DEAD LEAVES | JJK AU

Chapter One

The whole Kingdom was lively. Entertainers were scattered around the kingdom, providing entertainment to individuals passing by. Children were running around wearing colorful hanboks, and every corner of the town was decorated with lanterns.

It was the time of the year everyone was waiting for, the princess' 18th birthday.

It was indeed a special day to them for they will be able to officially meet and see the daughter of their King in person. The King, after 18 years, has finally decided to introduce his only daughter to the whole kingdom. After his beloved wife's death, he became extremely protective towards her daughter. He kept her inside the palace, prohibiting her to have interactions with people outside the palace.

After witnessing what the King has been through when the Queen passed away, they never questioned his actions towards her daughter. The people held on their King's word-- that he will introduce his daughter when she turns 18.

And it was today.

"Sooji-ah, when will the princess come out?"

Taehyung, the first born of the King shifted his gaze at the young girl wearing a white jeogori (upper part of hanbok) with white donjeong (collar attached along the rim of the neckline) which was tucked on her light gray chima (skirt) with white dots pattern on the rim of her skirt. Her friend was wearing a similar hanbok to her, except her chima was brown.

The prince was from his usual walk around the kingdom when he noticed these two youngsters sitting under the shade of the tree which was 10 meters away from the property of the palace. These two were looking at the palace—which corners were filled by glass lanterns.

"The palace is so pretty," her friend—Sooji uttered before looking at her friend, "Oppa said that Eomma was one of the people who helped clean the palace." She continued before releasing a small smile.

This made the prince smile before revealing himself to the youngsters.

Due to the sudden sound of footsteps coming in their direction, the two girls namely Sooji and Ara shifted their gaze to where the sound was coming from. Their eyes widen in shock realizing the person who entered the scene.

"Taehyung-wangju!" They both exclaimed as they fixed themselves giving the prince a bow to show respect to the prince—who was wearing a purple durumagi (overcoat) paired with purple baji (lower part of men's hanbok), around his waist red string to keep his durumagi and baji organized, and a pair of white kkotsin (silk shoes). The prince was also wearing a black gat (hat) completing his look.

"Taehyung-wangju! W-we deeply apologize for going inside your premises without permission from any of you." Ara nervously stuttered still looking at the ground.

"I understand, were you two waiting for the princess?" The prince asked, voice filled with softness. "Please lift your chin, so I can see your faces." He continued with a smile when he noticed that the two youngsters were still bowing their head. The two slowly lifted their head.