The Cursed Princess: A Jensoo Princess/Witch AU

Chapter Nine: The Aftermath

A week later...

"Now, just sprinkle in a pinch of lavender," Jisoo directed me.

"How much is a pinch?" I questioned.

"Somewhere between an eighth and a sixteenth of a teaspoon," she explained.

"Then why didn't you say an eighth of a teaspoon?"

She rolled her eyes. "Don't question me. You're the one who wanted to help!"

I sprinkled in a bit of the purple flower into the cauldron as Jisoo stirred it. After a lot of persuading, she had finally allowed me to help with her brewing. Sure, I had had a few mishaps. Like when I spilled unicorn tears on the floor or when I dropped all the frog tongues, but she forgave me.

Over this week that I'd spent with Jisoo, I'd learned a lot about witchcraft and it really fascinated me. She would tell me stories of witch lore every night before I went to bed and told me a few of her stories as well. Hearing her talk about her life and her culture made me even more interested in witchcraft.

"Is it ready yet?" I asked.

Before she could answer, a knock sounded against the door. I jumped, startled by the noise. The last time that we had opened the door, the witch hunters were on the other side. Jisoo could sense my fearfulness and squeezed my hand a bit before opening the door.

"Your majesty!" Jisoo curtsied. "How may I help you?"

"Are you the Witch of the East Mountains?" Daddy's voice sounded.

"Indeed I am," Jisoo replied.

"You're here for me, aren't you?" I asked, stepping into view.

"Jennie, darling!" He wrapped his arms around me in a hug, but it wasn't anything like Jisoo's. "We were worried sick! God, what on earth are you wearing?"

I looked down at my clothing, which consisted of a blouse and pants. Over my time with Jisoo, she had taught me how to sew my own clothes, which was now one of my favorite pastimes. It felt nicer wearing something that you made yourself, even if it didn't have all the jewels and ruffles. Plus, it was much more comfortable.

"Uh, clothes?" I looked at him strangely.

"A princess shouldn't be wearing common folk garb. Especially not those." He gestured to my pants, but then he noticed my hand. "Oh, fabulous! Your hand isn't green anymore. Now, come along, we've already delayed your wedding long enough!'

"No," I said. "I'm not marrying him."

Daddy raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? We've planned this since the day you were born."

"Which I had no say in," I retorted. "Daddy, I want to marry for love."

He laughed for a few moments, but then noticed my stern expression. "You're serious?"

I nodded. "I'm not going back unless you call off the wedding."

"Sweetheart, you know we can't do that," he said.

"Then I'm not going," I spat.

"Wait, Jennie!" he called as I was about to go back inside. "Your mother and I missed you so much back at the castle. Please come."

"Spare me." I rolled my eyes. "Face it, all you wanted was an heir to the throne, and it's clearly not me. You've wanted Taehyung to take your place since before I was born. I don't see any reason to return."

"Please come back, Jennie," he begged. "I'll get you whatever you want. Diamonds, dresses, shoes, you name it!"

"You'll get me anything?"

"Yes, of course."

"You know what I want?" I said slyly. "I want to relinquish my throne."

"What?" Daddy shouted.

"What?" Jisoo questioned.

"I don't want to be a princess anymore." I grabbed Jisoo's hand. "I want to stay with Jisoo in the woods and not be bothered by any sort of nobility."

"But Jennie, that's absurd," Daddy spoke.

"You said whatever I want. And this is what I want."

After a few moments, my arguments wore down on my father. When I was younger, he told me that I could always win an argument if I played my cards right. It must feel so awful having your own teachings be used against you. I smirked as he rolled his eyes in submission.

"Fine," he huffed. "But don't expect to be welcomed back with open arms when you're fed up with this life."

"Oh, I don't plan to." I smiled devilishly.

He and the rest of the guards who came with him hurried off back to the castle. I quickly walked away from the door, not wanting to see the men out. I sat down at the table, sighing loudly. It felt so good to have the chains of royal life be released. Jisoo sat down next to me, a look of concern in her eyes.

"Did you mean that?" she asked. "Are you sure you want to give up the royal lifestyle?"

"I've never been more sure." I smirked. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure," she said.

"Could I become a witch?"

A smile formed on her face. "I don't see why not. As long as you have the right teacher."

I pushed one of her spellbooks towards her. "I'm ready when you are."