Chapter 4

"Don't slouch, dear. You must look confident when we get there."

"Yes, sorry."

"Are you nervous, my son? You should relax, are you not happy you got chosen to escort the princess?"

The boy smiled at his parents, if it were not for the Empress' invitation he would still be under his cold father's supervision and his mother's nagging.

It was the first time he had seen them look at him so proudly and he would like for it to remain that way if possible. This time, he was determined to turn the tables and act as a perfect son in front of the important guests they are meeting.

His eyes wandered from the beige colored walls to the ebony framed windows and gold curtains of the hallway. The nobles' residences themselves were already grand but the inner palace's ceiling lit with small crystal chandeliers and the white marbled floors covered in red carpet proved otherwise.

"We have arrived, your Grace." The maid leading them uttered as soon as they reached a huge door guarded by knights who greeted them with a bow.

Sol quietly sat on the couch, staring at the cup of tea in her hands. Her mother, the Empress was sitting next to her reading a book.

"Are you nervous?" Chunhei asked, shifting her attention to her daughter.

"A bit," Sol replied fixing the strands of her hair on the back of her ear. Her mind was currently going through every character she knew in the novel looking for possible heirs the Empress would choose to be her escort.

"Won't you tell me who it is?"

"No." The Empress smiled in amusement, closing the book in her hands and placing it on the table.

"Why tell you? You'll meet him in a few minutes anyway." She said taking in the sweet scent of her chamomile tea before taking a sip.

A knock took their attention making Chunhei chuckle "See?" she pointed out to which her daughter pouted in reply.

"The Duchess and Duke Kim of Gweon has arrived with their son, your Majesty." A maid informed.

"Let them in," Chunsei uttered as she and the princess stood up from their seats.

A blonde couple first entered the room, the brown-eyed woman wore an emerald gown that accentuated her perfect body whilst the man donned a dark brown suit that brought out the blue in his eyes.

Sol was awed at the good looking pair, comparing them to the popular celebrities she saw on earth. The smile on her lips froze, however, when her gaze landed on the boy with a princely face standing next to them.

Kim Seokjin. The person who owns the second seat of Griffin's Order was now standing in front of her. His pointed nose and slightly big cat-like brown colored eyes that complemented the blonde locks of hair on his head strictly abiding by how he was described in the novel.

'No...' her heart drummed anxiously. 'This is too early, I am not supposed to meet him now.'

According to the story, Seokjin met Dalhee at her eighteenth birthday. He joined Griffin's Order after the crown princess secretly promised him freedom from his parent's suffocating expectations of him.

The Duke's son thought he had found a haven in being Dalhee's knight but her demands of him turned out to be another toxic cage that led him to join Namjoon in betraying her.

Sol caught the skirt of her gown nervously. The story's change could mean she was free from the book's ending or it could mean her death was drawing near. Until she finds out which of the two it was, she needs to be on guard of her choices.

'It's okay.' She thought, calming herself 'I am different. I am not ruthless.'

Jin's eyes landed on a beautiful woman clad in a ball gown made of red silk. Diamonds and rubies adorned the golden crown on her head and a cloak of the same color rested on her shoulders.

However, her piercing golden eyes and the regal air around her was enough for him to know she owned the throne of Asria.

He bowed in courtesy the same time his parents did, silently listening as they exchanged greetings.

"This is my son, Seokjin." Duke Jinsoo smiled as he pulled his son forward "He's graduated from the royal academy and will soon be knighted next month."

"My, you have grown up to be as good looking as your parents." The Empress chuckled.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Jin replied. His expression was neutral but the redness of his ears showed how he really felt about the compliment.

"Please, you Majesty. There is no one as good looking like you in this Empire." Duchess Yubi said smiling "Even princess Dalhee has been blessed with your looks, I am sure she will soon have a line of men swooning over her."

A pair of crystal blue eyes caught Jin's attention, its owner dressed in a purple gown that swayed as she walked towards him.

"I heard you will be my escort tonight." The girl said, a smile curving up her lips as she bowed in courtesy "Pleased to meet you."

Jin placed his hand on his chest "The pleasure is mine, your Highness.." He replied.

"Dear me, you two look good together!" The Duchess said happily to which Sol chuckled and Jin's face flushed.

Chunhei watched in amusement as Jin reverted back to the same stoic expression he had when he entered, explaining to the princess that his mother's comment was nothing but a jest.

The first time she had seen the boy was when she visited the Gweon Duchy for her annual travels. Though he might not remember because he was five at the time, he used to always pull on her skirt with his small hands so she would let him sit on her lap whenever she had tea with the Duchess.

The Empress smiled at the memory. The goofy child who used to get his attendants in a state of panic for climbing the trees in their garden was now a coolheaded seventeen-year-old.

"Come, it's time to start the ceremony," Chunhei said as she gestured for the maids to open the door.

"Do you know how to dance the waltz, Sir Jin?" Sol asked as he offered his right arm for her to hold.

_________

The buzzing hall turned silent at the announcement of the Empress' arrival. The guests simultaneously turned towards the door as she entered, bowing to her in courtesy.

Curious gazes soon shifted towards the girl who stood beside her at the throne, her features resembling the Empress except for a pair of crystal blue eyes.

"It's the crown princess." A few whispered in the crowd.

Namjoon watched as the crowning ceremony started, his eyes were locked on the throne-like everyone else.

Dalhee bowed slightly to the Empress as the ruler adorned her head with a silver circlet studded with diamonds and sapphires.

"I present to you, the Crown Princess, Wang Dalhee!" A minister announced, officially introducing her as the Empire's future ruler whilst the princess bows in curtsy in front of the guests.

The crowd cheered after the ceremony and Asria's traditional music filled the room. The energetic sound produced by princess' Chaerin and Jaein as their hands move gracefully on the zither made the atmosphere feel more jubilant.

The crown princess's first dance commenced after the performance and everyone watched as her partner, a blonde boy in a grey suit, escorted her from the throne to the center, grabbing everyone's attention as they danced.

"Are you jealous?" Namjoon's father asked, his voice teasing.

"No." He answered, his expression blank.

"Are you sure? That boy is quite handsome, you know? It won't be a surprise if the princess falls for her."

Namjoon's eyes shifted towards Dalhee's partner. Somehow, he feels like he should be worried but the logical side of himself was asking him why.

He sighed, thinking back to the sparring match that caused his injury. Of all the weapons his friend could pick to practice with that day, he had to pick a sword made of a giant venomous serpent's tooth.

Doctors could heal wounds immediately but not when it's caused by a magical serpent's venom, they said it will take three days for him to heal as long as he doesn't miss his appointments.

"He's a Duke's son." He said, the words feeling bitter in his mouth "If the princess likes him they'd be a good pair."

Baron Kim laughed at his son's answer. "What a letdown." He said in amusement "I was hoping to get a jealous remark out of you."

"I'm her friend." Namjoon said, "Why should I be jealous?"

"Huh, Have you been saying that to anyone who teases you about her?"

"It's the truth."

"Yes." The Baron smiled in amusement "But it's the first time you sounded like you're convincing yourself, am I right?"

"I-" Namjoon's words halted at his father's words, his heart racing at the thought.

Impossible! Does he really like her more than he thinks he does? Is it not because they're friends?

His father laughed patting him on the back "I must have given you something to ponder about." He said, "Don't worry, that answer will come sooner, I am hoping not later though."

"Where are you going?" Namjoon asked as his father turns away.

"To your mother, she was asking me to dance with her earlier." The Baron winked "You also have a company coming."

"Namjoon." A familiar voice called as soon as his father left making him turn in surprise.

"How was it?" she asked, her blue eyes glinting with excitement.

"My heart?"

Namjoon's face flushed as soon as the words came out of his mouth. He bit his tongue, cursing at himself for making a slip.

"No, silly! I meant the dance." The princess laughed before her forehead creased "Why? What happened with your heart? Does it hurt? Did you get injured again?"

"N-no, that's not it." The boy uttered trying to get back to the topic "The dance was great, you were very graceful," He said.

Sol grinned "Thanks, I was really nervous because you were not my partner."

"Your partner?" Namjoon's face went redder, this time his heart was racing making him confused.

"Yes." She replied, "We've been practicing the dance for weeks so I was worried having to dance with someone else."

"Oh." He uttered trying to laugh his embarrassment off. This was definitely his father's fault, now he is thinking strange things.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Sol asked, her tone worried "Your face is red."

"I'm fine." Namjoon smiled before taking a step back "I-I have to go."

"Where?"

"To my friends…" He uttered as he remembered an excuse he could use.

"My fellow squires are meeting at the balcony." He said in a rush "I'll talk to you later."

"But-"

Sol watched as Namjoon took off, her forehead creased in puzzlement. "It must be an important meeting." She uttered.

Jin watched as the princess laughed with the crowd of noble heir surrounding her. It was amusing to keep track of the expression on her face as it shifted from wonder to serious when she talked to them. Soon he caught himself smiling whenever she does and his forehead creased in confusion.

The boy's ears turned red the moment Sol met his eyes. He cleared his throat breaking away from the eye contact as he turned his attention towards the crowd his father was talking to.

"I am jealous you have your son with you, Duke Kim." A nobleman with brown eyes and orange hair uttered "My son, Hoseok, is in the castle but he still has work in his mind. Can you believe he is at the balcony giving the squires assignment for tomorrow morning."

"You are all lucky you got to bring your sons." A man with light brown hair and dark eyes laughed before replying "My son, Jungkook won't come with us even with her mother's persuasion. He insists on training in our courtyard saying he needs to get stronger."

"Your son is a genius! Did he not get knighted at the age of fifteen?"

"What are you saying? Your son was knighted at sixteen, does it matter that it's just one year apart?"

"Sir Jin." Sol's voice rang in his ear, even taking the attention of his father who stood beside him.

"Yes, your Highness?" He asked, bowing in greeting. He was hiding his embarrassment of being caught with an expression as neutral as when they first met.

"Will you join me for a walk at the garden?" the princess uttered throwing him off guard. His face finally showing his surprise.

Jin could feel his father's shift of attention towards them. It could even be possible that the other nobles the Duke was talking to have heard and where now just waiting for his answer.

He remained motionless as thousands of thoughts ran through his head. Jin knew there were a lot of perks when it comes to being a crown princess but he didn't know she was also privileged enough not to care for what others would say.

"Are you… really asking me, princess?" He uttered making sure he did not mishear her.

"Yes." She smiled.

Jin cleared his throat before leaning in a bit to whisper "You still have time to take it back, your Highness. They won't misunderstand if you do."

Sol chuckled "Why would I take it back, Sir Jin? What's wrong with inviting a friend for a walk?"

"But-"

"He will go, your Highness." The Duke chimed in as he placed his arm around his son, the gesture allowing Jin to understand his father's thoughts.

"Don't make her sad." The Duke whispered in warning before pulling away and hiding his cold gaze with a laugh "Take care of the princess, okay?"

Jin silently followed the princess as they walked out of the hall making sure he was at least a meter away from her. He sighed at the sight of her back.

"She should not go out inviting men to walk at night." He thought to himself.

Women in Asria only invite the men dear to them for a walk. As the empire put them in high regard most head officials of the empire are female and of course, targeted by a lot of dangerous people, thus, when they invite men for a walk they usually only take the people they trust.

"Namjoon!"

Jin curiously eyed the silver-haired boy walking towards them. He was wearing a blue suit and had a cast on his arm.

He has heard of rumors about the princess being close to the new Baron's son. They say he was the only heir ever allowed at the inner palace as the Empress has forbidden any child to enter before the princess' twelfth birthday.

Namjoon was also called a genius for having perfect scores during exams at the academy, and many thought he would be taking an official position in the future but surprised everyone when he suddenly transferred to the military department.

"What are you doing here, princess?" Namjoon asked, his forehead creased in worry.

"I'll be taking a walk in the garden," Sol answered smiling.

"Without an escort? It's dangerous!"

"Sir Jin is going with me."

Namjoon looked surprised to see the Duke's son behind her, an awkward air surrounded them as their eyes met.

"I see…" Namjoon uttered breaking the eye contact, his expression turning sour "Of course, you invited him for a walk."

"Would you like to come with us?" Sol grinned. It was obvious she was unaware of the situation she caused because her eyes glinted with excitement as she asked the question.

Namjoon sighed as she stared at the Empire's future Empress. The thought of her possibly liking the son of the Duke now feels funny to him.

Dalhee could be mature at times, but she is still too childish when it comes to social interactions. Any formalities or traditions taught to her will be forgotten once she has set her mind into making someone a friend.

A smile curved up Namjoon's lips "No, I won't." He uttered making the princess pout.

"What? Why?!" Sol complained.

"I will have to assist my parents in talking with other merchants."

"Boo!" Sol crossed her arms "You're just making excuses."

"I am sorry."

"If you are then why are you smiling?!"

Jin watched in awe as the princess' childish side unraveled in front of him, asking himself if her ladylike behavior earlier was all an act.

"Oh, where are my manners." Sol gasped composing herself before turning towards him.

"Sir Jin, this is my friend, Kim Namjoon, the son of Baron Kim of the Ilan Barony." She said before turning to her silver-haired friend "This is Kim Seokjin, the son of Duke Kim of the Gweon Duchy."

Sol watched happily as the two boys greeted each other. The awkward atmosphere making her chuckle in amusement. Now there was no way they would think of killing her in the future, right? She was being a nice friend by introducing other good friends, right?

"I will be excusing myself now, princess," Namjoon uttered as he bowed.

"Are you sure you are not coming?" Sol asked again, her eyes hopeful.

'Please come, you two need to be good friends so that I can be a good friend.' She pleaded in thought.

"Yes."

Sol sighed in surrender "Fine."

"I will make it up to you by joining you on a walk next time." Namjoon smiled as he fixed the strands of her hair behind her ear, an action that took Jin by surprise.

'Just how close are they?' The Duke's son asked himself.

"Please take care of her, Sir Jin." The boy said, bowing at him before leaving.

_________

The night was chilly as Jin and Dalhee trudged towards the garden, the Duke's son silently following the princess from behind.

Sol suddenly turned towards him "Are you afraid of me, Sir Jin?" She asked her lips pursed as she covered the space between them.

Jin looked at her in bafflement before chuckling "No, your Highness. It's just not proper for a man to walk beside a lady." He answered.

Sol gave him a curious look "Why?"

The question threw him off guard, no girl he's accompanied has asked that question before. May it be her mother, the teachers, or girls just asking for help, they all acted like it was just normal.

"Because it's respectful." He answered. It was what her tutors and all the books he's read about etiquette say.

"How?" She asked again making his ears turn red.

Is the princess making fun of him? Or did she really not know about it?

"How is it respectful?" Jin uttered the question to himself.

"Because it's the tradition?" He said ending up with an unsure answer.

"I don't think so." Sol smiled taking a step back until there was the same one-meter distance between them.

"How are we going to converse like this, Sir Jin?!" her voice now louder for him to hear. "Shall we shout at each other?!"

Jin's eyes widened at the thought "H-How could I raise my voice at a princess?"

Sol chuckled as she ran to his side "See? You would not even be able to hear me whisper a secret from there." She pointed out.

"Is it not better to walk beside each other like this?" She uttered. "Just like when you accompanied me to the l Hall."

"But… that was for the entourage. Right now people will misunderstand if they see us."

"Let them."

Sol's eyes glinted with amusement as Jin's face flushed, he was starting to show more emotions than when she first met him. She turned around taking a seat on the bench in front of the garden fountain.

"Why should you worry about what other people say about you?" She said, lifting her skirt up to his legs and taking off her shoes.

She scrunched her nose at the sight of blisters on her ankles. She never liked wearing heels but the occasion gave her no choice.

"Do your feet hurt, Your Highness?"

 She lifted up her head to see Jin still standing in front of him. His face laced with worry.

"I'm fine." She chuckled before patting the space beside her "Are you afraid of sitting on the same bench as me too?" she said looking at him with an arched eyebrow.

Jin let out a genuine laugh for the first time that day as he gazed at the girl in front of him with amusement before sitting beside her. For some reason being with the princess was comforting, far from the suffocating air he feels when he's with his parents.

"Princess, I hope you don't get mad but you're…" Jin's forehead creased as he tried to find the safest word "unlike other princesses."

"I'm happy to hear that." Sol grinned "I would not want to be a copy of another person." She said making him laugh.

"Yes." He agreed meeting her eyes "You're more memorable this way."

Jin's face flushed realizing what he said. He stood up breaking the eye contact, his face back to its neutral expression.

"Shall we go back, your Highness?" He asked, "It is getting chilly, you might catch a cold."

"I am fine," Sol uttered taking her shoes on one hand as she stood up from her seat. "My sleeves are long."

"W-where are you going?" Jin asked in bafflement, following her as she went deeper into the garden barefooted.

"The stars, Sir Jin." She said smiling "To a place where you could see the stars clearly."

The boy worriedly looked back at the palace before turning towards the princess. "I don't think you're allowed to be this far away, your Highness."

"No one would know if you won't tell." She said giving him a wink.

Jin watched as the princess stood beside a tree and to his shock took one of her shoes and proceeded to hit the heel on the trunk before completely breaking it off.

"What are you doing, princess?!" He asked, a dumbfounded expression plastered on his face.

She gave her a blank look before smiling "The heels are hurting my foot." She said before taking the other shoe to do the same thing.

"Let me." He said as he took the footwear and broke its heel, his face still showing how baffled he was at the girl's actions.

"You are really weird, princess," Jin uttered as he kneeled, helping her put her shoes on. "Other ladies would cry when their heels break, but you would even break them yourself."

"I thought you've already established that I'm not like other girls?"

"Yes." Jin sighed before chuckling "The more I'm with you, the more I think you're really different."

The forest they entered welcomed them to a plain field on the other side. Jin found himself in awe as he stared at the glittering stars in front of him. The scent of the wind, and its chilliness making him smile as it caressed his face and tousled his hair.

"What are you doing there?" Sol's voice made him break away from the picturesque scene in front of him.

He ran towards the lone tree at the end of the cliff and looked up in wonder at the sight of the princess sitting on one of its branches.

"Come up!" She said.

This time Sol did not have to persuade him. The boy climbed up, a grin now on his face as he sat on the next branch beside her.

He laughed as he stared at the sight in front of him, his eyes glinting like the stars "Wow." He uttered before giving her a look "It's been a long time since I've climbed a tree."

"I'm glad I made you do it again." She smiled.

"How did you find this place?" he asked giving her a curious look.

"Namjoon found it while wandering around, he brought me here with my court lady after."

"You two must be really close."

"Yes." Dalhee said, "He's my first friend."

Jin sighed, a bitter smile curved up his lips at the sight of her grin "That's making me a bit jealous." He uttered in jest "It would be great to have a princess as a friend."

"Are we not?" She uttered making him look at her in disbelief.

"Did I not say I was inviting a friend out for a walk when I asked you earlier?"

The boy could not hide the grin on his face as he lifted his head to watch the stars twinkle. The two sat there for a while, taking in the scenery in front of them before deciding it was time to go.

Jin's forehead creased noticing the torn skirt on Dalhee's gown as she helped him down the tree "What happened to your clothes?" He asked as they walked back to the forest.

"I tore it off because I was having a hard time climbing the tree earlier." She said.

He chuckled shaking his head in amusement before shifting his attention back to the path they were taking. How many times was she going to surprise him with her actions?

Jin's forehead creased, feeling the atmosphere around them change as they neared the center of the forest. He took the princess's hand pulling her into a hug just in time as the whistling sound of arrows flew around them, some hitting the nearby trees.

Sol's eyes widened as she stared at the arrow that landed near their feet, her body shaking in fear.

"W-What's happening?"

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