The Enchanted Garden

The Prince's Return

The following morning, Jisung woke earlier than usual, his heart racing with anticipation. The morning mist was thick, and as the first light of dawn broke over the kingdom, he found himself standing at the edge of the royal garden, inspecting every plant. He adjusted the trellises, trimmed the bushes, and gave extra care to the flowerbeds. His hands worked quickly, but there was a sense of nervous energy in his movements.

Jisung couldn't help but wonder what Prince Minho would be like. Would he be as handsome as the stories claimed? Would he be kind? Would the prince even notice the garden as Jisung had poured so much of himself into it? The questions buzzed in his mind as he worked.

As the day wore on, the royal guards arrived, leading a procession toward the castle. Jisung felt his breath catch in his throat. The prince had arrived.

Prince Minho rode at the front of the procession, his presence commanding and regal. Tall, with sharp features and dark, tousled hair, he carried himself with an effortless confidence. His blue cloak shimmered in the daylight, and his eyes, dark as night, scanned the world around him. Jisung couldn't help but stare. The rumors had been true - Minho was stunning. He was more than just handsome. There was a force in him, an intensity that drew people in like gravity.

The procession came to a stop at the edge of the garden, and Minho dismounted from his horse. He looked around the space, his gaze sweeping across the flowers, the trees, and the meticulously arranged hedges. A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"This is the garden I've heard so much about," Minho said, his voice deep and rich, like the sound of rain on a quiet night.

Jisung stepped forward, bowing low, his hands trembling slightly. "Your Highness, I hope it meets your expectations. I've worked hard to make it as beautiful as possible for your return."

Minho turned toward him, his gaze locking onto Jisung's. For a moment, there was an awkward silence between them, the air thick with something unspoken. Jisung was unsure if it was his nerves or if there was something more to the way Minho was looking at him.

"You are the gardener?" Minho asked, his eyes narrowing as if he was studying Jisung carefully.

"Yes, Your Highness. I tend to the royal garden," Jisung replied, his voice steadier than he felt. "I've been working here for many years."

Minho nodded, his gaze softening. "I can tell. There is magic in this place. I've traveled far and seen many things, but I've never encountered a garden quite like this."

Jisung felt a wave of pride but quickly looked down, not wanting to show too much emotion. "Thank you, Your Highness. It is my life's work."

Minho smiled, and Jisung's heart skipped a beat. There was something warm in his expression, something that made Jisung's chest tighten. For a brief moment, everything around them seemed to fade away—the noise, the guards, the castle. It was just the two of them, standing in the garden, in perfect silence.

"You've done an excellent job," Minho said. "I have a feeling I will enjoy spending a lot of time here."

Jisung didn't know how to respond. He simply nodded, his heart pounding. This was not how he had imagined meeting the prince. There was an undeniable pull between them, a spark that neither of them had expected.