to eternity | n. riki

32. love

Hayoung sat in front of a grand ivory vanity, ornately decorated with pearls and floral engravings. She sat on an ottoman in a thick, fluffy bathrobe. She stared at herself in the mirror, unable to recognize herself. Never caring about her appearance, Hayoung felt pretty for the first time. The life in her face returned and her cheeks were a rosy pink. Her lips were the color of red apples and her sharp eyes were elongated with eyeliner. Hayoung's long hair had been tied into a low bun, the stylist curling her side bangs to shape and detail her face.

"I have a surprise for you," Serci smiled as walked next to Hayoung, "Open the closet."

Hayoung got out of her seat and opened the closet which matched the material and design as the vanity. Opening the doors, her eyes widened in admiration as she saw a sophisticated, regal gown, but also had enough simplicity to suit Hayoung's taste. The dress was a beautiful shade of cerulean blue and was long sleeved with a boat neckline.

"Wow, Serci," Hayoung exclaimed in awe, "It's beautiful. I've never seen nor worn anything like this before. Thank you. Thank you so much."

Serci beamed brightly, excited about her friend's first gown. Growing up, Hayoung would often borrow Serci's gowns before she stopped going to balls in Odessia. Hayoung was never interested in wearing fancy dresses, but Serci loved to choose her gowns and dress Hayoung up. The last ball she went to was for the prince's birthday and that was before they fought and Hayoung cut ties. There was a sense of pride in Serci's work designing and creating Hayoung's first personalized gown.

As the gown fit every dimension of Hayoung's body perfectly, she admired herself in the long mirror. She turned and looked at herself in every angle, in awe of the person who stood in front of her.

"You look absolutely perfect," Serci smiled, "Surely, he will not be able to take his eyes off of you."

"I'm not sure that's a good thing," Hayoung sighed.

"What do you mean?" Serci questioned, "It has to be because you're trying to get closure with him, no?"

Hayoung moved closer to Serci's ear as she whispered to her. "Cici, the palace is a strange and possibly dangerous place. I got a note saying 'there are eyes all over the palace' the day the prince confessed to me. There has to be something coming on the wedding day. I just know it. It's just my intuition but the way everyone is acting right now feels too normal. It's as if the war never happened. And the way Ni-ki has been acting scares me. I'm scared he's going to retaliate and run away from the altar. I genuinely can't read him. I've never been able to since we were kids because he's like a burst of energy, acting on a whim. I don't know what the purpose of his confession was when his fate was to marry the princess."

Serci moved away and looked at Hayoung. "Do I have to tell you? Hayoung, his highness cherishes and clearly loves you. It's up to you to accept that or not. It's always been obvious that he's had a liking for you, but I think you were too oblivious to notice it."

"No, he's always been like a brother to me-"

"To you- don't you get it. Men are stupid because they don't want to lose their pride and egos. That's why he lost you. Though it seems too late, I know he wants you desperately. For years, it's seemed as if he's chased and yeared for you."

**

The glorious sounds of the orchestra illuminated throughout the ballroom. Guests were dancing, laughing, and talking amongst each other. The scene was golden and looked as if the times of war were not there and one was glimpsing at a fairy tale.

Princess Isabel and Prince Ni-ki stood at the front of the ballroom with their families, greeting the guests and receiving blessings for their wedding. The princess wore a grand red dress, embroidered with flowers, pearls, and lace. She truly stood out in the night as every person could not take their eyes off the princess without thinking "how beautiful". Well all for one individual, and that was the prince.