A short story in reference to the Snow White prompt in KFics Anthology Contest (Wattpad)

—🍂—

Lady Sandara sighed at the sight of her late husband's daughter. Chaeyoung's cries were echoing in the women's resting quarters and it was natural for Lady Sandara to be concerned. She situated herself on the empty space on the younger's bed. Chaeyoung, sensing her arrival, ceased her crying and buried herself deeper in the pillows.

"Chaeyoung..." Lady Sandara mumbled while the girl's hair. "What's wrong?"

Chaeyoung didn't want the lady of the house to be concerned with little matters so she shook her head, politely replying, "N - nothing's wrong, mother."

"Then why are you crying?"

Reminding her of the reason why, she couldn't help but cry again. Lady Sandara, more worried than ever, decided to take Chaeyoung in her arms, occasionally creating soothing circles in her back. She felt her hanbok's upper garment getting wet with the girl's warm tears but she didn't mind it for now. "Shh... shh, it's going to be okay..."

"Orabeoni... he – he said some mean things to me again."

At the mention of her brother, Lady Sandara smiled in understanding. Donghyuk was Chaeyoung's twin brother, older by mere minutes, but made it a habit to push her away for a reason she could not understand. The twin siblings' meetings were only limited for a quarter for a day and even then, Donghyuk would always aggravate his sister, so much as to the point of crying.

The cries reduced to sobs after a while. Her heart went out for the girl. She wanted to be closer to her twin brother but he wouldn't give her a chance. In response, Donghyuk always went out to go to Dosan Seowon and drowned himself in studying at the academy. His dedication was remarkable and he said the only reason why was for the imminent state examination. Lady Sandara believed it was more than that.

She ran her thumbs to Chaeyoung's cheeks, combed the disheveled hair of the girl out of her face, and said, "Your brother loves you so much, even though he does not show it himself."

"Really?"

"Really."

When Chaeyoung stayed silent, she could hear the gears working in her head, her innocent words of assurance giving her more comfort than she already needed.

"Come on." Lady Sandara patted her pillow, inviting her to lie down again. "I will tell you a story, one that I know is your favorite."

She obediently followed. The lady of the house tucked her in properly and situated herself by resting on the headrest of the bed. "Once upon a time, a girl met a prince. Well, not exactly a prince but acted like one. A good one. The two were betrothed to each other and the girl was thankful enough that he was the man she was supposed to marry. He was everything a girl could wish for; a gentleman, brave, courteous, and most of all, a man who lived with a kind heart. Their married life was filled with a lot of happy memories, one that the girl would not trade for anything else."

A bitter smile was painted in the angel-like features of the storyteller. "—But there was a problem. The girl could not bear a child, try as they might to. With a heavy heart, she personally searched for the perfect concubine for her husband. She could not bear to see him so devastated over a problem she should have carried alone. He refused the concubine at first because of his great love for the girl. But she persisted and in the end, he agreed. The concubine bore twins, two cute twins who would bring joy and happiness to their house. Unfortunately, the concubine died while giving birth." Chaeyoung's eyes lowered. "However, the girl tried her best to become a mother to the twins, gave all of her love as if they were her own. And she wishes, deep in her heart, that she did everything she could for the twins to feel the same way. Because they mean the world to her... The end."

The girl yawned, her eyes closing on its own accord. "I love it... thank you..."

The lady of the house went silent for a while and waited until her chest slowly rose and fell, indicating her entrance to the world of slumber.

Lady Sandara kissed Chaeyoung's forehead. "I wish you feel my heart, Chaeyoung-ah..."

—🍂—

Chaeyoung wanted to run away.

When the old man smiled at her, showing his yellowing teeth, she tried her best not to show how deeply she was disturbed by it. After all, she was taught that it was rude, especially in front of an older person.

"Your daughter will be promised the most lavish lifestyle she can only dream of, the brightest jewelries in the country, and loyal servants at her disposal, as soon as she becomes my wife," Lord Sungwoo declared in that pompous voice of his, something that Chaeyoung grew accustomed of after visiting their residence a lot of times.

She glanced at Lady Sandara beside her, half-fearing she would be bought by the proposition and half-hoping that she find it in her heart to get her out of this mess. When Lady Sandara showed her perfect set of teeth in an act of defiance, Chaeyoung felt herself calm a little. "I'm sorry, but my answer the first time still stands."

The old man's smile faltered. Sensing that he wouldn't get a favorable answer anytime soon, he unfolded his legs and stood up. "If that's the case then... I'll come back tomorrow and hope that your answer changes."

"My decision will stay the same. I hope you will not visit us anymore."

"I—"

Lady Sandara bowed. "Be careful on your way out, Lord Sungwoo."

"Ungrateful ..." he muttered. Lady Sandara seemed unfazed by this, and if any, she was amused.

He took his leave and finally, Chaeyoung could breathe a sigh of relief. At least for now. The men who frequented their residence just to ask for her hand in marriage grew the last few days. It must be because the known fairest lady in the village, Kim Jisoo, disappeared all of a sudden. Her suitors, especially the old ones, must have felt rushed for time was catching up to them. They say it was especially dangerous for old men if they don't have an offspring now because no one will carry their family name for future generations.

Chaeyoung understood the notion. However, seeing old men persistently asking her for marriage was a sight too disturbing for the young maiden. She wanted a love story that sounded like it came out of a fairytale, not this, not just because her body was needed to produce an heir.

"Chaeyoung," Lady Sandara called her attention. "Listen well. You are more precious than the brightest jewelries in the world. Your heart only belongs to the one who deserves it the most. Don't settle for anything less. Do you understand?"

She smiled and felt the passion always set forth by her words burn within. "Yes, mother."

Lady Sandara taught her the wonders of life, taught her that education is as equally as important as men were taught to honor their country before their lives, taught her that she was capable of so much more, more than she could ever think of.

Chaeyoung remembered a time when her naturally curious mind wondered why women were hidden from the rest of the world, never given a chance to take part in important matters of life. Lady Sandara, as always, replied in that usual reverent tone of hers. "It's because the world haven't realized that women are a force to be reckoned with. It's only a matter of time before they do so. For now, all we have to do is keep doing our best, to excel in our given roles and titles, and let success speak for itself."

Chaeyoung was sent to go back to their resting quarters, her attending maid, Lee Soohyun, accompanying her. Along the way, Soohyun giggled. "Lord Sungwoo is persistent, isn't he, Young Lady?"

"You're right," she replied, sighing.

"It's understandable though. You know... the rumors around the village say that with Lady Jisoo gone, you have become the most beautiful lady, the fairest of them all."

"Ah Soohyun, stop it..."

"It's true! The other maids are saying that we are expecting more guests to visit soon, just to see your beauty. But don't worry; it's up to Lady Sandara if they are given entry or not. Hearing how she treated Lord Sungwoo today, I think it's the last of them, at least for a while..."

"Were you eavesdropping?"

Her maid giggled again. "Just heard this and that..."

Chaeyoung shook her head. They were around the same age but Soohyun had more exuberance than the other. She thought it was because she could go out in the village whenever she wanted to, enabling her to have a carefree lifestyle. Going out was prohibited for the maids unless tasked to do so but Soohyun reminded her of herself when she was young. She would permit of the maid's sneaking. In return, Soohyun would tell her stories of the village life, something that Chaeyoung wished she could see for her own eyes too.

"Young Lady," Soohyun began again while sliding the door open to her quarters. Chaeyoung entered and settled herself on the cushion behind her desk. "I heard the princes visited the village last week. My friend had the chance to see them and did you know what she said? The princes have the perfect visuals! The Crown Prince looks a lot kinder, definitely gives off the royalty aura while the Grand Prince... my friend says he's no joke. He has the gaze that can melt anyone's heart. Ah... what I'd do in exchange to serve in the palace..."

Her master couldn't help but giggle at that. Soohyun, as always, was equipped with a lot of stories to tell. Still, it didn't mean that she disliked it one bit.

"Are you thinking of leaving my side?" she commented just to .

"Young Lady, of course not! But imagine... seeing those faces everyday... wouldn't it make your heart beat so much?"

"Hm... I think it's better if someone will look like a prince in my eyes. It will surely defeat the most handsome in the country. Don't you think so?"

The younger's features grew soft at her words. She looked at her not when a servant looks at her master but of a friend looking at a fellow friend. "I wish you can find your own prince, Young Lady..."

—🍂—

It was a day for raining.

Even though the spring day brought warm sunlight over the world, Chaeyoung wished it was raining instead. For her, the only reason why the spring warmth wasn't acceptable was that the sun didn't have the right to shine. The heavens should sympathize, but they didn't. An angel was gone from the world and they took her back too early.

Chaeyoung felt her tear ducts drying, her cheeks numb, from crying at the funeral too much. The woman who treated her as if she was her own daughter was gone. The remnant of a letter was in her hands, slightly crumpled at the edges, decorated with dried tears.

'... I missed your father these days. Please live a fruitful life with your brother. I love you.'

She buried her head between her knees, letting everything sink down for a bit because it still felt like a bad dream. The haze had clouded too much of her thoughts and somehow, she hoped that she really was dreaming, and she'd wake up tomorrow with the sun shining on her face with her mother beside her, her skin looking a lot alive than it was under the casket, mumbling, "You must've had a bad dream... Don't worry; I'm here..."

"Young Lady..." Soohyun muttered beside her. "We shouldn't be out at a time like this. Let's go back to the house, shall we?"

She shook her head. No, not yet. She felt suffocated there.

"Young Lady, it's dangerous outside. Not when people are missing now..."

Chaeyoung knew what she meant. Kim Seokjin and Kim Taehyung from the Andong Kim clan disappeared without a trace, no letter to leave their parents by. Because they came from the royal family, it drove everyone on edge.

"Young Lady—" Soohyun began again but was caught off by the sound of a grunt nearby. They were at the open area behind their house with the outlook of the waters of Nakdong River and the deep forest wasn't far off. Rumors were saying that wild beasts freely roam in it. Feeling unsafe all of a sudden, Chaeyoung neatly folded the letter and held on it tight. Maybe it was time to go home.

"Help..."

She stopped in her tracks. That sounded like someone was in pain.

Even though Chaeyoung knew she shouldn't, she went ahead to check it out.

"Young Lady, it's dangerous!" Soohyun warned, trying her best to keep up with her pace. But her warning just went through her ears.

Although scared, Chaeyoung did her best to conceal the fear in her voice. "H – Hello? Is someone there?"

A response came in the form of a groan. Whoever it was, he/she was seriously in pain. Panic arose in her body. Where was this person?

Grabbing her skirt, she proceeded to go near where the grasses grew tall. She saw a figure lying down, a young man around her age, wearing peasant's clothes. Chaeyoung couldn't help but gasp when she saw the bright color of red from the man's navel area. He was clutching tightly into it that his hand was stained with red too.

He was wounded, it was obvious even from afar.

Chaeyoung kneeled to his side, worry etched on her face. "Soohyun, get help!"

—🍂—

At the assistance of two of their servants, the young man was now resting at the men's quarters of their residence. Chaeyoung made sure that the man was taken to a room far away from her brother's. If it reached his ears that she housed a peasant, he would be furious for sure.

After Lady Sandara's passing, Donghyuk was becoming colder to her, even to the point that he was treating her like she was a ghost. As she grew up, she grew tired of understanding his heart. But it didn't mean that it didn't hurt.

The man's wounds were tended by the family physician. It probably came from an attack of a wild beast, the physician deduced. She made him promise that he wouldn't tell a thing to her brother. In exchange for his silence, she paid him a month's worth of stipend, in addition to the services he was rendering for the family.

Chaeyoung sat beside the man, waiting for him to wake up, and somehow, couldn't help but get curious where he came from. He looked out of place with his clothes, as if it were not a perfect fit for his body.

His features were unparalleled from the common man. His chiseled nose seemed to be carved by the gods, his lips plump like peaches, his jawline sharp seeming to be an envy of many. He had a youthful glow, as if the sun was afraid to dash his skin with imperfection. She wondered why he had such clear skin for a man like him. Based on his clothes, he would be someone who was exposed in the fields day and night. The most probable answer would be that it hurt the heavens to taint a man who had been bestowed with so much gifts.

The longer she stared the more he grew beautiful in her eyes. She clutched her chest, feeling the fast dugeun dugeun of her heart. Perhaps, was she growing attracted to this man? But no! She only met him today, and nonetheless, he was unconscious. It was impossible.

Her mind drifted off to the past, right when Lady Sandara would put her to sleep by telling stories about her father.

"When I first saw your father, I knew I was immediately in love with him. My mind told me it was still too early to fall in love, that I don't know him yet. But the heart always knows. He was my true love, my one and only. Even if I didn't know it then, my heart is in the right place the whole time."

Chaeyoung glanced at the man. Perhaps... was this what true love felt like?

She raised her arm, tempted to brush a strand of hair blocking the entirety of his beauty. Her soft but trembling fingers gingerly brushed his hair away. It was a gesture so little but it made the features of the man knot, disturbed in his sleep. She retracted her hand away, startled.

The man groaned as his eyes slowly opened. Chaeyoung, flustered, changed the cloth on his forehead with a warmer one, hoping that it would serve as an excuse if he asked why she was touchy with him all of a sudden.

Confusion clouded his eyes, his thick, unruly eyebrows meeting as he looked up at her. His eyes were a sight to see, she quickly realized, for it reminded her of the starry night; beautiful but enigmatic, and it was all for these reasons that she had to look away.

The man flinched when she placed the cloth over his forehead, almost nudging her hand away with his wrist, but it was his weak state that disabled him to do so.

The man attempted to sit up by himself in a struggling manner. After he did so, he tried to bow but pain shot up to his face, touching the bandage on his navel area. Chaeyoung assisted him to sit right up. "You don't have to do that."

"You... you were the one who helped me. Thank you... If it was not for you, I would have died."

Chaeyoung blinked. The words sounded like a song coming from his lips. His rich intonations were oozing with so much charisma she wanted to listen to him talk for hours. Coming to her senses, she replied, "I - It was nothing."

Their eyes met again, his gaze luring her in, as if inviting her to get lost into his hooded eyes forever. She never felt so strongly about a person before.

A little smirk appeared on the young man's lips, perfectly aware that she was checking him out. She looked away before she could cause herself more embarrassment.

"I have a question. You are a yangban, a nobility... why did you help a peasant like me?"

Chaeyoung was thankful that he didn't bring up the topic of her checking him out. Clearing , she answered, "Peasant or not, you needed help. I will not just sit around seeing someone bleed to death."

Her answer appeased him somehow, seeing that a faint smile was playing on his lips. It was a sight too infectious to see that she felt herself smiling as well.

"What is your name?"

"Park Chaeyoung," she replied and threw the question back at him.

There was silence from him for a while, as if he was hesitating. She assumed that he didn't want to tell her so she wanted to say that he didn't need to when he spoke again.

"Gu June."

—🍂—

Chaeyoung immediately rushed to June's side when she saw him helping the servants draw water from the well. She went to visit his quarters earlier but he wasn't there. It was Soohyun that informed her that he was outside, laboring with the others. No one told him to do so and if by some coincidence her brother found out, June would've been kicked out already.

"What are you doing? Your wound is still healing!"

June bowed with the rest of their servants behind him and sent her a little smile. "Good morning, Young Lady."

"Return to your quarters. You can have a fever at this rate!"

"I just thought that it would be right to help around the house in return of your generosity."

"You don't need to do that. For now, all you have to do is rest well. Do you understand?"

June chuckled. "I understand."

"What seems to be the matter?" she asked, quite miffed that he found this funny.

He shook his head in return, a grin produced from his lovely lips once again. "I didn't know someone can look so pretty while angry."

The servants, along with Soohyun beside her, looked away, trying to prevent themselves from smiling. Chaeyoung felt her cheeks heat with the young man's remark.

"L – Let's just return to your quarters. Physician Kim will arrive shortly to change your bandages."

She turned around before the young man could see the effect he had on her. Soohyun gave her a little nudge along with a meaningful look. Frowning and at the same time blushing harder, she paced herself faster than usual.

Chaeyoung didn't know Gu June was such a charmer.

—🍂—

Chaeyoung slid the door open, just in time to see Physician Kim Jinhwan already packing up.

"His wound is healing at a fast rate. If this keeps up, he will be okay after a week. Just don't strain him too much. I saw his bandages damp with blood when I changed it earlier," Physician Kim informed.

She sent June a look which he returned with a sheepish smile. 'Hear that?'

"Thank you for your services, Physician Kim."

Physician Kim bowed while she did too, then went on his way. After a while, Soohyun arrived, holding a tray of food guaranteed to heal the sick. She laid the tray down beside June who sat properly, waiting out of the room after.

"Eat a lot to regain your strength," Chaeyoung said with a smile. "I especially made them cook my mother's favorite samgyetang..."

She didn't mean to mention her mother but it naturally came out of her lips. She knew it was natural for the reason that whether her mother was living or not, she would always be with her, in her mind, in her thoughts, in her heart where she rightfully resided. But remembering also brought forth the grief she tried to hide on the tears on her pillow every night.

"I see sadness in your eyes," he began, staring at her thoughtfully. "You were also wearing white garments when you saw me by the river. Something happened... right?"

"Yes. My mother..." Already mentioning about her beloved was enough to stop her sentence short. To make it worse, the words composed to come out of her lips decided that showing was better than telling.

Chaeyoung tried to compose herself. It wasn't supposed to be like this.

Suddenly, there was warmth in her hand. Looking up, she was met with an earnest gaze from June, a gaze full of understanding, a gaze full of a million words only a look could surmise.

Chaeyoung didn't have anyone to lean on to but herself. Her brother should be the perfect candidate for this because he understood her the most, but it seemed that his grieving was done best when alone, and that taking care of her feelings wasn't anywhere near his agenda.

Composed of I'm sure she loved you so much, she's in a happy place right now, or, things will get better, comforting words could only be empty words, unless someone also went through the notion and knew how much it hurt, so much in ways when it felt so similar to physical pain.

Now, someone was acknowledging her feelings without saying anything. And somehow, she felt breathing a little easier.

"Is Chaeyoung inside?"

"Y- Young Master!"

That was Donghyuk asking. The aforementioned turned her attention at the door, seeing the two silhouettes behind, of the obvious shape of Soohyun's hanbok, to the tall figure of Donghyuk seemingly in his court robes.

Chaeyoung felt her heart shaking. Imagine Donghyuk's anger if he found out she wasn't in the inner quarters but here, accompanying a peasant. She took her hand back from June's and gestured for him to stand up, all the while keeping quiet.

June, confused but still obedient, followed what she wanted him to do. She quickly folded the mattress and stored it in the topmost cabinet, then she sat the tray of food on the bottom.

"I'm asking you. Is Chaeyoung inside?"

Adrenaline shooting in her veins, she grabbed June's arm and dragged him to hide behind the folding screen with her. They sat together, trying to fit at the cramped space.

"She's not there, Young Master."

"Aren't you supposed to be with her?

"I was wandering off, that's all... U – Uh there's really no one inside—" There was the sound of the door sliding open. "Huh? There's really no one..."

The sound of the door sliding close echoed in the room. Outside, the two continued talking but their voices slowly faded in the distance. Chaeyoung sighed in relief.

"That's my brother. I'm sorry we had to hide like this. He can kill both of us when he sees you..." She turned to the young man beside her, curious as to why he wasn't saying anything, until she saw him, gazing at her with those deep pools of his. Growing conscious of her hand on his arm and the close distance they have to each other, she scooted away, but he laced an arm around her waist to keep her in place.

"June?"

June couldn't keep his eyes away from her. She felt her mind spinning. Whatever spell he was using, Chaeyoung was enchanted. He leaned in closer, and closer, until she could feel his hot breath against her skin.

"J – June..."

This was wrong yet, it felt so right. She couldn't move away for an unknown reason. It was as if the sight of him alone was telling her to surrender because maybe, this was a battle she was not prepared to win. She believed that herself too because the moment she closed her eyes, she knew that she was a goner.

And suddenly, there was laughter.

Opening her eyes, she realized that June already moved back, laughter going up in high-pitched octaves that made his eyes disappear. "Pfft... I'm sorry but you were so serious that I – Hahaha!"

Her blood threatened to rise. Seriously!

Chaeyoung couldn't bring herself to speak. She never felt so humiliated in her life. For him to lead her on... She buried her head on her lap.

"Are you crying?"

She rose her head, just in time for a big, fat tear to roll from her eye. Biting her lower lip, she prevented a grin from breaking out. It would destroy the act. June's face softened nevertheless. He raised his hand, looking as if hesitating to do something, until he went through with it. He flicked her tears away using his thumb, his hand anchored to her face by leaning on her cheek.

"I'm sorry..."

For a peasant, his fingers felt soft, like he didn't labor before. Chaeyoung stopped her fake crying. There it goes her rebellious heart again, beating against her chest so much that she felt like she was going to burst. She didn't expect a reaction from this. She only wanted to mess with him back.

Composing herself, she remembered what she was doing in the first place. Fooling June, right... Chaeyoung grinned. "Gotcha!"

He looked dumbfounded. "H – Huh?"

Feeling content with that, she stood up and brushed her skirt from invisible lint. "You fooled me so I fooled you back. I bet you didn't see that coming, did you?"

"Park Chaeyoung..."

She laughed, content that she was the one laughing this time. But inside, she felt like bursting into pieces.

—🍂— 

Chaeyoung couldn't sleep that night. A certain man kept bothering her. She turned at the other side, hoping that a different position would help, but it didn't. Every time she'd close her eyes, June's leaning face would appear, relieving all of the feelings she felt right when he did it earlier. His long lashes that fluttered against her cheeks, his warm breath that sent her skin with goosebumps, his seemingly soft and plump lips...

She wanted to beat herself up. She shouldn't think of him that way!

Sleep, Chaeyoung, sleep! But the night had other plans and before she knew it, the night already turned to day.

When morning hit their residence, she wanted to cry. The reflection in the mirror showed Chaeyoung with dark bags under her eyes. How could she meet June at a state like this?

In her anxiousness, she went to find Soohyun, hoping that the younger one had a solution for this, when she met her, on the way to her quarters.

"Young Lady, you need to see this."

—🍂—

Chaeyoung felt her legs weakening. "W – Why did he leave without saying goodbye?"

The quarters June temporarily resided in was clean, no remnants that it was inhabited at all. The mattress was probably stored inside the cabinet now.

"Young Lady..."

"I don't get it. He's still unwell. Why did he... why did he leave so suddenly?" She faced Soohyun with sadness in her eyes. "Did I not treat him like a welcomed guest?"

"It's not that. Maybe he needs to go home soon. He must have a family, after all."

Family... Chaeyoung smiled bitterly. Of course, he had a life before them too.

A few days after, there was no news regarding June. She feared that her brother discovered but if he did, then he would have punished Chaeyoung about it.

She tried to take her mind off of June. However, with every passing day, she realized that all efforts went futile. He went and passed like a hurricane. Like a lingering memory, like a stain she couldn't get out of her dress, he was stuck on her.

He made her sad days colorful with his quirks. He made her forget the grief of losing a loved one, even for just a little while. And as much as it was hard to admit, he made her happy. All of these things she wouldn't realize, if June hadn't left.

The door of her room slid open, revealing her attending maid. It took her off her thoughts for a while. "Young Master Donghyuk is summoning you to his study."

There was concern in her face. Chaeyoung was too afraid to ask why. Together with her maid, she went to the study quarters of her brother. She went in after being introduced, nervousness creeping in her heart. Chaeyoung could only count at one hand the times Donghyuk summoned her in his study, including the times when they were just children. Something must have happened.

"Orabeoni... what is it that you want from me?" she asked after situating herself properly in front of Donghyuk's table.

Donghyuk didn't even spare her a glance. He still had his eyes set upon a scroll, among many scattered on his desk. "Prepare to leave for the palace tomorrow. The palace has set out a royal edict for the selection of the Crown Prince's spouse. I already sent your name."

The news startled her. He had been passive regarding her affairs of marriage but suddenly he was doing this. "W – What? Orabeoni... Why?"

He finally held down the scroll he was reading. "I want you to leave as soon as possible. Your presence is of no value to this house."

His cold words sprang weakness in her whole body. "Orabeoni... you can't do this to me."

Donghyuk held a sly smile, one that sent shivers through her spine. "What makes you think I can't?"

"You are not bothered about my delay of marriage before. Please think about this thoroughly. I don't want this. I don't want to be betrothed to someone else."

He scoffed. "Do you still believe the things our mother said? Chaeyoung, fairytales don't happen in real life. This is your reality. You don't have a choice."

She wanted to cry. Even though women like her had things picked out for them, their household was a different scene. Lady Sandara had an unconventional mind and it was in her teachings that it proved to be so. Chaeyoung had been a faithful disciple of her teachings. She believed marriage was a choice where a lot had to be at stake, not because of upgrading rank and continuing the family bloodline. No, it had to be filled with love too.

"Why are you doing this?" Chaeyoung asked in a soft voice, her heart breaking at the realization of her brother's cruelty.

"You are a pest in my eyes."

"But brother—"

Donghyuk glared at her with every hatred in his body and it was too much that Chaeyoung moved back. "Be a good girl and get out of my sight."

—🍂—

Chaeyoung was crying all night. It wasn't because of the fact that she was sent in the palace out of her own will. It was because of her brother.

She saw the amount of loathing deep within his eyes, so much that she felt herself shake at the atrocity of it. All these time she still couldn't understand what was it that made him hate her so much. His spiteful words only made the scar in her heart bigger. No matter what anyone said, Donghyuk was still his twin. Yet why didn't it feel like so?

The palanquin stopped moving, the servants putting it down, signaling their arrival at the destination. Soohyun waited for her to get out and when she did, Chaeyoung couldn't believe what she saw. The palace definitely looked more marvelous in person than it being described in hearsay. Her awe was short-lived, however, as she realized why she was here in the first place.

'This is it. My destiny.'

A court lady escorted her on the way. She was led to a pavilion where she could see three people wearing royal robes sitting on thrones. It was the famed Queen, along with the Crown Prince and Grand Prince.

She bowed deeply in respect, momentarily stunned that she was in one place with the rulers of the country. This was such an honor and she felt her affinity with the country grow deeper. However, when she raised her head, her sight immediately going towards the man wearing purple robes, she couldn't prevent her eyes from widening in surprise. It was the same for the man too. Those captivating eyes, the seemingly carved nose of the gods, the plump lips, and sharp jawline... it was Gu June.

Even when the other ladies entered the pavilion, he only had his eyes set on her. It felt like time stopped for a moment.

Chaeyoung felt like a fool. She wasn't even aware of the royal family ruling over them. She should've been aware, right when the young man told his name, that he was the Grand Prince, Yi Junhwe. The Royal Queen belonged to the Gu Andong Kim clan and she guessed, he didn't want to reveal his identity after finding out that she was completely clueless.

So this was the reason why he disappeared all of a sudden. He had a duty with the country, one that was more important than saying goodbye to her.

The selection process started and Chaeyoung couldn't think straight. A certain man that only invaded her thoughts was here in the flesh. And she knew that the Grand Prince was only looking at her the whole time, sadness written in his eyes.

—🍂—

The palace was breathtakingly beautiful on its own. Spring brought a rain of peach blossom leaves and it was such a sight to see that Chaeyoung ceased walking. Soohyun who was with her, followed her footsteps.

She didn't know how to react to the discovery that the man she couldn't get out of her head was the Grand Prince of the country. And meeting him at his brother's spouse selection... If by any chance, the Crown Prince picked her, she had to forget the memories concerning the Grand Prince for it was the only right thing.

The man surrounding her thoughts came to her in person, accompanied with his eunuch behind him. Chaeyoung and Soohyun bowed in respect of the Grand Prince. She didn't miss the startled look Soohyun gave her. She just discovered the peasant June was the Grand Prince after all.

"May I take this walk with you?" Grand Prince Junhwe asked with a smile and even then, she felt it didn't reach his eyes.

"It would be an honor, Your Majesty."

A notable change of expression on the Grand Prince's face was seen as soon as she addressed him politely. But it quickly disappeared. The two started walking side by side, drowning in each other's presence after being apart for so long.

"So... You're the Grand Prince, huh?"

"And you've been sent here to be my brother's wife."

"Nothing's final yet but I'm hoping for the best."

She bit her lips when she realized what she said at the but part. No, she was not hoping for the best. No, this was not her liking at all. She never wanted to be a part of something she wasn't sure of. But Donghyuk's words rang bitterly in her mind. 'Don't come home if you've never been selected. You are a disgrace.'

Her words must've caused Junhwe sorrow since he lowered his eyes. "My brother... the Crown Prince... he has finally chosen. And he chose you."

"Really?" she probed, never finding the perfect response to say out loud when it brought forth emotions she shouldn't feel. "That's great news... I guess."

Chaeyoung knew she should be happy about the news, yet why did her heart feel so heavy?

"Why do you feel unhappy about it?"

She sent him a furtive glance. Seeing the once-clothed peasant wearing purple robes was a sight she was still not used to, so she looked down, observing how her silk dress would elegantly grace the cobblestone path.

"I..." She hesitated answering him. With his presence, she felt comfortable saying everything she wanted to say at once, but the situation was a lot different now. No matter how comfortable she felt with him, he was still the Crown Prince's brother.

"If it was me you were married to, would you be happy?"

That made her stop short, surprised at the question. He didn't seem bothered by it and expectantly waited for an answer.

If it was up to Chaeyoung, of course she would be happy. As much as she tried to deny it, she was falling for him every single day, ever since he left, left to linger with the short memories he left her behind. But she never found the importance for such question to be answered. What would the truth change now?

Before she could tell him a decent answer, Junhwe shook his head. "You know what, disregard such stupid question. It doesn't matter anymore anyway..."

Chaeyoung couldn't do anything as he left her side, his robes swishing after his strides and it pinched her chest a little as she saw his rigid posture, trying to look strong, but she knew. It was hurting him as much as it was hurting her.

—🍂—

What Junhwe said was true. Chaeyoung was picked by the Crown Prince to be his wife. When the information reached her ears, her heart sank lower, enforcing the fact that indeed, this was her reality.

She was set to reside to the East Palace for a while for her to get used to the palace life. On her first night, someone was softly knocking on her quarters' doors. It was deep in the night, yet she couldn't find a reason to sleep. If she did, she wouldn't hear the knocking at all.

"Who's there?"

If it was any other official of the palace, they would've answered immediately. Even Soohyun would. But there was no answer from the other side.

Chaeyoung debated whether to answer the door or not. She thought it wouldn't be at all dangerous since this was the palace and usually, the palace had enough security to keep weird men from entering, right?

Making up her mind, she rose from the mattress and opened the doors. No one prepared her to see who caused the knocking, looking like it was taking all his willpower to stand up straight. She noticed that he wasn't with his eunuch, or any of his servants for that matter.

"Y – Your Majesty!" she harshly whispered. "What are you doing here? Someone could see you!"

Junhwe laughed in a high-pitched tone, somewhat in a drunk state. "I chased Eunuch Jang away just to see you~"

He faltered in his steps a bit and Chaeyoung instinctively held out her arms to hold his waist. But he regained balance in an act to keep himself look normal. Nervous that someone would see them like this, she dragged him inside her room and closed the door.

"Your Majesty, what are you doing here?"

"I – I—" Junhwe hiccupped. "I seemed to be lost on my way... Is this my quarters?" He looked behind her shoulder. "Is that... is that a bed?" Before she could make sense of what was happening, he rushed behind her, almost colliding against her out of the way, and sighed, "Beeeeeed~"

This was blasphemy in itself. She never knew her first night would go like this. The more she stayed, the more she realized that the Grand Prince was too much to handle. She could smell soju from his clothes alone. Fearing that Junhwe would cause more trouble than what he was already doing, Chaeyoung followed after him.

"You shouldn't be here, Grand Prince. This is – This is so wrong! This is my room, a woman's room."

He settled himself comfortably on the mattress as if it was his own. Leaning a propped hand to the side of his head, he looked at her with a teasing smirk. "If it is, why did you let me inside then?"

"Because someone can see you," she reasoned out, every word slowly uttered for it to get in his drunken head.

"I will get out. Just as long... as long as you answer me."

All of a sudden, she felt her nerves in a disarray. She heard stories regarding drunken people and the common denominator was that they tend to show their honest, unrestrained selves. Tonight, she would get to witness just that.

Chaeyoung obediently sat beside the bed, like she always did when she waited for him to wake up back then. The Grand Prince took it as a cue to continue.

"Will you forget about me after you become my sister-in-law?"

A dreamy-like gaze was found in his eyes, his features illuminated by the moonlight beautifully as if it was agreeing that it was something worth shining light. Her heart broke. Somewhere in that beauty, she saw the makings of a broken man.

"Your Majesty..." she trailed off, unable to find the answer to his question.

"Stop addressing me 'Your Majesty' and call me by my name."

Chaeyoung knew that he was in his drunk state but what he was asking was too much.

"If you do... hm... I'll kiss you." He nodded, as if the preposition pleased himself. "That seems about right..."

"You can't do that."

He smirked once more and Chaeyoung couldn't help but find it irresistible. "See me try."

Junhwe's eyes were twinkling and she knew, if the alcohol confidence wasn't enough evidence, he wanted her to dare him. And maybe because it was the dead of the night, maybe it was for the reason that she was tired, maybe even blaming it on the dumb reason that his intoxication was infectious that she found herself daring him by uttering, "Your Majesty."

And she knew by then, that challenging a drunk man was far too dangerous itself, when Junhwe leaned in and caught her lips with his soft ones. His long lashes that fluttered in her cheek, his pointed noise nudging her skin, his intoxicated scent, all of these were felt in an intensity at the feeling of his lips. It was something she had never dreamt of, never imagined to even happen.

But the kiss also brought forth something bitter. Chaeyoung could feel it reeling at the back of . With the way he was kissing her, it told her the things he couldn't put into words. She understood his heart. So much that she found a tear rolling out of her cheek, sliding between their lips. It was just a kiss yet why did it feel like goodbye?

The Grand Prince stepped back, the haze in his eyes clearing with rationality. A beat passed them by, both comprehending the situation.

"I – I have to go," he said, half-successful in standing up by himself since he faltered the first time, and went out of her quarters.

Chaeyoung felt her own heart racing, her mind completely wiped out of any thoughts, as she felt the tingling sensation of the warmth of his lips when it touched hers. 'He... He kissed me...'

—🍂—

Chaeyoung woke up the next day feeling a lot like regret. She knew it was so wrong in so many levels but she found herself falling deeper to a man she shouldn't have. She felt like betraying her affinity with the royal family but what to do? Junhwe was at it again, doing what he was best at, and it was leaving Chaeyoung confused and wondering why it wasn't him.

She was summoned in one of the halls to begin her lessons, her steps spiritless, and her gaze faraway.

"What is the matter, Young Lady?" Soohyun asked beside her. "Perhaps, are you feeling sick?"

"No... I'm fine. Really, I'm okay."

Chaeyoung could see it in her eyes that she wanted her to rest. Before Soohyun could insist though, they heard shuffles of feet behind them.

"Young Lady Chaeyoung," a deep voice called. When the two turned around, they saw the Crown Prince with his eunuch. They immediately bowed.

"Your Majesty."

Crown Prince Yi Yunhyeong was dressed in his training robes, holding a crossbow with one hand. His dominant figure commanded attention. He was of average height when it came to the normal height of men yet with his stance, tall and proud, it felt like he was one of the bigger ones. Unlike his brother, his tanned skin was obvious to the markings of a man who always went out. His large hands seemed to be calloused even if seen from afar, probably from honing his skills in archery.

What struck Chaeyoung the most was the finger-length gash on his cheek, the only thing imperfect at the handsome features of the royalty. The wound looked like two to three weeks in, seeing that it was on its healing state. For a moment, she was curious where he got it from.

Yunhyeong's brows met in trepidation, his eyes scrunched as if something was bothering him. Without a word, he went close to her, and when he did, he held her arm tightly, so much that it was starting to hurt. Chaeyoung whimpered and tried to avert her gaze from the way he was scrutinizing her face up close. Perhaps, have it reached his ears of what happened last night in her quarters with Junhwe?

"What are you doing?" another voice boomed behind them.

"Your Majesty..."

It was the Grand Prince, an unreadable expression on his face. His sight flew to the hand around Chaeyoung's arm and if only, his expression darkened.

Yunhyeong removed his grip away from her, seeing that his attention was caught by the Grand Prince walking up to them. Even though Chaeyoung didn't have time to understand their dynamics, she felt an ongoing tension between them.

"Stay away from her. She will be my wife." Yunhyeong's voice distinctively lowered.

"Wife?" Junhwe scoffed, one brow coming up in derisiveness. "The only reason you picked her is to provoke me. How are you going to rule the country of Joseon if you respond to things hastily with revenge in your mind?"

Of all the things the Crown Prince was saying, Yunhyeong seemed unfazed by it. "You and I both know the reason why. Stay away from her."

Junhwe's gaze hardened. He pursed his lips, seemingly wanting to say something but prevented himself.

"Promise me you will treat her right."

Junhwe's words were uttered in gentleness, full of love and concern for the woman behind his older brother. Chaeyoung gripped her skirt tightly. Nowadays, she felt an unexplainable ache in her heart and no, it wasn't because of her mother whose soil beneath her casket was still fresh, nor his brother who sent her away in anger. Seeing the Grand Prince trying to look strong for everybody, she finally understood why. Her heart ached for him.

"I will, if you aren't intent on taking her away in the first place." The Crown Prince walked closer to his brother. "We both know you'll do everything to get someone like her, just like you always do."

"Well, that is some accusation, isn't it, brother?" A sardonic smile adorned Junhwe's lips. "But who knows, maybe there's a turn of fate tomorrow?"

—🍂—

It was a time to rest, yet Chaeyoung found herself unable to do so.

Thinking of the confrontation between the princes was taking up too much of her mind. She wondered why the siblings' relationship was strained, then remembered that she was experiencing the same thing too.

Orabeoni... I bet he was happy knowing I was finally out of his sight...

Her thoughts were turned away with the sound of soft knocking. Raising from the sheets, she asked, "Who's there?"

No answer. There was only one person who doesn't answer when prompted to.

With wary steps, she approached the door. She raised her hand to open it but retracted it at the last second. No... this was wrong.

"Grand Prince?"

"Please open the door," Junhwe's distinct voice was heard at the other side.

"I can't. Please leave, Grand Prince."

"Chaeyoung..."

"I'll soon be your sister-in-law and for you to come at a time like this..."

She saw his shadow, leaning his head against the door. "I'm sorry. I want to see you. Just for one last time."

A part of Chaeyoung told her not to open the door, even if it was the Grand Prince himself, because it was the right thing to do. But another part of her wished to see him too because of all the numerous things that went wrong with her life, he was the only thing that felt right.

She knew the rational Chaeyoung was disappointed with her a lot of times but this day, rational Chaeyoung had to it up because tonight was just going to be one of those times.

With trembling fingers, she opened the doors, seeing the Grand Prince in all his glory, looking every bit breathtaking just as she thought the first time she saw him. Relieved, Junhwe stretched out his hand but as if an unspoken force was telling him otherwise, he settled it back to his side, turning into a fist.

"Chaeyoung, I need to tell you something about my brother."

Worry went deep in his face. "Before the selection process of his future wife, he... he went a little crazy, demanded that he was brought all kinds of mirrors. He developed some kind of obsession with all things that showed his reflection. Then when he got reprimanded over it, he got rid of all mirrors at once. I'm just afraid that if you become his wife, you would get hurt and—"

"Junhwe," she said his real name for the first time and it must've surprised him since he stopped in his ramblings. "You don't have to worry about me. I'll be okay. I know I'll be okay."

"You don't understand. My brother... ever since we were young, he has always been like this. With how he treated you today... Chaeyoung, how can I not be worried with that?"

In her own flash of frustration, she responded, "What do you want me to do? Disrespect your brother's decision? This isn't some kind of deal where I can just back out easily."

"No..." He deeply sighed and closed his eyes, as if mentally preparing himself for what he was about to say. "I've thought about this long and hard. And I know I will place you in a difficult position but..." Junhwe pursed his lips. "Stay with me. Don't accept my brother's proposal. Stay with me forever and be my wife."

Stay with me. The idea was enticing but...

"I – It's not right. Grand Prince, this is so wrong. The royal family – your own family – you're opposing them."

"I know. But I've made my decision. Run away with me."

It was so preposterous that Chaeyoung wanted to laugh. All her life, she was taught that running away wasn't an option. She was always taught to face things head on, even if it was an obstacle too hard to face. It was the right thing to do.

Lowering her gaze, she replied, "No... I can't ask you to turn your back on your family, your responsibilities even. You are still the precious Grand Prince of Joseon. What might the others think of us if we run away?"

His eyes shined with determination. "Stop thinking about the others and think for yourself at once."

"Junhwe..."

He was already leaving before she could argue further. "I'll wait for your answer tomorrow."

There he goes again, leaving at a high note. As Chaeyoung watched his figure disappear farther, she wondered the reason why Junhwe was such an enigmatic force, looking a lot like the men she was told to stay away from. And somehow, she thought it was charming to begin with.

  —🍂—

Ever since Chaeyoung arrived at the palace, nights turned into a time where thoughts reigned freely in her head. The appearance of a certain Grand Prince in her life kept everything in a disarray, so much that she didn't know the meaning of everything anymore. He was imploring dangerous ideas with her and maybe, a little bit of her was tempted to try.

But no! The rational side of her screamed. She wasn't raised right by Lady Sandara to be acting like this. But at the same time...

It was tiring. The tug-of-war in her mind was tiring that she didn't how she slept through the night.

The next morning, Chaeyoung felt dissatisfied. It was like there was no strength left in her body to get out of bed. But she persisted. Today was an important day. Donghyuk, for the first time, was coming to visit her. She thought he wouldn't, given their last parting words, but she guessed something made him come down from his throne of pride.

"Orabeoni," Chaeyoung greeted the moment she saw the figure of her brother.

"Chaeyoung..." She didn't know why, but there was pain in his voice. Donghyuk did a deep bow in front of her, much to her surprise. "Forgive your brother for he has sinned against you..." He continued muttering what must have been a million sorry's under his breath that she took it to herself to make him sit properly.

"You don't have to do that..."

"Chaeyoung," Donghyuk began, pain tearing at his voice. He held onto her hand firmly. "Please come back home. I beg of you. I'm deeply worried for your safety."

She looked at him like he had gone crazy. "Why would I do something like that?"

He sighed and gently removed his grip on her hand. "There's something that I must tell you."

Her nerves grew uneasily at his words. They were of the same age but Donghyuk looked older than he should be. Dark bags weighed heavily under his eyes and there were already stress lines appearing on his forehead. She believed Donghyuk possessed the glow of a fine and young bachelor yet his distress was ruining him so much. What caused him to be like this?

"I pushed you away not because I hated you but because I had to. When we were young, I would always have nightmares, disturbing nightmares regarding your fate. I would dream of you dying in my arms with blood on my hands. I would wake up disturbed and sweaty and angry at myself, for dreaming these kind of things. I wish for everything but you dying."

"—I distanced myself from you. It was the only way to stop the nightmares. Forgive your brother, for acting so cold all this time. After our mother's passing, the nightmares visited me again, whether you are away from me or not. So I figured the only way for me to stop these things is to send you off. I didn't know it will only make it worse. Night by night, the horror of you dying would replay like a broken cacophony in my dreams. The scent of death grew stronger when you left. Please... please come back home."

Chaeyoung was silent after he finished, half-speechless and half-astonished. It sounded like it came off a fictional story yet she also knew, deep in her heart, she believed what her twin brother was talking about. Still...

"You were the one who put me into this mess."

Regret filled his eyes, something that was so foreign to her since it always looked nonchalant. "That's why I'm here to fix everything."

"Brother, there is no turning back from this. You know the rigid hand of the law will come upon us."

"I'm ready to take responsibility, even if it means putting my life on the line."

Hearing these kind of words from her brother made her feel warm inside. It was the first time that Donghyuk made her feel that she was someone important to his life, not just like a ghost he would just pass by. But it was too late.

"I'm afraid I'm going to refuse your proposal." Chaeyoung turned away from him. "Please leave."

"Chaeyoung, no... I—"

"I'm going to stay here and take responsibility for what you did to me," she said, her gaze resolute.

Donghyuk was at a loss for words, almost looking helpless. It would be viewed as an act of rebellion but she thought what she was doing was right. It was the best possible course of action for everybody. She understood his worries but the damage had been done.

It was the resolve displayed in her eyes that Donghyuk finally coped with the fact that her decision wasn't something irreversible. He stood up and with a somber tone in his voice, "Take care of yourself well. It is with a sincere heart of a brother to you."

—🍂—

"Your Majesty summons your presence," Eunuch Kim serving under the Crown Prince announced. Chaeyoung was in the study hall when he arrived, silently doing the readings assigned to her. She felt it was the only escape she could have after the emotional turmoil she had been experiencing the past days.

Chaeyoung stood up, Soohyun trailing behind, when Eunuch Kim stepped in front of Soohyun. "Alone, if you may."

Chaeyoung and Soohyun exchanged glances. There was something off about this whole ordeal but Chaeyoung was too afraid to voice it out. Soohyun probably sensed it too because when Chaeyoung started following after Eunuch Kim, she called her attention, her features unrelaxed with apprehension.

"Young Lady, be careful on your way out."

—🍂—

"Eunuch Kim," Chaeyoung began the moment they entered a room which looked like a storage of sorts. There were scrolls covered by dust, some gathering cobwebs, some probably even older than her. The place was making her uncomfortable for an unknown reason. "Can we ask the Crown Prince to settle this matter somewhere else...?"

Turning around, she realized that Eunuch Kim wasn't behind her anymore and that the Crown Prince himself finally appeared. The fear that was growing at the back of her mind increased when she saw Yunhyeong hanging a barren of oak in front of the door.

"Y – Your Majesty, what are you doing?"

Yunhyeong turned around with a dagger clutched tightly in his right hand. "What I should've done the first time I met you."

His aura was screaming danger, his short but careful strides overpowering her to take steps back.

"Please don't do this..."

But Yunhyeong seemed deaf to her pleads. "You weren't supposed to be here in the first place."

She took a step back, and another, until she felt her back hitting the wall. Feeling helpless, thoughts of a way out raced noisily in her head. She looked around for something to defend herself but quickly realized that there was nothing else other than the old scrolls laying around.

"Please s - stop it. You're scaring me..."

If she knew that this was going to be her fate, she regretted not accepting Junhwe and Donghyuk to run away. Her eyes widened in realization. They were warning her all this time yet she didn't pay heed to it.

Yunhyeong caught up to her before she could run away. There was not enough space to move around either. He laid his free hand on her abdomen to keep her in place but Chaeyoung used both of her arms to push him away. Exasperation was displayed on his features as she kept on struggling so he used his strength to hold both of her wrist with just one hand. Chaeyoung was powerless. She couldn't ever match up the strength of this man.

The struggle depleted her energy quick. Trying to keep her breathing steady, she whispered, "Why are you doing this?"

"If I explain, will you believe me? No, he has you already wrapped around his fingers. Anything that comes out of my mouth will only sound crazy but you... you will thank me later."

The dagger was pointed to her cheek now and she couldn't do anything but close her eyes, whimpering and at the same time begging for her life to be spared, when suddenly, a loud boom echoed at the room. The light spilled in from the outside, flashing the dingy room with sunshine.

"Chaeyoung!"

That voice... that voice only belonged to Junhwe.

Yunhyeong was momentarily stunned. Chaeyoung, seeing this, used this moment of weakness to push him away and run towards the man riding on a horse. Junhwe held out a hand to her which she gladly took. It had been a struggle to hoist herself up, even if she tried to step on the stirrup, because of the thick layers of her hanbok.

"Chaeyoung, don't!" Yunhyeong shouted.

Hurried footsteps pitter-pattered against the stone path and she made the mistake of turning around when she saw the Crown Prince, running towards them. Her heart felt like jumping out of . Before she could again attempt to mount the horse, a hand flew out to grab a part of her skirt, keeping her immobile. It was Yunhyeong.

Junhwe let her hand go, setting any help aside for her to mount. With a hand free, the Grand Prince drew out a sword from his scabbard and pointed it at the neck of his older brother. "Let her go."

The Crown Prince set his murderous glare on Junhwe. Deciding that it was not worth the fight, he raised his arms up and slowly backed away. As Junhwe continued pointing the sword at his brother's direction, Chaeyoung tried lifting herself up again and when she did, she almost slipped because she was shaking so much. As if acting on instinct, the two guys held out a hand to stop her fall. Junhwe, noticing his brother reacted the same way, waved the sword a little as an act of warning.

Breathing deeply to calm her nerves, she tried again, this time making sure that she did everything right. One foot on the stirrup, one hand on the pommel, and she swung a leg over the horse, situating herself to sit properly on the saddle. Junhwe shouted a command to make the horse start galloping. In an effort to keep her balance, she held on Junhwe's waist tight. She looked over her shoulder to keep an eye on Yunhyeong and even if his figure grew smaller as the horse strode away, he was still not giving up as he called the attention of some palace guards, pointing at them in haste.

The surroundings quickly became a blur as the horse galloped faster. Chaeyoung recognized the main gate with two guards on both sides. Without stopping the horse, Junhwe shouted at them to open the gates, which the two did, recognizing his robes. They were introduced to the outside world of the palace. Commoners littered around the vicinity of the palace grounds. When they saw the fast approaching horse, they quickly moved away out of its path.

Soon after, numerous trotting were heard behind them. Checking over her shoulder, she saw armed men riding on horses too, hot on their trails. A black stallion emerged from behind the men, the one controlling it the Crown Prince himself.

How did he come here so fast?

"Junhwe..." Her grip around his waist tightened. "The Crown Prince is chasing after us!"

In her peripheral, she saw Junhwe gritting his teeth, his grip on the reins tightening. He led the horse away from the village, down to the path of the deep forest where tall, century-old, menacing trees reside. The damp earthly smell hit her nostrils, the hooting of owls echoing in the far distance, and Chaeyoung hoped that the man she was with knew where they would be going. The horse's pace was unrelenting in its speed and if only, went faster. The problem was, the horses behind them were fast too.

A palace guard gained momentum. In no time, his horse was running side by side with the Grand Prince's.

"Your Majesty, stop!" the palace guard barked out.

"Chaeyoung!" Junhwe shouted against the rush of wind hitting their faces. "Remove my headgear and throw it at the ground!"

Chaeyoung, understanding what he wanted her to do, raised a hand while keeping the other in his waist, to remove his headgear. Obediently following after him, she threw it at the ground, right at the hooves of the guard's horse nearest to them. His horse faltered in return, successfully eliminating one chasing after them. It caused another palace guard following behind it to trip over the fallen horse on the ground. She felt relief course through her veins. At least that was one less problem.

The sound of hooves tottering behind them faded in the distance, seemingly giving up the chase.

"Junhwe, they seemed to have stopped..."

He looked around the deep forest and as if realizing something, held on the reins tighter so that the horse slowed down.

"What's wrong?"

The horse had already stopped. Her question was left hanging in the air, never given an answer as Junhwe dismounted the horse. Wordlessly, he placed his index finger on his lips, telling her to keep silent, and held out a hand to help her dismount. She did, albeit unlike Junhwe's, ungracefully since it was a first.

Looking around, the trees grew taller, casting ominous shadows in their surroundings. Branches looked like sharp knives protruding at the trunks. Sunset glow pierced through the little spaces the leaves could allow. There was nothing but rows of trees and the menacing echoes of the creatures residing in the forest.

Trying to calm her restless heart, she noticed that Junhwe kept holding her hand, led the way, the twigs underneath their shoes snapping as they did so. Chaeyoung wanted to ask where they were going but it died down in as he crouched in front of a trench. With his free hand, he removed piles of leaves with its branches still attached to it, revealing a stone staircase leading down to darkness. With his lead, he dragged her inside. She didn't know why, but she felt scared all of a sudden. Nevertheless, she followed after him.

It was getting harder for Chaeyoung to walk down the steps since the natural light outside became farther and farther away. Thankfully, a ball of light appeared in the stream of darkness and she realized that she was only three steps farther before hitting the ground. When she looked up though, she realized that the light wasn't lit by Junhwe. Chaeyoung gasped. Yunhyeong was in front of them, along with two other guards, holding a torch.

Junhwe's grip on her hand tightened, his other hand slowly going over his scabbard. "How did you know this place?"

"I followed you here before but you didn't know," Yunhyeong replied. "Now give me the girl."

A smirk appeared on Junhwe's lips as he brought out his sword. "See me try, brother." The opposing men also brought out their swords and readied their stance for battle. "Leave," Junhwe whispered, pertaining to her. "Leave and go up the stairs. I will hold them off for as long as I can."

Chaeyoung widened her eyes at that wild idea. How could she...?

"I cannot leave you behind! How can I do that?" she cried.

"This is not a matter of time to fight with me. Leave!"

Pursing her lips, she debated whether to go or not. Even though the situation was risky, Chaeyoung decided to stay. "No. I will stay, whether you like it or not."

Junhwe turned to her, his brows furrowing. He was just opening his mouth to retort when she caught a palace guard going forward, his sword pointed at him.

"Junhwe!"

With fast reflexes, Junhwe repelled the guard's sword by holding his own in front of his torso, acting as a shield. The two had a battle of force, the guard pushing his sword down and Junhwe doing the exact opposite, their hands shaking, trying to resist the other. Junhwe defended himself with a short burst of strength and flung the guard's sword away using his. It led his opponent to stagger backwards but recovered his footing after. He was joined by the other guard and soon, the three engaged in combat.

Chaeyoung, watched them, helpless. She wanted to help, she really did, but didn't know how. Looking around the foreign place, she could only see as far as the light could allow. She could make out something hanging from the ceiling but couldn't discern what it was. The place also smelt like something expired down here. Whatever it was, she wanted to get closer to inspect more. There was nothing near to use.

However, before she could do so, she felt a hand clamp around , another around her waist. The image of Junhwe's back grew closer as she was forcefully dragged away. She reached out, an attempt to call for Junhwe's attention, but it was futile. He was too engrossed with the battle he was having with the two guards.

"Do not attempt to move," a harsh whisper was heard at one side of her ear. Fear crept in her veins. She knew it was Yunhyeong.

Still, she didn't obey and continued struggling under his hold. With survival only in her mind, she inflicted pain on her captor by stepping on his foot, which was effective since his grip loosened. Using all that she had right now, she elbowed him away and ran back to Junhwe. The resounding footsteps of the Crown Prince followed behind, and her heart seemed to have caught in since she knew he had the advantage. Moving around a hanbok wasn't much of a help after all.

"Junh—"Once again, Chaeyoung felt constrained.

"Shut up!" Now Yunhyeong was angry, so angry that she could feel him shaking against her back. Chaeyoung felt more afraid than ever, fearful at the capacity of his rage. He pushed her with a force enough to make her stumble on the ground. Disoriented, she propped her arm as leverage, scooting back as she saw Yunhyeong's intimidating figure above her. Soon after, he knelt on both of her sides and held her wrists with one hand. He ripped a lower part of his robe with the other so that he could put it in to stop her from screaming.

Tears were already forming in Chaeyoung's eyes, her emotions jumbled, afraid of what was going to happen next.

"I have to do this," Yunhyeong appealed in that low voice of his. "See this scar on my face? Junhwe did it to me. Now... I have to do it to you too." He pulled a dagger from his sword belt, not wasting any time to settle the cold, silver knife, at her cheek. "No one is believing me at the palace so I took matters into my own hands. Believe me, this is for your own good."

Chaeyoung, frightened to death, couldn't understand what he was talking about. How could she believe him when he had a dagger pointed to her?

She closed her eyes tight, finally accepting her fate. Mother... wait for me... A bitter smile showcased in her beautiful lips. Finally, for the first time, she would get to meet her two mothers at once.

The expected force didn't come though when she felt the weight on top of her gone. Opening her eyes, she saw a panting Junhwe, his sword dripping with blood. Yunhyeong was thrown at the side, clutching his stomach that was bleeding. She was momentarily stunned at the view.

But Junhwe... Junhwe was here now. She was safe.

Fear wracking her entire body, she removed the cloth in and hugged Junhwe, sobbing in his arms. He held her tight, making her feel how much he was afraid that he almost lost her. After waiting for her to calm down, Junhwe held both of her shoulder blades, looking at her like she was made of a million stars. "Come on, let's get out of here."

Chaeyoung nodded. He helped her stand up. Since she was still lacking in strength, he had an arm around her waist as he guided her to walk. The torches hung on the scones of the underground place burned brightly, giving her the chance to see the two guards who Junhwe fought earlier, now lying on their backs, drowning in their own blood. She flinched her eyes away, feeling her stomach lurch at the sight.

She stopped in her tracks when she realized something. They seemed to be going deeper in the darkness. "Junhwe... this isn't the way out—" A gasp couldn't help but escape her lips when she had a good look on what was hanging on the ceiling earlier. Chaeyoung felt like crying, especially when she saw the last one. They were... They were...

A sharp pain pierced through her chest, the wielder of the sword none other than Junhwe. Facing him, she saw a dark look in his eyes, so haunting that she disregarded the pain in her chest. The beauty she would always see in his eyes was replaced by something that would haunt her forever. He looked like a monster.

"I'm sorry, but there can only be one fairest of them all."

That was the last thing she heard before she felt the sword retrieved back, this time going across her neck. Then, everything went black.

—🍂—

Junhwe stood at the gigantic mirror mounted at the wall, the dancing balls of fire placed on scones giving his face an ominous shadow. The mirror had been a gift after a Chinese emperor's visit in the palace. It reached the emperor's ears that the king's youngest son was fond of looking at his own reflection too many times so he took it upon himself to gift Junhwe this.

"It is a very special mirror," he remembered the emperor saying and indeed, it was. No one knew how much power the mirror held for it showed him people who was regarded so beautiful it was a sin, at least for Junhwe. Junhwe believed he was the only one deserving for that title.

What angered him the most was when the mirror showed Yunhyeong, his brother, when he asked the golden question. He didn't want Yunhyeong to be placed in his precious wall of collection so he ruined his face instead. Now he died, trying to protect one girl. Frankly, Junhwe thought he deserved it for ruining his life.

Growing up, he was always second to his older brother. Everyone around the palace only had their love focused at him. Even when he would go missing from time to time, he was not searched for. His presence was equivalent to a termite, only bothersome when it was causing trouble. He only had himself to lean on to so every single day, he would look at the mirror on his quarters and tell himself that he was great, that he was enough, and that he was worth of loving. It wasn't enough.

Junhwe desired to be the best, at least at one aspect, and that was to be the most beautiful of them all, even if he had to take down others in the process. So secretly, he built this secret lair deep in the woods, where no one would expect to find it. He placed the mirror on a pedestal, offering sacrifices so that it would finally show his reflection. But it didn't. It showed other beautiful people whose looks were far superior to him and he realized, he wasn't that special at all. He was never special. That was why he was always overlooked.

Raising an arm to wipe away the tears that blurred his vision and the splatter of blood on his face, he smiled one of his best smiles. It was the day of truth.

"Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?"

Junhwe's smile faltered in surprise. For the first time ever, the man in the mirror, was finally, him. He saw his own reflection, of his worn-down robes, to the splatters of blood on his neck that he didn't get to wipe, the red contrasting the pale white of his skin. His eyes were gaunt and hollow yet he didn't seem bothered at all.

He looked over at the heads dangling and rotting at his wall of collection. It was a reminder to himself that their perfect skins would also turn ghastly at the face of death, swarmed by insects, and eaten by worms. There were his cousins Kim Seokjin and Kim Taehyung, a commoner by the name of Kim Jisoo and Bae Joohyun, peasant Kim Jinwoo, noblewoman Park Sandara, and the newest addition; Park Chaeyoung.

He smiled again, this time showing a sincere smile. It was worth killing all of those beautiful people.

end.