Out Of The Castle (Soobin X Reader)

2

  The townspeople had gathered outside the gate of the castle, buzzing with pure joy as they awaited the princess, soon to be Queen of the Western Kingdom. Everyone was excited to congratulate their princess. She had done a wonderful job as a princess and she would be greatly missed by her people. Her diplomacy was seen by the people and it was a defining factor of what made the people like her so much.

  As the people waited, there was a murmur of conversation that floated about the area, the apprehension of losing their princess spreading. They knew that the princess had been a part of many negotiations as of recently in a sort of training in preparation to become a queen, and she had taken to them well. The people never had to worry so long as Princess Jiwoo was around. They'd barely heard word of the younger princess, thus their apprehensions.

  The crowd around the gate was massive as people from the next village over and all surrounding villages turned up, ready to celebrate their princess and her marriage.

  The gate opened and a Royal fanfare was sounded and the carriages move down the path, the horses moving at a trot. First was the king and his Steward. They waved at the people who cheered and applauded. Second was Prince Taehyun and Princess (Y/N). The two had polite smiles on their faces. Taehyun skimmed the crowd whilst (Y/N) attempted to make eye contact with every single person in the crowd as she waved, her eyes moving rapidly. There was a humanity and a kindness in her actions, but in those kind traits, there was a lack of decorum. Next was King Choi and Prince Beomgyu. Following the two of them was the new couple. They received uproarious cheers. The two wore polite smiles as they waved to the people. It was a joyous occasion indeed.

  The festivities and excitement lasted a lot longer for the people of the village. They partied late into the night with foods from the villages farmers and bakers. The lights from lanterns allowed the villagers to rejoice in pride for the happiness of the eldest princess in their kingdom.

  Inside the castle, things were celebrated with more sophistication. Royals had come from other kingdoms, as well as the Dukes from nearby.

  Princess Jiwoo and Prince Yeonjun sat together, Jiwoo holding Yeonjun's arm, as if they had known each other for years. People close to them offered congratulations and the two accepted them, offering further conversation with poised smiles on their faces. Prince Taehyun sat near his father, prepared to be introduced to other Kings. He had been paying attention to see if there would be any kingdoms he would offer a bride price to. Princess (Y/N) sat beside Prince Taehyun. At one point she had paid attention to the conversation at place, but it never concerned her, so eventually she was pushed to the side. She had been nervous to speak to anyone that night, for fear of seeming unprofessional.

"You seem absentminded," Prince Beomgyu commented from across from the princess as kitchen staff served the esteemed guests.

  "My apologies, your highness." She felt the anxiety welling up in her stomach as she tensed.

  "You needn't apologize. I suppose I also feel absentminded," he assured her with a friendly smile. "It seems nothing concerns me at the moment. I suppose it must be the same for you."

  "Nothing concerns me as of yet, but I should be paying attention in case more important matters are brought up," she told him, scolding herself.

  "Need you pay attention to such things? Surely your brother is attending to such matters," he offered.

  "I must work harder," she said with determination. "If I am to be betrothed soon, then I wish to be helpful to my husband and his kingdom. I do not wish to be burdensome."

  As everyone was served, the sound of cutlery clinking on plates grew louder and the hum of conversation floated about the banquet room. The long tables filled the room efficiently, allowing for many people to be seated. Beomgyu sat beside his father and the princess sat beside another nameless Royal who engaged in conversation with the person beside him. Next to Beomgyu sat someone who didn't seem to be engaged in a conversation, but she paid him no mind. She barely even noticed the other people in the room when Beomgyu sat in front of her. She simply tried her best to impress him.