Jiyong slammed the door open to the knight’s quarters, startling the few that were scattered about. Some stood up and bowed while others just sat or stood in shock.

He went straight for the Captain’s office and opened the door harshly.

“Be careful there your majesty. We don’t want to have to buy a new door.” The Captain said smiling.

“Don’t joke around with me. Why didn’t anyone tell me?” Jiyong said slamming the door shut behind him. Daesung and Seungri were in the office as well sitting in front of the Captain.

“Tell you what? You didn’t want to believe you were the prince for ten years.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about.” Jiyong snapped at Seungri.

“Then what are you going on about, sire?” Daesung said calmly.

“I’m engaged! That would have been a nice detail to have learned early on!”

The three knights exchanged a look and Jiyong looked at them furiously. The Captain sighed.

“Have a seat, your majesty.”

Jiyong stood where he was, not moving an inch. The Captain shrugged and continued on.

“It should have been obvious to you that you were going to marry royalty. Even Clara knew. Or have you been blind to everything around you?”

“I’m not blind. I’d rather not be a prince instead of marrying someone I do not know or love.”

Daesung grinned and nudged Seungri in his side. Seungri looked at him raising an eyebrow. When Daesung continued smiling, Seungri’s eyes went wide as it clicked in his mind. He looked at Youngbae, who had already caught on.

“Well in order for you to be with the one you love, there will be some trials that she’ll have to go through within the palace. The King and Queen may like her but remember that the Duke also has plans to destroy you if not this kingdom.” He said resting his chin on his hand.

“A competition per say. Have her win favor with the rest of the royal court. Especially the Duke.”

Jiyong looked at the ground in confusion. How was he going to get everyone to favor him being with Clara?

~~~

Clara walked the halls of the castle, looking at the tapestries and intricate designs. It had been many years since she had been in this castle. The memory of Kwon saving her and her mother brought a smile to her face.

She closed her eyes and leaned against the wall. All of the things that she went through knowing Kwon all these years came to mind. A single tear ran down her face at the thoughts. Suddenly she felt a warm hand on her face.

“Now, now. A beautiful young lady like yourself shouldn’t be crying in the open like this.” The voice sounded deep and sinister. Clara opened her eyes and moved away from the hand.

The Duke smirked at her. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about me. I’m not going to hurt you. Just suggest that you leave now before you get hurt by someone else.”

“What are you talking about?” She snapped at him.

“Feisty one. I see why he loves you.” The Duke chuckled. “But he can’t even be with you. That’s the sad part dear.”

Clara cocked her head at him.

“Oh you didn’t think you would be with him forever now did you? Oh no, no, no.” The Duke shook his head and clasped his hands behind him taking a few steps away from her. “You see. My nephew is the prince of this nation. The future King. He will need someone beside him that can help him rule.”

Clara looked at the ground. She already knew this. Why was he telling her what she already knew. Unless…

“What are you getting at, you grace?” She asked hesitantly.

He turned and smiled at her. “You can marry the prince. On one condition.”

Clara in the air around her, ready to take in his next statement.

“Convince him not to take the throne.”

Clara’s eyes went wide. “Why would I do that?”

“The prince himself I can tell does not want to be here. From what I can gather, he seemed to have been happier outside of the palace and the royal life.”

You’re wrong. Kwon wants to be here.

“Oh does he?” The Duke raised a brow.

Clara’s jaw dropped and he chuckled. “You forget that the royal blood grants us magic and power beyond your wildest dreams. I can most definitely read your mind dear if I want to.”

Clara was about to speak when she heard voices down the hall.

“Looks like our little talk was cut short. Please do show me that he wants to be here. If not. I can help him leave.”

The Duke walked off and she was left there looking confused as Kwon himself walked up to her with the three knights, Daesung, Seungri, and Youngbae, followed behind him.

“Clara there you are. Can we finish that talk we were having earlier?” Kwon took her hands in his and looked at her intently. She smiled at him meekly before nodding.

“Great. You three can leave now.” He turned to the men behind him and they just smiled and walked off.

Kwon led her back to his room and sat her down at the table. Clara looked at him expectantly.

“Your majesty?” She said and he glared at her. She chuckled. “I’m sorry, Kwon. I have to call you that here.”

“Well don’t call me that when it’s just us. That’s what I want to talk about with you now.”

She raised her brow. “What exactly?”

“I’m engaged to be married.”

Clara laughed. “What else would you be engaged to do?”

“Clara, this is serious. I don’t know who this woman is. If I have to be a leader of this nation, I want to be married to someone I care about.” Kwon said staring directly into her eyes.

She gulped before saying her next statement. “Well get to know her. You never know what could happen.”

Kwon stood up in his chair suddenly, scaring her. She looked up at him. Next thing she knew, she was in his arms again for the second time.

The only difference was this time.