[WARNING!: This prologue and the future chapters 'may' contain triggering content.]

ETHAR. A world filled with majesty, divided into five continents and over a hundred countries. It is blessed with the aesthetic gifts of nature just like Earth... but unlike it, the people living in Ethar are born with the ability to use magic.

Among the countries, twenty belong to the Empire of Asria, a matrilineal monarchy in the eastern continent, currently ruled by a benevolent Empress: Wang Chunhei.

Beautiful, with her piercing golden eyes and dark brown locks of hair. She gave the warmest smile but also the coldest gaze to those that deserved them. The Empress who sat on the throne at the age of twenty-five was the perfect ruler to her people, and she too once believed it... until she made the mistake of falling in love with a particular Baron.

Moon Haneul was a hard-working scholar born from a poor family. His achievements and humility despite all of it caught the eyes of the previous Empress who gave him the title of Baron, and it did not take long for Chunhei who was now the current ruler of Asria to notice his kindness.

She promoted him as one of her princes' consort and he helped her pass laws and prepare plans for the empire's prosperity. They were a sweet couple, able to read each other's thoughts, almost perfect.

They were happy, until one day when their opinions clashed and his eyes landed on the throne. Haneul, the kind, and humble scholar, who was favored by the Empress felt his heart fill up with greed and his head with ambition. He, the man Chunhei trusted the most turned his back on her and planned a coup.

That plan, however, failed and the Empress' warm smile turned into a cold gaze as she sat on her throne in the public court, hiding her torn heart as she watched her beloved Haneul silently kneel in front of the people, tied up and bruised.

"Moon Haneul, you have planned a coup against the ruler of Asria. You have caused a grave sin to the Empire, and to her Majesty, Empress Wang Chunhei who has bestowed you the title of prince consort."

The minister's proclamation was met with hisses and whispers by the Asrians who were watching on the sidelines, their eyes condemning the traitor in front of them.

"The Law Ministry hereby sentence you to death by guillotine."

Chunhei's hands grip tightly on the armrest of her throne, unable to stop the punishment that was written in the laws of the empire.

She bit her lower lip as her shaking hands touched her protruding belly, it was barely noticeable, but she was with child and the father was the same man that tried to kill her.

"Do you have any last words?" The minister asked.

Haneul's eyes met Chunhei's, the woman he once loved and now felt nothing but loath for. His eyes traveled to her belly and he tried to search for any emotion his heart might have, but there was no longing any normal father would feel for his unborn child. A cynical laugh escaped his lips. He was insane, even in his current state he still wanted the throne.

"Chunhei!" he shouted at her "That child...kill it!"

His words earned a collected gasp from the public, the whispers turning into shouts and rocks were thrown in disgust.

"What Evil!"

"Even to your child!"

"How could you say that to the Empress!"

Chunhei's tears started to flow from her eyes, the shock on her face was evident. She couldn't believe the words that came out of his mouth.

"I curse that child you're bearing!" Haneul shouted in rage. "It will love blood and be surrounded by death! That child will take your head off just as you did to me!"

"STOP!" She cried in horror "Please stop!"

"You insolent fool!" The minister uttered in anger "Proceed with his punishment!" he commanded the knights.

"Your majesty, there is no need to waste your time on that traitor." One of the consorts uttered, "Allow us to escort you back to the palace."

Moon Haneul... it was the last time anyone in the Empire would speak of his name. The Empress has forbidden it after that day.

Several years later, the cursed child named Dalhee, grew up to be the Empire's crown princess. Beautiful just like her mother, but she was spoiled by the love and attention the Empress and everyone else from the castle gave her.

At the age of eighteen, she was known to be ruthless, punishing any servant that made mistakes in front of her. She was manipulative and cold, she would use her warm smile and beauty to gain the order of knights she needed to ascend the throne.

At twenty, she planned to kill her mother and take the throne for herself, but her knights had betrayed her... and just like her father, Dalhee too was beheaded.

THE END

"It can't be!" Sol gasped as she stared in disbelief at the words ending the novel she was reading.

"H-how can it end like that?!" She uttered in complain flipping the pages of the book from the beginning to end.

"Miss Sol?" She turned startled at the librarian's voice.

"You have been too engrossed in reading again. It is time to close the library."

"Oh" Sol's eyes shifted to the huge clock on the wall, it was 10:30 in the evening. "I'm sorry for staying late again, Mrs. Chae."

The old woman laughed "It is okay, I hope the youths are more into books like you, you know? They're all buried in their phones nowadays that it's a bit sad."

Sol smiled at the librarian's words. She wasn't exactly a youth too, she was already in her last year of business college. Reading novels on the weekend was just something she did to distress herself.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Mrs. Chae." She uttered grabbing her bag to leave.

"Are you going to borrow that book?"

"Huh?"

"That book you're holding, are you going to borrow it?"

"Oh" Sol's forehead creased as she stared at the book- she had unconsciously been holding- in her hands. "Yes, I will."

Sol walked the silent streets towards her small apartment, turning at the end of the block. The small public library she was in a while ago was near the area she lived in. Growing up an orphan, she had moved to that part of the city for college and made do with the scholarship fund, and money she got from part-time jobs.

The library was where she went to when she wanted to prep for exams, not many people visit it since it was old and a bit lacking in resources to update its collection of books. However, it was a silent place and helped her focus when studying.

Her eyes went to the book she had read earlier, she has been holding it since she went out. Her lips pursed as she read the book title. The Moon of Asria. It was written in cursive and embossed in the upper center of the black plain leather cover.

"How could it end like that? Why would the author end it so abruptly." She muttered to herself in annoyance.

It was very disappointing, she was rooting for the princess to find a way to get rid of her curse. She was hoping it was that kind of story. She sighed stopping on the sidewalk to place the book in her bag.

How could she die because of the curse? Why was no one willing to help her break it? Why did the Empress who knew about it--why didn't she do anything?

A sharp object suddenly passed through her stomach and she gasped in pain, she vomited, red liquid dripping out of her mouth, her hand instinctively wiping it off as the other hand, held the wound on her belly.

Blood. It was blood.

"Sorry Miss. You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time." The voice of a man uttered.

She slowly turned but it was too late, she had already dropped on the ground feeling cold. Her blurry eyes caught the shadow of someone picking up her bag and running off before completely passing out.

She was dead. She 'definitely' was dead.

Still...she could hear something.

Someone was calling her name.

"Prin...hee"

She couldn't understand.

".....hee"

"Princesss..."

'What?'

"Wake up, Princess Dalhee."

Her eyes squinted at the light. Her blurry gaze finally getting clearer. The windows were opened, the curtains were drawn, the sun was up.

"Princess?"

She turned towards the voice her forehead creased at the sight of a stranger, her eyes then shifted to the interior of the room she was in. She was not at a hospital as what her initial thought was, instead, she was in a Victorian-inspired bedroom she has never been in before.

"Where am I?" she asked, a sudden feeling of anxiety taking over her.

"The inner palace, princess." The maid answered though puzzled at her question.

"The inner...palace?" She repeated as she got off the bed.

"Yes, this is your bedroom."

"My bedroo-"

Straight locks of dark brown hair, crystal blue eyes, reddish cheeks on soft sand color skin, and plump pink lips. The girl she was facing made the same confused and fearful expression she was.

Sol's hand trembled as she nervously touched the unfamiliar face she now had, never taking her eyes off the mirror.

What happened to her? She remembered being mugged. Is she dreaming while in a coma at a hospital somewhere?

"Princess Dalhee?" The maid who woke her up called.

Sol's forehead creased as she turned towards the servant. Her heart beating rapidly as she realized the name she just called her.

"D-dalhee?" she stuttered, wide-eyed as she placed her hand on her chest "Did you just call me Dalhee?"

The maid gave her a puzzled look before flashing an awkward smile "Yes, your Highness" She bowed politely "Princess Dalhee."

An excruciating pain shot through Sol's head making her gasp, a series of images of unfamiliar memories forcing its way on her brain. She wailed, startling the maid in front of her as she grabbed her temples and kneeled on the ground trembling at the headache.

"Princess!"

"It hurts!" Sol cried "Make it stop!"

"Princess Dalhee!"

"Make it stop!"

"Someone!" The maid rushed through the door calling for the other servants "Call a doctor immediately!"

Sol's eyes blurry with tears started to feel tired and once again she was lying on the ground watching the maids run towards her as she blacked out.

Five. It was the number of days Sol was on her bed with a hellish fever. She would sometimes be able to open her eyes slightly and see the doctor and the maids that attended to her daily.

At night she can make out the silhouette of a woman, her warm voice soothing as she talked to her, kissing her on the forehead before leaving.

On the sixth day, she woke up early with her fever gone along with the confusion she felt on the first day she woke up at the place.

Sol was in Dalhee's body, and the images that caused the excruciating headache were the memories of the original princess.

She was now the manipulative and cold Dalhee who was beheaded for trying to kill her mother, the Empress of Asria- the Empire were the story in the novel she read all started.

After Sol died on that street, her soul, for an unknown reason was brought to the eleven-year-old body of the dying Dalhee who had poisoned herself that same night before sleeping.

The princess's story had ended much earlier than the book said.

The original Dalhee killed herself because she found out about what her father had done, and the fear of the curse coming true took over her mind making her commit suicide.

Sol slowly walked in her sleeping gown towards the mirror, her eyes glinting with pity as she stared at Dalhee's face.

"You were not ruthless, were you?" she said to the reflected image in the mirror.

Dalhee was stubborn and prideful but she was not evil enough to kill someone. She knew she was spoiled and wanted to change, but knowing about the curse made her lose hope.

"I was born to kill my mother and ruin the empire. She will kill me or I will kill her."

Those were the original Dalhee's thoughts before she died in her sleep. The princess would rather kill herself than watch her very own mother take her life.

Tears escaped her eyes as if the remaining fragments of the princess was wallowing in despair inside of her.

A smile cracked on Sol's lips as she touched the mirror. A lot of questions remained unanswered but at least she now knew one of the reasons why she was brought to Asria after her death.

"I will help you change your fate." She uttered to the girl in front of her "I promise."

Sol has made up her mind. She will continue living in the body of the cursed princess and help her avoid the mistakes she made in the book that caused her, and hundreds of others' death.

On the sixth day, at that moment as she stared at her reflection, Sol was now Wang Dalhee, the Crown Princess of Asria.

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**A/N: Hi! I just found out you can post novels on webtoon >○< So I tried it.

How was the prologue? Was it boring? Fun? Interesting? a bit lacking? Your comments are greatly appreciated, It would help me improve this story.

If you feel like joining Sol on her journey as Dalhee please subscribe, and I hope to see you on the first chapter! ^o^ ♡**

Year 1312

Spring has come. The rising sun shone through the curtains, its rays giving light to the room that was once covered in darkness.

It has been a year since Sol lived as the eleven-year-old princess Dalhee. She was now used to the palace life, though some rules were still too much for someone like her who originally lived in modern society.

Ethar was a majestic world. With people using magic in their everyday lives it was no wonder none have thought of innovating the way they lived. It was an advantage she could pass time reading books and learn about Ethar and Asria's history. If she had been dependent on her phone like any other 21st-century person, she would have died of boredom.

The era in which Ethar is in right now could be compared to between the 18th and 19th centuries of earth, but still following a hint of the medieval era where monarchy was the popular form of government. It is a complete fantasy world except for the disappointing fact that even in Ethar, unicorns don't exist.

"I was really looking forward to seeing unicorns." She sighed.

Sol stood in front of her room's window, her forearms resting on the sill as she watched the cherry blossoms sway with the wind. The sight of falling petals as it danced in the air and lands on the ground made her smile.

A knock disrupted her daydreaming. She turned around as the person on the other side spoke. "Princess?" Narae, her lady-in-waiting, called as she slowly entered the room. 

She was the same maid that rushed to ask for help when she had her headache because of the original Dalhee's memories.

"Good Morning, Narae" she greeted enthusiastically.

"Good Morning, princess. I see you're up early today." Narae chuckled "I usually have to force you out of bed."

"Don't tease me" Sol pouted "I made an effort today."

"I'm glad you're starting to be more mature, princess." Narae smiled as she opened the door wider for the other maids to come in.

The original Dalhee in the book was prideful and would never allow anyone to correct her no matter the wrong she had done but because Sol was now Dalhee, the image of the crown princess changed. She was now friendlier and more open to those serving her.

Her maids who used to bow their heads whenever she passed by, now smile at the sight of her. The servants were now able to joke around with the princess, something that was never before seen as the royals and nobles of the Empire was placed on a pedestal.

"I thought I was having breakfast with the Empress today?" Sol asked. Her crystal blue eyes following the maids as they set the table in her room with food and tableware.

"I'm afraid the Empress has an unplanned meeting with the royal council this morning." Narae answered, "She can't have breakfast with you today but she will meet you later to grant an audience with the new Baron."

"The new Baron?"

"Yes, I heard the new Lord's family were traveling merchants who invented the popular hair and skincare products the royal family is using."

"You mean the soap and shampoo the Empress gifted me last month?" Sol's eyes lit up at the information.

She couldn't be more thankful that someone in the empire invented skin and hair care products, though it was not on par with the ones used in modern earth it still helped her skin become smoother, and her brown hair silkier. Before that, they were only using herbs in her bath which she was not used to.

"Yes. I heard after the word of you and the Empress using them spread it became popular with the noble girls in the capital and the merchant family acquired wealth with it.

"I see. So the merchant family decided to swore their loyalty to the Empress." Sol uttered.

It has been 3 weeks since she last saw the ruler of Asria. The Empress was the same woman who visited her at night when she was sick. For someone who grew up an orphan, the thought of a parent and living with one was a bit awkward for Sol.

Wang Chunhei was a loving mother who sometimes skipped her own schedules just to see how her daughter was doing. She was just like how the book described her, beautiful and benevolent but also firm. She was the parent Sol could only wish for back when she was alive on Earth, and she felt guilty for receiving her love despite not being her real daughter.

After her breakfast and an hour of grooming, Sol finally emerged from her quarters dressed in a short-sleeved, blue dress with an intricate bodice and tulle skirt.

"Are you sure you're fine with leaving your hair as it is, your highness?" One of the maids following her asked. They have always styled it whenever she went out to meet people but today she decided to let her naturally straight hair be.

"It's fine."

Sol smiled stopping in front of a huge door. The guards guarding it bowed their heads upon seeing her.

"Open the door," Narae commanded beside her and the guards swung it open showing her the spacious throne room that blinded anyone who entered with its golden walls and diamond ornaments.

"We'll be waiting here, your highness," Narae uttered before bowing with the maids to see her off.

Sol took a deep breath reminding herself of the etiquette her royal tutors have taught her. It was now time to meet one of the important characters in the book.

Sitting on the throne was Wang Chunhei, Asria's 13th Empress, a ruler who took her seat at the age of 25. Her beautiful features and regal aura often puts everyone in awe.

Chunhei's golden eyes landed on the Crown Princess the moment her presence was announced, a motherly smile made its way to her lips with every step her daughter took on the red carpet floor. Everyone would agree she was the spitting image of her if not for her eyes.

"Good Morning, your Majesty." Sol beamed bending her knees for a greeting "I hope I didn't disrupt an important conversation just now."

"Nonsense, I asked you to be here," Chunhei said waving her hand at the thought. "I want you to meet the new Baron, Kim Jun, and his son."

Sol smiled facing the middle-aged man beside her "Greetings, Baron. It has been a month since you've been conferred the title but I offer my Congratulations." She said bending her knees politely.

The princess eyed the Baron's son who shyly averted his gaze when their eyes met. The fifteen-year-old boy had silver hair and hazel eyes like his father, his dimples showing whenever he pressed his lips together. He wore the royal academy's uniform, its glistening badge on his chest catching her eyes.

There was no doubt about it, he looked just like how he was described in the story. The boy in front of her right now was Kim Namjoon, a genius who caught the Empress' eye and was the only child Chunhei allowed to enter the inner palace.

Namjoon was destined to join Griffin's Order, a group of knights traditionally picked by the crown princess of Asria to serve her when she ascends the throne.

In the book, he was a victim of Dalhee's deception. She was kind on their first meeting and when she eventually earned his loyalty, she made him kill for her, with every death in his hands resulting in his guilt and depression. Later in the story, he became one of the knights that betrayed and beheaded Dalhee.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, your Highness" Baron Jun bowed "This is my eldest son, Namjoon. He is currently being thought in the outer palace with the other noble kids."

"Nice to meet you, princess." Namjoon greeted, his ears red and eyes on the floor.

'Oh, princess, how could you think of manipulating someone as shy and nice as him?' Sol masked the anxiety of meeting her future killer with a smile.

"Princess" Empress Chunhei called catching her daughter's attention.

"Namjoon has passed the academy's entrance exam with perfect scores in all subjects, and he also seems to have the same interests with you when it comes to literature. I have deemed him worthy of using the royal library here in the inner palace, will you show him around for me?"

Sol's heart raced. 'This time it will be different.' She thought.

She was not the ruthless Dalhee from the book, she won't be manipulating him, instead, she will make him her friend.

Yes, a friend. It was something that the original Dalhee didn't have because the Empress forbid her from going out of the inner palace. Children even from noble families weren't allowed inside until her twelfth birthday, and her image of being a ruthless princess made it hard for her to have friends by that time.

"Of course, your majesty." She replied unable to hide the eagerness in her voice "If you'll excuse us." She said before turning towards the boy with a bright smile on her face "Please follow me, Sir Namjoon."

Sol's steps were swift as she walked the hallways out of the palace into the inner courtyard. The presence of the boy following her from behind making her more anxious.

'I said I'll make him my friend but I'm still nervous after all' she muttered to herself.

"Your Highness?" Namjoon's sudden call made the ends of her hair stood and before she knew it, Sol stepped on a rock as she turned, making her slip butt first on the ground with only the grass to cushion her fall.

"Owwww." She squeaked at her aching bottom.

"Are you okay, your Highness?" Namjoon rushed towards her offering his hand for support, an expression of worry on his face.

Sol's cheeks flushed in embarrassment as he helped her up. "How embarrassing." She muttered, "I swear I really am not this clumsy." She said, frantically dusting off the skirt of her dress.

'All those 'princess etiquette' taught to me by my tutors are down the drain now. How could I fall in front of a guest!'

"It's okay, your Highness." Namjoon chuckled in amusement "I didn't see a thing." He said placing his index finger in front of his lips.

'Right, we're just kids, it's okay to be clumsy. What was I scared for?.'

Sol smiled at the gesture before taking a step to stand beside him, an action that took the boy by surprise. He has witnessed countless of times how people of high status treat those below them poorly, especially before his father became a Baron.

It was natural for someone like Namjoon, who has experienced discrimination for growing up a commoner be wary of the crown princess. He thought she would be as prideful as the other nobles but clearly, he was wrong.

"Come, I'll show you the garden!" Sol said cheerily as she grabbed Namjoon's hand. A smile unknowingly curved up the boy's lips as he let her pull him towards the place.

It took an hour for the two to cover the inner palace, that amount of time was enough to erase any awkwardness between them as Sol's cheerful disposition allowed Namjoon to open up and be more talkative. Soon the two were conversing as if they have been friends for years, taking over any topic they could think of as they walked the hallway towards the last place for the day.

"Well, here we are," Sol announced as they entered the Royal Library.

Namjoon stood in awe at the vast number of books in the hundreds of shelves placed on all two floors. It was obviously larger than the library at the academy.

"We have a variety of collections here, you just need to decide what subjects to read. If you're looking for a specific book you can just ask the librarian outside." Sol smiled, amused at the stunned expression the boy was making.

She made the same face when she was touring the palace on her own last year, to test the memory that the original Dalhee instilled in her.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Namjoon uttered, giving her a bow of gratitude.

 "You should be thanking my mother." Sol chuckled "All I did was show you around."

The sound of the opening door caught their attention, their gazes landing on a lady in a dark green dress who bowed at the sight of them.

"Princess." Narae smiled "It is time for your next schedule of the day."

Sol pouted at the thought of leaving her new friend behind, she wanted to stay in the library and talk with him more but it was not right for a Crown Princess to forgo her duties. A sigh of disappointment escaped her.

"I guess I'll be seeing you here from time to time, Sir Namjoon." Sol beamed as she reached out her hand, an action that took him and the court lady aback.

"It was nice conversing with you,"

"No, It was my pleasure to be accompanied by you, your Highness."

Namjoon smiled, hesitantly accepting the handshake in front of the court lady. He did not want rumors of him and the princess to spread around but he also did not want to be rude to the royal who treated him fairly.

Most aristocrats think badly of commoners who try to get close to those of higher status. Not to mention Asria was a matriarchy and women were held in higher regard than men. The scene that was happening between the two of them would never normally happen.

"Are you sure of this, princess?" Narae uttered as soon as they left the library.

"Are you being prejudiced because he's a boy and he came from a commoner's background, Narae?" Sol asked as they walked through the courtyard.

"Of course not, princess. I am simply worried about how the other nobles will act around him once they found out." 

Sol stopped on her tracks, facing her court lady by surprise. "What do you mean?"

"The majority of the nobles don't think kindly of commoners. He might..." Narae gave the princess an anxious look "He will get bullied when they find out."

Sol's forehead creased at the thought and the guilt suddenly started to eat her up. Was it wrong to befriend Namjoon? Should she have just given him the tour and not be nice from the start.

'No, surely the nobles won't touch him if they knew we were friends, right?' she thought. 'The nobles would never dare to offend the royalty.'

"You worry too much, Narae." Sol laughed uneasily, taking her court lady's hand. "He is my first friend. No noble would touch him." she smiled before turning away. "Now come, We'll be late for my next schedule."

"Yes, Your Highness," Narae uttered, giving her employer a worried look. "You are too naïve, princess."

The Emerald Residence is a group of manors located at the east of the inner palace, it is were the consorts of the Empress, and their children lived and are educated until they are old enough to choose an official or military job to serve the empire. The Empress currently has four consorts and six royal offspring including the crown princess.

Sol stopped on her tracks before she could enter the arched entrance of the Emerald Residence, a sigh escaped from her lips before she turned towards her court lady.

"No, princess. You only get to meet them twice a month and it is important to create close links with your siblings and their parents." Narae uttered before she could complain.

She frowned at the court lady who gave her an innocent smile "I detest that you know me too well." She pouted before continuing her way inside.

In the book, princess Dalhee traditionally first met her siblings at the age of ten, and though they were excited to meet her she treated them coldly out of jealousy. All because she did not like the fact that they had their fathers with them and she grew up with none.

To Sol, who met them as Dalhee for the first time last year, it was evident how the original princess' indifferent behavior made her siblings fear her and since then it has been her personal mission to change their image of her and get close to all of them.

However, it was not as easy as she thought it would be, because for some unknown reason, no matter what she did, they all remained distant, like a moth that was too afraid to get close to a fire and get burned.

"Greetings, your Highness." Two familiar voices uttered as soon as she arrived at the courtyard.

Her eyes landed on the boys clad with the same grey pants and tucked-in, long sleeve, white buttoned-down shirt. They have the same dark-colored hair, and pair of golden eyes that resembled the Empress'.

The fifteen-year-old twins, Chani and Chan, were the eldest of her siblings and have made it a habit to wait for her arrival at the courtyard. Out of the five, they were the least afraid of her and would dare to joke around when the others wouldn't.

"Your visit is always a pleasure to us, princess." Chan, the oldest twin, smiled.

"He lies." Chani, the mischievous of the pair, chuckled earning a soft punch on the side from his brother "Most of us don't know what to do with you around."

"I could guess that much." She frowned.

"What are your plans for today?" Chan asked after giving his twin a scolding.

"Tea." She smiled before heading towards the garden.

Sol sat on the table facing the pavilion's entrance, an awkward smile escaped her lips as she watched the rest of her siblings silently sit on theirs. She had always disliked how their designated tables were placed a meter apart from each other, she would have opted for a round table instead but there was nothing she could do as the consorts were strict when it came to tradition.

"H-How is your day today, Your Highness?" Chaerin, her eight-year-old sister blessed with golden curls she was jealous of asked as her green eyes nervously escaped her gaze.

"Fine." She smiled "How is yours? Chan told me you were learning the zither with Jaein."

"Y-yes. We just finished a lesson today."

"You should have heard them play." Chan uttered in delight "Their teacher said they were fast learners."

"But also out of tune for a couple of times, my ears were-ouch!" Chani shielded his shin from his twin "I was joking!"

"I can't wait to hear it." She uttered eagerly ignoring the twins "Will you play a song for my birthday?"

"P-please, your Highness." Jaein's purple eyes widened in horror, her silver hair moving swiftly as she sat straight on her seat "We just started a few weeks ago, we might make a mistake and ruin the celebration for you."

"Oh, a short song will do." She chuckled "It will make the day more enjoyable."

"I guess we can prepare a short song," Jaein uttered unsurely.

"We can ask our tutor to teach us something," Chaerin added.

"Me too! Me too! I will practice something!" a high pitched voiced took their attention to the last seat.

Woon, his five-year-old brother, and the youngest of them was raising his small hands. His chubby cheeks moving as he munched on a cookie.

The sight of the cute boy whose amber eyes were covered in locks of brown hair made the rest of them chuckle. Sol found herself grinning as the awkward atmosphere lightened.

"Will you now? That will really make me happy." She said softly before patting the empty space beside her "Come, will you sit beside me today?"

The little boy chuckled, swiftly running from his seat before his court lady could stop him. Sol held the boy up helping him sit beside her.

"What does little Woon like to play?" She asked as she gestured for his court lady to transfer his food to her table.

The boy pursed his lips, his forehead creased pondering on the question deeply before his wide innocent eyes met hers "Yesterday we were playing hide and seek." He said before pointing at a tree near the pavilion "Then I hid there."

"Greetings, your Highness." Two men wearing an official's uniform entered the pavilion disrupting their conversation.

The Asrian Phoenix-a symbol only the royal family were allowed to wear was pinned on their chest, glistening as the sunlight hit it.

"Greetings, Consort Wook and Consort Yoo." Sol stood from her seat like the rest of her siblings greeting them in reply. The air around them suddenly became serious at their arrival.

The consorts, who were strict when it came to traditions and almost as indifferent as the original Dalhee was, were hard for Sol to read. They always have their walls up when she is around, only speaking when needed and asking out of politeness.

"Please excuse the other consorts for being absent today." Consort Yoo uttered as he took his seat. "The Ministries are having its annual meeting."

"I understand" Sol smiled "Ministry meetings are important for the Empire."

"Did we miss something, princess?" Consort Wook uttered beside him, his amber eyes narrowing towards his son who silently held the crown princess' hand.

Woon stared at the floor, visibly afraid of being reprimanded.

"I hope my dear Woon didn't make any mistakes?"

"No, I made him sit beside me." Sol winked at the little boy to alleviate his fear "Didn't I, Woon?"

"Y-yes." Woon uttered as he hid behind her "We were going to play hide and seek."

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A/N: Hi! How was the chapter? I would love read your thoughts ^○^

"3"

"2"

"1"

Sol took her hands off her eyes as soon as she finished counting. Her head turned from left to right taking in the details of her surroundings, looking for clues that would point her to one of her siblings' hiding spots.

Contrary to what she thought would happen when the consorts arrived, they did allow them to play hide and seek. A smile crossed her lips as her eyes landed on Consort Wook and Consort Yoo who were seated outside of the pavilion's entrance. They were drinking tea, turning their heads toward her direction from time to time to watch them play.

She gave the consorts a slight bow in which they nodded in reply with amused smiles on their faces before she turned her attention back to seeking her siblings.

'They were not as strict as I thought after all.' Sol thought as she went deeper inside the maze-like garden.

She had always wondered why their guards were up around her all the time but it looked they were just being cautious because the original Dalhee was cold to them back then.

"Boo!" Woon came out from the corner of the hedge surprising her.

"Aahhhhhhoowch!" Sol slipped for the second time that day, her elbows hitting the tree behind her as she fell scratching her skin.

"Princess! Are you okay?!" Chan came out from one of the bushes, his eyes glinting with worry.

"Oh, yeah" She replied in a chuckle, holding her stinging elbow. "Just a little scratch-"

"A scratch?!" Jaein gasped as she popped out of her hiding place followed by her other siblings. They all came rushing towards her wide-eyed.

"Why did you all stop hiding?" she uttered in puzzlement. Now they have to find new hiding spots.

"Let me see-"

"Princess!" Narae's voice caught their attention, the court lady was running towards her in haste followed by the consorts.

"Narae?" Sol's forehead creased in confusion. She couldn't understand what the big deal was, it was just a small scratch after all. Her eyes shifted towards her elbow but the court lady had grabbed it before she could peek.

"Close your eyes, your Highness," Narae uttered worriedly.

"But-" a pair of hands covered Sol's eyes before she could speak.

"I am sorry, princess. I am sure you are scared right now. We will immediately call for a doctor to heal you once you've returned to the palace." Consort Yoo uttered from behind her.

"Scared? Of what?"

Sol looked down to her elbow as soon as Consort Yoo's hands left her eyes but Narae had already wrapped the scratch with the cloth.

"Thank you, Narae." Sol smiled before turning towards the worried crowd around her "I am fine, it was just a scratch, it didn't hurt a bit-"

The sight of everyone kneeling in front of her made Sol speechless. Even the consorts, who had always carried themselves with pride bowed with solemn looks on their faces.

"Even though we knew you were scared of blood, we have allowed you to get hurt. We are very sorry, your Highness." Consort Wook uttered.

"What?! No, no, I was fine-"

'The original Dalhee was afraid of blood?! This was not in the book at all, what is happening?!'

"Please be assured that we will punish Woon for hurting you."

"WHAT?! NO!" Sol cried in panic as her eyes landed on her five-year-old brother. He was silently kneeling with the others, his hands visibly shaking as teardrops fell from his eyes.

She ran towards him, he must have thought she was angry because he flinched out of fear. Slowly he calmed down when he realized she was hugging him.

"It is okay, Woon. I won't let them punish you." She whispered before shifting her attention to the consorts.

Being a matriarchy, Asria was biased towards females. It was no wonder Woon and the others thought he would be punished. The empire would never allow a man to hurt a woman, even by accident. It was punishable by a hundred lashes according to Asrian laws.

"Woon will not get punished," Sol told them firmly, her words a surprise to everyone "It was an accident."

A soft smile crossed Consort Wook's lips, his eyes glinting with gratitude "Yes, thank you for your mercy, princess."

"Thank you for your mercy." Everyone chorused.

_____________

Five weeks have passed since Sol and Namjoon met. Rumors of their friendship have circulated around the empire. "The two have grown close enough to call each other by their first names." is what they say.

The news brought delight to the commoners' ears as it was proof of the Crown Princess' humility. However, the nobles were divided and some were not so keen on the idea of a commoner standing beside a royal.

Empress Chunhei smiled curiously as her eyes landed on her daughter's anxious face. The princess has been restless since she entered the fitting chamber. She was fidgety and craned her neck towards the window from time to time, the poor tailor was finding it hard to take her measurements.

"You seem to be in a hurry, dear?" Chunhei's words stunned Sol in her place, her face flushed finally noticing her behavior.

"Oh, I am very sorry!" Sol gasped finally letting the tailor finish her job.

"Your Majesty, your Highness…" The tailor bowed after taking their measurements "I once again offer my sincere gratitude for choosing me to make the gowns for your coming-of-age celebration."

"Please, it was my pleasure, Lady Rin." Sol uttered bowing back "I apologize once again for taking up more than the time allotted."

"Not at all, Your Highness. It is an honor to serve you." Lady Rin smiled sincerely "I will now be off to get started on the gowns."

"Your Majesty.." Lady Rin greeted in farewell.

"Yes," The Empress smiled "I wish you a safe ride back to the capital."

Sol watched in guilt as the tailor left through the door with her group of seamstresses.

"Mother.." She called facing the Empress, her eyes locked on the floor "I apologize for not being on my best behavior."

"Oh" Chunhei caught herself before she could smile.

"I am very disappointed in you, Dalhee. How could a princess be so inconsiderate of her subordinates."

"I am sorry, Your Majesty."

"And all you had to do was stood still."

"Yes, I do not have any excuses."

"Now, for your punishment, you will be delivering a set of books to the royal academy without any help."

"Yes, your Majesty, who will I be delivering it to?"

Chunhei almost cracked a laugh at her daughter's serious expression. If the princess would only stop staring at the ground and look her in the eye then she would know she was being teased. Even Narae and the maids were having a hard time containing their giggles.

"You will be delivering it to a student called Kim Namjoon."

"Kim Namj-" Sol's eyes grew wide, lifting her head to see her mother's face. The room soon erupted into laughter and her cheeks flushed.

"It was just a jest." Chunhei grinned. "You are scheduled to tour the outer palace today for the first time, I understand you were excited. Since Namjoon studies in the Royal Academy you were hoping to meet him there, am I right?"

"Y-yes"

"Will you give the books to him for me? He recently passed this month's exams with perfect scores so I am giving it to him as a gift."

"Of course. I'll definitely deliver it safely." Sol said jumping in excitement.

Her cheeks soon flushed after realizing what she just did, for someone with the mental age of 23 she was acting so childish. Maybe being in the body of an 11-year-old girl was influencing how she felt.

"Off you go then."

"Yes, thank you, Mother!" Sol said leaning in to kiss the Empress on the cheek before leaving the chamber in haste.

"Wait, Princess-"

"Narae."

"Your Majesty." The court lady stopped at the call of her name.

"Bring a few knights with you," Chunhei uttered unsmilingly.

"Yes, your Majesty."

"You know the rules." The Empress uttered.

"Not a single drop of blood shall be spilled."

"Yes, your majesty."

_______

Asria's Royal Academy accepts nobles and commoners as its students once they reach the age of twelve and passed its yearly entrance exam, teaching them in their chosen departments for five years.

"Narae, can't I go alone?" Sol pleaded as she stepped out of the carriage.

"I am sorry, princess. But you were allowed to tour the outer palace with the condition of having an escort."

"But look" Sol pointed out to the students who have gathered around them. The royal family's crest on the coach and the knight's uniforms probably caught their attention.

"Everyone's looking at us." She uttered shyly. She never liked crowds even back on earth.

"Greetings, Princess." An old, spectacled man dressed in a dark robe spoke. He had long white hair reaching his waist and his beard touched his stomach.

Sol searched for Dalhee's memories of the old man and she smiled remembering him. It had been a few months since they last saw each other, and he was one of the few guests of the inner palace Dalhee actually liked.

"Headmaster Sun!" Sol uttered in delight.

The old man would always tell Dalhee stories about the capital and was unlike the proud nobles who frequently visited. Princess Dalhee loved how his green eyes glistened with wisdom.

"I am glad you'll be touring me, now I know I won't get bored."

The headmaster laughed "I am glad to see you are doing well, princess. However, I just came here to welcome you. I am afraid someone else will be showing you around."

Sol gave the old man a curious look.

"I heard you are close friends with our top student here in the academy."

"You mean-" Sol's eyes grew wide.

"Yes, I have requested Sir Namjoon to tour you around the Academy." Headmaster Sun beamed. "He is currently at the dorms so I will lead you there."

Sol's eyes roamed the place as they walked the hallways with the same white walls and black carpet through a door that led to a few others with identical symbols, it was definitely designed to confuse outsiders.

"We are here." Headmaster Sun uttered as they entered another door, the walls were still white but the carpet and flags on the walls were now blue.

"This is the receiving area for the boys' dormitory," He said before she could ask the question.

"Greetings, your Highness…Headmaster" Namjoon's voice made Sol turn towards the flight of stairs, her eyes ecstatic at the sight of the silver-haired boy in a blue uniform.

"Namjoon!" She jumped waving her hand at him.

"Well, I will be leaving you both." The headmaster smiled. He had always thought the princess was too mature for her age and seeing her act like a child for once was enough of an accomplishment for him that day.

"I'll see you after the tour, Headmaster!" Sol beamed bowing at him.

"Well, it will be my pleasure." He laughed happily before leaving.

"Congratulations!"

Namjoon's face turned red in embarrassment when she ran to him for a hug. His eyes awkwardly escaping Narae and the knights.

"I heard you passed this month's exam with perfect scores!"

"I just tried my best," Namjoon replied shyly. He could never get used to praises especially when the princess does it, she always looks at him as if she knew he was great all along.

"Oh, that's right! Mother has a gift for you." She gasped.

"The Empress?"

"Yes, for passing the exams perfectly. But it's in the carriage." Sol pouted "I forgot to hand it to the knights, wait here I'll get-"

Namjoon held her arm before she could leave "How about we finish the tour first then visit the Headmaster and I'll see you off so you don't have to go back and forth?"

"Wow," Sol uttered in awe before clapping.

"You're a genius, Namjoon! No wonder you're the best in the academy!"

He blushed "Stop praising me for little things." He said turning his back to lead her out of the dorm "Let's go, I'll show you the library first."

"Okay!" Sol beamed.

Honestly, she was really getting embarrassed inside for acting bubbly. But Sol couldn't control her emotions, the 11-year-old Dalhee inside her was too happy with the thought of having a friend.

The land where the academy was built is divided into four areas provided with the needed facilities:

The Main Building, located at the center, consists of the Headmaster's and the faculty office, the school library, the function hall, and the dorms.

The South Building was for Politics. A department focused on molding students to be future officials of the Empire's different ministries.

The Research Building in the East was where magic and science collide, students who want to devote their lives in innovation or discovery choose this department and are hired by the Empire's Royal Academy or Research tower in the future.

The West Building was for Military, students in this department train in their chosen weapons since childhood for their first year, they then become Squires in their third year and are trained for knighthood.

The academy tour ended before the hour could pass, such a huge institution would have taken anyone an hour or two longer but Namjoon walked and talked about the place in haste that Sol didn't even have time to ask questions. 

Other than that, she could see Namjoon grow anxious the longer she stayed in the academy and it was obvious he was in a hurry to finish the tour.

Maybe he didn't like the way the students looked at them as they passed the hallways, or maybe he was busy that day and had other plans to attend to. But whatever it was that was keeping Namjoon from talking to her properly made her sad.

What was more important than her visit? Sol could feel Dalhee's annoyance and disappointment boiling inside of her as Namjoon and the Headmaster finally escorted her out of the Main Building.

Namjoon knew how long the crown princess was trapped in the inner palace and how she had to wait until she was eleven just to be allowed a tour on the outer parts. He knew how important it was for her and yet she did not even get her questions answered properly and not once did he return her smile during the tour.

'What is wrong with him?!' is what Sol thought as they stopped in front of her carriage.

"I bid you a safe ride back to the inner palace, princess." Headmaster Sun uttered.

"Thank you, Headmaster. I hope to see you soon again." Sol managed to smile back in reply.

The old man's eyes glistened in amusement, he didn't need to ask what occurred during the tour. He could only make the atmosphere a bit brighter but the princess' sulky expression could only be wiped off by the same person who caused it.

"I will have to leave now, princess. I need to finish my work if I want to see you on your birthday." He said in jest before leaving.

A deafening silence occurred between the ones left behind. Narae, who felt awkward about the situation took the chance to break the ice.

"Shall we go, princess?" She asked motioning for the knights to open the carriage door.

Sol swiftly turned back accepting the knight's hand to help her up the vehicle, looking anywhere but the boy in front her as soon as she sat. Narae followed suit sitting beside her.

"I apologize for my behavior, your Highness." Namjoon's voice rang in her ears before she could tell the knights to close the door.

The princess gave the gloomy boy a look, he was now bowing down unable to meet her eyes.

"What kind of person drags her friend around on a tour?" Sol uttered crossing her arms.

"I did not-" Namjoon's expression turned into bafflement as soon as he saw her smiling. It took a second for him to realize that she wasn't angry at him at all.

"With you walking and talking so fast during the tour you might as well have done that, I could barely keep up with your long strides, you know?"

"Yes." Namjoon uttered in guilt "I am sorry, that will never happen again." 

 "If you are, then promise to answer my questions properly next time." Sol smiled her annoyance now gone.

"Yes, I promise," Namjoon replied placing his right hand on his chest with sincerity.

"One more thing."

The boy gave her a curious look. 

 "You'll let me meet your friends next time I visit."

Namjoon's hands turned into fists as he gave the innocent girl in front of him a bitter smile. 

"Sure, your Highness. They would love to meet you."

Narae stared at the poor boy worriedly. Friends? In an academy mostly full of nobles? It was easy to guess why he was in a hurry to finish the tour, the searing gaze of other students must have been too much for him to handle.

It was already a miracle for a commoner to be friends with someone of royal blood. The princess who has never left the inner palace was too naïve to understand the situation he was in.

A smile curved up Sol's lips as she watched the academy's buildings through the window, they were already passing the gate when her eyes landed under the seat in front of him.

A gasp came out from her mouth as she sat straight giving her court lady a look she understood.

Sol grabbed the books under the seat and dashed out of the carriage as soon as they stopped in front of the main building. Her court lady's voice now but a small echo as she ran through the hallways towards the identical doors, praying she entered the right ones. 

She was panting, holding the set of books on her chest as soon as she stood in front of a big blue door. A smile plastered on her lips as her hands touched the handle.

"I told you to stay away from her, you idiot!" The booming voice halted her entrance.

She took a step forward, slightly opening the door for her to peek. Her eyes immediately spotted Namjoon's silver hair. In front of him were three boys wearing the same blue uniform.

'Are they fighting?' She thought.

"Why would I do that? She's my friend." Namjoon replied to them. He sounded annoyed.

Sol's forehead creased when one of the students, a boy with dark hair and sharp eyes grabbed Namjoon by the collar.

"Why would a commoner like you be friends with a royalty?!"

"I am not a commoner anymore, my father has been given the title of Baron by the Empress," Namjoon uttered his fists clenched.

"You think being given a title erases your family's dirty blood?" One of the students mocked "His head's probably getting big because he's "friends" with the princess, Han."

Han smirked, "I heard your father had to kneel in front of the Empress and the other nobles to get that title."

"Watch your words." Namjoon glared sharply "My father never begged for that title, the Empress gave it to him rightfully after his pledge."

"Shut up! You guys were wandering merchants before the Empress took pity on you, you are an outsider and you always will be!"

"Are you that threatened by my family?"

"Are you stupid?" Han pushed him letting go of his collar "My father's a count." He said proudly "My family's been serving the Empire for 5 generations already."

"But your father is a merchant too." Namjoon smirked "Your herbs used to sell well before our products entered the market. Is that why you're so angry with me?"

"My family's business doesn't just rely on selling herbs, Namjoon." Han's voice turned deadly.

"Really? But you must have lost a lot of money..." Namjoon replied, "To keep using my friendship with the princess and my father's title as an excuse to bully."

Sol's fingers turned white as she held the books tightly. She closed her eyes afraid to see the upcoming punch, the sound of it making her cower in fear. 

"Bully?" Han uttered quietly "Let's see, should we ruin your face so you'd know what being bullied is like?"

There was laughter, the kind of evil laugh Sol imagined the villains in her books would have. She slowly opened her eyes the sight of Namjoon on the ground making her gasp.

Han grabbed her friend's hair as he kneeled down, his other hand producing a ball of fire that made her jump in fright.

'Why? Why are they doing this to him?!' Her grip on the books loosened, the sound catching everyone's attention as it dropped on the ground.

"Stop!"

She rushed through the door and pushed the student away, standing between Namjoon and the three.

"What are you doing?!" She glared at them.

"Dalhee?" Namjoon's call of her name made the confused students stare at her in shock.

"Y-you're the princess?" one of the students asked.

Sol turned swiftly ignoring them, her eyes wide in horror at the sight of blood trickling down her friend's nose.

"Y-you're bleeding!" She squeaked, petrified at the sight. She could feel her head turn dizzily as Namjoon silently wipe the blood off with his hands.

"Princess, you must understand, we were just teaching him a lesson. A commoner should never-"

Sol grabbed Han by the collar, her actions surprising everyone in the room.

"You think you could tell me who I should be friends with?" She uttered coldly, her icy glare sending a shiver down his spine.

"No, princess I-"

"I never thought a petty person like you existed. People like you…" She chuckled "Blood should be pouring out of you instead."

"YOUR HIGHNESS!" Narae called as soon as she entered the room with the knights, the Headmaster following behind her with the academy's guards.

"Narae.." Sol's grip on Han loosened, the boy sprawled on the ground shivering in fright.

"Princess what are you-" Narae's face turned pale at the pair of red orbs staring back at her.

Sol held her court lady's shaking hand with a smile "I am glad you are here, Narae." She whispered, "I have someone I want you to kill."

"You must be tired, your Highness" Headmaster Sun uttered. He swiftly pressed the back of her neck, making her unconscious.

The room turned silent as Narae caught the princess by her arms, giving her to one of the knights.

"Bring her to the inner palace this instant."

"Yes, my lady."

"Will the three of you follow me to my office?" Headmaster Sun asked but it was clearly a command.

Namjoon watched as Han's group silently left with him and the guards. It was the first time he had seen the usually cheery old man with a serious look on his face.

Narae handed him a handkerchief as soon as he stood up, the two of them were now the only people left in the room.

"Thank you." He uttered using it to wipe the remaining blood from his nose.

"Will the princess be okay?" Namjoon asked, his eyes now worriedly locked on the door where the knight and Dalhee went through.

"Don't you know how to fight back?" 

Namjoom smiled in embarrassment" I hate scuffles."

"Listen to me." She uttered grimly, meeting him with a serious gaze "If you want to keep being her friend, then you must not let her see a single drop of blood."

Namjoon's forehead creased "What do you mean?"

Narae avoided his gaze "She's afraid of it.."

"Afraid?"

"No. Actually…she hates it."

______________

A/N: What do you thinks of this chapter? I would love to hear from you! 💜