In The King's Court

Chapter 7

Going for a swim was probably the best and worst idea we could have come up with bundled into one. We had dashed back to our rooms before basically sneaking out in our swimwear to go to the lake. Ha-na got her driver to drive us...she was a princess after all in her own right so she had those kinds of privileges. When we got to the lake I was super excited to be out in the fresh air. I tossed the silk cover that I had over my swimwear to the side before running into the shallows of the lake's water. I couldn't help but giggle as I watched Ha-na nearly trip as she ran to join me in the water.

"Hey, not funny!" whined as she came next to me, splashing some water at me.

"Hey! That's cold!" I shrieked as I jumped away before trying to splash water back at her. We continued to yell, giggle, laugh, splash, and dodge for a while. It was quite fun. It was nice to be able to not worry about every little thing we were doing like we had to when we were in the castle. (AN: Their swimsuits are pictured above, you can pick which one you want to be yours)

Suddenly Ha-na stopped running. She had been running away from me on the shore as we neared the trees with my swim cover in hand.

"What's wrong?" I whispered as I hid behind her shoulder.

"Shh, I don't know...I thought that I heard something...." she hissed back at me. Then I heard some branches snap in the trees. I could feel the hair on the back of my neck begin to rise. Ha-na suddenly gently pushed me behind herself as she got in a solid fighting stance...

"Ha-na..." I trailed nervously. "Let's just go." I urged. Ha-na's eyes narrowed at the trees one more time.

"Who are you? I know you are there! Quit hiding like a coward!" demand Ha-na fiercely, even she scared me with her strong words. There was silence for a moment before someone walked out from behind the trees...a boy. He looked like he was a little older than us. I had never seen him before, and I guessed neither had Ha-na by the look on her face.

"I didn't mean to frighten you, Your highness and m'lady. I was just curious on why you two decided to sneak off away from the castle on your own. Guess I found out why." he said motioning to our attire. I suddenly felt self-conscious in my swimwear. I continued to try and quickly cover myself with my swim cover. Ha-Na narrowed her eyes at him before suddenly relaxing her stance.

"Jungkook?" she questioned only to receive a large bunny smile from the boy in return.

"It's been a while, Ha-Na. I was surprised to see you here in Bangtan, but not really surprised that you wanted to leave the castle grounds." he chuckled as he leaned against one of the trees. I was so confused. Ha-Na must've noticed.

"Oh, (y/n), this is Lord Jeon Jungkook, he's actually a good friend of my older brother Da-whi. He was in Simjang as a diplomat for Bangtan, but I guess he's back now." introduced Ha-Na. "Jungkook this is..."

"Lady Nai (y/n), yes, I know. I've heard a lot about you, Lady (y/n). You've been the talk of the town after being seen out with Jin and being chosen by two of the princes to stay in the Collection." he finished for Ha-Na.

"Oh, well it's nice to meet you, Lord Jungkook." I bowed politely.

"Please, just Jungkook. Calling me Lord makes me sound like my father." he chuckled. I couldn't help but smile a little bit at his lightness. I could see from how relaxed Ha-na was now that he was no threat to either of us. Jungkook pushed himself up off the tree he was leaning on before walking over to us. It was now when I noticed he was pretty tall. I was a little surprised by how tall he was.

"I should probably bring you two back to the castle before some certain princes freak out." teased Jungkook causing Ha-Na to roll her eyes at him.