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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"Please look this way, miss." Said a perky voice.
A guy wearing an apron stained with handprints stood in front of her. He looked like a foreigner but moved with the ease of a local, shifting left and right as if trying to see something behind her.
Then he walked back to a canvas stand, dipped his brush in paint and started dabbing on the white canvas.
"Are you getting sore?" A familiar voice spoke up.
Jungwon stood at the far right of the room, a hint of smile on his lips.
"No. I can manage," Ji-ah replied. Though she can feel her back getting tired from sitting in the same position for hours.
She was sitting in the vast airy room, the sunlight streamed in from the tall windows beside her.
The artisan proposed that this was the perfect place to paint, with the sunlight casting a halo-like effect on her, making her look radiant.
Ji-ah tried to shift her position slightly, hoping to ease the discomfort in her back without disrupting the artist's work.
The room was silent except for the soft strokes of the brush on the canvas and the occasional murmur of approval from the painter.
Jungwon watched her with a mix of amusement and something else she couldn't quite place. She found herself glancing his way more often than she intended, drawn by his presence.
"How much longer shall this take?" she finally asked, unable to keep the question to herself.
The artist paused, tilting his head as he studied the canvas. "Not much longer, miss. Just a few finishing touches."
Ji-ah sighed softly, trying to maintain her posture. Jungwon's soft laughter caught her attention, and she couldn't help but smile back at him.
"You're doing great," he said encouragingly.
"Thank you," she replied, feeling a bit more at ease.
Finally, the artist stepped back and admired his work. "It is done!" he announced with satisfaction.
Ji-ah relaxed, stretching her stiff muscles as she stood up.
Jungwon walked to the canvas, looking at the painting with a critical eye. "It is well done," he agreed, nodding appreciatively.
"Thank you, Your Highness." The artisan beamed.
Jungwon glanced between Ji-ah and the painting, and she felt her knees weaken under his gaze.
"Beautiful," Jungwon whispered, a hint of admiration in his eyes.
Ignoring the butterflies in her stomach, Ji-ah started towards the canvas. "I want to see."
Jungwon stepped in front, blocking her path. "No, you can see it tomorrow. It's supposed to be a surprise."
Ji-ah half-joked, "I'm the one who was painted, I can't see it?"
