prince | park woojin

➸ 02

✧˖*°࿐ two✧˖*°࿐

Woojin made his way up the white marble steps of the castle building, holding a large brown satchel that slung over his shoulder. The village is getting prepared for the annual royal ball which meant he would have to run back and fourth the village, forest and castle to do duties.

Although the young boy was fairly new at his new job, he seemed himself as decent for a newbie. However, he admits that his favourite task is being in the castle. Not because it's the castle, but the workers too. They treated him like a son, which he never received back at home because his parents were always working. Woojin has also found himself fond of the pottery designer too, who was the only person who treated him like he was 17, because she was also 17.

The guards greeted Woojin, who were now much more nicer. He bowed in response and entered the large castle which glistened in gold and money. He made his way to the kitchen and planted down his brown satchel full of material for the chefs.

"I was able to get some deer, bear but unfortunately no fish were at the pond at this time. I shall go later and try again, I apologize dearly," Woojin claims, emptying out the bag. All the five chefs all say something at the same time, loudly and cheerfully which he can't comprehend. All he could make out of it, were thank you's and frying pans.

He pulls out his to do list, and checks off hunting. His eyes wander to the next task but there's nothing. Finally, free time at last.

The boy wanders the castle on the main floor where it is free to browse for workers, maids and servants who live in the castle. He uses his time to attempt to find Jaen, the pottery designer but there seems to be no sign.

As Woojin strolls around the castle, there seems to be a sight coming from the top of the staircase. It is someone wearing a large, red velvet gown with black lace detailing. There is a crown placed upon their head, but it is tiny. In this moment, he realizes that he just caught his first sighting of the princess.

The princess stands coolly at the staircase for only seconds until she seems to find herself in a panic at the sight of someone, or something and rushes to go back to whenever she came from. Woojin only stares up at the staircase in awe, completely astonished. Nonetheless, he still feels a tad bit upset he could not make out a face.

"Woojin!" A maid calls out. "You've been there for ten minutes with your mouth hanging wide open, did you just see the Queen?" She jokes, hitting him with her dust stick.

"Something like that," he replies. "Anyway, have you seen Jaen, you know pottery designer?" He asks, changing the subject to something much more important to him.

The maid quirks an eyebrow, confused. "Huh? Who? Oh wait, yes! Jaen! She's um–" she laughs, nervously. However, she is saved.

"I'm right here, looking for me?" Jaen says, tapping Woojin on the shoulder as he turns back to face the girl with the largest grin on her face. The maid shoos off, thanking the lord that Jaen came to the rescue.

"Are you doing anything at the moment?" Woojin asks, hinting to take her out as he twiddles his fingers. "It's okay if you are, it's just that I'm done my tasks and everything and I haven't seen you in a day or two and you're the only one here who's my age and–" Woojin rambled. Jaen chuckled at his clear nervousness.

"No, I'm not. Want to come to my room?" Jaen asks which make Woojin perk up.

He shakes his head repeatedly. "N-no! Not like that! I'm not like that!" He stutters, his cheeks completely flushed.

Jaen rolls her eyes. "Don't think like that, weirdo!" She shouts, laughing. "Gosh, you boys are so weird."

"I'm sorry! My old friend of mine just told me that when someone says that it's hinting at, you know..." Woojin explains, face palming himself in complete embarrassment.

"Don't worry, lets go now though!" She says, excitedly, grabbing the boys large forearm into her tiny hands and begins to drag him which he consents to. However, a large bell goes off in the castle which means that an announcement is to be made. The two both stop in their tracks.

"Prince Lai Guanlin from Tai is coming to take his first browsing tour, I hope everyone is prepared. Also, may I please demand the princess return back into her room so Prince Guanlin can pick her up from there when he arrives— Queen's request. Thank you all for listening and work hard!" Jisung, the announcer spoke through a microphone that surprisingly echoed throughout the entire castle.

Jaen broke her grip on Woojin. He looked confused, a bit hurt. "I have to go now!" She announces to him, her words becoming rushed and breathy.

"I thought all the pottery was done?" Woojin asked, looking at her.

"I forgot to do something. See you later? No, see you tomorrow actually. Meet me at this hall tomorrow, at 5. Unless you have tasks, okay?" She exclaims and runs off before Woojin can make any word out to her again.

Despite Woojin's most absolute respect and admiration for the girl, he could tell she was hiding something from him. He just has to find out what.