Prince Nothing - .WOOSAN.

.THREE.

She wasn't ugly, that was for sure. Her dark brown hair seemed to flow on forever, clinging to her delicate shoulders. Her smile was unique, something about it brought a wide grin to my face. Her looks resembled neither of her parents, but I couldn't help but see her brother's expression in her. She was beautiful, but dread filled me as I thought about possibly spending my life with her.

"It's nice to meet you." I bowed to her slightly, taking her hand and kissing it. Although I was cringing inside on how formal this was, I tried my hardest to not show it, "How have my accommodations suited you thus far?"

She was already flustered, covering her mouth with her other hand to hind the redness that spread from her cheeks to her ears, "Your guest rooms were perfect." She muttered, not even able to look me in the eyes.

I turned away, smiling stupidly as I scratched the back of my head, "I'm glad."

And then silence came over us.

A question was itching inside of me, dying to come out as I scanned the crowd, looking for a familiar face, craving for the presence of Choi San, but no matter how hard I squinted, or how long I searched, I couldn't see him. My encounter with him was short, but I couldn't shake the impression he had made on me with his words. He was a free soul, rebellious, daring, and fun. He was the complete opposite of me, but from the tales I was told at a younger age, I knew that I was meant to see him again.

There were things he could help me with.

Decisions I could not make alone.

And I knew deep down that he was going show up when I needed him most. He needed to.

But that was wishful thinking. False security to reassure me that I would have someone with me to help lead a nation.

"Is something on your mind?" I was startled out of my thoughts by a hand delicately placing itself on my shoulder. Haneul was giving me curious eyes, "I'm always happy to listen to your worries." She added, leaning in until her head was resting on my shoulder, causing me to tense up, my heart stopping for more than a couple seconds.

I swallowed loudly, scooting away from Haneul awkwardly as I made a weird half-smile, "Everything's just fine." I said through slightly gritted teeth, "I'm just looking for an old friend."

Like I have mentioned, I cannot lie to anyone.

Haneul gave me a thoughtful, yet positive expression, winking and puffing out her cheeks, "I bet you'll find them!" She stated, looking over to our siblings and laughing, "Everyone will be united eventually."

I sighed, sitting down onto my throne, "But what if they don't?" I mumbled.

She just looked at me for a second, and I could see her expression falter, "Are you talking about San?" She whispered, kneeling next to me.

I looked back at her, my heart skipping a beat, "Do you know where he is?"

Dread filled me as she looked to the ground, shaking her head, "He went rebel." She stated plainly, "He's a disgrace to the Choi dynasty, Wooyoung, no one you want to get mixed up with." She was talking like this person wasn't her brother, more like he was a criminal. Chills crept up my spine, but I stopped myself from speaking anymore. This was no subject to be thrown around during a public event.

I just hung my head, trying to contain my disappointment, "Thank you for informing me." I mumbled, "Could you please fetch Hongjoong for me? I would like to go on a walk privately." I added. I needed fresh air.

I needed to get away from Haneul. Her presence was suffocating.

She just stood there, and although I wasn't looking at her, I could feel her eyes burning into the back of my neck. I shivered, fighting myself not to snap at her as I speedily walked away, not bothering to say goodbye although I knew that not doing so would fill me with regret soon.