𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 | 정원

07

He sat down on the throne. In the dark room, you could only see his outlining figure. Ji-ah felt shivers travel down her spine.

"Dance for me." The figure on the throne said, he was playing with her.

Dance? Really?

Her throat felt dry. Even in the dark, she could sense his eyes on her, tracking her every move. She couldn't place what it was, but something about his intimidating aura made her feel the need to oblige him. Is he the host?

She wanted out. How does she get out of this?

She carefully looked up. The moonlight casts inside through the cracks of the curtain, lighting up his face just barely.

He cocked his eyebrow, expecting her. How will she dance? She's not a dancer.

She hesitated. "I.. don't know how to dance."

He scoffed. "Then you'll never step foot in this place again."

She bit her lip. She really needed this job. She couldn't give up now.

"I swear I won't make the same mistake again. It is only my second day here, this place is too big.." She pleaded. Would it hurt him to be a bit more understanding?

"I won't repeat what I said." His voice remained calm and stoic. He stood up and started to walk down the dais, towards her.

She could feel her heartbeat quicken and started to walk backward.

Then she stopped. What's he gonna do?

Her fear turned into anger. Even though he's her boss, that doesn't mean he can treat her this way. Did he think she was a thief or something? What did he hide in that room anyway? Gold? Diamonds?

"Fine then. Fire me. I don't need this job anyway." Without thinking, she turned away and started to walk towards the door.

She cursed under her breath. She regretted this instantly. Getting fired meant she was going to lose a place to stay too. Where will she sleep? On the streets?

Just as she opened the door, it was slammed shut instantly before she could walk out. She jumped and turned around to the man behind her. He was still standing a few feet away. How did he close the door?

The man stared at her, his face remained cold and expressionless.

"What?" She shot him a glare. This man is full of arrogance. She didn't care about her manners anymore.

Without saying anything, he walked towards her, closing their distance at an alarming speed that was enough to make her heart jump out of her chest.

She retreated until her back hit the door, knowing she was trapped. Before she could respond, he lifted his hand and put it on top of her head.

He stared back at her, never breaking eye contact. His eyes looked as dark as the void, it was hard to see if he had any humanity at all. Yet, he had awfully mesmerizing feline eyes that could put people into a trance.

"What are you doing?" She managed to mouth out the words, her breath shaking. Her eyes darted around the room, trying to avoid his stare. His hands stayed on top of her head, not moving.

She mustered up her courage and swiped his hand away. When she looked up at him, she caught a glimpse of an unknown expression crossing his face—a fleeting something in his eyes—before returning to his usual expression.

Someone opened the door, jolting both of them out of the moment. Ji-ah was glad to find Mrs. Kim standing there. She walked in and bowed to Jungwon.

"Your Highness, I apologize. Ji-ah is still new to the place. I'll manage her closely from now on." Mrs Kim said.

The whole time he is the prince? What an inconsiderate authoritarian. Just because he's royalty doesn't mean Ji-ah will put up with him.

He turned to Mrs. Kim, ignoring the girl. "Fine, but I hope she stops snooping around."

Ji-ah looked at him in disbelief. She wasn't snooping around! 

She opened her mouth to protest, but closed it again when she looked at Mrs. Kim.

"Yes, Your Highness." Mrs. Kim said.

Jungwon scowled at Ji-ah before walking away.

She wasn't sure if she was supposed to be happy that Mrs Kim saved her job, or be angry that she had to work for him.

"Miss Ji-ah." Mrs. Kim called. "Please make sure you adhere to the rules next time."

Ji-ah forced a smile, nodding. "Thank you Mrs. Kim. I'll be more careful next time." She was grateful for Mrs. Kim to walk in on time, or she'd have to sleep on the streets tonight.

 "The prince doesn't like people going into his rooms..but don't worry too much. You'll get used to the routine here. "

"Right," Ji-ah replied. She watched the prince's retreating figure until he disappeared around a corner.

"You can go back to your room now." Mrs. Kim said. 

She wanted to ask more about the prince but decided not to pry. With a nod of understanding, Ji-ah turned and made her way back to her room.

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