𝘼𝙐𝙂𝙐𝙎𝙏 𝘿 |𝙈𝙔𝙂|

Two: Prince Jiun

      After the kings decree, an unsettling feeling was constantly lingering in my insides. I still feel very miserable about his decision. Countless rumors are spreading, but we still don't know why he has decreed such an aloof request.

      Love has always been a touchy subject for me...

     I wish everyone only fell in love once. I wish that we could all meet one person, and love that same being forever. I wish that he will be the same person I would sleep beside every night.  I've always wanted my love story to go this way... Just one perfect man that makes my heart beat wildly; but now I must rush, or simply be paired with a stranger.

     As much as I would like to respect his highness, I feel as though I cannot compel with this request. I want to wait patiently and find my perfect soulmate. It looks like fate has decided against me...

      I quickly grab my newly cleaned hanbok, scooping it up in my arms and changing in the change rooms. I pin my hair back into a bun, exiting the room after Hanuel enters.

"Sanghee," a colleague by the name of "Yeong-ae," says, "You are taking care of Prince Jiun today. Hanuel is assisting the king today."

   I try to contain my disappointment, "Okay."

"Your mother sent a letter," she smiles, handing me a white envelope. Some aristocrats carry cell phones, but technology is not used frequently in our Kingdom. So, people refrain from those kinds of things. Mail comes within several minutes, so it's not a very long wait.

     I quickly tear open the envelope, curious as to how my family is.

Dear Sanghee,

Have you heard the king's decree? Of course, you have...silly me... You work there.

Me and you're father have been thinking hard... We may have found a suitable match for you. We would like to talk it out between families. This man has professed to be very fond of you. He comes from an incredibly wealthy family, and guess what?! Not just any---

    I begin to shred the letter with my fingers, stuffing it into my pocket. She didn't even ask about me. I don't want to marry this "man," and I don't care about him at all.

     I briskly storm out of the maiden quarters, displaying proper etiquette as I walk towards the Prince's quarters. I stop at the door, which is still closed.

"Annyeoseo," I call, "It is Sanghee, my lord."

"Enter," a cold and brisk voice replies, causing me to slowly open the doors.

    I try to keep a bright composure, but I can't help but scowl when the doors open from the inside. The Prince lays helplessly on a ground mat, a golden quilt draped over his sickly body. Beads of sweat trail down his forehead. He clearly isn't feeling well...

     His lips form into a small smile as I step into the room, carrying a bowl of warm water and a linen cloth.

"Leave," he says, dismissing the others present in the room. I glance at him in surprise...

"My lord, why are you dismissing them? I cannot care for you by myself..." I frown as the rest of the court ladies leave.

     A small sigh escapes the Prince's lips, and he turns his head until our eyes meet. I won't deny, that Prince Jiun is very handsome... but his rotten personality completely takes away any reason as to why I would ever have feelings for him.

"I think I have a fever," he says, a strange and unreadable expression plastered on his face. I reluctantly reach a hand towards his forehead, dreading the physical touch that will follow...