Away ⥃ Nishimura Riki

.Three.

KIM SEULHYUN brushed her hair into a bun as she straightened the dress, she was given by Elena, admiring the little details sown into the dress. It was undeniably the most beautiful dress she has worn. To be fair, she has only worn plain black dresses for most of her life so wearing something that wasn't such a dull color was new to her. Not to mention the flower patterns on the hem of her dress.

The latter was pulled out of her thoughts as the arched wooden door swung open, a familiar red-haired vampire entering the room. "Are you ready?" She asked, dusting her hands. Seulhyun nodded. "Follow me."

Seulhyun complied and tailed behind her, swallowing hard at the thought of meeting the distinguished seven princes. The thought sent jitters in her stomach. From what she has heard, the seven princes are the most feared vampires in the region. They have won the bloodiest battles and attained great respect from their neighboring regions―one of them is The Red Ocean, the city of sirens.

"I need to attend another task. Tana will be the one accompanying to meet the Royal Majesties." Elena excused herself and walked away deep into the corridor. Suddenly someone tapped her shoulders, catching the girl by surprise.

A lady dressed in a maid attire greeted her. "You are Seulhyun, correct?"
"That will be me."
"Let's go."

The walk to the throne room was silent since neither of them bothered to search for a topic. Besides, the nerves Seulhyun was dealing with was engulfing her thoughts as many scenarios played in her head. What if the king asks her the meaning behind the scroll? How can she explain it? She doesn't even know what's written in it.

She nibbled on her lips.
Tana noticed her anxious state and cleared her throat, "You may enter." She bowed as her hands directed her into the throne room.

Seulhyun exhaled deeply, assuring herself that everything will go well. Hopefully.

She took timid steps into the spacious room. There were eight thrones placed at the very back of the room. At the center of the thrones were two bigger thrones, placed next to each other. She guessed it was for the king and queen. Seulhyun's foot trembled slightly as she stepped on the lavish red carpet, numerous guards observing her from every corner of the room.

Once she stood across the golden throne, she got down on her knees, bowing deeply. Her action surprised many since normally, ladies only have to do a curtsy. "Rise." The King told.

The vampire stood up as she faced the king, Yang Jungwon. The latter was sat on the luxurious throne, the golden material shimmered under the dim light. On top of the chair was a palmette which was sculpted, imitating a crown. His legs were crossed together as he leaned backwards on his throne, a crown stood on his head. 

Her brow twitched as she noticed a few empty seats next to him, where the queen and the other princes were supposed to be seated. Only three of the princes were there. Did the others have business to handle?

"Kim Seulhyun," The deep voice of the king rumbled through the room and the lady straightened her back. "You have come from the Southern Kingdom to give us a message, is that correct?"

Although it was only a question, his intimidating voice made her cower as she opened her mouth to speak. "That is correct, Your Highness." She confirmed.

"Then, Prince Heeseung will read it out loud for us to hear."
Upon being called, the eldest prince stood from his throne and opened the scroll. Seulhyun didn't know why but she had a bad feeling about the scroll as if it may contain a poisonous spell all over the parchment, but that was impossible. She has touched it and she is fine.

"To The Seven Princes,

This is Kang Heejin, the greatest witch from the Southern Kingdom. By the time you read this, you might have met Kim Seulhyun, a student under my wing. I'm writing this to you to inform you of the vile ploy I have overheard from a recent meeting amongst the higherups. They are planning to take revenge on your kingdom because of the broken treaty between the two kingdoms. I have sent my most loyal person I know, Seulhyun, to relay any further information about this matter. For now, that is all.

From, Kang.
P.s. Keep my student safe."
Heeseung peered at Jungwon when he finished the letter, a frown evident in his face. Seulhyun heard whispers erupt behind her as her shoulders faltered. A ploy? Against the Main Kingdom?

King Jungwon hummed. He looked oddly nonchalant for someone whose kingdom has just been threatened. "Silence. Everyone except the girl, get out." He ordered.

Everyone except the knights scrambled to the door, leaving the vampire with the brothers. "This was expected," The king began, "Prince Daehil and Princess Aene must be enraged after the engagement was broken off so suddenly..."

The king nodded to his older brother, "Just like Kang Heejin's request, we will keep you safe. Under one condition," He told.

"Nothing is free after all." The latter grinned.

Seulhyun froze as panic rose in her blood. She saw a blonde-haired prince smirk at his brother's words. Compared to his brothers, his complexion was paler, his lips darker in color. It might be the wrong timing, but his cheeks were quite full making him look rather cute.

"You will tell us everything the witch tells you," The king demanded, "and if you don't...." His voice trailed off; a devious smile grew on his face. "You can say bye to your friends and family."

Hearing his last sentence, her blood ran cold. What. What?- Does that mean she will be sentenced to death? Seulhyun blinked her eyes, avoiding their gaze and bowed deeply.

"I promise to tell every information Mrs. Kang tells me!" She swore.

Prince Heeseung glanced at one of the knights and signaled them to usher her out of the throne room. With a heavy heart, Seulhyun left the room and trudged her way through the hallways, dreading for the upcoming weeks- maybe even months.

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