𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿𝘀. . . nishimura riki ✔

𝟬𝟭𝟱; paperwork

'FATHER?'

'I am busy,' he grumbled, never once looking up from his papers.

As a child, her father's chambers would be filled with warmth and laughter. It was there she ran when she had a nightmare, there her mother would read her stories and sway her to the music of the wind. She could remember that rhythmic rocking, a comforting thing. Red curtains hung closed around the window, a candle lighting up, gentle shadows gliding across his face.

'I just wante━'

His voice was stern when he said her name, 'Jieun.'

'We haven't spoken in two days. . . you have been inside your chambers all day, I grow worried about you. . .' she debated on whether she should call him father or by his title. She opted for the latter, knowing she was probably not even considered to be his daughter anymore. '. . .Your Grace.'

He did not respond, only continuing to write with his quill.

'The children were happy about the toys I gave them.'

'You gave them?' her father raised an eyebrow, still not looking at her.

Jieun froze for a split second. Her hands that had been clasped behind her back fell limp beside her. How silly she had been, Jungwon was the one who donated those toys. Not her.

'Forgive me, Your Grace.' A small but pleased grunt left his lips and Jieun felt a slight warmth bloom in her chest. She had said something good, yet the warmth was far from comforting, rather uncomfortable if she was to be honest.

'Jungwon promised to not drink on the morrow. . . during the feast to celebrate your name-day.' The mention of Jungwon finally caught his attention and Jieun could feel her heart drop inside her chest. Of course. Always Jungwon.

'Did he?'

'Indeed, fath━ Your Grace,' she said with a small nod.

'Tell him I am proud of him.'

Hesitantly, Jieun nodded once again. When would he be proud of her? 'Yes, Your Grace.'

'There is paperwork for you,' he said, finally looking up at her. 'Jungwon only waved me off when the maids gave it to him.'

'You wish for me to do it?' Jieun asked.

'It would not be the first time.'

'No. . .' Jieun breathed out. 'No, it would not.'

'I expect it to be done by tomorrow.'

'Yes, Your Grace.'

Without another word, she walked out of her father's chambers, feeling awfully cold. She hated it. Hated that she loved her father, hated that she sought his love and validation. Hated that she tried to get his attention when he clearly did not wish to give it to her.

Jieun had never expected her father to suddenly pour all of his attention onto Jungwon. She knew he needed to spend a lot of time with Jungwon, to teach him how to act like the Crown Prince. The death of Queen Mei Li and Jiho had hurt all of them, even her father. She could not deny that.

When Jiho was alive, he loved Jungwon and Jieun equally. But now that Jiho had vanished, the love he held for her had as well ━ that was how Jieun saw it. She knew that he deep down still cared about her, otherwise he would not let her have a place amongst the council, nor let her wait to wed a man until she felt ready. Originally, she was supposed to get wed when she was fourteen, but she did not feel ready, and her father did not force her.

But did those actions equal love?

Jieun did not know.

Slow steps as her gown whisked around her feet, rhythmic steps hitting the floor below. Jieun made her way to the library, wishing to update herself on the powerful houses of the realm. She was of age now, she would need to take a husband ━ not that she would choose one, her father chose for her. However, it would still be good to know what to expect.

The second she stepped foot inside the library, her body tensed.

Jungwon held the servant girl in a tight grip, hugging her.

A part of her wished to interfere, but the other part. . . the other part saw the smile on his lips.