𝕭𝖑𝖔𝖔𝖉 𝕻𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖈𝖊───
"Dance for me." The figure on the throne said.
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...
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After that, Ji-ah did not see him anymore. She is more cautious now, not wanting to bump into the prince.
"He's charming isn't it?" Seo-yeon grinned after Ji-ah told her about her meeting yesterday.
"Charming my foot." Ji-ah rolled her eyes, thinking about the way he had treated her. "What did he keep in that room anyway?"
"It's probably the things he had from his family," Seo-yeon said.
Ji-ah tried to smile to hide her embarrassment. She admitted that it was her fault. She felt ashamed for going into the room without permission, but she couldn't ignore how rude he had been to her.
They were in the palace garden, adorned with fallen leaves painted in brown and orange. The crisp autumn air wrapped around her, carrying with it the earthy scent of decaying leaves.
"Do you know what is his name?" Ji-ah asked in curiosity. She had never heard or knew about this royal family.
"His name is Yang Jungwon," Seo-yeon said in a low tone. "He's from a renowned royal family."
She had lived in this town since she was young but had never heard of a royal family.
"I think something bad happened that ended their influence. Nobody seems to know their origins, but people around here still address him royally." Seo-yeon said. "That's what I heard from the other staff anyway." she chuckled softly and waved her hands.
Perhaps that's the reason why he's so cold. Ji-ah couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt.
The cool wind brushed against Ji-ah's face, causing a few leaves to escape from the pile she had swept into. She swiftly wielded her rake to stop the leaves from scattering any farther.
Seo-yeon continued to sweep the leaves that seemed endless on the pavement. Ji-ah was glad she was partnered up with her again. Aside from Seo-yeon, she still hadn't gotten to know the other staff.
The garden was overflown with orange and red roses, as well as other flowers adorning the bushes. Their blossoms seemed to be in full bloom, painting the garden in vivid splashes of color.
It was late October now, and the day gets colder each day. Ji-ah admired the garden, taking in the endless amount of flowers. The gardeners must have a field day maintaining it. For a second, Ji-ah wondered if the prince liked roses, but she quickly dismissed that thought.
This mansion and the prince are a mystery, but Ji-ah is not the type to butt in other's business. As long as she's getting that check, she will be fine.
Ji-ah was still in her morning daze as she was eating her cereal in the kitchen. Another girl from her quarters was also quietly enjoying her breakfast.
Suddenly, a young man burst into the kitchen, breaking the quiet atmosphere. His face flushed and a disheveled appearance as though he just completed a marathon.
"Has anyone seen Mrs. Kim?" He gasped, trying to catch his breath.
Ji-ah shook her head, along with the other girl.
"Why?" Ji-ah asked.
"We have guests," He said, trying to catch his breath. "The other princes-"
"What?" The other girl's eyes widened with surprise. She bolted from her seat, leaving her breakfast behind.
Ji-ah's eyebrows furrowed with confusion as she watched the sudden commotion. Is it such a big deal that the other princes are visiting?
It's true that they are princes, but why are they panicking? She recalled the brothers Seo-yeon had told her. Since they're brothers with the prince, why don't they live together in the first place?
"Hey, if you don't mind can you please look for Mrs. Kim?" The guy said, still trying to regain his composure.
"Me?" Ji-ah asked. The man nodded vigorously. Oh right, there's no one else in this kitchen.
"Alright." She replied, quickly setting aside her cereal. Ji-ah got up and made her way to the hallway that led to Mrs. Kim's office. Perhaps Mrs. Kim has to greet the princes and welcome them or something.
Ji-ah rounded the corner and jolted in surprise as she nearly collided with a guy. "Careful there," he said, his voice calm and composed.
"I'm sorry," Ji-ah began, but her words trailed off as she found herself locking eyes with the stranger. He had slicked-back dark hair, catching the light in a way that made it appear as if it were ablaze. His eyes and face resembled a fox.
He greeted her with a kind smile, his eyes forming into a crescent moon shape.
"Oh, uh.." Ji-ah stammered as she felt the guy's eyes on her. Why does her mouth have to do that now?
"Have we met before?" He tilted his head, a mysterious smile on his lips.
"I'm afraid not," Ji-ah said, trying to sound as polite as possible. Whoever he is, he's definitely not one of the staff.
"Okay." He said, offering her a brief smile before turning and striding away.
Ji-ah shook her head. What was that about? As she stood outside Mrs. Kim's office, ready to knock, the door swung open, and Mrs. Kim appeared in the doorway.
"Oh, Mrs. Kim," Ji-ah greeted with a slight sense of relief. "We were looking for you."
"It's alright, I know," Mrs. Kim reassured her and walked out, her demeanor as composed and enigmatic as ever.
"Can you prepare some tea and send them to the living room?" Mrs. Kim requested.
"Oh, alright." Ji-ah agreed with a nod and promptly made her way back to the kitchen.
After brewing the tea, she carefully arranged the cups on a tray, her hands steady, but her heart pounded with a sense of unease. As she pushed the living room door open, 6 young men turned towards her, looking at her as if she were an alien. She wanted to leave the room.
One of the guys with blonde hair spoke up, his voice deep. "We've been waiting for you."
