*involves some part of Chapter 9 and 16*

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The Lady and The Prince.

The goddess of the country would never forget the day she was born since her father was always around to repeat every single detail that had occurred.

In the coldest night of December, the wind grazed the ground, dragging with it flurries of fine snowflakes. Icy frost had started settling in the roofs of the houses. The entire world had become blanketed with soft snow.

The first snow to fall was always heart-touching.

However, it felt more personal to the family members gathered over at Bae Residence, who were warming themselves up by the burning fire in the hearth.

As they chattered away in excitement, the painful screams of a woman in labour sounded from inside a shut room.

The woman was Minister Bae's young, lovely wife, and Joohyun's mother. After suffering for almost eight hours, finally she had given birth. Joohyun came into the world, bawling her eyes out.

"Congratulations! It's a baby girl!" The midwife announced cheerfully. She quickly wrapped the baby in warm blankets, and showed her to the mother. Tears filled the mother's eyes. Joy lighting up her tired face.

"Give her to me! Quick!" Minister Bae demanded impatiently. His arms outstretched, growing restless to hold the infant.

The midwife happily obeyed.

"My sweet daughter." Minister Bae said with a tender smile plastered on his face as he gazed down at his child. He sat down beside his wife, and placed a kiss on his wife's head.

"Oh, my darling." His wife gave a weak smile. The labour had drained away all her strength.

***

"IT'S A GIRL!" Minister Bae announced in rejoice stepping outside the room in a rush.

The family members cheered and congratulations passed through.

One by one, Joohyun was passed around to be held by each family member. And, all of them had only one thing to say. Every word, a synonym of beauty.

"Oh! What a beautiful girl!"

"My grandchild looks like an angel!"

"A beauty gifted from heavens!"

"How pleasing to look at!"

"Her eyes are like jewels!"

"She has my blessings! She is sure to become a lovely lady in the future!"

"She might even catch the attention of His Majesty!"

"NO! NOT OF THAT SENILE MAN!" Minister Bae roared in anger. With a grumpy look and disapproving glares, he snatched his daughter back.

"Then perhaps of the Crown Prince's?" His aunt suggested playfully.

"Even better!" Joohyun's grandmother chuckled, clapping her hands together in joy.

"Hmm. That sounds nice." Minister Bae nodded in agreement. A scheming look on his face.

From that day on, her father developed a goal. One that would be difficult to accomplish, but not impossible. His brilliant mind had already begun weaving a plan, lined so strategically that every move had an objective.

Someday, he would make his daughter queen and he would not hesitate to get rid of any obstacle that got in his way.

***

As Joohyun grew older, her beauty became more and more refined. With her baby fat gone, her features became more angular, elegant. Breath-taking.

Thus, earning the title:

"Goddess."

And, she took pride in that.

She liked it when someone praised her beauty. She enjoyed it when all the boys turned her way with awe in their eyes. She loved the idea of being someone's object of affection.

Beauty became her weapon.

Though the goddess had never fallen in love, she was strongly resolute of her beliefs about love. She was determined to give her first love to only a special someone. Someone worthy of her.

And, fate brought him to her.

Her father had welcomed home a guest. A charming man from a very noble family, and so he had ordered all his servants to keep a distance from the living room and to not let anyone disturb them.

"I do not care! I want to see my father right now!" Joohyun commanded stubbornly, crossing her arms across her chest.

"But, my lady -" The servant began speaking, refusing to make eye contact as Joohyun glowered at him.

"You know what. I will go see for myself just how important this man is!" She said firmly, dismissing the servant with a wave of her hand. "Surely, he couldn't matter more than me!"

Despite the servant's immense pleading, she strutted over to the room where her father was conversing with his guest. Standing outside the closed door, she heard her father talking. Then, someone else spoke. This voice sounded deep and husky.

This person must be in his youths.

His voice sounds nice...

His face must be nicer.

For unknown reasons, her heart started racing. She felt nervous. Bashful. Locked in a daze, she started wondering about the mysterious man, about what color his eyes might be. Would he have a straight nose? Sharp jawline? How did his mouth looked when he smiled?

Her father's loud laughter snapped her back to reality.

Realizing what she had been thinking about a complete stranger, her face flustered. She stared down at her feet, embarrassed.

That was when the door opened.

She saw his shoes first. Moving her eyes upwards, she noticed how his violent hanbok was pressed so neatly that even after having sat down for a long time, there were no wrinkles. His servant had done quite an excellent job.

She also couldn't help but notice how muscular his torso was.

Hmm. Looks like he loves exercising.

Finally, her curious eyes met the cold, dark eyes of the man gazing down at her warily.

"Wow." The word escaped her mouth without her knowing. Captivated by his beauty, her breath caught in her throat.

His mouth moved. "...You." His voice came low and harsh. "Were you eavesdropping in our conversation?"

Minister Bae glanced up to see what was the raucous was about. Peering over the man's broad shoulders, he spotted his daughter standing speechless at the doorway. Immediately he rose to his feet and scurried over.

"I apologize, my lord." He said nervous with a nervous smile. "She must've come to see me. Isn't that so, my child?" He turned to Joohyun.

"...I...Yes...um..." Joohyun stammered. Her cheeks flushing red. Eyes never leaving the man's face.

"Please, my lord, forgive her insolence." Her father begged with his head hung low.

Curiosity struck Joohyun. Just who on earth is this young man that even my father apologizes to?

The man's lips pressed into a thin line. He shifted his eyes away from her and stepped aside. Tying together the black laces of his gat, the man simply started walking away. Not even sparing a look back.

"My lord, wait for me!" Another voice called out. The man's servant rushed out from the room. When he saw Joohyun, he bowed his head and quickly followed after his master.

"My lord, are you alright?" The servant asked worriedly.

"I'm fine, Namjoon. Just a bit tired." The man murmured, clasping his head with his hand.

"Oh. Don't fret, my lord. I shall ask Seokjin to prepare..." The servant began explaining with enthusiasm about his plans.

Joohyun couldn't stop staring after the man, until finally he turned in a hallway and left her line of sight.

"Joohyun, what are you doing here?!" She heard her father inquiring in a scolding tone.

"Father, I think I've fallen in love." She declared blatantly.

"What?" Minister Bae spat in surprise, blinking.

"That man, who is he?" Joohyun asked.

"Why?"

"Because one day, I will be his wife." She said confidently.

***

To her dismay, she never saw the man again.

She whined childishly every day to her father, asking a thousand questions regarding his mysterious guest, but the old man would never budge.

Her father even refused outright to even reveal know his name.

Not even the gossiping servants knew!

Alas, finding zero clues about her first love, she became disappointed. Helpless. Was this how those boys felt when they got rejected? Sad and doomed.

Even so, she was certain she would be seeing him again some day. Because, there was no mistaking what she had felt during their first meet. A strong pull. A thread of fate bringing their destinies together.

The endgame.

Finally, she felt alive having found someone to live for.

But, one day, her luck ran out.

"You want me to marry that old king?! Never!" Joohyun confronted.

"Not the king." Minister Bae corrected. "His son. The crown prince."

"The prince." She repeated, confused.

The infamous crown prince of Joseon. Since he hardly left the palace, no one knew exactly how he looked. He was a rare sight to see! There were some people lucky enough to catch a glimpse - even a side profile - of the mysterious prince. Then, stories would spread about how bewitching his beauty was.

Joohyun had always been intrigued by the stories of the crown prince. She desperately wished to see the rumored beauty with her own eyes. But, not like this.

Her heart pined for someone else.

"I don't care if it's the crown prince or even the king himself. Marriage is between lovers." She began to protest.

"You dumb child!" Minister Bae sighed in frustration. "Love should not matter if that marriage happens to be to a prince! The future king!"

Joohyun clenched her fists. She stared at her father and firmly said, "I refuse the offer."

Minister Bae frowned. He took a deep breath and in a calm tone said, "My only wish is to make you queen. Will you accept my request?"

Instinctively, Joohyun took a step back.

...Queen?...Me? No...

Joohyun stiffened. Terrified thinking about the responsibilities that will be forced upon her. The old man was stubborn to the core. If he wanted something, he would use any means to get it. He wouldn't listen to her. She knew that perfectly well.

Guess her stubbornness was hereditary after all.

Still, I must make him understand.

"I-I don't want to get married. Neither do I have any intentions of ruling a country. I do not want to carry such a burden." She opposed.

Her father glowered at her. Jaw clenched.

Joohyun glared back, forcing herself to not break eye-contact.

Suddenly, her father turned away and began laughing like a maniac. "Oh, my child. Listen to me. When you become queen, you wouldn't even have to lift a finger. Your husband will be wrapped around your fingers while you'll be under my control."

"...What?" Joohyun muttered, feeling a bit insulted. Her eyebrows narrowed. "You mean to say -"

"That's right! I will be the power behind the throne. I will be the one making decisions." Minister Bae confessed with a sinister smile. "The first thing I'll do is remove that bastard Choi from court."

Joohyun scowled. "And you want me to play the role of a puppet."

Her father shrugged. "Call it what you want."

Joohyun became dumbfounded. Pain stung her heart like thorns. Her stomach plummeted. She tasted betrayal for the first time. That man who fulfilled her every wish, who showered her with all his love, he couldn't be so heartless...right?

What he said must be a lie!

Blinking back tears, she spoke through gritted teeth. "Then, let me ask you something. Did you even love me?"

Her father let out a exasperated sigh. "In the end, it all comes down to love."

"Answer the question!"

"Of course, I do. You are my blood!" Minister Bae responded firmly but gently.

Joohyun couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.

"Why don't I make this easy for the both of us..." Her father exclaimed, sounding almost defeated.

Joohyun grew cautious.

"Do you remember that man you kept asking me about?"

"Yes."

"Our rendezvous was to be kept a secret between us. But, if the truth will make you help me, then fine... I will tell you everything you want to know about him."

"...You're not joking?"

Minister Bae shook his head. "No. I'm not. Now, starting with his name."

Joohyun listened without wavering.

"His name is Jeon Jungkook. The crown prince of Joseon. The rightful heir to the throne. And, your future husband."

Joohyun was flabbergasted.

He's the crown prince, and one day, he will be king. But, I don't...I don't care anymore. Even if he was just some commoner, I would've still loved him.

I will do anything for him.

"Now, will you do as I say?" Minister Bae raised an eyebrow.

"I will." She replied gladly.

"Great!" Minister Bae clapped his hands together. "Starting tomorrow, you will receive lessons so that you may become a suitable wife in the future, and a suitable queen."

Sigh.

There were so many tutors. So many lessons in a single day.

One taught her etiquette.

"A lady does not yawn!...A lady does not strut!...Be graceful!...Keep your back straight!..."

Another taught literature.

Another, history.

"In the olden times, the king of Joseon would...," the teacher would've only begun speaking and Joohyun's eyelids would start drooping.

There was even a preening class.

And, a painting class which she enjoyed a lot more than the rest. Who knew she possessed a natural talent for painting!
She bought different sizes of handcrafted brushes, various shades of colors. She loved the feel of the soft bristles on the canvas, and enjoyed the scent of the liquid.

She could paint for hours if no one stopped her!

For the first time in her life, she felt like someone with a pure, raw skill, and not just a pretty face.

No matter how exhausted she became from these lessons, at the end of the day the thought of seeing him again melted her fatigue away. So, she endured everything. Overcame each obstacle, and focused diligently on her never-ending lessons.

The day we see meet again, I will make sure to engrave myself in your heart.

***

A few years after the revolution:

The crown prince became the king. He took over the throne by using the most gruesome means possible. Murder. No one knew the reason why.

What could've made the crown prince plunge into madness, driving him insane that it would end with death of his own father?

No one had a clue. Because of this, the people of Joseon hated him. They laughed behind his back, called him names. A tyrant. A savage.

Though aware of such atrocities, the new king couldn't care less about it.

Because of these horrible events that transpired in the royal palace, Joohyun's visit kept getting delayed.

Until the day she had been desperately waiting for arrived.

***

The gigantic double doors, carved out of a thick, and dark mahogany wood, opened with a noisy creak.

"This it it." She heard her father speak beside her.

Joohyun nodded, eyes looking straight ahead. Determined. With her heart pounding loudly against her chest, she took deep breaths to calm down her nerves.

She stepped inside the grounds of the royal palace.

The view before her was just what she had expected it to be. Picturesque and vibrant with clean surroundings. Even the air felt fresh. The area was massive and surrounded with different species of colorful flowers. The forest behind filled with sycamore and cypress trees.

Every heads turned her way.

Young male servants, and eunuchs and gaurds stared at her mesmerized while the maids glared in envy.

Joohyun smiled innocently.

I invested hours in getting dressed, doing my hair and make-up, so this is obviously the reaction I expect to get.

Standing inches away from her was her first love.

Standing tall and proud, dressed in a deep red hanbok - the color of a king - looking magnificent as ever was the man of her dreams. Behind him stood two servants.

Joohyun couldn't stop gaping. The king appeared taller. His body seemed more broader and muscular. His handsome features more mature. But, the stern and stiff demeanor of his remained. An aura of power encircled him.

Now this is the best view!

Minister Bae and Joohyun approached the king.

"Your Majesty!" Her father greeted with a smile, voice filled with delight. "You look wonderful as always."

"Minister Bae." The king acknowledged his presence with a nod.

With a huge grin, Minister Bae said, "This is my daughter, Bae Joohyun. Surely, you remember her?"

The king turned his attention towards Joohyun. When their eyes locked, heat rushed to her cheeks. Her hands fidgeting as she flashed a shy, nervous smile.

"Your Majesty." She bowed gracefully.

Does he...remember me?

The king stared at her for a moment. His face showing no emotion. When the silence continued, disappointment rushed through her. But then he said, "I remember."

Warmth flowed within her. Lifting her chin up to look at him, she blurted out, enthusiastically, "YOU DO?!"

In only a second, gone were all the etiquette she had learned.

Minister Bae shot her a curt look. With a sheepish smile, he said, "I apologize, Your Majesty. The excitement of visiting the palace has gotten to her head."

Joohyun pressed her lips in a thin line, embarrassed.

"It's alright." The king said nonchalantly. "How can I forget the tiny girl who I caught eavesdropping."

Joohyun let out a forced chuckle. "I wasn't eaves-"

Minister Bae cleared his throat, interrupting her.

Joohyun closed her mouth shut, and flashed her prettiest smile.

Minister Bae quickly glanced at the king, observing for any reaction.

Nothing. Not even a trace of smile appeared on the king's blank face.

"OH! I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT THIS THING I HAVE TO DO! Your Majesty, will you please look after her while I'm gone?" Minister Bae asked, pretending to be in a frantic.

"Your daughter is an adult. She can take care of herself." The king answered as a matter-of-factly.

Joohyun bit her the inside of her cheek, flustered. Sounds like he hates the idea of even being around me.

Minister Bae smiled pleasantly. "I know, Your Majesty, but she's my only child. And since this is her first time in the palace, I'm worried she'll get lost."

"..."

"Your Majesty?" Minister Bae insisted.

Jungkook let out a frustrated sigh. "Very well. Go ahead. I'll watch over her."

"THANK YOU, YOUR MAJESTY!"

Minister Bae exchanged glances with his daughter, and nodded at her. His big eyes saying, "This is your chance! Don't blow it!"

And then he swiveled and scurried away.

***

The clear pond with the blooming lotus reflected the blue color of the sky. There were frogs resting atop the lotus pads croaking and dragonflies buzzing about from one flower to the next.

But something esle had her total attention.

Joohyun gawked at the king.

"What?" The king finally asked, almost sounding a little reluctant. With a dead-fish look in his eyes, he glanced at her. "You've been staring at me since your arrival."

Joohyun giggled. "That's only because Your Majesty is extremely handsome." She answered, unabashed.

"Okay." Jungkook said.

"Your Majesty, the palace is really beautiful. I'm glad I got a chance to see it." She said in a charming voice.

"Hm."

My father could've at least warned me that the king hates socializing. Well, I am not one to back up.

Joohyun smiled nervously, trying to pick another topic for conversation. "Um...Your Majesty, what do you like to do during your free time?"

"...Spending time in my room."

That's it? He won't say anything more?

Joohyun forced a smile. Though, outside, she was beaming. Inside, she was in disbelief. "I see. Then, Your Majesty, do you have a favorite food?"

"No."

Joohyun felt hopeless. Forcing herself not to narrow her eyes in annoyance, and not to scowl, she just nodded understandingly.

"I see that you are a man of few words, Your Majesty." Joohyun pointed out.

Jungkook sighed, exhausted. "Well, what do you like to do in your free time?"

"Oh! This is the first time you've asked me a question. Well, I love to paint!"

"Is that why you drew that?" Jungkook gave a nod towards her wrist.

"Hm?" Confused, Joohyun looked down at her hand, and finally saw the doodle there. A willow leaf she had drawn casually while she was getting her hair done. Blood rushed to her cheeks, turning her face red.

How embarrassing!

Smiling sheepishly, she tried pulling onto her sleeve to hide her wrist. "I must have forgotten to erase it. How clumsy of me."

"It's alright." Jungkook said, indifferent. "It's a willow leaf, yes?"

"That's right." Joohyun nodded.

"It's pretty. You're a good artist."

Joohyun blushed. She was caught in a trance. Being complimented for something other than her appearance made her feel appreciated. This man had looked past her physical allure and into her heart.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Joohyun smiled sincerely.

"Your face has turned red." The king said. "Is it the heat?"

Joohyun giggled, shaking her head as a no. Feeling more confident, more bolder, she decided to go straight for it. She decided to beguile him.

"I am also good at cooking." Joohyun informed with a proud smile.

"Oh."

"Your Majesty, you know, just the thought of visiting the palace made me so giddy, I took so much time dressing up. I wanted to look my best...for you."

This time, Jungkook stared right at her, looking confused. "For me? Why?"

"Why do you think, Your Majesty?" Joohyun said with a teasing smile.

"I don't know."

Ugh! How can this man be so dense!

"Well, how do I look?" Joohyun asked, batting her lashes.

"You talk a lot...like someone I know." Jungkook uttered the last part under his breath, but loud enough for Joohyun to hear.

Someone he knows?

Joohyun wondered. A slight change appeared in those cold eyes. With a dazed look, it looked as if he was remembering something important.

His gaze softened, filling with endearment.

This look...does he have someone he loves?

Joohyun saw red. She teared her eyes away from him, having no interest of seeing such emotion on the king's face. She clenched her fists tight. The long nails dug into her palms. She needed that pain to distract her from her growing anger.

Then, she heard the king say, "But, yes, you look beautiful."

Joohyun glanced up at the king. He had already been watching her closely with those dark eyes of his, so intensely as if he could read her mind.

Does he feel what I had felt that day?
That strange connection?

Joohyun grinned. "Thank you, Your Majesty." As if on a sugar rush, adrenaline rushed through her. Her heartbeat only grew louder. The world seemed to be in multicolor.

She opened her mouth to speak more, but she stopped when she noticed the same emotion crash across the king's face once again. That look of wanting.

The king was staring off into the distance. His pupils dilated. Eyes gleaming with affection.

"Your Majesty?" She called.

He ignored her. He seemed distracted. Something or someone had caught his attention.

Joohyun dared herself to follow the direction of his gaze, and saw a boy in the distance. He was tall and lean. His features handsome but not enough to tempt her. With a broad grin, he was chattering away with an eunuch.

But, then the boy stopped and looked over at them. His smile disappeared.

Joohyun quickly looked back at the king. She dreaded what she saw there. She could see it in his eyes, and instantly her mind connected all the dots.

A woman's instincts is wild. Never underestimate it.

She easily recognized that gaze of awe, of longing. A person pining for the love of his life. She knew because because looked at the king the same way.

Her heart crumpled.

That boy - whomever he may be - was the king's object of affection.

How annoying.

***

'Love is blind.'

For the past few weeks, Joohyun had deluded herself into thinking that whatever she had noticed during her visit were untrue. The king couldn't possibly be in love with a lowly servant...and a man at that!

But, she discovered soon that her worst fears were real.

In the cool windy night, she had found the King asleep in his room, alone with no sign of that annoying miscreant.

So, she seized the moment.

She kneeled down beside the bed and brushed her finger past the strands of the king's smooth hair.

She touched the sharp cheekbones of the person sleeping peacefully in front of her. Touched the white skin of his eyelids, appreciating his long lashes.

A thought crept inside her mind, "If he suddenly wakes up and finds me here, he'll be mad."

For a split second, she panicked. But, then she glanced down at her love. Her hesitations disappeared into thin air. She blushed. I can't bring myself to stop.

Taking courage, she touched his lips. They were soft against her skin.

Entranced, she let out a sigh.

Remembering how the king looked at Taehyung with such affectionate eyes made her see red. Envy, as green as a serpent, slithered inside her, constricting her heart. Her chest felt tight.

Surely, such beauty must only belong to someone whose beauty is also beyond compare.

All logical thoughts left her mind. In the heat of passion, she leaned down and closed the distance between their faces, and placed a kiss on Jungkook's lips.

She moved back slightly, still dazed by the tingly sensation, before coming to her senses.

"Oh no..." She whispered in fear, bringing her hands to her mouth. "How could I do such a thing to a sleeping person!"

She watched Jungkook closely, afraid he might wake up.

But then something unimaginable happened. The corners of Jungkook's lips turned up.

He's smiling! Does that mean -

Joohyun blushed, blinking. "Your Majesty, are you...awake?"

But, the next word that come out of the king's mouth made her skin crawl. Her gut churned. She felt nauseated.

"...Taehyung..." Jungkook muttered in his sleep.

Joohyun stared, flabbergasted. She swallowed the lump in her throat, and took his cold hands in hers. She kissed the back of his hand. "No, Your Majesty, you are mistaken. It's me, Bae Joohyun."

"...Taehyung..." The name was uttered over and over again.

Joohyun dropped his hands and fell back out of exhaustion. Her heart crushed. Before she knew it, tears trickled down her cheeks and dripped down onto her clothes, staining them wet. She felt empty inside. Hollow.

"So, the rumors were true after all." She let out a heavy sigh. Her stomach plummeted. With mouth tight and eyes tensed, she watched the sleeping figure closely, taking in every elements of his pretty proportionate face.

"Nevertheless, I'm not giving up on you." She promised

***

Author's Note:

I could've written this as it is but I wanted to give the heroine a personality.

Also, I'm working on the 2nd book.

Please vote and comment.