"dahyun," Taehyung had called as i was knelt in the shrine, hands clasped together before i lowered my arms and looked over my shoulder to the prince. i was ten-years-old now while Taehyung was nearly in his teenage years. You both were nearly the same height as i stood to come to his call.
i nearly felt my cheeks blush in the presence of your beloved prince. Ever since ever since nine and nearly kidnapped from the castle gardens, Taehyung had become increasingly more protective over you. This in turn created a delusional crush i held for the royal heir. i had to be careful of my songs so that he wouldn't catch on to your feelings each morning and evening when i sang songs of greeting and farewell to the sun and sea.
"Yes?" i waited as i came to stand in front of him. "Do you need something from me Taehyung? I thought you had archery this morning?" i tilted my head in curiosity as he quickly took my hand in his, something he started a year ago so that he could always feel me behind him. "Taehyung?"
"Father and mother have called us to the audience chamber." my mouth opened in question as my mother came up behind you. Taehyung was quick to greet her. "Good morning, Lady Lily."
"A fine morning to you, young Prince." my mother soon placed her hand on my back, silently ushering you on. "You can finish your morning devotions after your audience with the king and queen. It is alright," she smiled. She seemed to know something i didn't, like she knew what the call of presence was for. Though, i couldn't ask because of Taehyung quickly pulling you out of the shrine with him.
"Your morning hymn was lovely," he told me as he entered the castle's second floor, taking my hands and helping me up the staircase so i wouldn't trip on my long gown.
"Do you think so?" i asked, wavering on how you sang this morning. "I had thought my sound wasn't as clear as before."
"You improve everyday. Perhaps if you feel it needs improvement, sip water from the shrine's fountain. That will certainly cleanse your throat and replenish any diminished power," he advised. Typically, one would not be allowed to access the sea water of the shrine's fountain, however i was the exception to that rule.
i never knew why, but the day Taehyung offered you a small sip of the fountain's sea water to ease my aching throat, i was permitted exclusive access to the sea's blessed water. As, if you weren't granted permission, that small sip of pure ocean water would have spread like poison and certainly taken your life.
As Taehyung led you to the audience chamber, i grew nervous. Just what could the monarchs of your Isle be calling you about? Were you not doing a good enough job as a training maiden? Were you lacking somehow? Or perhaps you were going to be told to stop hanging around Taehyung, the future king, as often because of his coming of age. The idea of being torn from Taehyung made your heart ache.
"Do not be nervous," he told me, squeezing my hand. i swallowed the lump in my throat, only nodding before he knocked on the chamber door, announced himself and you, before walking inside with you in tow.
