ZEROBASEONE ONESHOTS AND IMAGINES

Oneshot- Hao PT.1

Written in the stars- Zhang Hao royalty au

Genre: angst, romance

Pairing: fem!reader x Zhang Hao

About: in which Zhang Hao is a crown prince, and you are not the princess he's arranged to marry.

The palace is buzzing, and you've never seen it so busy. The servants seem to multiply as they make haste with the preparations. All the curtains have been drawn back, and the palace gleams in natural sunlight. The hallways smell of fresh flowers, and the floors are newly polished; you can almost see your reflection. Faintly, you can hear the footmen yelling, signalling the arrival of the royal heir of the neighbouring country.

While they were only arriving on a formality, these occasions are naturally celebrated extravagantly. No expense spared in public appearances, dinner parties, and tournaments. After all, it is only once where a soon-to-be-king is able to visit the home of his queen-to-be. Then, she is whisked away from her roots, to start a new life elsewhere.

How wonderful, a royal wedding is to take place soon.

But not yours.

Despite what people may think, you enjoy not being the eldest daughter of the family. You didn't get all the attention from male suitors in soirees, you weren't gifted the finest jewels, nor were you surrounded by a flock of ladies at all times. It's liberating, you think.

Your sister didn't even have much of a say when it came to her marriage preparations. With the diligence of a dutiful princess, she complied and obliged to the plans of your parents. You couldn't imagine living a life like that, being told that a certain path was your destiny. You certainly did not envy the life of the eldest princess.

You contemplate moving from your spot to greet the esteemed guest, but it is decided for you when a butterfly lands on your shoulder. You gently place your finger near its legs, hoping it will latch on for you to get a closer look. Instead, it flutters away.

Curiosity gets the best of you and you follow it – all the way to the edge of the garden.

To your surprise, it lands on the shoulder of a man. All you know of him is that he's dressed in a cream ensemble. Engrossed in his conversation with your father, he clearly doesn't notice the delicate creature on his shoulder.

"Ah y/n darling, you're here. Say hello to his highness" your father, who probably spots you staring, introduces you to the man.

You curtsy, "good afternoon, your grace. Welcome to Astoria"

Returning the greeting, he bows gently, then takes your hand where he places a small kiss from his lips. While a traditional greeting amongst royals, it was an act you weren't used to receiving. When you both look up and meet his eyes for the first time, you're suddenly met with jealousy – "a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, princess"

And for the first time in your life, you wish you were your sister.

When you show him around your palace, as your father instructed, he greets your staff warmly. He asks you questions about your people, your customs, and your culture. He listens intently, watching you greatly elaborate about the place you call home. While you talk his ear off, he takes slow strides to also appreciate the art, the flowers, and the instruments that play the most beautiful melodies. When you near the quartet, he fixates specifically on the violin, watching it be played with such admiration.