Royal Flush | pjm; jjk

Chapter Ten

Nora's eyes ripped open at the crack of dawn. She barely slept a few hours, various emotions and feelings kept her awake for most of the night. She slowly sat up in her bed and tried to calm herself down. The worry and anxiety of todays plans started to eat her again. She quickly filled up the bath and began scrubbing her whole body. She had to look pristine. If by chance prince Jungkook is the same as his father, even a tiny spot of dirt on her could be accounted as disrespect.

Jin walked into Nora's room and brought her breakfast. She was already dressed, and Jin smiled at her choice of outfit. A few days ago she came to consult him about what she should wear, and Jin offered dark colors. In his eyes, black was always the most confident color, and now seeing Nora wear all black only proved his presumptions. She turned to him from her mirror and smiled. Nora had the same black boots as before, tight black pants and a dark shirt tucked into them. Her hair was lose and she was struggling with the comb. "Can you help me put into a bun? It looks really messy when I do it." Jin smiled at her request and placed the tray on the cupboard.

"Maybe we should do a braid?" Jin asked while playing with her hair. "I think it will look more intimidating." He flashed her a smile and Nora nodded, smiling herself. She wanted to ask Jin, where he obtained the skill of hairdressing, but quickly remembering Ava's story she decided not to. Jin braided her hair, and tied it up in silence. Nora kept staring at herself in the mirror. If not the scar on her throat, there wouldn't be any indication of the previous life left on her exterior.

After eating, Nora walked outside to meet with Hoseok. Jimin didn't leave his room, he didn't say goodbye. In a way she was happy, she didn't know how to look at him after what happened yesterday. Especially, when Jimin didn't know that she heard him. At the same time, Jimin was watching Nora and Hoseok prepare for their trip from his bedroom's window. He was worried. He kept repeating to himself, that his worry was about the mission, but a small hint of realization kept nagging him, that he was worried for her. Not able to admit it, he decided to not walk her out. Jimin understood that he needed to stop this feeling from evolving, no attachments could be formed. He watched Hoseok help her on the horse, jump on one himself and quickly they left. A much bigger knot was forming in Jimin's stomach, and this time he couldn't suppress it.

Nora jumped off her horse and looked at Hoseok for the last time. He smiled and gestured her to walk over the woman standing at the front of the gate. She nodded, and Hoseok left. Nora walked over to the gates and smiled at the woman. She looked somewhere in her forties, her face was strict but she was incredibly beautiful.

"Name?" she asked strictly. "Nora, Nora Park." Nora answered confidently. She asked the boys what should she do for her last name, as she didn't have one, and Jimin offered his own. The strict woman raised her eyebrow and after a moment of scanning Nora, she nodded. "Follow me, your meeting will start in ten minutes." Nora hummed in agreement and walked through the gates, guards followed her steps closely. As soon as she stepped into the inner side, Nora was taken aback.

There were many flowers of different colors, the yard was enormous, surrounded by trees and ponds. There were several buildings at front and many more deeper in the premises. Nora quickly recognized the King's building from Namjoon's lessons, it was the tallest one. Unfortunately, Nora didn't have much time to absorb it, as the lady grabbed her attention back. "There are a few rules you must follow. Firstly - kneel as soon as you walk inside. Do not stand up or lift your head until the Prince allows you to do so. Secondly - do not speak unless he allows you to. Thirdly - do not look him in the eyes.." "until he allows me to." Nora finished for her, and she simply nodded. They walked into one of the buildings and stopped at the double doors inside. Guards were standing at either side, waiting for commands. The guide went inside and quickly came back, gesturing Nora to come in. She took a deep breath and went inside the room.