Two Kingdoms | Park Sunghoon

22

"Well... I wish to take you on a small outing. No profession nor status included. Just you and I in the moment. Only of course if you accept my proposal that is." Sunghoon spilled the words out, whilst nervously looking at the ground and rubbing his nape.

A striking smile appeared across Aeri's face, unlike any Sunghoon had seen before. She felt her heart race and her cheeks flush. Why did she feel so...happy?

"I would love to." Replied the now shy woman. Her eyes widened in admiration whilst the young souls stared at each other in comfortable silence; only their thumping hearts to be heard in their chests.

"Uhm, I'll meet you in the palace gardens at noon tomorrow. I wish to keep the location and plan a surprise." Sunghoon broke the tension.

"Thank you for this, no one has ever done such for me before." Aeri professed quietly, still taken aback by his offer.

In response, he got down on his knee and placed a kiss on her hand, sending a loving glance up to her before exiting the room, leaving the besotted queen internally squirming.

THE NEXT DAY.

As Aeri's handmaiden closed the lock to her necklace, she commented, "You look divine, m'lady. I'm sure he will be enticed by your natural beauty and charm fairly easily, if not already."

"Oh stop it, he doesn't see me that way... does he?" She queried.

"If you ask me, I think he is extremely interested in you. His eyes are overflowing with adoration and love for you. That look is only for you."

"Hm..."

PALACE GARDENS.

As the Queen lifted up her simple dress off the ground whilst walking, she caught sight of him. His sharp, chiselled figure and his fangs peaking out of his smile with his hair combed back, small strands out of place. He looked perfect. He was perfect.

"M'lady, you look ravishing," he spoke as he bowed down and kissed her hand gently, as per routine, earning a small laugh from Aeri.

"What's so funny?" He asked, slightly sulky.

"Nothing,"

"Tell me!"

She giggled once more, "I love how you still act with such formalities with me. You can call me by my name you know."

The Prince only looked in shock at the Queen's request.

"Was it not you who said to act without formalities today? So, drop the titles, Sunghoon."

"Okay then, Aeri. Let's head to our destination then. However, it may be a little far from our Kingdoms, if that's okay with you." Sunghoon spoke joyfully, excited for what he had planned ahead.

Earning a nod from the Queen, they headed towards the hills which were isolated from humans. As they travelled, their laughs and giggles echoed loudly. It was clear they enjoyed each other's company and wouldn't have it any other way. Even in periods of silence, the silence was comfortable and they did not feel the need to make conversation. One watching might even say they acted as though inseparable soulmates.

It was in treasured memories such as these that led Sunghoon to completely forget about the ultimate mission. As much as the two wished their feelings were fake and temporary, they only grew stronger and louder with each passing hour. For Sunghoon, he often felt burdened by his feelings for Aeri, knowing how difficult betraying her bewitchingly kind heart would be. He also feared letting his Father and the Kingdom down. But in this specific moment, all of his tension was eased my Aeri's smile and presence, all he could notice was that there was only them two in the world, the others non existent.