A Crowned Heart

{5}

The palace gardens were a sanctuary for Y/N, a place where she could escape the suffocating pressures of court life and breathe freely, even if just for a little while. The morning sun cast a soft golden glow over the sprawling greenery, the scent of blooming flowers mingling with the crisp, fresh air. Y/N had always found solace in these gardens, where the world seemed quieter, and her thoughts could drift without the weight of duty constantly pressing down on her.

Today, however, there was a different energy in the air. As Y/N strolled along the cobblestone path that wound through the gardens, she noticed a faint clamor coming from the training grounds just beyond the high stone walls. The clanging of swords and the shouts of soldiers reached her ears, a reminder of the reality that lay just beyond the tranquil beauty of the gardens.

Curiosity piqued, Y/N found herself drawn toward the source of the noise. She walked slowly, her delicate slippers barely making a sound on the stone path, until she reached a small gate that led to the training grounds. It was a place she rarely visited, but today something compelled her to step closer.

As she pushed open the gate and entered the training grounds, she was greeted by the sight of dozens of soldiers practicing their combat skills. They moved with precision and discipline, their bodies glistening with sweat under the morning sun. Y/N watched them for a moment, admiring their dedication and strength.

But it wasn't the soldiers that truly caught her attention. It was him.

Amidst the sea of armor and swords, one figure stood out—a young man with dark hair and intense eyes that seemed to pierce through the chaos around him. He moved with a grace that was almost otherworldly, his sword slicing through the air with practiced ease. There was a quiet confidence in his stance, a calmness that contrasted with the fervor of the other soldiers.

Y/N's breath caught in her throat as she watched him. She had seen many soldiers in her time, but none had ever affected her like this. There was something about him that was different, something that drew her in and made it impossible to look away.

"Princess Y/N," a voice broke through her thoughts, startling her. She turned to see Captain Jang, the head of the palace guards, approaching her with a respectful bow. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Y/N quickly composed herself, offering him a polite smile. "Good morning, Captain Jang. I was just taking a stroll and heard the training. I didn't mean to intrude."

"You're never an intruder, Your Highness," Captain Jang replied, his tone warm. "The soldiers are honored by your presence. It's not often they have an audience, especially one as distinguished as you."

Y/N nodded, her gaze drifting back to the young man she had been watching. "Who is that?" she asked, her voice soft but curious.

Captain Jang followed her gaze, his expression brightening with recognition. "Ah, that's Lieutenant Kim Taehyung. He's one of our finest soldiers. A skilled swordsman, and as you can see, he has a natural talent for leadership."

"Kim Taehyung," Y/N repeated the name, letting it roll off her tongue. There was something about it that felt familiar, yet distant, like a memory she couldn't quite grasp.

"Yes, Your Highness," Captain Jang continued. "He's been with us for a few years now, and in that time, he's proven himself to be both brave and honorable.

Y/N's eyes remained fixed on Taehyung as Captain Jang spoke, the young soldier's movements precise and powerful. She couldn't help but be captivated by the way he commanded the space around him, his focus unwavering despite the intense training.

"He seems... different from the others," Y/N said softly, almost to herself.

Captain Jang nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Your Highness. Lieutenant Kim carries himself with a sense of purpose. He's not just fighting for the sake of fighting—he believes in what he's doing."