, making both of them shyly giggle.

But then, they stared at eachother for a few more beats before they could hear Kang calling out for Minjeong again.

They were hidden from the large crowd and the raven wished they could run away from it all. But they couldn’t, as Jimin knew she’d would probably never seen Minjeong like this again.

Jimin gave Minjeong’s hands a tight squeeze before removing them from her grasp. She did a curtsy before slowly walking away from the Queen.

The raven took one last glance at the brunette, who gave her a sad smile before walking toward her own direction.

Throughout the garden party, Jimin found herself distracted for the rest of it. Minjeong never left her mind.

Chapter Text

The sun had never shined brighter. It was a lovely day, perfect for whatever outdoor activists there were to come. Jimin and her brothers decided to cool down at the pool.

Jimin was sitting by the edge of the pool, watching as her brothers tried to beat eachother in a swim race. She had lost count at the amount of times she had groaned relentlessly at the amount of times they had splashed water onto her.

Fed up, the princess finally decided to scoot away from her brothers, and picked back up her novel that she had been reading before her thoughts took over. Everytime she had tried reading even a little word, her mind became occupied by the brown haired Queen.

It made her truly wondered if Minjeong had this affect on everyone. The ability to occupy one’s mind all week long, that is.

After some long pondering, Jimin concluded that their time together probably meant nothing to Minjeong, remembering that the girl could always be busy with her duties. She sighed in disappointment and tried to divert her thoughts to elsewhere.

Jimin suddenly felt water drops sprinkle all over her, causing her to look up. “You are going to get my book wet! Be careful!” The raven warned her brothers while attempting to dry the pages.

Inhyuk rested his arms at the edge of the pool, eyeing his sister in concern. “You’ve been distracted all weekend. You disappeared all upset during the garden party then you came back all smiles. Tell me, sister, where did you go that day?” He narrowed his eyes in suspicion and the raven appeared to act normal.

Even if she didn’t show it, the raven felt anxious on the inside. Jimin continued reading off her book as she prepared her words. “I stormed off and became lost. I had some time to myself, enjoyed nature and then felt better when I came back.” The raven simply shrugged. She hoped they didn’t press any further.

But in spite of that, Inhyuk and Eric still looked at eachother, not seeming to believe their sister. Eric hummed and the raven waited for his own interrogation. “What do you think about Jeno?”

Jimin squeezed her face. “I want absolutely nothing to do with him.” She replied quickly.

Eric made a face of approval. “What about Jaemin?” He tried again.

“Brother, you are testing me now.” Her voice dropped to a monotone, and her brother snapped his fingers nervously in agreement before going back to swimming.

Thinking she had made it through without spilling anything about her past events, the princess let out a breath. But of course, her intelligent older brother, Inhyuk, only continued to study her. She could still see the way his eyes narrowed at her with suspicion and truthfully, she was trying her absolute hardest not to admit everything.

“Princess Yu! You have a letter from the Queen!” One of the staff members approached her. The woman handed her a letter with a marking engraved on the front.

Jimin’s heart pounded as she wondered what the Queen might possibly need from her. She hastily opened the letter and read the contents.

Dear Princess Yu,

I have sent you this letter to let you know that I wanted to see you again for tea, if that is okay with you. You do not have to accept, I just happened to remember how agitated you were at the garden party and wanted to let you know that if you ever need someone to talk to, do not hesitate to let me know.

Sincerly, Kim Minjeong

As soon as the raven finished the letter, she let out a shaky breath. “The Queen wants to have tea together.” She announced to the people around her.

Her brothers jumped out of the pool, running over to her to see the letter for themselves. Inhyuk and Eric bent down next to their sister and let their eyes roam the contents of the letter. In a later beat, her brothers sprung up to their feet.

Eric faced the raven. “This is great news, sister!” He soon paused, an expression of confusion taking place on his face. “Why exactly does the Queen want to have tea with you again?” He asked her curiously.

Jimin gnawed on her bottom lip anxiously, finally deciding to tell her brothers the truth. “She is the one who brought me back to the garden party when I became lost.” She slowly lifted her eyes to watch for the two brothers' reactions.

Inhyuk blinked at her in disbelief. “Do our parents know about this?”

Jimin tilted her head. “I did not feel the need to tell them. It was just a little accident and she helped me get back to the party. The matter is not that big of a deal as I thought that I would’ve had nothing to do with her afterwards.” She stood up and picked up her book before turning to face the staff member.

The princess placed a hand on the staff member’s shoulder. “I will go get ready now. Thank you.” She smiled in gratitude at the woman who hummed in reply.

-

Jimin arrived to the palace after a short amount of time. She squeezed her small bag as she followed the guards to where they lead her. It did not take long before Kang motioned to a focused brunette, who was reading peacefully.

Kang glanced at the raven. “We can not stay too far away, but do remind the Queen that we’re a few paces from the door.” He bowed his head and let the raven carefully enter before closing the door quietly.

The room was large, filled with majestic decorations, most likely like every other room. But it was more as astounding to see it in its full glory.

Jimin stared at the Queen, smiling at Minjeong’s gentle appearance. She stood there, fondly watching the brunette before Minjeong realized she was standing in the room.

Minjeong widened her eyes, tugging at the lower part of her dress as she closed her book to stand up. “Why didn’t you tell me that you were waiting here? I apologize for keeping you waiting.”

The raven shook her head as her hands nervously tightened around her bag. “I was not waiting for long, your Majesty.” She told her while she watched as Minjeong began walking toward her.

Jimin knew Minjeong reminded her the first time that she did not like being called that by raven but it was just her first instinct. She realized her mistake when the brunette sighed. It prompted the raven to open her mouth to apologize but Minjeong’s sudden movement causes her to remain silent.

The brunette took the bag from Jimin and placed it on a nearby surface. When her eyes met the raven’s, Minjeong gave her a certain look to which Jimin smiled sheepishly in response.

Jimin felt the Queen grab her hands, a new habit she noticed the brunette had picked up on. “Minjeong. Only, Minjeong.” She reminded the raven.

The raven couldn’t help but reciprocate the smile that was slowly teasing around the brunette’s lips. “Okay….. Minjeong.” Jimin let her name roll off her tongue.

Grinning, Minjeong directed them toward two chairs, two cups of tea resting on a small table in the middle. The raven sat in her own chair while the Queen sat across from her. She still had yet to figure out what exactly the Queen needed from her. Jimin was also sure that many people in the palace would’ve been curious to know about the person who was currently occupying the brunette’s time.

Jimin took a sip of her tea, circling between the many questions in her head. “I’m curious to know, why did you want to see me?” The raven asked, anticipating the brunette’s answer.

The raven saw the brunette’s face light up at her words. “Because…. I just wanted to see you again.” Minjeong replied brightly, taking a sip of her own tea.

It was still incomprehensible.

Jimin found herself trying to take a careful breath. The air felt more constricting than usual and she knew it wasn’t because of her dress. Minjeong’s eyes on her simply felt more inevitable than ever. But for some reason, Jimin couldn’t find it in her to look into her eyes as easily yet. The reason being that the queen had such beautiful brown orbs that were so easy to drown into. The raven could remember that each time they met eachother’s gazes and found herself in a daze.

“Yizhuo said I needed a friend. Hana never got tired of playing with her older sister and I try to find as much time as I can to make sure I’m present in her life but Yizhuo said she didn’t count.” Minjeong finished the remaining of her tea and set it down on the small table.

Seeing that the queen had plans on continuing, Jimin sat up to listen, curious to hear the brunette’s words. She now had become very invested in what Minjeong had to say. Not to say that she wasn’t before. However, since her friend, Yizhuo had been included, it made her even more curious.

Minjeong gazed out toward the garden view beside her while a sad smile painted on her lips. “I told her I had no need for a friend. My mother spent so many years preparing me and my brother for this role that I had become opposed to the idea of having other people to lean on.” The Queen admitted and the raven knew she wasn’t trying to pull her pity .

Minjeong faced the raven again and this time, her eyes shined at her. “But there is something different about you. I do not know why, but I feel comfortable around you, but at the same time, it is difficult to contain my emotions. And then, there comes emotions I have never pinpointed on before.” The Queen shook her head as her voice slightly wavered.

Jimin couldn’t understand what Minjeong meant by emotions, or atleast she pretended not to. She couldn’t admit that Minjeong had sent her own emotions into a confusing mess of swirls.

There was a tug or a pull that made her want to leap toward the brunette but she breathed in and out deeply, in attempt to appear normal. But under, Jimin was fighting the tug. Which was…… very difficult to.

Minjeong suddenly stood up and the raven watched as she did. The queen extended out her hand for the raven to take, which Jimin did, sliding her hand into Minjeong’s soft and warm hand.

They walked toward the doors, and Minjeong tapped twice on the wood before both doors opened. “Come, I want to show you something, Yizhuo said you’d like it.” Minjeong told her with excitement and Jimin couldn’t help but laugh at her cute state.

They took a few turns and stairs before they reached a room. Minjeong opened the door to a large room, and immediately, the raven heard multiple meows. Jimin’s eyes widened when she saw a beautiful cat approach her and stop at her.

Jimin squealed, immediately bending down to pet the cat. A few came her way, cuddling closer toward the raven. “They’re so pretty!” Jimin looked up at the queen with glints of happiness in her eyes.

The queen bent down as well, nodding along. Although, she wasn’t looking at the cats. She smiled softly, as her eyes remained on Jimin.

“Yes, they indeed are.”

-

Minjeong had much more that she wanted to show the raven. They traveled to the pond from before, as the brunette wanted to show Jimin the fishes that resided there.

There was a bench right in front of the pond, the one that the two girls had first met on. Minjeong ushered for the raven to sit next to her.

Minjeong pointed at the many types of fish that swirled around in the water. “Since you were so busy being annoyed by my teasing, you failed to realize that the pond was filled with all types of fish.” Her words earned her a playful shove from the raven.

Jimin trained her eyes on the water, soon noticing the small fishes swirling around. The end of the raven’s lips curled up in delight.

She gazed at them for a moment before looking around the area. “What is this place? It is further from the grounds of the palace than I thought.” Jimin took in the smell of nature, the sun shining and bright. It could be everything anyone has ever wanted.

Minjeong took a moment before speaking. “Only Yizhuo, Kang and now you know about it. It is my secret spot. Away from the reminders that I am queen and have lots of….. responsibilities. But here, I can forget about all of that and just be me, Kim Minjeong. Not, Queen Minjeong. Even if it is just for a little while.” There was a tint of sadness that followed on but Jimin did not want to dwell on it and instead, covered the brunette’s hand with her own.

What she was doing might have—could have been the wrong thing. But she settled for now, knowing she would have to deal with the consequences later.

Gently squeezing the brunette’s hand, she hoped for it to be enough. “Thank you, for showing me, you. It is an honor.” Jimin flashed her a tight smile.

Minjeong looked down at their hands and Jimin could feel her relax. The queen shook her head as she fully faced the raven. “I told you before. There is just something about you that makes it so easy to let my guards down. I feel most at ease when I am with you. I can now understand why Yizhuo takes such a liking of you.” She teased the raven, making a face.

Jimin rolled her eyes, her touch now burning on Minjeong’s hand. She pulled it away and instead folded her hands together. “Yizhuo says a lot. I am surprised that she said something relatively nice about me.” A harrumph was let out into the air.

The queen raised an eyebrow, and Jimin could almost recognize the next question that was to be asked. “Well, I want to personally learn more about you. I mean, I have told you about most of my life so it is only fair.” Minjeong leaned into the bench, prepared to hear more about the raven.

Jimin pondered for a moment as the brunette stared at her. “Well, I have two brothers, one younger and one older. I like to dance and I am particularly good at that. I despise large birds who fly over my head or chase me. I like all types of animals and I would love to have a cat. My favorite color is blue…..” The raven’s voice began fading when she noticed that Minjeong was staring at her.

Although, the queen made no attempts to hide the fact that she was staring at Jimin blatantly while occasionally smiling.

“What?” Jimin wiped at her face, thinking there was something on her skin.

Minjeong shook her head. “There is nothing on that beautiful face of your’s, I apologize for interrupting, please continue. I like your voice.” The brunette’s dimples appeared as she smiled and ushered for the raven to continue.

Jimin struggled to do just that as the queen continued openly staring at her. It was like all speaking abilities had disappeared from her knowledge.

After a long moment of not speaking, Jimin found her voice again but it had reduced to a low whisper. “I can’t continue when you are looking at me like that.” The raven looked down at her fingers that fiddled with eachother, embarrassment flushing through her.

“Like what?” Minjeong tilted her head cluelessly, pretending not to know what the raven was talking about but Jimin knew better than to trust the teasing smirk on her lips.

Apprehensively, Jimin completely turned around, in attempt to compose herself. “I am leaving.” The raven feigned annoyance and abruptly stood up to walk away from the queen.

Fingers curled around her wrist and carefully tugged her body backwards. Although, Jimin ended up tripping over the edge of the bench, causing a loud shriek to escape from her. Thinking she would meet her doom, she squeezed her eyes shut.

But nothing ever came.

When Jimin slowly opened her eyes, her breath hitched at the brown eyes that bored into her’s. She was in Minjeong’s arms on her lap with the brunette looking down at her.

“You are quite the clumsy one, aren’t you?” Minjeong guffawed delightedly in amuse.

The raven jumped upwards in surprise, but jumped rather too quickly as she forgot that that the pond was right in front of them. Then, in a quick second, she saw that Minjeong had quickly rose to her feet to reach for Jimin and pull her away from the water.

Jimin let out an oomph as she bumped into the brunette, her hands grabbing onto the queen’s shoulders. She kept her eyes lowered while her chest pounding so harshly, she could hear it in her ears.

For some strange reason, she couldn’t move. Not matter how much she tried. Her body was pressed against Minjeong’s and their faces were so close that their noses were nearly touching. The brunette’s warm breath clashed with her heaving own from the series of events that had occurred.

Worst of all, Minjeong’s hands were on her back, steadying them both from nearly falling into the pond. She felt one of Minjeong’s hand move slightly as she breathed out and the raven blinked in response.

Jimin slowly lifted her head to meet the Queen’s eyes, hazel brown, gleaming in its glory. The brunette’s eyes searched her own, almost as if she was searching for something. (Something Jimin couldn’t understand.)

Never in her life had Jimin found herself in a situation like this, all types of thoughts and emotions swirling in her head and body. Minjeong had already weaved through the gates of her skin, making her question so many things. The raven had never felt so conflicted in her life.

Blinking rapidly, the raven gathered herself after returning to reality where time had gone back to spinning again. She slowly straightened up, releasing her self from Minjeong’s hold. Of course, this time, she watched her steps to prevent a sequence of events again.

The raven noticed the queen unfreeze herself, her hands falling to her side with a noticeable slack. Jimin tried her hardest not to notice it.

Minjeong nervously chuckled, placing her hands behind her back. “Never mind that, you are extremely clumsy.” She turned toward the bench and moved it backwards so there was enough of a gap between the pond and the bench itself.

Jimin wondered why she didn’t think of moving the bench earlier. She had seen her life flash before her eyes twice in under a minute.

As they begin quietly walking back to the palace, Jimin heard the queen giggle occasionally about a clumsy and flustered raven whenever she purposely lagged behind to mess with her.

-

Jimin immediately returned back home after a few grateful words exchanged for the time of enjoyment the raven had.

As she settled down for bed, wiping her face clean, she looked at the mirror.

“There is nothing on that beautiful face of yours.”

Jimin remembered the words from the queen and she couldn’t help but smile at her reflection. “The Queen thinks I am beautiful. The Queen.” The raven covered her face and squealed lowly. She remembered to keep her voice low because everyone else were sleeping.

Jimin quickly finished up before entering under the covers. The raven faced the ceiling as she recalled everything that happened earlier in the day. To say she didn’t enjoy it at all would have been considered a lie.

She still felt the ghosting touches of Minjeong’s hands around her body and couldn’t figure why they effected her the way it did.

Letting out an exhausted sigh, Jimin reminded herself to visit her friend, Aeri when she got the chance. They had lots to talk about.

Jimin went to sleep with a satisfied smile on her lips.

Chapter Text

“Dearest, don’t you think it is time for marriage?” Princess Haeyoung looked toward her daughter who had sighed for the unknown amount of time.

The Queen had began to lose count at the amount of times her parents had brought up marriage. Which was a bit ironic because they had were the same people preventing her from having even a single acquaintance.

Minjeong tilted her head side to side, her mind elsewhere. “What is the rush? You push everyone you deem unfit away anyways.” The brunette grumbled as she tried to keep her rash tone toward her mother to a minimum.

It wasn’t always easy arguing with her mother. Sometimes, their arguments lasted long, to the point where the brunette would storm off and wish to scream in frustration. They had been arguing for as long as she could remember and only was it now that she had stop bawling due to her mother’s stubborn self.

Princess Haeyoung scoffed in response. “Because they are indeed not fit for you. I want my children to have lasting marriages. It’ll save me money if there are less weddings I have to worry about.” She responded sternly.

Minjeong wasn’t quite listening, her lips curling upwards at the thought of a certain raven. “Whatever. It will come when it comes. It is my decision after all.” Her eyes noticed the disapproving look her mother gave her but she happily ignored it.

Nothing could ruin her mood on a lovely day.

Her mother let out a noise that sounded too much like a snort. Minjeong had become all too used to it.

They had arrived at the Uchinaga’s estate for a ball. Nobody had expected the royal family to visit as social engagements were a little of hassle for the brunette, or rather they were too busy to attend any outside the ones they hosted.

“Your royal highnesses, Prince Beomgyu, Prince Junpyo, Princess Haeyoung and Princess Hana!” A guard introduced the Kim family and everyone had turned toward the direction.

“Your Majesty, Queen Minjeong!”

Minjeong immediately heard hushed whispers about her appearance knowing that she had never attended social events during her newly short reign. Although, being that the Uchinaga’s were close friends of her family, they all agreed to attend in the end.

As everyone began bowing and curtsying, Minjeong fought the urge to roll her eyes. As they did, Minjeong pressed her lips together and looked around the room. She knew she’d have to dance but she had no partner. She could look around the room to for someone to dance with or she would have to wait for someone to ask for dance.

She did not like either options.

Walking up toward the Uchinaga’s, Aeri was the first to greet her. “You came. It is an honor, Your Majesty. We hope you can enjoy yourself during the rest of the party.” Lady Uchinaga curtsied in front of her.

She smiled warmly at Aeri and her family before turning around. Instantly, many people looked toward her direction to supposedly ask her for a dance. But she called for Kang who walked over to her.

“Yes, your Majesty?” Kang stood up straight, waiting for his Queen to speak.

Minjeong furrowed her eyebrow as she leaned closer to him. “Do you know if the Yu’s are here? Were they invited?” Minjeong asked while continuing to look around.

It was difficult to spot anyone when there was a mix of people who were standing and sitting. She easily avoided all the curious eyes, already making her decision.

Kang nodded, motioning his head toward a direction. “They are sitting toward the back, Your Majesty.” He quickly said before going back to his steady position.

Her shoulders relaxed and a smile painted her lips. “Please ask if Princess Yu Jimin would like to dance with me.” She instructed her attendant.

The man’s face flashed with curiousness. “Is it the princess who was lost at the garden party? Why her?” He looked up at the brunette’s wandering self.

Minjeong shrugged, her hands fiddling with eachother in front of her. “I don’t know, there is something special about her, Kang.” She simply said and the man chuckled in response.

The man nodded, clearing his throat. “Princess Yu Jimin, the Queen would like to have a dance with you. It is your choice whether to accept or not.” He looked around the room, ignoring the chatter that arose.

“I accept.” A voice from the back of the room was heard and everyone turned their heads toward the person.

Minjeong watched as Jimin began walking toward the middle, everyone else making way for her to get through. The brunette’s breath hitched when she had caught a glimpse of the raven’s full figure. Oddly enough, they were the wearing the same colored dresses.

The raven approached the queen, stopping an arm’s width in front of her before curtsying. Minjeong stared at her, trying to calm herself in front of the raven. She was so delighted that Jimin was here.

She extended her hand in front of the raven, gazing at her hopefully. “Will you have this dance with me?” The Queen asked Jimin who warmly smiled in response.

Jimin slid her hand into the brunette’s slowly. “Of course, your Majesty.” She brightly responded before music began playing.

(rosen aus dem süden - walzer op. 388)

She remembered what the raven had said before and decided to dwell on it as she adjusted her hands in the right positions. Minjeong felt a hand near her shoulder and the other clasping her own hand.

Jimin and Minjeong began moving, their eyes remaining locked as they did so. The music that was being performed was just the perfect pace, not too fast or too slow. The Queen found it easy to follow the rhythm as she followed the princess’s as well.

As they danced together, Minjeong found herself falling more and more for the raven’s beauty. Everything about her, made so much sense to the Queen that she couldn’t quite believe someone like Jimin existed and was in her very arms.

Minjeong followed as the raven unraveled herself from the Queen to let her spin her around before coming back into the brunette’s arms with her back facing Minjeong. They smiled at eachother as Minjeong placed her hand just at the princess’s waist.

They both knew that everyone was watching them, as they had gone quiet and ridded of their gossip while the two waltzed. Then, Minjeong decided to ask a question.

“Remember when you told me you were really good at dancing?” Minjeong brought up while they elegantly circled around eachother.

Jimin nodded, pulling them back to their starting position. “Are you impressed?” The raven gave her a teasing look.

The brunette chuckled breathlessly. “I can not say that I am not. But I knew already that you were telling the truth about being excellent at dancing.” Minjeong replied with a humorous tone she’d knew the princess would easily catch.

Jimin rose an eyebrow. “What is it that you mean?” She asked with curiosity.

Minjeong exhaled lowly. “It’s because I trusted you. I had no second guesses that you wouldn’t be great at dancing.”

The raven only stared at the queen with an expression Minjeong could not comprehend. It made the brunette’s heart drop as she thought she had said something wrong. But just as she was about to apologize, Jimin spoke first.

Keeping her eyes on Minjeong, she moved slightly closer, causing the brunette’s breath to hitch. “You trust me?” Jimin searched the Queen’s eyes, looking for an answer before Minjeong could even respond.

With all the courage she had, Minjeong tugged the raven by her waist until they bumped into eachother and were impeccably close. The princess let out a low gasp in response. Both of their eyes flickered from their eachother’s lips before going back to their eyes as their breaths clashed.

The music stopped and Minjeong immediately heard the room interrupt with cheers and applauses. Although, her focus remained on the princess in front of her who took her breath a way with ease. She couldn’t see anything or anyone else.

“I do.” Minjeong whispered confidently.

-

After Minjeong finished dancing with Jimin, the Uchinaga’s allowed for the others to dance while the two went back their families.

Beomgyu was the first to come up to her, the queen already know what he was about to say. “You two danced like you have known eachother for centuries. I’m curious to know who the mysterious princess is and how exactly is it that you two know eachother.” He followed his sister to their table.

Minjeong sat down and let her eyes follow the many people in the middle of the room who were waltzing. She needed time to catch her breath. Dancing with the raven had erupted something in her and it was nearly a war trying to remain neutral.

“Well, she is Princess Yu Jimin and I think that is all you need to know.” Minjeong blatantly told him.

“Minjeong.” Her mother’s voice drove with warning.

She huffed lowly and reached for her cup of tea. “I will not allow him to meddle in my business, mother. Neither will you. She is just a girl I chose to dance with, nothing more.” Minjeong didn’t face her brother or mother, but instead sat facing forward with her voice coming out as stern.

Princess Haeyoung scoffed with amusement. “Lies. I saw the way you looked at her.” Her mother countered and Minjeong’s eye twitched.

In her head, she attempted to count carefully in order to calm herself as anger was slowly brewing in her. Luckily, her father realized and warned his wife that they were in a public setting.

A method she had utilize so often because of her mother’s unusual habits ever since she became queen. Though, she grown used to it, it was still agitating to have to deal with them. Sometimes it drained her energy even if she knew her mother cared.

The Queen placed her folded hands on her lap. “She is nothing more than a friend, mother. One I am growing very fond of.” Minjeong responded for the sake of her peace.

Minjeong stared into space while everyone else chattered amongst eachother. She knew she had to act entertained but inside, she wanted to leave. Not because it was lackluster, but because her head swirled with questions and thoughts that she wanted answers to. Doing so would require peace.

At the corner of her eyes, she saw the princess conversing with a tall man. He was unfamiliar and she did not want to seem prying by asking Kang or Yizhuo who the man was.

Just as the queen as about to divert her attention elsewhere, Jimin met her eyes. The brunette became alerted, her heart speeding up as they shared a glance before the raven faced the tall man again.

Minjeong sighed, slightly bothered for the time being.

-

The ball was long and Minjeong had been on her feet all day as she spent a long time interacting with others.

After some time, Minjeong had felt a tug at her dress. She looked down and saw her little sister. Bending down to pat Hana’s head, she was left to wonder what she could’ve needed.

“What is it, Hana?” Minjeong asked gently, smiling genuinely at her sister.

Hana pointed toward the door. “Can we go outside? Lady Uchinaga said they have beautiful flowers and I want to see them. Brother won’t take me.” She frowned and Minjeong melted at her sister’s adorable state.

Standing up, she extended her hand for the little girl to hold. “Okay, I will take you. But first, we have to tell our parents so they know where we are.” She explained to the 7 year old.

Hana grinned, running over to their parents. Minjeong watched as whispered something. Her mother and father nodded in agreement and the little girl ran back to her sister to drag them toward the back portion of the estate.

When they were outside, Minjeong let go of her sister’s hand to let her run to the flowers. “Jeongie, look at how pretty these flowers are!” Hana pointed to multiple flowers in the garden.

Minjeong chuckled, following her as she walked across the grass. She could name most of the flowers that were swaying with the gentle wind. She especially loved flowers and their different meanings.

“Minjeong?” A familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

The queen turned her head toward the direction of the voice in confusion. She saw Jimin standing by the entrance, looking hesitant. Not knowing what to do about the matter, she sighed and bent down.

Her hand lifted into the air to stroke Hana’s dark hair, glad that her sister was enjoying herself. “I’ll be right back. If you need anything, I will be right where you can see me, at the entrance, okay? Be careful.” She placed a kiss on her sister’s cheek before standing up.

Standing back up, Minjeong turned around to approach the princess waiting by the entrance. She was curious to know how the raven knew she was outside.

There was a reasonable gap between the two girls as Minjeong knew that if she taken another step, things could change in the blink of an eye. So, she remained a safe distance from the raven.

Jimin fiddled with her fingers, rings of her fingers twisting back and forth due to an unknown nervousness. “Are you okay? I blinked and you were gone.” Jimin found her gaze and there was a certain glint in her eyes.

Minjeong pressed her lips together, not knowing that the raven had become concerned that she was gone. “Hana wanted to take a look at the flowers. It seems that the Uchinaga’s have gorgeous bunches in their garden.” She motioned to her sister who was smelling the flowers.

The raven in front of her flashed her a tight lipped smile at her words, eyes peaking at Hana behind her. After a moment, she brought her eyes back onto the older Kim. “There is something I wanted to tell you-” Jimin was unable to finish her words when a deep voice called out for her.

A man approached the princess, placing a hand on Jimin’s arm and the queen realized it was the same tall man from before. He faced the brunette and quickly bowed. “Your majesty. I apologize for interrupting but we are to go inside now, the Uchinaga’s want to make an announcement for the charities.” The man quickly explained and Minjeong had to hold in a sigh.

Her time of peace came to an end in a matter of seconds.

Minjeong nodded, taking a glance at her sister who was still looking at the flowers. “Very well. I will be there in a moment. You two may go.” She told them before turning around to walk over to Hana.

The queen had missed the disappointed look in Jimin’s eyes.

-

The queen was in a hurry to go home.

She couldn’t stay away from the questioning for too long. The time in the garden was the only time she had to herself throughout the whole day and it was a short one. Soon, the effects of socializing all day had began to take a toll on her.

“Dear.”

“Father.” Minjeong answered simply with her eyes remaining closed. If she pretended to be resting, no one in the car would try to bring up conversation.

But it appears that she was wrong.

Her father cleared his throat. “I am curious as well. When will you look into marriage? Do you want to be alone forever?” Junpyo tried.

It wasn’t the first time Minjeong had been placed into this area. But for her parents to act like they had not pushed her into the phase where the brunette wanted nothing to do with eloping was insulting. She loved them, she truly did and they were not terrible people, they were everything but terrible. However, Minjeong wished they did not force certain customs onto her. She was no longer a child.

A sigh escaped from her lips, one that she did not mean for it to come out as exhaustion but it was the very word she was nearing.

“I wonder who made me want to be that way.” The Queen said with bitterness. “And we will not be having this conversation again. Now please, let me be.”

Beside her, her brother moved slightly. “She is right, father. Mother brings it up every car ride and I’m surprised Minjeong hasn’t gone mad ye- Ow!” Beomgyu clutched his arm, looking at his twin with hurt.

Minjeong remained still, still reluctant to open her eyes. “Do not put mad and my name in the same sentence.” She crossed her arms and let sleep take over again.

When Minjeong arrived at the palace, the brunette quickly took a bath before settling at her office. There was something she had been wanting to do. She needed to write about the emotions she had been experiencing.

She searched through her books one by one before pulling out the one she was looking for. Her hand moved to open the diary but as she did, a letter slipped out of the pages. Curious, she bent down to pick it up, flipping the letter back and forth as she did not remember placing it in between any pages.

Minjeong did not bother to open it, tossing it immediately and moving the diary to sit flat on her desk. “Alright.” She sighed as she plopped down on her seat.

Entry 89.

My heart and soul war within me, unable to find feelings that I can see. A disruption of all I know, as I try to figure out how to show.

Who are you that causes such fear? Your nearness oddly makes my heart cheer. Though I think I may know, this is something that I can not show.

These emotions are hidden deep inside, my mind and body still feeling the tide, a fear of the unspoken words, as a wave crashing, my feelings are yet to be heard.

These feelings I cannot seem to control, a gentle whisper inside my soul. A strange feeling of fear and joy, as I’m left not understanding my ploy.

Minjeong read over her writings over and over, a sinking feeling doubling down in her stomach. It was odd, and as she continued to refuse to admit it, there was a reason why she had be itching to write in her notebook.

She remembered the man who had Jimin’s attention for the entirety of the ball. She didn’t miss the way Jimin laughed gleefully at every word he uttered, the man gently placing a kiss on the raven’s hand. For the first time in a long while, Minjeong had never felt such dread in her heart. Even as the Queen, such things were brought to her attention more than the others.

It felt as if a sharp stone had been pressed to her chest.

Jimin was just her friend, a princess who she had treated warmly because there was something endearing about her. She hadn’t realize how quickly she had truly become comfortable with princess.

As time grew on, she began wondering what it would be like to have Jimin by her side. Or, would she have to let go of her for the sake of the raven’s happiness? Or, is she reading into this all wrong?

Maybe she might have missed a chapter.

Chapter Text

Mornings weren’t always like this. Mornings where the Queen was seen to be visibly frustrated. Her staff had even taken notice of her abnormal behavior, attempting to compose her antsy self. But, their methods didn’t work and Minjeong was left to spin her pen between her fingers, frustration getting the most of her. She couldn’t write anything to save her life.

There were a few documents that needed her approvals and signatures but she couldn’t write even a single letter. And as much as she was trying to deny it, she knew the exact reason why she had not been able to focus for the past few days. Which was dreadful because her advisors have been reminding her to go over them all week long. Her advisors get oddly annoying when she left one of her duties unattended to.

She wasn’t sure what went through her head when she had decided to become close with Princess Jimin. A quite unexplainable decision to help an upset princess brighten up her day. Then, it became more than just trying to brighten up her day when Jimin intrigued her. There was a gravitational pull in place. She just had the sudden urge to get to know the raven more—and not because Yizhuo said she needed a friend.

Minjeong sighed as she pressed the edge of her palm to her forehead. The self massage barely lasted a moment when she lifted her head due to a knock on her office door. “Come in!” She yelled before closing her eyes. Her head was pounding and any signs that led her to leave her seat would be horrific.

Her twin brother approached her desk with a face Minjeong knew all too well. It was like the world was testing her. “You have been bothered all week. Enough not to bother me and I don’t like that. What is on your mind, my dear sister?” Beomgyu sat in front of her, leaning back into his seat and crossing his legs.

The brunette sighed dramatically, pressing her lips against eachother tightly before letting her pen down. She had grown mature and old enough to understand whenever the man was about to annoy her to bits. Nowadays, it had been difficult not to pinch at her twin brother for ever movement he had committed near her.

After a moment of rubbing at her eyebrow, contemplating which would be the better move to use on her brother, she managed to finally look up at Beomgyu. “Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Why are you here?” She asked impatiently, her hand tapping on the desk with unsteady rhythm.

She knew her brother would come to play games and try to get her to lash out. However, she also knew better than to join in on his game. Minjeong opted to watch Beomgyu shift in his chair, exuding his usual aura.

The prince cocked his head side to side, a very usual habit he performed when talking to his sister. “I told mother you have been acting weird. Knowing her, I thought she’d dismiss it, but unfortunately, she is still curious. You did appear late at the garden party, invited a princess to palace and asked the same said princess to dance with you. I would be curious too.” Beomgyu tapped his fingers against the wood of the desk as he spoke. Unnecessary rambling, the Queen thought.

The queen inhaled and exhaled, as it took almost everything in her not to nearly fall into the trap her brother had set out for her. Her composure nearly fell short. “Cut to the chase.” She gritted her teeth in a restlessly eager manner.

Beomgyu lifted his hand up. “You can not get angry here. I have done nothing wrong, yet. I don’t know what is going on with you.” He stood up from his seat but his sister looked up at him with a softened gaze.

The prince stared at her, not amused. Although, he did have a soft spot for his sisters. He lowly huffed before sitting down again and waiting for his sister’s words.

Minjeong took a moment before speaking, being sure to gather her thoughts. Depending on how she escorted this, would make or break. “How do you know you are in love?” The Queen simply asked.

Beomgyu’s eyes widened at her words. “W- what?” Minjeong shook her head at him.

A pen was pointed dangerously at the prince. “I’m just curious. Do not get ahead of yourself.” The brunette narrowed eyes threateningly.

The brunette just wanted to confirm some things. That is all. She did not have any other motive for the question. She did not. Atleast that’s what she had been telling herself.

Her brother gathered himself and cleared his throat, “Your heart always feels like it is going to explode, you can not breathe near them, you enjoy spending time with them. You enjoy listening to them ramble, you keep in mind their likes and dislikes. You become jealous when they are with others, and maybe their every touch sends electrifying shocks through your body. There is also more if you’d like me to continue.” He stopped counting on his fingers and looked up.

That couldn’t be correct. Minjeong was only being nice. Unintentionally. The things her brother listed were very normal. Those things could happen with friends as well. Again, these were the very thing she had tried convincing herself because the feeling was most unknown and foreign to her. Due to that fact, the brunette did not know what to make out of it. Except the cold harsh fact that she was utterly terrified.

“Oh, I forgot the most important thing. You feel a tug. A tug that makes you want to hold them in you arms or kiss them. Butterflies? Sister.” Beomgyu made a face, as if he was waiting for his words to ring a bell in his sister’s head.

It did ring a bell, and Minjeong nearly wanted to scream. She was confusing herself.

The brunette suddenly sat up from her chair abruptly, unable to stay in her office any longer. “I will be taking my leave now.” She quickly announced as she left the room.

Her brother only sighed, shaking his head.

-

Minjeong did not know what to do.

It was the first time she had ever struggled with what to think or what to do. She was bothered, irritated and confused all at once. These things weren’t supposed to be possible for the Queen. She was supposed to remain calm and know what to do. The people depended on her.

But for the past few days, all she could do was furrowed her eyebrow and wonder to herself why her mind had been occupied by one person ever since they met. Truly, that could not have been normal—to only have thoughts and dreams about one person and one person only. Minjeong thought she was going mad.

Her eyes examined the flowers around the palace. It wasn’t a relatively warm day, so she was able to take walk without Kang to clear her mind. She really wanted to go to her favorite spot, but she couldn’t do so because she felt like she was missing something or rather, someone. The evident empty space beside her became so dreadful whenever she sat at the bench by herself.

She smiled at the thought of a raven haired girl, wishing she could see her. She’s not sure why or how she decided that Jimin would be that one special friend Yizhuo might have been talking about. Minjeong felt safe around the raven, she could simply be Kim Minjeong and not have to fake anything when she’d usually do so with others. The brunette wanted Jimin to see the real her, without any of her flaws hidden.

Minjeong hoped she wasn’t scaring away the girl either. That would’ve be unfortunate.

Footsteps clacked loudly like the ones from when she hid in a random room when she was a child, holding in her tears after a long while of arguing with her mother. “Dear, what are you doing walking around by yourself? Where is Kang?” She heard her mother’s words bring her out of her thoughts.

Minjeong looked up from the flowers to face up at her mother, who was standing near with her hands together. “I just needed some time to think….. And maybe a little privacy., too” Her response remained monotone.

Her mother hummed, still remaining in her position. “Are you okay? You have been acting out of the ordinary. You become more lost in your thoughts so often.” The princess brought up, causing the brunette to sigh.

Splendid. Her mother thought she was slowly going mad. It was just what she needed right now.

The queen lifted up her dress over the muddy part of the grass to walk toward the back entrance of the garden. “I can assure you I am fine. Whatever Beomgyu told you is false.” A simple answer that she hoped satisfy the needs of her mother.

Unfortunately, the said answer wasn’t enough as her mother followed her toward the entrance and watched as her daughter cleaned off her shoes before stepping back in side the palace. “Is it that princess? Yizhuo told me that you have become are quite fond of her friend.” The woman’s words caught Minjeong’s attention.

Minjeong turned around and faced her. “And I also told you the same exact thing at the ball. Whatever more you are going to say, keep it. I am not in the mood to deal with it today.” The brunette glared at her.

Her mother took the look of surprise, and appealed in pressing further. “I was not going to say anything. I’m just curious about her. Where she came from, what she prefers, how many siblings does she have?” She continued to ramble whilst following after the brunette who began walking.

Why would her mother even need to know all of that?

Minjeong walked all the way to her office, stopping right in front of her door. “Mother, you know exactly why I don’t want to hear about what you want say about her.” She crossed her arms and gave her mother a knowing look.

Seeing no reason in communicating further with her prying mother, the brunette made the move to enter her office and shut the door on her mother, politely. But the door was only pushed back open.

“I want to meet her.” The woman suddenly said. She had a stern gaze on her face and Minjeong had to hold in a sigh.

“Goodbye, Mother.”

-

Dinner with Yizhuo was like having dinner with a sister. There was always lots to discuss.

As they ate, Yizhuo reminded the queen of all the things she needed to do for the week. And quite frankly, Minjeong found it hard to pay attention. It hadn’t been the first time during the many weeks, but it did worsen over time that multiple people easily caught it when she wasn’t following along.

She occasionally blinked simply at her food before tilting her head and looking up. Her eyes would pensively shift from both sides of the room that were lined with many guards. Had it happen often? Yes, it did.

It became suffocating at times, having everyone watch her every move. She had to try hard not to cry whenever her hands shook slightly while gripping her utensils. It took time before she had finally become used to her new environment. Even with the preparation she had all throughout her life.

Yizhuo finally finished enumerating about their duties and that was when Minjeong decided it’d be a great time to ask her a few questions about Yu Jimin.

There was a slight fear that she’d accidentally give away at what she was hinting at. But she decided to ask away either way. Her curious mind needed confirmation.

Letting her fork clatter to the plate, Minjeong looked up. “Yizhuo. Is there any chance there is anyone currently courting Princess Yu?” She blatantly asked.

Yizhuo spat out the water that was in her mouth all over Minjeong, causing the guards beside her to move immediately. Although, Minjeong closed her eyes as she put a hand up to halt their movements.

Minjeong grabbed a napkin and wiped at her face. “It is fine. It was an accident.” She let out a sigh before finishing up with her face. “I’m just curious. She is a very beautiful woman.”

Yizhuo shifted in her seat, taking an oddly long time to respond. “Well, I just heard that someone from the palace has sent some lord named Iseul. Im Iseul. I guess the Yu’s are highly favored by someone here. But I don’t think Jimin likes him as much her parents do.” The woman tilted her head in thought before directing her eyes to her friend.

Minjeong’s shoulders slouched as she frowned. “Could it have possibly been the man from the ball?” Yizhuo nodded “Oh. That is lovely… absolutely lovely.” She felt her throat clog up at the thought of the two together.

She couldn’t figure out why it suddenly became difficult to breathe. It felt like the air around her had suddenly became no more. The brunette noticed she had been experiencing it a lot more often ever since she had met the raven. Regardless of being near or away from the princess, one way or another, Minjeong had to always remember to breathe.

Yizhuo finished chewing whatever food she had in her mouth. Minjeong noticed that her friend’s eyes roamed all over her face as if she was concerned about something.

“Your majesty, you look like you are about to cry. Do not tell me the queen has fallen for Princess Yu already?” Yizhuo leaned toward her friend. It was obvious that the advisor was messing with her but the queen nearly toppled out her seat.

The brunette pressed at her eyes, composing herself. “What do you mean, already? I did not say no such thing. I’m just afraid that she’ll forget about me already. I’m afraid I’ve already become used to presence.” Minjeong sniffed before standing up.

“Maybe I am just not meant to have a friend. I will forever be lonely.” The queen feigned sadness, approaching Yizhuo to lay her body all over her.

Yizhuo flicked the brunette’s head, causing her to whine loudly. “Stop being a little dramatic twat. She talks about you too….. A little too much for my liking.” She pushed the queen off of her before standing up as well.

They spent the rest of the night talking like all the times they were children. Minjeong was grateful to have Yizhuo by her side. She wouldn’t know what to do without the blonde.

Minjeong made sure to thank the blonde for introducing Jimin to her.

Another friend didn’t seem so bad.

-

How would Minjeong describe the raven?

It is surprising that she had no words to describe Yu Jimin. She was just different. Jimin was extraordinary. Minjeong didn’t know if she was the only one who felt that Jimin was flawless as well.

There should have been much other things on her mind. But as time went on, the time she had spent without seeing the raven, there was a sense of longing swirling in her heart. It took some time to come to terms about the fact that Minjeong actually missed the raven.

Then again, the raven probably had her own duties to do and Minjeong had her own as Queen. But Minjeong really wanted to see her. It had been weeks since they last met. During that time, Minjeong had to get used to the word, friend.

The word felt incorrect to use, and she would be lying if she said she liked the word to describe their relationship. But in reality, friends—ones who occasionally see eachother.

There was a few knocks on the door, a signal that notified her that her sight seeing needed to be paused. “Come in!” She yelled from near the large window.

The door opened slowly and revealed the person she had been longing for peeked into the room. Minjeong gasped, lifting the end of her dress to run across the room. She bumped into a warm body, her arms wrapping around the raven’s body as she let out a breath.

Jimin laughed, hesitating a bit. But the brunette soon felt arms encircle around her neck, hugging her tightly. “Someone is excited to see me.” She teased as patted the top of the brunette’s head.

Minjeong melted.

“I’m not allowed to miss a friend?” Minjeong pulled back to look at Jimin. It was like the raven had become even more prettier over the time they were apart.

Jimin looked to be caught off guard but smiled nevertheless. “Of course you are. It’s just a little surprising to hear that the Queen missed me. Yizhuo acted a little weird yesterday while lord Iseul visited, mentioning your name multiple times.” The raven shook her head in amusement.

But Minjeong frowned. “Iseul? The man you were with at the ball?” She furrowed an eyebrow as she recalled the man.

Jimin nodded, clicking her tongue. “Well, yes. Apparently, your mother wanted us to meet him for some reason a while ago. He is charming and kind and we’ve gotten along pretty well.” The girl pressed her lips together after responding.

Her mother?

Minjeong didn’t understand. “My mother introduced you to Iseul? All of the sudden?” The brunette fully pulled away from Jimin, her face scrunched in confusion. She looked toward the window as if in thought.

Jimin noticed her expression and reached for her hands to thread their fingers together. “Apparently, yes. But it is not a big deal. I came here to see you and only you.” Minjeong felt fingers under her chin and her head being turned.

Their eyes met and as soon as they did, Minjeong felt the same tug from before in her chest and the constricting of her throat. Her gaze was strong as she tried to find the answer to the very symptoms she had been experiencing every single time she was within a small radius of the raven.

Jimin was glowing and beautiful in front of her. The brunette couldn’t fathom how someone could be so perfect and standing in front of her.

She had to bite her tongue.

The time they spent staring at eachother was cut short when Minjeong took a deep breath, and soon begin taking multiple breaths. Her hand clutched a handful of the raven’s dress, unable to process what was going as she searched Jimin’s eyes.

After a while, Minjeong managed to escape her daze, removing the hand that remained on her cheek. Jimin nearly frowned but her eyes lowered as she watched as the brunette slowly intertwined their fingers together before looking back up.

The queen disregarded the past thoughts, deciding to ask a question. “Did you miss me as much as I missed you?” Minjeong suddenly asked, her face inquisitive.

Jimin hesitated for a moment, almost as she did if she did not know what the Queen met. “I do not understand- Of course I missed you. I did not get to see you for a long while.” The princess finally managed to say through a shaky breath.

Although, Minjeong shook her head. “No, Jimin. Did you miss me as much as I missed you?” The Queen repeated once more.

She saw the raven blink a few times before she exhaled. “I…… I did miss you. I thought of you every single waking moment, Minjeong.” Jimin admitted and Minjeong felt a gentle squeeze at her hand.

The queen let out a breath of relief. “Well, then let us make up for our time apart.” Minjeong tugged the princess out the door, the thumping feeling in her chest only growing when she heard the raven’s song of laughter.

-

They walked around the palace as Minjeong wanted to get to a specific area of the palace.

But Minjeong found out that she may have taken a tad bit too long getting them to where they need.

“Princess Yu, what delight to see you here!” Princess Haeyoung stopped them, a wide grin on her lips.

Minjeong managed to give her mother a tight lipped smile as she pushed Jimin slightly behind her. “Mother. If you would please excus-” Her mother ignored her as she approached the raven.

Haeyoung placed a hand on the raven’s shoulder. “How are you and lord Iseul working along? I heard from the Im’s that they think you two are the perfect fit for eachother!” She said a little too delightfully for Minjeong’s liking.

The squeeze on her hand from the princess was most evident and Minjeong knew that the raven was uncomfortable.

The queen comforted her, using her other hand to rub Jimin’s skin. “Mother, I truly apologize but we must be on our way now. Thank you.” She quickly said before trudging past her mother.

Once they were far away from her mother, Minjeong stopped them and faced the raven. “How does my mother know you and what was she talking about?”

Jimin looked down before taking a breath. “She bumped into my mother one day at some event and since then has become very fond of my family. As I said before, she is also the one who sent lord Iseul my way. Now, she’s tried to push us together so much that my parents have started to encourage it too.” She looked up at Minjeong with a frown.

The letter. The letter from when she wrote in her notebook.

“She hasn’t happened to have sent letters to your estate, has she?” Minjeong’s face drowned with disbelief.

It took a few beats before the raven slowly nodded. It took another few beats before Minjeong saw red and made the move to sharply turn around.

But a hand caught her wrist to pull her back. “It is fine. She has not insulted me or my family.” Jimin told her, not letting to go of the Queen.

Minjeong didn’t listen, trying her best to remove her hand from the raven’s without hurting her but the princess had such a strong grip. “Yu Jimin, if you do not let go of me this instant.” The brunette growled sternly. She was upset at her mother.

She knew exactly why she was doing this. It became harder and harder to ignore the reason.

Jimin tugged on her hand once more, prompting the Queen to reluctantly face the princess again. “Why are you so upset? I told you it wasn’t such a big deal.”

Minjeong laughed bitterly. “Are you trying to make a fool of me right now? Is that it?” She bit the inside of her mouth, fighting back the sense of hurt she felt. But, did she have the right to even act hurt?

The princess remained quiet, her fingers slowly unraveling from the brunette’s wrist to instead grab her hand fully. “Minjeong. Please just leave it. It is not a big deal and I don’t want it to become a bigger matter than it should not be.” Jimin met her eyes and Minjeong felt her anger washing away at the subtle brush of the princess’s thumb over her skin.

The queen hated how much power the raven had over her.

Minjeong took a breath, looking everywhere but at the raven. The matter seemed serious to her, solely because her mother was involved. And when her mother is involved, nothing ever turned out right for the brunette and the people around her.

“Jimin.”

“Please, Minjeong.” Jimin pleaded once again.

The air was quiet around them and all Minjeong could hear was, thump, thump, thump. Maybe her heart raced due to the fury she felt or maybe due the raven who’s brown orbs gleamed at her.

She squeezed her eyes shut, counting in her head. She needed a moment. As she caught her breath and focused on the hand trying to ease her emotions, Minjeong’s shoulders began to relax.

The queen opened her eyes, finding Jimin’s soft gaze once again. “Fine…… But she can take it too far sometimes and I do not want you to be on the receiving end of it.”

Her words were only out of concern for the raven. Minjeong had suffered the consequences of her mother’s actions as she didn’t know when to stop. Minjeong was worried.

Jimin’s lips formed into a smile. “Thank you. I will tell you if she does anything, okay? You said you trusted me and right now, I want you to trust me now.” The princess searched her eyes, waiting for Minjeong’s understanding.

The brunette groaned. “You are not being fair right now.” She told the princess and the princess only gave her a knowing look.

Jimin stepped closer into her space until it was no more. “Well, you did say you trusted me and I want to know if you truly meant your words.” Her voice dropped octaves— a sign that the raven was being serious.

And Minjeong trusted her with her life. The raven was testing her limit, and the rush the queen felt because that nearly made the brunette forget she was even queen. It made her feel oddly normal and it seemed that Jimin had a great talent for making her feel that way.

In her mind, she had no reasons to go against what she was thinking. “You would not trust the words of the queen?” She questioned lightly as her eyebrows rose. She placed a finger under the princess’s chin and lifted it slightly.

Apparently, Jimin had to think of her next words carefully. “I- You know I did not mean it that way, Minjeong.” The princess huffed and the brunette had to fight back her giggle.

The brunette smiled widely, seeing how she had flustered the princess. “I’m only joking. I do truly mean my words, Jimin. I hope I can also earn your trust as well.” Minjeong did not give the princess a chance to respond as she gently pulled her to begin walking.

Regardless of the raven’s answer, all Minjeong needed to know herself was that she trusted Jimin with her whole heart.

Chapter Text

“Your majesty, I assure you this is not necessary.”

Minjeong smiled, waving him away. “Nonsense, this will be good. He is cute and you have worked hard to keep him tended to. Thank you.” The brunette turned to Kang and handed him the black kitten.

The brunette wanted to get a black kitten specifically for the raven. The ones that Minjeong had shown Jimin before were borrowed but she had decided to finally get the one Jimin was drawn to the most. Funnily enough, it reminded the queen so much of the princess and figured they would be perfect for eachother.

The pet keeper bowed his head, grabbing her hand in gratitude. “I know you will take good care of it. Thank you, your majesty.” His smile reached his eyes.

The queen couldn’t help but smile back before deciding to leave. “Let us go, Kang.” She told her attendant and the man opened the door to let her exit.

Once they were on their way, Kang made conversation. “Why did you suddenly want a kitten? I have never heard you speak of animals in my life.” Kang’s stare of curiosity was evident.

Well, maybe that is what Jimin does to her.

She entered the car, Kang shutting door as soon as she entered. “There is a first time for everything, is there not?” Minjeong questioned, receiving the kitten from the attendant.

The kitten became comfortable in the brunette’s lap, curling on its self and yawning adorably. Minjeong carefully stroked the top of the kitten’s head and the queen chuckled when it snuggled into her.

“I wonder what she will name you.” Minjeong said lowly as the car began to move.

-

When Minjeong had heard from Yizhuo that Iseul offered to take Jimin to see the horse race, she knew she had to use her royal position to her advantage. She wanted to meet the man himself before deciding whether or not he was suitable for the raven. As her friend, Iseul had to get through her before even thinking about courting Jimin.

“Your Majesty, I am not quite sure as to why you wanted to see a horse race all of the sudden. I thought you were one to despise social events like this?” Kang held an umbrella over the queen’s head as she searched the premises for a certain raven. The queen nearly swatted him on the head for blurting the words out loud.

Minjeong now remembered why she didn’t like social events. It was often too loud and as someone who loved living in peace, it was still odd to be surrounded in loud cheers for sporting events. It wasn’t as if she was unprepared, but it all just seemed to drain her energy so easily.

In response to her attendant, Minjeong waved Kang off as they began to walk. “I do not despise them….. I am just rather not fond of them.” People began bowing and curtsying when she had walked past them and Minjeong resorted to warm smiles in response.

The queen knew she had to stay in her own area (with guards) while the race raged on. She couldn’t have cared less about that, but she wasn’t sure how she was going to get the princess to know that she was here. Forbid she had seen Iseul and Jimin sitting together.

They stopped in front of the gates that separated the audience and the field. Minjeong sat on the second row of bleachers, the umbrella Kang held above her head blocking the sun from entering her eyes. A sunny day was always the perfect day for activities like this and it Minjeong content that the people were able to enjoy event like horse racing.

“Kang.” She suddenly said. She kept her eyes on the track.

Kang leaned a tad bit closer to the queen, unable to hear her due to the noise level. “Yes, Your Majesty?” He responded immediately.

Minjeong crossed her legs. “Send one of the guards to find Princess Jimin and Lord Iseul. Tell them I would like to watch the race with them both.” She instructed, fixing her hat before grabbing the umbrella from her attendant.

The attendant nodded, standing up to walk over to one of the guards. The brunette yawned, hoping the horse race would atleast satisfy her boredom. After a long while, just before the race was about to start, the queen saw the two people she was looking for. Well, one person.

Jimin approached the brunette, curtsying before lifting the edge of her dress to get over the first bleacher. Iseul made the move to hold her hand and help her but Minjeong made it to her first, standing up to reach for her hand. Jimin carefully sat down next to the Queen while Iseul sat on the other side of her.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Jimin patted her thigh, earning a warm smile from the brunette.

She heard Iseul grumble lowly beside her but Minjeong couldn’t find it in her to care. She instead averted her attention to the princess beside her. “So what brings you here? I did not know you enjoyed such races.” Minjeong began conversation while waiting for the gunshot to go off.

The gunshot went off and they averted their attention to the track. “I do not actually. Lord Iseul insisted and I had no choice but to follow. But I do not mind now. The queen has called for me to watch it together.” She bumped their shoulders together and Minjeong had to fight away a blush.

A thought wandered in the queen’s mind as she watched as the horses began galloping around the track. “I want to ask you something. Would you like to come to the palace later on? I’ve been wanting to show you something.” The brunette offered.

Jimin faced the queen. “You always have something to show me. I wonder if it’s better than the last surprise you showed me.” She made expectant face and Minjeong only giggled at her funny expression.

“You look ridiculous.” The brunette earned a shove. “But, I can assure you, this is something you have not seen before.” The queen told her with excitement and the raven smiled in response.

Jimin gently squeezed her hand. “I can not wait, then.”

To be saying that Minjeong had truly been paying attention to the race would have definitely been a lie. Especially with the two next to her. And maybe Kang was…. a little right.

Lord Iseul made it his resort to jump into the two girls' conversations but it only ended up as awkward as the things he’d say wouldn’t correlate with what they were talking about. At one point, the two nearly busted out laughing at his face because he would get incredibly red when they simply stared at him.

Others would definitely become curious as to what they were chortling about but Minjeong didn’t care because she’d earn the most beautiful laugh in response to her terrible jokes that weren’t even funny.

After a while, the race had ended and the brunette did not want to over welcome her stay before people began to ask why she had decided to come. (That will always remain a secret.)

They made it toward the area where Kang was waiting near the car. Here, Iseul decided that his journey would end here.

Minjeong let Jimin enter first before facing the man. “I will make sure to take care of her. It was nice seeing you again, lord Iseul.” She folded her hands together as the man pressed his lips together.

Iseul lowered his head before his eyes reached her own. “Of course, Your Majesty.” He said blandly before going on his way.

The Queen entered the car, sitting next to the princess. Kang closed the door firmly before walking over to sit in the front seat.

“You know, I don’t think he likes me very much.” She told the raven next to her.

Jimin tilted her head side to side. “I just think he is not very fond of you. But that is because he does not truly know you. I do.” The princess replied and the Queen made an amused expression.

Humming at the raven’s response, the brunette’s hands remained in her lap, fiddling with her fingers in boredom as the car went on its way. It wasn’t until the princess reached for one of her hands and flipped her palm face upwards. Minjeong watched as slender fingers slid over the skin of her palm, tracing the lines that ran across her palm.

The feeling was gentle, slightly ticklish but Minjeong felt warm inside at the moments. After a few strokes, Jimin slid her fingers upwards to be able to fill in the gaps of Minjeong’s hand. The princess readjusted her fingers, unclasping and clasping their hands together like it was natural.

Then, Jimin stopped the movement, instead rubbing her thumb over the Queen’s skin. It was as if their hands were made to fit eachother like puzzle pieces. The brunette was quite in awe because of how well their hands fit.

A harsh thump erupted in her chest and the brunette was suddenly unable to breathe. The very feeling that had not been unfamiliar to her. It had been happening too long for her to count, sudden and soaring.

It reminded her of shooting stars.

-

The two had dinner together, enjoying eachother’s company before setting out to the special place Minjeong wanted to show the princess.

Jimin made haste to follow after an exhilarated Queen. “Did we have to wait until it was so dark?” The raven asked as they walked outside the palace.

It was totally necessary that they do whatever the brunette planned at night. Or, it wouldn’t have worked out as she wanted so Minjeong nodded, excited coursing through her body. “Absolutely.” She opened the door to a small building and let Jimin inside.

She turned on the dim lights which illuminated everywhere, revealing the room’s glory. Jimin looked around in awe, unable to utter a word.

The queen opened her arms widely. “This, is my observatory. The second favorite place after the pond. I wanted to share it with you since we both have regards for astronomy.” She explained to the princess, waiting for her response.

Jimin laughed in disbelief. “Minjeong, this is- this is incredible.” She ran over to hug the brunette tightly. It had caught the queen off guard as her heart truly skipped a few necessary beats. But nevertheless, Minjeong reciprocated, becoming lost in the princess’s soft embrace.

They held eachother for a beat before Minjeong pulled away to pull the princess toward a large telescope. Minjeong placed a hand on the object and faced the raven.

The telescope was lifted upwards outside an opening at the ceiling. The brunette pointed to the large telescope. “With this, you can possibly see everything the naked eye can not see from the grounds of the earth. Do you want to look at the moon?” Minjeong offered.

Jimin chuckled, gazing fondly at the queen. “I am sure I am already looking at her.” She folded her hands together.

Minjeong’s eyes widened and she felt a hand reach for her own. “You-” The brunette couldn’t speak a single word and it only made the princess take a step closer.

Jimin gently squeezed the queen’s hand. “I am looking at the moon right now and she shines bright like no other.” The princess repeated, even though Minjeong had definitely heard her words the first time.

The queen felt her world stop. “You fluster me.” She breathed out, staring into the raven’s eyes. It was another opportunity for her to fall into the abyss of Jimin’s dark orbs, feel her world spin and stop all over again.

The space that was reasonable was no more. She didn’t remember Jimin being this close before, being this far into her space. It was not unusual—but it was different, unfamiliar.

The princess’s grin widened teasingly at the Queen. “Well, what if my goal wasn’t to fluster you? What if…. What if I think it is the very truth?” Jimin took careful breaths and Minjeong saw her eyes roam around her face.

She could’ve promised Jimin was leaning in, eyes flickering to her lips. But the raven quickly staggered back, knocking them out of the daze they were both in. It was like Minjeong’s heart had jumpstarted again, struggling to remain its normal rhythm it was set to.

Jimin blinked, exhaling deeply. “Sorry. What were you going to show me?” She stepped back slowly, giving the queen a chance to breathe.

Minjeong only cleared her throat as she slowly closed her hand in disappointment. “Right. The moon.” She backed up to let the raven look into the telescope.

The princess placed her eye onto the surface, adjusting herself where she found fit. “I can’t see it.” She expressed sadly. Minjeong took it as a chance to lean behind her to attempt to see what the princess was seeing.

Minjeong placed her hand over the raven’s, helping her focus the lens. She kept messing with the telescope until Jimin gasped lowly. “I think you might be able to see it now.” The ends of Minjeong’s lips curled upwards as she walked backwards and moved her head back to look up at the opening at the ceiling.

Silence engulfed them for a long minute before the princess finally spoke. “It is beautiful. I do not have any words to describe how amazing this is. But, I still don’t think it’s as beautiful as you, Minjeong.” Jimin’s last few words lowered to barely a whisper.

The raven had grown quite bold and the queen wasn’t used to it. What remained the same was the fluttering feeling that roamed in her chest at every gesture or movement Jimin performed. Unfamiliarity was the word for everything the princess had made her experience. It would always be the world because for the life of her, the queen couldn’t fathom the things the raven did. She couldn’t even figure out why out of all the people on earth, Yu Jimin specifically made her feel—special.

She wanted Jimin so badly. There was no other way to complicate the matter. Doing so might as well made matters worse for her.

Her eyes remained on the princess beside her, Jimin’s every movement seeming endearing to the brunette. “And you are the most beautiful of all. It is the queen telling you this.” Minjeong confidently responded and soon watched as the princess stood up straight.

There was no response, only quietness settling in the observatory. Like before, Jimin had stepped into her space, sending the queen into another spiral of confusion. But this time, the princess leaned her forehead against the queen’s, closing her eyes. Minjeong did the same on instinct, basking in the warmth the raven had gave her.

Although, it seemed like Jimin had wanted to rest, as if there was something bothering her and she didn’t want to face it. The princess had placed all her weight onto Minjeong, the brunette blinking rapidly as constellations of stars gazed into her soul.

Suddenly, she had heard low sobs and felt a hand cup her cheek. “I’m so sorry.” Is all Jimin whispered.

Minjeong stayed still before the raven’s choked sob became too much for the brunette to withstand. “Why are you crying?” She lifted her hand to stroke dark hair slowly, in attempt to comfort the princess. Minjeong brushed a stray hair behind the raven’s ear, leaning back to see Jimin’s face fully.

The raven shook her head, letting Minjeong wipe her tears. “Just know that I am truly sorry.” Her teary eyes met Minjeong’s and at that moment, the brunette’s heart slowly shattered.

There was slight anger boiling in the queen as she wondered who could’ve put the princess in this state. She had knew the reason why she was so upset seeing Jimin cry. It was slightly terrifying that she felt this way because it was becoming more than she could handle. It pulled her under like the dangerous tides of the oceans, drowning her under before she could even blink.

The queen wrapped her arms around the raven’s frame, letting Jimin cry into her shoulder. It wasn’t long before the princess had fully let her own weight fall onto Minjeong, which the Queen did not mind. “Whatever it is, you have nothing to apologize for.” She whispered into Jimin’s hair, breathing in and out deeply.

Jimin slid her arms around Minjeong’s waist and clung onto the material of her dress tightly as she sobbed and sobbed.

The Queen then promised that she would do everything in her power to protect Jimin.

-

“Your majesty, I suggest you pay mind to what is in front of you before you fall off your horse.” Yizhuo knocked the queen out from her thoughts, causing her to look forward.

They were riding their horses somewhere near the palace in an area Minjeong was still unfamiliar with. But Yizhuo insisted she get some type of fresh air due to her somewhat abnormal behaviors. She was grateful her friend cared about her, but the unsettling feeling in her stomach still remained.

Minjeong sighed, clucking at her horse to speed up. Yizhuo followed after her, raising an eyebrow. “Where are you going?” The blonde asked curiously, trying to match pace.

The queen only sped up, ignoring the blonde’s question. Her head pounded and pounded uncomfortably, and the thing she needed the least, was questioning. So, she decided to run away from it. Maybe it wasn’t the best idea, but it was her only idea.

Lowering her body as she sped up, Minjeong didn’t think, she just enjoyed the wind that brushed against her, a rush following along. The rush that followed settled into her was enough to make her forget about the past occurrence that had been bothering her all week.

What exactly made the princess break into tears all of the sudden? Why did it feel like Jimin wanted to kiss her but was afraid to? Why did she feel a need to protect Jimin? Why did she want the princess so badly?

After a while of running away from her responsibilities, Minjeong slowed down, letting her advisor catch up to her. She took a deep breath and looked behind her. Yizhuo trotted up to her on her horse, in disbelief.

“There is something definitely bothering you. Do you know how far you have gone? We are in the middle of nowhere, your majesty.” The blonde looked around them, around in the unfamiliar area of trees.

The queen pressed her lips together. “I know, Yizhuo. I just need time to-” She wiped at her cheeks, fighting the tears that threatened to fall.

She wasn’t even sure why she was at the verge of tears, everything seemed to overwhelm her all at once. The brunette was never good at that, pressure and her thoughts mashing up into one was one of her greatest weaknesses.

Yizhuo’s horse came to a complete stop, flaring at the queen’s. “You have to tell me what is wrong. I am your best friend but you have been nothing but distant. Don’t you think I’m worried?” The blonde gave her a look of concern.

Her friend was only worried about her. Minjeong knew that and she felt awful that there were things that she couldn’t tell Yizhuo. But it was only because the brunette was balancing her life, being queen and as well trying to be everything everyone wants her to be. It was draining her and all she wanted to was to sleep under the stars.

But she couldn’t. She couldn’t have the one star she wanted.

Sighing, Minjeong turned her horse around.

“Let us go home, Yizhuo.” She simply said but Yizhuo did not let the matter go.

Yizhuo’s horse trotted nearly in front of her. “I’m supposed to be your best friend. You shouldn’t be afraid to tell me things.” The blonde tried again and this time, the queen stopped her horse.

The queen took a deep breath. “You are right, I should be able to tell you things, but this? I do not even know where I stand, Yizhuo. My mind is a mess, like it is tugged toward multiple directions. About what I need to do, who I need to be, what I want to do, who I want to be, who I want to love and all the responsibilities and matters I have. I have questions that have yet to be answered and it drives me crazy. I- I do not even know what goes on in my head anymore, Yizhuo!” She was heaving at the end of her words, fighting tears.

Yizhuo stared at her, a frown painting her lips. “Minjeong…”

The brunette shook her head. “That is why I can not tell you anything. I don’t know even where to begin, Yizhuo. I wish I did, but I don’t. I can’t.” Her voice wavered, and her vision began to slightly blur due to her tears.

She knew only one person could put her mind to rest.

Taking a deep breath in, Minjeong remembered who she was. “I apologize for my behavior. We should be making our way home.” She looked forward, gently squeezing her horse to begin moving.

Yizhuo watched as the queen went on, sighing before following after her.

Chapter Text

Minjeong took a deep breath in, putting on her mask. “You are not going to beat me, brother. You know you always lose and then let it ruin your day.” She shifted her sabre in her hand, feeling nice and loose.

Her brother challenged her to another dual. Duals that her twin always lost. It was a bit hilarious that he still continued to challenge her. But she was glad her brother also still wanted to spend time with her, as they had always been dealing ever since they were younger. Even if Beomgyu was reluctant to sometimes, he would laugh before going to get his gear.

Although, this time, even if it was difficult to decipher his expressions, she knew he was somehow rolling his eyes. He always became quiet all of the sudden. The younger twin would chuckle before standing in her starting positions. They would both become incredibly serious while waiting for the referee.

Her brother tilted his head slightly, and the brunette had noticed it, awaiting his words. “Let me guess, you have a special move to use on me today?” Beomgyu taunted but his sister only laughed in amusement.

The queen simply shook her head, ignoring his ruses. He was trying to distract her but she knew better to fall for his tricks. “I will beat you with the very moves you know I use the most. Plus, I have been distracted, so maybe today shall be your lucky day.” Minjeong nodded off at the referee, letting him know that they weee ready to begin.

“Allez!”

Minjeong was the first to lunge forward to gain the first of the way. Beomgyu was quick to defend her attacks, but he was being force to move back. The queen gave him a moment, pausing in her attack to reset. The prince only grunted in response, still staying alerted.

A smile of adorn made way to her lips as she gave her older brother a moment to breath. “Stay on your toes, brother.” Minjeong reminded Beomgyu, he movies .

Beomgyu huffed before advancing toward Minjeong. He began his attack, thrusting foward at his sister. But Minjeong performed a coupé, striking for an indirect attack. It managed to be very effective as the older twin had to lean back to avoid the tip of the blade.

The brunette paused,raising an eyebrow. Beomgyu had gotten better. She grinned brightly, excited that her brother had finally made an effort to beat her instead of giving up. When they were younger, Minjeong had always been better, easily beating the older boy. Beomgyu was bigger than her of course, maybe a little stronger too, but he let his ego get to him sometimes. This resulted in burst of his emotions, anger escaping from him as he threw his mask on the ground.

He had gotten better controlling his emotions and Minjeong reminded him to always persevere no matter had bad it became.

Minjeong took the chance to advance, quick movements to throw her twin of balance being utilized. It wasn’t long before the referee had called for a point. The brunette smiled as she caught her breath.

Beomgyu hummed, going back to his position. “I will take it. You struck quickly to catch me off guard, which has always been your strong suit. But, there is something off with you. I don’t want you to get hurt.” The prince spoke in concern.

The queen opened and closed her eyes. “I am fine, brother. There are always things on the top of my head.” Minjeong replied before hearing the referee speak.

Beomgyu didn’t respond, but instead made his advance first, quick steps forward. Minjeong remained on her toes, jumping back to avoid her’s brother’s blade. Although, she took the wrong angle and Beomgyu’s sabre entered through the sleeve of her jacket, scraping against the outside of her forearm.

Minjeong dropped her sabre, clutching her arm. Her brother immediately dropped his sabre, running over to his sister. “Are you okay? I did not mean to hurt you.” He quickly apologized as bent down to inspect the queen’s arm.

The queen groaned, her face squeezing in pain. “It is not your fault. I took the wrong angle, it was an accident.” She reassured her brother.

Beomgyu looked up at the man staring at them. “What are you standing there for? Go get a doctor!” He yelled angrily, watching as the man nodded and quickly ran out of the room.

The prince helped the brunette sit down and remove her mask. He sighed as he brushed the strands of her hair from her face. “I fear for you sometimes. You haven’t been yourself. Usually, you would pull a move to counter attack but you just let it happen.”

Minjeong sucked in a breath, opening and closing her eyes as she tried to ignore the pain. “Everyone keeps telling me that. What if I am just- really stressed?” She forced a smile but suddenly dropped it when her twin gave her a look.

A doctor managed to come in a hurry, Beomgyu and the doctor leading the queen to a more comfortable place.

The doctor pushed back her sleeve and Minjeong wince a little. “You are always getting involved in some accident. What is the matter now?” She asked, looking up at the queen.

Minjeong smiled cheekily. “Sabre cut across my skin. Please do something about it because I do not think it is supposed to be gushing out blood like this.” The queen motioned to her arm.

The doctor took a damp cloth and pressed it gently onto the brunette’s skin. The queen groaned at the pressure, sinking her teeth into her lip as she held in a scream.

“You will be fine. It is only a little cut. Well, not very little as it may scar. But it wouldn’t be that noticeable-” Her voice was cut off by a whine.

The queen had her non injured hand on Beomgyu’s ear, tugging just to the point where it hurt. “You ruined my beautiful skin.” She tugged harder and her twin screamed.

Beomgyu placed a hand over her own. “It was an accide- Ow! Ow! Ow! I’m sorry!” He yelped loudly, tapping the back of her hand.

The doctor didn’t quite hear the end of it for a while.

———

“Next.”

“Next.”

“Next.”

“Next.” Minjeong had to act as if she cared about this whole thing. But it was no where near the first time.

“Aeri, I really don’t think this is necessary. I have been sitting here for hours!” Minjeong whispered screamed as irritation grew in her.

This damned tight corset.

Lady Uchinaga only put on a tight lipped smile, ushering for the next person to come up. “Well, your mother put me here on duty and she is really scary so if you could just stay put for a bit longer, we will both be on our way.” Aeri said through her smile, earning a silent groan from the Queen.

There were so many people in the stateroom, a few were familiar, a few were not. Minjeong had to do these events occasionally to find someone to marry. They always ended the same. Not one person that was truly interested in her. Not one person she was truly interested in. They just wanted the title and the money, luxury—but having the whole weight of the people on your shoulders was not as sunshine and rainbows as people thought it was.

She pitied the people who had been wasting their time each time they came. Some were really persistent, but Minjeong could’ve cared less about whether or not someone had good qualities. Only her mother did. But she was already married, her story had already finished all its chapters.

Minjeong wanted to create her own. She wasn’t going to let her mother force someone who wouldn’t love her for who she was, without her title onto her. Minjeong just wanted to be……well, Kim Minjeong. If there was one thing Kim Minjeong wanted, was to truly be loved, truly love someone with no restraints.

Sitting in a chair and watching as people put in their fakest smiles to impress her became awkward at one point. Unfortunately, she couldn’t just yell out for everyone to get out, that would scandalous of her. She was exhausted and her head was pounding endlessly.

Thoughts wandered around her head, she was slightly tired of her mind swirling all day long.

Minjeong winced as pain shot through her arm. Aeri noticed, her eyes scanning over the queen. However, she kept quiet and continued ushering for people to come.

This went on for hours, until the last person for the day. The doors closed with a loud thud and Minjeong let out a sigh of relief.

Lady Uchinaga immediately faced her. “Lift your left arm.” She instructed.

The queen looked up at her in confusion. “What?” Minjeong raised her head to look at Aeri beside her.

Aeri instead grabbed her arm, lifting it up halfway. Minjeong immediately yelped, pulling her hand out of the lady’s grip. It prompted the brunette to grab at her arm, glaring at Aeri.

“What was that for?” Minjeong whined and let her head fall back on the chair. She was sure that Aeri had opened her cut again. It burned like no other.

Lady Uchinaga crossed her arms. “There is something wrong with your arm.” Sharp eyes narrowed at the queen and Minjeong would have scoffed if the lady wasn’t so scary.

The queen feared a few people, and Aeri was definitely one of them. Her mother liked the lady because she could become serious just like her mother. Although, Aeri wasn’t quite as fond of her mother than her mother was of Aeri.

Standing, Minjeong began walking toward the door, the guards opening them for the two. “Sabre cut me when Beomgyu and I were dueling. But I am fine now.” She reassured the lady, or atleast, attempted to. (Aeri had such a stubborn head.)

A hum was released into the air and Minjeong stared suspiciously at her friend. “You are quiet. I’m not sure I like that.” The brunette managed to question.

Lady Uchinaga linked her arm with the Queen’s as they walked around the palace. “If it’s not a big deal, then it would be fine for me to tell Princess Jimin?” Aeri said nonchalantly and the queen’s head jerked toward her.

She wasn’t sure why the lady had suddenly inserted the princess into the conversation. “Wh- What does she have to do with any of this? And no, I don’t want her to worry. It’s the least of her problems.” Minjeong responded, tugging the lady toward a certain direction.

Minjeong offered Aeri a meal, in gratitude for putting up for her mother. She couldn’t help but wonder when her mother would give up trying to get her married. Her father was less persistent than her mother and only brought the matter up to back up his wife. But the man shook his head, reminding her that he did not care as much. He was only worried about his daughter who had been prepared for the title since she was small child.

Aeri’s curiosity became evident, and as they ate, Minjeong ushered for her to say what she wanted to. “You have that look on your face.”

They were both engulfed in silence, Minjeong wondering what was on the lady’s mind. It was not until Aeri looked up from her plate and let out a sigh. “What is the true reason that you do not want to marry? If your mother were to find you a bride or a groom, and they fit the life of a royal, would you accept them? I am curious to know.” Her fork clattered onto the plate loudly.

Minjeong leaned her head onto her chair, chewing the inside of her lip. Her eyes pensively looked between the guards like usual. She was nervous. She had a reason to be, as she always was when there were guards lined up and down the dining room.

Her answer could’ve been vague. She would not have to fully answer Aeri’s question.

“My mother would be more invested in my marriage than her own. That is one thing I can not let happen. She has made half of my life miserable already. If I let her touch those close to me, I would never forgive myself.” She pressed her lips together into a thin line.

She chuckled sadly, picking at her food. “Kang, leave us. I need to speak privately to Lady Uchinaga.” Minjeong told her attendant, who nodded.

In a later minute, the guards had disappeared from her room and the queen was finally able to breathe a bit better. She released the hand that was shaking and watched as it remained calm.

Aeri sat up, seeming to be interested in what the queen was about to say. “She might have had something to do with letters Jimin was receiving….” The lady mumbled in realization.

The brunette tilted her head with uncertainty. “I am not certain about it yet, but she is the only one who has been pestering me about her. She wants to know about the princess but I refuse to let her do so.” Minjeong shifted in her seat as she opened and closed her hand.

Aeri looked around the room, her face stern as she faced the queen. “Is that why you have not told the princess about your feelings yet? Because you’re afraid your mother will do something about it?”

The brunette furrowed her eyebrows, puzzled. “What?” She responded, her heart thumping harshly in her chest. Minjeong struggled to gather words. It was as if she was a child who had gotten caught stealing sweets.

Aeri failed to hide the look of disappointment. The queen waited for her to continue. “Why is it that you two are the only people who can not see it? You are in love with Jimin and she is in love with you. If there is nothing I have ever been more sure about in my life, it is this.” The redhed stared firmly into her eyes.

Minjeong’s hand began shaking again. “She does not wish a life with me.” The Queen breathed out as she shook her head.

In front of her, Aeri closed and opened her eyes. “And how would you know that? Has she told you that?” The lady challenged and Minjeong nearly hesitated.

She couldn’t- Minjeong took a deep breath, tongue anxiously poking at the inside her cheek as she tried not to burst into tears. “I can’t, Aeri. My mother had driven everyone away from me. She has ruined their lives. Jimin is the one person I can not lose. Not her.” She continued shaking her head.

Staring at the brunette, Aeri huffed through her nose. “Are you willing to let her go, if it means protecting her? Are you willing to let the shooting star pass you by, your majesty? Do you love her that much?” The lady asked her questions that she could not answer herself.

Did she love truly love the princess that much to let her go?

Her thinking became interrupted when Lady Uchinaga stood up and the doors opened. Kang appeared, waiting at the door. “Well, I reckon Princess Jimin is soon to be here. I hope to see you soon, your majesty. Think about what I said.” Aeri curtsied before picking up her purse and walking out of the dining room.

Minjeong huffed through her nose, tired from another day. Her hand shakily rested on her head as her face remained in distress.

———

Jimin visited her like always. Minjeong had become so used to the princess coming over that she had found it odd when they were apart for a day or so. The queen refused to let her duties busy her enough to forget about Jimin.

Minjeong welcomed her with open arms, so glad to see the raven. The princess laughed into her neck, seeming brighter than before. The queen hugged her tightly, seemingly being able to breath better this time along.

The first to pull back was Jimin, a soft gaze being displayed. “Would you look at you? You look beautiful today!” The princess let her eyes roam the Queen exceptional dress that she wore for the event.

The brunette scoffed playfully. “As you do too.” She grabbed the raven’s hand and pressed a kiss to her skin.

Jimin smiled in response, which the queen delighted in. The princess’s smile lit a light in her. One that she could not explain.

Minjeong was curious to know why the raven had not come to event on the behalf of her family as every family had sent their sons and daughters to the palace to try their luck. (All of which the queen was not amused of.) She knew that the palace had sent out invitations to every household.

They sat down on a large couch in one of the stare rooms. Jimin reached for the queen’s arm, pulling down her sleeve. “You are bleeding.” The princess looked up at her. “What happened?”

Minjeong looked at her arm, bright red blood trickling down her skin. She hadn’t noticed it had reopened. “Oh. It was from a duel. I hadn’t realized my cut had opened again. Forgive me.” She had reached for a napkin beside her to clean up the mess but Jimin stopped her before she could.

The princess stood up. “Stay here. I will clean it up for you. You should have kept on the dressing on that the doctor provided you. But then again, Lady Uchinaga did say you were stubborn in the head.” Jimin said with a tint of playfulness.

The queen watched with her mouth agape as the raven left her alone in the state room. Usually, she would not allow one to call her stubborn but coming from the raven, she perceived as a playful teasingly matter.

In a matter of minutes, the princess came back with a tray of materials. Jimin placed the tray on the small table in front of them before plopping herself next the brunette. Gentle hands lifted the queen’s arm, the raven taking a wet cloth and cleaning the reopened wound.

As the princess worked diligently in tending to the brunette’s wound, Minjeong’s eyes could not stray away from the raven. She could not help but be astonished by Jimin’s breathtaking beauty. She also found it heartwarming that the princess muttered words of concern over a wound that the queen did not deem as serious to the her.

Minjeong couldn’t believe there was someone other than very family members who had truly cared for her.

A pat on her arm was enough to knock her out of her daze, Minjeong lifting her head. “There. Do not take the dressing off for another few days. It is quite the deep cut. Be more careful, I worry for you, Minjeong.” Jimin carefully pulled up her sleeve, covering the rest of her arm.

The queen blinked, taking in a breath she certainly needed. Minjeong grabbed the princess’s hand, needing to feel the raven’s touch. Her hand slightly shook as she moved her hand and she certain could not help it. But Jimin intertwined their fingers together, giving the queen a reassuring squeezed. In the next second, one where it took the longest for Minjeong to catch her breath, she soon felt her hand stop shaking.

Lifting her head up, Minjeong had made contact with Jimin’s eyes. “You care for me?” She asked, not being able to believe it.

Jimin chuckled, and Minjeong’s heart might have swooned then and there. “Of course I do. I know you do as well for you have treated me like no other.” The raven tapped a finger of the brunette’s skin.

The queen had never felt the urge to kiss someone so badly before.

But she ignored it, sucking in about her breath and closing her eyes before opening them again. “You’re right. I do treat you like no others….. Though, may I ask why you did not come to the event today?”

Jimin’s smile suddenly faded. “My parents are thinking about having lord Iseul continue to court me. They thought there would be no need for any of us, my brothers, to attend. Or there was someone preventing us from going. I atleast wanted to see the beautiful attires the ladies and gentlemen wore.” She admitted and the brunette noticed the sadness that followed.

Unfortunately, the signs were starting to point to a certain someone.

She had so many questions. No one was willing to answer any of them.

But she did want the answer to one.

“If you were given the chance to marry anyone, who would you want it to be? Would lord Iseul still be in the equation or is there someone who….” She tested her limits—though still curious.

The tracing of the princess’s finger was not forgotten. Minjeong felt every stroke on her skin, and it was like the raven was trying to tell a story through each of them.

Jimin kept her gaze on the queen’s hand and Minjeong sat patiently as she waited for the raven’s answer.

“If I could marry anyone, I would wish to marry the one I love.”

Chapter Text

A trinket of time.

Jimin looked in the mirror as they put on her extra articles of clothing she had told them she truly didn’t need. They still ended up putting it on either way per her mother’s request. They were beautiful, Jimin thought so, she would wear it with gratitude. Demurely, she took one last glance at herself before pressing her lips into a thin line.

She could not deny that her mind wandered elsewhere as they continued to put on the finishing touches to her outfit. Her mind mainly remained on the Queen’s certain words—very words that left her to decipher everything that Minjeong had meant. There were ones that kept her up all night, staring aimlessly at her ceiling. They seemed to be the same thoughts that circled around in her head, like how Minjeong truly cared for her like no other did. It made the princess wish she could hold onto Minjeong for little longer if allowed so.

The princess let out a breath of relief when the staff members had finally finished. She had been left to stand there for ages before they had nodded at her through the mirror. She mumbled a ‘thank you’ nearly after smiling warmly at the staff members through the mirror.

The day had yet to commence. Unfortunately for her, she had to spend time with Iseul rather than take another delightful trip to the palace. She highly favored spending time with Minjeong over Iseul because the man only had it in him to talk about boring topics. But she knew she had to sit through it to appeal Princess Haeyoung and her parents. It was such a trifling process, but the princess decided to take it on regardless.

She made no haste to eat breakfast and complete whatever duties she had for the day. The more time she took, the less time she had to spend with Iseul and that sounded rather magnificent. It was like a plan of ways to slither her way out of the arrangement she had been placed in. It was not like Iseul was a bad man. He was quite the opposite, he had everything that anyone could’ve ever wanted in a man. But, he was not a man Jimin could see herself with. Iseul opposed and otherwise adored the princess.

It had astounded the raven, seeing that he was very much interested in her. But at the same time, Jimin had wanted to figure out the exact reason the lord wanted to courted her. Her friends weren’t fond of him for unknown reason, which was enough for the raven to stay curious of him.

After some waiting, Iseul had arrived at their estate with an excited grin. Jimin held in an exhausted sigh at his enthusiasm, her face squeezing slightly to prevent an unnecessary series of events. All ones that may have had the chance to ruin the arrangement set in stone. But then again, it might have been what the princess had been aiming for.

The lord approached the princess and reached for her hand. “Your highness, thank you for allowing me an ounce of your time. I will make sure to make great use of it.” He pressed a kiss to her hand.

Jimin grimaced when he wasn’t looking before putting on her favorite fake smile. She remained quiet and instead walked along to where they always met at. It wasn’t long before Iseul began blabbering about his adventures, wanting to seem courageous to the princess. The raven would have assumed it was very interesting but all Jimin could think about was the way the queen caressed her hands.

Compared to Iseul’s hands, Minjeong’s were soft, gentle and her every touch were burned into her memory. Iseul’s were rough, forgettable and did not offer the same comfort the brunette’s did. Jimin found her smiling at her hands as fiddled with her fingers and remembered how the queen slowly slipped her fingers into the gaps of her own hands. The movements were ones Jimin wanted to experience forever.

“Have you ever wondered what object in the sky you would be?” Minjeong faced the raven.

Jimin laughed. “All of the sudden?” The raven asked as she looked up at the dark sky and soon took a moment to ponder.

The Queen rubbed her thumb over her skin as she nodded. “We’re outside and I just thought about it. People say I remind them of the moon, quiet but illuminating.” She began fiddling with the princess’s fingers.

Breathing slowly, Jimin relaxed at the way Minjeong drew circles onto her skin with her thumb. The movements helped even her breaths in the dark night.

Jimin hummed, lowering her head. “What do you think I am?” She asked curiously, catching Minjeong’s eyes.

Minjeong took a long moment before speaking.

“You? The brightest star in the sky.”

“Princess Jimin, are you okay?” A voice pulled her from her thoughts. It had caused her to blink rapidly as she slowly found herself coming back to reality.

Jimin furrowed her eyebrows, finding her attention on the lord again. “Hmm? Sorry, I am listening.” She reassured the man, but Iseul only frowned.

“It appears I am boring you with all this talk. What would you like to talk about?” Iseul offered, putting his full attention on the raven.

Jimin wished she cared for Iseul, she really did. Then, maybe she wouldn’t be in this much distraught. Iseul deserved someone better. Jimin realized a long time ago that she was not meant for him.

Luckily for her, Yizhuo had appeared. Her presence was always made known whenever she visited. And—she brought Aeri. More fun for the princess. Although, she suddenly felt bad for the man who had felt the sudden rise in energy at the two ladies. He exhaled in annoyance but Jimin couldn’t find it in her to care. (But pretend like she did feel bad.)

Yizhuo and Aeri sat beside her on the couch. The two made it obvious they didn’t like Iseul by their body languages. Jimin already warned them about their behavior before they arrive. But being the friends they were, they didn’t even attempt to hide their pointed gazes.

Funnily enough, Jimin called them on purpose because she knew Iseul would eventually lose her interest. Which he did, very quickly in fact. So, what a delight they were here.

Once they all noticed the awkward silence that had overcome them, the princess cleared her throat. “Would you all like some tea? It is still warm.” She pointed to the table.

Iseul huffed lowly and Jimin’s smile only grew.

-

Aeri managed to keep conversation with Iseul while Yizhuo dragged the princess farther from the rest. Jimin acted clueless when the blonde stopped them in the middle of the hallway.

Yizhuo looked behind them for any passerby before turning around to face the princess. “You’re not being very….. discreet.” She gave the raven a pointed glare.

Only a blink. Only a blink was what Yizhuo received as Jimin had to pretend like she didn’t know what the girl was ushering to. Jimin had to avoid it, somehow. She was not ready to simply face the truth.

Jimin remained still. “I do not know what you mean, speak plainly.” The raven replied and earned herself an exhausted sigh from her friend.

Yizhuo made a face, and the princess thought she was about to laugh in her face. “You and the Queen, don’t act clueless. You two gaze at eachother like you both hold all the stars in the sky.” The girl looked backwards once again.

Jimin felt like her secret had been released to the world. Had she been that obvious? No, that couldn’t be possible, she had done a good job hiding it. Or that was what she thought. If Minjeong had yet to find out how the raven truly felt of her, then she thought she was doing a good job at hiding her feelings away.

The princess exhaled in amused. “She is the queen.” She simply said. She figured it’d be enough. It should’ve been enough—atleast for some type of reassurance. For her, and maybe something for the blonde to understand.

But unfortunately, it wasn’t, because Yizhuo let out a scoff. “I have known Minjeong since the day we were both born and as her best friend and trusted advisor, I know when Minjeong is being friendly and when Minjeong is in love. I have never seen her so…. alive. She is doing things we never imagined her doing, going back to habits that made her happy.” The woman took a breath, obviously not trying to overwhelm the princess.

Yizhuo made her friend look into her eyes. “She can’t even focus properly, Jimin. She has yet to tell me but she hints at her thoughts being all about you because if there’s anyone she talks more about, it’s you, Jimin. Do you not get it?” Yizhuo stared into the princess’s eyes, plead in her own as she waited for Jimin to realize.

And in another blink, Jimin’s world nearly crumbled.

Jimin shook her head, unable to get a single syllable out. “Yizhuo. She is the queen and I am just a princess from a small area trying to get through the life I was born into. I couldn’t- I was lucky to have even met the queen and have her take me as her friend. Being her friend is all I will ever be and it is what I am. Being near her is enough.” She explained to her friend sincerely, and it was as well a reminder for her own self, all while breaking her own heart.

Minjeong was so close but so far away at the same time.

Trying to stand up properly was already a struggle. She needed to sit down somewhere, but Yizhuo opened her mouth to speak further.

The advisor made an expression of confusion. “Where are you getting that idea from? You haven’t-” Yizhuo took a breath, closing and opening her eyes. “You haven’t even tried?”

Jimin remembered reading the contents of the letters. Princess Haeyoung did not like that she was becoming close to the queen. She had said some harsh words in the letter that Jimin could only accept. It also had made her realize that maybe everything the princess had said was right, Minjeong wasn’t far from her reach, but she somehow….. was.

Which meant she had lied to the queen.

But it was better if Minjeong never knew. She could handle everything herself.

Jimin cleared her throat as her hands fiddled with eachother in habit. She straightened up before looking up at Yizhuo. “It is to not be discussed. I will be going back to others now. This conversation never happened.” She sternly said before walking past Yizhuo.

Throughout the rest of the time Iseul was at her estate, Jimin acted more engaged, apologizing for her bland state from earlier. Her friends gave her odd gazes but she ignored them, continuing to speak with the man.

She had already knew the outcome. Her parents and Princess Haeyoung wanted them to marry. They both had high titles, making them a powerful duo, which was what everyone wanted. However, the raven wanted a marriage that would be full of love, for love, not for benefits and while her parents knew that, they did not disappoint Princess Haeyoung.

Another reason for her behaviors—falling for the Queen had its consequences. They were from two different galaxies, Minjeong was too far for her to reach. She would’ve just been one of the many people and be left with a broken heart.

She didn’t want to risk being disappointed or getting her hopes up. It was too dangerous. Especially with the brunette who had turned her world upside down in the blink of an eye and made her feel like never before.

So, Jimin decided to hide what she truly felt in the depths of heart and be there for whenever the Queen needed her. The princess’s heart—her heart might slowly seep with cracks that may not be able to be hidden but eventually, everything will rest.

Eventually.

-

Longing. Yearning. It was dreadful for the princess. Every emotion rushed to her head, nearly overwhelming her. Jimin let out a breath as she stared up at the sky. The stars seemed so far apart, but some were able to form a cluster to shine bright enough to be seen.

There was light in Jimin’s heart, she had it in her, she was sure she did. But she didn’t know what to do with it. Her heart longed to share it with someone special but how could she do that, if the one person she wanted to share the light with was too far away from her grasp?

Minjeong had brought the raven to the observatory. Since they both had a interest for astronomy, the queen had told her she had a surprise for her.

The brunette pointed to the large telescope. “With this, you can possibly see everything the naked eye can not see from the grounds of the earth. Do you want to look at the moon?” Minjeong offered.

Jimin chuckled, gazing fondly at the queen. “I am looking her already.” She folded her hands together.

Minjeong’s eyes widened and the raven felt a hand reach for her own. “You-” The brunette couldn’t utter a single word and it only made the princess take a step closer.

Jimin gently squeezed the queen’s hand. “I am looking at the moon right now and she shines bright like no other.”

As time went on, realization struck the princess like a pendulum. Her heart longed for Minjeong. It longed to share the light it had with Minjeong. Why couldn’t she do that?

“It will pass.” Jimin told herself.

-

Jimin cut aggressively at her stake. She wasn’t particularly upset at anyone or anything. Jimin was just… upset.

Maybe at herself, maybe at all the circumstances, all the obstacles that stood her way. It could’ve also been her emotions that would simply not let her be. And—maybe she’s also upset at Princess Haeyoung. But that, is something she will never say out loud.

Her brothers knew not to question her attitude, for the raven appeared as terrifying when she approached those certain times. She did not yell or raise her voice, her pointed glares were enough to send a sign.

She wanted Minjeong, is what she thought in her head. The princess couldn’t deny it now that Yizhuo had caught on. She knew it good and well about her feelings for Minjeong, however, she did not know it would ever get to this point. To the point where the raven could not get the queen out of her mind and simply wished to be with her every waking moment.

Grumbling, Jimin let her utensils fall onto her plate, causing the rest of the table to turn their heads to the princess. “I am tired. Do not call for me unless it’s urgent.” Jimin told her family, who all stared at her as she stood up.

Jimin walked over to her bedchamber, sitting by the small desk at the corner. She decided to send a letter to the Queen. But, since it was personal, she’d have to wait to give it to Yizhuo to have her deliver it to Minjeong.

Halfway into her letter, the raven heard a knock on her door. “Come in.” She responded without looking up from her paper. The door opened and footsteps began approaching her.

She let her eyes quickly glance at the visitor. Her little brother had surprisingly entered her room for the first time in ages. It meant that what he had enter for was to be important. Especially after she had sent a signal announcing that she was not to be bothered.

Eric cleared his throat from where he sat on Jimin’s bed. “Inhyuk sent me here.” He simply said. Awkwardness laced with his voice, which Jimin did not bother trying to depict.

Jimin chuckled in amuse. “Of course, because you would never enter my room without purpose. Now, may I ask why you are here?” She continued in shorting down words on the paper.

Eric was never one to talk about sentimental values. He loved remaining the youngest one and adored his sister, however, moments like this, Jimin had yet to experience. The youngest prince offered playfulness, but from what the raven was receiving, he was attempting at being serious.

“I wanted to ask you something. What is the Queen like? There are rumors that she has been become more… sociable. Apparently, she wasn’t one to interact with people. There would just be generous gestures here and there. I mean, I know she is not mean or rude because, she treated you as if you were the queen.” Eric began to ramble and Jimin enjoyed her brother finally becoming comfortable in ranting to his older sister.

Jimin listened and listened before deciding to finally to answer his questions. “The Queen… She is kind, shy, but bold. Very charming too. She is not different publicly, or rather privately either. She makes sure to treat her staff well. And when I mean bold, there are different types of…. bold.” the princess recalled certain moments she had with the queen.

She turned around to face her brother, seeming to be in thought. “The Queen puts her staff members to stress about the abnormal habits she does. Like pouring her own cup of juice or engaging in normal citizens activity as the Queen. Likewise, I think there is so much to know about her.” Jimin let out a lovesick sigh, smiling gently at Minjeong adoring traits.

As she finished speaking, she began to realized how close she had become to Minjeong to already know much about her. She hoped she hadn’t made it to obvious about her likings.

Eric hummed and hopped off her bed. “Brother was right, you indeed are smitten by the Queen. What has she done to you, my dear sister?” He appeared in front of the raven, shaking her shoulders.

Jimin tilted her head before looking up at Eric. “Who isn’t smitten by the queen? She is very beautiful.” The raven tried to save face. She took one look at the prince to realize that it wasn’t exactly working.

The prince only chuckled in a manner that caused suspicion. “Yes, we all believe that, but you? Even more. Have a lovely day my sister. I shall chat with you more, this was rather delightful.” He leaned down to press a kiss to his puzzled sister’s cheek before exiting her bedchamber.

Jimin blinked, her heart thumping nervously at what her brother concluded at her and Minjeong’s relationship. And of course Inhyuk had sent his brother to do the work he couldn’t. The princess immediately stood up, stomping out of her room to locate the oldest prince’s bedchamber. She would be giving him an ear fold.

She had barged into his room to find him reading on his bed. “What did you tell Eric?” Jimin asked, visibly bothered.

Inhyuk huffed through his nose, still continuing with his book. “Nothing but the truth, sister.” He lifted up his head to smile at his sister. Soon, he had returned his attention back to his book and ignored his sister

The princess pinched the bridge of her nose, only feeling her heart race at an abominable pace. “Whatever you told him, none of it is true. Even if they were, there was to not be any reasons to dwell on it.” She walked from one side of the other, also trying to convince herself.

Convince herself of what?

Inhyuk shook his head, placing his mark for where he left off. “Then, if it’s the very truth, say you do not have feelings for her. And do not lie.” The prince watched as the raven finally stopped in her pacing.

She had lied to herself before, she can definitely do it again. But she struggled this time around as she tilted her head downwards slowly and she looked at her brother. “Inhyuk.” Jimin let out a shaky breath while shaking her head.

The man stood up and approached his sister. “What are you so afraid of? Have you not seen the way she’s looked at you?” His face flashed with disbelief. “You are blind if you can’t see the way she gazes at you with such want.”

Jimin bitterly chuckled. She wished everything was to be that easy, to be able to reciprocate. “So be it that I am blind.” The raven seethed, deciding she had enough of everyone trying to confront her.

Her stubbornness was justified, and she’d deny every confrontation. They were all part of her imagination. Minjeong was just being friendly. The queen is a friendly person, of course she’d treat the people she is around kindly. She wouldn’t want a scandal upon her name.

As she walked toward the door, the sound of the wood creaking nearly startled her. “What are you afraid of?” Inhyuk yelled.

“I do not know!” Jimin yelled out of frustration. She was nearly on the verge of tears. “Maybe I’m terrified of the fact that they are better people suited for the role of a royal lover, who have better traits than me! The queen…. she is dangerous. I can not go base on my understandings whether or not she feels the same way as I do.”

Inhyuk suddenly became silent, his lips mapping into a frown. It made Jimin continue. “I don’t deserve her, Inhyuk. All she has done is been kind to me and maybe I have fallen for that kindness, and all the lovable things about her that are so endearing, but that does not mean she has done the same. It is not as easy as that, brother. You do not get to tell me what I am afraid of when there is much to be afraid of.” She motioned with her hands as she sobbed lowly.

Her hand on the door handle shook slightly, her heart crashing over and over into the surface of her chest. Everything came too fast like the crashing waves of the ocean. She was overwhelmed—terrified of all the circumstances that stood at her feet. Jimin wanted nothing but to run from them.

It wasn’t fair that she was being encouraged to marry a lord she didn’t care about, it wasn’t fair that she was terrified of her feelings for Minjeong because they were from two different galaxies. It wasn’t fair that the Queen’s mother despised her from becoming close to the queen herself even when she had done nothing wrong. Jimin had just clumsily fallen in love with the Queen out of all people.

Everything about the Queen was precious and adoring. Jimin remembered her soft hands and soft gaze. She remembered the way Minjeong’s eyes showed a soft glint in her hazel brown orbs. She remembered the way she’d always feel her heart flutter when the brunette remembered her every likes and dislikes. The excitement in the brunette’s eyes when she had visited. The brunette always made sure Jimin was comfortable. She had even protected her from her own mother. How couldn’t have the raven have fallen for the Queen?

Those stupid letters from Princess Haeyoung, oh, how she wanted to rip them apart and instead listen to her heart. Who was she to decide who the brunette chose to love? Even if Jimin wasn’t the one who the queen chose, being her mother didn’t mean she had the obligation to choose who she gets to love. Especially for the queen.

The princess wiped at her tears, composing herself. “I am sorry for lashing out at you. Good night.” Jimin opened the door and made her way back to her bedchamber.

She heard her brother call out for her but she remained in her bed, her hand over her mouth as she lowly sobbed.

The princess wished everything was easier.

Chapter Text

Jimin loved playing the violin. It was one of her hidden talents, that almost no one knew of.

She learned to play from her father when she was younger, who had profound love for music. Eventually, after her father handed her one of the violins that he kept just in case his others damaged, the raven could say she immediately understood his love for the violin.

Jimin breathed out deeply, placing her chin on the rest of the violin. She lifted her bow, lowering the front hairs onto the strings. A slow roar escaped from the violin as the princess began playing to her hearts content.

It started off as gentle, pleasing to the ear before Jimin sped up, the atmosphere changing to a story of the moon and sun. Just as she was beginning to speed again, her bow moving rapidly against her strings, she heard a knock.

Jimin sighed, lowering her violin down as she lifted her head to face the door. “Come in!” She stood up and placed her instrument on the table. Footsteps were heard and the raven was curious to know what had entered at this time of the night.

She faced the door, her fingers fiddling with eachother in anticipation. Her father had walked in to the room.

Jimin stared at her father, letting out a sigh before sitting back down. “Sorry if I was playing too loud.” The princess apologized but the man only chuckled before sitting next to her.

Doyoon reached for the violin, admiring it. “What you were playing was beautiful. Although, I felt a mix of emotions from the way you were playing. Is there something that is bothering you?” Her father asked before setting down her violin.

The raven knew she could not tell the truth just yet. There was in fact something bothering her, although, she rather keep it to herself, not wanting to throw her worries onto her father. She simply exhaled deeply, letting her head rest on her father’s shoulder.

“I don’t know anymore, father. My head pounds from thinking too much.” Jimin told him and they both laughed in response.

Doyoon crossed his legs. “Your heart is troubled, is it not?” He nonchalantly blurted out after a moment of silence.

Jimin jerked her head upwards, looking at her father in surprise. “How did you know?” She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.

Why is that everyone knew what the raven was dealing with, yet Jimin had yet to grasp the situation that continued to unravel in front of her. How blind had she been to ignore everything?

Doyoon’s lips curved into a smile. It was one the princess could not decipher. The words behind his lips could be just as dangerous as the way he played the violin. Precise, played to receive an answer.

“You haven’t been so interested in lord Iseul but I can tell that you are trying. Certainly, what your heart desires are elsewhere.” The prince took a look at his daughter, raising an eyebrow with anticipation for the princess’s response.

Jimin took a shaky breath, blinking back tears. “I don’t want to disappoint you.” She replied, pressing her lips together as they trembled. She had began to feel guilty.

Her father pulled her into hug, stroking his daughter’s hair. “You couldn’t disappoint me. All I wanted was for you to be happy. And I have seen you be happy, but not because of lord Iseul.” He moved backwards when he felt Jimin moving.

The raven sniffled, wiping at her tears. “You are not going to ask what happened?”

Doyoon shook his head as he continued to stroke the raven’s hair. “I won’t force you to tell me anything. Your brothers told me you were still struggling with whatever you have been struggling with. Obviously, you are not comfortable to talk about it yet.” He gently squeezed her shoulder before standing up to reach for the violin.

The princess watched as her father flipped her violin back and forth. She smiled, glad that she had loving father. “Are you going to play something?” She asked, watching as the man reached for the bow.

Doyoon flashed her a cheeky smile, making a simple sound before letting the items in his hands fall. “I will play it when you are ready to play it with me. When you have decided where your heart resides.” He handed his daughter her violin and bow before walking toward the door. “Do not stay up too late, I love you!”

The princess chuckled, wiping at her tears in amusement.

“Play it when you decide where your heart resides.”

Jimin took a deep breath, running her thumb over the base of her violin. She had a feeling she knew who her heart chased after.

-

Her worst nightmare quickly approached.

Princess Haeyoung wanted to have tea with her. Why exactly? Jimin wasn’t sure about the woman’s intentions, but her theories made her stomach pool uncomfortably. She did not want to come face to face with it.

She waved her family goodbye and made her way to the palace, anxious in the car. She badly needed a hand to hold. Never in her life had she ever been so anxious in her life. Her fan waved over her up and down, in attempt to cool her nerves but that tactic wasn’t exactly working.

The trip to the palace wasn’t long to her dismay. Her heart dropped when she began to see the familiar structures of the large palace. Atleast the palace staff would ease her nerves by politely greeting her.

Once she arrived at the front entrance, Jimin took a deep breath and assure herself that there was nothing more to this simple tea. She would chat with Princess Haeyoung and then be on her way. The raven begged for the outing to be short.

Surprisedly, she hoped she wouldn’t bump into the Queen as she knew the brunette disliked Jimin interacting with her mother. It was a large palace, so the chance was slim but not slim enough.

The raven followed a guard who led her toward the room Princess Haeyoung was in. He opened the door, allowing for the raven to enter. Then, the door shut closed with a harsh slam that only heightened Jimin’s nerves.

Princess Haeyoung sat on a large couch that faced the door, which Jimin approached. She stopped by her own couch and curtsied before sitting down into the couch. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t nervous.

“Princess Jimin.” Princess Haeyoung greeted before smiling. The smiling seemed to be out of force and the raven tried her best not to scoff. Haeyoung pointed to the tea in front of her. “Please.”

Jimin tightly pressed her lips together as she reached for the cup the princess in front of her was currently pouring. “Thank you.” Jimin said before lifting the cup to her lips.

As she did so, Princess Haeyoung also lifted the cup to her lips, taking a sip of the drink before setting the cup down. “So, have you been reading the letters?” The older princess suddenly asked, her eyes never leaving the raven.

The letters, right. The same stupid letters Jimin had been throwing away after reading and crying. At one point, she had stopped reading them because they became too harsh.

“Yes. They are very…. interesting in their topics.” Jimin simply replied while tilting her head, not wanting to go over what the older princess had actually said.

Princess Haeyoung didn’t look satisfied, her hand with her fan moving side to side with calculated movements. “Then, you’ll understand the warnings I have put in place, no?”

The raven swallowed and the air around her suddenly tightened. She nearly wanted to cry. “Yes, ma’am, I do understand them but I do not th-” Haeyoung cut her off with a chuckle.

The older princess shook her head. “What you think is nonsense. I am her mother and I know what is best for my child. I have found you a perfect suitor to keep you away from the queen yet you push him away. I am disappointed.” Princess Haeyoung clicked her tongue and Jimin felt like sinking into the couch.

But Jimin sat up straight, deciding to finally listen to her heart. “How would you know what is best for her if you have kept everyone away from Minjeong? Is she not allowed to have…. friends whom she can trust?” The raven questioned firmly and the older princess tilted her head in surprise.

When Jimin had heard that Minjeong barely had anyone to call her friends beside a few people, it truly made the princess wonder. Had the queen had no friends in her earlier days?

The woman in front of her remained silent before soon speaking. “They only want to be close to her for one reason only.” She looked away and Jimin scoffed in disbelief. She could not believe that was what the Queen’s mother thought.

Jimin stood up, still not believing how a mother could act this way. “You are treating the Queen like she is a child! I understand that she is your daughter, but controlling her life like this will come with consequences. She does not want to be alone forever.” The raven’s voice lowered to a whisper, her chest rising and falling in quick motions.

Princess Haeyoung truly had no emotions because her face remained firm and Jimin wondered how a such a kind person like Minjeong came from her.

“Who are you to tal-” The door suddenly opened and the two princesses turned their heads toward the direction and saw the queen entering the room.

Immediately, Princess Haeyoung stood up and her and Jimin curtsied under the Queen’s presence.

Minjeong had brought the raven to stand, her face painted with worry as she carefully cupped the raven’s face. “Are you okay?” She breathed out, her thumbs brushing over the princess’s cheeks. Minjeong’s eyes roamed her face.

Surprised but comforted, Jimin nodded, her shoulders relaxing in relief to be seeing Minjeong. “I- I’m fine but what are you doing here?” She looked into the Queen’s eyes, confusion swirling in her own.

Her cheeks were suddenly kissed with cold air when Minjeong removed her hands to pick up a white envelope. The queen faced her mother, anger obviously upon her. “How could be sending such letters to her, mother?” She lifted up the letter she had somehow found.

The raven’s eyes widened at the letter Minjeong was holding. It was probably another letter her mother was going to send to her again and Jimin knew she wasn’t strong enough to receive another.

Princess Haeyoung stared at the letter, seeming hesitant. “It was for a relative.” She tried but Minjeong chuckled, angrily tearing the letter to pieces.

Minjeong threw the pieces onto the table. “What a terrible lie, mother. I found many more with her address and name. Do you still think you can fool me?” Jimin watched as the Queen paced around in the space beside them.

The queen’s mother approached the brunette, trying to place a hand on her arm in attempt to calm her tempers but the brunette immediately jerked her hand off.

“Do not touch me. I warned you to stay away from her. I have listened to every single command you have given me since I was born. All I ask you this one time is to let me keep my happiness.” Minjeong pleaded as her fingers ran through her hair.

Jimin frowned at the sight. She wanted to stand up and assure the raven that everything would be okay. But Minjeong’s emotions were heightened and she did not want to get hurt by something the brunette didn’t mean.

Princess Haeyoung let her hands fall. “What would you know about love? The Queen does not have time for love. You are the people’s hope! You are their Queen. You have a duty to fulfill.” The brunette’s mother seethed, her own anger escaping as well.

Jimin saw how tears begin to fall from the brunette’s eyes. Her heart slowly began to shatter as she watched as the brunette let out a slight sob. “How can I be the people’s hope when the one person who has put hope in me, you are trying to take away! I do not even have hope in myself anymore, mother.” She angrily cried out.

Minjeong wiped at her tears, standing in front of her shocked mother. “The one person who has put hope in me has shown me more love than you ever have in the past few months, ever since I rose to the throne. I know I am in love because she makes me feel like myself. She makes me want to do things I have never dreamt of. I can not breathe when she is far or near, mother. Is that not love?” The Queen questioned furiously as her eyes narrowed at Princess Haeyoung and her chest rose and fell in a stressed manner.

The raven stared at the queen, her heart beating abnormally. Minjeong was in love with her?

Minjeong took a shaky breath, wiped at her eyes again as her back faced the two princesses. “Leave us.” She sternly told her mother who sighed and lowered her head before exiting the room.

Princess Haeyoung had left the room, leaving the two girls alone in the room. Jimin stared at the queen’s frame who looked to still be calming herself, but Minjeong suddenly began walking toward her.

When Minjeong had made it to the princess, she collapsed into the raven, sobbing loudly. Jimin caught her, allowing the brunette to lean her whole weight onto her. She wrapped her arms the queen, lowering them to the couch under them. Bringing the brunette close, she let Minjeong sob into her neck all while she stroked the Queen’s hair.

“I got you. I am right here.” She whispered into the brunette’s hair before pressing a kiss to her head.

While she held the queen, Jimin tried hard not to let her own tears fall. She had to be strong for Minjeong. She felt the brunette grab a handful of her dress, still continuing to sob. Jimin let her, whispering sweet nothings as she let her tears spill out.

The princess held Minjeong like it was the last time she was ever going to be able to hold her.

-

It took some time before the brunette managed to finally calm down. When she had done so, Jimin told her that it’d probably be best if she had given the brunette space, but Minjeong only tugged her closer, burying her head into her neck deeper.

“Stay, please.” Minjeong pleaded and Jimin didn’t have the heart to leave her.

The queen had somehow dragged her to her large bedchamber, mumbling about being exhausted from arguing with her mother. Jimin ended up laying in the brunette’s bed, playing with the Queen’s hair as she slept on top of the raven’s stomach.

She couldn’t fall asleep herself, deciding to watch the brunette gain the much needed sleep she needed. Jimin couldn’t believe how beautiful the queen looked when she was peacefully sleeping.

Then she suddenly remembered the queen’s words from before.

Minjeong was in love with her. The Queen was in love with her. She still couldn’t believe she admitted right in front of her mother.

She knew herself that she couldn’t deny the fact that she was also in love with Minjeong and it felt unbelievable to finally admit it fully. Especially when it was slowly starting to take over her, to point where staying away from the brunette felt like drowning without any air. But she fought so much against because of the constants thoughts that roamed around her head. Minjeong and Jimin weren’t supposed to be reachable to eachother. Getting to Minjeong shouldn’t be this easy.

It made the princess wonder if she even deserved to love, deserved to be loved. She was much aware of the consequences of the sun and moon being too close and the constant reminders. It crawled up her skin, bothered her in every way possible. It was impossible for her to run away from it and for the first time in a while, Jimin thought it might’ve been possible to stay close to the Queen for small bit of time. Those thoughts let her mind rest.

Jimin looked around the brunette’s bedchamber, somehow finding herself in more peace than she ever had been in.

Soon, she felt movement on her stomach and looked down at the brunette who stifled a yawn. Jimin didn’t move, her heart picking up pace as she waited for the queen’s next movement.

Minjeong only lifted herself upwards so she was instead digging her head into the princess’s neck. The raven held her breath, blinking rapidly at the Queen’s movement.

“What are you doing?” Jimin breathed out as their legs tangled under the sheets.

The brunette chuckled into her neck, soft lips brushing against her skin. “Sleeping, why?” She asked sleepily. Her voice muffled and husky in the raven’s neck.

Jimin let out a humorous snort. “On me? That is not where your pillow is.” She let her arms fall, slender fingers hesitating to slide across Minjeong’s back before finding themselves in brown hair again.

She could get used to this, even if she still didn’t know where they stood. But this was more than enough.

Minjeong lifted her head to look down at the princess, eyes flickering toward the princess’s lips. “You are more comfortable than any pillow I have ever slept on.” The Queen admitted.

Jimin groaned playfully and looked away as the queen laughed, music to the raven’s ears. She turned her head back to the brunette and when she met Minjeong’s brown orbs, she felt her heart lurch more than before at the proximity.

Silence soon embraced them, the tug Jimin’s felt the first time they ever met being so strong it felt like she was a magnet being pulled.

“Can I kiss you?” Minjeong asked almost too lowly for the raven to hear.

Jimin’s eyes fluttered closed and their lips met in a desperate kiss, gasps being exchanged as soon as they collided into eachother. The raven found herself on her back as the queen leaned over her. Minjeong let her body weight fall slightly onto the raven, eliciting a low gasp from the princess.

The raven barely managed to take in a breath as Minjeong engulfed her lips with such fervor that it made Jimin’s stomach swirl. The pounding in her chest only grew loud each time their lips tugged at eachother. She grasped gently at Minjeong’s hair, reciprocating like the brunette was the only source of oxygen she had in the world. She indulged in everything the queen was, felt the abnormal feeling Minjeong had always made her feel.

They kissed for what felt like eternity before Minjeong slowly pulled away. The princess attempted to catch her breath as her eyes fluttered open but of course, to no avail. Minjeong staring back at her only reduced her level of control in breathing.

Minjeong blinked hesitantly, her hand reaching up to caress the raven’s cheek. Her hand shook slightly as she suppressed the tears that knocked at her door and had no issues remaining there. The princess leaned into her palm, pressing her lips against each other tightly as she let the queen take her in.

The tug was stronger than ever and the princess found it especially difficult to ignore it. Her actions proved it. She was drowning in Minjeong, in her feelings, but being engulfed by it, it was terrifying but somehow, felt safe.

Minjeong’s eyes flickered to her lips, the brunette’s own lips calling out for her once again. Their breaths mingled together while their noses occasionally nuzzled against eachother’s. Ghosting touches of Minjeong’s mouth over her’s—slight hesitation from the brunette still caught her breath, made her patient as she longed for the brunette’s lips on her’s. Truthfully, the movements made the raven wish even more to stay in Minjeong’s embrace for as long as she’d let her.

She wasn’t confused anymore, she knew who she needed and wanted. Even within their mixed heaving, Jimin’s mind was calm and set. It was a mess but it was a peaceful mess. She’d suffer it just to be able to stare at Minjeong the way she was now. The princess was being brave, and she knew Minjeong was too by kissing her.

Jimin felt special, wanted under the gaze of the queen. It was everything she had ever wanted, to be loved. Minjeong’s brown orbs bored into her with all types of emotions, which frankly, the raven felt overwhelmed by.

“Jimin, I-” Minjeong struggled to look for words, her lips slightly quivering as her hand shook even more beside the raven’s cheek.

The raven only shook her head and gently squeezed the queen’s hand on her cheek in reassurance. “It is okay. I am right here and I am not going to leave you, Minjeong.” She leaned a bit closer so their foreheads were touching.

Unfortunately, the brunette was unable to calm down as her breath only quickened. The raven took her hand and placed it over her heart. “Do you feel that? It’s beating fast as well. I feel the same way you do, Minjeong. I am terrified too but I know what I feel for you is more than you could ever know.” She spoke lowly, studying the brunette’s face that squeezed pensively. Minjeong’s eyes remained on her hand over the raven’s chest.

Minjeong began to finally catch her breath, her tensed eyebrows returning to their rested state. Her eyes lifted up to meet Jimin’s once again, slightly glassy.

Jimin only smiled at her, Minjeong’s gentle smile making the princess’s heart lurch even more. “I’ll remain here for as long as you need me, okay?” She repeated as the brunette began leaning toward Jimin.

The queen took in a breath as she nodded against the raven. Their lips met for a second time, more gentle than before. The way Minjeong’s soft lips felt and moved against her own elicited another sigh from her. Minjeong remained gentle with her, treating her as if she was the queen instead. Her soft thumbs found themselves now brushing near the raven’s jaw as they found rhythm within eachother. The brunette cared, she cared for Jimin.

Minjeong had always cared for her.

As seconds went on, Jimin felt herself become intoxicated by Minjeong’s scent, felt herself become addicted to the way the brunette’s lips moved passionately against her own. She was addicted to the way she looked for oxygen in Minjeong and the way Jimin looked for air in her.

The princess couldn’t even think properly. Her mind was a fumbled mess, filled with Minjeong, the queen, the pretty brunette who had captured her eyes. The brunette who made fun of her for talking to birds when she was upset and the one she unintentionally insulted the first time they met. The Queen who was full of kindness, thoughtfulness, and was just as vulnerable and terrified as she was. Jimin believed Minjeong was the epitome of beauty and perfection in her eyes and quite possibly everything to her.

When they separated their lips again, Jimin let out a breath, her eyes still closed. Her head rested against the queen’s and they stayed like that, simply basking in eachother’s warmth. There were silent promises that they’d keep eachother safe.

Minjeong brushed the back of her hand over the princess’s cheek, opening her eyes to gaze at her fondly. “You put my mind to rest.” She breathed out and Jimin gently smiled at the queen’s words. Her eyes fluttered open and closed at the comforting touch of Minjeong’s hand.

And it felt like where Jimin belonged the most. Where she was most at peace.

In Minjeong’s arms.

Chapter Text

Jimin laid at her bed, her head staring up at the ceiling without purpose. She couldn’t stop smiling. The ghosting touch of Minjeong’s lips remained on her’s, the scene of them kissing replaying in her mind over and over again.

She could hardly even fall asleep. The high of finding out that the queen had feelings for her was enough to have her switching from side to side whilst giggling to herself. She already missed the brunette.

What swirled in her mind was how she found Minjeong intriguing from the very start, remembering how her heart soared when Minjeong approached and teased her at the pond. But she thought it wouldn’t have been possible to fall for a queen, not when they both had many other tangible suitors.

Jimin was also being courted by Iseul, and she did not know the circumstances of the situation.

She sighed as she looked up at her ceiling.

They walked over to their favorite spot, the pond and sat next to eachother. This time, Minjeong did not hesitate to lace their fingers together.

“I wonder, why me? I mean you are the Queen after all, there are many other people and you could have chosen to bother any other. You didn’t have to listen to Yizhuo.” Jimin was still becoming used to the way their hands fit in eachother’s, the way a warm thumb brushed over the skin in between her thumb and index finger.

She had managed to calm the brunette down after the small episode of anxiety she had. Minjeong was still vulnerable and Jimin understood not to push her too much.

Minjeong leaned her head onto the raven’s shoulder, letting out a sigh to the music of the swishing water. “My heart was calling out to you for reasons even I do not know. But I do not regret teasing you either because it has led to this and I have never felt more content in my life. I trust my heart and I trust you.” The brunette adjusted her head as she paused her words.

The princess gave Minjeong a playful shove, earning a laugh from the brunette. “I was very annoyed that day, but you made it better by comforting me and taking the time away from the garden party you were hosting.” Jimin leaned her head on top of the Queen’s and melted into her frame.

“Perhaps, you will admit that you thought I was charming?” Minjeong suddenly said, earning another shove from the girl next to her.

Jimin thought for a second before answering. “When you caught me from falling into the pond twice, yes. The times you would tease me occasionally? Not as much.” The raven replied and felt a pinch on her skin.

They became enwrapped in their giggles, finding themselves keeping conversation until the sun began to set.

As they continued to chat about all the things in life, Jimin realized that she had never felt more safer than when she was next to Minjeong.

She was truly missing the brown haired girl. Everytime she closed her eyes, the Queen’s stupid little smile appeared. She did not mind at first but she really needed to go to bed. The princess wanted to meet her. Although, she wasn’t sure what her intentions were after her daughter had asked for her mother to leave her alone.

Hoping she’d be able to see Minjeong soon, she went to sleep with a wide smile on her lips.

-

“Don’t you think it is a little odd that the Princess Haeyoung wants to suddenly meet you again?” Inhyuk watched as his sister was getting her hair done.

Obviously, she could not deny that she was curious about the princess' intentions. But she had a hitch that it was about Iseul. The situation with him happened all too soon as he had been asking for her almost every lasting moment and Jimin was beginning to become irritated.

Jimin shrugged. “I can not question anything, you know that. I shall go and sit through whatever she says.” The hair stylists tapped her shoulder, stating that they were done.

The raven stood up and grabbed a small purse from her collection. She then turned toward her brother who sported an anxious expression. “I’ll be fine, brother. There is no need to worry.” She reassured her older brother who pressed his lips together with anxiousness.

Inhyuk only nodded before giving Jimin a hug. “Tell me everything when you come back. Eric and I will be waiting!” He smiled as Jimin began walking toward the front of the estate.

The drive to the palace was not long, Jimin had already grown used to visiting the palace as the queen requested for her so often. So when Kang waited for her at the front of the palace to help her from the car, it wasn’t unusual for her to flash him a grateful smile.

Both of them directed through the palace, the staff greeting her as they walked. She couldn’t believe she had visited the palace so much that it wasn’t a surprise for the staff members to see her.

They stopped in front of two huge doors, the guards opening them for her. “I will see you later, apparently, your majesty has been calling for me and I have yet to tell her that you are here.” He bowed before dashing away.

Princess Haeyoung was waiting for her on a velvet couch, two cups of tea on a table in front of her. “Please, sit.” She pointed to the chair in front of her.

Jimin remembered the last time they met, which did not end on good terms. So the princess wondered what else Princess Haeyoung could have wanted from her. If she was to be truthful, she rather not sit and listened to what the princess wanted to say.

Haeyoung took a breath, tilting her head while preparing to speak. “I wanted to apologize for my past comments. You were right, and I have realized that. I only wanted what was best for my daughter but I did not take into account about her feelings. That was wrong of me.” Princess Haeyoung admitted, although the raven heard no genuine empathy from her voice.

She’s lying, Jimin. The princess told herself.

Jimin tapped her hand with her finger, not knowing what to respond with. “I appreciate that but I am not the one you have been hurting my whole life. Minjeong is afraid of you ruining her relationship with other people. All she wanted to do was make you and your husband proud. I hope you understand that if you were a mother who truly cherished her, you would do anything to make her happy.”

Princess Haeyoung listened attentively, although, it was difficult to decipher whether or not she took Jimin’s word to heart. Princess Haeyoung thinned her lips, taking a sip of her tea. “And that is what I will continue to do. Thank you, you may go.” She set her tea down, remaining quiet as the raven stood up.

Jimin took one look at the princess, seemingly intimated by her non swaying emotions. The raven knew she had to be careful around her.

She bowed her head before making her way out of the room. Kang stood waiting at the door, letting the princess take his arm. “Where is her Majesty?” The princess asked brightly as they began walking.

Kang nodded off toward a certain direction. “She is in her office, your highness. Would you like to see her? She had been waiting for you since she had awoken.” His voice followed brightly.

They walked throughout the palace before they stopped at two doors. Kang knocked on the door, waiting for response.

“Oh, yes?” They heard from the other side of the door. Jimin chuckled at the curiosity of the voice. The queen seemed to be caught off guard.

The attendant leaned against the door. “Princess Jimin has come to see you, your Majesty. Would you like her to come in?” He asked, soon leaning back with an arm on the door.

The two waited for another response and Jimin tried to calm her nerves. “Yes, please let her in.” The queen replied and Kang opened the doors for the princess to enter.

Jimin mumbled a word of gratitude before waving him goodbye as he closed the doors. The raven saw the brunette reading letters, her desk a neat mess of papers. The raven continued to walk toward her, approaching the queen from behind to see what she was doing.

Minjeong turned and lifted her head to look up at the princess, who was smiling. They stared at eachother for a beat before the queen leaned toward her to steal a long kiss from the princess. The raven’s eyes fluttered closed on instinct but the kiss ended more sooner than she would have liked. But it was enough to have both of them in a daze.

When Jimin opened her eyes, she met the brunette’s brown orbs. “What was that for? Not that I am not saying you shouldn’t do it again….” Her voice drifted off when the queen only stared at her.

Minjeong pressed another kiss onto her lips before pulling away and smiling. “You do not know how long I have been wanting to do that.” She whispered lowly, sending butterflies tumbling in the princess’s stomach.

The raven stood up straight, remembering the queen’s past words. “You’re in love with me?” Jimin tilted her head slightly, finally asking the question that had been circling in head. She didn’t know if she was asking the question or repeating it to herself in disbelief.

Minjeong slowly nodded and Jimin didn’t miss the twinkle in the brunette’s eyes. “Yes. I thought me kissing you would have answered that but I guess I did not quite clarify that…” The raven watched as the queen rose to her feet, stepping into the raven’s space.

The brunette’s hands cupped her cheeks gently, warm thumbs brushing the baby hairs near her ears. “I am in love with you.” Minjeong placed a kiss on both of her cheeks. “I am in love with all of you.” She placed another kiss on the raven’s nose. “I have always been in love with you. Ever since I first laid eyes on you and you very much insulted me.” She muttered with feigned hurt.

Jimin giggled, feeling ticklish to the fluttering touches of the brunette. She felt loved—adorned and special. She had never felt like this before.

Minjeong paused her words, her eyes roaming all over the princess’s face. She took a breath, like there was barely any oxygen in the room. “You are beautiful. In the way you care for people, cherish the ones closer to you, your determination, your intelligence, your inner and outer beauty. Everything about you, Jimin, takes my breath away.” The queen’s words felt present over her lips.

As Jimin gazed at her, the raven’s heart pounded so loudly she was afraid the brunette could hear it. As her lips ghosted over the queen’s with anticipation, Jimin felt her world slow.

“So yes, I am in love with you, Yu Jimin and only you. I’m so in love with you that I can not breathe when you are near or far. My thoughts revolve around you, my mind remains a mess and my heart speeds up so fast, I can hear each thump in my ears and my chest hurts. That is how much I am in love with you.” Minjeong’s eyes carried sincerity and the princess nearly cried because of it.

Jimin crashed their lips together desperately, sighing at the touch of the brunette’s lips. She immediately began moving her lips, her hands reaching for the hands that were on her cheeks and intertwining her fingers with Minjeong’s. She felt Minjeong moving her own lips to her pace, reciprocating with the same passion the princess held.

Jimin smiled in between, so happy that she gotten to this point where she could finally kiss Minjeong with no hesitation.

“Now what are you smiling about?” Minjeong whispered in between, a tint of playfulness following along. The raven dwelled on that, a fluttery feeling erupting in her stomach at the queen’s soft voice.

The raven paused in moving her lips, smiling even wider. “The queen is in love with me and I am in love with her. Is that not something to smile about? She just told me I drive her mad.” She continued moving her lips before she felt a smile against her mouth.

Jimin soon pulled away, giggling at how the queen chased fruitlessly after her lips. The princess placed a finger against Minjeong’s lips. “What are you smiling about?” She asked the same question.

Suddenly, the raven felt herself lifted onto the desk by her waist, Minjeong’s eyes roaming all over her face as she leaned closer to her face. “You might wonder why, but you are star that only crosses the sky every once and then. I was so close to watching the star past by, afraid to be left to alone. My mother almost took away the one person who made me feel like myself. Not the queen but me.” The brunette lifted her hand to brush a stray strand from the princess’s face, staring at Jimin in awe.

Jimin almost had to breathe carefully, so drawn in to the way Minjeong spoke sweet words that were laced with sincerity, love, cherish. She had gotten the queen to fall for her, and the queen had gotten the princess to fall for her. She wondered the very odds, how two from two different worlds had happened to both fall in love with eachother. Jimin still had not grasped onto everything that had happened.

It seemed that the queen still had some words to say, so Jimin nudged her on, easing the brunette of her nerves.

“Falling in love with you…. it was the first thing I had decided for myself. Not for my parents, not for my people, but for myself. Falling in love with you, it was everything I had never dreamt of, but I thought, what if she was too far for me to get to? I was terrified of everything, but then you’d hold my hand and tell me everything would be okay. How would I let that star go, if she puts all my worries to rest, eases my mind?” Minjeong breathed out, and Jimin felt the brunette’s hand shaking under her own.

The raven gently squeezed the queen’s shaky hand, knowing she have might not been able stop the shakiness. Atleast it would give the queen the reassurance she probably needed.

Minjeong exhaled once more before she leaned toward the princess to capture the raven’s lips in her own once more. Her smile so wide that Jimin laughed against her lips. The princess didn’t hesitate to kiss her back—bliss being felt on the tip of her tongue.

“That, is why I am smiling.”

-

“I think I shall host a ball. What do you think?” The Queen faced the raven as they walked side by side. She had seemed to speak out a topic all of the sudden, making the princess tilt her head with curiousness.

Jimin pursed her lips, confused at the sudden announcement. “Whatever for?” They turned into a state room.

Minjeong made the princess sit on one of the couches, making the raven look up at her inquisitively. “No reasons truly, maybe just the fact that you are here, by my side.” The queen pressed her lips to Jimin’s forehead, admiring her with a bright grin on her face before walking out of the room.

The raven’s face fell. Jimin swallowed as she watched the queen exit the room. She wondered how long she would be able to truly stay by the queen’s side.

Sitting patiently in the state room, Jimin heard low chatter beyond the doors. Soon, the brunette came back hiding something in her arms. It was difficult for the raven to see since the queen was hiding whatever she had in her arms quite well.

Minjeong sat next to the princess, slowly revealing what had been in her arms. The raven gasped at the revealing of a beautiful black cat. Looking between the kitten and Minjeong, Jimin took the kitten into her arms, cooing gently at the animal.

“He’s yours.” The brunette told her, and Jimin looked at her with disbelief.

She then looked back down at the kitten, who had already nuzzled into the princess’s stomach. “Minjeong, if you are lying, I will never forgive you.” Jimin lifted the kitten and hugged it to her chest.

The queen chuckled. “Why would I lie to you about this? What are you going to name him?” She used a finger to pat the black kitten’s head.

“Jinwol. I will name him Jinwol.” Jimin smiled gently, resting her head against the queen’s as she cooed some more at the animal. “Thank you, Minjeong. He is beautiful.”

Jimin wished she could always remain happy like this.

-

Jimin couldn’t help but think that her clash with Princess Haeyoung wasn’t over. She had yet to believe that the woman had no ill intentions.

Jimin had been drawn back to reality. Iseul was still courting her, and her parents had no clue about her relationship with the queen. Maybe except the fact that they were really good friends. (They are so much more.)

The palace had already become her second home as she found herself constantly being invited by the queen. And according to Kang and Yizhuo, Minjeong rarely spent time with people due to her duties.

With the kitten in her hand, she walked into her estate, glad to introduce Jinwol to his new home. But barely a step in, Jimin had been scared by her little brother.

“You are back early, and you came back with a kitten?” Eric opened his arms to accept the kitten, immediately cooing at the kitten. “What is the name?”

Jimin sighed, placing her bag on a nearby table. “Jinwol. The queen gifted it to me.” She explained to him and when she looked up, Eric was closer than she remembered.

The prince studied her as he stroked Jinwol’s head. “Your balm is smudged….. No way, sister!” Eric’s voice was cut off and muffled by the raven’s hand.

With her other hand, the princess wiped at her mouth before smiling as she slowly removed her hand from her brother’s mouth. “I would appreciate it if you did not scream out to the whole world.”

Eric put his hand up in apology before widening his eyes as if he had remembered something. He walked over to the tray of letters that had been resting on a table and shuffled through the piles of letters. After some time, he picked up a letter. He then turn to face his sister, handing her the letter.

Jimin grabbed the letter, noticing the prince’s nervousness. She quickly opened it, skimming the contents of the letter. After a moment, she looked up at her brother. Her heart had dropped.

“Did he come looking for me?” She asked and her brother immediately nodded. With her eye twitching, Jimin angrily ripped the letter into pieces before throwing it into the pile of rubbish.

She pressed the base of her palms to her eyes, fighting off tears. She felt a hand on her shoulder, prompting her to wipe at her eyes. Eric placed an arm around his sister’s shoulder, resting his head against the raven’s apologetically from behind. Jimin gently squeezed his arm, seeking comfort as she held in a sob.

“I’m sorry. I know you want nothing to do with him.” Eric pulled away, turning his sister around to wipe the tears that were falling from her eyes.

The raven placed a hand against her mouth. “It’s okay. I will talk to mother and father. Don’t worry about me.” The princess sighed in defeat.

The seeps in her heart had only grown with fear. In fear that she would not be able to marry the one she loved.

-

“You what?” Yizhuo nearly screamed and the other two girls had to cover their ears.

After they were sure the blonde had calmed down, Aeri and Jimin lowered their hands from their ears. The princess sat up, clearing her throat. “We kissed…. a few times.” Jimin repeated and Aeri and Yizhuo pretended to faint.

When they sat up, Jimin folded her fingers in her lap, unable to fight the smile teasing around her lips.

Aeri looked toward her. “So we were right? The queen does indeed have feelings for you?” The redhead asked her with curiousness.

The raven nodded slowly. “She found out that her mother was sending me letters and she became upset. Her and princess Haeyoung argued and Minjeong admitted that she was in love with me.” She explained to two ladies.

Her friends scooted closer to her. “Let us hope princess Haeyoung doesn’t intervene. Minjeong adores you while her mother? Not very much.” Yizhuo tilted her head with a weary look.

Jimin pressed her lips together, not understanding what the blonde meant. “The princess still does not seem to like me very much. But that does not matter.” The princess stood up, dismissing the matter.

She did not want to focus on the things that stood in her way of staying by Minjeong’s side.

Aeri lifted her head. “Iseul is still courting you? It’s not going to end well if you remain with him. It eventually hurt the both of you.”

Jimin sat back down, her mind flashing back to the lord. “I’m afraid Princess Haeyoung would react if I were to tell him off. She did ruin the lives of those close to Minjeong and I do not want that to happen. I want to stay by Minjeong.” She played with the rings on her fingers with anxiousness.

Lady Uchinaga placed a hand in her shoulder. “We will figure something out.” She reassured the raven.

Jimin frowned, sighing deeply. “Hopefully.”

Chapter Text

“A ball? All of the sudden?” Her father sat up in his chair, his legs crossed with curiousness. Minjeong nodded at him, biting at the biscuit that she had in her hand.

They all sat within the resting room, her brother taking interest in his book. He pretended to be listening to their conversation and instead dug his nose into the book he was reading. Her sister played with the cat she had gifted her, stroking its fur gently.

The queen dusted her hand of any crumbs before looking up. “What if the people want to have a good time? I will give them that. When was the last time we hosted a ball at the palace?” Minjeong looked between her parents before letting out a concluding hum.

Beomgyu opened his mouth to speak. “Are you sure you don’t have any other reas-” The prince’s words were cut off when Minjeong stepped on his foot under the table and Beomgyu had to bite his bottom lip to prevent himself from screaming.

The queen smiled, taking another bite of her biscuit. “Seeing there is no opposing comments, It is settled then. We are hosting a ball.” Minjeong grinned widely, taking another bite at her biscuit. She felt excited for the ball, knowing the real reason why she wanted to host it.

She missed Jimin already, her mind had been occupied by thoughts of her and Minjeong wished she wasn’t queen just so she could spend more time with the raven.

Hana walked over to her sister, Minjeong pulling her into her lap. “You’re smiling, Jeongie!” She placed her hands over the queen’s face.

The brunette nodded, content washing over her. “You are right. I am smiling because I’m happy. What makes you happy?” She asked the little girl, who looked up in thought.

Hana reached for a cookie that was on her older sister’s plate. “Mama, Papa, my sister, my brother, Kang, Yizhuo and Princess Jimin!” The little girl counted on her fingers before taking a bite of the cookie.

Minjeong blinked at her with confusion. “The princess?” She watched as Hana nodded.

She wondered how she knew Jimin. They had only met once, at the Uchinaga’s ball. How did Hana know who the raven was?

Hana finished her cookie, looking at the table. “Princess Jimin always visits me before saying she had to go see the queen. I like her, she brought me my favorite flowers one time. She said I’m her favorite Kim sibling, too.” The younger princess said nonchalantly while Minjeong had her mouth agape.

The small princess then cupped the Queen’s ear, preparing to whisper something. “I think Princess Jimin would make a great queen too.” Hana whispered into her ear.

The brunette looked at her mother, who avoided her gaze, her fan blowing over her. Minjeong pressed her lips together as her eyes wandered for a moment before returning to her sister.

She sighed in relief, gently patting down Hana’s head as she chuckled.

-

The perfect match, he said.

Iseul had not made any efforts to get to know the princess and he wrote in his letter that they were a perfect match? Jimin felt nothing but insulted.

It was a disappointment that Iseul was a good man. He was a bit persistent at times with the things he said and offered. Jimin would’ve accepted if her mind wasn’t already occupied by someone already. In her head, she wondered if Iseul was the very sky that had separated her and Minjeong from being with eachother. Even though he had no bad intention, the lord was becoming more and more passionate about making the princess his wife.

She had many other suitors, but once they had saw the lord, who was quite popular among the rest, they had given up on trying to entertain the princess. Whatever happened at the ball, might change everything if he decided to pull any stunts. Jimin hoped she could only stay next the queen for a little longer.

Minjeong was indeed serious about throwing a ball. She had invited everyone.

The princess chuckled lightly as she stared at her dress in the mirror. She was comfortable and her hair had been done nicely. Inside, Jimin felt happy, the smile that kept appearing on her lips made her cheeks hurt at the thought of meeting Minjeong again.

While everyone thought the ball was thrown without reason, the princess knew what it was truly for.

With her hands folded, Jimin turned around. One of the staff members had knocked on her door. It soon opened and the princess’s eyes had locked on to a huge box, gold engraved on the top. Jimin walked up to the member in confusion as the member extended the box toward her.

“A gift. From the Queen.” The member told her excitedly. She watched as the raven unlocked the latched and slowly opened it.

Inside the box, laid a beautiful necklace, raveled in diamonds. The princess gasped lowly as her eyes roamed the necklace. She looked up at the member, disbelief in her eyes.

Jimin walked toward the mirror, the member following her as she did. “You are sure she sent this for me?” The raven handed the necklace to the woman who proceeded to help her in putting it on.

The woman nodded, making a quick fix of her necklace before it had clicked in place around Jimin’s neck. “She had someone from the palace deliver it. Your name was on the note as well as the Queen’s signature.”

Once the necklace had put on, Jimin’s fingers brushed across the diamonds that had decorated the necklace. She couldn’t believe Minjeong had sent her such a beautiful necklace. She had already gifted her the kitten and now an expensive beautiful necklace. Jimin knew she would have to thank her when she arrived at the palace.

The staff member gave her smile, soon leaving her alone in her room. Jimin stared at the necklace in the mirror, admiring its beauty for a long moment before deciding to meet her family. When the raven had left her bedchamber and had spotted her brothers making their way outside, Jimin followed after them.

She quickly entered the car, sitting next to her older brother before Eric had entered and the doors had been shut all around them.

Her older brother turned to face her just as the car began moving. “I see you have worn the necklace the queen has gifted you. It looks magnificent on you, sister.” Inhyuk complimented her, nudging her arm.

Eric nodded beside her as well. “Her majesty is so fond of you. A kitten, now a necklace? I am jealous.” He sighed with exaggeration, his head leaning against the window.

Jimin flicked Eric’s head, causing him to whine in pain. “Don’t lean your head on the window.” The princess told him. Then, she felt a head on her shoulder.

And another.

Jimin sighed, knowing it was about to be a long drive.

-

The ball would be starting soon, but, one of the guards had told the princess that the queen would’ve like to see her before the ball started. So, the raven apologized to her family, leaving them to greet others arriving at the palace while she was directed to where the brunette was.

When Jimin arrived at the large dressing room, Minjeong was getting her makeup down, seemingly glowing. Her hair lusciously fell to a reasonable length, her bangs parted slightly. As the queen was being touched up, the princess stared out in the open at Minjeong. She was drawn in by her impeccable beauty, her exalting aura.

It took a moment before Minjeong had realized the raven had appeared in the room. The queen sat up, whispering something to the stylists around her. They all bowed their head in understanding before cleaning up and leaving the two alone in the room.

As the queen stood up from her chair, Jimin felt her heart speed up. Minjeong began walking toward her, a huge grin on her face. Not knowing what to do, Jimin stood still and waited as the queen approached her.

When Minjeong finally reached her, Jimin watched as she took a deep breath, the brunette’s eyes roaming her face. Looking in front of her, the princess nearly failed to believe the brunette was real.

Clearing her throat and blinking nervously, Minjeong was the first to speak. “Do you like the necklace?” Minjeong had suddenly asked, prompting the raven to look down at the necklace that decorated her neck.

Jimin looked up, nodding. “Like it? Minjeong, It’s beautiful. I love it. I couldn’t believe you had it delivered to me. I had to ask if it was truly from the palace or not.” She chuckled lowly, shyness blooming through her body.

She heard Minjeong sigh in relief. “I am glad you like it. Expect me to spoil you more.” Jimin felt a hand reach for her’s, tangling their fingers together. The blossoming feeling had erupted in her stomach.

The raven slightly tugged, the queen being too far for her liking. “You do not have to. You being with me is enough.” Her lips ghosted over the brunette’s as her body pressed against Minjeong’s front.

Minjeong was the one to connect their lips, a greeting kiss before slightly pulling away. She smiled as their nose bumped and the princess felt her heart rise in pace. “You just make me so happy. I can not really help it.” She pecked Jimin’s lips before fully separating from the princess.

Jimin laughed in amuse, watching as Minjeong walked back to the table she was sitting at before and grabbed her royal headpiece. The queen lifted it up, studying it for a beat before turning around. After a minute or so, Minjeong approached the raven, lifting the headpiece above Jimin’s head.

It was adjusted over her head before Minjeong let go of the headpiece, letting it settle in the top of the princess head. The queen’s lips curved into a grin, the raven gazing at her in confusion.

“Perfect. I announced that tiaras will be worn.” Minjeong told her excitedly. She did one last check at the mirror before walking toward the door. “Let us not keep the others waiting.”

But before the brunette could open the door, the princess pulled her at her shoulder to face her. “Wait.” She caught the brunette’s confused gaze when she cupped Minjeong’s cheek.

Jimin leaned in, placing a long kiss onto the queen’s lips. Instantly, Minjeong responded, passionately reciprocating. The raven felt her world spin as Minjeong tugged at her waist to pull her closer. Although, the princess shook her head, remembering where they were supposed to be.

The raven slowly pulled away, finding the queen in a daze. “No longer than that. We have somewhere to be, remember?” She gave the brunette a look before reaching for the door handle and making her way out of the room.

“You kissed me first though?” She heard Minjeong say from the other side of the hall. As she continuing walking, Jimin failed to hide the smile brewing.

-

Jimin received interesting gazes from people all across the floor. When she had arrived back from greeting the queen, her family pestered her with question. She did arrive back with a tiara she had not had before, so of course, there had arrived curiousness.

Jimin had lost count at the amount of times she had taken a deep breath in. “Must you two be so inquisitive? Nothing happened. Now, sit properly and pay attention. The queen is coming.” She nudged her brothers, ushering them to look forward.

The princess looked forward, following everyone else who had made space for the Queen to walk. The raven remembered being in the same situation before, catching Minjeong’s gaze as she walked by. Jimin’s heart sped up as their eyes locked for a brief moment before Minjeong tore her gaze from the princess.

Taking a sharp breath with her hands folded, Jimin blinked as she looked down before lifting her head up. It soon became silent and everyone around her began bowing and curtsying. She followed along, remaining there until everyone rose.

From there, Jimin had to be careful.

She was still weary of princess, noticing the pointed look princess Haeyoung occasionally gave her. Jimin sighed, her pointer finger nervously brushing across her skin. Their conversation from before must have caused more disapproval from the princess.

After the queen had made her presence known, people had resume to their chattering. Jimin had taken the opportunity to walk over to the table to grab herself a drink. It had also become an opportunity for a certain lord to approach her.

Iseul had gotten to the pitcher first, lifting it up. “May I pour you a drink, your highness?” He began tilting the pitcher but the raven immediately moved her cup away.

“I assure you I can pour myself a drink on my own. Thank you.” Jimin gave him a tight lipped smile before grabbing back the pitcher firmly.

The lord nodded, still remaining next to the princess. “I apologize, I was just trying to be polite.” He raised his hands with innocence and Jimin fought the urge to roll her eyes.

She wondered if Iseul actually liked her or pretended to be polite because Princess Haeyoung told him to do so. Either way, she couldn’t have cared less.

Music suddenly began playing and the princess’s eyes followed the many people who grouped around to dance. Jimin was just about to take another sip at her drink when Iseul took it from her hand, placing the drink on the table before pulling the princess toward the floor.

They immediately fell into the rhythm, following along with the people on the floor. Everything was going by so quickly, Jimin nearly tripped over her feet.

The lord kept his strong hand on her waist, the other grabbing her hand. “Shall we…. dance?” He spun her around before pulling her toward him.

Jimin sported a look of confusion, her body reluctantly moving with the music. She didn’t want to dance with him but too many people were watching her. So, she exhaled through her nose, earning a smile from the lord.

As she waltzed, Jimin occasionally glanced at the queen, who watched with a neutral expression. The princess knew she wasn’t happy about the little arrangement but she refused to show it in public, avoiding the raven’s gaze. The princess frowned, soon turning her attention back to Iseul, who’s expression was frankly, quite the opposite of the brunette’s.

It was difficult to avoid the man’s gaze, Jimin finding everything but him interesting that she began to feel bad for the lord. She knew he wanted her best interest but the raven couldn’t accept it.

After a while of dancing with the lord, the music finally came to a stop. Iseul reached for her hand and placed a kiss onto her hand. “Thank you, your highness.” He looked up at the princess, Jimin giving him a tight lipped smile.

Immediately, she removed her hand from his grip and walked back to the table with the drinks. Quickly, she filled herself another drink before pacing toward her family. She took a sip of her drink, blinking rapidly in frustration as she faced her family.

Her mother lifted an eyebrow. “You don’t look very happy.” Hyeran noticed her daughter’s bothered state.

Jimin slammed her drink onto the table, a wide grin on her lips. “No, I am very happy. Do not worry about me.” The raven told her mother.

Eric nudged her arm, making the raven face him. “The Queen doesn’t look very happy either. I think you have succeeded in making her jealous.” The prince sported a mischievous smile.

The raven punched his shoulder, eliciting a groan out of him. “You are too loud!” She whispered screamed. Jimin stood up straight, smiling genuinely at the people who passed her way.

Suddenly it became quiet and everyone looked toward the direction of the queen. “I want to make an announcement….. As you know, the palace rarely hosts any balls. But today’s ball exists because I am happy. Truly happy.” Jimin made eye contact with Minjeong.

Minjeong’s eyes crinkled as she smiled at the princess. Jimin’s heart bloomed.

As everyone began to applaud, Jimin’s gaze never left the brunette’s.

Until it did.

Lady Han approached the Queen, curtsying in front of her. The smile that played around the lady’s lips was genuine and Jimin could feel something bubble in her.

Apparently, everyone had an eye for the queen. Jimin understood why, even she did. But the difference from Jimin and everyone else, was that the raven truly knew the Queen and she had earned the trust of the Queen. So, Jimin knew she did not have to worry.

It was still uncomfortable to watch. Inhyuk even noticed her shift in emotion. “Lady Han seems really fond of the Queen. I think she is trying to earn her trust…. to maybe eventually get the Queen to propose?” He whispered into her ear.

Jimin took in a breath, knowing not to fall into her brother’s tricks. “That is nice.” She simply replied.

Lady Han turned her head to glance at Jimin. She smiled lightly before turning back to face the queen.

-

After the ball, late at night, Minjeong pressed the princess against her bedchamber’s door, eyes roaming the raven’s face. Minjeong’s heart pounded and pounded. She felt like she couldn’t breathe at the close proximity of the raven like all the other times. And, Jimin still trailed her finger around her collarbone lightly.

“Iseul.” Minjeong mumbled lowly. She stopped there.

The princess hummed curiously. “What about him?” She responded, meeting the queen’s eyes.

The brunette swallowed thickly, not wanting to admit what she was currently thinking in her head. She closed her eyes, hoping Jimin would catch on what she was trying to say.

Jimin’s hand rested just at her shoulder, rubbing at the skin near the junction of her collarbone and neck. “You are jealous!” The princess widened her eyes in realization, shoving the queen playfully.

The queen bit her bottom lip in embarrassment, tilting her head slightly. “He adores you, I feel like I can not compete.” Minjeong opened her eyes and gave the raven a knowing look.

With her shoulders relaxing, Jimin sighed. “You adore me more, do you not? He is nothing, I do not care for him. I care for you, Minjeong and only you.” She looked in the queen’s eyes.

Slightly smiling, Minjeong nodded in agreement, feeling slight guilt flowing through her for doubting the raven. “I’m sorry, I just-”

The raven brushed her thumb over the brunette’s eyebrow gently, breathing as carefully as she could. “It’s okay. I know you are just scared as I am but you have to remember to trust me.” Jimin’s eyes roamed her face and Minjeong connected their foreheads together.

“I do trust you, Jimin. More than myself. But you have to trust me as well. I wanted nothing to do with Lady Han.” Minjeong admitted before lifting her head up again.

Jimin laughed lowly. “I know. I knew there was only one person the Queen had her eyes on.”

She stared at the princess for a bit longer before she was unable to handle it anymore, Minjeong capturing the raven’s lips in her own. She swallowed the gasp that escaped from Jimin’s mouth as she cupped the raven’s cheek.

The raven responded by letting her arms come up to encircle around the brunette’s neck, Minjeong reaching for her waist to prevent them from stumbling out of surprise. They giggled in between, walking backwards until they had stumbled onto Minjeong’s large bed.

Their position adjusted as they faced eachother while laying on their sides. They separated for a moment, and as she tried to slow down her breathing, her eyes searched the raven’s brown orbs for something. Though she didn’t know what, she still tried.

Jimin was real, and Minjeong couldn’t believe it like the shooting star that crossed the night. Jimin had her arms wrapped around the brunette’s neck, gazing at her so passionately and yet she still had yet to understand how she suddenly ended up in this position.

They soon caught their breaths, gazing at eachother so fondly. Minjeong soon noticed the raven’s half lidded eyes.

“Are you sleepy?” Minjeong asked lowly as the raven’s arms loosened around her shoulders. It made the queen realize that something made her want to protect the princess.

Jimin tilted her head slightly. “A little bit. Faking smiles at everyone takes quite the energy out of you.”

The princess remained her gaze on the queen, butterflies erupting in the brunette’s stomach as Jimin stared at her. “I can send someone to make sure you get home safely.” She whispered lowly.

Although, Minjeong earned the shake of her head from the princess. “I’m afraid that when I wake up, you won’t be there and that all the kisses and your sweets words were just a figment of my imagination.” Jimin sighed, playing with brown strands.

They adjusted their position once more, Minjeong brushing black strands from the princess’s face. She was exhausted too, but it wasn’t enough to take away the grin at her lips.

“Well, you are not dreaming. You truly make me so happy. I would not have wanted it any other way.” Minjeong whispered lowly. A smile teased at her lips as she relaxed.

Minjeong orbited around Jimin—she believed that the raven might be one of the very stars Minjeong had spent time gazing at. A click that depicted the very curiousness she had and had all the answers to her questions that stayed occupying her mind. Although, Minjeong might have found the answer.

Jimin nodded, smiling warmly at her. “Yeah?” She simply responded, lifting herself up to press their foreheads together once more. The princess’s hand caressed her cheek fondly, and it’s all Minjeong needed for her not to break in front of Jimin.

“Yeah.” Minjeong leaned toward the raven, meeting in the middle again. She kissed the princess wholeheartedly, finding herself indulged in everything the raven was.

She felt the raven reciprocate, fingers moving in her hair. She couldn’t help but sigh into Jimin’s mouth as gentle fingers scratched at her scalp. Minjeong smiled against the princess’s mouth, as lazy kisses soon were being exchanged.

The queen had never felt so sure about anything in her life. She was truly in love with raven.

Minjeong had felt so safe in Jimin’s embrace.

-

A star shined brightly at her.

Jimin shined so brightly next to her as she slept peacefully, her chest rising and dipping in a steady rhythm. Minjeong might have listed her as a contender for the sun.

As the princess’s fingers remained entangled with the brunette’s over her waist with her back pressed into Minjeong, the queen wished to keep the sight engraved in her mind forever.

As she looked at the raven, Minjeong memorized every feature of Jimin’s face, in awe that such perfection and beauty could exist. It was hard to believe that the princess had reciprocated her feeling, having felt the same way.

Adjusting herself on the bed, Minjeong’s eyes squinted at the sunlight that seeped through her curtains and groaned relentlessly. She wanted to shut them closed but it’d mean being away from the very princess beside her. And the brunette’s knew she did not want to separate from Jimin.

Really, Minjeong rejected every thought of moving from her perfect comfortable spot on the bed. Plus, their legs tangled under the sheets as well as their fingers. Any sudden movements would have easily disrupted the raven.

So, Minjeong opted on going back to sleep and waking up when Jimin does. The chance of doing so increased when the princess turned around and buried her head into the brunette’s chest. All throughout the while, Minjeong held her breath before she felt Jimin relax, snuggling closer than closer.

The queen chuckled, resting her head onto the raven’s before she fell back asleep.

-

A few hours later, Jimin stirred. The movements woke Minjeong up from her own slumber as the raven draped a leg over Minjeong and whined lowly.

The brunette rubbed at her eyes and attempted to stretch. After, she wrapped her arms around the raven’s frame, her palms rubbing up and down under the princess’s nightwear on warm skin.

“Good morning, princess.” One of Minjeong’s hands came up to gently scratch Jimin’s scalp with her eyes still closed.

Jimin sighed into her neck. “Good morning, Minjeong. I think that was the best sleep I’ve gotten in while. I never sleep in but I was very comfortable.” Her voice slightly muffled, causing Minjeong to snort.

Minjeong tapped the raven, a silent sign that she was about to get up. Although, when she tried, Jimin shook her head. “No, stay here with me.” She dragged her voice in a slight whine.

The queen sighed, hugging the raven again. “As much as I love to do that, there are people probably wondering why I have not woken up yet. Plus, your parents do not know where you are.” She mumbled into the princess’s hair.

She enjoyed being next to the raven. There was something about the content that spread through the queen’s body. Bliss was tasted at the top of her tongue and she wanted to feel it at her tongue forever.

Jimin held her breath for a moment before looking up at Minjeong. “How are we to explain me coming out your bedchamber this time?” She asked suddenly.

The queen grinned widely, pressing a kiss to the raven’s forehead before getting out of bed. “I thought you would have thought it through since you dragged me to who knows where just to kiss me senseless after the ball.” Minjeong didn’t look back, opening her dresser.

“Very. Funny. Minjeong. How was I supposed to resist when I knew you were implying I was the reason why you said you were happy in front of everyone?” Jimin approached her, hugging her from behind. She rested her chin on top of the brunette’s shoulder. “Oh, can I wear this one?”

The queen removed the dress from the hanger, handing it to the raven. “Glad to know I am irresistible.” Minjeong responded playfully, soon feeling a pinch on her side.

She had found the raven to be quite clingy, not that she didn’t mind. It was just an unbelievable feeling. Jimin was the girl of her dreams and Minjeong couldn’t help but be in awe.

“Since it is late, I will tell Kang I was stuck in the observatory and we talked about the night skies all night long. I think it is a good lie, although, I have never lied about anything to him.” She tilted her slightly before turning around.

Jimin stared at her, eyes searching her own. The ends of the raven’s lips curled up slowly as she continued to stare at Minjeong. “Or, you can tell him about us? I am sure he suspected something the first time we ever met.” The princess suggested.

Minjeong grabbed a hair tie and tied the raven’s hair into a bun. “I guess so. Whatever you want to do. As long as you’re with me.” She let her hands fall back to her side, finding herself smiling gently at the raven. “Ugh, you are beautiful!” She pecked the raven’s forehead and her cheeks, earning a giggle from the princess.

The queen quickly got ready and told a few of her staff members to secretly tend to the princess’s needs for the day. When Jimin had came out of a different room, Minjeong’s breath had hitched.

The princess approached the Queen, curtsying when she was close enough. “I like the dress, I think it looks pretty.” Jimin spun around and Minjeong sported a lovesick gaze.

Fiddling her fingers together, Minjeong tried to find words to say. “I- I think you look amazing, Jimin.” The brunette told her, nodding her head in gratitude at the staff members behind the princess.

The members soon left, leaving the two alone in the hallway. Jimin walked closer to the brunette, her eyes gleaming. “Thank you.”

Minjeong grinned as she reached to link their arms together. “So, how about some breakfast?” She nuzzled their noses together and the sound of Jimin’s laughter made her heart sing.

-

Jimin had left to reassure her parents after watching the queen become teased by her staff. Somehow, they had knew that the two would’ve ended up together.

Although, there was someone who wasn’t happy. Minjeong did not have it in her to defend herself another day either.

“You know how this conversation goes every single time, mother.” Minjeong didn’t face her mother as she carved the piece of wood off. She blew at the wood before continuing to carve it.

Princess Haeyoung was persistent always, but just like her brother’s attitude, she had grown used to all types of attitudes. Her mother’s was the most difficult to deal with.

Her mother sighed deeply, and Minjeong didn’t need to turn around to know what her expression looked like. “There are other princesses I can look for if that is what you want.” Haeyoung offered.

The brunette paused in carving wood. “I do not want any other princess, mother. I do not get why you do not like her.” Minjeong turned around and faced her mother.

Princes Haeyoung chuckled, continuing to fan herself. “She is not right for you.”

Minjeong dusted her hands, closing her eyes as she huffed. Her mother really bothered her peaceful time just to enumerate her about finding the right fit for the throne. She hated having the conversation even though her mother knew she wouldn’t change her mind.

“Princess Jimin is the most royal person I have ever met. You might not see it but she is every ounce of perfection, flawless, beautiful inside and outside. She has treated you with nothing but kindness and especially yet you continue to disrespect her?” The queen grabbed her handkerchief, tilting her head and wiping her hands as she walked around the room.

Jimin was everything to her. She wouldn’t let her mother prove her otherwise. After taking everything from her—

The queen inhaled and exhaled deeply, not wanting to argue with her mother again. “It seems that you never like seeing me happy. I question everyday whether or not you have ever even loved me.” Minjeong’s voice lowered to a whisper, catching the princess’s attention.

“I only want the best for you, dearest.” Her tone irked the brunette.

Minjeong pressed her lips together, scoffing in disappointment. “You want what is best for the crown, not for me. Who knows what your acts have resulted in? I could be going mad and you would care not for me but instead about the crown.” She laughed at her words before she slammed her hand onto the table.

Haeyoung stood up abruptly from her chair. “Kim Minjeong, watch your tone.” She warned her. Minjeong knew to press further .

Turning around, the brunette faced her mother as her eyes narrowed dangerously. “I am your queen, remember? You put me into this position and I have given up everything for the crown. I have lost my friends, my childhood, sacrificed the hobbies that kept me happy, chances at love and much more because of you and because I love my brother. So you will deal with the decisions I make. Do. You. Understand?” As she spoke each and every word sternly, she walked closer to Princess Haeyoung.

The princess’s eye twitched with bottled anger but her daughter remained her position. She lowered her head, speaking no words as she exited the room.

As the door slammed shut, Minjeong grabbed her shaky hand, closing her eyes. She fell to the seat next to her and took a much needed breath.

It was when Minjeong knew whatever her mother could have been thinking was up to not going to be any good.

Chapter Text

Minjeong hated the rain.

The reason behind it? It always reminded her when she was left alone with the sound of thunder striking her ears.

Minjeong adored the violin.

Sometimes, she’d play until she couldn’t anymore, playing each note to perfection. She loved hearing the beautiful sounds she could bring out of the violin. The rush and the slows—it was always played to how she felt emotionally.

She had learned to create her own violins at the age of 15. In a special area of the palace, Minjeong spent time carving the perfect violin. She made plans to have it played by only the people who deserved it, the people who truly cherished the story behind music and the instrument.

It was raining heavily outside, thunder shaking the grounds of the palace with no fear. Minjeong ignored it, but inside, there was fear brewing.

As long as the princess had her violin, her lullaby, Minjeong could forget everything that made her afraid.

“Minjeong? Come out for dinner!” She heard her mother call out from her behind the door.

The princess lifted up her head toward the door, the guards gazing at her for approval. Sighing, Minjeong nodded and the guards opened the door for her mother.

Her mother’s gaze had turned from soft to stern when she had figured out what the brunette had occupied herself with.

Haeyoung walked over to the work area and grabbed the nearly finished violin. “I have been calling you for ages and this violin has been nothing but a distraction!” Haeyoung paced out of the room, causing a frantic brunette to follow about her.

Thunder clapped to no end as Minjeong ran after her mother. “Mother, what are you doing?” She tried to reach out for the violin but to no avail.

They had walked all over the palace until they had reached outside, in the garden. Minjeong stopped to look at her mother, noticing the lightning strikes behind her.

Minjeong stepped a bit closer. “Mother, please give me back my violin. I will go and eat dinner.” She tried to reason, ushering at the instrument.

Haeyoung shook her head, eyeing the instrument in her hands. The brunette noticed the tight grip on the instrument were straining the strings and Minjeong nearly shed a tear.

“I have warned you about spending all day long in that room. This useless violin takes up all of your time when you should be focusing on bettering your other qualities.” She lifted the violin, Minjeong’s eyes following the movement with anxiousness.

The woman turned around and slammed the violin as hard as she could onto the starting concrete area of the garden. Lightning painted the sky as the violin shattered into pieces, the strings flying everywhere.

Haeyoung walked over to the violin and continuously stepped on the pieces with anger. “Next time, you will learn not to disobey me.” She kicked the pieces further as thunder shook the ground.

When she had finished, she looked up at a horrified brunette, who was staring emptily at the ground. Haeyoung took a breath in before walking past her to go back inside.

Teary eyed, the princess walked into the rain, falling onto her knees to bring the broken pieces of the violin together. Minjeong finally let her tears fall as she had began to sob loudly at her creation that had been broken into pieces.

The princess had spent so long perfecting the instrument that she could not help but look up at the sky and wonder why.

Lightning struck and thunder followed with loud boom. Everytime it did, Minjeong’s body shook, words of ‘Don’t leave me’ repeating from her as she covered her ears. The rain left a heartbroken princess in the middle of the garden, sobbing, scared and drenched in the dark cold weather.

While her brother had searched the premises for his twin sister, Minjeong remained shaking in the rain, brown strands of hair stuck to her face as she couldn’t hold her tears any longer.

As rain hit the palace, Minjeong stared outside the window, eyes following the patterns of droplets that had decorated her window. She would be lying if she said she wasn’t frightened by the pounding noise of rain falling. Occasionally flinching slightly so her family wouldn’t notice her tensed body had became nothing but a painful habit.

The sound of cutlery clattering drew the queen’s attention from the window and back her family. “Dear, you have not touched anything on your plate. Are you not hungry?” Her father asked from across the table.

Minjeong exhaled lowly, shaking her head. “It is raining, father.” She simply replied and heard her mother shift next to her.

After a shear moment, the queen turned around, quickly downing her cup of water. “I am off the bed. Goodnight.” Minjeong walked out of the dining room and off to her bedchamber.

When she had felt the bed’s cushion material sink with her weight, she exhaled lowly before rolling over to get her light. Something about her night felt odd. Maybe it was because of her fear for the rain or the scene that played in her head when she had met face to face with rain.

As she listened to the pattering of rain, Minjeong soon covered her ears, whispering and begging for it to stop soon.

-

Minjeong looked at herself in the mirror, letting the stylists fix her dress up as she worked with the bracelets on her wrists.

She thought to herself for a moment before turning her head slightly. “Ladies? What do you think about having another Queen?” The brunette asked in curiousness and the hands that were around her came to a stop.

One of the dressers looked at her with surprise. “The rumors are true? Her Highness Haeyoung allowed so?” The dresser asked with roaming eyes.

Chuckling, Minjeong faced the mirror again, fixing her bangs. “Whatever my mother thinks, I care not for it.” She brushed over the topic.

The stylists finished and as the queen walked out of her room, her attendant appeared next to her. He always seemed to come out and approached her at the right times. Even when she was younger, she used to be in awe at his mannerism and fashion.

The man looked forward, opening a door for the queen. “Good morning, your Majesty.” Kang greeted as he paced after her.

In a good mood, Minjeong tapped his shoulder. “Good morning, Kang. What is on the agenda for today?” They took a hard left and toward the garden.

Minjeong stopped at the entrance, smiling at the bright sun in the sky with barely any clouds. It was quite the perfect day. No one could ruin her mood. She wasn’t going to let anything ruin her mood.

The brunette noticed the man looking around and tried to follow his line of sight. Kang cleared his throat, standing up straight. “Her highness Princess Haeyoung has requested a dinner with the Yu’s. There are also a few letters that are left to be read.” He announced blandly.

Minjeong pressed her lips together. “That is surprising. I wasn’t expecting any visitors today.” The brunette hummed in surprise.

The day was too perfect to have anyone at the palace. She planned to have everyone let her be and maybe she could finally play the violin that had been waiting for her in a secret place. But of course, her lovely mother had other ideas.

Her silence caused Kang to step forward, wanting to respond. “Shall I cancel the event?” He asked and the queen shook her head. He sighed in relief before striking back.

A flower was plucked from the ocean of flowers and the queen lifted it to her nose. She took a whiff before staring down at it. “There is opportunity in this.” The brunette waved the flower around with a smiling teasing at her lips.

She would get to see the princess on a perfect day. Her mood would increase even more. Minjeong was starting to think it was all too good to be true.

“It’s early in the morning and you have yet to have breakfast.” A familiar voice said from behind her and the queen nearly groaned.

Turning around, Minjeong met a questioning gaze—one she knew she wouldn’t be able to get out of. Yizhuo grinned widely before tugging her back inside the palace.

As they walked with their arms linked, Minjeong nearly stumbled over her own feet. “What is the rush?” She nearly yelped out, gathering herself.

“You have a visitor, and I would like to see how you would deal with whatever they are about to say.” Yizhuo led her all the way to dining room, shoved her inside before immediately leaving the room.

When Minjeong turned around, rattled from the suddenness of everything, she nearly cursed under her breath. Breakfast was certainly going to be delightful.

One of the guards pulled out her chair for her to sit, the queen letting out a breath as she lifted up her fork. “Why are you here, lord Iseul?” She lifted up a piece of her food toward her mouth. Minjeong seemed anything but interested in whatever the man was about to say.

The man rubbed gingerly at his eyebrow, hesitancy resting at the tip of his tongue. “I wanted to ask you for permission, Your Majesty.” He started and the queen paused in cutting her food.

Lifting her head, the brunette stared at the lord. “For?” Minjeong cocked an eyebrow, curious as to what he wanted to say. For some strange reason, the brunette knew it was not going to be of her likings.

Iseul shifted in his seat again before taking a long gulp of his water. “Permission to let me propose to Princess Jimin. I know you are great friends with her, so I thought I could ask if you could attend the wedding if I were to propose.” The man looked up, waiting for the brunette’s response.

The queen squinted her eyes in thought, soon chuckling lowly. She was surprised by the request. But it was all a reminder for the brunette. She had totally forgotten that Jimin was still being courted by the lord. It couldn’t have been easy to say no to a man with good intentions.

Lifting up a napkin, Minjeong wiped her mouth before speaking. “Why- I apologize , that is just an absurd question to ask first thing in the morning. Why don’t you finish your breakfast and get out of my sight so I can have a moment to think about your request?” The queen told him, watching as the man scrambled to stand up.

Iseul quickly bowed before scattering out of the dining room. Minjeong had to fight the urge to scoff. She lifted her head, ushering for Kang. “Please call for Yizhuo. It is important.” The queen instructed, not looking up at the man as she continued to eat her meal.

Minjeong lied. There was apparently something that could definitely ruin her day.

-

Yizhuo lowered her head with embarrassment. “I apologize. I did not know that was going to be his request.” She offered an a pat on the shoulder.

Minjeong rubbed at her forehead, wanting to laugh at her friend’s attempt to comfort her. “He has guts, I can assure you that. But then again, I can not blame him.” She rubbed at her eyes, leaning back into the couch.

It was quiet for sometime before the queen opened her eyes to look at the blonde. “I will attend their wedding.” Minjeong lowly said. Her face remained solemn.

Yizhuo let out a nervous laugh. “You do not mean that right? You love Jimin.” The advisor turned her body to properly face the Queen.

That was the point. Minjeong loved Jimin so much, she was willing to let her go. The princess was better off with a Lord who cared for her than a Queen who’s mother had potentially ruined the lives of everyone that has ever approached Minjeong. The last thing she wanted to do was to see the raven’s life ruined—because of her.

It was a hard decision, but she had been thinking about it everytime her mother pried and pestered her. And because she was the brunette’s mother, Minjeong had no courage to tell her off.

She was the queen. She could have had anything in the world. But happiness, love, friendship. Minjeong always had to give it up for the crown.

The blonde shook her head, unable to process the brunette’s words. “Minjeong, you will hurt the princess and yourself in the process. You could marry her instead.” Yizhuo suggested urgently.

But the brunette blinked back tears, suddenly standing to her feet. “I can’t, Yizhuo. I can’t protect her from my mother. I’ve failed to do that in the past. I am still the terrified Minjeong who stood out in the pouring rain, clutching the pieces of my violin. It wouldn’t be the first time I am picking up the pieces who make me, me. I think I can handle heartbreak.”

Jimin deserved so much more.

She hadn’t even realize that tears had began to fall and the brunette reached up to quickly wipe them off. Her best friend sat defeated beside her.

“So you are just going to give up and let your mother continue to ruin your life? Minjeong, I can’t believe you- You won’t even let Jimin make her descision?” Yizhuo was cut off when the brunette stood up to her feet. The blonde looked up at her in confusion.

Rapid blinks made Minjeong’s heart pace faster as she realized Yizhuo’s words. “I will let her make her decision. That is the least I could do. I don’t want to force her to do anything she doesn’t want to do.” The queen breathed out, grabbing onto Kang’s arm.

Yizhuo followed, standing up as well. “You can talk to her now. She has been waiting for you.” The advisor began walking toward the doors, the sound of her heels being a shattering reminder of what was to come.

Kang led her to where the princess was waiting at. He was oddly quieter than usual. Minjeong knew he knew something she didn’t but he would tell her only if it was important. It was something the Queen understood.

It was a few silent minutes of walking until they stopped at a door leading outdoor. The brunette gave him a grateful nod before instructing for him to remain inside.

Minjeong made her way carefully over to the raven, seeing that she was sitting at one of the steps on the strairs. Jimin was gazing at the scenery in front of her and the brunette couldn’t help but feel her heart flutter at her beauty.

The queen wrapped her arms around the princess, peppering kisses to her face where she could reaching. Laughing, Jimin placed her hands over her arms, melting into the queen. The brunette was unable to get enough of the raven’s songs of laughter.

After a moment, the Queen sat next to raven and Jimin pulled her hand into her lap, covering it with her own. “You scared me!” She playfully shoved Minjeong and only earned a chuckle from the queen.

Minjeong leaned toward the princess to capture her lips in a sweet kiss. When she had pulled away, she swallowed when she met Jimin’s gaze. “That was certainly the goal, and you cannot deny it, it worked well.” The Queen laughed as the raven rolled her eyes.

They faced the scenery in front of them, Jimin moving to rest her head against Minjeong’s shoulder. The Queen took a breath in, trying not to let her past conversation bother her. She wanted to enjoy the moment with the raven and not have to face reality for a long while.

As they sat in silence, the queen realized she had never garnered peace like she did when she was the princess. All the overwhelming thoughts that roamed in the brunette’s head came to a pause and all Minjeong could think about was Yu Jimin.

Jimin had fallen into a pattern of playing with Minjeong’s rings on her fingers and the soft brushes had caused the brunette to rest, be eased by her attempts of comfort. Sometimes it felt too good to be true, like the princess only appeared in her dreams. But the raven proved her everytime that it was real and that the Queen was in love. Yu Jimin was the only one with the key to her heart.

Gently squeezing the brunette’s fingers, Jimin let yt a exasperated sigh. “I wish to stay here forever with you.” Her voice followed on with a low whisper, like it was a wish she was wishing on a shooting star.

Minjeong took a deep breath, looking down at their intertwined fingers. “Then, become my Queen?” She responded and felt Jimin lift of her head abruptly. The brunette’s heart dropped when the princess had stared at her with utter confusion.

“What?” Jimin simply replied, furrowing her eyebrows. Minjeong blinked rapidly, almost regretting the words she had blurted out.

The brunette shook her head, immediately looking down. “Never mind. It is not important.” Minjeong soon said as she squeezed her eyes shut.

However, Jimin reached for her chin and lifted it up so she was eye to eye with the raven. “No, say it again.” The princess’s eyes had twinkled with fondness and Minjeong nearly missed the smile that teased at her lips.

So, the brunette swallowed harshly, building up her courage. “Be my Queen.” She repeated, this time with much confidence. She was holding her breath.

The princess leaped toward the brunette, colliding their lips together. “Yes! Yes! Of course-” The raven pulled away for a moment, gazing at the queen. “I would love to.”

Minjeong let out a breath of relief, opening and closing her eyes. “It doesn’t have to be now, but eventually, when you’re ready…” She looked down at their fingers once again, still finding words to say.

It was now or never. The conversation with lord Iseul was terribly bothering her.

“Iseul visited earlier and asked for my permission to propose to you. Which is why I want to give you the choice. I was going to agree into letting him propose because you would be safer with him than you would be with me. You wouldn’t have to worry about my mother and I would understand your decision.” Minjeong lifted her head, heart pounding in her chest. She was reluctant.

Jimin faced the brunette completely, holding the both of Minjeong’s hands with her own. She gently squeezed them, the queen finding her body relaxing as she gazed deeply at the raven.

The raven only smiled, flashing the same comforting smile the brunette loved. “Why do you think I would want to be with anyone but you? I knew there would be some obstacles like your mother and Iseul. But I don’t care about them. I care about you ,Minjeong. And that is all I need to know to get through whatever stands in our way of being together. I genuinely want you to remain by my side because you make me the happiest girl in the world.” She tugged the queen closer so she could press their foreheads together.

Minjeong couldn’t help but break out into a smile. There was a fluttery feeling in her stomach that only grew at the princess’s closeness. The queen soon took a breath she needed. “So you do want to remain with me?” She asked lowly just for them to hear.

The raven pecked her lips, eliciting a grin from the queen. “I meant it the first time. Nothing is going to change my mind, Minjeong. I will be your queen.” She reassured her once more.

Minjeong couldn’t help but let soon pulled back to hug the raven close, afraid that she would disappear in her very arms. Jimin relaxed in her hold, snuggling closer to the queen as Minjeong pressed a kiss to her hair.

She realized how much she truly loved the princess.

Maybe, maybe Minjeong could hold on a little longer.

-

The day was too perfect not to go for a swim in the pool Minjeong barely stepped foot in. But the princess insisted, and who was she to disagree with Jimin?

It also gave her an excuse to finally wear the bathing suit that had been sitting in her dresser for ages.

Minjeong had decided to invite the raven’s family a bit earlier so their brothers could also join along in the little swim session. It wasn’t long before Jimin and Minjeong were groaning and hiding behind eachother to avoid large splashes of water.

Jimin remained pressed against the brunette’s front with the queen sitting on the platform at the front of the pool. Their bodies were submerged halfway into the water as they watched their brothers wrestle eachother. “You know, they’re oddly getting along well.” The raven told the brunette with disbelief.

The queen let her eyes follow Beomgyu’s movements as he lunged at Inhyuk and Eric, all three boys going underwater with loud laughs. Minjeong smiled at the sight, glad her twin finally found himself some friends.

She tilted her head amuse when the two brothers had flipped the situation on her twin. “It takes Beomgyu a while to get along with people so it is quite surprising how he has already become comfortable with them. It would’ve taken me ages just to drag him outside.” Minjeong joked, leaning her head onto the raven’s shoulder.

The queen slid her hand slowly over the skin of the raven’s stomach while her lips brushed carefully over her neck. Jimin sucked in a sharp break, her fingers catching the brunette’s hand.

“Minjeong.” The princess mumbled with a warning tone.

Minjeong only smiled, continuing to slide her hand across the raven’s stomach. “Hmm?” She hummed absentmindedly, gently kissing the princess’s shoulder.

Jimin’s hand followed the movement of the queen’s hand, no longer stopping Minjeong. She breathed carefully, her shoulders relaxing at the touch of Minjeong’s lips. The queen knew it was taking everything in the raven’s power not to turn around and kiss her.

Jimin slightly tilted her head back and the brunette gladly obliged, pressing her lips up and down the column of the princess’s neck.

“We need to get out of here.” The raven breathed, squeezing Minjeong’s hand over her stomach.

Although, the queen pouted. “But we just arrived here?” She trailed her hand upwards as she began tapping her finger against Jimin’s skin. She was having a little fun teasing the princess.

Jimin sighed turning around in Minjeong’s arms. “So you’re not going to let me kiss you? You are not being fair.” She frowned, earning a chuckle from the queen.

Minjeong let her body be even more submerged by the water, until her head was halfway underwater. “How is it not being fair? I’m not kissing you either. I have self control?” She swam past the raven, keeping her eyes on the raven.

The queen was suddenly met with a splash of water, causing her to splutter loudly. When she had wiped her face clean, Minjeong was met with a grinning princess. “You did not.”

The princess crossed her arms, trying not giggle at the brunette. “I very much did.” As soon as she replied, her eyes widening as Minjeong trudged toward her.

A huge wave of water crossed upon Jimin, her half wet bathing suit now fully drenched. The raven ran her fingers through her hair before finding the Queen laughing hysterically. But her hysterics came to an end when Jimin jumped onto her.

They dunked into the water, giggles flying out when they had rose above the water again. Jimin had wrapped her body around the queen, arms encircled around Minjeong’s neck as she held her up. Minjeong wiped her face of water as she smiled widely at her, offering the raven her first ever toothy smile.

She couldn’t help it. Not when she had felt genuine happiness for the first time in a long while.

The brunette sighed as she cupped the raven’s cheek. “I’m so in love with you. I fall more in love every day and sometimes I wonder if that is even possible.” Minjeong couldn’t hear the princes in the background, her eyes only able to focus on the princess.

Jimin captured her lips for a moment, a ghosting touch being left on her mouth before the raven had pulled back to look at her. “That is funny, because I have been thinking the same thing. If it’s even possible to fall for you more than I already have.” The princess’s eyes roamed Minjeong’s face carefully before reaching her eyes.

Minjeong wondered how she became so lucky. Never in a hundred years did she think there would be someone who would be able to make her insides melt and her cheeks hurt so much from smiling. It seemed all to good to be true and frankly, Minjeong did not want to wake up from her dream—if it was one.

The queen felt splashes from the princes as Minjeong brought them back to the platform, sitting back on to it. Ignoring the loud yells of the boys, Minjeong felt the raven curl a lock of her hair as she closed the gap between them and they lowered into the waters.

-

Minjeong’s fingers drummed nervously under the table. Never in her life had she ever been so terrified.

She knew Prince Doyoon was an excellent man. Her father had told her stories about how noble he was and how he was one of the best violin players her father had ever seen. The comment had made her curious as she dreamed to hear the best violinists during her reign.

Though she had never seemed to find someone worthy of playing her precious violin, recent events had led her to realize she was getting closer and closer to finding one. It made her grow excited at the thought.

It had been interesting to find Prince Doyoon sitting right across from her. His features were similar to his daughter’s, finding out that Jimin had taken more of his side of his features. Her mother’s were still evident, but she took more of her mother’s mannerism rather than her father’s.

Compared to Jimin’s soft and gentle feature, Doyoon’s matched similarly, but with a little more sternness to his face. Minjeong knew it was just his resting face but it still chilled her to the bone.

She was quite sure whether or not he knew something had bloomed between his daughter and the queen.

As they chatted and waited for their dinner, the princess next to her seemed to sense her nervousness. The queen felt a hand cover her own, putting her shaky hand to rest. Minjeong’s head slowly turned to look at the princess, taking a deep breath as Jimin gave her a warm gaze.

The princess gently squeezed the brunette’s hand before going back to conversing with the rest of the table.

After a long while of wait for their meals, there had finally been a table full of dishes ready for them. It didn’t take long before they were laughing over their meals, the queen taking in the bright atmosphere.

Even her mother was on her best behavior but then again, it could have all just been an act. It was what made the brunette anxious—she was anxious of everything and the decisions she had been making. It had been a long time since she had felt true contentment in her life. Being Queen was unsurprisingly difficult and there was many times she had been overwhelmed, anxious, nervous, upset while trying to calm her raging mind.

There was always something in her mind regarding her role as Queen. Everyone was always reminding her that people looked up to her, that she had duties to fulfill. She never asked to be Queen. But her brother reminded her that she had a heart of gold and to find someone who would truly take care of it. He reminded her that it had endured everything it did and deserved rest.

Jimin had easily done that. Her mind and heart has been put to rest ever since she had met Jimin—even before she had began to learn more about the princess. Her worries were all put down, nearly out of existence when she received a simple smile from the princess.

She admitted that it would’ve been just as difficult not to fall in love with the raven. Jimin had infatuated her. Now, there is not one moment that goes by that she doesn’t think about Jimin.

“I heard that you play the violin, your majesty.” Doyoon had brought up, bringing the brunette out of her thoughts. She lifted her head, chewing her food before looking at the prince.

She responded with a nod while preparing for her answer. “My violins are one of my priced processions. I take pride in them.” The queen tilted her head as if she was gathering her words.

The prince in front of her raised a curious eyebrow. “What is your favorite piece? If you have one.” Doyoon dropped his cutlery onto his plate carefully.

Minjeong chuckled, a bunch of pieces echoing in her head as she thought about the question. “The last rose of the summer. Many complain about its difficultly but I have found to have enjoyed playing it. Difficult pieces give me the beauty of a challenge.” She explained passionately.

Jimin’s fork clattered onto the plate as she turned to the queen. “That is your favorite song too? I love playing it as well! Maybe one day, you could show us your style of play, if that is okay with you?”

Minjeong looked between the two, exhaling deeply as the two looked at with anticipation. “Maybe I can play something in future time.” She gave them a warm smile and felt Jimin squeeze her hand again.

Prince Doyoon’s face relaxed with relief. “It would be an honor to watch you play.” He lowered his head before going back to eating.

Turning around, Minjeong called for Kang. The attendant approached her, lowering his head. “Bring the gifts that were prepared for the Yu’s. When they are about to leave, give it to their chauffeur to put in the car. Understand?” She looked up at the man, who nodded before going on his way.

Minjeong turned her attention back to the table. She was still curious about why her mother brought them together for dinner.

“So, Jimin, I hear Lord Iseul adores you. I do think you two would be quite the couple!” Princess Haeyoung brought up and the table immediately became quiet.

The brunette felt the princess freeze and Minjeong could feel a wave of anger starting to build up. Her mother always seemed to target the princess unreasonably.

Jimin shifted in her seat. “I don’t think he-” She was cut off by Haeyoung’s laughter.

Princess Haeyoung shook her head before speaking. “Nonsense, he tells me everything about you. I think he is in love. He told me you are in love with him as well.”

Hyeran nodded, smiling along. “Lord Iseul is such a kind young man, Jimin. I think we’ll have you marry him.”

Minjeong’s grip on the raven’s hand went limp as she turned to face the princess. She knew her mother could’ve been lying but she wanted to hear it from the princess that what she was saying wasn’t true.

Jimin’s grip on her hand only tightened as she tried to gather words. “That is not true. I don’t know what you are talking about. I am in love with someone but it’s ….not him.” She responded genuinely.

Princess Hyeran glanced at Princess Haeyoung, nervously laughing. “She doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”

Just as Minjeong’s mother was about to continue speaking, the queen called for dessert as she narrowed her eyes at her mother.

She heard the raven release a breath before facing her. “She’s lying, I didn’t- I’m not-” Jimin stumbled over her words with a look of worry. The princess tugged Minjeong’s hand into her lap, tears brimming at her eyes.

The queen shook her head, mouthing an ‘It’s okay’. She turned her attention back to the others, blinking away the tears that bothered her at the moment around the table.

Beomgyu noticed her body language and immediately stood up, but the queen made it away faster than he could stand up.

She exited the dining room, trying to get away before she could break. She just needed to get away from mother, away from the loudness of the room. There were shouting of her name but Minjeong wiped at her tears, walking faster as she lifted up her dress to walk even faster.

When she had found somewhere to hide, the queen slid down the wall, sobbing lowly. Her hands covered her ears and it was becoming hard to catch her breath. Her head felt like splitting and no matter his much she cried, the pain didn’t seem to go away.

She had been nervous the whole dinner and just when it was going well, her mother had to ruin it for her. It heightened her emotions until she could no longer take it.

“Minjeong! Where are you!” She heard a familiar voice she knew she’d recognize from anywhere.

The brunette covered her mouth, hoping no one would find her in this state. She forced her breathing to slow down, ignored the ringing in her head.

“Minjeong, please… Where are you?” The Queen heard Jimin’s voice cracked and then, Minjeong knew she had to reassure the princess.

Quickly wiping her face of tears, the queen stood up and dusted her dress. She slowly walked toward the hallway of where the raven was and saw her crouching down in the middle of the corridor. Approaching her carefully, Minjeong breathed in and out before bending down to pull Jimin into her arms.

Jimin sobbed, her hand clutching onto the back of her dress as she pulled her closer. “Don’t leave me again.” The princess gasped into the brunette’s shoulder.

Minjeong shut her eyes tightly, exhaling through her nose while her hand reached up to stroke Jimin’s hair.

Through her tears and with shaky hands, Minjeong bit her bottom lip.

“I won’t.”

Chapter Text

Minjeong had difficulty calming herself sometimes. She was always so attentive of everything and easily became nervous. Her mind raced with thoughts—all types of thoughts and emotions at the same time that it was easy to get overwhelmed.

She knew it was because of her trauma of being left alone in the cold rain after her mother had broken her violin. Since that day, Minjeong noticed that her right hand began shaking at certain moments of time.

Certainly, if the general public found out that she was unable to compose herself during a certain occasion, that would not be good for her reputation as the Queen. As she grew up, her mother told her her anxiety was only an illness, another one of her flaws. It almost made the brunette grow emotionless when she was younger, Minjeong remembering her brother asking her why she never cried during emotional moments.

She hadn’t talked to her parents ever since the dinner where she left abruptly. Minjeong had been so angry with her mother, she demanded she be left alone for a few days. Whenever her mother tried to approach her, the queen would give her a glare before walking past her.

Then came nightmares. The same memory of her mother breaking her beloved violin replaying in her. She’d whimper in her sleep, begging for her mother to come back and take her out the cold rain. But in her nightmares, she was left in the rain, crying and left to put the pieces of her violin back together.

One day, at night, Minjeong had a nightmare of Jimin leaving her. It seemed all too real, with Jimin leaving her in the rain and kissing her goodbye. She awoken with tears streaming down her cheeks and her hand shaking. Even when she tried to go back to sleep, she couldn’t help but clutch her chest. She was terrified of being left alone again.

Her twin brother had to shake her out of her nightmares, Minjeong uttering 'Don’t leave me." over and over again. Sometimes, it was hard to shake her out of her nightmares, the staff members reporting that the Queen had many sleepless nights for unknown reasons. The only people who knew why was her attendant and brother. And the queen begged them not to tell anyone.

In the morning, Minjeong splashed cold water onto her face, wiping her face before she stared at herself in the mirror. It gave her the reset she needed, a reminder to keep herself grounded.

She was to meet Yizhuo to discuss some duties, but she wasn’t even sure she could do that without shaking. She had even kept herself up at night when she couldn’t sleep to complete all the duties she could do in a night so Yizhuo wouldn’t bother her about doing them. Although, her friend soon caught on, and the brunette did not like hiding anything from her best friend.

“Nightmares.” Minjeong simply mumbled and Yizhuo placed down the papers that had been in her hand.

The blonde walked up to the queen and pulled her into a hug, one that she knew the queen needed. Minjeong didn’t hesitate to grasp at her coat, following Yizhuo’s instructions to take deep breaths.

After Minjeong had calmed down and composed herself, she reassured the advisor that she could go on with doing her duties before spending the rest of the day she had laid out to spend by herself. The sight of people easily overwhelmed her like it always did.

She wished things were easier.

While her mind remained a mess, it still happened to be occupied by a princess. The thought of Jimin allowed the slight franticness in her body slow down and relax.

Minjeong only let out a breath, playing with silver ring that remained on her index finger. It was a reminder, a gift.

Jimin wiggled off one of the rings that were on her fingers off, reaching for the brunette’s hand to slip it on.

The princess pressed an excited kiss to a startled brunette’s lips. “This ring, is a reminder that no matter how far apart we are, I will always be with you in here.” Jimin moved the brunette’s hand so it was over her heart.

Minjeong shook her head in confusion. “Why would we ever be apart?” She asked the princess, curling her hand around the raven’s and intertwining their fingers together.

The queen hummed lowly when their lips met again, pulling the raven into her lap. Jimin pushed her hair behind her neck, arms wrapping around Minjeong’s neck to pull her closer.

“It’s just a scenario. If we were ever to be apart.” The princess breathed in between and Minjeong felt careful fingers run through her locks. “Just remember.”

Minjeong’s mind was hazy as Jimin’s scent nearly intoxicated her. She still knew what the raven’s words meant, and they put hope and fear in her heart because the princess’s voice slightly trembled as she let the words escape her lips.

She just hoped it only stayed a scenario.

Minjeong sighed lowly, rotating the silver ring around her finger anxiously. She couldn’t help but wonder if Jimin was okay. They hadn’t been able to meet in a while due to the council’s constant meetings, and her duties. While she could have asked to meet the princess, she knew the princess would come on her own time. The Queen learned patience after all.

Likewise, it wasn’t to say that she never missed the raven because it ruled out as a lie. Minjeong didn’t like lying—lying to herself especially. She knew she needed Jimin. At the same time, her mind ran across the possibility of Princess Jimin being safer away from her than next to her. It was a harsh thought to swallow, but as she suffered with her racing mind, the scared whimpers at night, what her mother called an illness, an imperfection, she realized she didn’t want to be a burden to the raven.

She couldn’t let Jimin see her like that. No one could.

-

Beomgyu and Minjeong walked through the museum, exploring the art piece that decorated the rooms.

They had bodyguards, of course, and Minjeong was grateful for it. Being in the museum gave her a chance to clear her mind.

As they took in the beauty of art, the queen noticed that her brother kept glancing at her every then and there. She knew he was worried and that he would so pester her about his inquiries.

Barely looking over her shoulder with her hands behind her back, Minjeong sighed lowly. “Spit it out.”

The prince’s eyes slowly flickered at the brunette absentmindedly. “I have nothing to say. I am just looking around.” He shrugged and the queen had to prevent herself from rolling her eyes.

She placed her hand on the man’s bicep as they began walking. “No, there is something you want to say, so speak plainly or else I will not hear the end of it later on.” Minjeong pinched his skin and he flinched slight.

He stayed quiet for a moment before speaking. “The council needs someone else to secure the throne. They’re getting impatient. People are gossiping.” Beomgyu nervously whispered.

The queen sucked in a frustrated breath, closing her eyes as she tried to calm herself. “It’s very difficult if I have a mother who’d end up harassing the one I want to marry to no end. I rather stay unmarried for the rest of my life than put Jimin in danger or marry anyone else who would not love me for who I am.” She said through her gritted teeth.

Beomgyu jerked his head toward his twin. “It is your duty to continue our family line! You can’t-” He took a breath as he looked around. “You can’t just give it up just because you’re struggling with your love life. Mother can announce a marriage with a random qualified royal in a blink and you wouldn’t know it.”

Minjeong laughed bitterly, opening her eyes with disbelief. “Did you seem to forget that you were supposed become King instead of me being pushed to be Queen? Are you forgetting how much I’ve sacrificed to save your ass, because I love you? I took every one of mother’s punishments to get relieve you of her and you’re trying to call me selfish?” She removed her arms out of his grip before walking out of the museum.

Beomgyu called out her name, pushing through the people while the bodyguards ran after them. “Minjeong, you know I did not mean to-”

Minjeong paused in her steps once they were outside. “Either you take back the throne or this line will go with me. I’ve made up my mind, brother.” She barely looked back at him before instructing for the bodyguards to take her back to the car.

The prince exhaled deeply before following the guard and entering the car next to his sister. “I’m sorry. That was insensitive of me.” He reluctantly apologized, gazing out the window as soon as the car began moving.

The young queen only leaned back into her seat, still trying to remain her calmness. She did not want to fight with her brother.

After a while of silence, she heard Beomgyu shift in his seat. “Do you love her?” He nonchalantly asked.

Minjeong looked at the ring Jimin had given her, softly smiling at the thought of the princess. “I do….. She is my sun. She has been my light in the darkness.” Minjeong replied lowly, continuing to rotate the ring.

Beomgyu took a breath in before exhaling. He seemed reluctant to speak again. “Then If you truly loved her, them you’d let her go.”

The other twin simply sighed quietly, looking out the window with her heart and mind torn between different decisions.

-

It took some time before her parents could finally get to speak to their daughter. Her mother rather sent her husband and probably asked that the man get Minjeong to finally open to them again.

So as Junpyo approached his daughter, he swallowed nervously, knowing that she didn’t deserve the way her mother treated her. He had tried multiple times to prevent his wife from doing the things she did but she was too persistent.

Minjeong lifted her head from her book, blinking curiously at her father. “How may I help you?” She returned her sight to her book, ignoring her father.

The prince sighed, sitting next to brunette. “You haven’t talked to us in while. I wanted to check up on you.” He began, carefully thinking of what to say next.

She knew her father cared a little bit more than her mother did. He was more on the kinder side, and the Queen was grateful to have her as a father.

Minjeong flipped a page, eyes roaming the page. “For a reason. It’s always for a reason, father.” She reminded him, barely giving him a glance.

Junpyo reached to pull the book out of her hand, slipping a bookmark in between. Minjeong didn’t bother to grab it back, knowing she’d have to have this conversation if she wanted to be left alone.

The prince faced her fully, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I know your mother is very difficult and she thinks what she’s doing is benefiting everyone. But she doesn’t realize that she’s straining her relationship with you. I know about everything and unfortunately, your mother is just as hardheaded and stubborn as you.” He joked as he knocked on Minjeong’s head, making her laugh.

He suddenly turned serious again, his lips pressing into a thin line. “As the Queen, you’ll have to face difficult moments that make it seem like your world is crumbling, but you have to persevere. It is all part of being a royal.” Junpyo stroked his daughter’s hair, fixing her bangs.

The brunette nodded, poking her tongue into her cheeks as she tried to hold back her tears. “But I don’t know if I can, father. All I want to do is be with her. You were able to be with Mother, so why can’t I be with one I love? I did not ask to be queen! Mother is being unreasonable.” Minjeong frustratedly rose her voice.

Junpyo tapped her shoulders in attempt to calm her down. “I know. I know. But we can’t all get what we want.” His voice dropped to a monotone.

The Queen jerked his hands off her shoulders. “Get out.” She said sternly.

Her father opened his mouth to speak but Minjeong only shook her head.

“Get out or I will make the guards make you do so.” She repeated, staring him down. There were tears brimming her eyes and Junpyo closed his fist in disappointment.

The prince stood up and began walking away to leave the room. Minjeong watched him walk away, blinded by frustration.

-

Minjeong had sat by herself at her favorite spot, the pond. She badly needed to clear her mind and the swishing waters, sound of the wind blowing the trees around her, croaking and crickets echoing their beloved noises in the area. The queen found herself grateful that the place had existed.

She had already wiped her tears from her eyes, only letting her vision become blurry occasionally.

It went until hands reached to cup her cheeks, causing the brunette to look up from the ground. A pad of a finger brushed against her skin, Minjeong’s heart nearly racing as she met brown orbs. She searched brown orbs, taking a breath as rested her head against the princess’s.

“Kang told me you haven’t been yourself. Are you okay, darling?” Jimin knelt down in front of her, glowing more than ever. Minjeong couldn’t breathe in her presence.

The queen gasped for air, reaching to grab onto the raven’s hands as she leaned into Jimin’s touch. "I- I don’t- " Minjeong sobbed, her lips quivering as she suddenly became overwhelmed. “Jimin, I don’t know-”

Jimin pulled her head to rest onto her shoulder, gently stroking her hair and back. “It’s okay. You’re okay, I’m right here.” The raven reassured her before pressing her lips into a bundle of brown hair.

The queen’s heart hurt. Her head pounded, her chest felt tight and it felt like the walls around her were caving in too fast for her to reallze.

Still, Jimin somehow managed to give her little peace as she continued to whisper sweet nothings. Minjeong had felt so comfortable, peaceful in the princess’s embrace and it made her realize that she had found her home.

“You don’t have to know, sometimes, it is alright not to know what is going on.” Jimin whispered before pulling back to look at the Queen and wiping at her tears.

Minjeong couldn’t quite understand how Jimin was able to calm her messy mind so easily, be able to give her the peace she had sought for. It all seemed easy for her to give her a mind of peace because she was the only one who assured the queen that it was alright not to know what was going on.

When Minjeong had hope not even in herself, the princess was there to tell her that she had hope in her. She told her as Minjeong, not the Queen, but Kim Minjeong and it was everything the brunette had every wanted. To be seen as herself, a simple human being.

Jimin pressed their foreheads together, soft pads of thumbs brushing over the Queen’s tears. “It’s okay to be broken and confused. There is nothing wrong with that. Every flaw that you think you have, the ones that everyone has told you you have, they’re perfect to me, Minjeong. I adore every single one of them and I would never treat you otherwise because of them. You aren’t meant to be the perfect queen.” Her eyes roamed the brunette’s face as she spoke gentle words.

Minjeong believed they were the truth, that the words that escaped from the princess’s lips were true. The brunette closed her eyes, wanting to stay in Jimin’s embrace for as long as time would let her.

“It’s okay because I still love you regardless.” Jimin told her with a smile and the queen couldn’t help but replicate it through her tears, laughing a little bit.

She couldn’t believe it. “Say it again, please.” Minjeong breathed, still feeling her tears being brushed away.

Jimin pressed a kiss to her lips, full of warmth and bliss. The queen wanted to delve deep into it. “I love you, Kim Minjeong. I love you-” She paused, her lips ghosting over the brunette’s as she gently smiled. “So much.”

There was a slight quiver at Minjeong’s bottom lip, all while the birds chirped around with the careful swish of the pond waters. “I love you, too, my sun. Thank you.” Her voice slightly cracked, laced with vulnerability and certainty.

Jimin’s chuckles was like a sweet song, and they were ones the queen never wanted to forget.

-

The moon and sun only had so much time together. When did Minjeong’s happiness ever last?

A few days later, Jimin came sobbing at night, her dress absolutely drenched as she stood in the garden. Thunder shook loudly and Minjeong seemed to flinch everytime lightning struck in front of her.

“Minjeong, I don’t think you can continue to love me anymore.” Jimin swallowed harshly, blinking tears away. Minjeong stared at the girl in utter confusion as felt the wind knock out of her.

The brunette tried to laugh Jimin’s words off, her body’s system beginning to sense the panic the Queen felt arising. "What do you mean I can not love you? I told you I love you and I will always continue to do so. I don’t understand- " She attempted to step closer to the raven but Jimin staggered back like Minjeong was a blaze of fire, taking a breath.

The queen bit the inside of her lip in hurt, her right hand closing into a shaky fist, forgetting about reaching out to Jimin. The princess looked down, wiping rapidly at her tears and at the scene, Minjeong couldn’t help but feel her heart shatter. She felt as if her worst nightmare was coming true.

She waited for the girl to explain as she couldn’t quite understand the raven’s words. Most hadn’t been uttered into the air yet but they still tore at the door of Minjeong’s heart, ready to pounce as soon as it was given a chance.

“I guess I am not capable of being loved or ever having a happy ending. So you shouldn’t waste your time. Your majesty, don’t make it harder than it already is.” Jimin wiped at her tears once more, and each time, parts of the Queen’s heart chipped off when she heard Jimin let out choked sobs.

Minjeong’s eyes began to blur as she couldn’t understand why this was happening when they had told eachother they had loved eachother not too long ago. She knew it wasn’t right to think so, but her mind ran to worse scenarios of the princess never loving her in the first place. In her head, she fought those thoughts up because she knew they weren’t true. She trusted Jimin and knew not to doubt her. But her mind ran on autopilot, her throat feeling like it was clogged and preventing her from breathing in the pouring rain.

Her breaths began coming out in short breaths, feeling a sense of lightheadedness approaching her. She wanted to cry, badly, but it wasn’t coming out and Minjeong felt awfully terrified in the rain. Her bottom lip quivered as she slowly lifted her head.

She was so terrified of being left alone in the chilling rain again in the mist of the night.

Although, Minjeong just couldn’t believe her words. She didn’t believe a single word. She loved Jimin, she knew the princess loved her too because she had said it with her own lips with such certainty. And because of that, the Queen knew she wasn’t wasting her time. The raven was worth every ounce of her time, as each second Minjeong spent with Jimin was a second the brunette cherished dearly.

The brunette took a deep breath, walking closer and closer until she was able to pull Jimin into her arms. Jimin cried as the brunette began stroking her hair gently. The princess sobbed words of apology and Minjeong’s eyes closed when she felt shaky hands clutch a handful of her dress.

It wasn’t fair.

The princess soon pulled back, cupping Minjeong’s cheeks as she kissed her passionately. The queen reciprocated with all she had, wrapping her arms around Jimin’s frame to pull her closer. She felt saltiness in between her lips but she ignored it, fighting her own tears.

Soon, Jimin parted their lips, slender fingers brushing gently over the brunette’s cheeks. In brown orbs, there was a story of stars, gleaming so brightly, there was no possible way Minjeong could’ve even missed it.

The queen clutched Jimin’s hands on her cheeks, her eyes searching for something with fondness. The raven made the move to press their foreheads together, with their lips barely a centimeter away from eachother. It was close, but the queen felt like she was oceans away from the raven—light years away.

“I love you so much and I always will. I will never deny that and I will never regret falling in love with you, my love.” Jimin whispered lowly, gently stroking Minjeong’s cheeks with her thumbs.

Minjeong’s head throbbed from trying to hold back her on tears, her mouth whispering apologies and sweet nothings beside Jimin’s head. She wanted to take whatever pain and fear the raven was feeling. Whatever the princess had felt, that made her cry and shake in her arms, Minjeong wished to take it away. She wondered what was the point of being queen if she couldn’t even be with one she loved freely.

The queen connected their lips together in a long kiss once again, her hand shaking as it rested at the small of Jimin’s back. “I love you, too. Don’t ever forget that, okay?” Her blurry eyes roamed the raven’s face pensively.

Jimin nodded slowly, and Minjeong couldn’t fathom the apologetic gaze in her eyes. Minjeong didn’t understand– She couldn’t understand it. Why she had to live her nightmare. “I’m sorry, Minjeong.” The raven whispered and the queen felt Jimin slipping away from her grasp. The fingers that were tangled in between her’s loosened until the queen barely was able to reach for Jimin’s hand.

Minjeong watched with blurry eyed as the princess slowly walked away. Eventually, when the princess finally disappeared and the sound of thunder knocked her into reality, the brunette slowly began to process everything that had just occurred. She finally let her tears fall, looking down at her feet while letting cold rain continued to hit her back. Her hand couldn’t stop shaking and Minjeong didn’t bother trying to stop it. She knew there was no point in trying. Her hand wouldn’t pause in shaking for a long while.

The queen stood there in the garden, loud painful cries being let out. She didn’t care if she woke up the whole palace, Minjeong just cried and cried, feeling alone and cold outside in the middle of the night.

She looked up to the sky, seeing a shooting star streak the sky along with lightning. She winced and the sky was blurry, but Minjeong stood limp as she finally let the shooting star go by without wishing upon it.

Jimin had left her and had not once look back.

Chapter Text

Jimin sat in the car, silently gazing out the window. She hadn’t talked for hours and her brothers didn’t bother getting her to talk. Her life had changed in a matter of a week and she didn’t know why.

She had lied to the Queen. Jimin left her, even when she knew it was Minjeong’s fear to be left alone. The raven couldn’t help but feel guilt burn through her body even if it wasn’t her fault. She never wanted to leave. She never wanted to leave Minjeong. The princess didn’t know how she’d ever gain Minjeong’s trust again—if they ever met again.

Her eyes were dried of tears, as she occasionally silently cried throughout the ride, fiddling with the necklace Minjeong had gifted her. The pain in her head paused the motion, so she took deep breaths to accommodate her body’s wishes of letting her tears fall.

But she didn’t know which type of pain hurt the most. Leaving, losing Minjeong. As she watched other cars past by, realization came across her that the pain in her head was nothing in comparison to the one in her chest. She felt like she couldn’t breathe without lodging a tear out.

Her parents tried explaining but she couldn’t believe they’d do something like this to her, especially when she was happy and very much in love. She wasn’t able to look at them without feeling betrayed. All that was left, was herself drowning in guilt, loss, disappointment and many more that was unexplainable. It was like a frightening nightmare that Jimin was unable to wake up from.

They were on their way back to their homeland, hours away from where Minjeong ruled. The princess found out abruptly and when she did, she ran as fast as she could to the palace to atleast see the brunette one last time.

It was bittersweet—kissing Minjeong one last time, feeling Minjeong’s soft lips engulf her own with passion, want, cherish, love with a mix of fear. She wasn’t able to forget the way the brunette’s hand shook on her back, clutching onto her dress while begging for her not to go, not to leave her.

She felt a hand rest on her knee but she instantly jerked away, looking at the owner. “Don’t touch me. You both lied to me. All of you.” Her lip slightly quivered as she glared at her mother.

Her mother retracted her hand back into her lap, an apologetic gaze on her face. Jimin refused to feel bad, not when they had ruined her life in a blink of an eye.

They remained in the car for a few hours before her family had finally arrived back to their old estate, just by the palace. The guards opened the door to the car, bowing before letting them out. Jimin stepped out and let her eyes roam her old home. Even if it was where she grew up and had lived before, it felt unfamiliar. Not when she had found a home so much better.

She was hours, miles, light years away from Queen Minjeong now. How was Jimin to continue living her life normally now that she couldn’t see Minjeong anymore?

Wiping at her eyes, she crossed her arms and started making her way toward their estate.

She had to adjust to her new life.

-

The raven was in the middle of putting her things away when she heard a knock. Although, she ignored it, continuing to put her things way before she shuffled over to her bed. A second later, the door opened and Jimin looked up to see her mother slipping into the room.

The princess folded her hands in her lap, unable to believe who had stepped foot into her room. “How could you even think about coming in here?” Jimin scoffed lowly, tilting her slightly in disbelief.

Her mother sighed, closing the door behind her. “I am your mother. I can do whatever I want, Yu Jimin.”

The raven closed her eyes whilst she pressed her lips together and sighed. “So that meant you could lie to me?” The younger princess’s spoke her words with hurt. She soon opened her eyes, seeing the guilty look that spread on Hyeran’s face.

Seeing her mother’s face reminded her of everything that had happened. It only made her want to cry even more.

Princess Hyeran approached her slowly. “Jimin. Don’t you remember? You wanted to meet someone who you could marry. And you did! You’re being given the chance to marry a lord who is thought of very highly here. I don’t understand why you’re upset-”

“Because I loved her!” Jimin shouted as stood up. Tears began falling down her cheeks, her hands curling into fists as she stood in front of her mother. A shaky breath was let out into the silent air that the younger princess had put into the room. “I loved her, mother. And all of you took her away from me…… That is why I am upset.”

Hyeran gazed at her with a look of confusion. “What- Who are you talking about?” Stumbling upon her words, her mother took a moment to compose herself before looking toward her daughter for an explanation.

The princess turned around, pressing the palm of her hands into the base of her eyes. “Do not act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.” She finally locked eyes with her mother.

Hyeran finally made it close enough to reach for her daughter’s hands and carefully brushed her fingers over them. “I thought they were rumors… The Queen…” Her mother searched her eyes as if she was trying to figure out whether or not her daughter was telling the truth.

Suddenly, Jimin collapsed against her mother, Hyeran catching her as she did. The raven wrapped her arms around her shoulders and the older princess pulled her into her hold as her daughter began crying.

The raven caught her breath. “I’m sorry, mother. It just happened, even when I knew it shouldn’t have. But it did, and I don’t regret it. I don’t regret falling in love with her.” She hugged her mother tighter and buried her head into her shoulder.

Luckily, Jimin’s bed was under them and Princess Hyeran lowered them to the mattress. She pulled her daughter into her arms, whispering apologies into her hair.

“I’m sorry, my love. But this is the life you must now live.”

-

Jimin hated being pitied.

Her brothers apologized whenever they could, as well as her parents but she couldn’t find it in her to care.

Most of the time, Jimin would be in her room, finding whatever she could to avoid Lord Iseul. She had the higher role so he couldn’t demand to see her. Now that he knew Minjeong couldn’t stand in his way of getting to the princess. She had received letters from him almost everyday and it was disadvantage that the move back to her homeland wasn’t as hard for the lord as it was also his homeland.

She was beginning to think that universe didn’t want her to be happy.

The raven looked down at her lap, stroking black fur gently. Atleast, she was able to take Jinwol with her. He kept her company, and his gentle approach reminded her so much of the queen. She lifted him up, letting him nuzzle his head into her neck.

When she had let him fall back into her lap again, he looked up at her, tilting her head. “You miss her, don’t you?” She scratched behind his ear and the kitten let out a soft purr.

The raven sighed, looking out the window at the garden view next to her. “I miss Minjeong too.”

Jimin’s eyes fluttered opened as gentle lips brushed against her skin, making her giggle. “It tickles.” She wrapped her arms around the Queen’s waist, giving in to the kissing monster that was named Minjeong.

The brunette paused in her action, letting her fingers brush over the skin of Jimin’s cheek. “I love you.” She gently smiled before pressing a kiss to the princess’s lips.

Jimin smiled in between, lifting her hand to cup the brunette’s cheek, connecting their lips in a more deeper kiss. She couldn’t get used to the way the queen moved her lips against her’s, engulfing her lips fully with passion. It was everything, and the way Minjeong tasted like bliss, light, gentleness, everything more made her feel warm and safe.

In her heart, she knew the only person she wanted and needed was the brunette. Jimin wanted Minjeong’s attention, to be loved and cherished by the brunette. And Minjeong had done just that. There wasn’t a moment where the queen hadn’t told her that she loved and cherished her—How much she meant to Minjeong.

They separated their lips, both of them chuckling breathlessly. Jimin leaned up to quickly peck the brunette’s lips one more time, eyes roaming a face that gleamed in moonlight. “I love you more.” The raven whispered.

The queen chuckled and shook her head in disagreement. “That is quite not possible.” She peppered kisses all over the princess’s face, making her laugh lowly. “I love you even more.”

Finally, Minjeong rested her head onto Jimin’s chest, letting the blankets cover them fully. The raven raised her hand, letting her fingers dig softly into the brunette’s hair. An arm slowly slid over her waist under her shirt, pulling her closer.

Jimin was content, so comfortable next to Queen. She had never felt this way with anyone, and she wasn’t sure what would’ve happened if she had never met Minjeong at the pond. She had fallen hard for the queen and now wished that there wasn’t a moment where she was separated from her.

“Maybe we both love eachother the most, hmm? Because you can not certainly beat me in an ‘I love you’ battle. If it was up to me, I would’ve told you that I loved you all night long.” Jimin pressed a kiss to Minjeong’s hair.

The Queen only laughed in amuse. “You already did.” She earned a pinch to her side and laughed even more.

Jimin sighed quietly, staring up at the ceiling as she continued to let her fingers thread through the Queen’s hair. They let silence surround them before Minjeong tapped her stomach to ask a question..

“Jimin.”

“Yes?”

“You’d never leave me, right?” Minjeong craned her neck to look up at the raven.

The princess shifted, giving Minjeong a confused gaze. “Why are you bringing that up all of the sudden? Of course I won’t leave you.” She reassured the brunette, noticing the slight wavering look in her eyes.

A weight rested back onto her chest, and Jimin went back to playing with her hair. “When I was younger, my mother left me all alone in the rain after she had broken my violin I spent so long on. Ever since, I have always been afraid of the rain and as I grew up, everyone left me against their own will because of my mother…. And it only proved that maybe….I was destined to remain alone. But I don’t think I could handle it if you ever left me.” She breathed out.

Jimin swallowed harshly, blinking away tears. “I won’t, I promise I won’t, my love.” She pressed a kiss to Minjeong’s hair again before hearing her breathing slow down.

Before she knew it, Jimin felt wet liquid stream down her cheeks. She heard a knock on the door, prompting her to quickly wipe her tears and yell for whoever was at the door to come in. While she was opened to visitors, she needed a distraction.

The door slowly opened, a head peeking through the slight crack. “Lord Iseul has come to see you.” A staff member informed her.

Jimin hummed disinterestedly, paying attention to Jinwol as he played with his paws. “I will be there in a moment.” The princess replied blandly, she was too emotionally exhausted to argue. She knew that if she didn’t figure out what the lord wanted now, she would never hear the end of it later.

The member closed the door and the princess was left to stare out the window before letting Jinwol run off.

She fixed herself in the mirror, blinking away the rest of her tears. After a moment, she noticed the necklace, a simpler necklace Minjeong gifted her for regular wear. It was smaller than the larger, shiner necklace she had. This one, a shape of an heart, was one that Jimin wore more and she often found herself reaching for it whenever she was nervous.

Just like now.

She sniffed one more time before folding her hands and making her way toward the rest room. The guards opened the door, letting her in to see the Lord waiting patiently on a couch. Jimin flinched when the doors closed with a loud thud and brought her back to the reality of the present.

The princess sat in front of the overly excited man, sitting up straight to wait patiently for what the man wanted to say.

“You look absolutely beautiful, your highness.” Iseul breathed, lowering his head before reaching her eyes.

Jimin cursed under her breath, wishing she was anywhere but here. “You can drop the act now. Princess Haeyoung is miles from here.” Jimin muttered and sported a fake smile.

The man only smiled wider. “That is the thing. It’s not an act.” He reached to pull something out of his pocket and the princess’s heart dropped. Iseul opened a velvet box, revealing a diamond ring. “The Queen helped me choose it.” He looked up, his shoulders relaxing in front of Jimin.

The princess covered her mouth, eyes roaming the beautiful ring. The diamond was encased by silver, the materials gleaming brightly. “Lord Iseul, I-” She was unable to speak of any words, as they had been caught up in her throat.

Leaning back in his seat, the man placed the velvet box onto the table in front of them. “I know it is hard to process. But…. The queen gave me this, just in case. She had a feeling something like this would happened, where you two would be pulled apart. And that if anything were to ever happen, I should take good care of you…. She also told me to tell you that no matter what happens, she loves you very much.” He swallowed, studying the princess’s face.

Jimin held in a sob, feeling tears blur her vision. “She knew something would happen?” She looked at the lord for explanation.

The man opened and closed his mouth, looking unsure on what to say next. “She was afraid her mother would do something to prevent you two from being together. But I do not think she ever expected it to be to this extent… I’ve heard from people that the Queen is not taking it well.” He explained seriously and the princess bit her bottom lip as she listened.

Disbelief clouded over her, unable to process the very words that came from the lord’s mouth. She could not quite fathom the fact that Minjeong was willing to let her go just to keep her safe. The queen had predicted that they’d eventually be torn apart so she entrusted Iseul to take of her just in case something did happen. Even thought that something—shouldn’t have ever happened. Or gone toward this limit.

Jimin had been lied to, her trust broken and felt betrayed by her parents as they agreed to go back home. The only reason they did so—was because they were terrified of the Princess. She was the mother of one of the most powerful Queens and Jimin was from a small Kingdom. It wouldn’t have been good to make enemies, so they agreed.

Finding out that they would be going back to their old home was sudden. Jimin came back from the palace to see her things being packed away and her room clean of belongings. They were to leave the next day, early in the morning so Jimin ran back to the palace, to atleast see the Queen one last time.

She felt guilty for breaking her promise and leaving the Queen alone in the pouring rain. But she knew the longer she stayed, the harder it would’ve been to let the brunette go.

“I promised I would take care of you for her. You don’t have to marry me. Even though I do have feelings for you, I know I could never compete with what you and the Queen had together. However, I know I can be a good friend.” Iseul closed the velvet box, a gentle smile molding onto his lips.

Jimin wiped at her eyes, composing herself to respond. She was a bit relieved that the lord understood. “Friends. I can do that.” She nodded slowly, laughing when the lord laughed.

Iseul stood up, opening his arms wide. The princess walked up to him and melted into his arms. He carefully stroked the raven’s hair, and the princess found comfort for the first time ever since she was separated from Minjeong.

-

Atleast Jimin was able to see old friends.

It was awfully difficult to explain why she returned to her homeland. But at the same time, gossip spread quickly through the kingdom and Jimin wondered when her situation became so convoluted.

“You mean…. You had a chance to be queen of a big nation but you were not able to because the Queen’s mother disliked you?” Lady Chaewon repeated slowly, earning a simple nod from the princess.

Jimin took a sip of her tea before placing it down onto her plate. “Oddly enough, Minjeo- the Queen, knew something like this would happen. I promised her that I would not leave, but I did, even if I didn’t want to. I don’t know how I would ever get her to forgive me.” A sigh was let out and the princess placed her tea onto the table.

Princess Yeji hummed in amusement, shaking her head with a chuckle. “You don’t need to earn her forgiveness, Jimin. She knew this would happen so I do not think she’d ever blame you for it.”

Chaewon, Ryujin and Yunjin all nodded in agreement, making the raven wonder. She took another sip of her tea, letting out another sigh.

“I only hope so.” Jimin replied.

Her friends looked at eachother, seemingly giving eachother knowing looks. Soon, they all stood up, reaching for the princess and pulling her up to her feet.

Jimin blinked in confusion as she was dragged away toward the doors. Yeji reassured her, telling her that they’d show her the things she has missed while she was gone. Knowing her friends and cousin, she knew she couldn’t refuse.

“When was the last time you went shopping?” Lady Yunjin asked.

When the raven came back with an tremendous amount of new clothing, her brothers being the prying man they were, decided to interrogate her.

Inhyuk and Eric waited at her door with their arms crossed. “We saw that you have finally left the house.” Inhyuk approached her first, eyes skimming the new items his sister had bought.

Although, the princess remained silent, not in the mood to talk to anyone. She walked past him multiple times before she heard the older prince exhale. Finally, Jimin paused in her steps, a silent notion for them to speak.

“We’re sorr-”

Jimin immediately cuts him off. “Save it. I don’t need anymore apologies.” The raven sternly mumbled before continuing to put away her things.

She didn’t hear them move at all and she decided that she’d still ignore them no matter how much they tried. It would take her a long time to forgive them from hiding something from her when they’d usually tell her everything. Inside, she knew none of it was their fault, but it didn’t mean she wasn’t hurt. They had made her look like a fool.

The situation that occurred made her become more attentive to her surroundings. She was more reserved, only speaking when she deemed fit. While everyone was worried about her, the princess could not find it in her to care. They told her to move on, so they’ll move on as well.

Inhyuk cleared his throat, Jimin hearing the turn of her heels. “I guess you don’t want the letter the Queen Minjeong made me keep a secret just in case this… were to happen.” His voice followed along with anticipation, and the princess knew he was peaking at her for a reaction.

The raven turned back around, grabbing the letter from her older brother and immediately opening the envelope. It was sealed with the Minjeong’s brand, and countless thoughts roamed in the princess’s head as to what the content of the letter could’ve been about.

But she paused before reading it, slowly lifting her head to look up at her two brothers. They stood there with twinkles of distress in their eyes with their hands behind their backs. Jimin stared at them for a moment before dropping the letter onto her bed. She reached to pull them both into a hug and felt their bodies tense before strong arms wrapped around her waist.

Jimin kissed the both of their heads before pulling back to grab their hands. “Thank you. I know none of this is your faults and I have been inconsiderate of my brothers' feelings even when they’ve been only been worried about their sister. I’m sorry.” She pressed her lips together as her eyes switched between their faces.

Eric shook his head, gently squeezing Jimin’s hand. “We’re sorry too, for not telling you sooner. We just- didn’t know how to tell you. I know you and the Queen meant much to eachother but we unfortunately didn’t have a choice.” He explained with a tone of disappointment.

Nodding in understanding, the princess let go of their hands. “I know. Now go on, I want to be alone when I read the letter.” She turned them around before pushing them out the door.

As soon as her door clicked, she ran back to her bed, sitting on the very edge and grabbing the letter.

Dear my precious Sun,

You may be wondering why I had decided to write this letter. If you’re reading this, it means we are apart. I never meant for this to happen as being apart from you feels like a piece of my heart has been torn away. I have grown so fond of you over the time we have spent together and I can say that I have never met someone quite like you.

I am sorry for not being able to protect you, for being so afraid of standing up for myself. Just know that I still love you very much and you still will always have the key to my heart.

I also understand if you decide to fall in love with someone else. With someone who you can be safe with and someone who will cherish and love you just as much as I do. The thought of it is slightly terrifying and it tears me to pieces that one day, there will be a time where our time together will finally be up.

The Queen, your Minjeong, will never regret falling for you. To be honest, I do not think I will be able to fall in love with anyone else. You have made a mark in my life and I believe it will be very difficult for anyone else to do so.

If there’s given a chance, where we get to see eachother again and the time is right, I will make you Queen. I have no doubt that I wouldn’t be able to spend the rest of my life with you.

I made sure that your brothers and Iseul will take care of you as I trust them to do so.

I love you always, and I will never give up on you.

Sincerly, Kim Minjeong.

Jimin let out a shaky sob, tears staining the paper. Reading the letter only made her chest cave in further. She hadn’t realize how much she had truly missed the brunette. There was an overwhelming amount of emotions as she read the letter over and over. Her thumb brushed over the engraved letters of Minjeong’s name at the bottom of the letter, remembering all the moments they had spend together.

She was never supposed to received the letter.

It wasn’t long before the princess ended up going to sleep, curled up under her blanket as her head continued to throb from the familiar movement of crying for another day.

Chapter Text

It wasn’t just a bad nightmare.

Minjeong had a hard time processing the event that occurred. While her mind was full of hazy thoughts, it didn’t take a chance to let her be free of the rainy day where Jimin had left her and didn’t turn around.

However, the queen had become too used to people leaving her. A turning of events that was meant to be familiar, it was supposed to. She knew it’d eventually come and she knew not to blame the princess for doing so. But it didn’t mean it hurt any less.

What was most surprising was that Jimin not only left, her whole family had disappeared. Sudden in the most, Minjeong wasn’t in the right mind to decipher the reason for their disappearance. She had spent the whole night curled up in her cold bed, drenched in sweat and tears pouring out from her. There would be times where she’d stop crying but then a flash of memories of the time of her and Jimin would appear in her head. Each jolted an uncontrollable amount of emotions.

Sleep came difficult to her as she ended up waiting for the sun to rise before deciding to make a visit to the Yu’s estate herself.

Minjeong stormed in through the door, obviously in anger. “Where is she?” She asked as she looked around at the people in the dining area. She was met with an unbearable amount of silence.

The Queen took a breath, fighting back tears. “I said where is she!” She yelled loudly, startling everyone in the room. Minjeong immediately turned to face her assistants. All of them looked down with frowns. They had still not provided a response.

One of them cleared their throat before stepping forward. “The Yu’s have all left, your majesty. They are nowhere to be found.” He explained and blinked when he heard something shatter. He backed up into his line with other staff members and folded his hands.

Minjeong pointed to her assistants, gritting her teeth. “If you do not find out who drove them away, I will make sure you do not have a job the next day. Do you understand?” Her voice lined with sternness and anger.

“Yes, your majesty. I believe your mother may have had something to do with this. She explained that there was already a princess on the way for you to marry.” A woman spoke and Minjeong listened carefully.

Her mother. Of course. Her mother wanted her to marry someone else more fitting for her. The brunette rubbed at her eyes in frustration. She needed to figure out why her mother thought It’d be a better idea if Jimin was separated from her.

The brunette squeezed her eyes closed in frustration, fighting the urge to yell into the depths of the stars. “Find them. Search the depths of the universe, I do not care what you do. I want to see Jimin in the morning.” Minjeong ran her fingers through her hair before she folded her hands in front of her and huffed lowly before turning around to walk out of the estate.

Her staff members lowered their heads as she walked past them. They followed after her with urgency.

While her staff worked day and night to locate the Yu’s, Minjeong was only piled up by more duties. She had to remember not to lose herself in the mist of it all. It became so easy to become overwhelm by the amount of things she needed to complete.

There was many times where she'd be found crying in her office, stressed and exhausted. It was hard to gather sleep because her mind replayed the same cold rainy night and echoed with the heart shattering words Jimin had uttered. Her mind bombarded her with reminders of everything hurgar has occurred, the things she needed to tend to and who she was as a person—as the Queen.

As the days passed, gossip went around about the Queen and the secrets that remained in the palace. While she couldn’t find it in her to pay mind to their worthless but ruthless words, Minjeong knew better than to taint the Kim name.

She had to act as if she was alright to her people. Even if she wasn’t, when her world was crumbling little by little, she still had to.

Minjeong spent time skimming documents and letters, becoming so uniformed to same routine everyday. If she wasn't in her office, she was in her observatory. If she wasn't in her observatory, she was at their favorite spot. Each place, she was met with silence.

There was no more paced steps, excited giggles or tight hugs to be met with. She no longer had a shoulder to lean onto, or the softest brushes of lips against her own. She couldn’t blether about the things she liked and dislikes, she couldn’t tell Jimin how much she loved her. Everywhere felt empty and quiet and it nearly drove the queen mad.

She thought Jimin being away from her would have been the right choice—and it was. But the brunette realized how much the princess had lit up of her life, making the role that had been appointed upon her not as dreadful as it was. Minjeong clearly remembered how spending time with the raven lifted off the burden on her shoulders, the relief Jimin had gave her just by being by her side.

Now that the princess might have been gone forever, it was just a cloud of despondency over her heart.

Minjeong leaned back in her chair, trying to rub the sleep out of her eyes. Yawning, she lifted her head when she heard a knock. "Come in." She returned her attention to the papers, not paying any mind to who had just opened the door.

“Your Majesty.” An unfamiliar voice filled Minjeong’s ears, causing her to look up.

In front of her, dressed elegantly, a beautiful woman stood with her hands folded. She had a warm appearance and Minjeong sported a look of confusion at the appearance.

Her attendant entered the room, standing next to the unknown woman. “Princess Saeyoon, your majesty. You are to marry her, per your mother’s instructions.” Kang explained with a nervous clearing of his throat.

Minjeong chuckled lowly, eyes roaming the room around her before putting her pen down. "Princess Saeyoon, I apologize for the inconvenience. You may go." She flashed the woman a warm smile before returning to her work.

"Your majesty-" The princess tried to speak, but Minjeong cut her off before she could speak any further.

Without lifting her head, Minjeong only sighed dejectedly. “You may go.” She repeated again, flipping through another page of documents. She heard the doors open and close, prompting her to lift her head to look at Kang. “So?”

Kang pressed his lips together while shaking his head. "Still nothing. We've checked the whole area." He reported, flinching when a loud slam echoed in the air.

The brunette huffed loudly. "Well, search the entire Earth for her, Kang, I don't care what you do!" She rubbed at her eyebrow and stood up. The papers around her desk were neatly packed into a pile on the side before the queen pushed in her chair and made the move to walk toward the door.

She suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder and turned around to look at the owner. "We will try our best to find her. I promise." Kang gave her a sincere nod.

Minjeong breathed out lowly, slowly turning around to continue on her way. She left her attendant in the room defeated.

As soon as she was faraway from everyone, she stumbled against a table, struggling as she tried to hold up her weight. Her face squeezed in an uncomfortable manner, tears brimming her eyes. She was beginning to feel overwhelmed again.

Taking a deep breath, the queen stood up straight, regaining her composure. She fixed her bangs, suddenly remembering who she was before she began walking off.

-

“You never told me you played the violin?” Jimin lifted up one of the many violins sitting in the Queen’s special room. There were all types of violins encased or decorated onto the walls, shelves, tables and all over the room.

Minjeong placed her hand on the princess’s arm, pecking the raven’s cheek before averting her attention to the instrument in the raven’s hand. She brushed her thumb over the material, sighing lowly when remembered the meaning behind the handmade violin.

Moving beside the princess, the brunette picked up the bow and violin, placing her chin onto the chin rest. Lifting the bow and letting it sit barely on the strings, the queen glanced at the raven.

“What would my precious star like to listen to?” She asked curiously as she began plucking the strings to warm up. Minjeong hummed a melody lowly, paying seamless attention to her instrument while waiting for the raven to respond.

Jimin pressed her lips together in thought. "Hoffstetter. Serenade me. I will also play along." The raven stood up to look for another violin. Minjeong's eyes followed her around the room, laughing at the princess's indecisiveness.

Once the princess found one of the Queen’s violin that she liked, Jimin picked up the violin, wedging it between her chin and neck before looking up at Minjeong. “Are you ready? I’ll pluck the bass notes.” She told the queen.

Minjeong nodded, lifting her bow slightly off the strings. She begins playing and Jimin follows along, plucking the bass notes on her violin. Surprisingly, they were able to keep up with eachother, the raven catching the queen’s eyes occasionally.

The brunette couldn’t remembered the last time she had felt so drawn to someone and the music they played only heightened Minjeong’s senses more. Her heart pounded, taking in the intense gaze the Jimin gave her. Deciding to play the princess’s game, Minjeong continued to moving her bow with intention as she moved closer.

The princess lowered her gaze, pausing in plucking the bass notes to grab the bow and play an alternative version. It contradicted the brunette’s style that was sharp, precise, Jimin’s more on the lighter side, each movement calculated. The Queen noticed her movements, so subtle with the slight sway Jimin did. It drove Minjeong crazy that the princess drew her in so much.

Suddenly, Minjeong and Jimin placed their violins and bows on the table hastily before their bodies and their lips crashed against eachother’s desperately. The queen felt Jimin push her against the table, hands reaching up to cup Minjeong’s jaw. It wasn’t hard to hear mixes of loud breathing and her heart pounding in her ears. She had to grasp at the princess’s dress, just for a sense of reassurance to make sure the raven was real.

Soon, they had ended up on the couch, Minjeong’s back harshly hitting the back out the couch. The princess somehow straddled her lap and let her arms wrap around the Queen’s neck to pull her closer. Minjeong had careful fingers digging into her brown hair as Jimin didn’t pause in attacking her lips.

The brewing feeling in her chest never seen to rest. She had become addicted to the way Jimin's lips slotted in between her own with passion and want.

Needing to take a breath, the brunette reluctantly separated their lips to catch her breath and looked up at the princess. She watched as Jimin swiped her bottom lip with her thumb, eyes locked onto her lips as she did so. "My gloss smudged." The princess breathed out lowly.

It didn’t take long before they had resided over the Queen’s bed, her lips ghosting over the raven’s. Minjeong’s body hovered over Jimin’s, tender fingers playing with the buttons of the princess’s dress. It took ages, and the princess whined to make haste in bringing their lips together. But little did she know, Minjeong was taking her time on purpose, teasing the raven and smiling in between fervor meeting of lips.

Minjeong revered in breathless call of her name, as she pressed her lips onto the princess’s collarbone. She kissed Jimin whole heartedly, kept her close. Her heart bloomed at every careful touch on her skin that sent shivers down her spine. She made sure to take care of the princess, being gentle with her and treating her with the adornment she deserved.

They soon dressed for the night and we're engulfed by the slows of their breathing. Minjeong couldn't help but smile as her thumb brushed over Jimin's cheek. Lazy kisses were shared occasionally as they talked about their favorite classical pieces that met to no end.

As they were cuddled up against eachother, admiring eachother's every feature, Minjeong couldn't believe that someone as perfect and precious as the raven loved her and enjoyed spending time with her.

Jimin probably noticed the look of awe on her face and face the queen in a more comfortable manner. "What are you thinking about, your majesty?" Jimin asked with stars in her eyes.

Rolling her eyes, Minjeong made the move to remove her hand from her stomach under her night shirt. But almost immediately, the princess pulled the brunette’s hand back to its position on her stomach and gently squeezed Minjeong’s hand before laughing.

“You know I dislike being called that.” The queen whined childishly as she tried to separate from the raven.

Jimin giggled lowly, draping a leg over Minjeong’s body and pulling her closer. “I know, it’s habit. What would you like to be called then?” She quipped curiously, placing kisses all over the brunette’s face in attempt to get her to soften up.

It felt like a fever dream, her being utterly in love and unable the fathom the fact that Minjeong felt so overwhelmed by the many emotions the princess made her feel. Different from the uncomfortable type of overwhelm she was met with often. Jimin made her feel safe and wanted.

Minjeong dug her head into the crook of Jimin’s neck, mumbling inaudible noises. “I do not know. Anything except for whatever you just called me. I just want to be Kim Minjeong to you. I want to forget I’m even queen when I’m with you.”

They were engulfed in silence for a moment before Jimin spoke up. "Well, you are Kim Minjeong to me, the love of my life." The princess told her, shifting into her space to sneak a long kiss onto the brunette's lips, earning a giggle from Minjeong.

Minjeong reciprocated, as she melted into the raven's embrace. "The love of your life.... That sounds about right. What about you?" Her voice draped with tiredness.

Jimin hummed in thought, pausing in pressing her lips against Minjeong. In the midst of silence, the brunette pecked her lips as she continued to think.

“I love all the words you call me. Your queen, love, your sun, the love of your life, babe, baby-” She looked down at the brunette, who was giving her an incredulous look. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Minjeong gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before widely smiling. “I’m sorry. I am just so happy. It’s hard to believe that someone could make me so calm, put all my fears to rest and replace it with feelings so much better.” The brunette reached up to brush a stray strand from the princess’s face, a bright grin on her mouth.

The slight tenseness in Jimin’s shoulders relaxed and she let her head rest back onto the pillow. “I thought you had regretted everything we have ever done in a mere moment.” The princess let out a breath of relief.

Pulling the blanket over them, the queen adjusted her position once more as she rubbed the raven’s stomach up and down in comfort. “That is the last thing I’d ever do.”

“What?” Jimin whispered lowly, lips ghosting over the queen’s. Her eyes roamed the brunette’s face with anticipation, her breathing slow and steady.

Minjeong kept eye contact and brushed another strand of hair from the princess’s face before she gently smiled.

“I would never ever regret falling in love with you.”

-

Minjeong became more irritated the more her mother pushed Princess Saeyoon onto her. Apparently, the princess was to stay at the palace for a few days to see whether or not the queen and the princess were to make a great couple.

She really did not want to seem uninterested or rude, although, it made her angry that her mother was willing to go through the limits that she was now. It didn’t help that Minjeong was too emotionally overwhelmed to fully confront her about it either. But she knew if she didn’t, she’d be left miserable for the rest of her life.

Minjeong barged into her mother’s office, causing her mother to look up from what she was doing. “What have you done? What- Why are you doing this to me, mother? What have I ever done to deserve this!” She yelled loudly, throwing the vase that was next to her across the room.

Princess Haeyoung stood up abruptly, eyes zoning on the mess her daughter had made. “Dearest-”

Minjeong exhaled heavily, hands clutching her head. “Everything you have asked me to do, I have done. You told me to focus on my strengths, I did. You told me to take my role of being Queen more seriously, I have done. You told me to find someone to wed, I have! I have found someone else who is suitable to take over the throne next to me, but just as soon as I am happy, contented, you take everything away from me.” Her voice began to waver, her face flashing with multiple emotions at once.

Haeyoung closed and opened her eyes and took a breath before approaching her daughter. “Are you still upset about Princess Yu leaving? Dearest, it was her choice. They all decided to leave on their own will.” The princess reached to place her hands onto Minjeong’s shoulders, but the Queen shoved her hands off, staggering backwards.

The brunette glared at her mother. “You are lying, you are lying.” She repeated over and over again as she paced back with her hands pressed to her ears.

Stepping closer, Haeyoung moved to reach for the queen again but was pushed away once again. This times, tears erupted from Minjeong.

“You’re wrong. Sh- she would never leave me… She promised.” The Queen fell into the princess’s arms, loud sobs escaping from her shaky figure. She wasn’t able to withstand the constricting in her chest and the wandering thoughts in her head.

Princess Haeyoung hugged her close and the queen didn’t have the energy in her to fight back. She instead let her tears fall, the heartbreak finally settling in. There was a sense of discomfort, a lack of warmth missing. It felt like she was light years away from sunlight, settled in the cold winter, left to be frail and alone for good.

“I can’t forgive you.” Minjeong said under her breath.

Haeyoung cupped her cheeks, making the brunette look at her. “I only do what is right for my children and the crown, dearest. You must understand and know that.” She gazed into Minjeong’s eyes but the queen couldn’t see truth behind her eyes.

Removing the princess’s hands from her face, the queen stood up. “I am tired of you controlling my life, mother. I am your queen, and nobody except for me, gets to choose who I get to be with. Be grateful I have not banished you from the palace yet.” She narrowed her eyes down at the princess, who looked up with fear.

She turned her back to her mother, looking over her shoulder one last time. “If you want to keep your role, then you’ll find Princess Jimin and apologize to her. Do you understand?” Minjeong watched as her mother nodded unwillingly.

"Good.

Chapter Text

Jimin’s begins to learn what patience is.

She learns how difficult it is. It’s a pity to say that she’s yet adjust to her old but new life. Being back home meant that she had even more duties. She was constantly at the palace, attending meetings and visiting places since she was directly in line to the queen and king.

Now that she was alone, there was more fake smiles to be flashed along which drained her in the long run.

She trusted that Minjeong would find her, no matter how long it took. The princess was willing to wait, which is what made bearing her new life a bit easier. If she was to do so, it’d make adjusting worth it, for Minjeong.

At times, she’d realize how much she truly yearned for the brunette—how much she missed being in Minjeong’s arms. Her family couldn’t understand because they weren’t separated miles away from each other or their lovers. They would never understand.

The king and queen were becoming curious about her life, her brothers too and when her and Inhyuk were to become betrothed. Whenever the conversation came up, her older brother would give her an apologetic gaze before turning his attention away.

Jimin never meant to doubt the queen. She knew what she was getting herself into, although, the limits Princess Haeyoung had gone just to separate them was still hard to comprehend. The lengths Minjeong’s mother had gone just because she chose not like her—she knew she had hurt her daughter as well. Her heart ached whenever she ponders about the queen and her life.

Minjeong never had it easy, Jimin always seeing how stressed she occasionally became at times. Of course, being queen was never an easy task, but even if the brunette had people to help, asking for help came difficult. Having no one on the other throne caused the burden on Minjeong’s shoulders and Jimin couldn’t help but wonder if she could take some of the weight off the brunette’s shoulders.

“Love, are you okay? Yizhuo said you have been in here for some time.” Jimin approached the brunette, who was sitting at her small desk in her bed chamber.

Minjeong’s shoulders relaxed, a quiet sigh being let into the air. The queen looked behind her, Jimin’s hands sliding over her shoulders. “I’m okay, I just have to deal with some things. What are you doing here?” She moved her things aside before turning around to pull the princess into her lap.

The raven felt a head snuggle into her neck and arms wrapping around her waist. Jimin stroked brown hair carefully, pressing a kiss to the queen’s skin. She noticed Minjeong’s tensed state.

Breathing in, the princess let her head rest against the queen’s, continuing to card her fingers through Minjeong’s hair. “I was worried about you, you haven’t been yourself lately.” Jimin mumbled with bits of concern.

She felt lips at the base of her collarbone, which was warm and memorable. “The council has been pressing me on certain matters. There’s only so much I can tend to at a time. I just don’t want to get overwhelmed and try not to take out on anyone.” Minjeong responded and Jimin pulled back to make the girl face her.

Minjeong’s eyes were glassy, nearly brimmed with tears. Jimin reached up to wipe her eyes with her thumbs before rubbing circles on the brunette’s cheeks. The princess heart shattered at the broken look of the queen, unable to bare the fact that Minjeong was upset.

It was so often she found the queen like this, alone with the weight of her fears haunting her. Sometimes, Jimin could only soothe her with gentle words and kisses to her hair while Minjeong struggled mentally to keep up with her role.

An idea popped up into Jimin’s mind. “How about we take a walk to the pond? Maybe that will clear your mind and give you the relief you need. What do you say?” The princess pressed their foreheads together carefully, feeling Minjeong’s warm breath against her lips.

The Queen visibly relaxed in Jimin’s arms and nodded slowly. “Okay.” Minjeong agreed before watching as Jimin stood up.

In the middle of the evening, they walked toward the pond, the sun settling in front of them with color hues painting the sky. Jimin took note of the anxious finger brushing over her skin and tightened their intertwined fingers. They were able to sit on the bench with their shoulders brushing and sooner or later, the queen rested her head onto the raven’s shoulder, pulling their hands into her lap.

“Are you starting to feel better now?” The princess glances at the brunette who was staring at the ecosystem in front of them.

Minjeong shifted a bit, pressing a kiss against the outside of her hand. “Yes. Thank you, my love. I needed this.” Her lips curled into a smile against Jimin’s skin.

The other girl chuckled lowly at the brush of Minjeong’s lips. “I don’t like seeing you upset. Just try to relax, everything will be taken of.” Jimin reassured her and buried her head into the junction between the queen’s neck and shoulder, taking in her ethereal scent.

Jimin was so comfortable next to the brunette , found herself would’ve liked to remain happy with the queen forever.

But sometimes, forever didn't ever last.

She was willing to wait for the queen. It might take more days, months or years but Jimin has learned that, nearly a year away from Minjeong that with time, answers will come. Growing frustrated only reminded her of everything—what she had endured and lost.

And when it got relatively difficult, she heard Minjeong's soft voice in her head, assuring her that'd they one day meet again. The princess wondered when the time would come, if she even deserved to see the Queen after hurting the brunette.

The princess was desperate to be in Minjeong’s embrace again.

-

Saeyoon couldn’t just leave, of course.

Minjeong noticed her efforts to become closer to her, as they were too many times where they were left alone. The queen felt bad that she had come all the way here just to not receive any attention. It wasn’t her fault that Minjeong couldn’t give her attention either, she barely wanted to leave her favorite spots or her office. Kang even began to grow worried of her isolated self.

They still tried to search and search for Princess Jimin yet came with nothing. Occasionally, the brunette would grow weary, awfully hopeless, but her love for Jimin pushed her determined to find the princess no matter how long it took. She had promised the raven she’d never give up on them after all.

It was still painful waking up to an empty bed every time she opened her eyes. She wished she could turn back time and prevented Jimin from ever suffering the pain Minjeong’s made her suffer.

It has been a long while since she had last seen her lover. The council kept pressuring her to marry Princess Saeyoon but she refused to marry someone she did not love or waste the princess’s chance at love as well.

She had to remember that she was still the queen, and that a queen had duties. There was always a reminder, all the more for Minjeong to hate her role even more. Atleast with Jimin, she took the burden of being Queen off the brunette’s shoulders.

But now, she was gone.

Crying had become such a habit for the queen, being awoken by her staff members from bad nightmares drenched in sweat had occurred often. Not wanting to eat with her family or speak was too easy for the queen. She could yell for everyone to leave her alone why she slides down the door that was slammed shut, on the verge of the sobbing. It was hard, not seeing the princess every other day. Minjeong couldn’t even step foot near the pond without her lip quivering.

It was hard, drained her every moment.

Minjeong was a simple individual. Inside, there’s a 14 year old girl begging not to be left alone. She had realized that she was the only one she could trust.

There was a gentle knock on her door that forces her to look up from her notebook. “Come in!” She yelled from her desk, awaiting her visitor.

Almost immediately, the door opened with a small strength. Minjeong stood up, confused as to why she couldn’t see anyone by the door. In the next second, Minjeong stumbled back from arms wrapped around her legs.

The queen bent down, the arms around her legs now wrapped around her neck. Her little sister, Hana had knocked on her door. “What are you doing here, Hana?” Minjeong asked the 6 year old, who refused to let go.

Hana only hugged her tighter, digging her head into the crook of her sister’s neck. “I missed you. I barely see you anymore, Min.” The 6 year old mumbled into her neck and the brunette felt tears.

Minjeong’s heart shattered, lifting the small girl up. The queen hugged her tightly, guilt striking her. She had barely been spending time with her younger sister because she had been so stressed. Hana was just a little girl who had no idea what was going on with her older sister.

The brunette swayed her side to side for a bit as the small girl softly cried in her arms. “I’m sorry, Hana, I’m so sorry. I’m okay, I promise.” She took a deep breath, her hand carefully patting the child’s back. It was difficult not to cry as well, but she didn’t want to worry her sister even more.

After a while, Minjeong lifted her head from the girl’s head to wipe the tears that had fell from Hana’s eyes. Hana sniffled, her eyes red from crying. The girl held her cheeks in her small hands and it was the Queen’s last straw as she sat down on the couch in her office.

Her little sister used her hands to wipe at her overflowing tears, the ones that were still left over from her other sessions of crying. But Minjeong cried harder than she had in a while and Hana didn’t say anything but instead wiped her tears and hugged her sister close. The brunette was so grateful for having such a caring sister.

“Do you miss the princess?” Hana suddenly asked, the queen immediately nodding. The little girl sighed deeply, still continuing to wipe her sister’s tears. “It’s okay. I miss her too. But she’ll come back.”

Minjeong looked up, wiping her eyes. “Do you think she will?” The brunette genuinely asked.

Hana smiled widely, reminding the brunette of sunshine and rainbows. “She will. She told me a secret.” The girl’s voice suddenly lowers, making the queen listen carefully.

Her sister cupped her ear. “She said she loves you very, very, very much. Lots of very’s, Jeongie. She even was out of breath!” Hana leaned back to look at her sister’s face.

Minjeong’s lips slightly curled upwards, wanting to confirm her words. “Really? Did she really say that or are you just saying that to make me feel better, hmm?” She began tickling her sister, the girl letting out loud giggles and trying to escape from her.

“I’m not! I’m not, it’s the truth!” Hana giggled loudly, grabbing Minjeong’s hands.

The queen paused in her tickling, allowing the girl to sit properly in her lap. Hana leaned into her as she tried to catch her breath. It was full of silence for a long moment, but the queen enjoyed it, leaning her cheek onto the raven’s head.

“Well, I love her very, very, very- lots of very’s as well, much.”

-

Minjeong wasn’t quite sure how long Saeyoon was going to stay at the palace. She had already gave the princess permission to go back home yet she wouldn’t budge.

“If I’m here, then I am to try my best, your majesty.” She lowered her head, her hands folded in front of her. Saeyoon stood patiently in front of the queen.

Minjeong sat at the steps of the garden, in need of fresh air. There wasn’t a place where she could do just that without finding someone who was concerned for her at the site.

The brunette huffed, still not sparing a glance at the princess. “You should not try, Princess Saeyoon. Trying to earn one’s attention- shouldn’t be a task you have to think about doing.” She tried to keep her words in a neutral tone, not wanting to sound too harsh.

Saeyoon sat down next to the queen, a gap just in between them. “I don’t think it is a task that I have to think about doing. I do so with a smile on my face at the thought of atleast speaking with the queen just like I’m doing right now.” The princess’s voice brightened suddenly.

Minjeong poked her tongue into her cheek. “I want to make it clear, Saeyoon. I don’t have any other intentions to marry anyone else other than Princess Jimin.” Her voice was stern, sure of who she wanted.

The princess sighed, the hand that was an inch from Minjeong’s curling into her lap. “I understand. But princess Jimin is not here, right now. I want to try, your majesty.” Saeyoon faced her, reaching over to grab Minjeong’s hand.

But the queen immediately removed her hand before the princess could touch her. “I don’t want to try. I’ve already given you the opportunity to go back home, so why do you insist in wanting to pursue me? I can not give you what you’re looking for.” Minjeong furrowed her eyebrows in frustration at the princess’s behavior.

Saeyoon retracted her hand. “I can not go back home. It’s not safe for me there, please, your majesty.” She begged sincerely, and the brunette could see the fear in her eyes.

Rubbing at her eyebrow, the queen looked forward. “Prince Beomgyu. He has been interested in you.” She began to explain.

Saeyoon shot up, her eyes widening at Minjeong’s words. “The prince is interested in me?”

The queen nodded, pressing her lips together. She remembered her twin being curious about the new princess that had arrived at the palace. The only problem was, princess Saeyoon was sought out to be the next queen. So if she were to betrothed Beomgyu, the people will find it suspicious that the Queen has denied yet another suitable person for the throne.

In the next moment, the princess hugged her in gratitude before standing up to run back into the palace. Minjeong was left alone again. Her fingers played with the ring Jimin had given her.

“This ring, is a reminder that no matter how far apart we are, I will always be with you in here.”

Minjeong would left to deal with other matters later.

-

Dealing with the council was a headache of its own.

Whenever she had meetings with them, Minjeong always had to count to three in her head to calm herself. She never knew why she became so nervous in front of them.

However, Minjeong displayed her visible anger.

“To address all the rumors, yes, I have found a queen. But she is nowhere to be found. Why? Because my mother drove her and her family away.” Minjeong’s eyes narrowed as she spoke of her words.

Audible gasps echoed into the air, chatter erupting suddenly. The queen let them do so, remaining her gaze on her shocked mother.

One of the members sat up. “Your majesty, is that not treason?” He brought up and the rest of the council began arising in volume.

Minjeong chuckled lowly, waiting for the guards to calm the noise level. “I would’ve have considered it treason since I have chosen a rightful queen and Princess Haeyoung has done nothing but make matters worse for the future queen. But…. I have decided to give her another chance, if my mother finds her.” She sat up properly, eyes watching the council’s movements.

One of the council members raised a hand. “If she were to find Princess Jimin, she will be excused from treason? It’s been months, and she still hasn’t found the princess yet?” The man said in disbelief.

Minjeong shook her head. “We have been searching for the princess and her family. They could be anywhere, hence the length of time it is taking. However, I would like for my mother to explain to you all why she drove the Yu’s away.”

Princess Haeyoung had all attention on her, her daughter smiling in result. Haeyoung was silent for a moment, a pointed look directed toward her daughter before she sighed and stood up.

“I admit to sending the princess away. But I assure you it is not treason. I am the Queen’s mother, so I know what’s best for my daughter. Princess Jimin was not the choice for the throne.” Haeyoung explained.

Minjeong was once again disappointed because her mother knew Jimin was one of the most royal she had ever met. She truly had no reason to despise the princess, even make her leave. Her mother had gone over the limits.

The council whispered some more and the queen figured they’d eventually decide for themselves.

“And why exactly was she not the choice if the queen had already chosen her herself?” Another member asked the princess.

Haeyoung visibly froze, unable to get a word out. “She- she was just not the right choice, lord Cha. She was just another choice crossed off the list. I hope you understand my words-” She lowered her head in embarrassment and Minjeong wanted to laugh.

Lord Cha’s expression was one of unamused, so was the rest of council. “It seems that you do not have a true reason for disliking Princess Jimin. We and the people agree she is the person the throne needs. If the queen has chosen her, we are not to defy her choices. She has taken care of her people, she has taken care of all the problems and needs of her nation. Her majesty having already chosen a queen means well for us since she has denied others for the throne. This is the choice she makes.” Lord Cha looked around the council, all of them nodding.

Minjeong let out a breath of relief, her closed fist unraveling. There were marks on the inside of her palm from her nails digging into it. She relaxed knowing the council was on her side.

Suddenly, the doors to the meeting room slammed opened. They all looked behind them to see who had interrupted the meeting. It was the Queen’s attendant, Kang.

“We have found the princess!”

-

It was raining and Jimin wondered if Minjeong was safe from the rain. Her heart clenched at the thought of not being able to protect the brunette from the harshly reality of life.

She remembered the last time she was drenched in her dress, her hair sticking to her forehead. It was a painful memory, leaving the queen to suffer her worst fear alone. Jimin wasn’t quite certain she’d ever be able to gain Minjeong’s trust again for doing so. That is, if they were ever able to see eachother again.

The princess was having such a hard time adjusting back to her own life. It had been months, she had become so used to seeing the queen every day that it was so unfamiliar to no longer be able to see her at all. While her parents expected the princess to forget about her time at the palace, Jimin only seemed to grow frustrated as the year went on.

Iseul tried, he was a kind friend who gave her closure when she needed it. But he wasn’t Minjeong and he’d never be. There was a difference between their scents, one strong and invading, and one gentle and inviting.

The princess even had Minjeong’s hands memorized. Both Iseul’s and the brunette’s hands were larger than Jimin’s. They easily covered her own when near, but Iseul’s grip was always firm, his hands calloused from the work he did. He never took care of his hands and the roughness was always felt. The Queen’s hands, always felt right around Jimin’s waist. She grew to love the way Minjeong’s hands reached for her’s gently, soft palms being felt when they held hand. Jimin’s fingers would trace along each line of the queen’s palms, the princess indulging in her laugh when Minjeong felt tickled.

She felt guilty for not reciprocating the lord’s feelings, but her own feelings for Minjeong prevented any chance of them ever being together. Iseul understood, knowing he stood no chance when someone else already had the princess’s heart.

Jimin stood in the rain, her dress soaked and her hair drenched. She wiped at her eyes frantically, her chest caving in painfully. She missed the queen dearly and she wished she could see Minjeong, feel her warmth sink through her dress. Jimin could no longer feel the cold but she still shivered.

Everyday, the princess would go out at night and expressed her feelings to the moon. It was a good listener as it gleamed brightly in the night sky. Even if the moon was far, far from her reach, atleast she knew that it was listening.

She was sure Minjeong had given up on her already. It had been months, being separated. The princess wouldn’t blame her if she gave up and moved on with her life.

Jimin still sobbed at the thought of everything, being so overwhelmed by her emotions that she lowered her head and let the rain harshly hit her back.

“I don’t know how I’d ever get you to forgive me.” The raven whispered, her lips quivering.

Although, the pounding on her head and back suddenly came to a stop and she looked up to see that the rain was no longer pouring on her. When she looked beside her, the familiar eyes she had been yearning for bored into her own with the same fond glint she saw the first time they ever met.

There the queen was, holding up an umbrella over her head. “I’d never stop loving you. I promised I wouldn’t give up on you, didn’t I?” Minjeong said with such confidence that the raven felt her heart lurch.

The princess nearly thought she was hearing things, seeing things.

Jimin stared at her, hearing her heart thump in her ears so loudly that she was afraid it could be heard. She blinked multiple times in disbelief, tears preventing her from seeing properly. A hand came up to cup her cheek, using a thumb to wipe the tear from the princess’s eye. The touch was so familiar, the unique lines of a palm being felt on her cheek. How could’ve Jimin have ever forgotten it all?

The princess stepped closer into Minjeong’s space, so close that their breaths clashed. “Is it- really you?” Jimin asked, her voice wavering slightly. She couldn’t believe her own eyes.

Minjeong chuckled carefully, sighing before moving to pull away her hand away. But the princess grabbed the brunette’s hand, squeezing gently to have the hand remain on her cheek. She had to convince herself that she wasn’t dreaming—that she wasn’t missing Minjeong so badly that she was beginning to see things.

The queen let her eyes roam Jimin’s face, taking careful breaths in the rain. There was an evident glint in her eyes, the princess knowing it was because of her fear of the rain. She simply kept calm, her thumb rubbing circles on the princess’s cheek.

“Looks like an umbrella called for rain.” Minjeong joked, her grip on the umbrella tightening. Jimin couldn’t help but laugh at her stupid joke, her heart warming at the queen’s smile.

The raven sniffled, no longer being able to hear the rain due to her focus on the queen. “But you’re not afraid?” She asked curiously, giving the brunette’s hand another squeeze.

Jimin didn’t know when they had become so close, close enough that she could feel warmth radiate from the brunette. It was just what she needed in the cold rain—someone to share her light with. Her eyes roamed carefully around Minjeong’s face, taking her in.

Their lips were barely inches from eachother, Jimin begging for them to touch after months of not being able to feel the queen’s lips against her’s. She had been desperate and patient for long, and now she couldn’t help but wish for the queen to finally connect their lips.

In front of her, Minjeong shook her head, surprising the raven. “I’m not afraid because I’ve realized I have you.” She whispered carefully before finally slotting her lips in between Jimin’s own.

Jimin sighed, breathing in deeply and melted into Minjeong, the brunette’s touch being nothing but gentle. It made the princess want to cry at her gentleness, so glad she could feel Minjeong in her arms again. She had nearly forgotten how wonderful it was to have warm palms pressed onto her skin.

Eventually, the raven removed the umbrella from the queen’s hand, letting it drop to the floor and feeling the rain pound against them again. She wanted to give Minjeong the moment she deserved, not with a kiss of goodbye, but finally with a kiss of hello.

Minjeong inhaled in between, her arms wrapping around the princess’s back, as tears fell from her eyes. The raven lifted her hands to cup both of Minjeong’s cheek, kissing her passionately, as if the brunette was the only source of oxygen left in the world.

Their lips moved fluently, confident in who they both wanted. Jimin began to feel all the pain the queen seemed to carry all along and it was heavy on her heart, the raven apologetic for ever betraying her trust, leaving her broken and alone. The raven was sorry for it all.

Like she had thought of before, the queen’s arms around her felt like completing a missing part of the puzzle, palms at the dips of her waist pulling her closer until their fronts met. She was made safe in Minjeong’s arms like she always felt she was.

After a while, they separated, heaving in the rain to catch their breath. Jimin needed to confirm how the queen was real and standing in front of her.

Their foreheads rested against eachother as they relished in eachother’s presence. “Why- How are you here?” Jimin wanted to know, how Minjeong managed to find her in the depths of the world.

Minjeong closed her eyes and Jimin felt a smile against her lips. “I searched the ends of the world for you because I promised I wouldn’t give up on you. And I didn’t, even if it took long to find you. I’m sorry for keeping you wait, my love.” The queen nuzzled their noses together.

The breath Jimin let out was one of relief, in relief and grateful that she had searched for her and still saw her the same regardless of how much she had hurt the queen. She simply took in now, and let the future princess worry about the future. Jimin would make it up to her.

Minjeong pulled away from her, swallowing when their eyes met. The raven noticed the nervousness the queen displayed. “Nobody will be able to hurt you again. Not even my mother.” She reassured the raven, her hands latching onto of Jimin’s wrists.

The raven didn’t quite understand what she meant. “What do you mean?” She furrowed her eyebrow.

The queen only pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, one of comfort and Jimin immediately reciprocated before the brunette pulled away.

Minjeong hugged her tightly, her head digging into the crook of the raven’s neck. Jimin felt a gentle hand stroking her wet hair, putting the raven into a state of safety. “Exactly what I meant, your majesty.” The brunette mumbled into her neck.

Jimin noticed the address she was using on her. “Minjeong… That can not be right.” Her fingers dug into brown hair, a flush of realization washing over her. The princess shook her head, not being able to believe what the queen was saying.

But there was a smile etched into her skin before it disappeared, left to echo on the princess’s skin. Not even the pattern of rain crawling down her skin was enough to take it away.

Minjeong gazed deeply into her eyes. “I told you when the time is right, I would make you Queen. Luckily, I’m not the only one who agrees you should take the throne alongside me. But, it is your decision and I will always respect that.” The queen breathed out deeply, and the raven nearly sobbed.

Jimin brought their foreheads together again, her face clouded with disbelief. “You mean it? You really want me to become queen?” The raven couldn’t believe the brunette’s words.

The brunette simply nodded. She revealed a blue box, lifting it up for the princess to see. With one hand, she opened the box, revealing a diamond ring, uniquely shaped. The diamond was small but evident and Jimin loved it.

“Will you become my queen? I don’t want to be separated from you a moment longer.” Minjeong asked sincerely, wiping at her eyes.

The princess smiled widely, tears brimming her eyes as she watched Minjeong slip the ring onto her ring finger on her left hand. Jimin lifted her eyes to gaze at the brunette brightly, a replicated expression of love on Minjeong’s face.

And they were no longer separated from eachother, they couldn’t be separated no matter how much the world tried to. Jimin loved the queen dearly, and she had no second thoughts about marrying her. She still felt it was a dream as she stood close to Minjeong, her chest rising and falling quickly.

In the rain, the princess kissed her lover wholeheartedly, a new type of passion erupting in her chest. Minjeong kissed her with just as much passion, whispered lovely things and words of assurance in between. They were probably to catch a cold later on, but Jimin didn’t care and she was sure the queen didn’t either.

“I love you.” Jimin uttered in between, knowing it was the very words she had been waiting to say out loud.

She was just glad to see the bright side of the moon again.

Chapter Text

“You owe Jimin a huge apology mother. She will be your queen very soon and surely you wouldn’t want her to despise you?” Minjeong firmly held her mother’s shoulders, Princess Haeyoung letting out a sigh.

Jimin stood patiently behind the queen, newly dyed blonde hair spread behind her with her hands folded in front of her. To see Princess Haeyoung rattled at the news of there soon to be another queen wasn’t unfamiliar, so the blonde couldn’t help but chuckle in disappointment.

Haeyoung removed her daughter’s hands from her shoulder holding them carefully. “Are you sure, dearest? You love her truly?” She asked sternly, eyes wavering between the queen’s orbs.

Minjeong stepped back, slipping her hands in between the blonde’s and lacing their fingers together. “I love her more than you could ever know, mother.” She lifted her eyes to meet Jimin’s gaze, smiling gently as she stared at the princess.

Jimin’s heart fluttered, replicating the smile before blushing and lowering her head. They soon turned back to Haeyoung, who thoroughly looked between the two. The older princess eventually nodded slowly, ushering for Jimin to grab her hand. Though the younger princess hesitated, the blonde eventually placed her hand into Haeyoung’s, feeling a gentle squeeze.

“If not even the world could keep you two apart, who am I? I apologize, Princess Jimin. For all I have done. It wasn’t right and I’ve realized how much I’ve hurt my daughter by trying to separate you from her. I had never seen my daughter so torn before and that is not my goal as a mother. I’ve made many horrible decisions but from now on, I promise to be a good mother-in-law to you.” Haeyoung gave the princess a fond smile and this time, Jimin finally felt genuineness from her words.

The blonde bowed her head, warmly smiling at the woman. “Thank you, Princess Haeyoung.”

Jimin felt things were finally looking up for her.

-

Minjeong found it difficult to let go of her fiancée.

Jimin didn’t blame her as they were separated for some time. She, herself, barely strayed from the queen’s side, getting used to the palace again. Minjeong’s staff members helped settle the future queen’s family and bigger estate, Jimin glad that they could finally go back to the way things were.

She had revealed the news to her family about her engagement to the queen, laughing at their shocked faces when she showed them the ring Minjeong had given her.

“Who’s going to be your lady in waiting?” Eric asked curiously, looking up at his sister.

Jimin ruffled his hair, pointing to Aeri who was still helping the Yu’s decorate their much larger estate. “There’s no one else I’d rather choose, of course.” The blonde responded to her brother genuinely.

Aeri was her best friend, and she trusted her enough to be one of her attendants. Iseul, was to be her main attendant, just like Kang. The man was honored, and promised to protect the blonde with his life. (Jimin just rolled her eyes and flicked his forehead.)

Jimin had to spend days preparing, having all her things moved to palace. Unlike others, betrothed royals often had their separate place of stay, although, the two couldn’t find a reason to be separated from eachother after being apart for so long. Minjeong ensured her she wouldn’t be left alone during their honeymoon as well.

The queen reminded the raven that she truly loved and cherished her. Minjeong hadn’t missed a chance to say words of adoration, often grinning like a little child when their eyes met. The brunette was quite silly at times as well, Jimin glad to see that the stress that had bothered from before leave the younger.

Now they were reunited again, more in love than ever, it was unusual to see them parted. Kang was beginning to grow sick of them as he had to watch them be awfully cute together from a few paces away. Jimin would only roll her eyes before snuggling more into Minjeong.

Eventually, they found themselves at the spot where it all began.

“It’s hard to forget that a long time ago, we met here. I’m glad I made this place because without it, we probably wouldn’t have made it to where we are now.” Minjeong sat beside her fiancée, lacing their fingers together like it was muscle memory.

Jimin shook her head, pointing to the bird that neared the pond. “We would’ve found our way to eachother regardless. But I do agree that this pond has played a special part in a lives, has it not?” The blonde nudged the queen, facing her.

The brunette chuckled before planting a kiss against the princess’s mouth. “You are absolutely right, my love. I still happened to find my way to you.” Minjeong pulled away to bump their shoulders.

Remembering what Minjeong had done to find her, Jimin sighed deeply, trying not to let her tears spill. “You really love me that much? I thought you would’ve moved on during our time apart and I would’ve accepted it since I hurt you first.” She looked down at their hands in disbelief, brown orbs glistening with tears.

Until this day, Jimin still had yet to believe how she managed to capture the heart of the Queen, how the Queen chose to love her out of all people. She still felt like it was a dream too good too be true. Jimin was afraid that when she closed her eyes and opened them again, Minjeong would disappear and slip from her grasp all over again.

Minjeong reached to wipe the blonde’s tears that managed to fall, slowly nodding. “I do love you that much, Jimin. I don’t know what I’d do without you. It was difficult, being away from you. I couldn’t focus or get any work done. My mother even tried sending another princess but I couldn’t because I was firm on believing we would find eachother again. There was not a mere moment I wasn’t thinking about you, Jimin.” There’s a gentle thumb that brushed over the princess’s cheek, as Minjeong gazed at her like she held the whole world in her eyes.

Taking a shaky breath, Jimin rested her head against the queen, slowly closing her eyes. She took in Minjeong’s scent, and nearly sobbed in relief that she was able to be with the brunette once again.

Minjeong truly loved her.

She soon felt Minjeong near, nuzzling their nose together carefully before eventually slotting her lips in between the queen’s gentle ones. The blonde felt the brunette pull her closer, hearing the quiet swish of water beside her. The kiss was soft, full of passion, and Jimin sighed at how Minjeong carefully engulfed her lips while continuing to stroke her skin.

A moment later, they parted, a gentle grin blooming from the princess. “I love you, too.” Jimin breathed carefully before planting a chaste kiss onto Minjeong’s lips.

She kept doing so until the queen pulled her in for another long kiss, full of giggles and loving touches in between. In their secret place, the birds seemed to chirp brightly everytime their lips met.

Jimin’s heart bloomed knowing the queen loved her as much as she loved the queen.

-

Iseul had to learn to be the princess’s attendant as the wedding neared. It was… wonky at first but the man began to turn into another Kang, very stern and a little bit too good at his job.

Jimin was actually surprised her fiancée even allowed for lord Iseul to become her attendant even after they had started on the wrong footing. But she assumed they had made amends after Iseul revealed that she entrusted him with the job of taking care of her while she was away.

Come to find out, Kang and Iseul began to form an interesting relationship but Jimin kept it to herself.

She also came to find out that the staff members were excited to finally receive another queen. They were worried the queen would remain lonely and left with the whole weight of the nation on her shoulders. The queen had denied many for the throne because of understandable reasons and was surprised to hear rumors about the queen and the special princess she had laid eyes on.

The members noticed the amount of times the blonde had visited and how the queen would always ask about her whereabouts. Jimin giggled with crimson red blooming in her cheeks as she learned more of her fiancée.

Then, she had to go about with her own portion of duties. It wasn’t anything she couldn’t handle, already being a princess. She mostly had to choose her court and be fitted into dresses. Minjeong was there the whole time with a smile on her lips while the blonde gasped at the amount of outfits she could choose from.

Jimin spun around, patting down the sides of the purplish dress. She looked up at everyone in the room, bright eyes roaming between the staff and her fiancée. “What do you think? I really like this one.” The blonde gazed at Minjeong who only responded with a fond smile, catching Jimin off guard when she stood up.

The queen cupped her cheeks, letting her eyes studying the blonde’s face. “You look beautiful in anything and everything, my love.” She stole multiple kisses before taking a deep breath. “You’re absolutely breathtaking, you know that?”

Jimin nodded knowingly, rolling her eyes. “I know, you never fail to tell me how beautiful I am.” The princess reached up to gently squeeze the brunette’s hands on her cheeks, with a toothy grin.

Her response earned her a more longer kiss, enough to make Jimin feel warm and safe. Minjeong pulled away a while later, wanting the stylists to continuing fitting the princess into dresses.

When Minjeong told her that she’d be leaving soon, Jimin frowned, interlacing their fingers together. “Why are leaving so soon? I thought you’d stay until I’m done?” The blonde tried to keep a straight face but failed when the queen sported another charming smile.

She knew what her fiancée was trying to do as she was nearly about to fall for it. “I have my own duties to tend to. I wish I could stay longer.” Minjeong brushed her thumbs over the blonde’s skin in attempt to comfort her.

Jimin rather stared into Minjeong’s eyes for a moment longer, fluttering feelings erupting in her stomach as she did. She had a hard time pulling her gaze away from the queen’s beautiful sculpted face, the light she had managed to finally share with the moon reflecting from her.

The princess’s hand was lifted, Minjeong pressing her lips to her palm. “You’ll see me later, I promise. I don’t want to distract you any further. The stylists are getting annoyed at your constant movement.” She chuckled lightly, apologizing to her staff members.

Jimin slipped her hand from the brunette’s, and raised her pinky finger. “You promise? You become too busy with your duties sometimes and we don’t see eachother until nighttime.” The blonde reminded her.

Lifting her pinky, Minjeong linked their pinkies together, before stamping their thumbs together. “I promise, love. It won’t be long until you’re finished.” She then cupped the princess’s cheeks and planted a kiss onto Jimin’s forehead.

Even if she was reluctant to let the brunette go, Minjeong soon left and the princess continued her fitting. The stylists were kind and kept her entertained with gossip and proper talk.

After she was done, the stylists told her that half of her things would be moved to main closest and the rest to her new bed chamber she will soon be sharing with the queen.

It was still a hard fact to grasp that she fallen in love with the queen and that the queen had happened to have done the same. Jimin had felt they had clicked the first time they ever met. Then she developed feelings—not knowing they’d bloom into something much more that would soon become hard to control.

The blonde reminded herself that the council, the people—the nation, had entrusted her with the role of becoming the second queen. Jimin still chortled remembering how she even went on to meet the brunette, arguing about not wanting to go to the tea party in the first place.

She did know, that it was one of the most memorable days of her life.

“You know, I still find it hard to believe I fell in love with you.” Jimin began, gently nudging Minjeong’s leg playfully.

Her fiancée gave her a puzzled look. “What is that supposed to mean? You don’t love me anymore?” Minjeong’s voice laced with worry, Jimin having to pull her closer to explain her words.

The blonde reached for her hands, her small hands resting over Minjeong’s large ones. “Of course I still love you. What I meant is that I find it hard to believe you fell in love with me after making fun of me for talking to the birds the first time we met.” The princess lifted her head to find Minjeong’s gaze.

Giggling lowly, Minjeong seemed to understand. “That was me flirting, but also teasing you. I was bit concerned because Aeri never mentioned you being a bit delusion- ow! Ow, babe, stop hitting me!” She clutched her arm in pain, giving the princess a pained look.

Jimin wasn’t very fond of her fiancée making fun of her. “I am not delusional. I was having a bad day and you were very much not helping.” She crossed her arms childishly.

The Queen brushed lips over the Jimin’s jaw gently before the blonde softened. “I’m sorry. I did think your reaction was hilarious. Although, do not lie, I made your heart flutter because you forgot why you were even upset in the first place, hmm?”

Loving the tender nesting from Minjeong, Jimin relaxed, eventually falling into the sight of an adorable queen. “You’re right… In fact, my family wondered what had brightened up my day some easily. I didn’t tell them that the queen had caught me insulting her.” She covered her face in embarrassment and scooted away from the brunette.

Jimin suddenly was pulled closer, warmth blooming through her body as she met Minjeong’s brown orbs that she had grown to love. Having the queen suddenly become silent was an often occurrence, because the princess would catch the brunette staring so fondly at her, eyes roaming her face. She could see how much love Minjeong held for her, how she had turned a quiet queen to someone who’s mouth was set full of words of adornment.

Princess Jimin who had truly spent her life as a normal princess in an unfamiliar area had her life changed by a moment of bickering. Using words, it would be difficult to explain how Minjeong made her feel like she held all the stars in the sky, set all the fireworks ablaze before settling a safe warmth in her body.

The blonde leaned toward the queen, warm breaths clashing with a purpose. “But, I don’t regret it.” She whispered as she pressed their foreheads together, thumbing the baby hairs near Minjeong’s ear.

“I never will.”

-

Minjeong managed to keep her promise, like she has always done.

Iseul led her to the room where the queen kept all her violins. Although, it made Jimin curious as to why the brunette wanted to meet there.

The door closed shut and the princess ran toward her fiancée, Minjeong giggling as she caught the raven. Jimin wrapped her arms around her waist, letting out breath of relief when she became engulfed in Minjeong’s gentle vanilla scent.

The queen made the move to pull back, planting kisses all over Jimin’s face. “My lovely princess, my sun, my queen, the love of my life, Yu Jimin, I love you so much!” Minjeong yelled at the top of her lungs.

Jimin laughed lowly, pushing away the brunette’s face. “Ah, Minjeong, why are you being so loud?” The blonde whined when she felt the queen’s lips all over her face again.

Gasping in realization, the brunette stepped away from the princess, walking over to where a special violin was hanged. Jimin knew Minjeong adored that violin, and that it was reserved for whoever it chooses.

The brunette opened the case, bringing out the violin and bow toward the princess. “Try playing it.” Minjeong extended the items toward Jimin, causing the blonde to look up.

“What? Minjeong, this is- It’s only meant to be played by someone special. I couldn’t even dream of playing it.” Jimin shook her head as she folded her hands together.

Minjeong placed the violin down, sliding her hands from the blonde’s shoulders to her hands before carefully lacing their fingers together. The brunette tilted her head sideways, slotting her lips in between the princess’s. The kiss didn’t last long as Minjeong pulled away before the princess could even reciprocate.

When Jimin opened her eyes, she met gentle orbs and a warm smile. Minjeong looked down at their hands, playing with the engagement ring on the blonde’s finger.

She soon lifted her head and met the princess’s eyes again. “Jimin, there’s nobody more special than you, my love. I trust you with everything I have. The violin… finally deserves a rightful owner.” The Queen turned her body to reach for the instrument, extending the instrument toward the blonde again.

Eyeing the violin, Jimin carefully grabbed the violin and hoisted it under her chin so it was resting on her shoulder. Minjeong handed her the bow, nodding her on to play.

The princess took a deep breath, already knowing what to play. Her fingers settled on the strings, adjusting the bow on the violin. (Mazurka in A minor.)

As she began to play, Jimin realized how comfortable the instrument felt in her hands, how easily it molded to fit her style. Usually, it took days for her to adjust to an instrument she hadn’t play before. Yet, the princess felt like she had owned the violin for ages.

Each time she looked up in between, Minjeong was watching her with a smile, nodding her on. To Jimin, knowing her fiancée was watching her perform a piece with her most treasured item made her heart warm.

Jimin soon finished, loud applause filling the room. The raven grinned, fingers gliding over the superior wood. “Thank you, thank you!”

The queen walked closer to her, her hands folded in front of her elegantly like always. “So, will you accept it?” Minjeong asked.

Hesitatingly, the princess released the violin from under her chin and gazed at it. It wasn’t like any other violin she had played. The material was different, stunning designs decorating the wood as if each carve meant the world. The strings sounded and felt expensive but not so thin or delicate that the strings could break at any second.

Everything about the violin felt right to the blonde, the weight that followed caused her heart to thump with excitement. The queen wanted her have the violin for a reason.

Taking a deep breath of consideration, Jimin nodded slowly. “If I meant to have it and it is your decision, then I shall accept it with gratitude.” The princess curtsied before smiling.

The brunette in front of her let out a breath of relief. “Then, it is yours to keep as well as my heart.” She approached the blonde, Jimin setting aside the instrument back in its case before meeting Minjeong’s soft lips.

A hand rose upwards toward the queen’s neck, brushing back her blonde locks while Jimin drew her closer and hummed lowly. The princess was pushed gently against the high counter, Minjeong earning a hum in response.

Really, Jimin had much to think of, but it was difficult when her mind was clouded. It was full of Minjeong’s soft brown hair, her hands roaming around her clothed waist, her passionate lips drinking up every subtle sound that builds up everytime their lips part.

She noticed, that everytime the queen approached her, a range of emotions was always displayed. Throughout their time together, Jimin’s feelings only seem to grow with an intensity she couldn’t control.

The princess spent so long, so long thinking it was wrong to have feelings for a queen who could’ve thought nothing of her. Not only that, but to spend almost nearly every moment not being able to feel or touch Minjeong killed her.

For the time they were apart, Jimin only felt more for the queen. She began to love and yearn for Minjeong more. Bottling all her emotions over time and having the brunette knock on the glass—was everything Jimin could ever want.

Jimin pulled away, unable to breathe at the sudden surge she felt in her body. “Minjeong, I want to tell you something.” She composed herself, cupping Minjeong’s cheeks.

The queen remained silent, stars in her eyes while attempting to return back to reality. They pressed their foreheads together, and Jimin melted at the sudden gentleness from the queen.

“Thank you for continuing to love me unconditionally. I love you, okay? I love you so much and I want to make sure you know that.” The blonde pecked the brunette’s lips continuously before reaching up to brush Minjeong’s bangs aside. She took the chance to let her eyes roam the face of her beautiful fiancée, in awe of how perfect the queen was.

Minjeong pulled her in for a hug, letting her head rest on Jimin’s shoulder.

“I love you, too, my sun.”

-

Inhyuk suddenly appeared behind Jimin, causing her to nearly shriek.

There was an attempt for the blonde to catch a breath, Jimin holding a hand over her heart, repeatedly hitting her brother’s shoulder. “Don’t do that!” She whined in annoyance, groaning when the older prince mocked her words.

Inhyuk stole a bit of the cookies that sat on a plate. “You’ve been smiley all day? I know we’re getting closer to your wedding day but in all seriousness, you are starting to creep me out, my dear sister.” He started with his usual nonsense as he chewed on chunks of cookies.

The blonde sighed in lovesickness, folding her hands together. “Minjeong is so perfect, do you know that?” The princess slouched onto the chair, moving her hand to clutch her chest.

Inhyuk made a face of disgust. “There’s something wrong with you. I do not know what, but there just is.” He shook his head humorously.

Gasping in disbelief, Jimin narrowed her eyes at her older brother. “You are just jealous I am getting married before you are. There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, brother. Even I, would’ve never expected myself to fall in love with the queen. I thought mother was going to send toward some lord or duke who could care less about my well being.” She straightened up, noticing she had caught her brother’s attention.

On the prince’s face, there was an evident look of curiosity. “The Queen cares for your well being?” Inhyuk rose an eyebrow, as if he was investigating a claim.

Jimin looked down, extending her hand to display her engagement ring. “She’s so thoughtful, always chooses me over her own well-being. She nearly pushed me away just to protect me from her own mother. The first time we ever met, it was like she knew I was upset and tried her best to cheer me up. She reassures me for anything, makes sure I’m not uncomfortable in any situation.” The blonde’s lips slowly curled upwards.

She had so much to say about the love of her life, could go on and on about the brunette. Although, she decided to get to the point.

Lifting her head, the blonde simply shrugged, not knowing any better way to simplify her words. “Minjeong’s one of the most selfless people I know, I can’t imagine being with anyone else than her. Being with her is unexplainable, brother. I haven’t felt so overwhelmed by my feelings for someone in my life. In a good way.” She added on. The thumping heartbeat in her chest was more than evident.

Once she was finished, Prince Inhyuk had finished his cookie, a expression of disbelief on his face. “You really are head over heels for her majesty, aren’t you?” He laughed when his sister shyly nodded.

Standing up and patting his pants, he walked over to fix his sister’s hair. “Very well. As long as she makes my beloved sister happy. But it looks like I will not have to worry about that.” The prince soon gave his sister a kiss on the cheek before gently squeezing her shoulders and walking away.

Jimin tapped her cheeks. “Do I really look that happy?” She shook her head as she laughed at herself.

-

(Eventually, Jimin learned that Hana managed to deliver her message from a while ago.)

Minjeong was made aware, blushing when her sister finally got to tell the older princess the responses to her message.

The princess ended up telling Minjeong that she loves her very, very, very, (lots of very’s) much as well.

The queen just flicks her forehead before soothing the pain with a kiss and quite frankly, Jimin couldn’t be any happier.)

Chapter Text

Minjeong went where Jimin went.

She made the decision so easily. It wasn’t hard to decide whether or not she really wanted to stay by Jimin’s side. Neither did the blonde need to do anything for Minjeong to stay. Even if she had pushed Minjeong away, she still stayed.

In a blink, she could remember the teary eyes that bored into her’s, a silent plead that somehow alarmed Minjeong’s every nerve. Jimin was scared and afraid, apologizing. Minjeong knew the blonde had thoughts of being undeserving of her love, or whether or not she was the right person to be able to love her back. But time after time, Jimin never seemed to understand that the brunette loved her in every way, shape and form.

Then, Minjeong nearly had never seen the blonde again.

The period without Jimin was painful and regretful. She didn’t even try to convince herself that she didn’t need the blonde because she did. She wanted Jimin so badly and the longing for her constricted her sense of breathing before she’d find herself in tears. There were times where she couldn’t simply understand why.

She didn’t want to be queen anymore, and rather wanted to revert back to being a young princess. Maybe if she was, she wouldn’t be bound by all the rules and public opinions. Maybe, her mother wouldn’t have caused her all that pain and she wouldn’t be left to suffer for as long as she did.

While Jimin made it bearable, and without her, Minjeong nearly lost her resolve.

She’d reckoned the blonde assumed she could walk away and ask that with time, they would both heal. She never blamed Jimin for it, she could never. One part of her had just wished the blonde had let her in.

Minjeong couldn’t take the silence when Jimin was gone. All the times the brunette would press her palms against her eyes just to beg the tears to stop remained an engraved memory. At night, the brunette would just blankly stare at stars with her back pressed against the bed on the floor. She missed having a shoulder for lean onto—missed seeing the same stars that sparkled in the sky reflect in Jimin’s eyes.

She remembered when she thought she’d never see the sparkle again.

“Minjeong, you can’t love me.” Jimin shook her head at the brunette. Minjeong stared at the girl in confusion and felt the wind knock out of her.

The brunette tried to laugh Jimin’s words off. “What do you mean I can not love you? I love you and I will always continue to do so. I do not understand.” She attempted to step closer to the raven but Jimin staggered back, taking a breath.

Minjeong felt her heart shatter.

She waited for the girl to explain as she couldn’t quite understand the raven’s words. Most hadn’t been uttered yet but they still tore at the door of Minjeong’s heart.

“I am not capable of being loved. You must not waste your time. Please, your majesty, do not make it harder than it already is.” Jimin wiped at her tears, the brunette’s heart breaking each time Jimin sobbed.

Although, Minjeong didn’t believe her words. She didn’t believe a single word. She loved Jimin, and she knew she wasn’t wasting her time. The blonde was worth every ounce of her time, as each second Minjeong spent with Jimin was a second the brunette cherished dearly.

The brunette took a deep breath, walking closer and closer until she was able to pull Jimin into her arms. Jimin cried as the brunette stroked her hair. Minjeong’s eyes closed when she felt shaky hands clutch a handful of her dress

It wasn’t fair.

Minjeong’s head hurt from trying to hold back her on tears, her mouth whispering apologies and sweet nothings beside Jimin’s head. She wanted to take away whatever pain the princess was feeling.

“I’m sorry.”

-

Jimin was such a tease.

“Your Majesty? It seems your attention is elsewhere.” Lady Yizhuo raised an eyebrow at a distracted brunette. The queen immediately straightened up under her best friend’s gaze, nodding in apology.

Minjeong cleared her throat as Jimin giggled and lowered her head. The brunette ushered for her to continue, flashing her council a warm smile. “I am okay. Please, continue.” She pushed out a breath out from her lips.

Lady Yizhuo hummed, continuing to read the duties that needed to be fulfilled for the day. However, Minjeong could’ve cared less about whatever duties needed to be done. Not when the most beautiful girl in the world gazed at her like she was the only one in the world.

She very much wanted this meeting to be over. The council was cutting her time with her queen short. But she stayed and listened—only because Jimin had told her to behave. There wasn’t any need for Minjeong to argue.

Once the council meeting finally had concluded, Minjeong immediately approached the blonde and extended her hand for Jimin to take.

The blonde took her hand and walked beside Minjeong as they made way outside. “You are very easy to distract, have you thought about that?” Jimin slid her hand backwards until it reached Minjeong’s bicep.

Minjeong rolled her eyes. “You are making fun of me.” She said sternly, an ounce of embarrassment following along. They often liked to tease eachother, but she had been letting her wife get away with it so many times. The playful grin on the blonde’s lips made her heart flutter so she played along with the other Queen’s game.

At the corner of her eye, Jimin held a slight grin with the look of accusation but shook her head. “I am not-” The blonde haired queen countered.

“You are.”

“I am not.”

“You are-”

Jimin chuckled in amuse, slightly tilting her head in thought. Soon, she finally gave in. “Maybe I am a tad bit. But it is true, love.” They entered the car and sat back in the seats.

As they began moving, Minjeong studied the blonde’s warm face. “I’ll admit that I am really only so easily distracted by one person.” The brunette’s eyes wandered all over Jimin’s face. She found her breath hitching at the sight of her wife.

Jimin always drew her in with her aura, and her kindness made the brunette fall more for the blonde. She thought there was no possible way she could have been any luckier.

At Minjeong’s words, the blonde blushed. “You were supposed to be paying attention to our council’s words, not openly staring at me.” Jimin scolded her playfully.

Minjeong hummed, looking out at the view as they traveled. “Am I not allowed to look at my beautiful wife, now? I don’t think that’s very fair.” She turned her head to face Jimin again.

The blonde in front of her remained quiet, and as each second that passed when they stared at eachother, Minjeong found herself falling in love again. The urge to feel Jimin against her lips grew every second.

“I really want to kiss you.” Minjeong blurted out suddenly, alarming the blonde. Her face remained serious while the girl in front of her widened her eyes.

The car came to a halt, the door beside them opening and letting in sunlight. Jimin simply whispered ‘later’ and exited from the car first. Minjeong felt fingers slide in between the gaps of her own, calming her nerves.

Minjeong only hummed in content, instead kissing the blonde’s forehead before they began walking.

-

Minjeong felt a poke to her side, knocking her out of her thoughts. She turned her head over and met curious fond eyes. Taking a moment to indulge in the beautiful sight in front of her, the brunette ran a hand down gentle skin.

Jimin smiled, placing her hand on top of the brunette’s cheek. “What are you thinking about, my love?” The blonde asked, adjusting her head.

The sun shined brightly on them, but Minjeong felt more energy from the blonde than she did from the very sun. The sun couldn’t ever compete with her wife, it felt unfair to even compare.

Her thumb brushed over Jimin’s cheek, in awe of her bare beauty. Her eyes shined an aurora of brown brightly, gleaming due to the rays of sunlight. “I’ve been thinking about the way your dreamy eyes pull me in, and how your beauty seems to radiate more than the sun. Everything about you infatuates me.” Minjeong let out a sigh, stopping herself.

She simply wished to stay like this with Jimin forever, counting stars in her eyes, mapping out every feature on her face and body.

The blonde gently squeezed Minjeong’s hand before placing a kiss to her skin. A sigh was lowly released into the air, the brown haired queen noticing the way Jimin’s chest rose and fell carefully. “Thank you for not giving up on me.” She pressed their heads together and the brunette didn’t hesitate to take in the warmth.

Minjeong wanted to remind the blonde that she’d never give up on her over and over. “You know I’d never give up on you. Nothing can ever set us apart.” Minjeong leaned closer to kiss the blonde’s forehead.

When she pulled back to look at her face again, the queen couldn’t help but pull her in closer by the waist under the sheets until their bodies could not pressed any further. Jimin let out a noise of surprise, giggling when the brunette trailed her hand up the bare skin of her back.

The blonde haired queen breathed out lowly at Minjeong’s touch. “That feels ticklish-” She paused in her words, gasping as Minjeong palmed the side of her hip. “Is this- pay back for not kissing you at the car a few days ago?”

Minjeong felt her wife’s hand digging into the her hair as she pressed her lips to her collarbone. “How is it pay back if you are enjoying it?” She smiled in between and lifted her head to face her wife again.

Jimin eventually caught her breath, shaking her head and replicating Minjeong’s smile. “You know I love you, right?” Despite being breathless, the blonde haired queen connected their lips together, passionately engulfing her lips enough to send tingles through her body.

Minjeong paused her lips in between, tapping the queen’s skin with her finger. “Yes. You wouldn’t have agreed to marry me and become the next queen if you didn’t.” Her mouth curled into cocky smirk.

They only continued kissing until they could no longer feel air in their lungs. In the end of it all, the brown haired queen felt happy, loved and content. Her months of ruling had become easier with Jimin on her side. Eventually, the blonde had arms around her, bubbles of giggles being shared while the sun set behind them.

When it was nearly time to fall asleep, Minjeong stroked the queen’s hair, occasionally planting kisses onto her cheek. “I love you, too, my sun.” Minjeong whispered carefully, the latter humming in response until soft snores echoed in the air.

-

Jimin had barely any conversations with the twin prince. Being his sister in law did call for conversation but it wasn’t ever just the two of them alone. It was usually at gatherings and events with other people.

But they were standing outside near the garden, the blonde haired queen’s hands folded patiently. Prince Beomgyu was an elegant man, breathed royalty just like his sister. He cared about Minjeong, just like Jimin did and as much. They had those two in common which was what made talking with the Prince comfortable.

Beomgyu took a breath, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “It’s been while since you two married. I had yet to ever ask how being the new queen has been going along. I’ve seen it nearly take over my sister, and I don’t want the same to happen to you.” He began, nearly surprising the blonde.

She thought for a moment, for a reasonable answer. Being queen, of course, is no easy task, but she had began to realize that it had become much easier for the both of them to balance. Minjeong seemed much happier, smiled even wider.

Jimin opened her mouth to speak. “I think Minjeong being under the pressure of her mother was what drove her nearly off the edge. But we’ve been able to help eachother and it has become much easier for the both of us.” She explained to the prince.

Beomgyu let out a breath of relief. “I’m glad that she’s okay. I knew you’d take good care of her but she’s my sister, my other half. I can not help but worry for her.” He cleared his throat, seemingly trying to hold back tears.

Turning her body, the queen faced the twin prince. “I can assure you, you can trust me, I love her with all my heart.”

The prince nodded slowly, wiping subtly at his eyes. Eventually, he was completely facing the queen, Jimin chuckling at how similar he was to her wife in mannerism. They were both hesitant with certain things, as she felt like Beomgyu was wanting to ask her something.

He looked up, Jimin raising her eyebrow with curiosity. “Can I hug you?” The prince asked, his voice cracking in between.

The queen nodded, opening her arms wide to accept the twin prince into a hug. Beomgyu hugged her tightly, nearly sobbing in her arms. Jimin patted her brother-in-law’s back, allowing him to let the tears that had been held in out.

“Thank you for taking care of my sister.” Beomgyu thanked her lowly, soon pulling away and wiping at his eyes.

-

Hana’s screams alarmed the two queens, causing them to lift their heads up.

Eric had Hana on his shoulders, his hands holding onto her legs while in the water. The little princess giggled loudly at Inhyuk and Beomgyu splashing water at her and hitting Eric in the process.

Minjeong let out a breath of relief when she saw that they were just playing around. “I thought something was wrong.” She placed a hand over her chest, glancing at her wife.

Jimin placed her hands at her hips, rubbing careful circles at her dips of her waist. “She’s fine. The boys are making sure they’re careful.” The blonde pecked her wife’s cheek, going back to leaning against the stairway toward the water.

They were spending a day in the pool, due to Hana’s personal request. The sun was out and Minjeong figured it’d be a good day to spend some time with her family. Her parents and parent in laws were chatting at the table, glasses of wine in hand.

Her wife was close, the blonde’s head resting on her shoulder with her arms encircled around her waist. Jimin had become much more clingier, invading her space whenever she had wanted, and frankly, Minjeong thought it was adorable how her wife wanted to be near her all the time. It meant that the queen enjoyed her company and would rather have spent time with her instead.

Jimin had also become much touchier, leaving warm touches all over her body and only smirking when Minjeong gave her a look.

The blonde lifted her head, dangerous eyes roaming her figure. “You remember when we were in the pool and you teased me in front of everyone?” Jimin slightly tilted her head and watched as Minjeong only lowered herself into the water until her head was barely peaking out.

Minjeong wiped her face, walking back toward the opposite direction. “Yes, I have quite a lot of fun doing so.” She shrugged, grinning when her wife swam toward her.

The older queen met her body once more, locking her legs around Minjeong’s waist and holding onto her shoulders. The brunette didn’t hesitate to wrap her arm around Jimin’s body, walking over to where the rest were playing.

She gazed at her wife, motioning toward them, “Do you want to join them?” The brown haired queen asked playfully.

Already unraveling from the younger queen, Jimin nodded. “As long as you promise not to drop me.”

Minjeong lowered herself under water, swimming under her wife to let her climb onto her shoulders. Holding onto her thighs, the brunette stood up and Jimin rose above the others on the queen’s shoulders.

Hana pointed at the queen, Eric turning them so they were facing the two queens. The princess reached into the water and began splashing Jimin and Minjeong with water, loud giggles erupting into the air.

They spent the rest of the day at the pool, exhausting themselves with the fun they spent with their families.

During dinner, the air was less tense, nothing but smiles being exchanged. Compared to the year before, Minjeong remembered wanting to leave the dinner table so urgently, unable to breathe. Now, her and wife’s families were getting along so well, the queen couldn’t believe her own eyes.

As they enjoyed their meals, the brown haired queen couldn’t help but especially notice the bright expression on Jimin’s face as she helped Hana cut her food. Her heart warmed knowing how naturally caring the blonde haired queen was.

If she had to choose who would take the throne beside her, she would choose Jimin over and over again.

It wasn’t hard to decipher her love for the blonde. Ever since the first day she met Jimin, Jimin’s kept her grounded and made her feel normal, like she wasn’t queen and she was just a normal person experiencing life, a normal person falling in love.

Jimin was everything to her, her world. Loving her wasn’t anywhere near a task that she had think about, she just loved and adored her, with ease. And maybe she didn’t want to drag out how much the blonde meant to her, even if she could’ve written a whole book about it. But to put it into the upmost simplest words, Yu Jimin was her shining star, her Sun.

She felt a smaller hand reach for her own under the table, enclasping their hands together. Minjeong took note of the warmth that spread against her palm. It was so familiar, the mapping of palm lines being recognizable. And like muscle memory, their fingers laced together, etching a smile onto Minjeong’s lips. She couldn’t help but lift Jimin’s hand to mouth and gently press a kiss to her skin before placing their hands in her lap.

Their chairs were already close enough, though, it still felt like it wasn’t enough.

Their separation was to blame for the slight fear Minjeong had whenever they weren’t together. Not only was Jimin the love of her life, her queen—the blonde was also her best friend, someone she learned to lean on and trust. Trust was a serious topic in her book.

Throughout her life, the brown haired queen had learned to trust—trust too hard and eventually watch as everything crumbled in front of her. She was forced to keep her heart guarded and learn to trust only the people who were truly trustworthy. Doing so came with time, which was why there was often news of her barely approaching the public. She couldn’t even trust herself to hold a proper conversation that wouldn’t supposedly make a fool of her mother.

Jimin coming into her life changed much. She began learning how to do everything again.

Learning how to love, was the most extraordinary. After some time of focusing solely on her duty of being the queen, a princess she had never seen before swept her off her feet with just a few words. With the words, Minjeong realized how it felt to be a normal girl with proper worries. She learned that people usually showed their emotions, sometimes making it known they were struggling.

Her mother never allowed her to show emotions. She eventually took in the habit of keeping things to herself, therefore, another reason for the strain on their relationship.

Even when she absolutely despised her mother, Jimin fought for her, took some of the attention off her which allowed her to breathe. The blonde silently suffered her mother’s abuse.

Minjeong will always remember how Jimin has been there for her since the start, the beginning of it all. Now, in her heart, there was no way she couldn’t do the same—be there for the blonde and never giving up on her. She knew Jimin was worth every ounce of time Minjeong could offer and she couldn’t imagine if everything her mother planned to happen, had happened.

Everything around her faded into a blur when she met Jimin’s eyes. Every fiber in her body rose in temperature under the blonde’s gaze, that she had to calm herself and catch her breath to be able to stare in dark brown eyes.

In those orbs, she found a home.

“Are you okay?” Jimin mouthed, Minjeong giving her reassuring nod. She didn’t want to worry her wife due to her spacing out.

Her mind was always occupied by the blonde, so utterly and wonderfully in love.

A squeeze was all she needed to return to reality, feel time speed up around her again. “I’m fine.” She assured the blonde haired queen again, facing forward toward their family.

In the simplest of moments, Jimin made Minjeong happy.

That happiness was more precious than any crown Minjeong could’ve worn.

-

Jimin learned patience. Lots of it.

She was alone in front of the pond, the weather bright and sunny. All of nature seemed to be having a good day and the birds had even chirped her a warm good afternoon.

Now that she was queen, Jimin saw things at a different perspective. She tried to remember how she ironically first met her wife at a beautiful pond she stumbled across. Minjeong was awfully immature on purpose, teased her like they were two teenage girls in grade school.

She was upset, grumpy about going to a random tea party. There was knowledge about the royal family, but she had never met them up close until the tea party. While she thought them to be snobby, stuck up people, Minjeong rather surprised her, being down to earth that Jimin might have questioned her ability to be queen.

Perhaps, their first encounter was a scene in writing, meant to be played out the way it did. How could it be that a surprisedly humbled person, caught her off guard was the queen? She was more charming than any other man or woman she had nearly been proposed by, kinder than the gossiping ladies, and more polite than the cocky lords.

Jimin had already been drawn in before she even realized she was talking to the queen. When their eyes met, her heart thumped like it had never before. Why is it that her hazel eyes seemed to catch her attention much more than the times she had conversation with her suitors and she attempted to be respectable by looking into their eyes?

Her life had taken a drastic change, but she wouldn’t ask to go back for the world.

“You’re always here by yourself. Do you want some time alone? I just came to check up on you.” Jimin heard her wife approach her from behind and turned around to meet her.

The blonde haired queen shook her head, reaching for Minjeong’s arm to pull her to sit down. “No, I want you here. I was just thinking. I always come here to think. I’m glad I found this place.” Jimin pulled her wife closer, bumping their shoulders together.

Minjeong chuckled lightly, eyeing the engagement ring and the wedding band on Jimin’s ring finger. “Yeah, I’ve been coming here since I was young. It helped cool my head so many times when I became overwhelmed. But I haven’t had to come here much.” Her head rose, hazel brown orbs boring into Jimin with fondness.

The blonde haired queen’s eyebrow rose slightly. “Why is that?” She asked genuinely, knowing the brunette loved visiting the pond.

A habit Jimin noticed her wife liked doing was the way she would let her eyes roam her face, dazedly smiling in between and giving the blonde a note that she wasn’t listening to a single thing she was saying. Jimin found it adorable at times, and remembered how Minjeong reminded her multiple times that she was indeed listening. (And admiring her at the same time.)

She knew Minjeong loved her, couldn’t understand how the queen could love her more than she already did. The undeniable tug Jimin felt toward the brunette was so strong, she found it hard to even comprehend how it was possible to feel so strongly about someone.

But she did, she did feel that strongly about Minjeong.

Jimin brushed Minjeong’s bangs apart, wanting to see her shiny eyes better. Minjeong opened her mouth to speak, closing her eyes in response to the blonde gentle nestling.

“I have you.”

Immediately, the blonde haired girl paused, her body reacting with the wave of energy that followed along. “Minjeong….” Her hand fell to her wife’s cheek, her hand molding to caress it.

The pond was an important part of Minjeong’s life. It had been with her longer than Jimin had. Visiting the beautiful ecosystem occasionally had been a calming place for herself, so she knew the pond was a crucial structure of the brunette’s life.

Jimin took a deep breath, her thumb brushing circles over skin carefully, “This pond is everything to you. I don’t know how I could even replace it-”

Minjeong opened her eyes and placed a hand over the blonde’s, pausing her words. “This pond isn’t everything. It’s only one story of my life. But you, Jimin? You’re my everything. I don’t know what I’d do without you. You’ve given me a home, made me a better person, and you love me. What more could I ask for?”

Her wife’s always had a way with words. She had taken time to read through the letters and poems Minjeong had sent her during their time apart and often fell in love with how the queen could draw out much emotions with her words.

But they’ve always made her swoon, made her heart flutter with intensity that it felt like her chest would eventually combust from how fast her heart was thumping. Only, only Minjeong has continue to make her feel that way.

When she looked back her life, being a princess, she had responsibilities. Preparation, as she could be the next queen for her hometown at any moment. Then she moved, being oblivious to whatever duties the royal family had here. She and her family had their own despite moving so that it is what they focused on.

Her mother wondered when her and her brothers would marry, how they’d keep their linage long. It was off and on about that topic, but they didn’t pressure her as often. Yet, marriage remained in the back of her mind because she didn’t find interest—all of her suitors not tugging at her heart strings enough.

So she forgot about finding love. All the lords, ladies, princes, princess and awfully enough, kings and queens all fought for her attention. She could’ve had any of them and live a luxury life regardless.

Meeting Minjeong wasn’t any of that, it didn’t guarantee luxury, or any of the benefits. Being with Minjeong wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. They both suffered with their own personal issues, and suffered together.

They went through everything together and at any time, Minjeong could’ve chosen to forget it all, she could’ve chosen another princess her mother liked. If she had did, she would’ve been on with her day, her mother wouldn’t have bothered her any longer and she would’ve suffered less.

She knew she loved Minjeong because she knew she’d want to go through the lengths to stay with her. She would’ve tried everything to make ends meet and remain with the love of her life.

During her time away, Minjeong offered her the chance to leave, be free from the blurry lines of Minjeong and her mother’s relationship. The brunette loved her so much that she’d let her go just so she could be happy and safe.

Jimin loved her just as much and couldn’t find it in her to attempt to love someone else just as much as she loved the queen.

So she learned patience, in hopes that they’d meet again. All of the yearning for Minjeong eventually was fulfilled and she couldn’t imagine her life without the brunette now.

She was Minjeong’s home and Minjeong was her's.

When her words failed her, she begged her actions didn’t.

Jimin leaped toward her wife, bringing their lips together. She sighed lowly once she felt Minjeong begin to move her lips, her hand traveling to her forearm.

And there went the blonde haired queen’s heart, thumping so harshly against her chest. Carefully, Jimin brushed back brown locks before digging her fingers into luscious hair, and tugging her wife closer.

It was quiet in the pond, nothing but crickets and the swishing of water complimenting their movements. The kiss was slow, full of passion from the both of them. Jimin wanted to become even closer, the proximity between them not enough to satisfy her. As their lips found a peaceful rhythm, the blonde nearly wanted to cry because it was everything right.

Eventually, Jimin separated their lips just to look into the brown haired queen’s beloved eyes and tearfully chuckled when they began to feel light rain cover them.

With their foreheads pressed against eachother’s, it was gentle pecks and quiet breathing between them.

“It’s raining.” Jimin laughed, holding her other hand over their heads to shield from the rain. But Minjeong reached for it and intertwined their fingers together. Jimin watched as the brunette stood up, lifting her up as well.

Soon, their fronts were pressed closely, the blonde’s arms encircled around Minjeong’s neck. The brown haired queen wrapped her arms tightly around Jimin’s waist as they swayed side to side in the rain.

“It is raining, but I’m not afraid of the rain anymore. Instead of it being the nighttime, lightning and thundering, the sun is still out and there’s barely any clouds. How do you manage to spread sunshine everywhere you go?” Minjeong gave her a look of disbelief, raising one hand to wipe the tears from the blonde’s face and smiling.

Jimin simply kissed her, breathing in the brunette before pulling away to rest her head on her wife’s shoulder. “It’s because you reflect off me. We’re radiating light together, love.” She hugged Minjeong closer. The warmth the queen radiated made her relax and want to stay in Minjeong’s arms forever.

Nestling even more in her wife’s neck, she sighed again, ignoring the light rain around them. “You’re my moon, my everything and you give me a reason to chase after you every passing moment. I can’t fathom being separated from you, and I truly can’t imagine loving anyone else more than I love you, Minjeong.” Her head lifted, one of her hands brushing lightly through brown strands of wet hair.

They were two queens in love and after much time, they had made ends meet and they were no longer separated by the universe, day or night.

“I really love you, Minjeong but I don’t think the rain always calls for an umbrella.” She quipped cheerfully, light pecks being distributed all over the brown haired queen’s skin.

The younger queen nodded, looking back behind them.

“Yes, I love you as well, but the rain might call for a cold though!” Minjeong yelled, pulling her wife along to start running toward the garden.

With loud giggles during a sunny day full of light sprinkles, off from a distance, the two queens couldn’t be more in love.