We're born to be sad, sad, sad, sad
So start to be glad, glad, glad, glad

Vicky Pov

You introduced Tala to the young count the following day. Tala was quickly enarmoured by the attractive royal, much to everyone's surprise. Eduardo was clearly impressed with her best friend, as she could see.

He was quite charming, and despite his tendency to seem overly somber, he was courteous and considerate. Tala gave you a thumbs up, which is unfortunate because he is not your soulmate.

You were nervous because, following the royal visit to the Duke and Duchess of Ronqiillio, Princess Francesca and her family, as well as the Duke and his family, would pay them a visit for the dedication of the surprise grand daughter.

When Jin-goo learnt that the bothersome princess wants the marriage negotiations to continue once she meets Prince Jin-cute and talkative daughter, his dreams were dashed.

If he had to leave Seolhyun, he will most likely marry Fransesca before marrying Tala. The former is more his style than his child's mother, who is petite and unassuming. As Hwannies' mother, he respects Tala, but he can't imagine himself with her.

Princess Francesca's parents couldn't understand why she wanted to marry Jin-Goo when he could just marry the young commoner who had given him a beautiful daughter.

He turned to you under the pavilion while you and Eduardo were taking a quiet stroll in the royal garden. You were surrounded by a thick foliage. The area is peaceful, and you enjoy coming here with your bodyguards in the background. You'll bring a blanket and cushions, which the staff or your ladies will set up, and you'll unwind with some snacks and a good mystery novel.

However, you were in the company of your future husband today.

As he clasped your hand in his, he smiled, "Princess I have a confession to make. But promise me that you will not laugh."

You're grinning at the Count and biting your lower lip in anticipation."When we're alone, Eduardo, please call me Vicky. I promise I wouldn't laugh." You grin nervously into his eyes.

"I've had my eye on you since you were sixteen years old. I liked you back then, and I like you much more now. During his birthday celebration, Jin-Goo urged me to keep away from you and not to approach you. He reminded me of a (perro guardián)guard dog. I couldn't believe how beautiful you were when you were presented at the ball with all the 18-year-old debutantes... If my parents wish to arrange a marriage for me, I'd prefer it to be with you. I know it'll be your 21st birthday in a few days, but you still haven't met your soulmate. —-"With purpose, he glanced at you, and the intensity of his gaze made your heart flutter. " —-would you be interested in marrying me?--- if things don't work out as far as the strings are concerned between the two of you." He bit his lower lip as he awaited your response.

"Thank you for liking me, Eduardo," you say with a nod. "Would you mind giving me some time to meet my soulmate first and figure out our strings before I respond?" You inquire, hesitantly. How are you going to marry someone if you haven't met your soulmate yet? You and your parents, fortunately, are on the same page.

"I'll give you all the time you need," Eduardo grinned. Your eyes widened as he raised your hand up to his lips and placed a delicate kiss on the back of your hand. He is so endearing. You might fall for him soon if you aren't careful.

You raise your brows at him and give him a kind grin "I appreciate it. Eduardo."

"Just so you know, I'm going to steal a real kiss from you the next time we had a stroll," he grinned quietly.As he laughs out loud, your jaws drop in shock. You merely slap him across the chest in a lighthearted manner.

You chuckle and say, "Gentlemen don't treat ladies like this."

"Who says I'm a gentleman, after all? In a few areas of the art of seduction, I'm well-versed—-" You could feel his breath fan your face and neck, sending thrills down your spine as he bent down. He planted a little peck under your ear before lifting his face.

Omg!

Eduardo cracks a grin. His brows waggle at your surprised expression. You'd always suspected that this dashing count was a bit of a pervert.

He took your hand in his and strolled with you around the lake, with your security guards and ladies following you from a safe distance. Some of the ducks on the lake were fed by you and Eduardo. You got to know each other and asked about each other's likes and dislikes. Your studies, for example. He was pleasantly surprised to learn that you had never been in a romantic relationship. You kept a low profile when it came to your high school romance with Joonie.

He wants to see you so he can put his affections for you to rest and go on with his "rapper girlfriend," whom he claims he is dating until he meets his soulmate. But how can someone date for nearly four years and not fall in love? You simply shook your head sadly, knowing deep down that Joon will never be yours, that he never has been and will never be. Acceptance is now the only option.

Tala was spending time with the Queen, which was unexpected. The queen was curious about you and her at school, but Tala was savvy enough to keep your friends' crush on a classmate a secret. She only mentioned school and your behavior to the queen.

The royals of the Villa arrived at the palace later that afternoon to join the royal family. As a result of numerous visitors, the palace was alive with activity. Jin-Goo, his sisters, the Duchess and Duke, as well as little Hwannie, who had been looking forward to seeing her mom. With her twin aunts, she had a great time. She can't wait to tell her mother about her aunts, who has the same face. She was fascinated. They were so charmed with Hwannie that they took her to an amusement park reserved exclusively for the royals. Their visit was low-key, and there were no paparazzi present. Jin-Goo was a strict parent who kept a tight check on what his child ate but also how they spoke to his kid.

Amaia and Karmina were eager to meet the girl who had caused their brother to lose his mind. They were merciless in their teasing of him.

The meeting of princess Fransesca and Hwannie startled the royals the most. She was smitten by the pretty girl and even spent some time in Hwannie's company. Fransesca isn't someone Amaia trusts, she told her sister. She wants Jin-goo, and she thinks she can win his heart through Hwannie.

The two families talked about their son's potential marriage to the princess. The Duchess simply instructed them to wait until Hwannies' mother received her soul mark on Wednesday, and then proceed with the negotiations if she is not mated to Jin-Goo. Jin-Goo was under a lot of pressure. Because the Duke pushed him to split up with Seolhyun, who couldn't handle the break-up properly, he was devoid of emotion. She was ranting and screaming in his ear, demanding to know what she had done wrong for him to be so cruel to her and to end a relationship that had lasted almost a year.

He became more irritated and stoic as a result of the call. His daughter was the only one who could get him out of his melancholy.

When all of the royals had settled into their suites, the Queen hosted a tea party for the young ladies in her private study. You, Fransesca and Tala, the twins. You dressed up. Tala in  one of your most recent cocktail dresses. Your ladies and personal stylist made certain that you both looked amazing.

Tala was apprehensive about meeting the other royals. Jin-sisters, as well as his future fiancée. Her nerves were frayed, but you made it a point to stay close to her at all times. Tala was a true lady with excellent etiquette. You linked your arms with hers and headed to your mother's private chambers, where tea and sweet treats would be given, escorted by your lady escorts.

In the bridge chamber, Prince Jin-Goo and Count Eduardo are playing cards with your older brothers. Tala hasn't seen Hwannie in a while because she's been busy with the Queen Mother, the other grandma, and her grandfather. (Duke and Duchess )

As Amaia and Karmina ran to you when you were introduced, you smiled widely.

"Oh, Your Highness...been it's a long time since we've seen one other!" Amaia wrapped her arms around your shoulders and embraced you tight. You were shorter than your cousins. Karmina, who was more reserved, grinned broadly and bowed politely.

"I'm OK. I'm missing you all. How's it going in your first year of university? "You inquired.

"So ordinary...how can we have fun when there are security dogs all around us? Our course, on the other hand, is fantastic. Karmina studies administration and I am pursuing political science. Grandma and I wish to visit the Philippines again. But it's still a little risky."

"Enough with the dull stuff, ... let's meet Tala first," Amaia said, smiling sweetly at Tala.

"Bang Tala, my best friend and sister, here. She is a lawyer as well, and we are both interns at the Kim and Chang company in Seoul... Princess Amaia and Karmina, Jin-Goos' younger sisters, meet Tala "As they stare in astonishment at your little friend, you turned smugly to them. They were pleasantly delighted by Tala's demeanor. Tala was beautiful in her own right, but they could see she didn't take nonsense well. Y our love for your best friend was evident.

"Hello, Tala...you are very adorable. Your  Little Hwannie is your replica. Thank you for adding a beam of happiness to our day." Amaia gushed.  Tala appeared nervous, but you comforted her by taking her sweaty hand in yours. At first glance, the twins are noted for liking or loathing people. And it appears that your acquaintance is popular with them.

"It's really an honor to meet you Tala," Karmina said with a nod. Tala gets a shy smile from her. Then came the arrival of Princess Fransesca. You drew a deep breath as you noticed how her gaze flitted between you and Tala. Tala, in particular, got it right by becoming so close to Jin-Goo in order to conceive a child with him. She had a perplexed expression on her face. This young lady is pretty simple. Not Jin-Goo's style  at all. She could have drugged him or taken advantage of him because he was wasted. This is typical of a commoner.

She approached you and Tala with a haughty aura around her.  She approached you and Tala and took a position in front of you. You bowed respectfully, and she extended her hand to a nervous Tala.

"It's so "wonderful" to finally meet the girl who made my Jin-Goo a daddy before his time...so not Jin's type, to say the least..."she responded with a fake smile and most likely a subtle sneer in her tone, "...hello Tala or shall I call you "Lady Tala" Tala smiles and bows lightly as she scoffs inwardly. The princess is stunning, with warm brown eyes that are icy and dirty blond hair that glows. She was treated as a second-class citizen by her. Tala didnt like her one bit and the feelings were mutual.

"Princess Francesca...what an honour to finally meet you...yes, I'm the girl...that gave him his first child, regrettably..."Tala flashes a cheerful smile. Karmina, who is well-versed in sarcasm and body language, recognized from once that Tala would not tolerate subtly disrespecting her. Whether you're a member of the royal family or not.

You and Amaia worked hard to keep a snort from escaping your lips. Francesca smiles and smirks a little more, but her grin does not reach her eyes. She simply raises her chin and excuses herself to see her mother and queen.

When the cold Princess left the group, Tala let out a sigh of relief. Karmina and Amaia began to snicker gently. With pride, you glance at Tala. In front of the formidable princess, she didn't cringe or feel small.

"Oh, my goodness!"  Amaia grinned as she gazed in awe at the small girl who had put the obnoxious princess in her place.

"Tala, you were very slick, Princess Francesca is regarded as the kingdom's most pampered brat. Everyone knows she has a sharp tongue, and the fact that you got intimate with Jin-Goo has made her jealous. She had a crush on my  brother since she was twelve years old. She turned down her soulmate a year ago, although I believe he didn't like her at first. Jin had always been her dream." Karmina had told you about it.

"Well, she's battling the wrong girl," Tala snorts." Jin is smitten by Seolhyun, a South Korean idol. She needs to pick her battles carefully. I'm merely the one who succumbed to the temptation and paid a high price for it. In a highly conservative society, being a teen mother."

You held Tala's hand and looked at the twins."Now, that the  horrible meeting is over; let's go see my mother before she gets an a attack"

Tala smiled and softly said, "Thank you for being with me.. That princess is unbelievable."

You scrunched up your nose and with a little snort as you signal to Fransesca, "...and Jin-goo wants that! I already feel bad for him."

"She is incredibly gorgeous and his type obviously...I never stood a chance since forever," Tala said with a nod. She had a gloomy expression on her face. She can't wait to receive a soul mark and meet her soul mate, putting her love for "Prince Jerk" behind her.

With the Queen and Princess Fransescas' mother, the girls had a fantastic afternoon. There were sweet and savory snacks on the buffet table. Tala was enthralled by the sight of such elegant and exquisite food suitable for royalty. An hour later, the Duchess and Queen's mother arrived, accompanied by Hwannie, who ran excitedly towards her mother.

"I miss you, Eomma...oh Eomma!!" She wrapped her arms around Tala's neck and embraced her tightly. "Grandpa bought me a pony...can we take it with us to live with us?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with delight. Tala's eyes enlarge. Oh, great! Hwannie's privileged days had only just begun. How will she be able to match her presents if the royal gifts take precedence? You and the twins both burst out laughing.

Tala met Princess Francesca's mother, who was pleasant enough, but she had a smug look on her face, as if Tala had nothing on her lovely daughter. Sorry, but the prince will never choose this plain girl. But the Duchess just smiles, secretly hoping that Tala and Jin-goo are soulmates and that Jin-Goo will marry Tala, Jin-Goo will always remember his soulmate. He's far too jealous. Tala could already sense the pressure and tension he would feel if he rejected her if she turned out to be his soulmate. Tala will never force her son to love her, but FATE is a cruel mistress. There will be no turnaround and forget if it mates you together.

Everyone was escorted back to their rooms to recover and prepare for the royal dinner at 7 p.m. The girls had a great time, and they were all escorted back to their rooms to rest and prepare for the royal supper at 7 p.m.

Hwannie, who was sleeping in the twins' room, first asked her mother. Tala was hesitant at first since she was missing her child and wanted to snuggle and spend time with her.

However, she realizes she needs to let go a little and allow her family to nurture and cherish her now that her horizons have widened. When she told Tala that her grandmother had bought her a princess dress and crown for her "big party," she was overjoyed.

....

The lavish supper was a spectacular event. You can either retire to your rooms or spend time in the lounge sipping late-night cocktails. With Princess Fransesca present, Jin Goo didn't really pay attention to Tala. Tala was in pain, but she maintained her composure and sat between the Princess and Amaia. 

Hwannie sat between her grandparents, questioning her grandmother. She was the only one among the elders who sat near them. Princess Francesca sat next to Jin-Goo, with a big smile and you were all seated in the same row, which was fortunate. Tala was spared the humiliation of having to gaze at the couple. Her heart was broken as she realized he would never choose her. She didn't even give him a second glance after he had snubbed her the first time he saw her again. 

You were saddened for her, and all you wanted to do was hug her and soothe her. You were sitting close to Prince Eduardo. You want to kill Jin-Goo for being so cruel to her. Tala is not to blame for his parents' desire for him to consider her as a wife.

"Are you all right, Tal?" You examine her sorrowful eyes, which she attempted to conceal with a dazzling grin.

"Your Highness, I'm OK...I'm going to make it through this week. My grandparents must get the invitation, according to the Duchess. They'll arrive the day after my birthday. I might go with them after the dedication "she replies softly. Jin-Goo appears chilly and aloof when it comes to her. Isn't he aware that she will never force him to do anything?

"Oh, no! Tal. You're not going to be able to go so quickly. Please stay for the duration of my birthday celebration. It'll be a big event, and I'd like you to be there...don't worry, it'll be very private. There will be only our immediate family, the Duke and his family, and Eduardo's parents in attendance. Princess Francesca's family will be in Monaco for another royal engagement "You quietly begged. You want her to be there for your birthday celebrations. It's time to celebrate your adulthood.

Tala let out a sigh "I'll remain for the weekend, your Highness. But, please, let our bosses know, okay?' Tala signed since she didn't want to stay at the palace with Jin-Goo who was brooding.

"Don't worry...all it's taken care of. I hope you can notify your grandparents about Hwannies' lineage when she arrives," you said quietly.

The royal household servants served the food. The cuisine was amazing. When you lived in the United States, you missed your home so much. Your "parents" in the secret service are taking a month or two off to improve on their family bonds outside of the royal service.

When Count whispered in your ear, "Would you like to take a stroll with me in the royal maze garden at 10 tonight?" you smiled.

You turned to face him as he smiled slightly, biting your lower lip to hide your amusement. Like a true royal bachelor, he tried his hardest to court you," Well, sir, I must first check my royal schedule...a princess must be in bed by 9 p.m....beauty routine."

With a sweet grin and a breathy voice, he says, "I'll make it worthwhile...my princess."

When he smirks and goes back  to cut some of his fillet unaffected, your eyes widen and you flush scarlet red. He enjoys it when you are flustered around him. Eduardo's father smiles as he observes his son courting the princess. He's been aware of his son's feelings for the princess since she was a demure and introverted adolescent. Eduardo hopes that her soulmate is a commoner or a yellow string so that he can chase his ideal future wife to the fullest.

After finishing the last dish of desserts, You, the twins, and Tala were all taken to your suites.  Princess Fransesca is escorted to the conservatory by Jin-Goo down another hallway. She desires to spend quality time with him. She linked her arm with him and drew him away with a victorious glint in her eyes that she gave Tala. You and Tala just rolled your eyes at the pretenstious princess.

The twins embraced Tala in their arms and invited her to hang out with them in their room. In the twins' chambers, one of the royal chambermaids brought Hwannie to her.

Count Eduardo excused himself as he took your hand and led you out of the royal maze garden in a different direction.

Your stomach dropped with nervous butterflies. No boy has ever made you feel as alive as you do right now. Eduardo is a gentleman as he walks with you through the mazes in silence. When you and your brother "third brother" visited your royal residence from time to time, you always played in the maze gardens. However, due to the chaos at the Philippine royal house, this palace has become your permanent home.

He turned to you as you reached the centre of the maze and were out of sight.

"Will you allow me to embrace you, my lovely princess? I've always wanted to be able to hold you in my arms. Will you please allow me to hold you for a few moments?"  He appears apprehensive, as though he doesn't want to blow it with you.

"You...you can count Eduardo," you say nervously to him. You smiled as he gently pulled you into his arms with a sigh of relief in his eyes. His cologne has a wonderful scent that you inhale deeply. You wish he was your true soulmate all of a sudden. You felt how his hands caress the contours of your back.

Eduardo raises his head and leans down as  his gaze fixed on your lovely, bright eyes. It seemed as if he was pleading for your permission when his gaze travelled from your eyes to your rose-coloured  lips, and when he leaned in, you met his lips halfway.  Eduardo's hands found their way behind the back of your neck and pulled you in by intensifying  the kiss as your lips moved in harmony with one other. Because of the intensity, your breath caught in your throat, but you returned his kiss with equal zeal. As you clutched him securely around his waist, you felt as if you were floating. You couldn't tell how long the kiss lasted, but all you knew was that you didn't want him to end it. He was lovingly kissing you inside your neck folds, making you both giggle.

You knew you couldn't depend on a romance from the past. According to tabloids, Joon has allegedly moved on with his Jia. He didn't wait for you...or love you from afar as he promised you.

And tonight, you want to forget about your unrequited love for the superstar, so you entangle your hand in Eduardo's hair and kiss him with all the underlying, smoldering passion you possess...

A/N: It seems that both have decided to move on with their lives. Thank you to all the Joon-stans. Your support for the Soulbound series really inspires me to carry on.

A shout out to all the voters, commentors and those who add the book into their readers list. Thank you.

Question 1: Will our royal princess be able to let go of her feelings for Joon?

Question 2: What are your feelings on the Count?

Question 3: Do you believe Joon's ability to reclaim her will be hampered by her new relationship with the Count?

Question 4: How do you feel about Princess Fransesca?

Question 5: Will Jin-Goo instead choose to marry Fransesca?