Secret Story of the Swan: A Jensoo Swan Lake AU

Chapter Eight: Black Swan

"Darling, you look gorgeous!" Mother smiled.

I descended down the staircase, my skirt lifted a little so I could see where I was going. Many times, I'd tripped down this massive staircase, which resulted in many sprained ankles. My hair felt like it weighed a ton with all the styling and adornments placed in it. Not to mention, there was a giant pearl necklace around my neck that felt extremely heavy.

"Mother, I can barely move in this goddamn corset," I groaned.

"Beauty is pain, Jisoo," she sighed. "Now we must get you to the ballroom. The princes are waiting for you."

"Princes?" My eyes widened.

She nodded. "Of course. The purpose of this whole shindig is to find you a husband, and we can't do that without a fresh set of bachelors."

"I'm staying single, Mother." I rolled my eyes.

"No, you're not," she hissed.

"Yes, I am," I retorted. "I don't need a man in my life."

"You may not need one, but your country does," she fumed. "Now stand up straight. I thought I told you to stop slouching."

I walked into the ballroom, my spine as stiff as a board. The crowd of nobles bowed and curtsied upon my arrival. I curtsied towards them, Mother's eyes like laser beams drilling holes in the back of my head. All I had to do was fake being a proper lady for a few hours. How hard could it be?

Very hard.

Excruciating, even.

My eyes scanned the room to try and find someone to talk to. It was dreadful to just sit on my throne the entire time and I had no interest in dating any of the suitors that Mother had picked. I found Lisa leaning up against one of the marble walls. I quickly hurried over to see her, elated that my best friend was there.

"Lis!" I wrapped my arms around her in a hug. "I'm glad you came."

"Wouldn't miss it." She winked.

"What's with the getup?" I asked, gesturing to her outfit.

Unlike all the other girls in the ballroom, Lisa was wearing a rather dapper suit. It seemed very luxurious with its dark blue velvet material and crisp edges. I'd never seen a girl wear a suit before, but in all honesty, I wished that I was wearing it. It seemed far more comfortable than the god-awful frilly monstrosity I was wearing.

"Tae lent me his suit," Lisa replied. "Shockingly, it fits. I didn't have the time or money to buy a dress."

"Well, I think it looks good on you." I nudged her shoulder. "You look so handsome."

She chuckled. "Thanks, Chu. Did you talk with your girl?"

"Somewhat." I shrugged. "I'm not sure if we're on the same page yet and I'm pretty sure she isn't coming tonight."

"I'm sorry." Lisa wrapped her arm around my shoulders. "I don't think my girl's coming either."

"Did you ask her?" I questioned.

Her eyes faced the floor. "It didn't really come up in conversation."

"Lis!" My voice raised. "We came to an agreement."

"I know, I know!" she said. "But you know how nervous I get around girls. I couldn't help it."

"It's okay," I sighed. "There's always other opportunities to ask her out."

"I suppose so," she replied. "Just like with your girl."

I laughed a little. "I don't think she-"