Just like how most of Seulgi’s dreams started recently, everything was dark. It was almost unsettling, how dark and silent everything was. But it didn’t last long as soon the darkness faded into a familiar memory. Seulgi soon recognized her surroundings to be that of the Coliseum where she had sung the night prior. The only difference was that it was completely empty. Instead of the explosive chatter that filled its walls, only the soft hum of the wind could be found. Seulgi basked in the calmness of the night. She could never pass off the opportunity to relax under the night sky.

She stayed like that for a while until she picked up the sounds of footsteps. She instinctively turned around to look at the source. However, there was no one around her. Despite that, the sound of footsteps persisted until she realized that they were moving away from her. Without thinking, she began to walk towards the sound. Her surroundings again began to blur, as she couldn’t focus on anything except the sound. She didn’t even realize that the scenery around her began to change into one unfamiliar to her. The marble walls of the concrete melted into a brilliant shade of green, as lush plants and trees began to surround her. Then suddenly, the sound of the footsteps stopped and Seulgi could see nothing but the stunning figure of the woman in front of her.

It didn’t take long for Seulgi to realize that it wasn’t the first time she had seen the woman. She had appeared once before, but only as a shadowy figure. But seeing her for the first time clearly was a whole different story. Seulgi couldn’t help but think that if this woman was put beside the Guardians, she wouldn’t completely be overshadowed by them. Seulgi couldn’t help but feel inferior just by looking at her. She had light auburn hair, which underneath the moonlight gleamed a soft orange. She had kind eyes, the type to make someone immediately feel comfortable and at home when you were with them. Her height was further accentuated by the flowy-ness of the dress she wore. She looked like a painting that came to life.

Seulgi was about to talk to her when she realized that the woman wasn’t looking at her. Instead, she was looking straight through her as if she wasn’t even there. It seemed like she was waiting for someone to arrive. After a while when it seemed like no one was coming, the woman checked if anyone was looking at her before turning around and carefully pulling out a vial from her sleeves.

“Announcing, his Royal Majesty, King Park Chanyeol!”

As soon as the servant spoke, the woman turned around as fast as she could with a smile on her face once more. She hid the vial inside her sleeve so swiftly that Seulgi didn’t even notice she had put it back

“Your Majesty,” she said with a small bow as the party of the king passed by her.

Seulgi felt herself hold in a breath as she turned around to see a handsome, tall man. He was majestic in every sense which was rightly so, she supposed since he was the king after all. He had the kind of face that was friendly and approachable, with his soft dimples and his big, warm eyes. Seulgi could see the fondness in his eyes as he looked at the woman. It reminded her of the way Hoseok would look at Seungwan when the three would spend their afternoons around the village.

“Songbird,” he said in a way that no one had ever done when they called Seulgi. His voice was gentle and soft, almost as if he was afraid of calling her out. Seulgi didn’t let the yearning in his voice escape her ears. “You’re back from your tour.”

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” she said with a beaming smile. “I missed the palace more than I thought I would.”

A smile grew on the king’s face. “That’s pleasing to hear. I’m looking forward to hearing your voice grace the halls of the royal palace once more. It’s been too long since I’ve last heard it.”

A concerned look passed the woman’s face. “You haven’t been experiencing those headaches again, have you?” The weak smile that made its way to his face was enough of an answer for the woman. She sighed before she spoke again. “I will bring the doctors with me tonight.”

“There is no need,” he said in a stern voice. As she opened to fight back, he shushed her. “That is an order. You need to rest after the tour. I know how much has happened during your time in the realms. It hasn’t been easy. There is unrest in the kingdom, after all.”

“Which is why you need to be healed immediately, your Majesty,” she insisted.

There was tense staredown between the two and Seulgi couldn’t help but feel amazed that the woman was so outspoken even in front of the king himself. She wished that she could be like that, especially during the times she found herself too scared to speak. To her surprise, the king backed down first.

“Fine,” he said. “I will allow a visit tomorrow morning, but for tonight, you must rest.”

The woman smiled in satisfaction as she bowed once more to the king, who continued on his way through the royal grounds. She watched him carefully until he was out of sight. Seulgi watched as evident guilt made its way on the woman’s face and she pulled out the vial she was hiding in her sleeve. She took it out carefully and slowly and Seulgi was able to get a glimpse of what it was.

However, before she could even decipher or remember why it looked familiar, a voice called out to her.

“Seulgi. Seulgi!”

With a jolt, Seulgi’s eyes fluttered open and she found herself awake. It would’ve taken her a while to be able to get out of bed but Yerim’s panicked chatter was enough to get her on her feet, although she was still half-asleep. Any thoughts or visions about the songbird from before and the king had disappeared. All Seulgi could think about was getting into the dress that Yerim had prepared for her and finishing packing for the start of the tour. Everything was such a blur that it was only when they left her bedroom that she remembered she had fallen asleep outside in the gardens.

She wondered if someone had brought her back but it was too preposterous an idea. She probably had woken up and taken herself back to her room. Whatever the case, the question quickly escaped as soon as Seulgi found herself outside of the residence she had been confined to the past few weeks. Lord Taehyung, Jimin, and Lalisa discussed amongst themselves. Seulgi assumed that they must’ve been waiting for her and she felt a bit embarrassed to have made them wait.

“I apologize for my tardiness,” she said after she bowed.

“No worries,” Taehyung replied. She felt a little surprised that he was the one who responded first. They haven’t had the best acquaintanceship, after all. “After all, you are the guest of honor.”

“Still, I feel embarrassed by making you all wait,” Seulgi replied with an apologetic smile.

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