The Bae dynasty sat on the dining table eating their breakfast in silence, Irene occasionally glanced at Yeri attempting to get her attention as Yeri was constantly fidgeting in her seat. It seemed that Irene wasn’t the only one who saw this odd behaviour from the youngest princess.

“Yeri are you alright?” Suho asked when he saw Yeri drop her fork on the plate.

“Yes.” Yeri replied looking back down at her plate.

“You’re not a very good liar dear, what’s wrong?” The queen asked looking tiredly at Yeri it seemed her search was tiring her as each path they took led to another dead end, Yeri looked down as she clenched and then unclenched her hands as she took a deep breath.

“Why do we have to stay here, I feel suffocated staying in these same walls.” Yeri replied knowing full well her brother and mother were against the matter.

“You know you can’t, father wouldn’t want you to, you need to grieve and be safe outside it…..” However before Suho could finish his sentence Yeri had cut him off.

“You’re always moving around kingdom to kingdom gaining information how come you get to leave? I just want to leave here even for an hour, I’d be happy walking in the gardens, but being here doesn’t help me to grieve I can’t move on if I can’t even move.” Yeri stated her voice getting louder towards the end and slightly cracking, dropping her fork Yeri stood up and ran away from the table. Suho and the queen looked at one another solemnly from the look Irene knew they still wouldn’t allow Yeri out even towards the gardens. Irene also stood up and walked away from the table, she knew where Yeri would be so there was no need to chase her at this moment, she’d let her sister calm down before speaking to her. For now Irene walked to the kitchen and spotted Wendy laughing with another servant, Wendy spotted Irene and waved her over.

“Good morning how come you’re here so early, did you not like the food? I used a new ingredient, maybe I shouldn’t have after all I’m feedin….”

“Wendy the food was great however Yeri got in to a disagreement with Suho and mother, so I was hoping you could make your infamous red velvet cake.” Irene said cutting off Wendy’s breathless rambling.

“Of course what did they disagree on this time?” Wendy questioned as she got to work on the cake, it had been a while since Yeri had disagreed with anybody usually she would simply keep her head down and argue later away from the table.

“Yeri wants to get some fresh air outside of the castle walls but mother and Suho believe it’s dangerous.” Irene replied picking up an apple from the counter top.

“She’s still young and immature but compared to her previous demands this is reasonable.” Wendy said mixing the ingredients together.

“Indeed I just wish I knew what to do.” Irene muttered as she dejectedly looked away.

“Maybe at this moment the best thing is to be there for her.” Wendy said, Irene nodded her head at the advice after all it’s not like I can let Yeri meet Seulgi what if Yeri does something drastic? Irene thought thinking of what a hot tempered Yeri was capable of, pushing Seulgi off the castle rooftop was likely but Seulgi could simply teleport back up. “The cake is being baked right now how about I bring it up once it’s done.” Wendy said breaking Irene from her reverie of thoughts.

“Then you can stay with us so it’ll be like the past, come to my room.” Irene said before Wendy could argue Irene had skipped away leaving an amused Wendy behind.

Irene walked towards her room knowing Yeri would be there, ever since Yeri was younger if anybody had a dispute with the youngest princess even Irene herself you could find her wallowing in Irene’s bedroom. The fact both amused and confused Irene however she never pried to find out why and simply comforted Yeri. Opening the door to her bedroom Yeri lay on top of the bed hugging the pillow close to her chest, her face stained with tears that leaked down her puffy red eyes, Irene sat on the bed with her back leaning against the headboards whilst her fingers combed through Yeri’s hair providing the younger girl comfort.

“It doesn’t even feel like home anymore.” Yeri said her voice hoarse from crying.

“They’re trying to protect us.” Irene reasoned looking straight ahead at the wall in front.

“Even you don’t believe this is the way to protect us, it’s like, like we’re caged up in here. We’re not allowed near the gardens, not allowed near the big gates, not even allowed near the castle doors.” Yeri vented in to the pillow as she listed off a few of the places they weren’t allowed to be as they could be harmed.  “Father would know what to do right now.” Yeri mumbled the anger lacing in her voice as she clenched her eyes shut in frustration.

“Mother is trying her hardest, she lost her husband and then all of a sudden the kingdom was handed to her in a state of panic. She doesn’t want to lose any of us, Suho has trained his whole life he knows how to defend himself. It all depends on the person’s perspective Yeri, what mother believes that is protective is different than us, but at the end of the day we can’t deny that mother would lay it all down to protect us.” Irene explained a pang of guilt suddenly coursing through her veins as she thought of the times she had snuck out, and then last night when she had gone past the castle walls, she had never thought of what her mother or brother would feel. Was I selfish to do that? Have I betrayed mother and Suho, Irene couldn’t help but let her thoughts wreak havoc in her mind as she continued to stare at the wall in front. She hadn’t even questioned Seulgi twice when she left and disobeyed her mothers’ orders, is it simply because I was so desperate to escape for a little while?

“How come we can’t even help? There should be something we can at least do. ” Yeri asked placing her head in Irene’s lap

“We don’t have the capabilities to handle being outside.” Irene replied repeating the words Suho would say to them on a daily basis to stop them from going outside. “But what happened to you since yesterday?”

“I heard laughter from beyond the castle walls when I was sleeping, the people sounded so carefree, so alive, I couldn’t help but feel suffocated in here. Was I wrong to feel that?” Yeri questioned tilting her head to look up at Irene inquisitively.

“It’s never wrong to feel an emotion that is pure and raw, there is a manner in which to present your feelings yes, but feeling a certain way is not wrong.” Irene replied tenderly gazing back at her younger sister a few seconds passed before Yeri allowed herself to smile as did Irene who thought back to being one of the people beyond the castle walls laughing.

“Sorry to barge in but I have a delivery for a cake for a beautiful young princess.” Wendy stated making her way over to the bed, Yeri shot up from Irene’s lap startling the older girl as she watched Yeri become engrossed with the cake that Wendy was now cutting.

“How come we’re having cake? Not that I’m complaining or anything.” Yeri asked taking a bite of the cake, allowing the velvety texture to coat as she hummed in pleasure. It had been a while since the last time that Wendy had baked, a fact that had upset Yeri as she was quite a vocal fan of Wendy’s baking.

“Irene had requested since you seemed like you needed it.” Wendy replied as she handed a slice over to Irene.

“I should get upset more often.” Yeri mumbled thinking that nobody had heard her as she took another blissful bite of the cake.

“Don’t think about it, if you do then I won’t bake for you ever again.” Wendy stated watching as Yeri dramatically dropped her spoon on her plate widening her eyes at the prospect of no more cake.

“Okay, okay I shall not get upset any further.” Yeri pouted as she took another bite of her cake causing the older girls to laugh. “Oh I have a great story idea.” Yeri suddenly exclaimed putting her plate down as the two girls looked at the youngest running around the room to find some paper and a quill.

“Story? Are you writing a novel?” Wendy questioned as she watched Yeri walk back to bed and place the paper on top of the tray for support.

“Yes, Irene always reads and the last book I saw her read literally drove her crazy, like she was telling the characters off and she was glaring at the book so hard I thought it was going to burn under her eyes.” Yeri replied as she detailed every expression Irene went through when she was reading the novel causing Wendy to laugh however Irene curled up in embarrassment, I hate you Seulgi Irene thought thinking of the girl that had caused her this embarrassment. Hate is a very strong word maybe something lighter like dislike, an all too familiar voice popped in to Irene’s head startling the older girl who jumped in surprise.

“See like this, her eyes would go this wide and she would have this glare that later turned… playful I guess.” Yeri said pointing out all of Irene’s features that would go wild when startled by a certain bear.

“Playful?” Wendy questioned laughing as she watched Irene blush once again.

“Weird right, I don’t know even know myself.” Yeri replied, can’t you warn me when you’re going to pop up and speak? Irene questioned attempting to take control of the red that was still adorning her cheeks. Not really, you should know if you mention my name then I’ll appear otherwise the answer is still no how can I possibly warn you before I speak to you? Seulgi questioned to which Irene had no answer.

“So what’s your story idea?” Wendy asked Yeri who furiously scribbling down every little detail she had envisioned before it could escape her mind.

“A princess is locked in her home and the only way out is for someone to save her and that is when her prince shall arrive, however she can’t escape as a witch has her locked up.” Yeri replied earning a sound of approval from Wendy, the two continued to talk of the story but Irene had drowned it out by now. Do you think the witch in the story that has the princess locked up is my mother? Irene questioned, being a witch had a negative connotation in her land after all, and if she has locked up a princess then it wouldn’t be a wild guess that princess was Yeri. In another land there is a story like this one called Tangled the princess was called Rapunzel, it’s amazing your sister could be an exceptional novelist, they created films on this novel. Seulgi informed whilst Irene intently listened. Films, what’s that? Irene asked her brows creasing together as she attempted to think of a time she had heard such a foreign word. Ah don’t worry about that it’s something that exists in another land, but the important thing is maybe the story isn’t about your mother but from her imagination just listen to what her story is about. With that Irene tuned back in to the conversation Wendy and Yeri were having.

“So she was kidnapped when she was younger by a witch, locked in a tower, she wasn’t allowed anywhere, one day a thief came rescued her and then?” Wendy questioned, Irene sighed out of relief the story came from Yeri’s imagination, Yeri didn’t view her mother as a witch much to her relief.

“And then long story short she goes home to the castle to her mother and father the king and queen oh and she can marry the thief. Who knows maybe this story can show that royalty can marry those below in status.” Yeri stated surprising the older two on how far she had thought ahead.

“Aw look at you thinking maturely.” Wendy gushed causing Yeri to giggle as she continued to write away. Guess I worried about nothing Irene thought, when do you not? Seulgi sarcastically asked laughing straight after causing Irene to smile Ah I really want to hit you right now Irene thought picturing herself punching Seulgi in the stomach. Well then angry bunny I shall talk to you later then I have much awaited business to attend to Seulgi said for some reason Irene couldn’t pin point she felt a pang of sadness or was it disappointment when she couldn’t talk to Seulgi anymore as the younger girl was busy. Okay then but don’t let your business affect your visiting times on the roof, I still have to hit you Irene thought a smile lighting up her face once again as she heard Seulgi’s laugh. Who am I to go against the princesses demands? I shall see you at night then princess Bae. Seulgi replied her voice laced with a light teasing tone.

“You were right Yeri, she really has gone mad.” Wendy said pointing at the giggling Irene who was lost in her own world.

The trio were lying on the bed telling stories between one another until a loud thud sounded from right outside the door startling the three girls. Irene was the first to get up, her heart hammered against her chest as she heard a few cries from outside the door. She leaned in to the door putting her ear against the door to listen closer to what was happening outside, Wendy and Yeri sat on the bed as Wendy placed a protective arm around Yeri as she saw Irene focus closely on the action.

“They’re here to find the queen.” A guard said wheezing outside of Irene’s door.

“She’s not here though neither is the prince they have gone to the kingdom of Luxor.” A guard informed, Luxor but they never told us anything Irene thought thinking of why they would have travelled a long journey without having informed them.

“If they’re not here then they should leave.” The guard said with naivety that Irene knew wasn’t going to help them, Irene was going to open the door to alert them of her presence however before she could the two guards had run down the hallway as they had seen intruders. Taking her ear away from the door Irene looked over at Wendy and Yeri attempting to think of a plan, however before she could say anything the door had burst open startling the three girls inside.

“Who are you?” Irene asked sternly, her breath had hitched as she laid eyes up on the red orbs gazing back at her. They weren’t inviting in the slightest a complete contrast in comparison to Seulgi’s red compassionate eyes that Irene had grown accustomed to. The person didn’t reply instead they inched closer towards Irene causing Irene to take a step back.

“Stop it!” Yeri exclaimed grabbing the vase on the bedside table lurching it forward at the stranger who had barged in to the room. The stranger put their hand out stopping the vase mid-flight, nobody said a word as they simply watched. Yeri and Wendy gasped as they witnessed magic for the first time, however Irene was already aware and she was afraid of what it could do. Seulgi where are you? I need you right now Irene said to herself hoping that wherever Seugi was she had at least heard her pleas of help.

“You stupid little girl.” The stranger said in a raspy patronising tone full of loathing putting his hand in his pocket he took out a vial full of a green liquid and smothered the vase with it, and in a split second he opened his hand  sending the vase hurling towards Yeri. Wendy managed to move Yeri out of the way just in time however she couldn’t block the vase from hitting her on the forehead causing a cut as she fell back on to the headboard her eyes closing and her body unmoving.

“Wendy!” Irene and Yeri exclaimed as the girl clutched her throbbing forehead, Irene rushed over to Wendy as Yeri looked up at the man in fear as he took a step towards them.

“I’ve always wondered what royalty would taste like.” The man snarled, Irene looked over to Yeri who was now clutching an unconscious Wendy in her arms. Yeri’s tears streamed down her face as she attempted to wake the girl up to no avail, Irene had no idea what to do, looking around the room there was nothing that could save them. At that moment an invisible force hurled the strange man in to the wall knocking him out and with another invisible force his neck snapped, Yeri went quite as she looked over to her sister who got off the bed to see who it could be. Just before she could take her second step familiar red eyes and black hair entered the scene.

“Seulgi.” Irene called a feeling of relief and happiness washing over her as the girl looked at her with a small smile, her red orbs reflecting concern as she looked Irene from head to toe making sure she was still in one piece.

“You’re alright aren’t you?” Seulgi asked making her way towards Irene those familiar compassionate red eyes relaxing Irene.

“Yeah but Wendy..” Irene trailed looking over her shoulder to look at an extremely confused Yeri and an unconscious Wendy in her arms. “He put this green liquid on a jar and then threw it at Yeri but Wendy moved in the way saving Yeri.”  Irene stated as she followed Seulgi to the bed.

“Hello there Yeri my name’s Seulgi I was hoping to check on Wendy and see if she’s alright.” Seulgi said as Yeri protectively placed her arms around Wendy not trusting the strange girl she had just met.

“No you’re one of them, how do you even know her? Her kind killed father and want the destruction of all five kingdoms.” Yeri asked looking at Irene with what the older could sense was a sense of betrayal, Irene made her way around the bed to place an arm on Yeri’s shoulder to provide a sense of comfort.

“Seulgi is a friend of mine she isn’t like them Yeri, she’s different, a good different.” Irene replied to her sister who was looking at sceptically, Seulgi couldn’t help but grin as she listened to Irene. “Do you trust me?” Irene asked gazing straight at her sister.

“What? Why all of a sudden?” Yeri asked the question startling the younger girl as confusion replaced her chocolate brown orbs where once a hint of betrayal sat.

“Do you trust me?” Irene repeated her question.

“..Yes.” With a slight pause Yeri had replied she couldn’t truly believe her sister betraying the kingdom, her family, her younger sister.

“Then trust me that Seulgi will help us.” The two sisters held gazes for a while Irene’s not faltering once causing Seulgi to look fondly at Irene. Never had she felt an individual trust her so much as she did in this moment, for that she would live up to that trust as best as she could. Irene looked over at Seulgi and signalled for her to look at Wendy, when Seulgi sat on the bed she looked over at Yeri who eyed the older girl as she carefully put Wendy down on the bed. Seulgi looked at Wendy’s pale face and saw that she was still breathing much to her relief, Seulgi then proceed to lay her hand out flat above Wendy’s body and slowly move it down, keeping it on her forehead a little while longer to heal the cut. Irene looked at Seulgi’s hand in awe as it was glowing a dark green whilst Yeri was looking on in fear ready to jump Seulgi if anything happened to Wendy.

“She’s been put under a sleeping curse.” Seulgi stated worriedly looking over at Wendy.

“What’s wrong? All she needs is true loves kiss, it doesn’t have to be a lover it could be someone who truly loves her like us.” Irene asked pointing at herself and Yeri, she felt proud for reading those magical books as she was able to recall information that seemed useful now.

“This potion had a few extra rare ingredients, she will be in a pleasant sleep for three days after that she will be sentenced to her nightmares. It reaches a point where she could even suffer death if she isn’t able to handle the nightmares.” Seulgi replied causing Yeri to gasp as her tears left her before she could even realise.

“How long do people last?” Irene asked her eyes flooding with emotions of pain and regret as she attempted to hold back the tears as she looked down at Wendy a girl who became another sister for her.

“A month or two with these ingredients.” Seulgi replied turning to look at Irene who seemed so lost and fragile at this moment, Seulgi looked back to Yeri and couldn’t help but feel a pang of pain as she looked at the two sisters. “The way to save her is not through true loves kiss, we need ingredients that counter act this curse.”

“Where are they?” Irene asked.

“Far but don’t worry I’ll get them as quick as I can.” Seulgi replied allowing a small smile to cover her face hoping that her optimism could come true.

“You’re not going alone.” Irene stated.

“I know.” Seulgi said allowing Irene to breathe a sigh of relief that was short lived. “I’ll need to take Wendy with me guess that makes her my plus one.”

“What no, you can’t take her if that’s the case then I’m coming.” Yeri butted in glaring at Seulgi who began sweating bullets under her glare.

“Yeri it’s going to be dangerous you can’t go, I’ll go with Seulgi instead.” Irene attempted to reason with her younger sister.

“As much as I do trust you I can’t trust her especially with Wendy.” Yeri argued causing Seulgi to feel small under the young princesses stare.

“It’s okay Yeri, Seulgi is helping us.” Irene said attempting to bring Seulgi in to a better light.

“Her people killed father and are ready to over throw everything the kingdoms have worked hard to create, what if everything she says is to lure you in a trap?” Yeri asked throwing her arms in the air dramatically as if she was stating an obvious fact.

“I am not luring you in a trap, it’s a lot to ask you to trust me I can understand but I’m not part of Vesalis, anybody part of that army or kingdom has a marking burnt in to their forhead.” Seulgi explained gesturing to her forehead where not a single scratch laid just a few sweat droplets caused by nervousness due to the gaze of the youngest girl in the room.

“Then who are you?” Yeri asked.

“We don’t have much time I need to leave.” Seulgi said avoiding the question, time was running low for Wendy so she needed to work as fast as possible.

“Seulgi I can’t just let you go alone.” Irene said holding on to Seulgi’s shoulder, Yeri was still unsure about Seulgi as she held on to the unconscious Wendy’s hand.

“Princess Yeri, Princess Irene, where are you?” Guards called alerting the trio they had no time to argue, if Seulgi was caught then they were in big trouble.

“Would your mother or brother trust me if I stayed and said I would help them?” Seulgi asked.

“Never if I don’t trust you then they would never, you would probably be sentenced to death.” Yeri replied without a hint of hesitation with a glance in Irene’s direction that gave the nod of approval Seulgi knew she wouldn’t be allowed to do this alone so she simply gave in.

“Hold on tight.” Seulgi said as she whisked them away to another part of the land just as the guards had entered the princesses’ room, the one dead Vesalis soldier in the room surprised the two guards.

“It seems the princesses’ put up a fight.” Changmin said as he saw the broken remnants of glass and the duvet over the floor.

“But where are they now?” Yunho asked as he hurried out of the room calling for the princesses.