Part of Her World | Park Sunghoon

The Call of the Unknown

Princess Y/N of Saebyeol Island, a realm of lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and rolling hills, was adored by her people and cherished by King Seokjin and Queen Hyejin, who found her abandoned by the shore as a baby. They had raised her as their own, showering her with love and protecting her fiercely from the dangers that lurked beyond their peaceful kingdom.

From a young age, Y/N displayed a restless spirit and an insatiable curiosity about the world beyond the island's shores. Drawn to the sea like a magnet, she would often sneak away to explore the rocky coastline and watch the mesmerizing dance of the waves under the moonlight.

However, her parents, especially Queen Hyejin, were deeply concerned for Y/N's safety. The circumstances of her discovery—wrapped in seaweed and nestled in a wicker basket—remained a mystery, a reminder of the dangers that lurked beyond their idyllic island home.

On a crisp morning in the grand palace of Saebyeol Island, adorned with tapestries depicting the island's history and the royal lineage, Y/N found herself in the midst of yet another etiquette lesson. Her tutor, Lady Jiyeon, a stern yet kind-hearted woman with silver hair tied in a bun, lectured her on the importance of grace and decorum.

Y/N fidgeted in her seat, her mind wandering to the adventures she longed to undertake. She had little interest in learning the intricacies of courtly manners or the art of diplomacy, much to Lady Jiyeon's chagrin.

"Princess Y/N, you must focus," Lady Jiyeon insisted, her voice tinged with exasperation. "These lessons are crucial for your future role as queen."

Y/N sighed, casting a wistful glance out the window where the emerald sea sparkled under the morning sun. "But Lady Jiyeon, what good are these lessons if they confine me to this palace? I want to see the world, to explore beyond our shores."

Before Lady Jiyeon could reply, Queen Hyejin entered the chamber, her presence commanding attention. With her flowing robes of ocean-blue silk and a crown adorned with pearls and seashells, she epitomized regal elegance and strength.

"My dear Y/N," Queen Hyejin began, her voice gentle yet firm. "Today, we welcome a special guest from the neighboring kingdom of Gyeoul. Prince Taehyun has arrived to discuss matters of alliance and potential union."

Y/N's heart sank at the mention of an arranged marriage. Prince Taehyun, a handsome and courteous young man known for his skills in diplomacy and governance, had been chosen as a suitor for her hand in marriage. While Y/N respected him, she could not quell the anger and frustration that welled up within her.

"I understand, Mother," Y/N replied with forced politeness, masking her inner turmoil. "However, I wish to focus on my duties as princess and the welfare of our people."

Queen Hyejin exchanged a knowing glance with Lady Jiyeon before continuing. "Of course, my dear. But remember, the responsibilities of royalty extend beyond personal desires. You are the future queen of Saebyeol Island, and your decisions will shape the destiny of our kingdom."

As Prince Taehyun entered the chamber, Y/N greeted him with a polite bow, concealing her true emotions behind a mask of royal decorum. She couldn't help but feel trapped, longing for the freedom to chart her own path, away from the constraints of royal duty and arranged marriages.

As the day wore on with discussions of treaties and alliances, Y/N's mind drifted back to the sea—the vast expanse that called to her soul, promising adventure and discovery beyond imagination. Deep down, she knew that her longing for the unknown would not be easily quenched, even amidst the duties and expectations that surrounded her as princess of Saebyeol Island.

The negotiations with Prince Taehyun stretched well into the afternoon, with discussions veering from political alliances to cultural exchanges between the kingdoms of Saebyeol and Gyeoul. Y/N, though outwardly composed, struggled to suppress the restlessness that gnawed at her heart.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the palace gardens, Queen Hyejin invited Prince Taehyun to join them for a tour of the royal grounds. Y/N, relieved to momentarily escape the formalities of the council chambers, accompanied them with a polite smile plastered on her face.

Amidst the meticulously landscaped gardens of Saebyeol, where exotic blooms perfumed the air and fountains whispered stories of ancient magic, Y/N observed Prince Taehyun with a critical eye. He was everything a prince should be—handsome, well-mannered, and impeccably dressed. Yet, beneath his charming facade, she sensed an unspoken tension, a reminder of the expectations weighing upon them both.

"Princess Y/N," Prince Taehyun finally spoke, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. "Your kingdom is truly magnificent. I am honored to have this opportunity to visit and to discuss our future."

Y/N offered him a small, polite smile. "Thank you, Prince Taehyun. Our alliance is indeed important for the prosperity of both our realms."

As they strolled along the edge of a tranquil lake that mirrored the evening sky, Y/N's thoughts drifted back to her childhood—a time when she would sneak away from the palace with her childhood friend, Chaewon, to explore the hidden coves and secret pathways of Saebyeol Island. Those carefree days seemed like a lifetime ago, before the weight of royal expectations had settled upon her shoulders.

"Princess Y/N," Prince Taehyun began tentatively, his gaze searching hers. "I hope our alliance can also be a union of hearts. I have heard much about your kindness and wisdom. I look forward to getting to know you better."

Y/N nodded politely, masking her inner turmoil. "As do I, Prince Taehyun."

The evening wore on with a grand banquet in honor of their guest, where musicians played melodies that echoed through the grand hallways of the palace. Y/N fulfilled her duties as hostess with grace and poise, yet her mind remained elsewhere—drawn inexorably to the lull of the sea that whispered promises of freedom and adventure.

Later that night, as she gazed out from her chamber window, the moon cast a silvery path upon the waters of Saebyeol Bay. The rhythmic lapping of the waves against the shore seemed to echo the cadence of her restless heart.

Alone in the quiet solitude of her room, Y/N found herself grappling with conflicting emotions. On one hand, she understood the importance of her role as princess and the future queen of Saebyeol Island. On the other hand, she longed for the freedom to explore beyond the boundaries that confined her to palace walls.

As dawn broke over the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold, Y/N made a silent vow to herself. She would find a way to reconcile her duties with her desires—to honor her responsibilities to her kingdom while seeking the adventure that called to her from the depths of the sea.

With renewed determination, Y/N began to formulate a plan—a plan that would allow her to follow her heart's longing for the unknown, even as the weight of royal expectations continued to press upon her shoulders. For she knew, deep down, that her destiny was intertwined with the vast expanse of the sea that stretched beyond Saebyeol Island—an ocean of endless possibilities waiting to be explored.