Jiyong and Clara walked into the dining hall, separating as they got closer to the door. Clara let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding and walked in behind him into the room.

“Ah Good Morning!” The King said enthusiastically from his seat. The Queen smiled and chuckled softly at her husband’s actions and greeted the two as they sat down. Shortly afterwards, Princess Lina walked into the room.

Clara couldn’t help but notice the fake smile that was on her face but didn’t want to read into it too much.

“What are your plans for the day?” The Queen asked looking at Clara. She looked up and blinked in surprise at the Queen addressing her.

“I wasn’t completely sure yet, your majesty. I might help out the servants in any chores that they may have.” She said smiling faintly. She felt a glare on her and flicked her eyes over at Princess Lina and resisted the need to roll her eyes.

“That is very sweet of you. I have noticed that you seemed very close to a few here in the castle. Might I ask why?” The Queen continued, going back to her breakfast.

“It’s no problem at all your majesty. My mother used to bring me with her here when she was a servant here.”

“So you are a maid?” Lina said from across the table. Clara slit her eyes at the Princess and Lina in return held in a chuckle.

“Your highness, I believe we already told you that I am not.”

“But you’re the daughter of one. Where is your mother? I want to meet her. This is only right seeing as you have practically been living in this castle for a few weeks.” Lina retorted a smirk on her lips.

Jiyong could feel the tension growing within Clara and reached for her hand beneath the table and squeezed it gently. She turned to look at him and he smiled at her.

“That is a grand idea. We would love to meet your parents who raised our son so well. And thank them.” The King said taking a sip from his water cup.

Clara in her lips and Jiyong did a light squeeze once more before speaking.

“Father, I don’t think that would be best for her right now. Or myself for that matter.”

“Why is that, son? We like her enough. We should meet her family.” The King spoke again before taking another bite of his toast. Before Jiyong could speak, he saw his mother place her hand on the King’s shoulder. The motion itself was new for him to see but the King looked at his wife and then at Clara, who clearly had tears in her eyes looking down at her food.

“Ah, well…another time then.” The King said taking his wife’s hand in his. “But what about you son?”

“His highness will be continuing combat practice today” Youngbae said, walking into the dining hall, Seungri and Daesung trailing behind him. “But I have some news to tell you first.”

“Go right ahead.” The King said continuing his meal.

“Dear, I thought we wouldn’t discuss politics during meals.” The Queen said looking at her husband.

“Don’t you fret, your majesty. It’s just simple news. No politics involved. I just thought that you should know that the Duke has left the palace grounds as of last night.” Youngbae said, a smile playing on his lips.

“Do you know how long he will be gone?” The King looked at Youngbae in confusion. Jiyong couldn’t help but catch the gleam of worry in his eyes. Even when his uncle seemed crazy, his brother still worried over him.

“He didn’t say. He told me to just relay the message that he will be gone for a while.” Daesung said.

In that moment, Seunghyun walked into the room and sat down beside Lina. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye and then focused back on her meal. This was not how she wanted this conversation to go about but she dealt with it anyway.

“I understand. He is still a Duke of this kingdom.” The King said, a slight sadness in his voice as he spoke.

“Honey don’t worry so much. I’m sure he’ll be back before we know it.” The Queen said patting his shoulder, smiling.

“Well come on Jiyong. We have practice to go to. Clara, mind joining us?” Youngbae spoke casually looking at the family before him.

Clara looked up confused. “Why?” She asked not hiding the irritation in her voice.

Youngbae chuckled and shook his head. “We need you to do something for us.”

In that moment, something in Lina’s brain clicked. “Might I join you as well? I’m sure I’d be of more help.”

Seungri slit his eyes at her and held in laughter. Youngbae smiled at her. “That would be nice, but we only need Miss Clara with us.”

She looked at the knights and then back at Jiyong who was smiling at her gently and sighed. “Fine.”

“Great! Chaerin will be waiting for you when you’re done in your quarters.” With that the three knights left the room.

The rest of breakfast ended in silence other than light conversation between The King and Queen. Lina glared over the table at Clara. She didn't understand what made her so special. At one point she felt a nudge at her side and looked beside her to see Seunghyun shake his head slightly while he ate his meal. Sighing, Lina went back to her meal.

Clara stood up when she was finished and excused herself, dropping Jiyong’s hand, who held it the entire time. His growing worry for her and obvious love was too much to handle along with the conversation that had just taken place.

As she walked back into her room, she jumped when she saw Chaerin with Bom sitting in her room. She had forgotten that Chaerin would be there.

“Ah you’ve made it back. We were told to prepare you an outfit for an outing.” Chaerin spoke standing up and bowed to her slightly.

“Please do not bow to me. I don’t deserve that.” Clara said holding out her hands and making Chaerin stand up straight. She looked at Clara with a confused look but shook it off internally. “And what is this outing I’m going on?”

“That I do not know. But since I already had your measurements when I was given this request, I already have it done. I just wanted to see that you received it.” She gestured to Bom who opened a large bag and pulled out a dark cloak and a deep navy blue dress, almost perfect for exploring the capitol and traveling.

“Were you told anything else?” Clara asked, looking at the garments in awe. Chaerin shook her head and watched Clara as she surveyed the clothing.

“If that will be all, we shall take our leave.” Bom and Chaerin left the room silently.

Clara sat on the bed silent, staring at nothing in particular. Her thoughts were running wild with questions but they were interrupted by her door opening and closing. She looked up to see Jiyong standing in her room.

“What are you doing in here?” She asked calmly standing up.

“I came to see if you were okay.” He said simply. He took a few steps closer to her and she stared at him blankly.

“I’m fine. I was just trying to figure out why I’m needed at your practice.” She said looking back at the articles of clothing laying on her bed. She whipped her head back to face him when she heard a chuckle from him. “What’s so funny?”

“I’m not going to practice today.” He said putting her hands in his.

“You’re not? Then what are you doing today?”

He kissed her forehead lightly before answering.

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Hey guys, sorry for the mediocre chapter. I just had to put something here.

Finals are over. I will be retaking at least 2 classes next semester. Damn you Japanese and Chinese (written) language for being so difficult. Funny since I can read in Katakana and Hiragana already. It's the ing utilization that messes with me. I haven't used Japanese in two years.

Anyway, in between working and sleeping and kpopping, I'll update as often as I can.

I can't give you guys an exact wait time but just know that this story is still going!

This outing tho....*daydreams* Oh....you're gonna love what I have in store.