We're part of the moonlight
Ain't a fantasy

You felt a weight lifted from your shoulders when the royal guard or palace security welcomed you and Tala in. The royal reception, as well as the royal servants, captivated Tala. Tala has never experienced something like royalty before. She is already concerned about Hwannie's new way of life.

 Your mother is in her private rooms, and the ladies have been instructed to bring you up. The size of the Royal residence in Madrid took Tala's breath away. The entrance was enormous with winding staircases, white and gold wall panelling, marble floors, and beautiful chandeliers. Her friend is an actual princess, and the way the maids and ladies bowed humbly before their "royal highness" was breathtaking.

"This is a whole new level of affluence...I can't believe you live in such luxury as Princess  Amaris" As you were brought up the exquisite marble stairs, she teased you as you simply shoved her shoulder.

Your mother sat in her private blue lounge, sipping tea and reading the newspaper. Your father, the King, is still in the meeting with Prince Jin-Goo's dad, his brother.

When you consider Jin-Goo's predicament, you feel sorry for him and Tala. Tala will never knowingly cause him grief by forcing him into a loveless marriage, no matter how much she loves him. His parents may have rigged the royal protocol system for him and Tala, but he must make a choice, and Tala isn't it, even if she had it with the arrogant "prince."

The royal staff bows and refers to you in every hallway. Tala is speechless.

"This place is enormous, your highness?" She fixed her gaze on your scrunched-up nose.

You chuckle, "Don't be funny."

"Oh no, I don't want to be imprisoned for disrespecting the Royal Princess."She chuckles. As you ascended another flight of stairs to the private quarters, you linked arms with her.

She is following in the footsteps of the ladies.

"My mother's private quarters are where we'll be. She's excited to meet my best friend and new sister." You exchange a warm smile in each other's eyes.

The ladies open the large double doors, and you run up to your mother, who stands up and embraces you warmly.

Tala froze as she witnessed the unadulterated love between mother and daughter. Her heart tightens as she realizes how much she misses her mother, who has deserted her. You turn around and motion for your friend to join you in welcoming the Queen.

Tala is well-versed in royal protocol and she curtsies and bows in front of her friends' smiling mother.

Tala, our lovely Tala. We've heard a lot of things about you. Thank you for taking such good care of my daughter and being such a good friend to her. Please accept our apologies for the secrecy." She apologetically looked at Tala.

"I understand the strict enforcement of the secret, Your highness," Tala says cordially.

She grabbed your and Tala's hands and motioned for you to sit close to her on the sofas. Two royal guards guarded the door.

Tala was anxious. The queen made a gesture with her hand. You wanted to snicker at your friend's red expression.

"So, tell me your story, my dear Tala...and how you, my prim and proper Prince Jin-Goo, fathered the first royal great-granddaughter."

"Your Majesty...Mom!" You yelled instead of whispering. Whether you're a queen or not. Your mother is a real girl.

You saw how Tala blushed bright red. Poor Tala. She just told your mom that it was a huge mistake being with Jin-Goo, but she'll always be thankful to him for giving her a wonderful child.

Your mom just smiled. She seems to like your friend a lot. The three of you caught up on your career. Your internship and your plans to start a partnership. You and Tala talked about starting a firm that will deal with the Entertainment business. You can't wait. 

After spending a few minutes with the Queen, you and Tala rode the glass elevators to the royal bedroom suites. You don't want to take Tala up any of the stairwells. When you get to the rooms, you will be out of breath and sweaty. She is interested in seeing the several immaculate hallways and rooms. There are two guards on each side of every hallway. They bow to you two.

You show her the music and art rooms on your way to your royal suites. Tala's eyes grew in size. The splendour of each suite astounded her. The colours were wealthy. Everything has been modernized. She talked about how Hwannie would love to sit in this room for the entire day and do her paintings. 

There were portraits on incomplete canvasses all over the place. A thin fabric was draped over one big canvas.

As you indicated to the canvas, you smiled. "The royal portrait painter, Marques, is working on a painting of the royal couple, the queen and the king. He's already finished with my grandmother's and mine.' Let's get out of here as soon as possible. Our painter has a lot of anxiety. He does not want anyone to look at or peek at his work. "You make for a happy face.

Tala's eyes widened as she said, "Vicky wow. It's incredible to imagine yourself as a real-life princess. Hwannie must be ecstatic to see the Duchess' tiaras right now."

"You do realize that Hwannie's royal life will naturally bring about a change in yours," you grin as you link arms with her.

Tala took a deep breath in,  "Another thing to keep secret will be that. I'm not sure she'll be able to keep her true identity hidden for long. When we return to South Korea, Vicky, I don't want to be associated with Jin-Goo. I'm sick of people I love hurting me. I just want to forget about Jin-Goo and get over Hwannie's dedication. I have trust in my soulmate's genuine affection for me. Otherwise, I'll  be doomed  to live half of my life."

You cast a sad glance towards your friend, who has a pained expression on her face. Jin-Goo's attitude hurt her. The prince does not view Tala in a romantic light. He doesn't think she's a good fit for him. He is smitten with Seolhyun. Unfortunately, the only two people who could be fit for his parents are their grandchild's mother or Prince and Francesca, both of whom are unacceptable to the egotistical prince.

"Don't be too bothered about that insensitive prince jerk," you swung around and hugged me tightly." I want to beat him to death with my bare hands. Let's rejoice in your birthday and the arrival of our soul marks. My mother has something special in store for the two of us. Her beauticians will be pampering us at the Royal spa. Your hair will be done by your moms' stylist, Eva Fernandez, and she has a slew of nail and face beauticians lined up. We'll watch some movies at the in-house cinema with all the snacks we can eat, and mom said we could go to a polo match with my future betrothed on Thursday. Ugh, "You pulled your eyebrows together and scrunched up your nose.  According to your mother, Count Eduardo and his parents and entourage are expected to arrive this afternoon.

Tala was shocked, and she couldn't wait to see the lovely and humble queen. Tala was not treated as a second-class citizen but as a good friend.

"Tala, my dear, we are just people," you chuckle softly. Only if you have a title. Whether we are royalty or not, we all experience sadness and suffering. We are not superior human beings to others. Our goal is to ensure that our countries are peaceful and that our citizens are satisfied. We can't make people submit, but my parents strive to run the government with good intentions.."

"You are good people," Tala says with a nod. It's a shame your first royal residence is a little dangerous for you because no one knows if King Ino's family will retaliate and attack you due to his death."

You took a deep breath, "That is mainly why my parents want me to marry; they do not believe that King Ino is dead. His funeral in the Philippines was weird. The palace is still uneasy about everything, but Tala, let's not get into that terrifying moment in my life. Just thinking about being forced to marry that horrible brat gives me goosebumps."

You shiver noticeably, simply remembering your second-year trauma. Tala simply rubbed your arms as you strolled down the magnificent hallways. You are greeted by numerous guards and maids who bow and walk quickly to complete their tasks and roles. They were all watching their princess's best friends with great excitement.

Tala studied the royal family's portraits. Family dynasty of the Ronquillos. The four princes, Vickys' siblings, and herself were all in one. The queen and the monarch and the crown prince's wife and two young sons are all there. Then there were paintings of King Felix and his wife cradling a newborn Vicky in a long white and gold gown. Her dedication day.  She has a lovely appearance. Then there was the King's only brother, Jin- -Goos father, depicted in a family portrait. The Duke and Duchess of Spain with Jin-Goo, a teen, Amaia and Karmina, his two young pre-teen twin sisters.

Tala wears a delighted expression. "You and Jin-goo and his sisters appear to be more Asian than the rest of your family," she says, looking at you.

You nod and say. "When my grandfather married the Philippines South Region royal princess, he was Asian.  Jin-Goo and his twin sisters, as well as two of my brothers, have Asian features. Jin-Goosmother was an Asian royal lady before marrying my uncle, the Duke. Her genes have been passed down to all of her children. Jin-Goo has his father's face but his mother's eyes."

"All right, I've never heard of your family before. We didn't study "World royal history" in school, as you know. That was not a subject we chose. Now I see why you didn't want to study royal dynasties." With a renewed understanding, Tala said.

"Yeah, I was concerned you'd start researching deeper into my family history without my knowledge and discover something. I kept my hair in a short bob and just wore glasses. You may have noticed that I have long hair in my royal portraits. Jin-Goo was Yeo, and my surname was Choi. We both adopted the surname of our security detail's "dads." You told her about it. Tala grins.

Do you have a long list of royal family names? "She teased you.

"Please don't ask, my dear. Some of my British royal relatives even named me. I go by three different names. "Maria  Adelaide* Victoria* Ronquillo*   Don't appear surprised. For the dedication, you and Jin-goo will have to rename Hwannie. She must adopt her father's surname."

"What!" Tala groans. " My grandma gave Hwan-Hee the name. She's a Bang, to put it that way. Her name is one of my favourites.

Tala wasn't pleased, you replied with a smile. " Inform Jin-Goo and the royal registrar that you have chosen Hwan-hee as her first name, and Jin-goo can provide her with the rest of the names. Bang Hwan-hee is still an option for her.

Tala breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that her daughters' identity would not be compromised." That's great; there are a lot of hallways here."

"Don't worry," you said, chuckling. " Our destination has been reached. My room can be found there. Allow me to take you to my quarters so we may go to yours and unwind for an hour. I believe your stuff has already been taken by maids. My mother assigned a maid to look after your needs. She'll prepare a bath for you with all of the oils and salts. You can select from various essences, oils, and soaps. It feels great to relax."

'I feel like a spoilt princess,' Tala says, her eyes glowing.

"If you marry Jin-Goo, you'll become a princess," you said with a grin.

When you noticed her glum demeanour, you burst out laughing.

" We both know it's not going to happen. I'm not sure if Jin-goo isn't resentful of me for forcing him into this position. His betrothed is going to hate me. And I shall understand. She was intended to be the mother of his first child, but it was taken from her by a commoner. I'm just relieved that his mother understands. She believes we will be soulmates. That will enrage Jin-Goo to no limit." Tala wiped the wetness from her eyes. She only wants to spend the rest of her vacation with You before returning home.

You arrived at the gold-decorated twin darkish wooden doors. Two guards open the doors, which lead to a stunning white and gold hallway with four doors on each side and one large golden double door in the front at the end.

" Welcome to my domain...my quarters."You ecstatically wave your arms about. Tala was wide-eyed as you led her to the first door. It was a twin-bedded room.

"When Danish or Monaco royal families visit for royal festivities, their daughters are frequently placed in my quarters for companionship. Amaia and Karmina always occupy the twin room. Here, we usually have a lot of fun. The other door leads to a bedroom as well. Unfortunately, this one will be occupied by Princess Fransesca. She'll be a pain in the neck. Then I have my own lounge where we can relax, eat snacks, host parties, and speak about boys, among other things. And you'll be staying in the blue and white room. My favourite room   When you discover my secret, I informed my mother, you would always occupy this one."  Tala, look at your beaming face. She was astounded that you had thought about her.

The magnificence and superiority of each area left Tala awestruck. The interior design was unique. Each room had its charm. But, each room has its en suite bathroom and a television with gold frames.

You smirked as you entered Tala's room. It was fantastic.

"Wow...wow...Misty blue is my favourite colour. Thank you for allowing me to sleep in this lovely place. Is it okay if I take pictures?"

You smile and nod. "However, the caption should be changed so that no one connects it with the Spanish Royal Residence. Our wings are not for public tours or museum spaces where the general public can enjoy themselves."Let me take you to my room, where we may perhaps hang out together. I'm going to take a bath to unwind. Allow me to show you around my room, after which you are welcome to return and refresh, and then you may return to refresh. Don't be concerned; my future fiance and his family will be arriving at 6 p.m. for the royal informal dinner. I can ask my parents to cook us dinner in one of the small dining rooms where the young people normally have their own chats away from the uptight adults. We can talk and be as unroyal as we like." Tala looks a little uncomfortable hearing about that.

"OK, show me the bedroom suited for your highness," Tala smirked. As you opened the door, you shook your head. Your room is decorated with purple, gold, and white panelling. You have a princess canopy bed with a mosquito net. You adore your room and look forward to unwinding in it every day.

"Vicky, oh my gosh. It's enormous. In this room, we can have a soccer match. Your king-size bed is fantastic. Your bedding is stunning. You have truly opened my eyes to the royal way of life."

"Thank you, but it may be quite lonely in here. I spend a lot of time with my mum and grandmother and watch many movies. Only when the twins come to visit can I relax. The male royals' guest room is next to mine in the wing. Jin-Goo and Eduardo will occupy those rooms. I'll take you to Hwannie's room. It's all set up just for her. The palace will be bustling this weekend as Hwannie is dedicated."

"Oh no, more royals to loathe me, "Tala mumbled as she sat down on purple sofa chairs.

You sat next to her in the chair next to hers, apologizing to her. "My friend, please accept my heartfelt apologies. I'm sure you're under a lot of pressure inside. Don't worry; the count will not be joining us for supper tonight. After 8 p.m., they will be alone with my family. You are welcome to come in and rest while I meet with his family in my father's lounge. If you like, we can have takeout."

"whoa. "Tala's face blossomed into a burst of colour as she clapped her hands in excitement.

"Let me tell my mother, and one of the ladies-in-waiting will bring it up for us. Is it something you'd like to do? Tala, I'd like you to have a good time in my residence. When we return, we'll put in long hours. "You'll make her feel secure in your presence. Your friend is under a lot of pressure.

You and Tala share a few moments before your maids come in and prepare the separate baths for you and your friend. You placed an order for hamburgers and sodas. When your mother learned that you and Tal will spend time together and that you will meet Eduardo's parents later, she simply shook her head.

You were in such a good mood. You wear casual clothing until you meet with your "future fiance" that evening. You're torn between your feelings regarding the upcoming engagement. However, your parents will only finalize it once you've met your soulmate and revealed the strings. For the time being, the ball is in your court. Eduardo isn't bothered about waiting for you because he and his "soulmate" are now good friends.

You and Tala savour your lunch while watching Netflix films. You show her your favourite Spanish TV shows and movies. Tala is enamoured with it, and she now wishes to study Spanish for real. She has always admired your linguistic skills.

Tala sat in your living room while you wore a formal white gown. You requested that your maids don't assist you in getting dressed. They didn't bother you.

As you were about to leave with the ladies waiting for you, Tala took a lovely photo of you. You looked uneasy as you learned that the royal family had arrived and was finishing their supper with the King. The next day, you'll introduce Tala to the King. Even if he appears intimidating, your father is a genuinely nice man.

When the guards opened the double doors leading to your father's private lounge, the announcer stood straight.

As you entered, he bowed and said, "Her, Royal Highness, Princess  Amaris of Spain —-arrived." Your parents and potential in-laws were lounging in the lounge chairs. They all bow to you as the count rises from his seat, walks up to you, takes your hands in his, and kisses the back of your hand. As he leads you to your beaming parents, you bow with a bit of a smile. You bow to your parents and the guest. Your father rose from his seat and drew you into a warm embrace. You turn around, pleased, as Count Eduardo takes your hand to be seated next to him. 

The royal guests' servers offered you your favourite beverage because you are not yet legal to drink alcoholic beverages. His parents were ecstatic to see how much you had changed. They were delighted to ask your hand in marriage for their son, who seemed to have been enamoured with you since you were sixteen years old.

Eduardo smirks as he sips his wine, his eyes shining with a sheer appreciation for your new beauty, and you simply grin as you see how handsome the count has grown. The stoic nerd suddenly became "hot."

You inhaled deeply, already feeling the dread that you would fall in love with Jin-Goos' grown-up friend.

◦◦,'°.✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽.°',◦◦

A/n. Moonchild returns with a new chapter. I hope you enjoyed interacting with the two friends at the royal residence.

Thank you to all new readers, voters, and those who have added the book to their reading list. Please don't be a shadow reader. Please share your thoughts by commenting.

Shout out to @lilssweetie @Yoonmin_star @willerdy_paola @carbin9armay @ArielThomas9

Question 1: Do you believe you'll put Joonie aside and focus on Eduardo?

Question 2: Do you believe Jin-goo will pick Tala, Seolhyun, or the haughty Princess as his wife?

Question 3: Will Tala leave Jin-Goo alone?

Question 4: Do you believe that King Ino is still alive?

Congratulations to the following readers who come up with the most suitable name for our Princess. I have made my choice.

1s place winner༶•┈┈⛧┈♛

Amaris * by @tinaphilonavz 

 Congrats- you will receive a dedication in the next update and a shout out between the chapters in the rest of the Soulbound series, where Amaris made her first debut. So, find out in the following books: Serendipity and Euphoria.

2nd place winners༶•┈┈⛧┈♛

Victoria, Elizabeth by @DEVIL-QUEEN2001 -congrats. Victoria and Adelaide are part of our female lead royal names.

Elizabeth- is part of Hwannie's- royal name after the dedication. And Adelaide by @Inqxie, congratulations to both of you.

3rd place winner༶•┈┈⛧┈♛

Amaia by @GebreGziabeher and Karmina by @Mech_x4fan

-congrats to you for giving the names of Jin-Goo's twin sisters