𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿𝘀. . . nishimura riki ✔

𝟬𝟬𝟰; butterflies

IN THE GARDENS OF THE CASTLE, VIBRANT FLOWERS PAINTED ART FOR THE SKY WHILE WATER MIRRORED BEAUTY. The trees stood tall, luscious green leaves coating their brown branches. Under one of those trees, a young princess, the Jewel of the Realm, Princess Jieun alone, a butterfly in her hands. As years passed, Jieun had grown into a fine girl, truly her mother's daughter.

Queen Mei Li glanced at her daughter sitting under the tree. 'Good afternoon, sweet Jieun.' Mei Li inquired, a warm smile on her face. The girl may have only been ten name-days old, but Mei Li could already see the fiery passion within her, a passion she had carried when she was young. Although Jieun was pliant when she was younger, she had grown into a mischievous little minx. 

'What are you doing under the tree, my precious?' She asked, kneeling down in front of the young girl.

'Beautiful, is she not, mother?' Jieun asked her mother, letting the butterfly flutter its wings across her skin.

Mei Li laughed at her endearing nature. 'A beautiful butterfly in the hands of a beautiful girl,' the Queen said softly. 'Shall I tell you a secret?' She asked, watching the butterfly as it fluttered around in the hands of her daughter.

Jieun's eyes lit up at the mention of a secret. 'Yes, please!'

'Well, sweet girl, some might say that butterflies signify new beginnings,' she said, smiling. 'They are usually a sign of change and renewal. So, if you ask me, I simply think it's a sign that you, my sweet one, have some great things waiting for you.'

'That is very kind of you, mother,' Jieun smiled bashfully. 'But what great things could be meant for me?'

'Oh, but that's for you to decide, Jieun,' she said, taking her hands in a gentle grip, watching as the butterfly flew away. 'You could do anything you like, my daughter, the possibility is endless. What makes your heart beat, my sweet one?'

Mei Li was curious about what her daughter had an aptitude for ━ for if she had an aptitude toward something, Mei Li would do all she could to support her beloved daughter, in that specific career if she wished. Mei Li loved all of her children, but she had a special place in her heart for her only daughter.

'I don't know. . .' Jieun admitted. Jay made her heart beat. He was one of Lord Park's sons, one of the triplets that were training to become knights. Two years her senior, but Jieun often wondered if she was the one that was two years older, considering how childish they could sometimes be. The three of them, Jay, Jake, and Sunghoon.

She was surprised at Jieun's response; it wasn't something she had expected. A simple smile appeared on her face. 'Ah, I see,' she said in a calm, reassuring voice. 'Then go with Jay, my sweet one. If he is kind to you, and makes you happy, and treats you well, then perhaps you should go with him.'

'But he is always too busy for me!'

'Then wait for him, my sweet one. Perhaps he is training to become the greatest knight in the kingdoms, just so that he may win your hand one day, and make you his wife,' Mei Li said, trying not to chuckle at the thought of a teenage knight doing all he could to win the heart of her little girl.

'Was that how you and father met?'

The Queen could not help but laugh in delight. 'In a way, yes. He won my heart because he proved that he deserved it,' she explained. 'And you, my heart, have a lot to offer. I am sure when Jay, or anyone else truly worthy of your love, is ready for you ━ they will come and sweep you off your feet.' She ran her hand through Jieun's hair. 'Understand me, my princess?'

Jieun nodded in response.

A wide smile spread on Mei Li's lips. 'There you are, my sweet Jieun. You are not only beautiful, but you are also wise beyond your years.'

Jieun was extremely close to her mother, the two bonded closely. Yes, she loved her father, but he was far too focused on Jiho and Jungwon, making sure to raise them into fine knights while she got raised into a lady.

'Now, sweet girl, why don't you go and find that butterfly and come find me later?'

'Yes, mother!'