"Hyunjin!" she screamed, in the most unladylike manner, as she ran forward, rushing into the arms of her brother. She heard him laugh as his arms wrapped around her, and happy tears escaped her eyes. "I've missed you," she cried out, knowing she was being dramatic but not caring a bit. "I have so much to tell you!" 

"Has the Palace been treating you well?" Hyunjin asked her, leaning out of the embrace to look at her. "Have you been happy?" 

She smiled, considering his question. There had been hard moments, yes. But ultimately... "Yes," she said softly. "I'm really happy." 

He grinned at her. "I'm glad. You said you have a lot to tell me? Do you want to go to the seating area? Can Minyoung come along?"

Dayeong gasped, having been so focused on her brother that she hadn't even noticed his fiancée standing right beside him. "I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, quickly pulling Minyoung into a hug. 

Minyoung laughed good-naturedly, hugging her back. "This place hasn't been the same without you," she said, making Dayeong laugh too. 

"Let's all go talk?" Dayeong said, linking her arms with Minyoung and Hyunjin. She glanced back at Chan and Juyeon, who were stealing awkward glances at each other. She'd told Chan about her relationship with Juyeon last night, and while he'd been kind of supportive, he'd also cautioned her against it. 

"Are you sure you love him? Are you ready to risk it all for him? And is he ready to do the same?" 

Maybe those words should have scared her. But they didn't. Because she was certain of their love. She knew with every bone in her body that their love was strong, strong enough to carry them through any hardships. Though they'd only known each other for a few short months, their love felt pure and deep and intense, and her heart knew that they were in it for the long run. There was no doubt in her mind. 

She'd told Chan as much, but it was clear that he didn't quite believe her. Not yet. She could tell that he wanted to speak to Juyeon about it. 

"But can the guards stay outside?" she asked Hyunjin. "I want to discuss some things with you guys in private," she said, her eyes flickering towards Juyeon, who gave her a small, fleeting smile. That small crack in his armor, his features softening for her, completely melted her heart. 

Yeah, she was lost. She'd been long gone. 

"Sure," Hyunjin said, ruffling her hair as they walked. They reached the seating area and walked inside, closing the doors and leaving the guards outside. "So, what did you want to talk about?" Hyunjin asked, sitting on the sofa with his arm casually thrown over Minyoung's shoulders. 

At that moment, she was jealous of them. So, so jealous. Jealous of the fact that they could be together so easily, without worrying. 

"I'm not in love with Prince Eric," she said, sitting across from them. "I can't marry him."

"Hey, don't be so quick to say that," Hyunjin said teasingly, glancing affectionately at Minyoung. "I can recall two people who said the same thing a while ago-" 

"He's in love with someone else. So am I. We've been honest about that to each other, and we're both dating other people." 

There was a pause, then, "oh." Another pause as her words sank in, and then Hyunjin looked at her in surprise. "Wait, you're both dating other people? Who are you dating." 

"My guard," she said softly, looking at the floor. "I'm in love with Lee Juyeon, the guard they assigned to me." 

They stayed in silence for a while, no one knowing quite what to say. 

"You know you have a tough path ahead of you, right?" Hyunjin finally said. She nodded, not looking at him. "And this Juyeon guy... he loves you? He'll be there for you?" 

"I have no doubt of it," she whispered, and they fell into silence again. 

"You know I'll always be supporting you, right?" he said, breaking the silence. 

Dayeong looked up, her eyes meeting his. "Really?" she whispered, her eyes filling with tears. Hyunjin smiled at her, his eyes warm and gentle. Minyoung was holding onto his hand, and they shared a loving glance before Hyunjin turned back to his sister. 

"What do you mean, 'really?" he teased, coming to sit beside her. "You were lucky enough to find love," he said softly. "Shouldn't everyone support that?" 

Tears ran down her cheeks and she threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. "I love you," she whispered. "You're the best brother ever." 

"I know," he said playfully, and they both laughed. 

"Okay," she said, leaning back and wiping her face with the back of her hand. "Enough about me," she declared, looking at Hyunjin and Minyoung. "The wedding is in less than a week. Are there any last-minute preparations I can help with?"