Y/N's POV

It was afternoon and I didn't have anything to do at all.

All I did was roam and amble in the Palace. I wanted to try something new apart from reading books, eating, sleeping and repeating.

Since Jungkook was mostly busy with his work and duties, I asked Yeonjun to take me outside to get some fresh air. It's better than staying inside all day. For that, he summoned me to a stable which I didn't know existed there.

Now, I stood on grass that stretched into an endless field. There was no tree in sight and this field was surprisingly not purple but green.

In my sight, I saw gardeners cutting the long grass. The sky was clear without any clouds, stretched like a light blue sheet.

I was not going to lie, but my eyes were tired of seeing the same purple colours; hence the greenery was a soothing change.

The atmosphere felt fresh, like when we stepped out of a steamy shower. The soil scent lingered in the air, for it had been raining a bit.

Some small and soft neighs brought me back from my trance.

I looked at him, who pulled three horses with their three leads - one was black as coal, the other was white as snow, and the third was brown as a chocolate cake.

All of them gleamed with their different decadent beauty. Their hair looked smooth and as soft as a fluffball.

Apparently, I'm totally confused over the fact that he chose this place to summon me instead of taking me outside.

Well, this is technically outside...

This is a part of the castle, the back area.

He stopped them at a good four feet distance. "To wander out in the streets and city, you can ride any horse you like. They are the newest ones, recently imported from overseas."

He explained it briefly as the great assistant he is.

Three of them were captivating; it would be a shame not to acknowledge this. The deep black eyes were a thing they all shared the same.

"Umm...you do know that I haven't even seen a real horse in my life. Don't expect me to know how to ride them." I casually stated facts, hesitant that I would be kicked off by one of them.

It not only scared me but also built anxiety somehow.

"Don't worry, your Highness. They won't do anything." I squinted my eyes at him.

"You sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"You seriously sure?"

"Yes, your Highness. I'm seriously sure."

Sighing, I opened my mouth once again but shut it the next second.

The next thing I knew, I was staring at the white horse who looked ethereal. It almost looked like a pegasis. The white colour which it wore, resembled peace and softness.

The creature itself looked gentle. He left the lead of the white horse making panic surge into me. "Go ahead, your Highness."

With uncertainty, I slowly forward my hand. The horse seemed to take a hint and it brought its head closer.

The white horse's majestic head inclined with my hand, its soft muzzle touched me. The gentle touch sent a thrill in my body, as I felt a deep connection with it.

The skin was like silk under my fingertips. I traced the curves of its nose and the shape of its eyes. It leaned deeper in my touch.

The horse's breath was warm and its whuffles were like greetings to me.

I felt my eyes softening. It allured me with its charms. I smiled lightly and looked at Yeonjun.

"So, how do you ride a horse?"

After our great time with horses, Yeonjun suggested exploring the market.

In the hustle and bustle of the market, Yeonjun guided Fury with lead whereas I sat on it calmly.

I named him Fury, surprisingly it was he as I didn't know that a male could be so lovely. He's the true gentleman.

The shops were packed with fruits, vegetables, some clothes and many other things which I failed to notice.

The market was full of people buying goods and we stood out differently from everyone.

From wherever we passed, people would turn their heads to look at us, I guess it's me. I could feel many pairs of eyes staring at me which did tense me at some points.

I rubbed the hair of Fury's neck in sheer nervousness. I got a small nicker in response as if he was telling me to chill. He knew how to calm me.

A soft smile was displayed on my face.

I lob him sho much...

I kept gazing at the shops and houses until I spotted an extraordinary one among the crowd. Inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of the market, I realized that I wanted to wear something special for the party tomorrow.

My wish was granted the next second as I spotted a fancy shop on my right.

"Yeonjun! Can we get go inside that?"

I pointed at a jewellery shop which looked luxurious and the items inside were shining. "Sure."

I hopped down and he tied the lead to a tree. It's a trained horse, and also it's the property of the emperor, so no one would dare to even touch it. There is the logo painted on the flank symbolising it as the property of the emperor.

I need not worry about Fury at least.

As we entered, I inhaled the rich scent of the place.

My breath got caught in my lungs and my lips parted. I felt my eyes strain as I had them wide open. Words weren't forming in my mouth.

I sure needed to wash my eyes to know if this was legit and real. I pointed my shaky hands towards the jewellery which shone bright.

"T-Tha- what is tha- H- How?"

As much as I tried to speak, at the same time, I couldn't form words even if I tried hard to. He chuckled frowning while gazing at my flabbergasted face. I was stunned to the point I didn't remember how to speak.

I looked at him with my eyebrows furrowed.

What was there to laugh? Will someone tell me?

A merchant came to the counter with a smile. "Welcome! What would you like?"

"Show something great for Royalty."

The merchant's eyes went wide and she kept a hand on her mouth gasping. "R-Royalty? I apologise for not recognising you before. Please forgive me!"

She pleaded bowing several times. "No, no, no problem! It's okay! Can you please show me some accessories?"

I spoke up, he had not been answering the poor lady. "Yes, Your Highness!"

Saying this, she opened many boxes of jewellery and accessories in front of me.

I picked and tried each one of them. It was an amazing idea to buy these and then I could also wear them to the party tomorrow.

I did right by coming here. As I finally decided on my purchases, Yeonjun stepped forward to pay. I felt bad for having him pay, I'll return him by taking some gold coins from Jungkook.

AUTHOR'S POV

They both exited the shop after she was satisfied with her choices. Wasting no time, she hoped on Fury, already anticipating to seek what more this world had in store. The planet never failed to surprise her.

"Your Highness, we should head back, it's almost evening." Yeonjun reminded her while taking a look at the sky which was now orange and yellow.

Y/n gave a nod in response, accepting that today's time was going to end soon. They made their way to the huge gates of the castle. The security was always high around the gates.

Thus, no ordinary man could enter without getting checked. Y/n gazed at the small hills on the right which were visible from there.

The hills were filled with trees of pastel colours. Some were of pink, some of lavender, some of light blue and many other light colours.

Her pupils intensely stared. They made her want to stare at them, more and more. Finally, she glances at Yeonjun.

"What are those trees?"

Yeonjun took a moment to glance at where she was pointing. "That's a forest," He added.

"It might seem it's pretty but it has always been a mystery. Ancestors used to say that the forest has two sides. One is the outer part - all beautiful and alluring while the other is dark and dull. Some also say that weird creatures live inside the forest but I'm not sure if this is only a myth or reality."

Now when she looked at those trees, they gave her off-vibes. It was as if they radiated black smoke. A feeling settled in her stomach, racing her heart.

She kept in mind to not even accidentally step in that direction.

Not everything we have seen is the reality. Look closer, even salt looks like sugar.

The sunset painted the sky in golden rays and the moments got locked in the chest of the past. The treasure of memories was filled with one more day of her life. Maybe someday, she will cherish these days.

_

Hello!
Enjoy the chapter! I apologise if there is something wrong with my writing or if there are errors. They say we learn from mistakes, right?

Point them out if you find any. 👉

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