YOO MINAH IS JOINING THE SOCIAL SEASON。(Collabs?)
Colour Palette: #890304 #FAD02C
Imagine a commoner with a title, then there you have Minah.
— unknown
BACK UP Kim So Hyun (actress)
Lady Minah prefers humble and discreet dresses, she does not want to be the centre of attention or even wear extravagant and luxurious clothing and accessories. She is often seen with light colours, such as white, blue, green, purple, yellow and pink dresses. And regarding accessories, she would use a simple necklace and earings. She isn't a person to use diamonds, she would prefer using pearls, saphires or emerald (and if she has to, because she isn't fond of jews as she believes the money they are worth should be used to those who truly need). She enjoys flowers, so whenever she had the opportunity she would adorn herself with flowers instead. (Style of dresses very similar to Daphne Bridgerton).
— Crown prince Kim Juwon from Imperial House of Kim
Neutral: adventurous, curious, protective, "street smart", responsible, hardworking, carefree (both a positive and negative trait)
Inspiration: Min Seola/Bae Rona (The penthouse), Mia Thermopolis (The princess diaries), Ella of Frell (Ella Enchanted)
If someone is in trouble, Minah is the one who will stand up for them. When it comes to justice and helping people, she does not care about titles, a person is a person and shall be treated with respect. Therefore, no one should be mistreated under her watch. She treats people with respect, regardless of their titles and is always there for whoever needs her. To Minah, people are more than their titles, and she wants to make sure that everyone is equaly respected and well treated.
Due to her bold and brave personality, Minah will have no problem speaking her mind. Yes she respects people and yes she has manners, but that doesn't mean she should be quiet when she wants to speak. If someone does something wrong, acting weird, doing something suspiscious, or simply if she has something to say, she will speak her mind.
She is a stubborn girl, wanting to do things on her way and not accepting a no until she did everything she could. Minah is easily looked down due to her status and her way of behaving, and even though she acts like she is fine, it hurts her deeply. She forgives people easily and do not harbor bad feelings for anyone, which sometimes may be her weakness as people often underestimate her and manipulate her.
Minah was born as the youngest daughter of Jihoon and Jieun. She was an adored child, who was able to enjoy the life of a commoner. Her father, Sir Jihoon, was a knight who worked for the Imperial House of Kim, and would constantly visit the king, whenever requested, after all that was his work. At home, her mother Jieun would prepare food for Minah and her older brother Minhyuk. They were commoners but lived a normal life, they weren't starving but they were content with their simple and humble lives. Each time Sir Jihoon had to serve the king and go to war, a wave of fright would swallow the family, and only wished for the man to return safe and sound. While growing up, Minah had a carefree life. As a child she helped farmers in the land, taking water from the wells and bring it to other commoner's houses, and her brother Minhyuk, would train to become a knight just like their father.
One day, news of her father's return made Minah and her family want to welcome Sir Jihoon not only with a warm meal, but at the capital, where he was to greet the king upon his return. Sir Jihoon not only arrived safe and sound, but he was entitled as the hero of the war, a name fitting this talented knight. However, Sir Jihoon was too humble to accept any offerings and kindness the king wanted to bestowed him. Yet, knowing the great achievements Sir Jihoon had made, the king offered him a small land and the title of Baron. And that was a turning point for the Yoo family.
For the next couple of years, Minah had to learn how to be a noble, how to act as a noble, how to eat like a noble and how to speak like a noble. She had to learn in a few years, what nobles usually learn from the moment they are born. Her brother could act better than her, he was a fit, while Minah well... Let's just say that she was too carefree. Lord Minhyuk, as the future heir had to learn a lot more than Minah, which somehow was a blessing for her. He not only had the future of a great knight like Baron Jihoon, but also the intelligence and attitude of a good leader, he really would be a good baron one day.
Minah was not in a rush to be known in society, to be honest. During her visits to the capital with her father she was able to realise how fake, superficial and "perfect" nobles are supposed to be. And something really bothered her, they were more concerned about their looks and about gossips than the starving people or sick people that needed help. It sickened her. Besides, another thing that she hated was how noble woman are supposed to bring honour to their families by "selling themselves" in balls and parties, in order to find a good husband. Minah believed in true love and more importantly, she did not want to be simply someone's wife, she wanted to still be herself and be able to live how she wanted.
Her father was concerned that she did not have noble friends, and he remembered a friend he had, a baron to be more precise, whose daughter would be around Minah's age. He introduced Minah to Lady Min Suji, and they instantly clicked for Lord Jihoon's relief. Minah was happy to become Suji's friend and that there were good nobles after all. She would send letters to Suji (practicing her handwriting and putting the talk in day) and they would visit each other whenever they could. Suji, like Minah prefered to be discreet in society, which was perfect for Minah.
When Minah turned 22 (1832), she had a small party where she invited a couple of nobles, including the imperial family, where she made her first official appearance as a noble to introduce herself to society. That party was seen as remarkable due to the presence of the crown prince (this event will be explored in depths in the love interest section). Yet, she was still not ready to be labelled as "available for marriage", therefore, she still only accompanied Suji in small tea parties and gatherings, not appearing at the balls of the social season.
However, to Minah's surprise, her best friend Suji had fallen in love with a man in one of those balls. Minah was astonished and very happy for her friend. Knowing Suji well, she knew that she wouldn't fall for just anyone and therefore, just like there are good noble woman, there migt also exist good noble man, so she should give it a try, and who knows, perhaps find her own shining knight. Then, after being appointed as princess Yiyeong's lady-in-waiting, Minah had the opportunity of not only learn how to act more ladylike, but also to meet other nobles and interact with people.
After deliberating with her brother (winning a relief sigh from him, because finally his sister decided to act like a true noble), she decided to attend the social season of 1833 and make her true debut in society.
- Minah is good at singing, and has a relaxing and harmonious voice (example);
- She started learning English and Chinese as nobles are taught, however since she just became a noble recently, she started learning them not too long ago and is not confident in speaking them;
- Minah likes animals, nature, children, sweets, flowers, fruits, ...
- She hates superficial and mean people, cheaters, liars and see people being mistreated;
- Minah hates gossips and rumours, and she won't believe in them, neither she would judge anyone based on them;
- Although she is a noble now, she still uses a lot of her life hacks she had as a commoner, such as using flowers to create her own perfume and decorate the rooms or even her hair;
- She knows how to cook, how to clean and do a lot of chores;
- She is street smart and very practical, which helps her a lot;
- Minah believes in true love and love at first sight. Like her parents, she wishes to experience an ever-lasting love story, with someone she cherishes and that loves her too. She wants to have a lot of children and tell them stories about her love story and her adventures;
- She does a lot of not noble like behaviour, such as walking in barefoot in the grass, complain, speak when she should be quiet instead, climb trees, ...
- She cares so much about others that she often forgets to take care of herself;
- She wishes to travel and know the world;
- When Minah is nervous or embarassed, se bits or her lower lip (which Juwon used to think was her way to test his sanity);
- She is afraid of the dark and of thunders;
- She likes soft and pastel colours, especially blue, purple and white;
- She loves all flowers but adores lillies and lavender;
- ...
— Queen Sujeong from Imperial House of Kim
BACK UP Another Prince from the imperial family (fc: Infinite's Kim Myungsoo, Kim Hanbin, Ong Seongwoo, Lee Dohyun, Seo Jingoo, GOT7's JB, BTS's Kim Taehyung, SF9's Chani - any is fine)
As expected from the crown prince, Juwon wears neat and luxurious clothing when attenting balls or special events. The colours of the imperial family are red, white, black and dark blue. Whenever he is seen in public he is always well dressed and leaves a powerful impression of a ruler. Note: He uses less extravangant clothing when he goes undercover or wants to hide from the public in general.
...
— Queen Sujeong from Imperial House of Kim
Although he sounds like a cold person, he actually cares a lot about being a good leader and a good person. To those around him, who he really cares about, he will do everything he can to protect them. Due to being raised with pressure and strictness, he believes that people who show him "love" want something from him, so he does not open his heart, filling it with other types of affection and fun. He is a good listener and knows how to give the best advice, but being stubborn and a little intolerant, it is difficult to follow other people's ideas rather than his, and his friends often tell him to be more opened to new things. To those close to him, he is funny, charismatic and very inspiring. He likes to tease those he cares about and shows his support to them. Even though he is person with confidence due to his title and power, when he feels threatened or in questions related to feelings, he is sensitive. Juwon is someone who feels trapped in a cage and who sometimes is a puppet in his mother's game, and despite acting like a good and respectful son, he will defy all odds and be bold towards his goals.
Crown Prince Juwon is the oldest son of the king a queen of South Korean. Ever since he was a child he was educated to be the best of the best, and couldn't be anything less than the best. Although his mother loves him, in his perperctive that is because he is the son most likely to become king and therefore she should offer him what the future king deserves. His father, however, was always busy with his duties and was stricter towards Juwon due to his own expectations upon his son. For his same reason, they were never able to create deep bonds.
Juwon was expected to be perfect, that every action he did was worthy of a future king, but people never actually saw him by who he was, a child and more importantly, a human, who also makes mistakes. He excelled in everything he did, and even his speech and manners were already perfect when he was only 8 years old, yet, no one ever asked him what 'he' wanted, instead, they asked what 'crown prince Juwon, the successor to the throne' wanted.
With so much pressure in a single person, it is not unsual that he might need a escape route. And that would be his friends. If he didn't have actual friends who he could relax with, he sure would have a much difficult life. Still, to the public, Juwon was seen as an intimidating person, who wouldn't often smile, and when he did it was because he needed something in return (or would be sarcastic). His conversations with nobles (other than his friends), were quite superficial as everyone wanted to be in good terms with the next ruler, but did he engage in an actual conversation with them? Surely not. Juwon prefered to escape his problems by having fun in parties with his friends and among the women he was seen as a charming man, potentially a playboy (but who could actually know?). He did not open to anyone, and even his closest friends didn't know everything about him, only the portion he allowed them to see.
Juwon was a bird in a cage.
After achieving the age where he was supposed to meet his crown princess, even more expectations were set on him. He never truly opened his heart to anyone, and when a woman expressed affection towards him, saying it was love, he could see behind the real curtain as plain need for attention. He did participate in balls, but he rarely danced, he would go for courtesy, to spend a good time with his friends and to drink. Juwon was done with those superficial people who only approached him with ulterior motives, and he even felt as a piece in his mother's chessboard for power. The only person who he thought would not open his heart, like he did, was his best friend Lord Yul, yet, when he saw his friend falling head over heels for a woman he was rather shocked, could love be that powerful to even change his heartless friend? Perhaps there was still hope for Juwon, he wished.
- He likes the colours black and red;
- He enjoys travelling;
- He likes to drink, read, listen to music, children, dogs;...
- His hobbies include reading, horse riding, archery, training swordsmanship;
- He dislikes gossips and people who approach him with second intentions;
- He fears not to become a good ruler, to disappoint his father, to be a chess piece in his mother game, to lose those he loves, death;
- He is too used to living as a royal that he would complain if any of those luxuories lacked;
- He is scared of bugs and snakes (something that Minah teases him a lot);
- Since he lacks affection, he will look for a lot of skinship with the person he loves;
- He is a helpess romantic when fallen in love;
- He is the opposite of Minah and because of that they fight a lot;
- ...
He seems like a bird trapped in a cage. No matter how hard I try, those eyes cannot leave my restless mind"
— Lady Minah from House of Yoo
Spring of 1832
Crown Prince Juwon was feeling suffocated with the pile of work he had, and the whole pressure of his family wasn't helping. That spring, he decided to see the life of the common people, instead of reading it only in reports. He, then, decided to go undercover for his mission and dragged his long friend Lord Yul with him. The travel was long, and soon they found themselves in a land a bit far from Seoul, Gangwon-do. Wanting to get to know the life of people there, and in order to not look suspicious, Juwon and Yul tried to mix among the commoners. Soon they were approached by a group of children, who recognised the two men as nobles, who asked for mercy and a coin for food, as their family was hungry. Juwon looked around, there were a lot of poverty he was not aware of, more than written in mere reports. A young lady, seeing the two men being approached by the children, walked near them "Oh my, you look so thin, here have this" she offers the children a bag of bread and pats their heads "If you ever need food, just go to the next town and ask for Minah. Take care of yourselves, alright?" As the children departed ways, happy for being able to eat after long days, Minah's heart just clashed, she wanted to help everyone she could, but her family alone couldn't help them all, there was too much poverty in the kingdom. She looked back to the two men and offered a smile "I believe you are not from here, am I right?" she chuckled, but then saw Juwon's face blank with shock from what he had just seen "The situation must be very different from what you must experience everyday. Unfortunately this is a reality we all have to see and I am a lot sad for not being able to do much. I wish the imperial family could see this, instead of just caring about charity parties. Their charity should be redirected to those who truly need". Lord Yul, angry with the comment Minah had just said, was about to yell at the girl, when Juwon stopped him and shook his head. Juwon looked at Minah and smiled towards her, as he was going to introduce himself, however soon someone called for her and she would have to leave "It was a pleasure meeting both of you, even though it was a short meeting. My name is Minah and I live in a land nearby, if you need anything you can go find me there sirs...?" Juwon introduced himself before lord Yul could take the iniciative "Juwon. You can call me sir Juwon". Minah offered a honest smile "It's nice to meet you sir Juwon, I hope to see you soon, I could perhaps show you around!" Lord Yul looked at his friend "we will depart -" however was soon interrupted by his friend "in a week or so! Please, show us around, my lady" Juwon took Minah's hand in a greeting manner and she blinked her eyes confused, but then chuckled and just shook her head "please just call me Minah". Someone keep calling 'lady Minah' and she bid her goodbyes to the two men, before disappearing in the direction where someone was calling her. Lord Yul just looked with judgmental eyes to his childhood friend, trying to surpress a laugh "Sir Juwon?", while the crown prince laughed "let it be, that girl is different".
During the entire week, Juwon was able to see the world in a complete different perspective and someting in Minah could make the pressure he had been feeling just vanish with in no time. The girl in front of him was fresh, something he had never experienced before. She was not afraid of laughing, tripping, running, speaking, she was carefree and for a noble she was far from the perfect and fake noble women he was used to. She was able to catch his attention, and in Minah's eyes, he was a good friend she had just meet, who happened to be a knight in the palace (yes, the crown prince was not able to tell her the true, as for the first time he thought that his title would bring him no advantage, but rather the opposite). After spending such a quality time with her, it was already time for the two men to depart. Juwon kissed the back of Minah's hand in a gentleman manner and promised to meet her again "I shall meet you soon, my lady". After returning home, Juwon kept thinking about the strange lady he met and how would he be able to meet her soon.
Summer of 1832
Minah whined to her best friend Suji, saying that she did not wish to celebrate her birthday in a big event, something small would do. After sighing about her own problems, the girl smilled to her friend after realising lady Suji had been quiet for a long time "so tell me about this man who seemed to have capture your heart". Lady Suji blushed madly to her friend denying what Minah had just said, but Minah knows her friend had fallen for a duke of house Lee. Minah was happy for her friend and made mental notes to ask for advice when the day arrives that her own heart is taken. Minah was at the capital during a part of the social season, as she was going to have a party to celebrate her birthday, nothing too luxurious she expected. She walked around the streets of Seoul, after sneaking out from her brother's radar, and found a market in the outskirts of Seoul. She was aware that nobles wouldn't go to such places, but it was a good place to spend some time as no one would be looking for her or watching her every move. "Lady Minah?" Upon hearing her name, she turns her head towards the direction the voice had come and was greeted with a warm smile from her friend "sir" Juwon. "What are you doing here?" He asked coming near her. "I came to the capital because my father had to meet the king, and I took this opportunity to visit the town!" Juwon couldn't hide his happy smile from seeing her, but a part of him was alarmed "to meet the king?". Minah bit her lower lip nervous and nood her head "My father is a knight who serves the king, Jihoon. He spends more time here in the capital than home, but each time his majesty asks for his presence I'm always concerned because I'm afraid he might leave for battle again". Juwon's eyes widdened upon hearing her father's name "You are Baron Yoo's daughter, the almighty knight Sir Jihoon?" She nooded her head and her eyes shined upon hearing such a praise from her father "You know him right? He may have that long face but he has a warm heart, I can always make him laugh!" It was Juwon's turn to laugh, until he heard someone call for 'Lord Juwon'. He took Minah's hand and took her out of that place, trying to hide from his bodyguards. Minah looked at him with suspicious eyes mentally asking what he had done. He smilled "Let's just say that I'm escaping from work in the palace, which I must return soon". They spent a few hours together before it was time for him to return. "Sir Juwon, my birthday is approaching soon and I'll be having a small party. I hope to see you there". Juwon smiled at the lady, a part of him feeling guilty for not telling her the true "I shall meet you again soon. I will write you". And then, the two departed ways, one with a hopeful heart after a pleasant encounter with a friend, and another with a confused heart filled with guilt.
Soon, Minah's birthday ceremony arrived. She felt like throwing up as it was the first time she was expected to act like a noble lady and be introduced to a part of the high society. By her side she had her older brother Minhyuk escorting her to the hall. Minah looked concerned at her older brother, not knowing if she was prepared. Lord Minhyuk smiled at his younger sister and kissed the top of her head "You look gorgeous sister. No matter what happens, I will be there for you, so you must not be afraid". After entering the main hall, all eyes were on her, as Minah felt like sharping knives. Lord Minhyuk held her tightly to make his sister feel protected and less aware of her surroudings. The room was lively, filled with people and everything was bright and huge. Like a child, Minah looked around, admiring the beauty of the hall, before returning to her position. Her mother and father soon joined her delighted by her appearance, 'Yoo Minah is a lady now' were the words that came to her family's mind. Soon, she joined lady Suji to greet her friend, with her happy energy following around her. Not long after Minah's brother approached her "sister, are you sure you wish your first dance to be with me?" asked lord Minhyuk concerned. "Of course dear brother, who else would I wish to dance with when I have the best brother in the world besides me?" Minah had always been a kind girl and never asked for luxuary or any special tretament after becoming a noble, instead she prefered to live a discreet and humble life. Her brother was proud of his sister and only wished for her happiness, but he could not help but feel concern that she would not be seen with good eyes.
As they arrived to the dance floor and prior the music started, a man approach the Yoo siblings. "Excuse me Lord Minhyuk. Would you mind if I have a dance with this lady?". A bright smile formed in Minah's lips after seeing her friend "Sir Juwon!". "Of course, your highness". Hearing those words made Minah confused 'your highness?'. Lord Minhyuk looked at Minah and mistook her confusing look with another misunderstanding "Sister, this is the crown prince, Kim Juwon". Looking directly at Juwon, redness filled Minah's face, but not from embarassment "the what?". Lord Minhyuk looked surprised to his sister "Minah, show some respect!". Juwon, feeling guilty from decieving his friend shook his head toward Minah's brother "Do not mind Lord Minhyuk, there has been a misunderstood between me and lady Minah, which is why I must speak with her".
Minah knew that people were looking at them and that it would be rude to refuse a dance. She smiled to her brother "Worry not dear brother, you know how well I take care of flies". Lord Minhyuk's blood disappeared from his face after hearing his sister's words, 'what is going on here'. The crown prince and lady Minah started dancing and silence was filling them, as well as the glaring eyes and daggers that Minah was sending him. "I am sorry for not telling who I -" before Juwon could apologise, Minah cut his excuses "you hear me out, YOUR HIGHNESS. It must have been nice to make a fool out of myself, YOUR HIGHNESS. But keep in mind that it was me who direspected you, so keep my family out of this and behead me if you must". Juwon soon realised the impact he had done and tried to persuade Minah "Behead you? Oh my lord, of course not. I was the one at fault. You have done nothing wrong", "At least you know" she told him in an impulse. As the dance was almost finishing, Juwon tried to apologise once again, and he asked whether she would forgive him. Minah, still angry, decided to pay him in the same way "of course", she smiled, and right after she stepped on his foot "liar" she told him as soon as the song finished and left the dancing floor angry (imagine this scene from Princess Diaries).
She spent some time with lady Suji and her brother, chatting and having fun. Then, not wanting to receive more attention, Minah escaped the hall and hid herself in a balcony. Her feet was killing her, and Minah being Minah, took off her shoes and sat in the balcony barefoot, feeling the wind of the night touching her feet.
- "You still surprise me lady Minah". Juwon approached her with a knight guarding the door and smiled at her. Feeling he cold fresh air, cooling down her anger, she looked at Juwon and sighed
- "Your highness, you should not be here with a lady of low status".
- "Juwon".
- "What?" Asked Minah confused.
- "My name. Call me by my name, my lady. And I do not care about your title. To me you are my dear friend, who understand me and whom I cherish".
- "How dare I call you by your name? And do not sweet talk with me, I am still mad at you".
- "This is my fearless lady Minah" - laughed Crown Prince Juwon - "You now know who I am, I allow you to call me by my name. You are also allowed to treat me as you always had and you can ask me whatever you want to".
- "Fine. Prince Juwon, are you not tired from all of this? I mean bearing the crown must be heavy. You are still young after all, you should have fun at times."
And just like that they spent the remaining of the party catching up and finally having a heart to heart conversation, with no secrets between them.
Winter of 1832 - Spring of 1833
Minah and Juwon's relationship was starting to get attention from certain people, and Minah's name was no more unknown (not that she cared anyway). During the entire time she had returned to her hometown, Juwon and her exchanged letters, and they met several times in small gatherings or tea parties with lord Yul and lady Suji. News of lady Suji's and lord Yul's marriage came as no surprise to Minah, as she was super excited and happy for her friend. Minah talked about lady Suji's wedding for days to her brother, who was not able to hear her anymore without losing his own mind. Pouting Minah felt helpless as she wanted to express how happy she was, but at the same time she started to think about her own love life, would she ever be able to find love? Then, Prince Juwon's face came into her mind as she shooked it immediatly, taking a mental note that it was normal since he was a very close friend. A close friend who would send her gifts, flowers and letters. If he was anyone else, Minah would definitely mistake those actions as the actions of courting a lady. The day of lady Suji and lord Yul's wedding came soon and without realising, Minah teared up from happiness, and that was not unnoticed by Juwon, who had mix feelings whether to tease the lady or actually comfort her. He chose the latter and offered her a handkerchief for Minah to clean her face, but of course he could not help but to whisper in her ear, with a smile on his lips, that she looked like a little child. After the ceremony ended, and Minah and Juwon shared a dance, as well as their usual walks around the garden, it was time to depart. Now that Minah could not bother lady Suji, or better, duchess Suji, she needed to find something to get herself distracted with. The handkerchief that she borrowed from Prince Juwon caught her attention, and she got one of her brilliant ideas: she would learn embroidery and offer a handkerchief to him as a way to show how grateful she is.
- "Minah, you embroidered this yourself?" - asked Prince Juwon taking Minah's handkerchief with a red rose embroidered on it.
- " I did. I am very proud of myself! But it looks like a child's work right?" - commented Minah with a chuckle.
- "I shall treasure this since it was made especially for me, by my fearless and not-ladylike Yoo Minah" - Prince Juwon joked, before Minah playfully hit his arm. Deep inside, Juwon was feeling like the happiest man on earth, but he would deny if anyone ever asked that a handmade handkerchief had such an effect on him. To be more precise, from that day onwards, he kept Minah's gift on his pocket as it was his own treasure.
"It is said if a lady offers a handmade handkerchief to a gentleman, it is her way of expressing her feelings. But, if the gentleman accepts the gift, it means those feelings are reciprocate"
Lady Minah and Crown Prince Juwon's closeness was not something to be dismissed. They became closer day-by-day and Minah was able to humanise the so cold crown prince. Of course the shift in behaviour from crown prince Juwon did not come unnoticed, as everyone in the palace was whispering. When news about this relationship got to Queen Sujeong's ears, she was not pleased. How could a low daughter of a baron ever dream of being close with her son. She needed to have a talk with this so called lady and put her in her place. Minah was called to the palace to have a tea with the queen. Queen Sujeong could see what caught her son's attention, lady Minah had her own charm, she was a different type of beauty and was indeed kind and gentle, but in her head it was just a little crush that would soon disappear.
- "A bird have told me you and my son seem to be close".
- "It is true your majesty" - replied Minah with a smile on her lips before drinking a cup of tea.
- "Then you must know that he will soon be king. And he must get married soon" - Queen Sujeong's words were like knives, as she imposed her authority in Minah.
- "I understand your majesty. His highness has worked very hard to become a good ruler".
- "Good. I am glad you understand your place" - Minah was taken aback by the sudden intimidation. She held her dress tightly, trying not to show her trembling hands.
- "Greetings mother. I heard you have met my dearest friend lady Minah" - Upon hearing Juwon's voice, Minah relaxed a little.
- "Oh my son, I thought you were busy. Please join us, I was just telling lady Minah about plans I have made for your brilliant future".
- "I would love to mother, but I have an appointment with this lady. Am I right lady Minah?" - Crown Prince Juwon offered a smile to Minah and extended his hand, which Minah glady held, then he looked once again to his mother with a more authoritarian gaze as he was clearly defying his mother "we shall excuse ourselves then, have a good day, mother".
After leaving the hall, Minah's legs seem to have lost balance from the terrifying experience, as Juwon tightened his gripping on her hand and looked at her with a soft but assertive look "You are not alone, I will always be here by your side". As they sat on a bench in the garden, Minah was so relief that she soon fell asleep on his shoulder with her cheeks red. Juwon looked at the sleeping lady laying on his shoulder with a tender smile on his lips and he brushed her hair with his fingers, placing a portion of her hair behind her ear, a habbit he had acquired from spending time with her. "I will protect you Minah" was whispered by Juwon before he placed a kiss on the top of her head, while she was sleeping safe and sound.
Queen Sujeong was not pleased with the event she had witnessed. Her own son defied her by rescuing lady Minah from her claws. She had to come up with a plan to put Minah on her right place, and then she came up with a brilliant idea: Princess Yiyeong needed a lady-in-waiting. Wouldn't it be nice to kill two birds with one stone?
Summer of 1833
Lady Minah had become Princess Yiyeong's lady-in-waiting for quite a while now and the two of them were closed. Although being in the palace reminded Minah that Prince Juwon and her were from different worlds, Juwon had a different thought. He would sneak out in any opportunity he could and he would kidnapp Minah to be alone with him without anyone noticing them. Minah is not aware when her heart started beating for him, but being hidden in a small room with him, hoping that no one would find them, with a smiling Juwon gazing at her, would make her heart skip a beat and she was afraid he could listen. On the other hand, Juwon was more and more affective towards Minah, and would try to touch her hair, her hand or even her face whenever he could, he too had fell for her, but he was too dense to notice his feelings.
It was when Minah decided to attend the royal ball, that something within Juwon clicked, as he did not like the attention she was receiving from other men, he despised the way others looked at his woman. Upon realising how dumb he was for neglecting his feelings, he decided to openly and officially court Minah, before another man tried to put a ring around her finger. Before Juwon started making his move, everyone was whispering about lady Minah of house of Yoo. They were looking down on her, bad mouthing her, mistreating her and even making fun of her. Minah could try to ignore the comments as much as she could, but she was not made of iron as she would cry whenever she was alone. She had people protecting her, Juwon being the most intimidating of them all, but Minah still had to stand in high society and create her own place, that's when she realise she had friends and someone she loved, so no one could bring her down. Proud of his lady, Juwon started to become bolder in his attempt to win her heart, yet Minah being the innocent lady she is, would sometimes misunderstood his actions.
The queen was not pleased. She would not let her son marry a commoner, to her Minah was just the daughter of a baron in name, she was nothing but a commoner. She tried to arrange Prince Juwon with other ladies, and even tried to persuade other noblemen to court Minah, but somehow it seemed like her efforts were in vain. When hearing about the possibility of Juwon being married off to some other lady, Minah's heart broke and she cried in the garden near the fountain. Juwon seeing her, with a hand behind his back holding a bouquet of flowers, approached her in order to surprise her, only to be met with his beloved lady crying. After hearing her wish him happiness, and feeling like she was escaping from him, he embraced her and confessed. Everything behind them disappeared and Minah, although happy, knew that they were from different worlds and could never be together. Yet, Juwon had made his mind, he would prefer to lose his crown than losing his soulmate. Then one day, to everyone's surprise, Prince Juwon stood in one knee and proposed to lady Minah in front of everyone.
Becoming a crown princess wouldn't be something easy and Minah was ready to be the wife Juwon deserved. She studied hard and decided to live a less carefree life, helping her fiancée with his duties. The queen soon realised that Minah was accepted by the public, the commoners loved the idea of a crown princess from humble origins, who would try to close the gap between the commoners and nobility. And she was not only loved by the public, but had good ideas, perhaps she wasn't as useless as queen Sujeong thought. Yet Pince Juwon and Minah's relationship would face more challenges than never and their love would be tested in every ways possible. However, true love is able to overcome everything, they say, and Minah and Juwon's love was indeed stronger. Will Minah be able to fill the role of a future queen? Will the wedding of the century be successful? and should everyone expect a future heir soon, or Minah and Juwon prefer to live a blissful and lustful life together for now?
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Susan15/ 70%
- Lady Minah and her family moments (maybe Minah and Minhyuk);
- Funny and Romantic moments between Minah and Juwon (maybe a hot scene? haha);
- Minah being Minah and be not ladylike;
- And can't remember more for now, so feel free to surprise me ^^
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