promise ↜ ljn

♕six

The trial came, it was the day. The moment Jeno wished to avoid. Though he was positive that the princess could take care of herself, he couldn't help but to be worried.

Of course, he wasn't the only one who had his eyes on her. Most of the noble families present couldn't take their eyes off the peculiar girl. The only princess to attend, to participate. Yoon Oh could notice how tensed his younger brother was but none of his words could calm him at the moment.

Down below, Haneul was far more nervous that she expected. This was her final chance, the only chance she would ever get to actually cover up the flaw embedded on her skin. It was a fraud, but she had to survive. Her pride mattered and she surely didn't want to be remembered as a disgrace by her family.

She had her hair tied up in a ponytail, which was suggested by her trusted assistant. Haneul had her hands balled up in fists as she watched the ladies sparred with one another. Her eyes never left those who won the first round, as she needed to know who'll she be up against.

As she entered the arena, she could feel all focus around her. The high families as well as her parents and of course the hosts were all looking at her. It was a burden, but that was her least focus for now. She inhaled a deep breath, bowing to the King and Queen before she could proceed with her round of battle.

However, just before she started fighting, her eyes went up to where the King and Queen sat, more specifically to their left. The princes and among the two she locked eyes with the youngest. Haneul felt a tingle on her scar but his smile calmed her nervous heart a little. Quickly, she looked away and payed attention to her opponent.

Haneul wasn't pretending nor was she playing around, but her opponent was very strong. Judging by her physical, she had more muscles than she owned herself. She was strong, but slow. Haneul was lucky that she was quicker and she took this as an advantage. Every time the girl tried to launch and attack on her, she had to look for a weak spot and tackle her down swiftly.

Their sparring ended up the longest as both sides wasn't giving up so easily. The girl, known as Areum was constantly pointing the sword in her direction, slashing left and right. Any second it could've hit her face and scarred it for life.

Haneul had to find an opportunity, not only to win over her but to also fake the scar. Though Areum was indeed strong, judging by the slashing sound made by her sword, she was easily unfocused with her opponent. Instantly, Haneul could sense that her opponent was growing tired though she wasn't showing it, Haneul could simply guess.

She used this chance and launched an attack on her, causing Areum to defend herself. They had their swords against one another, crossed, waiting for anyone to retreat and get stabbed the next second. And the person was already chosen, voluntarily. Haneul pulled back her sword a little, giving Areum a chance to stab and end the game and she did.

Areum managed to hit Haneul, right on the place where she had the wound. The princess wanted to break into a grin but she had to fake the shock and she had to win the game. Most of the families were already standing, bowing down to get a good look on what happened. Haneul noticed Jeno almost stood as well as he didn't know what she was planning, though her family remained unaffected.

If her parents were surprised, they wouldn't show it. It was a royal thing to not easily pour your emotions in your actions.

This, caught Areum off guard as well as she just injured a princess, someone who was far high ranked that her. Haneul used this chance and swung her leg to the girl, sending her toppling on the floor. Haneul used her sword and put it against her neck, winning the battle for today.

〚 王 〛

"Ouch, Lula! Gently!"

The princess winced as her fellow assistant tried to heal the wound which was reopened. Though everyone else thought she recently received it, but only Haneul and Jeno knew the truth.