Cursed Crowns || Vsoo

-13-

-Ruby Jennie Armonía-

I noticed the chit that Ember had left behind before her departure. Picking it up, I read its contents.

Come from the back of the Eastern forest, you will see a wall, press the 4th brick from the left and the secret door will open up. Come inside towards the 7th window line; you will see a rope hanging from the 11th floor. Use it to enter my chamber, and we will discuss everything there. Sharp at 4 a.m.

-Ember Jisoo Egan

The note contained clear instructions for a secretive meeting, and the message left me intrigued and curious about what Ember had in store. It was clear that there were many mysteries yet to be unraveled.

I excitedly shared the contents of Ember's note with the group. "She has left us the way to her room! She asked us to reach there at sharp 4 a.m.," I explained with a smile.

Princess Anne suggested a plan, saying, "We should get ready! I can build an artificial house here that will last until around 3:30 a.m. We can stay here." Her proposal seemed practical, and I nodded in agreement.

However, Prince Dylan wasn't on board with the idea. He voiced his resistance loudly. "I am not going anywhere, neither am I interested in marrying her!" he protested.

Edward couldn't help but tease him, remarking, "But the way you kiss her says otherwise." His comment elicited a chuckle from me.

We quickly set our plans into motion. Mina was tasked with informing those back at the palace about our departure and arranging for the palanquin bearers to leave. 

Edward volunteered to do the same, and they both left to carry out their assignments. Princess Anne went to work constructing the artificial house.

While Jimin took it upon himself to convince Dylan to come with us. It seemed that the adventure was underway, with a mixture of reluctance, curiosity, and anticipation among our group.

Everything had gone according to Ember's plan. We followed her instructions and arrived at the wall. However, Dylan couldn't resist complaining. 

"We could have just teleported here! First, you forced me to come here, and then made me walk for straight 3 hours," he whined.

As he leaned on the wall while speaking, he immediately regretted it. The magical door opened, and he tumbled through it, causing a moment of surprise and laughter among the group. 

It seemed that the journey was already filled with unexpected twists and turns. Edward promptly helped Dylan to his feet, and we entered the building, following Anne's lead. 

Her quick calculations helped us locate the rope, which would allow us to access Ember's room on the 11th floor.

"I'll go first," I volunteered, and without hesitation, I began to climb the rope, eager to see what awaited us and to finally get some answers to the mysteries that had been plaguing us.

I ascended the rope and was welcomed into Ember's room by Lady Elio, or rather, Lisa. Dylan followed behind me. 

As we all gathered in the room, Ember emerged from the bathroom, her presence radiating an otherworldly beauty that left me momentarily speechless.

I observed as Dylan moved closer to Ember, clearly drawn to her. However, Lisa intervened and pulled Ember away, preventing any further kisses or moments of intimacy. 

Ember couldn't contain her frustration and confusion. "What are these weird urges to kiss!" she whined, struggling to free herself from Lisa's grip and move closer to Dylan. 

The inexplicable magnetism between them was proving to be a challenge, making it difficult to focus on the matter at hand.

One by one, the rest of the group entered Ember's room. Jisoo pulled up the rope and closed the window behind us. 

She then led us through her closet, which unexpectedly opened into a vast and majestic room. The room held an air of grandeur and mystique, and it was clear that we were in for an intriguing discussion amid these opulent surroundings.

"Please, take a seat," Ember invited us, and we all settled down on the floor in a circle. There seemed to be some unspoken dynamics at play as Dylan attempted to sit beside her but found himself separated by Lisa and Edward, forming a barrier between them. 

The anticipation in the room was palpable as we awaited the explanation for the mysteries that had brought us together.

"Can we start with an introduction, please? I don't know some of you," Lisa requested, and I nodded in agreement, signaling that it was a reasonable place to begin. 

I started the introductions. "I am Ruby Jennie Armonía from the House of Tranquillité, you can address me as Jennie or Ruby"

Jimin offered his introduction, saying, "I am Axel Jimin Mylo from the House of Tranquillité, you can call me Jimin or Axel for short."

Mina followed, introducing herself  "Eve Mina Dove from the House of Tranquillité" She added, "You can call me Mina." 

Anne introduced herself, "Anne Rosé Fleurir from The House of Beauté, you can call me Rosé or Anne." 

Dylan followed, "Dylan Taehyung Adrian, from The House of Vagues, address me by my first or second name." I couldn't help but notice Ember's focused attention on Dylan as he spoke.

Edward continued with his introduction, saying, "Edward Jungkook Eldoris from Vagues. You can call me Jungkook."

Lisa proceeded with her introduction, saying, "I am Elio Lisa Esclave from the House of Ardeur, but you can call me Lisa."

"I am Ember Jisoo Egan from the House of Ardeur, you can call me Jisoo or Ember." The introductions were complete, and the circle felt more cohesive with each name shared.