“Wake up, Your Highness.” The curtains were drawn back, flooding the room with morning light that stung my eyes.
“Ahh,” I groaned, burying my face into the pillows.
“Apologies, Your Highness,” my butler, Namgi, said, his voice smooth as silk.
“Namgi, what are my plans for today?” I asked, slowly sitting up.
“Your parents have returned from their journey and you’ll join them for breakfast with the General. After the meal, you’ll discuss matters with your parents. You have free time from eleven until lunch at half past twelve with guests.” He paused. “Your parents instructed me not to disclose the full schedule for today.”
“What? Why?” I questioned, already rising and heading towards the maids preparing my morning attire.
“They want to surprise you. It’s as simple as that,” Namgi explained, arranging my gowns.
“Surprises aren’t simple, Namgi. They require planning, a purpose. Brewing tea is simple.” I explained, watching the maids drape a silken, sky-blue gown around me.
“I see, Your Highness,” Namgi replied, as I emerged from the dressing room, the maids bowing before my finished appearance.
“Shall I escort you to the dining hall?” he asked. I nodded.
There are benefits and burdens to being a princess. One burden I loathe is the impossibility of travel without scrutiny. I’ve never learned to ride a horse, and the only options are foot or carriage. Walking is dangerous, a carriage invites attention. I haven’t stepped outside this castle in years.
I sat at the table, greeted by my mother and father. General Min was already present.
“General Min. It’s wonderful to see you,” I commented.
“The pleasure is mine, Your Highness,” he replied, kissing my hand with a flourish.
“Such an elegant lady possesses such elegant hands,” General Min observed. We settled into conversation.
“Will your son be joining us?” My father asked.
“Yoongi is occupied with training alongside Hoseok.”
“Wouldn’t attending a meeting be considered training?” my mother asked.
“Not yet. He’s still a boy who requires proper manners before taking on official duties. In the meantime, he’s training his second-in-command, Hoseok, who is far more adept at social graces than Yoongi. I anticipate introducing them to the Princess.” He explained.
“I would be honored,” I said. "The head chef approached. “Breakfast will be served.” It was Seokjin, or Jin, as I call him. He heads the palace kitchen. Our meeting occurred before he even worked here. I ran away from the castle for a week, got lost. Jin found me in his hometown and fed me. We were children then. When the guards found me, Jin offered a muffin to General Min as an apology. Hesitantly, he took a bite and was astonished by how good it was. Jin lived with a friend since his parents left him. General Min convinced my parents to let him stay here. He became a very close friend of mine.
“This morning’s breakfast is Rose-Lemon Chamomile tea with honey toast. The main course is eggs benedict and sausages glazed in syrup,” Jin announced.
After breakfast, the servants cleared the table. I watched my parents and General Min discuss government and trade.
“F/n, why don’t you spend some time alone? The guests arrive later. And bring the stable boy with you.” My mother said.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” I replied, bowing. I exited the room and headed outside for a stroll.
“Tch, stable boy? He has a name. I don’t require protecting in my own palace, especially one so heavily guarded.” I muttered to myself. I wish my mother respected Jungkook more.
I saw Jin walking in and out of the kitchen loading in food. He looked too preoccupied at the moment. We made eye contact and he made a goofy smile at me, which made me giggle. I head in the direction of the garden where I saw two men relaxing in the shade of the tree. One had a smile that could warm up anyone's heart. It was rather hopeful. The other was pale and had an emotionless face. Both of them were dressed highly, but not of royalty. I approach them and as I get closer they both realize who I was and they bowed on their knees. "Hello there!" I said.
“Good morning, Your Majesty. What brings such a lovely lady to roam around?” the smiling one asked.
“Just a stroll. You two can have a seat,” I said, sitting with them.
“Introduce yourselves. I’ve not seen you around, and I know the royal guard doesn’t allow intruders easily, especially with General Min on watch,” I said.
“My father doesn’t take kindly to strangers unless they’ve earned his respect, then he might consider them acquaintances,” the monotone man said.
“He did talk about you during breakfast this morning,” I said.
“He did,” the man replied.
“I’m Hoseok!” He said with a smile. Ah, that must be the one he’s training. I looked down and saw their swords beside them.
“How many battles have these swords seen?” I asked.
“Not any known battles. They’ve certainly seen combat,” Hoseok explained.
“I’ve always wanted to hold a sword, even learn to defend myself. That’s a Prince’s job, not a princess’s. At least, not in this kingdom.” I explained. “I thought that I always had to follow rules, but for victory, you gotta think to fuck the rules.” Yoongi cursed.
“Yoongi! That’s no way to speak to a princess!” Hoseok yelled.
“It’s fine. If Jungkook were here…” I said, feeling a presence behind me.
“Your Highness!” Jungkook was running towards us, bowing before speaking. “Don’t run off like that. The King and Queen will kill me if you go missing.” He said, breathless.
“Sorry, you just need to be faster,” I said, smiling at him.
“Captain Yoongi,” Jungkook saluted. “At ease.” I had no idea he was a Captain.
“Shall I continue my stroll?” I asked Jungkook.
“It’s a good time to head to the stables and review horse safety if you want to learn to ride,” Jungkook explained.
“Are you serious? You’re going to teach me!” I said as he held out his hand to help me up. He smiled and nodded.
“Yoongi, Hoseok, it was wonderful meeting you. Feel free to join me,” I asked.
“Thank you for the offer, but we’ll pass. It’s a bit warm today,” Hoseok said.
“I’ll sunburn, stay cool,” he joked.
Jungkook guided me by holding my hand, which made me blush. “Can you let go?” I said softly.
“Sorry, Your Majesty. I’m just excited to show you the horses,” Jungkook explained. The horse stables were beside a meadow perfect for riding.
“I’m not sure I can do this today, Jungkook. Guests are arriving and I won’t have time to clean myself and change.” I said.
“I can just show you,” he said, leading two horses.
“These are the only two horses left that aren’t taken. One of them will be lucky enough to be ridden by a princess,” he said.
The first horse was dapple grey, a mix of white and black in its mane. The second horse caught my eye. The caramel coat shimmered in the sunlight as her black and white mane draped against her body.
“She’s lovely,” I said.
“She’s yours if you’d like,” Jungkook said. I approached the horse and began to stroke her nose. “What’s her name?” I asked.
“Dana. The other one is Pepper,” Jungkook said. He mounted a silver horse and began to ride.
After some time he put the horses away and we waited in the main halls. Jungkook guided me to my throne. My mother and father were making their way to theirs as well. General Min, Yoongi, and Hoseok gathered to hear my father’s announcement.
“Today, Prince Jimin Park of the Woodland Elves is arriving. We need to be prepared,” he said.
I’ve never met an elf. I’ve heard about the Prince and that he managed to obtain a unicorn. They are rare in this country, but the elven territory holds a lot of creatures, good and bad.
“Jin, prepare a meal, do your best. Namgi, organize all staff to prepare for the prince’s arrival. General Min, clear a space for his arrival in the city. Captain Yoongi and Hoseok, assist the General and guards. Stable boy, prepare a stable for the prince’s unicorn and a dedicated spot for his belongings,” my mother instructed.
“How long will he be staying?” I asked.
“In the letter, he said he’ll stay as long as needed. Most likely a long while,” my father said.
Everyone was frantic, preparing for his arrival.
“Your Majesty, may I come with you to dress?” A maid asked.
“I thought there wouldn’t be enough time. Isn’t he coming at noon?” I asked.
“Change of plan. A phoenix delivered a letter saying he’ll be here around three. We have time,” she said.
I could have gone horseback riding. I changed from my favorite colored dress to an elegant blue gown with a crown fitted to my head. The flower petal crown was made of silver. The dress was lined with silver and moon gems that would glow under a full moon.
“Why isn’t the dress I’m wearing now okay? I worked hard not to mess it up,” I asked the maid.
“The Prince is a high and advanced race when it comes to magic and culture. We want to make a good impression on the elves. That means dressing and decorating in the Prince’s preferred colors,” she explained.
“I see. Who chose this dress?” I asked.
“The Queen did, dear princess,” she said. I may not agree with my mother's decisions, but she knows how to make someone beautiful.
“The Prince has entered the town! Everyone get to your places!” A staff member announced. Namgi led me to the palace entrance where everyone waited.
I stood beside my mother, my father next to her. General Min stood before us with Yoongi and Hoseok preparing to present themselves. The other staff, including Namgi, Jin, and Jungkook, were either in position to greet the prince or finishing preparations. The streets outside the palace were silent, cleared by the guards. The sound of horses clicking drew near, and the gates opened.
“And now, Prince Jimin Park of the Woodland Elves!” he was announced.