The Garden of Roses | knj✔

Chapter 1

Don't let my love turn out to be such a tragedy just like Juliet's was.

From the beginning, her dream was to find true love. She was just a little girl who still believed in fairytales. But the reality was much different than the stories her mother used to tell her before sleep. Sometimes the things that occur are just too hard to accept, and now was the time for her to endure one situation like that.

"The decision has been made, young lady. And you have no right to say anything against it." Her mother spoke to her in a strict voice, not giving her a chance to even think about an answer. It's going to be like her father says, as always. No other possible ending existed in this case, she had to marry him. Oh god, she didn't even know his name and she had to be his wife? How is this even fair? She thought, not knowing whether to cry or to get angry. Her mom left the room, leaving her to the chaotic mess in her head. This wasn't supposed to be how her story would go or was it? But she couldn't escape it anyways, right? She knew that one day her father would force her to marry some rich prince from another kingdom. Her bloodline was filled with royalty, not a single person was from the lower class. With that fact known, she had to have a blue-blooded husband, someone with such wealth they could shower in gold and diamonds.

Her desires, on the other hand, were so much different. But it's not like she has a say in any important decision in her life when her dear dad controls it perfectly fine. With the pain in her heart, she hugged her legs and put her head on her knees, crying herself to sleep. She hoped that she perhaps would be able to find her place in the land of dreams, where she can finally be free.

On the other side of the town, in a big mansion, there was another helpless lover. His nose once again buried in his book as he sat in his room enjoying his time. His life was a totally different story, full of freedom and happiness. Their families had a feud a long time ago, no one knows why did it happen, but since then they have been sworn enemies. Howard and Kim families can't bear each other. What a shame, everyone thought; a grudge that happened a whole eternity ago still has its consequences. The young prince didn't care about this fight, and he hoped that they'll be able to soon get over it. He was in his head a lot, daydreaming and reading books all the time, a one really wise and prominent person with a lot of dreams for the future. His reading session was interrupted by his friend, Jungkook, running in his room.

"Namjoon, guess who is going to a party tonight!" he exclaimed cheerfully with a big smile on his face. Jungkook was younger than the prince Namjoon and one of his closest friends who stuck by his side for a long time.

A little stunned by the thing Jungkook said, Namjoon frowned his eyebrows waiting for an explanation. "Well..." he said encouraging him to continue.

"We are going to a party, silly! And guess where!" he was so happy, like a child who finally got what it wanted.

"Get to the point already." Namjoon placed his book on the side, now fully focusing on his friend.

"There is a party tonight at Howard's place! We can't miss that! It's going to be costume ball so no one will see who we are, and a good friend of mine is a part of the stuff in the palace he will get us through. Please tell me we can go! Please!" Namjoon's eyes widened at what he'd just heard. A party at Howard's? Them going there is equal to suicide.

"Jungkook, are you nuts? If they catch us we are as good as dead. Are you sure this is what you want?" Namjoon asked clearly worried for his friend. No one from Kim family is welcome in Howard's palace. They could kill them if they found them. But then again, the look on Jungkook's face was just unbearable. He couldn't say no. "Okay, puppy eyes. Just promise me you'll be careful." He gave in.

Jungkook happily nodded his head and hugged Namjoon. Namjoon placed one hand on the back of Jungkook's head and sighed. If this turns out bad, he doesn't know what is going to happen. Of course, he will protect him with his life, but what if he can't save him this time. The risk is big, but then again it could be fun. Jungkook went to tell Taehyung, his friend and Namjoon's cousin, so they can go together. As Jungkook's silhouette disappeared in the long hallway, Namjoon thought about the whole thing that just happened. Was he really willing to go that far just for his friend's desire? He shook his head and went to his bed. We'll see, he thought, maybe it won't be that bad after all.

The king, in all his power and grace, was sitting on his throne deep in his thoughts. The costume ball is tonight and finally, his only daughter will meet her husband. He didn't regret his decision; this is the right thing to do. She can resist all she wants, but she will do as he says, or else. He glanced at his beloved wife on his left side sitting on her throne. Her eyes were locked on the ground, emotionless. She didn't want to do this to their daughter, but then again what choice did she have? He wasn't there to see his daughter's tears of anger and pure sadness sliding down her cheeks, her red eyes looking at him and right through his soul. Maybe he wasn't there, but he sure could feel it. He put those feelings aside like he always did. A king must be able to hide his emotions. After all, this was for the greater good, and his daughter should get used to stuff not going on as she wants.

"Have you told Y/N about the ball tonight?" King asked his wife not even looking up at her. She turned her head towards him to look at his tired expressionless face.

"Her maid told her right after I left her rooms. She doesn't seem to be happy about your decision." Again he is faced with the problem of his daughter's happiness. He knows damn well she is not satisfied with this decision, but her opinion doesn't matter at this moment. When did a young girl know what's best for her?

"It really does not matter at this point. If I say so it shall be done. No more discussion about this." His word was the last one said. The queen got up from her throne and went to her room still worried, but now without any hope that things can be changed.

Y/N was sitting on the bed in her room still hugging her legs looking at the sky. One bird landed on her window and Y/N looked at it admiring it. "If only I could be as free as you. It must be fun flying through the clouds not thinking about the future." She said out loud. The bird flew away leaving the poor girl alone once again. "You can fly away whenever you want, escape from reality." She wanted to run away from it as well, but she was stuck. One single tear fell from her cheek onto the floor. I guess I cannot be helped. Her maid entered the room with a dress in her hands.

"It's time to get ready, your highness." She spoke with her soft voice and Y/N wiped tears from her face. It's not the time to be a crybaby, it's time to face things as a grown woman that I am.