Chapter Text
Aeri almost stumbled despite the capability of her long legs to trek further up the stairs and towards the royal bedroom. Surely, she’d have to apologize for the ruckus she caused at the kitchen because really, who wouldn’t leave their business if the princess required more urgent matters? (The pie she was baking turned out burnt. That will have to wait.)
Slamming the door inwards, Aeri catches sight of Minjeong's figure, staring out from the open window. A brilliant shade of beige colored the silk dress she was wearing, justifying the emphasizing view of her all natural grace.
“Your Highness! Am I in need of any assistance?” Aeri’s voice paraded concern.
There was a lingering smile flashing upon Minjeong’s lips the moment she’s made aware of the other woman’s presence. As soon as Aeri shuts the door with a slight twist on the knob, unprepared as she was, it’s as if the princess suddenly teleported into her arms.
“Aeri! How I have missed you…'' Minjeong sighs, resting her chin upon Aeri's shoulder. Her arms entangled around the firm frame of Aeri's body. she odored of swiss chocolates and a tad bit of vanilla essence despite the voluminous sweat perspiring out of her skin, and it was all the princess ever needed for her to feel better.
“Y-your Highness—“
“It's Minjeong to you. How many times must we discuss about this?” Minjeong retreats, though she doesn’t let go just yet. Their gazes immediately meet, knocking the breath out of Aeri's chest. Oh how damned she feels at the moment.
“Nonsense, Your Highness, for even without the presence of an assemblage, I shan't drop any formalities.” Aeri sternly regarded, earning a frown from Minjeong, causing her to lose their hold of each other.
“Not even a tinge of becoming casual with me?”
“Most certainly not.”
“Oh come on, it’s just the two of us,” Minjeong retorted, and Aeri stiffened in place. There she goes again.
“And it’s just how I should tend to you. Now what did you need, Your Highness? Having trouble with your garments?” Aeri shuns the way Minjeong's eyes gloomed as she immediately lifts her chin up to look at Aeri with her usual enthusiasm.
The princess shifts towards her wardrobe, pulling a familiar garment in her hands. Aeri recognizes it almost instantly, with the way there were stitch marks entwined within the fabric. Aeri’s stitchwork. Along the marks was a small hole that seemed to be torn purposely, yet Aeri doesn’t hold onto that assumption any longer.
“Well, a slight mishap on my end. One of my nightdresses wore a tear and.. they could use a little fixing.”
How puckish, Aeri thinks. This was her fifth time regarding this matter!
“I'll be sure to mend it right away, Your Highness. A moment," Aeri bows, excusing herself out.
With the thread and needle in her grasp, Aeri comes back to the princess tucked inside her sheets, somewhat already knocked out. Was she away for that long?
Aeri tried to call for Minjeong to check if she’s gone deep, although it’s unnecessary as she doesn’t want to cause any more distress. She proceeded to the drawer beside the bed where the nightdress was placed as she sat on the wooden stool to begin sewing. She momentarily watches the princess’ back’s rise and fall at a tranquil pace, an indication that she was, indeed, asleep.
After what seemed a while, Aeri was almost done with the chore that she didn't notice the princess tossing herself back, now facing Aeri's way. She halts her hand from stitching, and her breath hitches. Oh how damned she feels at the moment.
Aeri looks— stares , if anything more, at Minjeong’s serene face. Her gaze traced Minjeong’s lavishly long lashes, to her perfectly bridged nose, down to her inviting lips—
God! Aeri feels filthy because how can such a commoner like her be able to admire the princess up close like this? She tightens the grip on Minjeong's nightdress, cutting the thread off as she finishes shortly. Emitting a sigh, Aeri rises and places the dress back into the closet. She moves conscientiously, making her way to the door.
Somehow, her footsteps were deemed to be heavy, as if she was reasoning with herself whether to depart so soon.
But what else is there for her to sojourn? Even if she tried, the princess is still the princess, and Aeri—nothing but just a royal retainer; a servant .
And even if there is one other inducement—that Aeri and Minjeong used to be the best of pals; teens singing along to the tune of their favorite rhymes, tiring themselves out from silly little games, gone were those days and Aeri had grown to accept it.
She dismisses all this impractical pondering, finally leaving the princess to her peaceful slumber.
•━♛━•
“Leave her alone!”
Several heads turn to Minjeong’s direction, the expression on her face quite intimidating.
“Your Highness…” The boys surrounding Aeri began to fumble into a line, paying their respects to the princess. The gesture only invoked minjeong in a more irately manner.
Minjeong scoffs. “How delightful is it, no? How delightful of you gentlemen to heed me, a woman, with such grace and yet I find someone who is the same as I am, trickled on the floor, picked on by the very same gentlemen as if there’s nothing palpable about it.”
Her tone was intrepid, catching the boys off guard. She momentarily glances at Aeri, whose eyes were watering in fear and shame. Such a sight evoked her fury even then.
And just as she thought she’d feel any madder, one of the prats spouted.
“But, Your Highness, you deserve our respect for you are royalty. Have you not been primed to deal with commoners like this girl as much as you treat animals?”
A coup of gasps elicited as Minjeong felt her hand sting. The obvious mark on the prat’s cheek glowed bloody red, as if all the rage inside her system ran through her palm and onto the twat’s face. Serves him right.
Minjeong then rushes and smooths a palm against her dress just so she could kneel down comfortably upon Aeri. “Are you alright?”
“Y-your Highness, please rise. Your dress, it’s going to get ruined—“
“It does not matter. Come with, I shall see to it that we’re away from these dissolute fellows.” Minjeong rests her hand on Aeri's shoulder. The princess’ gaze was tantalizing, the warmth of her touch incredulously secure.
Aeri managed to let herself become dragged by Minjeong, along the unfamiliar walls of the mansion, and outside the vicinity where an abundant garden lay place. Though hesitant and denying, Aeri had no choice but to join the princess as she perched herself onto the soft grass.
“You’re the newcomer, right? You look just like Mrs. Uchinaga.” Minjeong grins, a fond memory of her current royal retainer suddenly flashing through her mind.
“Y-yes. Mother told me it’d be best if I join the royal service as early as now. Says I have a long tramp to tread upon.”
“Wouldn’t that be mournful, is it not? Having to strip you off of your childhood at this early age?” The princess asked.
Aeri shakes her head most instantly, offering a chaste smile. “No, not quite. I love what I do, and I am utmost proud to be of service to the royal family.”
Minjeong nods in amusement. Certainly, this girl is starting to become appealing to her. Perhaps because they’re of the same age? Or the way her lids crease into a shape of the crescent moon just as the one shining upon the sky—only that Aeri’s were far more… attractive.
“What about Your Highness, then?” Minjeong is exited from her trance upon Aeri's sudden inquiry.
“What about me?”
“Your Highness is an heiress, after all. Would that mean that you are stripped off of your childhood as well?”
Clever. Minjeong tittered unexpectedly. “Is something the matter, Your Highness? Perhaps my words have offended?”
Minjeong dismisses as she shakes her head. “You’re endearing to bond with. We should start dropping some honorifics then, shall we? Please call me Minjeong instead. You are?”
Aeri's orbs widen out of shame. “B-but Your Highness, that is not—“
“It is, in fact, it shall be at my behest.” Minjeong geared a mischievous smirk, and Aeri was left helpless. She could never bring herself to defy the princess—no, not ever, especially that she’s just starting as a trainee, or some sort, on becoming her future retainer.
Oh how damned she feels at the moment.
“Answer when you are asked. You are?” Minjeong reiterated, trying her best to keep the cunning grin crawling up her lips.
Aeri blinked hastily, mouth hung ajar as she croaks out, “My name’s Aeri, Your High—M-minjeong.” Aeri almost slips out, if not for the princess’ piercing gaze.
Minjeong then beams a lovely smile. A rather strange tenderness fluttered within Aeri as she mirrored the princess’ smile, a silent agreement of somewhat the root of a blossoming friendship.
•━♛━•
Minjeong slides her fingers along the rim of the staircase, giddily dashing down the steps.
She was called to breakfast with the king and the queen this morning, and since there are barely a countable number of days wherein the royal family dines as complete, this is truly a remarkable morning for the princess. Oh how she wishes mornings were like this every single day from thenforth.
“Good morning, Mamá, Papá” Minjeong bows her head, dallying to her seat.
“Pleasant morning, dearest. Woke up on the warm side of the mattress today?” The queen queried.
Minjeong shrugs, her ginger locks reflecting on the glass surface. “Just a bit thrilled. It’s not everyday I get to spend breakfast with Your Majesties.”
The queen delightfully chuckles, resuming to eat. For quite a while, the silence began to become deafening. Even Minjeong could hear the incessant chewing of the king despite her seated across from him.
Minjeong clears her throat. “So… any tales from your travels, so far? How about you, Papá? I've been apprised that you journeyed from France. I heard they are comprised of beautiful landmarks.”
The king throated a laugh. “And also home to only the finest gentlemen among the whole of Europe! A rather intricate decision for me to choose the righteous beholder for our grandest jewel.”
The words shed Minjeong into an unamused guise. There goes the king and his adherences to the preservation of the Kim heir…
“Lovely, my lordship, but steady we are, as our Minjeong hath just bloomed into a young lady. I’m precise she has all the time in the world to discover more of her… interests.” The queen beckons, and Minjeong gave everything in her to pamper her mother with a wondrous thank you gaze.
“Those interests being coalescent and favored by the noblemen, is it not, dearest Minjeong?” The king asks, extending his arms to rest his elbows on the table, placing his chin on his knuckle.
“I-I..”
“Your Majesty, I may to interrupt, but your blueberry pie, as thou requested.” They craned their attention unto Aeri’s sudden presence. She lowers intricately, preparing to head off.
“Wait, Aeri, if you could accompany your princess to the dining table please?” Minjeong pats the side of her chair, and Aeri immediately obliges on her end. She swiftly walks and pauses right beside where Minjeong sits.
As much as the princess would love to have Aeri actually seated beside her, it is one of the royal decree’s declarations that only the royal family accommodates the dining hall’s chairs. So Aeri stays put, not moving a single tendon.
“As I was saying. The Jung kingdom in Germany will hold a grand ball this Saturday evening.”
Minjeong’s ears perked alarmingly. “Germany? Another ball ? Papá, all we do is travel together to make appearances on these… balls you speak of.”
“Precisely, dear. A wonderful time for your exposure to possible suitors, isn’t it, loveliest?” The king turns to the queen, and then to her daughter.
It took all of Minjeong's resolve not to roll her eyes at the statement. “Alright. I would like to take Aeri with, then.”
The hall fell into a dour atmosphere. Aeri began to tremble at her stance, confused by the princess’ demand.
The king furrowed his brows. “Dearest, you know we cannot do that any more. not especially with the abhorring incident that occurred—“
“—that was ages ago, Papá. I apologized to Lord Lee and everything was settled. You know that.”
“Even so! What would it be then if the nobles caught sight of a commoner in such an event? Think practically, dearest.”
Aeri clutches the hem of her trousers. Her teeth gritted against each other inside of her mouth, an encompassing annoyance building up within her.
“I will see to it that she’s going to use one of my dresses. Stop complicating any further, Papá.”
“Nonsense! You are to comply with my demand that we are not bringing your retainer with.”
“And I gladly reject, Your Majesty.” Minjeong smiles, rather forcibly. She rose from her seat and lowered her forehead. “Thank you for the scrumptious meal.”
Minjeong rushes out, heading upstairs. She maneuvered to the palace library, slotting herself onto her favorite spot in the place. Grabbing one of the books, she engrosses herself in the text.
“Your Highness,” Minjeong was startled to see Aeri prompting a glass of milk on her table. How did she not notice? Was she too absorbed from reading? “You have forgotten your milk intake for this morning. ‘Tis freshly drawn from the healthiest cow in the herd. Enjoy as you please, Your Highness.”
Aeri noticed how the princess was eyeing her amusingly, urging her to become aware of her consciousness all of a sudden.
“How did you know where to find me?”
“How would I not? This is your favorite spot. It always has been. Predictable of you, I must say." Aeri quips yet her eyes widen, abashed by her nature of words. “I-I mean, I’ve searched the royal bedroom and you were not there, Your Highness. The library would be the second best option you’d wander upon after that.”
Aeri sees the princess hold a snicker, and she feels more embarrassed than ever. Minjeong, however, is quite buoyant, a creeping grin forming on her lips. Aeri hastened, informing her leave.
“So soon?“ Minjeong doesn’t push her any longer. “Alright, then. see you around, Aeri.”
“As you are, Your Highness.” Aeri bows.
“Minjeong.” The princess rectified.
Aeri purses her lips, holding back a chuckle. “Your Highness.”
•━♛━•
Aeri gently squeezed herself within the bookshelves, caving her way into the narrowed corners. For a castle that’s so huge, the library surely is not a crowd favorite. She could tell by how poorly this room was built.
Though that’s not what Aeri should be thinking at the moment. She searches for the familiar indicators—a broken chair, followed by the sign which read fiction, and there she spots the apple of her eye.
“Minjeong...”
The princess hurriedly wiped the remnant tears on her cheeks, quietly sniffling as her best friend engulfed her in a warm embrace. Minjeong latches her arms around Aeri like it was second nature, allowing herself to drown into a pool of incomparable serenity. At that very moment, Minjeong knew Aeri was her peace. That she would’t ever have to breathe so pressuringly if Aeri was near.
“H-how did you know where to find me?” Minjeong asks, beginning to calm down.
Aeri chuckles, caressing Minjeong’s scalp. “Silly you. How would I not? This is our favorite spot.”
•━♛━•
Saturday came by like the wind.
After a few reconsiderations, the king gave in to her daughter’s request (thanks to the queen’s convincing remarks). With the carriages prepared, what’s left is the passengers.
“Hold still, now.” Yizhuo tightens the lace to secure the garment on Aeri's body in place.
The latter winces, absorbing the sharp pain on her waist. “Does it really have to be this dress? It feels a little.. prickly.”
“The princess handchose this. I’m sure you wouldn’t want her disappointed now, will you, Aeri?” Yizhuo hums frivolously, and Aeri rolls her eyes.
After a questionable silence, Yizhuo finishes up with a light dab of the red dye on Aeri's lips. “You’re lucky; that Her Highness attends so much liking to you.”
“You don’t say that..” Aeri dismisses.
“Bah! Enough absurdity. What i’m forwarding is—try not to waste such viable affection being presented to you, let alone from someone who’s as genuine as princess Minjeong. I'm sure you understand.”
Yizhuo then bade her goodbye, allowing Aeri out of her quarters. The retainer didn’t even had any chance to pry on whatever the seamstress just told her. It was too late.
Speaking of late..
“Make haste, Aeri darling. You are to board the second carriage with the princess.” The queen shambled her train of thoughts.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“You look dashing, dear.”
“Far behind compared to you, Your Majesty.” Aeri responds, rather timidly.
The queen laughs gingerly. “Humble just as your mother, I see. I have truly missed her all of a sudden.”
After a whole while, the royal squires informed of the princess’ arrival. All heads began to point towards the staircase, and with a small clack of a heeled sandal, Minjeong shows up in emergence.
The plum and silky gold gown justified Minjeong’s charms too well. Attached to her neck was a pristine necklace—one of Kim's prestigious heirlooms, adorned with the purest of all diamonds forming its sides. Her hair was tied to a beautiful bun with excess ginger strands on each side of her ear.
Steady as she might be, albeit Aeri's heart says otherwise. Her eyes bore onto the princess as if she was musing herself on a scenic film. With each step Minjeong takes, the louder Aeri thinks the pummeling is inside her chest. thump. thump. thump.
Unaware and dumbfounded, Aeri fails to notice the crippling feel of silk snaking around her arms. It was Minjeong's gloves, latching onto her skin like a magnet. “You look lovely, Aeri!”
Where were the words? Alas, Aeri was left voiceless, as if there was a horrid spike of a ball blocking her throat, preventing any sound from coming out. Oh how damned she feels at the moment.
“A-as you are, Your Highness…”
Minjeong gave only a cheeky grin before they proceeded to mount the carriage. The travel was… indeed something. For two special friends that were inseparable and loud, the silence could almost slaughter the horses that were functioning the carriage.
Aeri kept her eyes glued to the window all the time, while Minjeong was busy fidgeting her gloves that she forgets every word she should be uttering at the sheer moment.
It is also concerning how Aeri might acquire a stiff neck at the end of the day because god, she is using all her willpower not to look straight ahead.
“Fancying the pastures more than your princess?”
Aeri blinked slowly. In her peripheral comes Minjeong’s potent stare and it seems like she isn’t planning to avert it at any cost, stripping Aeri off of her freedom of choice.
So she pans her head (good riddance) towards Minjeong, a split-second short circuit dangling through her brain from the princess’ astonishing appearance, and smiles. “Nonsense, Your Highness. Nothing is as more deserving of attention as you.”
The carriages halted shortly, a sign that their destination had been reached. The royal couple emerged from the first carriage, followed by their guards. Next were princess minjeong and Aeri—or so to say, Miss Uchinaga.
The assemblage, mostly of noblepersons, acknowledged their arrival. Just like a diamond in the eyes of several beholders, Minjeong garnered quite a handful of glances leaning towards her, considering she is, in fact, a princess. Aeri, on the other hand, made sure that she doesn’t attract even a pint of attention.
Except that it isn’t the case anymore, since the princess did not want her out of sight. Aeri found herself talking and dancing with them, though unsure if she’s blurting the right words just so she cannot be established as a commoner.
Aeri was exposed to the unfamiliar upbringings of these higher ranked mortals—and it just does not feel appropriate. The crowd was becoming larger and her chest began to tighten. The lights seemed to be brighter than before, and everyone’s faces were blurry. Why is it so loud yet so silent at the same time? Aeri feels like she’s trapped in a maze, and there was impossibly no way out.
“Aeri, come over here!” Minjeong whispers from behind, wrapping her fingers around the tip of Aeri's waist. There was a tingle—a jolt speeding down her spine just from the touch. She momentarily meets her gaze, a flash of Minjeong's jaunty smile that was so clear that all the unsettling cacophonies, the indistinct crowd— nonsense. It’s as if all that ever mattered right now was Minjeong, and Minjeong alone.
With a responsive touch along the princess’ shoulder, Aeri loses herself to her blinding desire. She spun and tapped her feet, all courtesy to Minjeong’s suaved moves.
“Isn’t this fun? we’re dancing!”
It was all Aeri ever did the whole evening. Stare into Minjeong’s brown orbs, taking in all her form as if she was the only person in the ball. It was selfish, but Aeri hopelessly wished this wouldn’t end any sooner.
•━♛━•
“Papá’s going to host another one of his balls, again.”
Aeri chuckled as she steadied her hold onto the saddle strings of the horse Minjeong was mounted to.
“Wouldn’t that be great, then? There’s a feast of food, lots of socialization, dancing, boys?” Aeri chortled as she spouted the last word.
Minjeong threw her a look, one that’s of pure disgust. “Ew. Boys are sorry excuses for sore-eyes.”
“You’re one to talk as if you won’t marry one someday!”
“Aeri, please, can we talk about anything other than that?”
Aeri raises her other hand in defeat. The horse began to walk at a faster pace so she shushed it with a light tug. “I would love to join a ball. It’s fun to see people dancing, enjoying the melody with their bodies.”
Minjeong nods, rather hesitantly. “Do you perhaps, uhm, want to dance yourself? with uh, you know, with boys; imagining that you’re with them, talking and laughing along?”
Aeri raised a brow all of sudden. What a bedazzling question!
“That wasn’t something I expected of you to ask, Min.” Aeri laughs, rather shortly. “I do want to dance. but I don’t see myself dancing with the boys. Can’t I dance on my own?”
Minjeong’s breath hitched at the answer. She hardened her grip on the reins whilst biting her lip. What was she so worked up about all of a sudden? “H-how about uh, a girl, perhaps? Will you dance with a girl instead?”
Aeri stops from her tracks, causing the horse to halt as well. Minjeong began to sweat internally. Was she asking the wrong questions? Perhaps she was being pushy too.
“Well, it’s better than being alone, right?” Aeri shrugs, looking up at the princess, pretending she doesn’t notice how Minjeong bit her lip out of nervousness.
“Ah, well, in that case..” Minjeong leaped off, startling aeri as she grabbed her cold-smitten hands, curling them against her warm gloved ones. “I promise I'll take you to dance someday. Maybe not soon enough, but I'll make sure it will happen.”
Aeri's jaw hung taut, bewildered by the princess’ phrasing. “A-are you crazy? Why did you jump off like that all of a sudden?! You could’ve gotten injured!”
Minjeong rolls her eyes at her friend’s overdramatic conduct. Aeri continued to feign ignorance upon the princess’ oath, perhaps when time encompasses, it shall long be forgotten.
•━♛━•
Aeri pulled away from their connection, leaving Minjeong baffled. “M-my apologies..” Aeri bows and rushes herself out of the picture.
“Aeri, wait!”
She doesn’t reply. Her feet led her anywhere but near the ballroom, preferably outside and far away from this castle, if that’s even possible.
Minjeong is nearing her, five steps away. With repetitive calls of please , Aeri , wait , and slow down , Aeri is quite doing the opposite. She ran and ran until her thighs grew weary, risking her balance off.
Aeri yelps as she falls onto the thick grass. It seemed that she reached the back of the castle from all the running.
“Are you alright? did you get a cut?” Minjeong hovered over her, the worry in her tone too obvious not to be ignored. Their proximity was too close that Aeri accidentally shoves the princess off, perplexing her in sight.
With a moment of realization dawning upon her, Aeri frantically shied. “Your Highness! I am terribly sorry for causing you distress. For now, I need some time alone. Please meet back with your fellow guests in the ballroom. They are surely looking for you now.”
“No. I promised I would stand with you until the end of the ball so we should meet back with them.”
“Can’t I atleast have a little time for myself, Your Highness?”
“It’s Minjeong, Aeri. That was the order I have given you since then.”
“And I have the right to object. You may be the heiress, but the royal decree is much more powerful.”
Aeri could sense the tension with the way Minjeong's eyes were flaring. “Why are you being such a prick ? This is what you would have wanted! To take part in a ball, to eat a scrumptious feast, to dance with all your heart—“
“—except that it is not! Look at me, princess. I am under a royal dress! I am wearing the name Miss as if I am one of these.. wealthy aristocrats that disdain the people of my kind. Yes, I want to take part in a ball. Yes, I would enjoy a feast. Yes, I would dance until my legs bore but I want to go as Aeri and not as Miss Uchinaga.”
Minjeong attempts to approach her. “Aeri—“
Aeri clears her throat, unfazed as if there was not a single hint of desperation in her demeanor just awhile ago. “I apologize for lashing out, your highness. I will see to it that it shall never occur again.”
She exerts a lowly bow before she places both her hands in front of her waist. “We should indeed head back, Your Highness. The night is still young, after all.”
And with that, Minjeong did not yield any more. She nodded nimbly, forcing her feet to lift. Aeri follows suit, although this time, it was her who was five steps away.
As much as the silent travel at morning immersed silently, the trip home was much worse. Not a single sound was heard from the two, and with both hearts heavy and inflicted, time will tell should these gashes be mended.
•━♛━•
Aeri wasn’t oblivious, lest a fool.
With each day that she spends with the royal daughter, it would have been really impossible not to feel even a little affection for her.
So, yes, Aeri has indeed taken a liking to Minjeong. The only hitch is that she will bury that thought within her until she perishes.
What then, if Minjeong came to knowledge of these… pestering feelings? Aeri could not even brace herself just by presuming so. Minjeong would definitely be disgusted of her. She would never land her eyes on her ever again—god no! Aeri would rather die than experience such a thing.
She’s already complacent of her affinity with the princess. Reading cheesy fairytales with Minjeong is enough. Staring at the cosmos with Minjeong is enough. Plucking daisies with Minjeong is enough. So long as Aeri withstands the fact that nothing will ever change between them, then it is more than enough.
Or so she thought.
“Quick, hide here.” Minjeong whispered, grabbing Aeri's wrist as they fit themselves into a dim corner along the hallways.
The clanking of the metal boots were distant yet it brings the two into a series of anxiety and excitement.
“Princess! Aish, those kids, I swear…” One of the guards muttered as he shifted to the wrong way, fading on the other end of the lobby.
The teens giggled feebly, decompressing from the tight embrace they’ve shared.
“It always gets Lieutenant, everytime. I feel that he should head more into training these days.”
Aeri cackles boisterously. “So much for I shall serve you with all my best, Your Lordship , and then you can’t even locate two kids inside the castle!”
They throw themselves into a more lively laughter. Minjeong sighs whilst palming her stomach. “I haven't guffawed out like this in a while, goodness me…”
Aeri discards her vest to serve it as a mat on the floor as Minjeong attempts to take a seat. “I've heard that His Majesty is being a little coercive of you lately.”
“Tell me about it. Him and all this you should stop acting like a little child anymore lectures. I'm barely fifteen! Surely, I have ample time to enjoy my youth…”
And so the princess babbled on and on, unwary that she lost Aeri's attention. Her eyes wandered along Minjeong’s features. Call her hopeless, but this was the least she can do to harbor this silly crush.
Aeri chose to melt for such a sight, like a moth being drawn to a flame. She's well aware that if she comes too close, she’ll more likely burn and eradicate herself. Aeri doesn’t really mind.
“…I get it. I'm an heiress. But not just yet. I am myself. Nobody in this damned palace understands. Nobody else but you, Aeri.”
Aeri perks up at the sudden mention of her name. What does the princess mean by that? “I-I do?”
Minjeong reaches for Aeri's fingers, slotting her own through the little spaces. “In and out the palace, I am a princess. I wake up to the same routine every single day. No matter where i step, everybody moves like I am heavens apart from them. Noblemen respect me, but just because I am of royalty. Is that it? Just princess Minjeong, nothing more?
until you happened. With you, I am in solace. Never is a moment dull when you’re beside me. I am heavens apart from everyone and yet you… you keep me grounded. It’s as if I'm only myself when I'm with you, aeri.”
“Minjeong…”
Aeri fails to heave more words after. In her dilemma, the princess is cautiously leaning forward. Why the hell can she feel Minjeong’s warm breath against her own?
She casted her gaze towards Minjeong, to which hers was directly monitoring Aeri's lips.
“Aeri, may I… may I kiss you?” Minjeong pans her gaze up to meet Aeri's this time, her glassy orbs stabbing a warmth against Aeri's chest.
Aeri swallows the lump inside her throat as her lips quivered tremendously. Various voices inside her mind gathered, opting her to break away while it’s still possible.
But alas, the heart is more powerful this time around.
The last thing Aeri sees is Minjeong’s hooded lids before she whispers, “Yes…”
With a slight push of her jaw, Minjeong pressed her lips firmly onto Aeri’s. None of them knew the knowledge of kissing, thus both stayed stringently still. It was merely anything—it was gentle and innocent, yet somehow it sears like hellish flames, lighting up the darkest pits of Aeri’s inhibitions.
The moment was perfect. It was all Aeri ever wanted all at once. It should be.
And then it abruptly occurred to her.
Minjeong feels the emptiness on her lips, slowly unfolding her lids to catch sight of Aeri's unmoved figure. There was a flush streak of red blooming on her cheeks and a few drops of sweat trickling beside her forehead. Her creased eyebrows stitchedly met as she scurried up to fix her stead.
“I-I have to go, I remembered that I needed to fetch mother some bedstraws. Please excuse me, Your Highness.”
Your Highness?
Minjeong was the one to furrow her brows this time. It doesn’t take a second before Aeri was gone, the sound of her rushed steps echoing from the distance.
In the following days, Aeri was… different. She would still visit minjeong around the day. accompany her through the garden, in the library, and across the hallways. Yet this time, she was more.. reserved.
Since then, the bridge was burned, and the princess appeared to be the only one on the other side, wondering what went downhill.
•━♛━•
Minjeong composed herself as soon as she heard the knob shuffling. Should she offer her a hug, just as she always did? Too soon. Perhaps an apology? Maybe it’ll ruin the mood. A simple hello would probably do… except that it’d cause mere awkwardness.
The door swings open only to reveal someone that is far off from Aeri. This one was blessed with height despite her odd tiny face. Her hair shone ravenly. “Good morning, Your Highness!”
Minjeong’s shoulders slumped. Of course it was foolish of her to expect Aeri’s presence. “Wh-who are you?”
“Jimin Yu, Your Highness! I was told to exchange places with Aeri for a while. Buddy’s still sick.” Jimin whispers the remaining sentence.
Liar. She scouted Aeri in the cattlework this morning. Does she resent the princess that much she had to ask for a stand-in?
“Princess Minjeong? Is something wrong?”
Minjeong immediately flashes Jimin a smile. “Nothing. I acknowledge your service.”
Jimin bows with posture. “The pleasure is truly mine, Your Highness.”
•━♛━•
Today was the king’s birthday. Except that Minjeong is still dozed off on her mattress, not wanting to move a muscle.
It took several knocks before Minjeong finally emerged from her pillows. Her cheeks were puffed and the glare of the morning sun hit her lids too fiercely, causing her to groan and utter a forced “Come in!”
“Your Highness,” was Jimin's voice sounding from the doorway. “His Majesty requests that you should be getting ready for tonight’s festivities.”
Minjeong rubs her eyes in chagrin. It did not seem like she had a choice, anyway. “Please fetch me my gown, if you may.”
Following a hardly-considered bath, Minjeong hastes to put on her dress. Her father wanted her to wear something bright and pleasing this time, thus the gleaming white gown enclasped with ravishing pearls.
“How would you want your hair to be done today, princess?”
Jimin grins, carefully clasping the brush along Minjeong’s gorgeous locks, combing them dry.
Minjeong pauses to contemplate it well. She has, in fact, had done different styles all her life. There was one point where she had to endure a long night wearing a really heavy style because of the extravagant headpiece that the Sang kingdom gifted to her.
So she relaxes on her seat, panning her gaze to jimin. “Just keep them down for tonight, please.”
And Jimin did an exemplary work. She finishes the last stroke of the brush as Minjeong’s eyes widen at how fitting it is for her. She never thought that having it down with a wavy style would work. She was glad it did.
Jimin finishes up with the makeup and Minjeong’s small tiara as a cherry on top.
Minjeong mindlessly brings her thoughts to Aeri. If she were here, she would definitely love this form on her. Especially because it was Aeri who had been encouraging her to do this style all this time. There was a slight pang within Minjeong’s chest, and all she could do was heave a sigh.
“Is something bothering you, Your Highness?”
Minjeong shakes her head. “Jimin, do I look presentable?”
“Of course! you look absolutely stunning, Your Highness. You need not think that otherwise.”
The princess laughs, the heaviness inside her chest wavering. she thanks Jimin, exiting her room eventually. The castlefolk greeted her kindly as she passed by the halls, her steps echoing along.
From the side of her vision came a certain familiar corner that suddenly brought out a winding memory of what seemed like years ago.
This was where she kissed Aeri for the first time.
Even then, until now, Minjeong regretted that very day. she silently blames herself for being so naive and probably a little in love—
What the hell does she even know about love? If it was indeed, then she most possibly would not lose her best friend just like that, right?
Minjeong believed it was love. She truly did. But the consequence told her otherwise. That very moment when Minjeong longed for a kiss—it was far off from love. It was just Minjeong being selfish.
•━♛━•
“Given up yet?”
Jimin brings her presence by tapping the wooden frame of the door.
Aeri halts from brushing her dirtied apron. She had just gone from cattlework, already growing a bit weary. Surely, tending to the princess was easier than whatever Jimin labored for!
But she is not one to back down just so soon. This was for her own good. Their own good.
“You know we can’t stay like this forever, right? So are you and the princess.”
Aeri turns her head to the raven. “What do you mean?”
Jimin rolls her eyes, walking past Aeri's figure as she takes a seat on a tiny wooden stool. “Running away would do you nothing. It only worsens the torment you are vesseling.”
“Okay, Jimin. Where is this going?”
Jimin shrugs. “If I were to be frank, Aeri, whatever this ruse you are exploiting, it only causes you more damage than defense. Even the princess—“
“—this does not concern her.” Aeri retorts, averting her gaze.
“Yeah, sure it doesn’t.” Jimin scoffs with sarcasm.
Aeri purses her lips shut. Jimin rises from her seat, shaking her head casually. “I'll be going to help in the kitchen since the party’s to begin shortly.”
Before she pulls the knob to close the door, Jimin shoots an earnest gaze. “Aeri, you have every right in the world to feel what you want to feel—to do what you want to do. Fuck rules.”
The door swung shut, and Aeri swore to remain in this room for as long as the night is still alive.
As ancestors would say, words are piquant and are best served as meals. Aeri groaned defeatingly, walking her way along the hall. There she stood, at the back of the party, right behind the pillars where she’s sure she would pass by unnoticed.
Why am I doing this. Why am I doing this. Why am I doing this.
Fortunately, everyone else was stoked on their own chitchats. Aeri carries on, lessening the pace of her steps, persistent that she would find Minjeong along the sea of crowd. She rests her hand on a lonely pillar, a tincture of hope chafing her to wait.
Just a small peek won’t hurt. One look, and enough.
If she broke her own pledge just a while ago, she’s going to make sure this one is to be fulfilled providently.
“It is with my greatest pride to present to you, Kim’s heiress, my beloved daughter, Princess Minjeong.”
And just like that, Aeri knew to herself that she spoke too soon. Minjeong began her little birthday speech for the king. God, Minjeong was beyond beautiful, it causes Aeri's knees to weaken. She smiles so dearly , and Aeri admits to breaking one more pledge just for the sake of taking in more of that.
How has it been only days of not meeting and yet aeri’s already dying to see her? Oh how damned she feels at the moment and she couldn’t care less.
Halfway through the night, Minjeong senses an intense gaze piercing her like wildfire. It could be one of the princes—so she brushes it off nonchalantly. She had just finished delivering a speech, after all. It would be normal for such an amount of attention to be driven upon her.
Eventually, it became too bothersome that it made Minjeong conscious. She plays it off by discreetly roaming her eyes around, confident that she’d catch the perpetrator in time.
“Princess Minjeong! Would you fancy a dance?”
The sudden proposal switches Minjeong off from her reverie. She shyly turns to the prince, unsure of what to respond. She’s not really in the mood to dance… but this is her father’s birthday! Her body grew frantic, a mixture of guilt and annoyance hurling up her thoughts.
She was about to answer when her pupils dilated, meeting against the perpetrator’s whom she wanted to catch just a few moments ago. Her heart began to strike relentlessly, a familiar warmth resurfacing inside her chest and at the pit of her stomach.
Aeri startles knowing she was caught, yet the princess’ gaze ensnared her over the prince’s shoulder. With all the willpower in her, she breaks away from their stare, hurriedly rushing out of the venue.
“Wait, please, a moment!” Minjeong shouted, heedless of attracting yet more unwanted attention as she slips her shoulder past the guests and entirely forgets the poor prince’s invitation.
No. She does not want to lose sight of Aeri again. It was all Minjeong ever thought of whilst running, determination coursing over her. She reaches the outside of the castle, not wanting to give up sooner.
Luckily enough, she finds Aeri nestled among the dimmed Sephoras, the movement of her chest indicating that she stopped to catch her breath. This was Minjeong's chance. Leaving no hesitation, she calls out her name.
Aeri blinks hard, her breathing rather heavy this time, pupils shaking in uncertainty as she faces the princess.
“Aeri?” Minjeong asks carefully, and Aeri's stomach warped of a tightrope.
“Y-your Highness,” Aeri exclaims between ragged breaths, “What are you—“
“—oh cut me the slack, will you?” Minjeong cuts, her expression quite disappointed. “We know damn well why we’re here. We’re to be mistaken as jesters at this point! What are we doing, Aeri? Why the hunt and chase?”
Minjeong’s gaze was firm, anger channeling within herself. She despises such a feeling—lest alone she’s in front of the last person in the world she would show this emotion to. Minjeong is baffled and upset, a searing want rising inside her to shred the royal title she’s wearing and just fall into Aeri's arms instead.
However, the ambiguous situation they are put through deems it worse, that despite the close proximity, Minjeong found it a struggle to reach for her.
“Please, princess, calm down now.” Aeri whispers gently.
Minjeong shakes her head. “I can't. Not with this tomfoolery.” She began to descend into a more lowly manner. “Please, Aeri, stop calling me that.”
“You are, in fact, the princess. I must call you that at all times.” Aeri registers, trying her best to remain her composure.
Maybe she shouldn’t have said that.
“Is that… is that what I am to you, then?” Minjeong asks in a defeated tone. “Am i just really a princess to you, Aeri?”
Minjeong looks at her with such an anguish expression that it leaves her wordless. Aeri knows she was right. it’s as the royal decr—
Fuck rules, Jimin’s voice played out in her head. She remained mute, troubled by her own inhibitions that she misses the first tear running down Minjeong's cheek. She then catches sight of the next, and it brings her into shock.
“How are you being so compliant with this stupid royal decree, that you’re willing to thrash forth our friendship?”
“Th-that’s not what I wished to happen, Your Highness, I..” Aeri stutters, her hands trembling as if she’s holding back.
“Then what is it?” Minjeong sniffled. “What is far more important to you than rejuvenating our loose ties because at this point, Aeri, if you loathe me so much—“
“—nonsense! believe me. not ever.” Aeri sternly uttered as she walks towards the princess, gripping both her arms, pliant that she’s able to voice out her truest intentions.
The split-second courage falters, however, as Aeri averts her gaze, sighing frustratedly. “It’s… you would not understand.”
She was about to release her hold when Minjeong fastens her grip this time, her glassy orbs attempting another waterfall. “Then make me.” She croaks out, likely wistful and desperate.
It was like a switch—the moment Minjeong blurts out those words, Aeri’s constraints vanished as she leaned forward to directly crash her lips onto Minjeong’s, the candor in her actions dissolving into a momentary bliss.
It was short yet promising; years worth of inescapable ardor, all the fragmented pieces finally falling into place, and a tinkling realization that hits too close to both hearts thinking: Oh, I'm home.
An immense ecstasy bloomed within Aeri, pulling away from their intimate exchange as she cups her cheeks, rubbing the remaining tears away with her thumb.
“You are everything in my thoughts, my dreams, my profound desires—god, you are the plague seething through my nerves, slowly causing the brink of my death; yet at the same time, you are the seed that is buried deep within my deceased pastures, flourishing them back to life.”
The words sounded graceful coming from Aeri's mouth, and it brought out a pleasing smile from Minjeong. Her chest wavered into a set of eruptive melodies, prying her to come closer, and closer…
“Aeri..” Minjeong whispers, looking up at her, latching her hands onto her shoulders.
“You are a risk, one that I am wholeheartedly willing to take. I love you, for all that I am, Minjeong . I have always did.” was Aeri's words before Minjeong grabs her nape, clashing their mouths together again for a tender kiss.
The freezing wind could not even tower over their passion—Minjeong feels incredibly heated against Aeri's body, pressing herself further that it deludes her into wishing they would just melt into one another.
“Enough, for now. We do not want to give them a free show, don’t you think?” Aeri chuckles as she pulls away, caressing the princess’ lips endearingly.
“Then we shall head to the bedroom. Take me there, get rid of this damned dress, and kiss every crevice of mine. If you so, please.” It comes off haughty yet brittle, courtesy of Minjeong's shaky voice.
Aeri found it cute that the princess was just as desperate as she was—it fulfills her to know that she was burning for someone who was deeply blazing for her in return.
It was nearly thrilling to think that Minjeong was busy in her room, coiling her legs around Aeri's back—all the while the king and his subjects were drunk and laughing their hearts out, celebrating the heiress’ existence.
It barely bothers Minjeong, nonetheless, for all that mattered right now was Aeri. She will fill her mind with nothing but pleasure—the pleasure of retrieving the stolen time that had been reprimanded of her as she made love with the person of her desires.
Recovering from her high, Minjeong weakly trails her hand up Aeri's cheeks, her hooded lids coming to close as she breathes out a whisper.
“I love you, very much so, Aeri.”
The two drift off to sleep afterwards.
•━♛━•
Minjeong wakes up, a lingering emptiness gushing within her as the thought of Aeri's absence came upon.
The latter had risen up hours earlier, just before dawn. She dressed the princess and made the sheets, it’s as if nothing ever happened on the previous night—only the small blemishes on Minjeong's chest reminded her of such a pleasant memory.
It’s for the best, as Aeri whispered to her last night, kissing her temple ever so gently. Minjeong thought it was ridiculous, yet as much as it was a hard pill to swallow, she abides by it.
She settles off from stolen glances and several rendezvous in the library, and if she were braver during the time then she’d pull Aeri in a corner and kiss her fervently, walking back to the halls and greeting the castlefolk with her vanilla-coated lips.
The setup almost drives Minjeong crazy—as if they were two lovers bound by a forbidden affair, and there was nothing she could do about it. Yet .
So one abrasive stormy night, when the two found the opportunity to lay together once again, Minjeong shoots the question.
“Have you ever had plans of.. running away?” She asks whilst nuzzling against Aeri’s chest. It led her to pause her hand that was stroking Minjeong's ginger hair, her form falling into contemplation.
“Now that you’ve mentioned, maybe I do.” And they both laugh. “I'm not entirely sure if you’d want to live a miserable life with me, though. I cannot give you anything but just myself.”
Minjeong heaves a relieved sigh. She hovered up, looming on top as she pressed a light peck on Aeri's lips. “Then it is you I'd still choose, over and over. In a heartbeat.”
•━♛━•
During dinner, Minjeong remains at her best stead. As much as there’s really nothing wrong with her relationship with Aeri (She convinces herself that once in a while), there is still an awful amount of guilt residing within her every time she looks at her parents.
Her breath hitches as soon as the king breaks the deafening silence.
“We haven't spoken in a while, my dear daughter. I take it that you are busy with some of your hobbies these days?”
Minjeong nods. “Yes, I have discovered that I fancy gardening and as well as annotating, Your Majesty. All along, it would not happen if not for Aeri.”
She would love to ignore but there was a repugnant glare from the king the moment she mentions the retainer’s name. As much as she would like to pry on it, she lets it be as the king immediately dismisses his expression with a wavering forced smile.
As soon as they were finished with their meals, Minjeong stiffened upon her father’s request. “A word with princess Minjeong, if I may.” Everyone scooted out of sight immediately, leaving just both the king and the princess in the hall.
“H-how was your day, Papá? Did you—“
“—Minjeong, dearest, you know I am aging. Isn’t that right?” The king asks, his cloak facing the princess as he speaks further. “This kingdom had been passed upon generations of heirs and here you are, the first ever heiress to rule it.”
The king then turns to Minjeong this time, walking closer as he places his hand on the princess’ head. “I am beyond proud of you, dearest. However, I am growing impatient. We have been accustomed to several balls and yet, I notice that you are not coursing well with the males.”
Minjeong frowned upon the king’s account. Not this again..
“With all due respect, Papá, I'm really not into that part of my life just yet. If anything, I'm pretty sure it will come, eventually.” She responds without any trace of revealing suspicions.
But her father, clever as he is, began to reason. “No, dear. Clearly, you are distracted. Your affiliation with this.. Aeri girl you speak of—“
“—this has nothing to do with her.” Minjeong did not mean to break off, but with her reaction, it’s as if the king’s intuitions were true.
“I have long been patient with her existence in your life but it seems to me that she has been reverting you from your aspirations. You are a princess, Minjeong. Live up to your title and to your family.”
Minjeong’s brows furrowed. “If I may to speak freely, Your Majesty. Aeri has been there for me since we were little. I stand by what I said. She has nothing to do with the fact that I despise being used like a puppet just for the sake of some royal reputation.”
Minjeong regrets lashing out at her father, yet she does not regret her words. It leaves the king disconcerted, left in his stance as Minjeong rushes away in no time. There was a scheduled clean up at the library at the moment, so it leaves her no choice to rest inside her quarters.
She falls onto her mattress, grabbing a pillow as her cries are muffled by the thick foam. It was just not fair, having her life decided upon some legacy—when in the first place, this was her own story to write. It creates a hollowness in her heart, sinking gravely to her remorse that she fails to become aware of her door shuffling.
“Hey, I brought your favorite—Minjeong? My love, what’s wrong?” Aeri hastened to place the tray on the drawers as she wraps her arms to bring the weeping girl into an embrace.
Minjeong refused to speak, instead, she urges her for a kiss, instantly finding comfort upon the contact. Aeri willingly responded as she ran her fingers through the princess’ hair, pulling her closer than ever.
The exchange was interrupted by the sudden counts of knocking on the door, causing Aeri to frantically fix her features before she opens the frame.
“Y-your Majesty…”
Minjeong’s ears rang. What does he want this time?
“Apologies for the intrusion. I know I would find you here, knowing my daughter…” The king mumbled. “…I request an audience with you, Uchinaga Aeri.”
“Papá!” Minjeong exclaimed.
“Worry not, dearest, I am only here to bring forth good news to her.” Aeri gazes at the king with confusion. She then turns to Minjeong who was just as clueless.
“As you wish, Your Majesty.”
“Brilliant! I shall be anticipating you at the messhall in a bit. For now, I asked of Jimin to accompany my daughter for the night. We have a lot to ponder upon, after all.” The king then leaves as Jimin prompted from behind, nodding as a greeting.
Aeri was ready to leave as well when Minjeong took her wrist as if she sought for a few minutes more with her.
“You will come back after. I-it’s an order. From me. Your princess—no, your future queen.”
Minjeong instilled, her tone laced both with eagerness and fear. Aeri responded with a faint smile, whispering sweet promises onto the princess’ ear as they parted shortly.
•━♛━•
Minjeong reminisced the way Aeri's fingers grazed upon hers the last time they held each other.
Has it been too long? Surely, half of the day isn’t really long enough, but Minjeong ached to see her again. Aeri did not show up after her discourse with the king, nor the following morning, to the next hour.
It would be impossible for the princess not to feel anxious about all this, especially from the fact that Aeri is easily distinguished from these castle walls. She would never mistake any other brunette from Aeri, and it hurls her into a vast train of thoughts.
“Pardon my forgetfulness, but Aeri had set off at dawn. She has… far more crucial commitments to harbor, dearest.”
As the king’s voice gradually registered, minjeong’s body froze. “What?”
“I will not repeat myself. Come along now, dear child. I have requested your favorite meal to be served.”
“No. You are deceiving me.” Minjeong utters, rather hesitant.
“Are you insinuating that your father is a liar?” The king stares her down with a condescending remark.
“Then tell me why it had to be sooner.”
“A letter was delivered to the kingdom. It was specifically written for Aeri. She… she has a family way back, waiting for her return.”
Minjeong’s flaring emergence dissipated from hearing the news. She knew that Aeri had always been alone. That it was just her and Mrs. Uchinaga until her mother left for paradise. This was actually a nice change of pace for her, and Minjeong feels a little relieved, yet still confused as to why she was never informed of it.
“We have discussed this thoroughly, Minjeong. She embarked on her own choice.” The king puts a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “People come about and leave if they must, dearest. I know you would understand.”
Minjeong hardly feels her own skin, sitting on her designated chair. The food tasted rubbish. The voices were barren. She could not get something—anything at all across her system.
Later that night, she cries herself to sleep, clutching the hem of her nightdress, her hands fondling its stitchworks, hopelessly trying to make sense of these remnants. (She dreamt of Aeri holding her hand the way she always did. It drowns her into deep melancholy.)
•━♛━•
The sun was brighter than ever today, and it so happened that Minjeong was to be out horseriding as set on her schedule. What great timing.
Jimin lightly pulled the horse’s reins to her way, quietly leading them to the shaded parts of the field. Minjeong is grateful for the small deed as she offered her large handkerchief because Jimin was absolutely sweating buckets.
“Your kindness ensues me, Your Highness. But no need, really.”
“I insist.”
In the end, Jimin took the cloth in defeat. “Aeri would definitely kill me for this..” She mumbles.
Minjeong raised a brow. “And why is that?”
“Oh, you know, Your Highness… traditional plights… a lady offering a handkerchief symbolizes their attraction to someone, does it not?”
The princess laughs, shaking her head out of the raven’s quirk. “Silly you, we are no longer in the early middle ages. I don’t even think we still manage to practice that, anyways…”
Jimin shrugs. “You should never be too sure, Your Highness.”
“You must have an entwined attachment with her.” Jimin looks up at the princess.
“Who, Aeri? Ah, well, technically, we were both raised by her mother, so..”
Minjeong’s mouth encircled at the newfound information. “Fascinating. I'm glad she has other people to lean on to.“
Especially during those weary days of her loss. Minjeong remembered having no choice but to travel far to London that time for a stupid ball, again. Her guilt almost consumed her wholly that day.
“I miss her.” She whispers to herself, almost tearful.
“I'm sure as hell that lad misses you too.” Jimin mindlessly babbles. “Bet she could not even last a day without you on that deserted land. Poor chum.”
Minjeong’s head perked up from Jimin's clause. “Y-you know where she is?”
“Of course. The king banished her away, remember? He bribed her with massive fortune. She did it for your own good, however. So please, do not resent her for this.”
There was a strong battle between exhilaration and betrayal, both emotions driving her insane. Her grip on the reins tightened, an unspeakable rage building up within her.
“Unmount me, Jimin. I would like to speak with His Majesty.”
She treads slowly despite the adrenaline that her emotions were prying onto her, trying her best to remain at ease. She reaches the king’s firm, with the door slightly creased open as she overlooked him and her mother conversing. She presses her ear to the soft wood as everything unraveled before her.
“This was not what we had discussed. I owe her mother tons and you would unabashingly thrash her for banishment? nonsense!” The queen almost shouts, disdained.
“There was no other choice, loveliest. Besides, I coaxed her with riches. She will be fine on her own.”
“What about our daughter then? How long will you conceal this wretched pact from her?”
Before the king could speak, stupefied they were in their grounds, watching the princess walk her way inside the quarters. “I think I will be fine. I have heard long enough.”
“Dearest….” Her mother called.
The king’s lips quivered, unsure of what to say. “Minjeong, dear, there has been a mistake..”
Minjeong raised her palms, dismissing the fallaced concern. “None at all, Papá. it has been brought onto me. As clear as day. You deceived me.”
The king pretentiously chuckled. “Nonsense! I did it for your own good, Minjeong. It was also clear as day that she chose to leave.”
“Because you left her no choice! You are always like that, Papá. Just because you are king does not give you the right to rule over people, using them like helpless pawns!”
“Your Majesty!” The queen shrieks, horrified by what he had just done.
There was a lingering sting etched upon the side of her face, numb enough that she felt it in her heart instead. It throbbed so terribly that it brought her into tears.
“You have been nothing but disrespectful to me, young lady. This is all that Aeri child’s doing. I was right to banish her all along.”
“Then might as well put me into exile, Your Majesty. since I have been very juvenile to you. Go ahead.”
Minjeong screamed from the guards’ restraints, forcing her arms still as they mightily chained her wrists to the wooden frame of her bed.
“You cannot do this to me, Papá, I asked for exile, not imprisonment!”
The king watches her from her doorway, head shaking in disbelief. “I'm sorry, dearest. We love you very much, and you know that we are doing this for your own good.”
With the royal knights ignoring her pleas, they scurried off one by one, sealing the door shut as the room echoed of the princess’ wails. She sobbed and tried to seek solace with the pleasant view of the meadows, yet her windows were barred as if she was in a dungeon cell.
Minjeong had not stopped weeping that very day. Moment to moment, her thoughts are of Aeri, and every time, it shatters her that she is not within the distance, that there are merely any traces of her lover, just the piercing anonymity of this crippled chasm.
•━♛━•
Subsequently, Minjeong had been provided with her daily necessities. The king was not that cruel to leave her daughter thinning and tweaking.
As if that sounded any better.
She refuses to entertain anyone, as well. The princess became temporarily mute, her replies only limited to body languages, and it pains the queen to watch her like this.
“Tonight, you shall uplift your treacherous penalty. Look at her, Your Majesty! She is barely functioning like a human anymore. I am highly infuriated with what you have done as a father and I will see to it that I have her under my care in the morrow.”
The king nodded passively. “Loveliest, perhaps I may have been too harsh on her?”
“Harsh is such an understatement, Your Lordship. And please stop calling me that. If you must, I need to part. Set things right this time.” The queen sternly advocates, swiftly walking away.
After what seemed like hours of prideful convergence with himself, it was about time that the king admits to his wrongs, eventually. The moon was set to a wonderful angle tonight, and he thinks it was of great ambience to offer his sincerest apologies to his child.
“Dearest?” The king knocks once, unbeknownst of Minjeong's state.
The king knocks twice, hoping that this time, he receives an answer. Although, she might be asleep already. Tt was quite already late, after all.
His attempt on another knock became hindered as a knight was dashing along his way.
“Your Majesty, the princess, she’s…”
•━♛━•
Minjeong stirred awake upon hearing a few clanks right below her. Her vision clears as her vigor instantly reemanated upon the sight of jimin.
“J-jimin! what are you.. doing?”
Jimin struggles to wreck the chains with her handy pliers. “What does it look like? I'm breaking you out of here, princess…”
“To where?”
“I've… I've been into contact with Aeri. She writes me letters as I do too. I figured it was time. You need not to suffer anymore here, Your Highness. so the choice is upon you.
Will you run away from here and never return?”
The question leaves her baffled, as if all the weight had been lashed out onto her. She didn’t think it’d be this hard, either. But for all she knows, living in this horrible place was not who she was meant to be.
If this is the chance of redeeming her glory, the willpower to be able to direct her own story, then so be it.
“Yes.”
As Jimin was preparing their bags on the stable, Minjeong took her precious time to observe the castle she grew up in.
She will lose everything. Her parents. Her title. Her royalty. Her legacy as the heiress. Minjeong knew that all too well.
Yet enough is enough. Just like a dove spreading out its wings, Minjeong has to chase her freedom.
“Halt! Who goes there?!”
Their stealth did not serve them much longer, unfortunately, since every knight was trained for their keen eye. So Jimin loses her ministrations as she hurriedly mounts a horse with Minjeong.
The horse speeding off alarmed the whole palace as they immediately reached it out to the royal couple, causing them to rush onto the balcony, spotting their daughter from afar. They screamed in agony as the king ordered for a midnight manhunt, bearing all his power in being able to stop Jimin from taking the princess away.
The moment they set hooves outside the palace’s vicinity, Minjeong clutched the hood on her head, never even thinking about sparing any glance backwards.
Slowly, but surely, Minjeong lets go.