Gotta hide your heart
We're born to be sad, sad, sad, sad

You were so tired when you woke up the next day. Tala's family will be coming to arrive in Spain. She spoke to her grandmom just to prepare them not to be too shocked. 

Her grandparents already wondered why they got booked into first-class seats. You hope they will not be too shocked when they reach the palace. Luckily the Duchess sent her personal PA to meet them and to soften the blow about Tala and Hwannie. Also, she will be the first to know about your lineage and royal status.

Your ladies came in and draw your bath, took out beautiful day clothing for you, and after doing the royal grooming they escort you to the breakfast room, you looked around but you can't see your best friend Prince Jerk. Even Eduardo and his family shone in their absence. You heard that they went to another royal engagement but they will attend Hwannie's dedication.

But strange enough your parents and the duchess and duke look with smug expressions discreetly at each other.

Is it only you out of the loop? The twins were sitting with excited expressions with Hwannie in between them.

The royal announcer introduced you after you bowed. You furrow your brows as you turn to one of the twins next to you, who was feeding Hwannie a sausage. Hwannie enjoys palace life, and the Royal family loves their new chatterbox addition.

"Where are Jin-goo and Tala?"You inquire softly, dishing up some bacon on your white and gold plate.

Karmina grins, wagging her amused eyes, "Still in the bliss of completing the bond," she sniggers softly, giving her sister a high five.

"Perhaps they're working on making a brother for Hwannie," Amaia chuckled.

Both twins laugh. According to reports, Prince Jerk informed the palace kitchen that he and his soulmate would be having breakfast in their chambers.

You shook your head, indicating that you don't believe so. Jin-goo was not thrilled about sharing a bedroom, but when the King ordered it, they had no choice but to comply. Soulmates should be together.

You just hope he doesn't hurt Tala again. Your friend was determined to step aside and let Jin-goo go, even if it meant agreeing to him marrying someone else. Their issues will be resolved.

The pain he and Princess Francesca caused broke her heart. Tala just wishes to return to her original lifestyle and live peacefully while raising her child.

You were escorted back to your chambers after a hearty breakfast. Tala rushed in, escorted by Prince Jin-Goos' bodyguard, just as you were relaxing with your laptop on the bed.

When you noticed Jin-Goo's massive bodyguard behind your nervous soulmate, your eyebrows shot up. Tala couldn't figure out what had gone wrong with her soulmate all of a sudden. He directed his bodyguard to keep an eye on Tala until he found a bodyguard for her and Hwannie.

He was standing outside your chamber's double doors. Even if you have nearly four guards stationed at the pillar post.

When you noticed your long-haired friend looking a little flustered, your sharp eyes looked up surprised. She dashed up to your bed and hugged you tightly. You laugh at her sudden clinginess

"And now!" you say loudly, your brow furrowed in surprise. Observing her flustered demeanor.

"Oh, your royal majesty! It was the most awkward night I'd ever experienced "She was flabbergasted and her face was red.

"Did something exciting happen after you completed the bond?" you asked, smiling.

"Worse!" she said, clutching her cheeks with both palms and looking at you through tears. "We completed the bond, and I told him that once it was completed, he could go on with his life. I gave him his freedom, but—-" she shook her head as you looked at her, waiting for her to finish her sentence.

"And?" you ask, waiting.

"We are the Flippen blue string Vicky!" she exclaimed, turning to face you. "How in the world could fate have done this to me? It is red gold without the lethal death sentence or marriage tie. I told him he could still be a part of my and Hwannies' lives. We can meet whenever we need an invigoration and go about our separate lives; he can marry Princess Francesca or his Korean girlfriend, whom he still loves at home." "

You furrow your brows in puzzlement, "So, what is the issue? ...isn't that what he wants? You gave him the golden ticket to freedom. So..."

Tala scoffed "Prince Jerk complicated everything. I told him he could do whatever he wanted as long as he let me live my life as I please, date someone else, and even apply for Tarnished status...which will be nearly impossible for both of us because we are both pure blue. We need each other, and he knows it. He told me straight up that I couldn't make decisions for him. We must consult with our parents. What the heck is going on? Princess. Oh, my sweet lord! ..."

She frantically fanned herself.

You laughed as you noticed her flaming red cheeks staring at you "Is there anything else going on? Oh my gosh, why are you blushing? Did something happen? Pls, tell me." As she groans, your eyes sparkle with delight as you watch her fall back onto your gold and lavender bed.

"He was supposed to sleep somewhere else in the palace, so I begged him to find another room. I slept in his bed because I was exhausted from bonding. He agrees, but apparently, he slept uncomfortably on the sofa during the night before slipping into the bed next to me...and oh my gosh Vicky. Then----" she groans again.

"Don't tell me what I'm thinking right now...you didn't?" you shout.

"Oh gosh, why do all these things happen to me?" she says as she turns on her side and looks at you with shame." We were in the same situation four years ago...and again. This is so unfair; how will I ever date someone else Vicky? The bond is flipped sealed. We wouldn't be able to date anyone else."

"Oh my goodness! You and Prince Jerk...Tala!" you exclaimed. "What caused that to happen? What did Jin-Goo have to say this time?"

"We were so aware of each other this morning, Princess," Tala said, shaking her head. "I was cuddled next to him. He was clutching me so tightly that when we awakens,.....magic happened in that amazing bed...Princess, I'm scared stiff.' "Her eyes began to well up.

"Why?" you ask, baffled. You are legally allowed. "You are each other's possession. Whether you like it or not. The bond demonstrated to Prince Jerk that he is yours. He'll start to like you, Tala...oh my goodness. He's done with marriage. Farewell, Seolhyun and Princess Francesca."

"Oh my goodness! He was a pain in protecting you; what will he do with Hwannie and me? He will attach leashes, spy camera necklaces, guard dogs, and other trinkets to us. Look, he's already directed his bodyguard to accompany me to your room...in the palace...with guards stationed at each pillar. What the hell, Princess?"She threw up her arms in the air, exasperated.

"So how did he respond because he can't just reject you, now".You inquire with curiosity.

"He simply told me that I should stop dating other men. I am his. What the heck is going on? He didn't want me near him a few days ago, and I'm not even his type. If he thinks I'm going to forgive him like that, he's in for a surprise. He caused me far too much pain, Vicky  What happened this morning demonstrated FATE's love for me. He will be the one who is unsure of what to do with himself. I'm a passionate lover, so I made sure he knew what he was missing out on. Nobody orders me around. I'll be returning home with my grandmother after the dedication. Hwannie can stay another week with her grandparents...when you return, we'll go to America and enjoy the BTS concert." Her cheeks flush as she rants.

You could just laugh at her. Jin-Goo will be in a pickle. Tala will exact her vengeance, and now that the bond has been sealed, he will crave his soulmate even more. But you could just giggle because Jin-Goo will not let anyone near his soulmate.

You smirk, "I'm excited to see how this bond evolves. Jin-Goo will be a frustrated Prince. Don't be surprised if he convinces you and Hwannie to move in with him in his penthouse."

"Oh god forbit...just no!" she exclaimed, falling back onto the bed as you laughed. You're going to have a great time with these two unlikely soulmates.

Alfredo, your secret guard, came in and bowed deeply. He was dressed in uniform, and his solemn demeanor made you smile. You like this guard because he has been with the guard since you were twelve years old. When you were five and had playdates with Prince Ino, he would make sure the obnoxious prince didn't touch you inappropriately.

Tala is surprised. Why is the guard acting so cautiously? He nods to the princess, and Vicky dashes over to her private lounge to meet him.

"Tala I simply need to speak with him as quickly as possible. I'll tell you later." She flashed a smile and motioned for the guard to take a seat. He appears solemn, His raven black hair was wavy, with a few silver streaks visible. He had a smooth shaved face and was tall and lanky for a guard. But you like him, and he's almost in his forties.

Tala simply nodded and returned her gaze to the screen of what you were previously viewing on the laptop. You were engrossed in a NETFLIX k-drama series that you and Tala had been watching for weeks.

You and Alfredo were seated next to each other.

"So, Alfredo, what did you find out?" you ask, in Spanish with a  hopeful expression, as you look at him as he pulls out a yellow envelope. It bears a confidential seal.

"Well, Your Royal Highness...," he clears his throat. "I used one of my system informants to retrieve information on your "friend," Mr. Kim Nam-joon of South Korea. I discovered he was a high-ranking citizen, well-known - a Level 3-A-class Citizen."

You look surprised: "Is he already on Level 3-wow! He is mega"

"I didn't know he was part of the world-famous South Korean band that makes waves around the entire globe," Alfredo's grey eyes smile." Level 3 is the fame level; they are on the same level as a country's statesman. Billionaires are on Level 2, while Monarchs are on Level 1. So everything you need to know is in this secret letter- but Princess-I implores you not to tell anyone what you've discovered. We'd be in big trouble if your father discovered we'd rigged the system in some way. We are not expected to know these things. Right now, I'm sweating—-"

You laughed "It's all right, Alfredo. Don't be concerned. If the system can trace it back to the palace, I'll take full responsibility. The system will not blink because the King or the highest authority in a country has the authority to conduct system checks on occasion to protect his soulmates."

Alfredo took a deep breath as he slide the yellow envelope onto the table in front of you. You flash a bright smile. This will reassure you that Namjoon is off-limits to you.

"I sincerely hope you find what you were looking for, your royal highness." He stood up and bowed deeply. You grin and nod as he exits your room quickly.

You hope no one informs the senior guard that Alfredo has been summoned to your private chambers. You have already jeopardized his job. This risk must be worthwhile. You catch a glimpse of Tala, who is completely absorbed in the series. She was laughing hysterically, and it makes you happy to see your friends having fun. Maybe it was because her soulmate showed her some love. Even if it was initiated by the system. You could get your soulmark next week. 

You wish Tala could join you in your celebrations. If Jin-Goo has a say, she might stay.

You quickly stood up, took a cautious look at it, and placed the envelope on your dresser near your TV. You will read it later.

With a wide smile, Tala looked up as she saw you jump on the bed.

"Is everything all right, your highness?" she asked gently.

"Well, I ask one of my secret guards, Alfredo, to do something not so legal for me—-" you smirk as she gasps, almost dropping her jaws to the floor, "What!"

You flushed with embarrassment and shrugged, "I wanted to know if my crush was already mated."

"Oh my goodness, Princess!  Is that possible?  Why do you care so much?" She looked astounded.

"I know it's unethical, and I've jeopardized Alfredo's job...but Tala, I needed to know. Count Eduardo wishes to marry me. And if I knew Joon was truly out of my reach, I'd marry Eduardo. He adores me. Tala and I like him. I can see myself as his wife. But I'm still in love with Namjoon. I just need to know if he's mated." you said flatly. You don't want to get your hopes up.

"Oh wow! Your Excellency, The Count likes you Vicky. He's charming and well-mannered. And he treats you with love and respect, and he is even polite to me, a commoner. So, how did you find out about Joonie? Maybe he's dating Park Jia, the American-Korean rapper."Tala reply.

"That is what I wanted to know about," you nod, your face sad."I know I broke a million rules, Tala. But I need to know if he's truly mated."

"Wow! Your social standing may enable you to obtain anything. Is he mated? And to whom?" She appeared hyped. She wishes Namjoon was still unmated and not taken. Vicky had so many hopes for them, but Namjoon promised to love her from afar; but then he got involved with his so-called best friend, whom all ARMYs secretly believe is his soulmate or girlfriend.

"I wanted to find out, and Alfredo got it right to get the data for me," you say with a happy face. " It's in that envelope. But I'm afraid to open it. "

"Would you like me to open it?" Tala inquires further. It's exciting but frightening. If he is taken, it will be a devastating blow.

You jumped from your bed and dashed to your dresser to retrieve it. Your hands were trembling slightly as you regarded the dreadful yellow envelope with apprehension.

You return to Tala on the bed and open the envelope with wide eyes. Tala appeared ecstatic.

Your eyes widen as you begin to read the words-" Kim Nam-Joon (Korean: born September 12, 1994), professionally known as RM (formerly Rap Monster), was born in Dongjak District, Seoul, and his education -at Apgujeong High School and he is studying at the Cyber Global - Level 3-A -class Citizen-Global Citizen System Status: Soulmarked - [Unmated]; String rank - Intense: color [classified]; Pending - the year??? - month September -date ??? [classified]; Soulmate - High-ranking Citizen - Level?/  Class?   [classified ] - Title -[classified] Region,-country-[classified] - Race -[classified]; Soulmates' string -[classified]; Penalties - None - due to Level 3 -A-class status; Moral System Triggered - Yes -[X1] - 2018 Penalty- Transferred to TARNISHED participant- Park Jia - Level 4 C-class; Parental Bond- None...."

You and Tala exchanged puzzled looks.

Tala appeared to be ecstatic "Oh no, Vicky !Joonie has yet to bond. Did you read it right? ...wow. Everything about us was captured by the system...how cool is that?"

You gaze in awe at Tala "They typically have more. This is a summary. All of his accolades, awards, BTS, and assets, as well as his total net worth, are left out. I had to ask Alfredo just to find out his status—-if they had his entire life file, we would have triggered the security breach."

'Oh my goodness, Vicky. He is a global, high-ranking citizen. A-class. The system also paired him with a high-ranking girl." She looked wide-eyed at you.

"So he can bond with any Level from 1-3," you nod. "Perhaps a genius like him - a professor or politician."

"You are high level 1, Vicky," Tala smiled. "You have a chance. How many people fit into that category? And because his string is so intense, it could only be red gold. He will be married by the system, which is exciting; but not exciting is that his bonding is scheduled for September, but they have yet to reveal which year and date."

You lowered your gaze to the yellow folio page and softly stated, "Yes, but he has a moral code, which means he triggered the bond, and if he is unmated, it means he has been with Jia once this year. So he was with Park Jia, the Tarnished girl, who I believe was on vacation with him. If he went that far, he must love her." You suddenly appear sadder than anything else.

Tala simply rubbed your shoulders "Consider it this way. He is not mated. Jia is not his soulmate. He may meet her this September or in the future. And there is no Parental Bond. As a result, he has not fathered any children. And to think the ARMY thought he was a dad. Remember, we're going to their LA concert and they have four tour dates in September. You might meet him before the time comes, and you'll know if you're destined."

"Yeah, but what if he loves Jia and rejects me if I turn out to be his soulmate?" you inhaled deeply.

Tala shrugged, "You never know. His string will be intense. So he might not reject his soulmate for a girlfriend. I recommend taking him up on his offer and meeting him after You got your soulmark. If you are not destined, your dad could rig the system and allow you to become officially engaged with the count."

You nod, your face troubled "I don't think it's a good idea to meet him in person, Tala. If we are not destined, I will be devastated; he loves Jia if they physically form a bond. I...I lost before I could complete for his love, Tala "You reclined on your bed, covering your eyes with your arm.

Tala lets out a long sigh "But what if you truly are destined Vicky? You've had feelings for Namjoon since we were fifteen. Look what happened to me and Jin- Goo. My soulmate happened to be the jerk. So I believe you and Namjoon are fated. Go meet him in LA before you make the official announcement of your engagement.

You took a deep breath in, "Namjoon might reject me, Tala. If he meets his mate, he will never choose me over her. He is currently physically involved with Park Jia, even if she is just his girlfriend, and received penalties for breaking the law with a mated guy—it's pointless." 

"It is not your highness...let us meet him first...then you can marry Count Eduardo with a pure heart," Tala said, shaking her head.

"I'm more confused than ever—-" you sigh heavily.

A/n: You received the secret data. 

I hope you like this chapter. Thank you for all the love and support as well as the new shadow readers who became friends. 

shout out for all the adding of the book in your readers', voting  and commenting to Savannah3607  DinoArt0  Jisooishotasfuck  Arron_Ackerman  lolapolousa Hairess27  Midnight_Luna13  Majisa049  MarieKarlson3  mysticalnyla  Tanisha_reads13  Nancy345842  sparklestarrose

1. Do you believe it was wise for the Princess to obtain information on Namjoon?

2. Will Namjoon give her another chance if he meets another girl as his soulmate?

3. Do you believe the system information is flawed?

4. Jin-Goo and Tala unexpectedly sealed their connection. Do you believe Jin-Goo will break up with his girlfriend or marry Francesca?