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scene nine:
the concern

"It will be a bigger problem if
they find out."
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SUNGHOON HEAVES A SIGH when he turned to the pile of papers he has to check for the upcoming coming of age.

"I want to spend some time with Ava too...." He mutters before pressing the imperial seal on the 40th over 100 invitations they'll be handling out to different kingdoms.

"Your highness, Prince Jungwon has arrived."

The older looked up to the younger. A concerned expression was on his face as he stared at his overworked brother.

"If Jay and Jake are taking time to rest, why won't you?" Questioned Jungwon before taking a seat on the sofa on the side of the room.

"I need to make sure everything goes well. I am the child of the king and current queen. My burdens are heavier than my brothers'." Sunghoon continued to stamp the imperial seal on the invitations.

Jungwon could only sigh while Sunghoon's butler pour tea for him. The younger prince becomes quiet before crossing his legs and resting one arm on the back rest of the sofa.

"Ava is worried."

"What? Why?"

"This is your coming of age ceremony. Aristocracy from different kingdoms will be attending it, including hers. If her family sees she's here, other than her two brothers who already knows then you know how the king will react to that."

Sunghoon looks down at the invitations. A heavy feeling of guilt was suddenly pressed down on his shoulders.

"If they find out..." Jungwon turned to Sunghoon who looked worried and angry. Is it because of the actions of the king from Ava's kingdom?

"If they find out that Ava is hiding here, war might break out, knowing how stubborn her father is." Jungwon sighed, dropping the formalities.

They both don't see the reason why a princess should marry to become queen.

Being men themselves and have seen many colors from countless people, they know the greed for power that lies within people.

They've seen how people has risen and how people have fallen because of their undying greed for power and wealth.

If Ava gets tangled into those matters then it's fated for her to suffer, not only in a loveless marriage but in a corrupted one.

Jungwon puts his finished cup of tea on the table. "I just want you to be aware of her situation. I'm sure Ava is already worried about it. I bet you that she's thinking about handling it herself-,"

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. "Prince Sunghoon?" It was Ava.

"Let her in," Jungwon and Sunghoon didn't waste time to think as their butler immediately opened the door.

Ava stood there with a tray of treats and more tea in her hands. "Good morning - oh, Prince Jungwon is here too."

She smiles at the two, even the butler's heart warmed at her. To know this lady is a woman of her sword but at the same time, a gentle lady that seeks nothing but care.

"I brought tea and some snacks after hearing you'll be here for the whole day." Ava placed the tray on the table.

"Perfect timing, your highness! We're almost out of tea! I'm sure your tea taste better than mine." The butler was quick enough to get the teapot on the table.

Ava seemed surprised, "ah! I've tasted the tea you've made! It's quite tasty, I hope to drink it before sleeping since it's comforting."

"T-thank you, your highness..." The butler faced the two princes before bowing his head. "I will be waiting outside of the room, do call if you need me."

He then walks out which leaves the three royalty in one room.

"Ava!!! Did you make these snacks yourself?" Jungwon grabbed a cookie from the plate and took a bite.

"I did with the help of some of the maids. Is it tasty?"

"I want some too!" Sunghoon ran from his desk to the table where Jungwon and Ava sat. He quickly took a bite of the cookie and melted into his seat.

"Yah, this is really good." He smiled and took another one.

Ava laughed shyly, "thank you. I'm planning on giving the other boys but they're busy at the moment, so maybe later."

Suddenly, Sunghoon turns to Jungwon who freezes at his spot. "I believe this prince here also has his duties."

Jungwon lets out a cough before taking a pile of cookies and runs out of the room, completely forgotten about his own set of work. The older sighs while Ava laughs.

Silence engulfed the two as Sunghoon watched Ava pour tea for both of them.

"What kind of tea is this? The color seems lighter than other tea I've had." Sunghoon takes a sip of the said tea. He lets out a soft gasp.

"It's a tea I made myself... I took some dried rose petals and combined it with a tea recipe I made from home. Do you like it?" Ava tilted her head.

Sunghoon's smile widened bedode he nodded his head. "It's really delicious! Tell the tea recipe!"

"It's a secret," Ava placed a finger on her lips. Sunghoon saw the tip slide on her pink lips. He immediately looks away, his cheeks suddenly red.

Ava noticed something on Sunghoon. She takes a napkin on the side before leaning closer to him. Her hand on the table to support her weight.

She was nearing Sunghoon which made the boy look at her.

"W-what are y-you doing?" For a confident prince like him, Ava found it quite cute how easily flustered he can get.

"You have crumbs." Before Sunghoon could react once more, Ava had already wiped the cookie crumbs on tbe side of his lips which resulted to a more flustered reaction from him.

Ava could only laugh when the prince leaned back from his seat and covered his face.

"Please... Warn me next time..."

"But you look so cute now."

"Ah!" Sunghoon screams, a hint of flustering feelings was evident in his voice.

The two of them have finally calmed down before Sunghoon caught Ava staring at the invitations on his desk...

That immediately reminded him of Ava's situation.

"Maybe, it's better for me to just return. I feel like I will only make more trouble if I stay here." Said Ava with a disappointed smile.

Sunghoon's eyes widened before he took Ava's hand into his. "No! Don't worry about it! I will take care of it."

That made Ava softly smile, however, she didn't want to make Sunghoon think about her when he already has a lot on his plate.

She shakes her head, only to get a pat on the head from Sunghoon.

"It's a pleasure to see you everyday here in Kingdom Connect and it's my honor to help you, Prince Ava." He takes her hand closer to his lips.

"So please... Let me help you."