Lost in a Masquerade

01

The air has been humid for the past three days and it was evident from the evening sky that the rain would finally pour at any moment. Jessica was waiting impatiently in her orchard, and when the first thunderbolt appeared in the sky at a juncture, she ran back towards the big stone castle to get under the vineyard.

From under the shed, her battered eyes gleamed in delight on spotting a barouche. She heard the faint clopping of two horses running in the direction of the castle, carrying the royal guest. She stood steady and waited, risking getting wet and cold in the rain just so she could be the first one to welcome her father's dearest friend.

The king was also waiting for Lee Geon, but from his bed-chamber, which was laden with big windows facing the entry gate. He often stood there in solitude and viewed everything all at once from his position as the castle was built at the highest peak on a mountain. When the thunder noisily struck, his eyes fell on the reflection of it on the metal battlements placed on the walls of the castle. He could see someone moving in the vineyard. Assuming it was Jessica, he smiled softly.

When the little crown princess was born in the Beomsan dynasty, King Jeon Sun-Young knew he would ply the little one with every worldly possession one could imagine having, and he did succeed, given his status as a sovereign.

"Uncle!" Jessica's voice was unnaturally loud as she ran out of the vineyard, towards the barouche as it halted.

Drawing the thick red curtains with gold embroidery, a handsome man peeked from behind the carriage with a big smile. "Jessica-ah! Don't run!" He warned with urgency, not wanting the princess to slip and fall as the water started drizzling with speed.

Jessica didn't care and the king watched her slamming into the older male who was quick to hug her back with a fond chuckle. "My little princess, how have you been?"

"I am really well. I was worried about you because of the landslides. Did you face any hassle coming up here?" Jessica asked worriedly, her cheeks gaining color as she looked up at the face of her father's friend.

"I didn't, my princess," the man had divided attention as he thanked the driver and then turned towards Jessica. "It's my mistake after all that you live so high up in the mountains. I wish I had suggested the castle be built in the plains when you were a baby." Lee Geon mentioned with a humorous chuckle and began to walk inside.

"Where is Hamin?" Jessica asked.

Interrupted by a silhouette, the two padded their gaze ahead to witness the king standing by himself. "My lord," the friend knelt down, bowing his head with a palm covering his heart. "Thank you for the travel arrangements. How have you been?"

Jessica shifted to her father's side, waiting for the king to dismiss the formal stance. "Lee Geon, my friend," the king stepped forward, holding the man's forearms to make him stand up. "You are a part of the family. It is always an honor to serve you. I hope you are hungry."

Lee Geon nodded his head and still kept his gaze down out of respect. "Your majesty, I am starved and parched."

"Then your hunger will be quelled soon," Jessica chirped in. "We are having a feast."

The elders looked at the princess, who now spun on her heeled shoes to strut away without another word. "How is her highness, my king?" Lee Geon asked, trudging behind the young woman who took a left turn from the main hall of the castle towards the staircase and disappeared.

The king's face contorted into worry now, staying behind with just his friend to safely share his worries. "Our queen is exquisite as always, but I am afraid Jessica's condition is worsening every day."

Lee Geon's smile faded in a reflex too. "Any recent temper tantrums?"

"Unfortunately, yes," the king answered slowly and beckoned the man towards the right-hand side stairway. "That's why I sought help from the counselor."

"Did you assign a new counselor to the manor?" The guest's interest piqued as they halted.

"The last one was incapable of his work, but I have personally chosen this man and any summation of praise doesn't quite do justice to his intellect for someone this young. He's only six years older than the princess herself."

"It's a relief then," Lee Geon smiled, holding the king's palms gently and patting them. "I would love to see this young man you have grown so fond of. Is he from here? What's his name?"

"No, Geon-ah!" The king retreated his palms, and with free will, put an arm around the handsome friend's shoulder. "He is from the neighboring kingdom, and his name is Park Jimin. I'd say you are in luck because he will join us for dinner. Don't worry about that now. You must be tired, so please rest before dinner. "

"How exciting!" Lee Geon exclaimed and bowed again, taking permission for his leave. 

contd...