THE INNOCENCE OF AN ANGEL / Vminkook

prologue

1732 – Busan, Korea

In a serene village nestled by the sea, lived Jeon Jungkookie, a 20-year-old woman with beauty so captivating it drew whispers from every corner. Her long, thick brown hair cascaded down her back, framing her innocent doe-like eyes and soft-hearted demeanor. She was the kind of woman whose kindness could touch even the coldest of hearts—yet, life often took advantage of her gentleness.

Far from the village, deep within the grandeur of the palace, there was Kim Taehyung, a 22-year-old servant. Born an orphan and raised by palace workers, Taehyung carried the burden of loneliness. The whispers that followed him weren't of admiration but of disdain—they called him "crazy." And yet, there was something about him, a quiet intensity in his gaze, a storm beneath the surface that refused to be tamed.

"I will not have you without the darkness that hides within you. I will not let you have me without the madness that makes me. If our demons can't dance, can we?"

Love was the cruelest of all diseases, they said. The devil's greatest curse to humanity.

Amidst this chaos was Park Jimin, the Prince of Busan. A paradox of a man—kindhearted to his people yet ruthless on the battlefield and in bed. Known for his charm and power, his name alone was enough to strike awe and fear.

But fate had other plans for Jungkookie.

"Koo, you must marry him. He's the best match for you," her mother pleaded. "Your father worked so hard to make this happen. Don’t ruin his happiness."

Jungkookie sat in silence, her heart sinking deeper. She knew all too well what kind of man the prince was. Power, kindness, and beauty surrounded him, yet the thought of binding her life to his filled her with despair.

"Tomorrow, he's coming," her mother announced before leaving the room.

Jungkookie sighed, her tears falling silently as she cradled her beloved cat, Leo, in her lap. Leo was her only comfort in this world. The quiet, aloof cat didn’t trust anyone but her, and he rarely let anyone else touch him.

She glanced out the window at the free birds soaring in the sky, envy stabbing her heart. Freedom—a concept she could only dream of. She longed for a love she could choose, for places she could visit without restraint. Instead, her fate was to marry a man she didn’t love, a man adored by all but utterly unknown to her.

“How does freedom feel?” she wondered bitterly, her tears soaking into Leo’s fur. “Will I ever know?”

Little did she know, the arrival of Kim Taehyung and Prince Jimin would shatter her world and ignite a love that defied all reason—a love born of madness, darkness, and desire.

Next after 50 votes <⁠(⁠￣⁠︶⁠￣⁠)⁠>