1 1. The Crown Prince
ᴺᴬᴱᴵᴸ
Everyone seems to be busy and panicking about a certain occasion. It was an early morning at the Kim's residence and I have no idea what was going on. The sun was still nowhere to be seen yet everyone seems to be awake at this time. I am usually early for a morning walk routine and I know when something like this comes up — a special event, perhaps?
"Miss," a low voice made me jump from where I am standing. I turned around and almost hit him with my sword because of the shock he gave me. He raised his arm up to cover his head and stepped back. I could hit him but I won't. I sighed and looked away from him, walking off to start my day.
The morning breeze is always my favorite. Everything seems to be calm and fine at this time that I always want to spend my everyday walking on the empty streets of the Joseon.
"Who's our guest for today? A powerful kin from the other town?" I asked my friend who keeps following me, but stays in the shadows even when I knew he is always behind me.
"From our own kingdom. The Prince," I stopped on my tracks and I felt he did too. The Prince? How come? He walked to me and stood by my side as he sighed and smiled at me.
"The day has come, Naeil," he told me as if I don't have any idea. Truth is, I know. But, never thought it was really today. It was too soon, than I expected. The Lady has just turned eighteen. I remember clearly that she shall marry after her 18th birthday but that was just a week ago.
"Mino," I called up to him when he took his gaze off me to look at the burning skies, the sun is already rising. It was a beautiful sight but I can't bring myself to fully appreciate how magnificent it is.
"Hmm?" he hummed, eyes still on the skies. I pulled my sword and pointed at his neck. He was surprised reason why he quickly moved away, pulling out his own sword but stopped midway and immediately bowed down. Confused, I crouched a bit to see him, while still holding out my sword.
"I want to practice," I told him but he didn't move. Instead, he bowed a little more. "Why are y-" someone cut me off.
"So you still practice with real swords?" I was taken aback with the Lady's voice behind me. I quickly withdrew my sword and faced her. I bowed and said my apologies. My heart was booming when I felt her coming near. I slowly lift my head up to meet her gaze and I almost regretted it. She looked upset and mad at what she saw earlier, it made me panic. For some reason, I don't want her to be angry at me.
Her eyes shifted on the man behind me and back at me, still with the scowl. I could admit that I am at fault but then, Mino and I always practice at this hour. It is not our fault that she would be up this early in the morning. So, must I blame her then? Stupid, Naeil.
"No. It's just..." I nudged Mino behind me to help me with an excuse but the Lady must have notice what I did so she looked at him sharply and ordered him to look at her. I could feel his nervousness and I could only swallow when she shot me her glares.
"No, Lady Kim. It just so happens that it was what you witnessed. We usually practiced with sticks as you wanted," he said that made me sigh. I am relieved that he could lie so smoothly in front of our Lady like that, unlike me. I must commend him for it. Later.
"It's the truth, Lady Kim," I seconded when she is still giving me her glares. It is not that I have done the worst thing, do I? She just hated the idea that one of us might actually get hurt if we use real swords during practice.
"Why are you suddenly addressing me formally?" she shot back, making me realize that I did call her Lady.
"Sorry, Aejung," I take back and pursed my lips after realizing that I've made so many mistakes today. I saw her smirk and it calmed everything inside me. Finally, that playful smile showed up. Now, my day's a little better.
We spent more time outside, strolling around, with the Lady. Mino and I were following behind her, exchanging knowing glances from time to time. We were trying hard not to laugh loudly because she might hear us but it was too late when she saw us smiling.
"Didn't I tell you to walk with me? Why are you guys following behind?" Quickly, we went to her, walking along with her. It could appear that the two of us were too scared of her but who isn't? No one could dare make the Lady angry at any circumstance.
"I think we should head back, Aejung. Your guest might arrive any time soon," I told her when we almost forgot about the time. She nodded and turned back from where we walked. But, I could sense how her mood suddenly changed. And this isn't the first time she had mood swings. It almost happens everyday that it scares me, sometimes. What could be the reason?
Just a few hours after we arrived, their expected guests came. It was a good thing that I asked her to head back as she had to get ready for the luncheon. Everyone was amazed and pleased to see the Crown Prince, grazing the grounds of the house like the royalty he is. It was no doubt that His Highness is really of class. He is breathtakingly good-looking that every woman would beg for his attention, and do everything just to please him, whatever it takes.
Every woman, but that excludes me. He is attractive as all would describe. I heard he's also kind and intelligent. There's no reason to reject a man like him. But, I am not really fit to be his lady. And he is not a man I would give my heart to.
While the family is having their lunch with the Prince, I spent my time strolling around the residence. There are palace guards scattered on every corner and it isn't surprising. The Prince needs protection and that also includes everyone in this household.
I was asked to stay inside and join the lunch but I insisted on going out and skipping the event. It is not that I do not want to join them but I will just feel out of place if ever I stayed with them. Though they consider me as part of their family, there is still this barrier that sets me apart them. And for some reason, being a part of their family actually breaks my heart.
It is almost sunset when I came back to the house. And the Crown Prince has just left a while ago. I could go to the Lady's quarters but I stayed in front of their grounds where I saw Mino, standing still so I decided to talk to him.
"How did the lunch go?" I asked before I realized he looked worried about something.
"What happened?" I asked when he didn't say anything but kept his gaze on me, concerned.
"They talked about the royal wedding. I heard it will be in a month's time," he informed me and I could only nod. I don't know but seems like my tongue got tied, I couldn't say anything. My mind went blank for a moment and the only thing I want to do now is to see her.
"Then why do you look devastated? We should be happy for our lady," I told him, but more to myself. I patted his shoulder and smiled at him weakly. I might not tell him, and he might not confront me but I know he knows something. And I appreciate how he cares for me and how sensitive he is when he talks to me.
"Lady Aejung is with Lady Chaeyoung now," he said. I see. I can't go to her if she is with her friend right now. But, I really want to see her.
"Do you want to have a drink?" I raised my brow at him and I'm sure he get the idea. I know he would decline it but father suddenly came and stopped us with our scheme.
"How many times do I have to tell you not to drink, Naeil?" he started scolding me. But he wasn't at all angry. I chuckled and shook my head at my master's stern look. He raised his eyebrow while he stared at me.
"I'm sorry, father. But it was a joke. I'm not really going to drink," I explained when his gaze darted to Mino, as if blaming him for my behaviour. "Mino didn't do anything wrong, father. I was just playing with him," I laughed. He laughed too before he left us for a meeting with his friends.
I went to Lady Aejung after I talked to Mino. Though I know she is still with Lady Park, I still went to see her. They were outside of the Lady's quarter when I came. Just in time, because her friend is already bidding goodbye. I bowed and greeted the young lady and she did the same too. I was left flattered by her cute way of addressing my name.
"Where were you earlier?" she asked when Lady Park was completely out of sight. I smiled cutely at her before stepping a little closer to her. I stood in front of her, while I'm so glad to her, she looked upset again. Why is it that everytime she sees me, she always look upset and disappointed?
"I went out for a walk," I shrugged and looked up at the night sky. Silence reigned over us and I could feel my heart beating loudly for an unknown reason. I stepped a little away from her, afraid that she might notice how conscious I am right now. What is happening to me? I've always spent this time with her but I feel weird this past several days. I don't know why.
"The prince..." she trailed. I waited until she continues but she didn't so I cut her through it.
"He is dashing, isn't he? He's perfect," I tried to sound excited but I felt my voice trembling as if I do not really admire the prince. Though it's kind of true at some point but why can't I lie about it? Why?!
I could feel her intense stare at me reason why I couldn't look at her even when I want to. I want to see her reaction but she's staring at me and I do not want to meet her eyes. Not now that I am weirded out of my feelings.
"Why are you talking about him that way? I don't even like him," she said it so honestly that I was taken aback. I even saw how her helps were shocked at her almost scandalous revelation.
"But now, I think I hate him," she added, making the situation even worse. I was so shocked at her words, especially at her choice of word, that I do not know how to retaliate and how to save the prince's honor.
"Aejung," her name was the only thing I could manage to say.
"I'm tired. I'll be resting now. You can leave," she said without even looking at me and headed to her door. She did not even gave me time to say anything. She just made me leave like that.
"Alright, goodnight," I uttered fast as she was scurrying inside her quarters.
What just happened?
