Is... Is it over...?

A weird thing about this death is that I didn't feel the pain of the sword impaling through my guts. Instead, I feel the warmth of someone's arms wrapped around my body and what's weirder is that I still hear the birds, and the wind, and footsteps of another person running across the forest floor.

"Don't try anything foolish. You can keep closing your eyes as long as you stay right here." I heard him warn. I don't know who this person was, but I followed his orders. Maybe when I open my eyes, I'm back in my bedroom.

But the sound of the men gasping, the sound of terrified horses running away, the sound of something sharp was swishing fast... I can still hear them.

A few moments of silence ensued, and soon curiosity got the better of me as I opened my eyes.

What—

I witnessed the men with their horses, all clutching onto their wounds as they ran away. "You'll pay for this, little prince!"

I turned to see who he was referring to.

This person...isn't he...?!

I heard someone running towards me from behind. It was one of the men from earlier, left alone and angry. My eyes went wide.

Before he could attack me, the prince kicked him away and stepped onto his fallen body. The prince was then ready to plunge his two daggers, now filled with blood dripping at the edges.

He stopped mid-way. Then with a sigh, he lowered his knives, confusing the man.

"I'm giving you three seconds to run." He ordered, his eyes as cold as steel.

The man didn't waste any time. He screamed as he dashed away towards another part of the forest.

They're gone.

My shivering hands made their way onto my minor injury, where the tip of the sword had inflicted.

The prince approached me and gently pulled my hand away, checking to see the damage. His eyes were no longer threatening. "It's okay, it just seems to be a dot of red, so it'll heal itself and disappear later on."

Our eyes met. When I gazed into his eyes, I saw the same feeling of tender serenity-the same feeling of when I caught him staring at me back at the cafeteria.

Park Jimin.

Strangely, that spark soon faded away from his eyes after he shook his head like he was trying to get rid of it. Then all of a sudden, his face was replaced with anger. He gripped onto my shoulders, shaking me back to my senses. "What was the matter with you?! You just tried to get yourself killed!"

He was right. I felt physical pain, I almost died.

I noticed his left shoulder, blood seeping through his clothes. Back then, the sound I heard of someone stabbed...it was him.

"You're wounded...because of me..." I stifled a gasp. Guilt hovering, I carefully placed my fingers to trace his injury.

"This is nothing. I've been through worse." He stated as if it was completely natural, as if he was used to it.

Realization struck me like a chord. A person ended up hurt because of my stupidity.

This...isn't a dream, is it?

Tears started to fall down on my cheeks. I hardly even looked at his reaction.

Does that mean... I'm stuck in this time period...for good? I can't...go home?

I started to sob. The traumatizing pain I felt when that sharp point touched my chest, the wound on his shoulder that I have caused, the surreal reality of it all. It just sinks in.

I almost got myself killed...for real.

"I'm so sorry." My voice was as low and remorseful as a whispers spun out of regrets. "I'm so...so sorry..."

I didn't care about what he would think of me. I kept crying like a baby. I felt lost and afraid. Everything was unbelievable.

I never intended for this to happen. All I ever wanted was to get away from here, to wake up in my bed, to hear my mom's nags in the wee hours of the morning when dawn bursts into colors, to laugh with Lisa at the canteen as we talk about dreams. All I ever wanted was to go back home.

He gazed at me and his face softened. Unexpectedly, he began to wipe the tears from my face. I blinked at him in befuddlement.

"Stop crying. You look horrible." He said gently, tone light and airy.

My weeps eventually settled. I looked up at him, perplexed.

I don't understand this guy's attitude. Is he kind or is he downright cruel? I found myself at the in-between, unable to figure him out.

Then, his expression contorted back to his usual state of a strict grimace. The strange thing was that it didn't feel directed towards me. It almost seemed as if his restrictions were for his own personal control. He was peculiar. Very peculiar.

My thoughts snapped to a stop when I sensed him move.

"I'm leaving you here. So annoying..." He muttered, pulling his hand away from the rosy blushes of my cheek.

He actually did. He walked away from me, into the deep shadows of the woods. He was long gone before I could even ask him for his name.

"But your wound...! Ah, he left."

I looked around me. Now the forest appeared to be unsettling after that entire horrifying encounter with the swords. I was well-aware that I will experience more precarious situations like this, for destiny will always come and chase after me, claiming my fated death.

"I s-should go find him and treat his wounds..." I skittered away from the woods, trying to leave that scary memory behind.

Somehow, I found myself back at the Royal Gardens. I scanned around the area, looking for a wounded prince.

Where could he possibly have run off to? I wondered, genuinely concerned.

That was when I heard the sound of arrows whisking through the air, hitting the target. I whirled my head to see where it came from.

"Whoa..." I awed at the scenery. A trail out of the Royal Gardens led to another area. It was the Training Field (as the sign said) where soldiers were fighting and exercising.

I saw men clashing with their swords. Some are made of cold iron while others are of wooden sticks. I saw men with daggers, running around the field with fast nimble legs, their bodies circling the target.

"That prince must be one of them. He did carry twin daggers."

Now that I think about it, he didn't kill those men. He just left them scarred enough to run away. Was it on purpose due to the fact that I was there?

"No time for thinking, Rosette. Let's just look for him and then we'll ask questions." I stepped into the archery range, staying behind the boundary lines so that I won't get hit by one of their arrows.

A guy with elegant clothing led the group of archers. He prepared his bow and arrow. Amazingly, he aimed for the line of targets in front of him and shot every single one with extreme precision.

To my astonishment, all of his arrows hit the center mark.

His group of archers clapped enthusiastically as he shyly beamed at them.

"He's quite the sharpshooter, huh." I mumbled, quite pleased with the performance.

After the group was done with their daily routine, I approached the familiar man. I think he was that bubbly, energetic junior at school? Jung Hoseok?

"Pardon me..."

He turned to my direction, staring at my attire. He then tilted his head. "Yes? You don't seem to be one of the trainees, considering your outfit. What do you need?"

"I'm here to inquire if you've seen, um, a man lurking around with a wound on his shoulder. I want to treat his injuries." I said with fidgeting fingers.

I shouldn't ask for a prince. I reminded myself. And I should act like a naturally concerned folk to avoid suspicion.

"No, sorry, I have not. But if you think he was wounded by my arrows, I must have to inform you that I never hit anything except my targets." He smiled, dimples showing.

"I know that much, you're quite a professional with the bow and arrow," I told him with a reassuring nod.

He blushed as he scratched his neck bashfully. How cute it was to see such a fierce creature turn naive for a few words of flattery. "T-Thank you, miss. Don't worry about that man though, we have our Royal Doctor to take care of him."

"How are you so sure that man would go to the doctor?"

"Well, if that man you are talking about is one of my brothers, then, of course, I am sure."

I gawked at him, wide-eyed and mouth open. "You knew?!"

He chuckled and responded with a wink. "It was just a wild guess. My brothers returning the castle with injuries are considered normal for everyone here."

"Oh, I see."

I hung my head low. Turned out this man wasn't so naive after all. In fact, the naive one here is me.

"May I ask you for your name, Your Highness?" I perked up, eyes gazing at him reflecting a profound admiration.

"Jacob. Jacob Erhart." He said while beaming.

Seconds later, a soldier interrupted our mini conversation as he stepped forward and bowed. "Sir Jacob! We have been informed that there were signs of invaders in the forest! What shall we do?"

His expression changed.

"Start an investigation, gather the men. I need at least two trained assassins who specialize in hiding and a few swordsmen. We begin at sunset." Prince Jacob ordered with a calm and calculating focus.

"At your command, Sir!" the soldier rushed to inform his fellow men and follow the instructions that were given.

"Well, I should get going now." I inched backward, not wanting to be part of their tension.

Prince Jacob's attention went back towards me. "Alright. Be safe, Miss Painter. Make sure you treat your minor injury."

I released a short exhale, baffled.

He grinned at me with a gleam of mischief in his eyes. "You need to be quite observant with the environment, otherwise you miss out a lot of useful details."

Not only does he have sharpshooting skills, he also had sharp thinking skills.

Yeah, I know. I'm quite witty with the descriptions.

"I'll make sure to remember that, thank you." I bowed to him, clutching onto the hem of my now dirtied dress.

His advice might come in handy, especially now that I have to figure out a way to return to my time period. I produced the idea, nodding.

"If you need any more tips, I'll be right here." He added, grabbing hold of his weapon. He carefully placed it in a brown leather bag case before swinging it over his shoulder.

I smiled at him, turning my heels towards another direction and walking away from the Royal Gardens.

"That was nerve-racking." My heels clicked on the marble floors, the hallway resumed in simple quiet.

If this isn't a dream then that means I traveled back to my past life. The question is—why?

Maybe I have to solve The Painter's mysterious disappearance after all?

Based on my recurring dreams, on the night of the Revolution, the Painter disappeared because she was murdered in the deepest part of the woods.

A strike to the heart and she was gone... I was gone.

My hand traveled back to my chest, where a wound was now in its place.

What I have to figure out is who my murderer was. I can't link them to the princes though, which must mean it wasn't the Musician. But it surely has to be an enemy of the Revolution, right? So maybe one of them might attempt to kill me after all?

Ugh, I am confused.

"Oh! There's a balcony here too. This palace floor appeared to be quite old so I never expected that people still—" I stopped in my tracks.

Sitting there at the ledge of the balcony was a man wearing simple clothing. He looked down at the scenery, revealing a full view of the village below the castle.

Is he a commoner? If so, why is he here in the palace?

I widened my eyes at the sight of the man leaning in to jump, his hands loosening the grip of the ledge. A speeding rush of adrenaline pumped along my veins and made me step up and initiate an exchange.

IS HE SUICIDAL?!

"Wait! What are you doing?!" I yelled at him, trying to gain the concentration he placed upon the prospect below him.

The man heard me and slowly turned his head to my direction. He looked slightly panicked at first, but then after further inspection, he appeared somewhat relieved.

"Oh. Hello." He simply greeted.

"Hello?! That's all you can say to me?! Are you trying to kill yourself?"

"Jumping from a balcony this high won't kill me, miss. Don't shout. The others might hear you."

I knitted my brows together upon hearing his statement.

Hm? Does he not want the others to know he's here?

"Fine, I won't. But you have to tell me why you're here. Are you a commoner sneaking in and out of the palace?" I probed, curious as to how he could be in the fortress.

He glanced at his clothes, then at me. "I'm Vante Osburne, nice to meet you."

"I didn't ask for your name, and you're not answering my questions." I sighed, running my fingers through my hair in frustration. It felt like I was talking to a child. A very whimsical one at that.

Wait a second, his beautiful facial features seem familiar. Have I seen him somewhere before?

I racked my brain, trying to pull the reason why his aesthetic profile had a sense of familiarity.

And then, I stiffened.

A slow-burning comprehension hits me like a brick. Vante noticed this and smiled, acting all lovely and innocent.

KIM TAEHYUNG. If he's one of the music club members...then...he is...

My eyes went as wide as it could ever be as I recognized the person I was talking to.

"P-Prince...?!"

He continued to stare at me, amused.

"I am so so so sorry! Please forgive me for my rude behavior!" I bowed to him, mortified of the words I've chosen and the actions I did. He didn't introduce himself as a prince, it was as if he didn't want me to see him as one.

"Aww, don't be embarrassed. I won't tell on you as long as you won't tell on me, okay?" he teased, playfully swinging his feet into the afternoon air. But his tone of voice was clear. He's trying to convince me to partake on this one condition.

Quite lost in his words and in the nadirs of his shimmering eyes, I delved. "Wait, what do you mean by that?"

He smirked.

And his hands let go of the railings.

I gasped.

Hastily, I attempted catching up to him the moment he jumped off the balcony, but I was too late.

"What..." I held in a breath, still processing what had just occurred.

I looked down and saw him running towards the bushes. To my surprise, there was a secret opening of the walls at a far corner where he can sneak past the guards by the gate without attracting any attention at all. Either he made that hole or he discovered it. Regardless, it was a brilliant escape route.

The prince crawled right through it.

Is he heading towards the village? Why does he do it in secret, not letting anyone in the palace, not even his own brothers know?

"What is wrong with the people here? All I encounter are a bunch of weirdos. I don't get all this palace intrigue." Sighing, I continued walking down the old secluded corridor. My feet ached, not used to the feeling of heels.

And that's when I hear it.

My eyes widened at the sound of the piano being played. I suddenly felt like drowning in nostalgia, dashing along the corridor like a madwoman. My heart hammered in my chest as I reach a room from a far corner, trying to sneak a peek inside.

A chandelier hung at the ceiling, yet the huge windows let the sunlight inside, creating a warm glow in the room.

I watch as a man continued playing the piece, his eyes closed as if he was trying to feel the pain of the song. He seems so distant and serene, like he was in a world of his own.

This is it. This is the song.

Why am I so happy, yet so sad at the same time?

Is this man him? Is he the Musician?

Wait, isn't this guy—

To my surprise, the man stopped playing. And to my horror, he looked at the door, where I was peeking through.

"Whoever's at the door, come inside or else I'll go to you." He demanded intimidatingly.

Panic surges through every bone in my body, I find it hard to immediately move.

"That's an order from a prince." He further stated as he scowled to my direction.

Mumbling curse words under my breath, I did what he wanted. I stepped into the room, slightly surprising him as I entered.

He probably expected some sort of spy or something since he then blinked several times, struggling with what words he should speak, for he didn't expect a guest of the Royal Family to enter the room.

Finally, his eyes met mine. "Are you interested in music?"

"N-No, but I can paint!"

He tilted his head, staring at me intently.

"I mean—I'm the new painter!" I gulped, suddenly anxious with how I appeared to be.

Crap, I so wanna bury a hole and hide there for eternity. I am such a humiliation. What do you mean with 'I can paint', Rosette?! Idiot!

He continued gazing into my eyes before finally breaking contact. "The Painter from Duva?"

"Yes, Your Highness." I dipped my head in response. I can't escape this guy. The instant I stepped into the threshold, I was immediately bombarded with an interrogation, which means this prince is cautious, very cautious.

"Is it a nice place?" he asked again with interest filling in his husky voice.

"Pardon?"

"Your kingdom, Duva." He told me, somehow patient with this question, "Is it a nice place?"

"Y-Yes, it is."

Somehow, I can see it, although it's faint. A small smile was on his face.

What's this? I think our prince here is a Duva fanatic.

"You're smiling." I pointed out, resulting in a slightly flustered prince. He blinked his expression away in a hurry, smile fading.

"I am not."

"You are."

"Am not."

"You are!" I retorted, reasonably exasperated at his in denial persona.

"Am not!" he kept contradicting with his arms crossed, his stare fixed onto me.

Calm down, Rosette. I know you can act strongly on your emotions...

"You are, Sugar, so stop lying!" My mouth automatically moved as I shouted at the top of my lungs, basically done with his unending refute.

The prince gasped. His hand rested on his chest, clearly offended. "How dare you call me Sugar?! I have a name bestowed upon me and that's—"

"Whatever you say, Your Highness." I stormed out of the room before I could say anything more that I might regret later on, leaving the prince screeching to himself.

"That annoying little snobby brat! Why is he so full of himself? Back at the cafeteria, even here in the 18th century?!" I grumbled, stomping my feet crabbily.

"If ever we're to meet again, I'm so gonna—"

I flickered my eyelids and looked around the room I was currently inside of. This was located farthest from the palace, all abandoned and alone.

Or at least I thought it was.

"You like books?"

I whirled to the deep voice behind me. It turned out to be the leader of the Music club, Kim Namjoon. I am not surprised to find him here among all the other places he could've been.

"Pleased to meet you, Miss Painter. I am Prince Nathaniel James. I do hope you are enjoying your stay here at the palace grounds." He greeted with a polite smile.

"I am...a-adapting to it well, I guess."

His gaze latched onto me was long and calculating, as if staring into the reason for my being. "Welcome to the Library of Grand. Well, the old one. Our father had to build a new and bigger library somewhere else."

The books were old and buried in dust. Not just any dust, these were ashes. This library seemed to be caught ablaze, burning everything with it.

Even the ancient grand piano resting at the far corner.

I couldn't help but get curious. "What happened to this place?"

Prince Nathaniel glanced up at me, in his hand was an old open book. He smiled as if he was waiting for me to ask.

"It is what you think it is," Prince Nathaniel started off. "This used to be our library until this part of the castle was devoured by flames."

"This whole floor? This old corridor?"

He nodded, quiet and reserved.

No wonder only a few walks around in this area. This reminds me of the abandoned floor back at school.

"He insists that his room must be located on this floor." He added.

Puzzled at his statement, I asked. "Who?"

"My older brother, Agustus." He then walks towards the old grand piano, stroking its keys. His eyes lock on me with a sly shine.

"The guy you called sugar and annoying little snobby brat just a few moments ago." He stated, emphasizing what I just said earlier.

My body froze. I now see him in a new light. A cunning and clever prince, born with a silver tongue.

So he did hear us. The library was a few steps away from that snob prince's room after all.

"This was our mother's favorite place to spend time. This grand piano was hers too." He started to play the old musical instrument, and my jaw dropped open.

It was the same piece Suga—I mean Prince Agustus played previously, as well as Prince Jacque Darryl who hummed it before.

"Y-You know this piece too?" I watched him, confusion was clearly visible in my face.

Prince Nathaniel smiled yet again, entertained with my consecutive shocked reactions. "This was our mother's favorite song. All of my brothers know how to play it."

Of course. Of course all of them are princes. Of course all of them are musicians. And of course they all play the same freaking piece!

Great! Just great!

How am I supposed to figure out who the damn musician is now?!

Despite the frustration bubbling within me, it soon simmered down once the prince left the piano and stepped inches away from my face. "Now, since I answered every single one of your questions, curious guest, it's my turn to ask you."

I gulped. He planned this all along.

"Why were you snooping around Agustus' room? Are you a spy from the kingdom of Duva?" he began, almost as if I was a suspect and was interrogated for a crime.

"No, I'm not!"

"Then what were you doing outside his room?"

"I was touring around the palace until I reached this area! When I heard someone playing the piano, I got curious..."

"Curious enough to invade someone else's privacy?"

I went quiet.

"You even got the courage to raise your voice at a prince. Hah, you're quite the peculiar one, aren't you?" he kept going, using the shame he sees on my face as his way of enjoyment.

I lowered my head, embarrassed.

"It almost feels like...you're not from here." Prince Nathaniel probed while trying to observe my reaction to his statement.

I tried to look as calm and innocent as possible, yet a cold sweat still drips down my spine.

I gained myself back and defended with total sarcasm. "How can you say that? I'm definitely not from here, for I am a painter from the kingdom of Duva."

I looked up at him, grabbing the dignity I have left.

Prince Nathaniel sneered as if I'm a prey cornered. "I see, then can you explain to me what you meant with even here in the 18th century? You sounded as if you were comparing our current year to something else."

And I'm dead.

As soon as he noticed that I was all tight-lipped, he leaned in closer. "Even if you don't tell me, I'll figure it out—"

"Nathaniel, that's enough."

That certain dignified voice...

It was none other than the Heir to the Throne, the eldest prince, Eugene Brancen. He stepped into the onset as he watched the two of us like a hawk.

"Miss Khaleesi? Are you alright?" Prince Eugene worriedly turned to face me.

"I-I'm fine, Your Highness."

My savior!

"Agustus told me there was some tension happening within this room. I'm glad it's nothing serious." He sighed as he gazed at me and Prince Nathaniel.

Actually, it is serious. Your brother is about to uncover a secret of mine. And wait, did you just say 'Agustus'?

"Tch, I thought I specifically told you not to mention me." Prince Agustus complained as he left his hiding spot and went towards us.

Oh yeah, they're both seniors back at school, which means they're about the same age. A year gap, but that doesn't mean he can treat the Heir to the Throne like that! No wonder the King didn't vouch for him to take the crown, he's quite the brat.

"You can go on ahead, Miss Khaleesi. Me and my brothers must discuss personal matters first before we head out to the Throne Room."

When Prince Eugene said this, his strict gaze was locked on Prince Nathaniel's. His younger brother could do nothing but look down at the burnt floor.

Before I could fully exit the room, I heard some lines from their conversation.

Prince Eugene started scolding his younger brother's action, disappointment evident in his tone. "You clearly disrespected our guest, Nathaniel. I expected more from that bright mind of yours."

"But brother!" Prince Nathaniel defended. "There's something strange about her! I just have to figure it out! I don't want her to do anything that might put our kingdom in great peril!"

Prince Nathaniel's right. I am hiding something from them, and I, the Painter, am the Harbinger of the Revolution that led to their downfall.

I don't think they deserve it. Most of them are good people.

"Run along now, little mousy. Skittering around while listening to private discussions won't get you anywhere." Prince Agustus came behind my back and lowly whispered.

Most. I said most people. This guy isn't one of them.

"You're right. I don't have time to waste on annoying brats like you." I exclaimed as I faced him.

He released a quick exhale of intense befuddlement. "You're quite foul-mouthed, aren't you?"

"Only towards other foul-mouthed people. You see, I like playing fire with fire." I smirked at him, and he scrunched his tiny nose in return.

Deciding to end the conversation, I started walking away from him when he said something, making me halt from my trail.

"So this is how you treat people who helped you out? You wound me, young lady."

Now it was my turn to release a confused exhale.

Ugh! The nerve of this guy!

"Fine. You want gratitude? I'll give it to you." I slowly strutted along the marbled floor, ignoring the aching of my feet, ignoring the fast-paced beating of my heart, ignoring the internal screams in my mind.

Soon after I was inches away from him, and he defensively put up a fighting stance, expecting for a critical attack.

What attack he didn't expect...was actually a quick kiss on the cheek.

His beady little eyes went wide, and then his hand touched his cheek. And then his whole face became flushed with an adorable shade of pinkish-red.

What on earth, Rosette!

Have you ever stopped to think maybe kissing people to express gratitude in the past centuries are possible myths? Why did you kiss this brat—well, at least he went silent.

"There. Happy now?"

He couldn't say anything. Instead, he wordlessly gazes into my eyes.

After recovering from my actions, he opened his mouth to speak. "Not only are you foul-mouthed, but you're also dangerous too."

I grinned at him, despite all these stupid mixed emotions flooding my entire being. "I'll take that as a compliment."

I then walked away, leaving him to his thoughts.

Then, the cringe hit me. My face muscles squished as though I bit through sour lemons, and my hands balled into fists.

Only three letters could describe the chaotic thoughts and rushing feelings screaming and surging throughout my entire body.

WTF.

"Oh. My. Gosh." I gawked at the biggest chandelier I'd seen throughout my walk in the palace.

I have arrived at the Throne Room, where King Eldred Grand and his Royal Family had been waiting for my presence. Lords and ladies filled the glittering walls; the shiny floor reflected their fanciful fashion.

"May I present to you, the Royal Family's guest of honor, Miss Khaleesi Dulcina Ermengard!" I heard the Herald introduce me to the crowd.

Damn it, no matter how hard I try, I still can't get used to that name.

The audience applauded as I strutted on the red carpet, my gown improvised by Gertrude when she was horrified at what the dress had become after what happened back in the forest.

Plus, after all that walking around the castle, of course, it would turn all dirty and scratched. I apologize to the Royal Dressmakers who did their best on this outfit. One almost fainted when they saw it.

Upon reaching the small stage, I did my most elegant curtsy, gripping onto the hem of my gown as if holding on to dear life once again.

I looked at the stage to where the Royal Family sat. That's when I noticed something that made my mouth drop in sudden realization.

The King's Throne was at the center. At its left were the seats of four, and its right were also other seats of four—a perfect balance of 9 seats: him, his wife, and his seven sons. But what makes the Royal Family so imperfect, is that despite the perfect amount of seats, the number of people seated wasn't complete.

The Queen's Throne was empty.

I recalled the discussion between Prince Nathaniel and I back at the old library.

This was our mother's favorite place to spend time. This grand piano was hers too. He said.

He also added. This was our mother's favorite song. All of my brothers know how to play it.

Did their mother die because of the fire? Was she at the library when it happened?

"Now introducing His Royal Majesty, King Eldred Grand!"

The nobles and gentries cheered.

"With his seven sons, the Princes of Grand!"

The Herald continued along. I decided to leave my thoughts for later.

"Heir to the Throne, first-born, and Field Marshal, Prince Eugene Brancen Grand!"

Everyone roared with enthusiasm, it seems like they really liked Prince Eugene. Then he turned to me with a smile and elegantly bows and I smiled back.

"The second-born, and Second Field Assassin, Prince Agustus Dane Grand!"

When he stood up, he hesitated to bow. His little nose scrunched up with disdain and I couldn't help but rolled my eyes at him.

"The third-born, High Constable, and First Field Marksman, Prince Jacob Erhart Grand!"

Prince Jacob bowed with strong dignity, yet after he did, he winked like the flirty little scoundrel he is. I could only hold in a laugh.

"The fourth-born, Strategist and Brain of the Brawn, Prince Nathaniel James Grand!"

He did a quick bow, but his eyes squinted at me, threatening me to try and do anything funny and he'll attack as I gulped.

The Herald then carried along to the last three remaining princes that were about to be introduced. His job must be tiring.

"The fifth-born and First Field Assassin, Prince Tayden Pharrell Grand!"

Tayden Pharrell? That's Jimin's name? It's...beautiful.

Prince Tayden stood up from his seat. We gazed into each other's eyes. He elegantly bowed. And after he did, he smiled at me, pure and gentle, like what he did at the cafeteria.

I couldn't believe my eyes. That guy with bloody twin daggers, who looks pissed off all of the time...smiled?

I smiled back, a little bit too happy, I suppose, since Prince Tayden released a small sigh and shook his head, back to his usual cold stare.

"The sixth-born and First Field Swordsman, Prince Vante Osburne Grand!"

This is the first time I see him in princely clothing. He stood up from his seat and bowed, lips curling upwards with mischief. He then secretly places his index finger to his mouth. I simply nodded.

"The seventh-born, last son who carries the Grand blood, Second Field Swordsman, Prince Jacque Darryl Grand!'

Jungkook~ Is it weird for me to say that I missed him?

Prince Jacque stood up and bowed smoothly. He then mouths you can do it! with an encouraging smile.

Sometimes he makes me just want to tackle him and cry in his arms. I miss my parents, I miss Lisa, I miss my life from before. Prince Jacque, with Jungkook's bunny smile, reminds me of that life.

"Pleasure to work with you, Miss Khaleesi." King Eldred announced for the entire vicinity to hear.

"Rosette." I stated, earning a startled reaction from the aged man. "You can call me Rosette. I prefer to be called that way."

The King and the Herald exchanged confused looks. Finally, the Herald just shrugged and carried on with the ceremony. The King heaved out a strong decree. "Very well, Miss, ahem, Rosette. I hope the paintings you create bring historical change."

Ohh, you shouldn't have said that. Because I will. A Revolution awaits.

"Rise, my sons, and greet the Lady Guest of Honor in front of you." King Eldred ordered. His blackbird portrait behind him watched.

Ultimately, they did one final bow in perfect synchronization.

Seven princes stood before me.

But which of them is the one I seek?