In the Middle of the Night [BANG CHAN FF] ✔️

16. Sleeping Beauty

Princess Yona and Bang Chan talked to the people around them, together and separately. Everyone enjoyed dancing, food, and drinks. Women admired Yona on her gown as well as on her choice for her knight. On the other side of the room soldiers jokingly teased Bang Chan and Yona felt that warmth coming from their playful group. Yona wanted to join them but a voice called out to her.

"Princess Yona?" a cheerful voice came behind her. Yona sighed, recognizing the voice, but turned with a smile on her face to meet just as smiley duchess Daria who held two tall glasses of cold drinks, "Excuse me, but, can I talk to you... privately?" Daria said, wanting to sound less rude to the ladies Yona was with. Her green summer gown matched her eyes that reflected no kindness at all.

"Excuse me, ladies, I guess I'm needed. Please, enjoy your evening," Yona greeted the women and approached Daria, keeping a steady smile.

They excluded themselves from the crowd coming outside on the terrace. The cool night breeze felt wonderful after being in a crowded room for too long. Daria took a deep breath.

"What do you need me for, duchess?" Yona asked, breaking the silence that was on the edge of being too awkward.

"Oh, before we begin, I got you a drink," Daria said, handing the tall glass to the princess. Yona hesitantly took it, "I never knew non-alcoholic champagne would taste this good," she took a sip from her own glass, smiling at Yona who still waited for Daria to get to the point, "I always admired the garden in the castle. How about we take a walk? I have a lot to tell you."

Yona sighed. Daria was too nice and it was suspicious, "Alright, I guess we can take a small stroll and come back in time for the cake."

Daria nodded and they went down the concrete stairs that connected the terrace with the garden. Tall trees had all of their leaves which pleasantly rustled on the warm wind, making a relaxing sound.

"You see, princess..." Daria started, playing with her nails on the glass stem, "I fell in love," she confessed, turning to Yona. The princess was startled by the sudden change of the tone in her voice but continued walking beside her. Daria looked back at her drink, taking another sip of it. Yona still didn't taste her drink, "But I was rejected," the duchess continued, "It all happened so fast that for a moment I wasn't aware of what he said to me. I really tried my best but... it was futile... So..." she paused and stopped walking as they reached the middle of the apple tree row. Fresh apples dangled on the branches, ready to be picked, "Do you think I should try confessing to him again?" Daria turned to Yona, putting one of her hands on the tree trunk as if she was patting it.

Yona took a moment to think but decided to share her honest opinion, "I think it would only be respectful towards the other person if you don't do that. I know you are hurt but... we should respect their feeling and the rejection. If you push it, it might not end well..." she saw Daria's sad expression under the moonlight and spoke again, "I'm sure you will find another person you'll fall in love with. There are so many handsome men so don't think it's all over. Love can happen unexpectedly," Yona smiled, trying to cheer up the duchess.

Daria nodded and backed away from the tree, a wide smile on her face, "You're right! I should be strong; it's not the end of the world!" she was encouraged, laughing off her worry, "Oh, I almost forgot!" Daria chuckled, bringing the glass with her champagne up, "I congratulate you on your knight. I'm sure Sir Bang will serve you for long. So, cheers to that!"

"Thank you," Yona smiled, putting up her glass, "And cheers to new beginnings. You will only grow stronger after that rejection, Daria, I know it."

"Yes, thank you, Yona," two young women cheered, clanging their glasses together. In that small moment, they were friends again, calling each other by their first names.