royal blood | sim jaeyun ✓

sixteen🩸

The next morning came quickly for Miyeon. She barely slept with Jungwoo suspicious remarks about the Blood Moon still lingering in her mind. The weight of what tonight would bring. 

Being stuck in a castle full of bloodthirsty vampires made her feel like she was a walking target. Anxiety gnawed at her, and she felt more trapped in this kingdom than ever before.

The same maid who had dressed her in those dark, lifeless outfits the day before came to awaken her. The woman moved with quiet efficiency, barely saying a word, her expression neutral as she pulled back the curtains to let in the muted light. 

Miyeon didn't know her name, She had tried to ask her when she was forced to change into these dull and lifeless dresses by Jungwoo yesterday. But when she did, she just blatantly ignored her. How rude.Guess the maids are different here than back home.

Back in her own kingdom, she was accustomed to warmth and kindness, her maids chatting freely with her. Here, everything felt colder, more distant just like the kingdom itself.

As the maid helped her into another dark dress, Miyeon's thoughts drifted to Jaeyun. She felt as if she had overreacted a bit to Jaeyun but at the same time he was kind of deserved it. He should of told her about it. 

When Miyeon was finished getting ready, she hurriedly made her way to the door, eager to find Jaeyun to apologise about yesterday but before she could step out, the maid's cold voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Prince Jaeyun is busy with preparations for the Blood Moon tonight," the maid said icily, her tone leaving no room for argument. "There's no point in looking for him."

Miyeon froze, her hand hovering over the doorknob. "What do you mean? Preparations?"

The maid didn't even bother looking up as she gathered the leftover garments. "Exactly what I said. He won't be available to you today. Best stay out of the way, my lady."

"How great," muttered Miyeon. The maid soon exited the room leaving Miyeon completely alone in her bedroom. 

For a few hours, Miyeon had been pacing back and forth in her room, boredom clawing at her. There was nothing  exciting to do in the Decelis Kingdom, especially when everyone seemed to be preoccupied with the upcoming Blood Moon. 

She had tried reading, but her mind kept drifting to the unsettling events and the tense atmosphere. Plus, the books were so dull and uninteresting to read. "What am I supposed to do all day?", she wondered to herself.

A knock on the door broke her thoughts. Miyeon stood up immediately, her heart skipping a beat. When the door opened, Jaeyun's mother, Queen Seoah, stepped inside. Miyeon quickly sprang from her bed, adjusting her clothes to appear more presentable.

The queen offered a faint smile, though it was lined with a subtle coldness. "The preparations are finished," she said softly, her regal tone staying reserved. "You'll be hidden somewhere safe, away from the palace. An old hunting lodge which the king and I know about."

Miyeon let out a breath of relief. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said gratefully, feeling a sense of relief for the first time since she arrived.

The queen continued, "The Blood Moon has the strongest effect on younger vampires like Jungwoo and Jaeyun. As older vampires, the king and I have better control over our bloodlust than them. The moon's influence will only last a few hours, so you should be fine."

Miyeon nodded, still uneasy but reassured by the queen's words. "I appreciate you looking out for me."

"No worries, dear," the queen responded kindly. "Dinner will be ready soon. Try to eat and gather your strength before tonight."

With that, the queen gave her a final nod before heading out of the room. Unbeknownst to them, a figure lingered in the shadows, having overheard every word of their conversation.