CHAPTER FIVE:
Prince of Ardor

• • •

Sleeping during the day still did not come easily. I didn't even doze, but it ended up as a blessing. I was able to sneak out just at the beginning of sunset, alone. Praying Sky would not be upset with me, I slipped out of the Day Palace and made my way across the courtyard, which looked entirely different at such an hour.

Rather than an empty stretch of space, the courtyard was bordered with countless flickering blue flames, all of which were suspended in the air by some mystical force. And in the center, a good number of elves—Dethali, by the looks of it—were training. Rows and rows of white-armored soldiers sparred with one another, chanting out their positions and attacks. I'd always imagined them to move stiffly, tensely, but they glided into each form like flowing creeks. Their synchronization alone left me in awe, but it was the coral light of the setting sun glinting off their blades that kept me mesmerized.

Something about the strength in the warriors' chants, the solidness behind their movements felt comforting. It was something sure, which was a feeling I'd been missing for too long.

Keeping to the blue-lit borders of their training grounds, I made it to the expansive staircase of the Grand Palace before someone stopped me.

"You, halfling," a female elf called out from halfway up the steps. She spoke with authority, and the depth in her voice had me squaring my shoulders.

"Yes?" I answered, pausing to look up at her. She wore a mildly armored white bodysuit similar to the Dethali gear, with a translucent cape drifting in the breeze behind her slender frame. Her wispy black hair was tied into a bun. She took controlled steps down toward me, locking in her chilling gaze. It was as if that look alone turned me to stone.

"What do I call you?" she asked bluntly. The shine of her dangling piercings drew my attention to her ears, and I realized she was a Teseran.

There's a princess in the Royal Family?

"I'm Moon of Oreth, princess."

She scoffed. "You're mistaken if you think I'm a princess."

"You're not of the Royal Family?"

Her gaze burned into a glare. "Where are you headed?"

"I'm not sure. Hoping to introduce myself to the princes."

Her scarlet-painted lips stretched into a distasteful smile. "Of course you are. Well, Prince Seokjin is practicing in the music room. The rest of them are usually out in the gardens around this hour. You can test your luck in finding them."

"Thank you," I offered despite her attitude. After taking one step, I paused and mirrored her first question. "What can I call you?" She was too intriguing for me not to know her name.

Her brow lifted as if caught off guard. Looking back out at the soldiers, her pale cheeks dusted pink as she replied quietly, "Essa."

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Searching for a particular room in the massive palace was like roaming an infinite maze. No matter how carefully I tracked my direction, somehow I ended up at the same empty ballroom, the same hallway lined with tinted windows, and the same spiraling staircase that led to a single balcony.

After wasting half an hour, I finally swallowed my pride and asked a servant to lead me to the music room. Turning a corner, a swirling melody breezed by, the sound reminding me somehow of the vibrant colors and sweet scents of my flowers back home.

"Thank you," I whispered to the servant, who gave a quick nod and went back the way we came. I frowned at how swiftly she rushed to get away.

Holding my head high, I tapped on the dark wood of the arched doors. The music ceased. A dragging pause, then lighter notes of a flute carried from within the room. The doors gently pulled open.

He sat on the floor before a large window at the opposite end of the room. Broad-shouldered, back facing me, arms raised to hold the flute he played. With a lingering note, the doors shut behind me.

"How do you do that?"

The prince lowered his instrument but still did not turn, so I took the chance to observe the deep golds of his robe, his hair that fell to mid-back and held an ever-shifting hue between pale azure and white.

Gracefully, the Teseran stood and turned to face me. His eyes were sapphires glimmering under the firelight of the candles dotting the room. His bronzed torso was almost entirely visible with how openly his robe hung. The gaze he offered was gentler than the previous nobles—a contrast to his striking features.

"Do what? Open doors with music?" A voice lighter, softer than the feathers around his collar. "Do you normally question how gifts work?"

My reply was easy, having prepared for such questions on the journey here. "I'm not exactly familiar with them. Oreth doesn't see much in the way of gifts."

He watched me for a moment. "You were there during the attack on the King, I hear, so you must have some idea of them."

How does he know who I am?

"Your gift seems much more pleasant than the one in that attack." I didn't miss a beat, though my gut twisted at the thought of Seeva.

"It can be pleasant," he said in a shifting tone, and as he stepped closer and began to hum, the sound wafted around me and sprawled warm tingles over my shoulders and spine. Then the melody changed to something deeper. Like an unseeable ribbon wrapped around my back, a gentle force tugged me forward to be one step apart from him. He took my hand and leaned down, the feathers on his clothes fluttering with the movement. Soft lips kissed my knuckles. "But it doesn't have to be. Remember that."

My hearts jumped. It was only a warning, but the fact that he felt the need to say it at all made me question if he was suspicious. Did he do the same with every guest? Or had I already given myself away?

"It's beautiful," I managed to say as he released my hand, capturing me again with his relaxed stare. I went on, "Your music, I mean. It's not like anything I've heard before."

The hint of a smile played on his lips. "May I have a name?"

If he knew I was the one in that attack, surely he already knew my name. Still, I answered him. "Moon."

"So your family are redbloods, then?" The question normally came with distaste, but he asked politely. Yet another expectation diverted since reaching the capital.

"Yes. They all are."

"So your Elven blood comes from an ancestor. How interesting."

Hope sparked in my chest. It was the first time any of the princes had shown prolonged interest in me. He could be my chance at remaining in the palace. "I've never had the chance to learn much about my Elven side. Maybe my stay here will help with that," the half-lie came out easily. Seeva and Namjoon had taught me plenty about my gift, but true Elven culture was not something we found much time for. My parents could never provide much knowledge of it either.

"Are you sure that's something you'd want?" Again, his words were harsher than the mellow tone used to speak them.

"It's part of me. I'm sure."

His expression was relaxed, but he seemed satisfied with my response. "Welcome to Sellovir, Moon."

I offered a smile and hoped he might find it pretty. "How should I address you, My Prince?"

"'My Prince' is easy on the ears. Prince Seokjin is, too." A breathtaking grin crossed his face, and I silently cursed all the nobles' absurd magnetism. It wasn't fair for the rest of us.

"Prince Seokjin it is," I said, and he allowed me to give him a proper bow.

His head tilted slightly, causing a strand of that icy blue hair to fall over one eye. He didn't bother brushing it away, and I noticed just how loosely he carried himself compared to the others I'd met. Long hair left to fall as it pleased, clothes hanging comfortably, shoulders at ease. Effortlessly captivating.

Once I realized my lingering focus on him, my eyes snapped up and found that he too was taking me in—though I couldn't tell if it was with intrigue or just a faint curiosity.

On a whim, I tried to enter his mind but was struck immediately with his shield of swirling, frantic music that pushed me out and left me dizzy. My expression almost cracked, but I managed not to react.

"I'll leave you to your music."

He held his hands behind his back. "Where are you off to?"

"I still wish to meet the rest of your brothers."

A wry smile fell over his mouth. "Is that so?"

"Is that surprising? Do most guests not try to meet the princes?"

The smile remained, lips twitching ever so subtly. "They do. But most wait for us to come to them. I've enjoyed our meeting, so don't hesitate to greet me again in the future."

He almost sounded sincere.

"Then I look forward to when we next meet," I replied. Turning to head out of the room, his soothing voice, even without humming, was enough to wrap that invisible ribbon around my wrist and hold me in place.

"I just want to wish you luck before you leave. Try not to be too disappointed when you find that my brothers are not as impressive as me."

I glanced back to catch a glimpse of his wink. I scoffed lightly as his hold on me released. With solely a whistle, the doors opened for me on my way out.

By the time I navigated through the palace and found my way to the gardens, all remnants of day were devoured by night. The golden rays of the sun, along with their accompanying heat, were snuffed out and replaced by darkness and nipping cold. The faint moonlight was barely enough for me to see where I was going, especially when night had always been the time I was bound within the confines of the cabin back home.

"Might I help you, Moon?"

Flinging around to the direction of the voice, I made out the silhouette of a male servant—an Alfir.

"How do you know my name?"

"The King keeps everyone informed of his guests' names. And you, being the halfling with long, snow-white hair, are the easiest to remember of them all."

Just how many guests had the King and his impostors invited to the palace?

"I'm Faeris, by the way." The low elf offered a small bow, and I returned the gesture.

"Nice to meet you. I could use some help, if it's not a bother. I'm looking to meet the rest of the princes. Do you know where they are?" I asked while peering at him, attempting but failing to see his expression. I did, however, catch the tilt of his head.

"Which of the princes have you not met yet?"

"I'm... not sure." Growing up, some of my classes spent a few days on important people in Driaten's history, and of course, we'd memorized the current princes' names at some point. But I never had bothered remembering them beyond our examinations. The Royals had always felt so distant to my own life, so I'd never deemed it important to know their names by heart.

"You don't know the names of the princes?" Faeris sounded an equal share of surprised and amused. "To think you're a Royal Guest and you don't even know the members of the Royal Family."

Racking my brain, I could only recall that one of the princes had a name beginning with the letter 'T'. Sighing, I gave up on answering his question. "I'm not sure which ones I still have to meet. So far I've talked to Prince Seokjin, Prince Jungkook, and Prince Hoseok."

"Ah, then you've only two more to meet. Come, I'll bring you to them."

So I followed the Alfir along the stone paths that twisted along the many bushes and trees, some of which housed flowers that glowed into the dark. Though my eyes began adjusting to the lack of light, everything remained  undefined shadows, and it was a struggle not to trip over my own feet.

"You really did grow up amongst redbloods, didn't you?" Faeris laughed, turning to look at me while he started walking backward. Show off.

"I knew plenty of Alfir too, but I was raised by redbloods," I replied quietly, trying not to linger on the thought of my fallen loved ones. "I followed their curfew, so I never had much chance to experience night the way the elves did."

He turned back around and kept quiet, and I was able to slip into his mind rather easily.

She really has been deprived of such a big part of herself. Maybe... being here will help her gain some of that back.

My chest warmed at the strangely sweet sentiment. He knew nothing of me yet wished me well. Still, it was a reminder that elves tended to view themselves as superior—especially here in Sellovir.

Faeris suddenly halted and stuck his arm out to keep me from moving forward. Before I could question anything, there was a tremor in the earth beneath me, and the sound of galloping hooves sent my gaze toward the dark blurs that were crossing the field at our side. Three figures on horseback seemed to be racing each other, their steeds speeding right in our direction. I went to move out of the way, but the Alfir gripped my arm and held me in place.

"They see us—better to stay still so we don't get in their way," he hollered as the pounding grew louder.

I tensed but did as he said, holding my breath as the three men shouted and laughed and howled to taunt one another. Never letting up on their speed, I gasped as two of the riders split apart and barreled right past us on either side, gusts of air brushing over me in their wake. But the rider in the middle had slowed down in time to stop ahead of us, his horse at a trot until the man smoothly dismounted.

"Great, now he's going to deny that we beat him," a familiar voice grumbled from beside me. The first prince I met in the kitchen.

"He would've come up with an excuse no matter what," scoffed a second recognizable tone, which I knew belonged to the warrior prince who wielded weapons in the courtyard.

The two riders rounded back beside the third horse, all three men now gazing upon me. But before I could gather my wits to speak, the center elf stepped closer, allowing me to better make out his handsome face.

"Is it finally my turn to meet the oh-so-popular Moon?" His voice was so smooth—woven by silk and lace and gold—that I almost missed his comment entirely.

"Popular? I haven't even been here a day."

"Yet my brothers have spoken your name more than twice to me already."

Be charming, Moon. If they're talking about you, give them reason to continue.

"Well, I did recently learn that most guests don't seek out the prince's company on their own. Might that be why I've gained some attention?"

A chuckle left the Teseran on the right, who I recalled was Jungkook. "One of several."

"Your forwardness is unusual, yes. We don't have halflings come to the palace often, either. But your beauty was the main subject of discussion," the middle prince said as he took yet another step forward, near enough now that I could admire more of his features—though they were still dulled to the night.

My heartbeats accelerated. Had I attracted multiple princes already? The mission felt truly attainable for the first time since I'd left home.

"Do you agree with your brothers?"

The prince before me lifted a brow and the corner of his lips tilted upward. "There's that boldness again. No thank you's or demure lowering of the head. Are you so sure of your own beauty?"

"I've never thought of myself as outstanding, but I won't argue if more than one prince has found me attractive. I can think of no better response than to accept the honor and wonder if the next brother disagrees."

His smirk gave way to a dazzling smile. "Too soon to tell, for my taste. Though I doubt you'll find me disagreeing." I could've sworn I saw his eyes glow for a second.

"Faeris, is there a particular reason you're still holding our guest's arm?" the prince on the left—Hoseok—questioned, and there was a glimmering flash in his irises too. It seemed the Teserans' eyes shined when enough light caught them, much like a cat's at night.

The Aflir's hand released me as if I'd burned him. "Ah, I'm sorry, My Prince. I just wanted to make sure she wouldn't get in your way when you came riding over here. She's still adjusting to eyesight at night."

"That's an easy fix." The third prince who remained nameless turned and went over to his horse, digging through a bag on the saddle. After a few moments, he reapproached, holding his hand up to show off the twinkling red particles that danced around his fingertips. "Vahna has countless purposes, and this happens to be one of my favorite little tricks," he said under his breath, raising his hands toward my face. He paused. "May I?"

Hesitating only a second, I nodded for him to go on.

Carefully, the noble elf brought his vahna-dipped fingers to the corners of my eyes.

"Might want to close them," he whispered, so I did.

With as gentle of a touch as I'd ever felt, the prince used one hand to hold my jaw while using the other to glide his fingers over the tops of my eyelids, then along the bottom curve of my eyes as well. As soon as he finished, he dropped his hands and stepped back.

"Wow," I breathed as my eyelids fluttered open. Everything looked clear—colors poured back into my surroundings, shapes and details defined, light from the moon and the nearby palace seeped into my vision more effectively than before. "It's like another world," I laughed.

The prince in front of me offered a vibrant smile, and the full effect of his appearance hit me for the first time. His hair was beautiful mahogany brown, straight and shiny like satin that reached his waist. Full, plump lips, a blade-edged jawline, and perceptive, feline irises of gold all vied for my attention.

"Sellovir really is another world compared to what you know, Moon," Jungkook commented atop his black horse. "I'll have to give you the insider's tour sometime soon, if you'll let me." Everything about him—the tone of his voice, the mischievous smirk on his mouth, the wink he gave—it all confirmed his flirtatious, possibly even womanizing personality.

Normally, those signs would send me several steps away. But I couldn't afford the luxury of behaving as usual anymore. If he was so focused on attaining his next source of entertainment, I could use it to my advantage. All I needed to do was show interest and ensure his pursuit of me, then make him anticipate long enough that he'd choose me in the Gleaning. It was devious, but I didn't—couldn't care.

"I'd love that, Jungkook." My reply made him grin while his brothers both looked surprised.

"I'm... free now if you have the time," he offered hesitantly, and I knew it was the perfect chance to solidify the start of a connection with him while further intriguing his brothers.

"Perfect." I smiled at the flirt before glancing back at the noble with reddish brown hair. His eyes were narrowed the slightest bit as he observed me with a look I couldn't quite decipher. By habit, I tried to glance into his mind, nearly gasping when my reach was cut off before I could even touch his skull. His shields were more intense than anyone I'd ever met, meaning he guarded himself against any form of trust. My efforts would be wasted with him compared to his brothers.

"Be sure to have her back in time for the feast," Hoseok grumbled before clicking at his horse and riding off toward the distant stables. I assumed he meant the nightly banquet that the King requested I attend.

"Let's get going then. Put your foot in the stirrup and I'll help you up." Jungkook extended a hand for me, and I stepped forward to take it, doing as he said and allowing him to pull me onto the saddle in front of him.

"It was nice meeting you, Moon." Faeris nodded in farewell before he headed off to the palace.

"Hold on," I said to Jungkook before we started moving. Waiting for the long-haired prince I'd just met to mount his own horse, I locked eyes with him and asked, "How should I address you?"

The noble's lips stretched into a sidelong grin, then with a snicker, he kicked his steed into a gallop and left me without a name.

Jungkook's chuckle reverberated against my back. He brought the horse into a canter. "I think you hurt his pride. You really don't know any of our names? I thought school would've taught things like that."

"It did. I just don't have a good memory."

"Why don't I believe you?"

I remained quiet, not bothering to convince him. Surely they knew not everyone in Idaea cared to revere the Royal Family. "What is his name?"

"Jimin," he replied. "But enough about my brothers. What would you like me to show you first?"

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Prince Jungkook took me around the palace grounds for several hours. After a general tour, he showed me their botanical garden at my request, and the flowers there blew me away. Some of the largest petals and leaves I'd ever seen with at least half of the plants glowing brilliant colors. Even the scents were greater than anything I'd ever experienced back home. As we rode through the winding path along the hills of the garden, Jungkook was kind enough to show interest in my love for plants. He was a smooth conversationalist, and I knew if I let my guard slip, he might've made me forget, even just for a second, the hatred I held for his family and the capital.

He also brought us across the wide open meadow behind the palace, following a trail into the bordering forest, which I realized from the color of the trees was the Viridian Forest. I asked about sprites, to which he explained they were never a problem because they 'kept them fed'. I couldn't bring myself to question more on the topic.

After climbing a steep trail, we came to a wall of tall rocks, and Jungkook stopped his horse. I could hear a few quiet voices and the sound of moving water coming from the other side.

"This is one of my favorite spots. I think you'll love it," he assured before I could get too apprehensive. He helped me dismount, then led me to an opening between the rocks. After a short descent past a few trees, I looked up to find a pond with half a dozen elves in the water. More of those levitating blue flames surrounded the area, lighting the water in a teal hue. Steam rose off the surface, and the heat began warming my face as we drew closer.

The elves there were Trians, most of whom couldn't be bothered to open their eyes. A few did let their gazes linger on Jungkook, but they made no move to bow their heads or receive him in any way—which only made sense after I recalled how Jungkook asked Sky and I not to address him as 'Prince'. It seemed he asked everyone to treat him casually.

"Feel like a swim?" Jungkook asked quietly before he took my hand and led me to the edge of the pool.

I lingered behind him as he began to strip. "I don't have anything to wear." Truthfully, the water reminded me of the times Namjoon, Leira, Callyn and I would swim in the deeper parts of the river near our cave. It felt like ice, so Callyn would use his gift to heat it for us so long as the coast was clear. I wasn't sure I could handle reliving the memories.

Before Jungkook replied, one of the Trians stood in the water and lifted herself up over the edge. My cheeks blazed when she straightened out and started walking toward a pile of clothing on a nearby rock.

"As you can see, that's not a problem," the prince at my side said amusedly. He continued undressing.

I'd forgotten that elves were far more liberal when it came to nudity than redbloods. My friends had always kept their clothes on to make me more comfortable when we swam.

If you want to stay in the capital to carry out your plan, you'll have to adapt to Elven culture. You can't expect them to change for your own comfort, and you certainly don't want to lose Jungkook's attention by backing out of something so simple.

Looking back at the pool, I noticed how the elves still had their heads back and their eyes closed. None of this was a big deal to them, so I took a deep breath and began pulling at my dress. Jungkook finished stripping out of his black and purple outfit, and I had to train my gaze upward, locking my eyes on his wavy hair and his bare shoulders. He went to step down the stone stairs that were built into the side, and I rushed to drop the rest of my dress down so I could follow closely behind, hoping he wouldn't catch a glimpse of me that way.

I sighed when the water was up to my collarbone, relieved that no one paid me any attention. Flashes of memories flew by, and I could almost hear Namjoon's laugh as he splashed me. But, unexpectedly, the ghosts of them by my side felt comforting and warm. Like I was close to them somehow.

"How does it feel?" Jungkook asked as he turned to face me.

Offering a soft smile, I resisted the urge to sink lower. "It could be a bit hotter."

He laughed. "Right, I forget not everyone is so sensitive to the heat."

Noting the sheen of sweat on his forehead, I recalled how higher elves did poorly in greater temperatures—reason enough for them to prefer the cold of the moon over the warmth of the sun. Being in the heated water was far more intense for him than it was for me.

"I'm surprised any of you even enjoy this," I said, trying to ignore the fact that all of the Trians began leaving the pool.

Jungkook raised his arms to tie his hair into a bun, and I couldn't help but admire the movement of his muscles as he did so. As soon as he started to glance up, I closed my eyes and tilted my head back.

"The Trians can handle it longer than I can. But pushing our bodies a bit is good for us," he mumbled, his voice growing nearer to me.

I opened my eyes to find him an arm's reach away. I looked over my shoulder, finding that all the elves had finished dressing and were stepping out of the little alcove. "Did I do something to offend them?"

Jungkook shook his head. "They just... Well, they know to give me privacy when I come here."

"You mean when you bring other girls here."

He bit his bottom lip in an attempt to keep from laughing, but the smile was still there. "Not just girls. You're right, I do have a habit of bringing my company here. But it's not what you think. At least, not always."

I hummed. "And here I thought I was special."

"You might be," he mused, closing the distance between us. I kept my breaths steady as he lifted a hand to my hair. "I should've had you tie your hair up." Pulling a strand behind my ear, he continued, "The King will wonder why it is half wet at the banquet."

Does that mean he isn't the real king? Or are the princes in the practice of referring to the King as if it couldn't possibly be them?

I brought his hand away from my face, then sunk lower until my whole head was submerged. Coming back up, I found an amused Jungkook.

"If he asks, I'll say I took a shower before leaving," I explained. "Though I doubt he'll even notice."

He shook his head, though his expression was still bright. "The King takes extra care for his guests until they're no longer his. He'll notice."

Before I could think, I was speaking. "His? Are we all just property to be owned?"

Jungkook didn't seem surprised at my mild outburst, and I cursed my lack of control. For all I knew, the True King was right in front of me.

"I realize how it sounds. But it's just the way things are here. You're under the King's protection and guidance until the Gleaning. Then you'll be cared for by whoever chooses you. But it's all your choice, Moon. If you wish to go home, you can reject the outcome of the ceremony."

Small details that made it sound better, but I knew we were still prizes, things to be claimed in their eyes. And they convinced themselves that they were doing us a favor by taking us under their wings.

"Forgive me," I said quietly and lowered my head, "It's just that adapting to your traditions may take some time. I'm thankful for how welcoming you've been to me."

"Did you expect us to not be welcoming? What idea did you have of us before your arrival?" The question seemed rooted in curiosity, but I still wanted to tread lightly after my recent comment.

"I didn't know what to think. We don't have the greatest idea of what the Royals are like back in Oreth."

Jungkook's eyes softened. "Well I hope we might surprise you in a good way."

I smiled, finding another opportunity to charm him. "You already have been."

"It must be my good looks and charisma," he remarked, watching for my reaction. The second my lips curved up, his eyes danced in satisfaction.

"Yes, you're just dripping with appeal."

"Is that sarcasm I detect?"

I feigned a gasp. "From me? Most certainly not."

He narrowed his eyes playfully, and again I had to catch myself from actually enjoying our banter. All a ruse.

Quiet fell upon us, and I reached out to touch one of the floating leaf pads that had a luminous pink flower on it. Glancing forward, I noticed that the Teseran backed up to lean against the edge of the pond, eyes closed. I took the chance to peek past his mind, reaching far enough to see and feel his barrier—unsurprised that every prince seemed to be trained in protecting their minds. But something was different about his. Rather than feeling pushed out, the purple essence around his mind pulsed and extended toward my presence, surrounding me in warmth. The tendril of my power shuddered under the pleasant sensation, and the purple aura, much like a blanket, wrapped around me and tried to coax me forward. When my power didn't budge, it began using more pressure, and I had to yank my reach back to escape the trap that surely awaited me.

Jungkook wasn't aware of anything—it was all his subconscious from years of training. I, however, had broken a sweat. Mental barriers were always symbolic of gifts, so the experience only heightened my curiosity of him.

"What's your gift like?"

He peeked an eye open. "Why the sudden interest?"

I waded closer to him. "I saw what some of your brothers can do. But I've spent the most time with you and still haven't seen anything."

"Well, I could show you, but it might get me in poor graces with my brothers, considering there's a hands-off oath so long as you're the King's guest. But if you promise not to tell..."

Part of me was fearful to experience it again, but it was the best way to know what I'd have to look out for as I navigated between each brother.

"I won't say anything."

"Then come over here," he uttered quietly. His expression grew serious as he observed me, waiting until I was right in front of him. Then his hand reached out to my neck and his fingers spread over my nape. Immediately, warmth blossomed out over my skin, starting from his touch and sprawling over all of my body. My hearts skipped to a faster pace, and my stomach grew fluttery as my gaze latched onto Jungkook's.

"Pretty," I heard myself whisper as I continued admiring his eyes. Perfectly shaped. Long lashes as black as ravens that shadowed his gaze just enough to be sultry. And those irises—a marbled mix of light and dark purples that shined brighter at night, that liked to sparkle when he got me to laugh. Entrancing.

"How do you feel?" he asked, but I was too captured by his eyes to respond. Whatever he wanted, whatever he asked of me, I knew I would do it. Anything to please him.

"Moon, would you put that flower in your hair? I think I'd quite like how it looks on you."

Without hesitation, I went to pluck the flower from the leaf pad and placed it between my hair and my ear. My hearts stuttered at the sight of his grin.

"Do you like it?" I asked.

"Better than I imagined."

Another wave of that pleasant warmth rolled through me.

"I think that'll do," he chuckled, reaching out to slide a finger under my chin. I felt the warmth draw out of me, and as he pulled back, I noticed his hand was glowing purple before it faded back to normal.

When my clarity returned and I no longer saw him as the greatest being in the world, I gaped at him. "You— You just—"

"You wanted to see my gift. Now you have." As confidently as he spoke, I thought I sensed an ounce of worry, like he was afraid of how I'd view him now. "People call it ardor magic since it causes that.... passion to please."

"That's an amazing gift," I managed to say, though in truth, I was terrified. With nothing more than a touch, he could have anyone do his bidding. I needed to stay wary of him.

"It's useful. But it's a constant temptation, knowing I can make anyone do what I want, yet knowing it wouldn't be of their own volition. That it's... an invasion of sorts. I don't use it unless someone asks me to."

"What about your enemies?"

"Yes, it's powerful for that too. Gathering intel, reversing a spy to work for us instead, making attackers off themselves before any of us have to spill blood ourselves."

It really was incredible. But it was not something I wanted to be on the receiving end of ever again.

Having locked in the roots of a connection with Jungkook, I felt in rather high spirits as he took me back to the Grand Palace. The banquet was soon to begin, and I hoped the event would finally allow me to set eyes on the True King, and, perhaps, discover his identity.

• • •

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Glad to be back! Sorry for the wait—I hope the chapter was worth it! We got to spend more time with one of the princes! What are your thoughts on Jungkook so far? And what did you think of Jimin's introduction?

The next chapter should be more eventful. I hope you look forward to it!

While you're here, I figured I would recommend the Spotify playlist for this story. You can find it in the link of my wattpad bio! It's a big mix of tracks that serve as inspiration while I write and they are also songs that add to the experience of the story! You can also take a look at the pinterest board I made for the book and get an idea of some of the visuals if you're interested!

Thank you for taking the time to read. It means a lot to me :)
-Kat

September 15, 2021