Lost in a Masquerade

03

Jimin was strolling in the grand hall along the beautifully carved walls, deftly stroking his fingers against the etching. "Mr. Park," the king's voice stirred the man's concentration, so he turned towards him and bowed at the royal figure before standing straight.

"You don't have to do this every day, Mr. Park. Just once as you see me the first time in the morning will do."

"Your majesty, it's very kind of you," Jimin honestly answered with a smile, fixing his clothes in case he wasn't presentable. "And you may call me Jimin."

"No," the king now began to stroll out with an understanding that the young fellow would follow. "You are kind for being here and to bear my daughter's wiles. I sincerely apologize for whatever may come. She isn't herself these days."

"You need not ask forgiveness, my lord. I am after all here for the job." Jimin convinced the royal figure and walked out into the castle's ward, under the open sky. The rain had subsided, but the ground was wet, and the trees were whisking softly, drizzling down what remained on the surface of leaves.

"As a father, I worry about her emotional health, and as a king of the kingdom, I worry about the future of my people. The princess is due for a coronation in three years and if she can't be a good woman herself, she can't possibly become a selfless queen. I know I have been putting a lot of pressure on you from day one, but understand that I don't doubt your caliber. Take your time, however long it takes. Do whatever needs to be done, I am with you in anything, but help my daughter."

"I am here at your service, sir. Please stand convinced that I will do my best." The counselor urged the king to trust his words. "What kind of a woman has the princess been in her life? It would help me to understand her better from a perspective."

"Jessica has always been kind, funny, and considerate. She used to play with royal guards, commanding them to seek her as she hid. Lately, whenever she came home on holidays, we found changes in her behavior, but they were no more than physical attributes," the king sighed calmly, feeling the silence around them and the air nipping his exposed skin. "She learned new things from her friends every time — a new language, or the accent, a novel dish, or the funny table manners. It was all fine because we knew she was at a young age when she learned a lot and practiced it. Over the years, she turned more whimsy and temperamental. When she hardly screamed, something began to fester in her so that she burst into fury multiple times a day, unable to help it."

Jimin was all but focused on each expression and so he gathered the words to ask his next question. "Are you aware of any incident that took place at her school, your majesty?"

"As far as I can say, she has never been the one to fall prey to the bullies as they came to know she was royalty. There isn't anything specific to her. Her friends from the city were all from renowned families and I have met them personally. If I may intrude myself because she never said anything about it, she had no boy trouble."

"It is enough for now, your majesty." Jimin kept his words limited.

"Thank you for waiting up until late to talk to me, Jimin. You may now rest as we leave early tomorrow. I hope you liked your chamber." The king's worry displaced a warm and welcoming smile as he put an arm over Jimin's shoulder.

"I certainly did." Jimin bowed his head.

"Have a good night, Jimin."

As the king turned away, Jimin stayed put, looking around everywhere. He could see the lights on in one of the chambers on the left portion of the castle. He reckoned it was the princess' room and the speculation was confirmed when he saw the crown princess walking out on her veranda, slowly taking off her necklace. As the woman stood staring at the piece of jewelry on top, Jimin couldn't help but stare at her.