Palace Of Illusions

2 | eyes never lie

"Do you think he'll be extremely good looking?" Jennie asked the maid who was tying the strings of her dress at the back."I'm sure he'll be beautiful, princess" said Rosé as she finished and walked around in front of the mirror and straightened Jennie's body. "He might even be the most beautiful man in his kingdom" she continued and she chuckled as she saw Jennie's face lighten at the remark.

"It would be fine even if he is just attractive. He doesn't have to be the most attractive" Jennie said. "Well as long as he would treat you right" Rosé spoke up but stopped mid sentence when they heard the general's voice echo through the walls of the palace.

"A heartfelt welcome to the King Hyoseop of Celestoria and his Queen Taeri" The general announced. Jennie couldn't hold in her excitement anymore and rushed out of her room.

She stood behind the curtains in the corridor and looked down at the entrance of the grand hall where the King entered, his arm linked with the Queen. Both of them were followed by a few men which she assumed were soldiers of the kingdom.

Her father, her family and members of the royal court bowed down to the couple that entered. The couple returned the gesture and smiled at the warm welcome.

Her eyes caught Ningning's who was looking at her with wide eyes, signalling her to go back to her room and only show up when called. Jennie placed her index finger on her lips to shush her. She made a cross sign with both her hands and pointed at her father telling Ningning in gestures that she won't let her father notice her.

However Ningning sneakily walked out of the grand hall and ran upstairs to where Jennie was. While she did so, Jennie's attention was caught by the little greetings between the two kings.

"It's been a while since we met" Hyoseop remarked as he pulled her father into a hug. Both of them chuckled and pulled away.

"How are you my friend, I hope you've been well?"
Jennie's father laughed heartedly. "Yes, I'm quite well. And how are you?"
Hyoseop gave her father a smile as he answered with a nod. "As always, pretty well"

She saw her mothers greeting the queen but couldn't hear their conversation.

"A heartfelt welcome to the crown prince, Jungkook and the younger prince, Yeonjun" Jennie's eyes immediately shifted to the entrance of the grand hall.

Her breath hitched at the sight of the man entering the hall. His long, blond hair shone like gold under the lights. It contrasted beautifully with the deep red clothes he was wearing. The colour also seemed to compliment his skin tone.
His eyes caught hers standing upstairs behind the curtains. No one in the hall spotted her except him. The smile he gave her sent chills all over her body. She felt shy and her knees went weak but she maintained the eye contact.

Pretty. He thought.

"Jennie stop staring. You might get caught and father-" Ningning stopped mid sentence as her eyes landed on the young guy who entered the hall after the crown prince. Both the princes bowed to the elders.

While Ningning's eyes darted at the young prince, his landed on the petite lady standing in the corner behind the royal family.

Rosé pulled both the young ladies inside the room. "Rosie!!" Jennie whined like a kid at her. The blonde laughed at her and replied "Well, you don't want your father to be angry at you,right?" Jennie pouted at her words. She wanted to stare at him a little longer. She wanted his eyes to find her again. She wanted him to show his sweet smile again.

Both of their attention went to the younger who was suddenly so quiet and smiling to herself. Jennie nudged Rosé as she grinned at her. "Looks like someone's in love" Jennie whispered to the maid. "As if you didn't run out there to see him either" she whispered back. Jennie gave her a playful glare.

Their little talk was interrupted by Ningning's mother, Jiyeon walking into the room. "There you are" She spoke as she released a sigh of relief. "Thought you sneaked out of the palace again" she said as she walked up to Ningning.

"You need to be in the grand hall right now, Ning. Let's go"
Ningning stood up from the bed she was sitting on earlier and walked up to her mother. She looked back at Jennie who was looking excited.

"Jennie, you'll be called soon too. Be ready" The queen informed the older princess with a smile. Jennie's face lightened up at her words. The thought of seeing him up so close made her heartbeat fasten.Her whole body felt warm.

"Come along now darling" her mother added as she gently pulled her out of the room. Ningning turned around and gave Jennie one last wink before her mother pulled her away. Jennie smiled widely.

-~-

Jennie's heartbeat fastened with every step she took down the stairs. Her right hand was held by queen Hyojoo who gently smiled at her, assuring her that everything would be fine.

On her left was Rosé, assisting her. Behind her trailed a few other maids, who helped her walk in her long dress.

As soon as she walked in the hall, everyone's eyes fell on her. Jennie smiled politely and bowed to the elders. She glanced at the handsome crown prince standing at the centre of the hall and his eyes caught hers once more. Her mind filled with his smile earlier.

He has a nice smile. That thought made her cheeks flush pink. Her gaze then moved onto Jungkook and his smile widened as he looked at her.

The butterflies in her stomach made themselves comfortable and the warmth she felt for him grew.
When Jennie came closer to him, Jungkook bowed to her. Jennie bowed respectfully and smiled.

She had a golden sleeveless gown on. The golden fabric layered with multiple black sheer fabric that gave it volume. Beads ran down the waist of the dress till the end of it. The cleavage line of the gown adorned by rhinestones. She wore black sheer gloves on both her hands.

Her hair was down. It had soft curls to it. Her neck was decorated with a huge gold necklace and big earings dangled down her ears. And Jungkook swore he had never seen a women so beautiful in his entire life.

She looked pretty behind the white curtains already. Looking at her this close only took his breath away.

Jennie smiled widely at him. His heart melted at the expression on her face. Jennie looked breathtaking and Jungkook couldn't help himself.
"You look beautiful" Jungkook whispered to her. Blood rushed to her cheek as they turned light pink again. "Thank you" Jennie said. Jungkook felt his palms sweating as he felt the urge to pinch her cheeks which looked squishable.

He cursed at his destiny. Will he be able to betray her? If only time would stop, he'd admire her forever.