“Thank you for your help,” says the guy. Jimin smiles, staring at him, speechless. 

“Um…You probably do not recognize me without the mask?”

“I-I do,” replies Jimin, urging his heart to calm down and gather his thought. 

“Um… I would like to treat you to drink, to show my gratitude.”

“Um…I’m here on-,” Jimin spots Yeon-Hwa, “Sorry I must leave now,” he says quickly, walking towards her, leaving him dumbfounded.

“Yeon-Hwa!” he calls out to her, and she turns to him, concern and worry clouded her face. He stops in front of her, both exhaling loudly relieved.

“Oh master,” she says, catching her breath, “I feared I lost you.”

“I’m sorry,” he says, “I never noticed when I wandered off. Were you able to complete your errands?”

“No,” she answers, disappointed, “Once I realized you were not with me, I walked all around the market searching for you.”

“I’m really sorry,” says Jimin, feeling guilty, hoping she will not get in trouble, “Let’s us finish and head back.”

“Yes master,” she says, looking around, “The shop is nearby, I just need a few things.” Jimin nods his head, gesturing for her to walk, and this time, walking closely beside her as to not get lost again.

 

Their errand has finally come to end, and they head towards where the carriage stood by waiting for work. As they head towards the carriages, Yeon-Hwa went to speak with one of the drivers and asked him to take them back to the palace. The carriage driver tells them the price and they both agree.

 

Jimin lets Yeon-Hwa climb inside first, and then hands her the filled basket. As he was about to climb inside, the thundering of hooves caught his attention. He turns around, staring gravely at the beautiful horses, brown but the one in the front, the black horse was undeniably beautiful. The galloping comes to a halt just at the market exit, and the black horse turns around heading towards them, as the two brown horse remained still at the exit.

The galloping comes to a stop in front of their carriage. Confused Jimin glances at the carriage driver who shared the same puzzled look. The owner on top of the horse was dressed in a luxury- black pants, boots, white long sleeve shirt with a stand collar green coat with gold Embroidery, and a small, thin white scarf tied around his face, except his large brown eyes. By his outfit one can tell, he comes from a well off family. The man jumps off from the horse, approaching Jimin.

“I thought that was you,” he says, shyly. Jimin stares at him, wondering why this stranger was speaking to him. that lilt, the accent is the same as the masked performer. Could it be?

“Sorry do I know you?”

“Master?” says Yeon-Hwa, peering out from the carriage, glancing at him and the mysterious man in front of them.

The guy’s eyes glance at Jimin and then at Yeon- Hwa, clearing his throat, “I just wanted to give you this,” he says, turning back to his horse for a few seconds. He turns back to Jimin, holding a black pouch. “Gold coins for your help with the poetry.”

Jimin gasps, shocked, so it was him, the masked performer, but why the disguise? He wonders as he stares at him, why would someone dressed so eloquently now, in noble clothing be performing at a market?

“Please take it,” says the guy, “I do not like being in indebted to anyone.”

Jimin clears his throat, “I don’t want any money, you do not owe me any debt.”

“But- “

“I did what anyone who knew the poem would have done in my place,” interrupts Jimin.

“Alright, if money is not something you can accept,” says the guy, taking off a bracelet, “Then please accept a simple gift of gratitude.” Jimin stares at the shining, red Coral Jade Bead Bracelet with a Gold Lotus coin.

“A simple gift, that looks more expensive than the pouch of gold you have,” says Jimin. 

“Master?” calls Yeon-Hwa, looking restless, urging them to go.

Jimin sighs, “A simple thank you will suffice, I must go now,” he says, but before he could move, the guy took his hand, putting the jade bracelet on him. Surprised, Jimin was rendered speechless, locking eyes with him for a brief second, his face heated and cheeks turned the same color as the bracelet. His heart pounding viciously as if it was about to jump out of his chest.

“Now we are even,” says the guy, dimly with a smirk, just loud enough for him to hear. Before Jimin could utter a word, the guy turns back and gets on his horse, galloping away towards the others who waited for him at the exit.

Jimin chuckles, starring at them.

“Come on child,” urges the carriage driver, “I do have work to do.”

***

As they arrived at, the palace, Jimin could stop staring at the jade bracelet, it was beautiful beyond words, and it seemed to be a personalized treasure. He couldn’t help but wonder why the masked performer gave it to him.

“A gift of gratitude? This jade is worth more than anything I have ever owned,” he mutters to himself. A soft smile on his face, something he thought he would not be to do since his fate took a rather drastic turn.

 

The carriage comes to a stop in front of their mansion, and Jimin takes the basket, wanting to help her since he is positive, she will be trouble because of him for taking so long. She pays the carriage driver and they thanked him, as they walk away, heading towards the mansion.

“May I have the basket?”

“Oh, I want to assist you,” says Jimin, “Maybe explain the reason for your delay.”

“Um-I-d- “she stutters, “You do not have to, it will cause more problems if they learn I let you go with me in the first place.”

“Oh?”

“Thank you,” she says, bowing her head as he hands her the basket. He couldn’t help but feel bad, as he watches her. He wanted freedom but not at the expense of someone’s else life. He exhales, chastising himself for his impulsivity.

 

As walks back to the living quarters, Jimin aimlessly spaced out, lost in thoughts as memories of the masked performer flashed in his mind, causing him to laugh. So mysterious and persistence. “I do not like being indebted to anyone,” his voice echoed in his ears.

“Where have you been?” Maha’s voice roared.

Jimin comes to halt, glancing up, shocked to see him, and he could tell he was not pleased with the slightest.

“I-I-,” he says, searching for a reasonable explanation for breaking a rule and leaving the mansion without permission.

“An errand?” shrieks Maha, “You do not leave the mansion without permission, such insolence has a harsh punishment.”

“I apologize,” he says, quickly, “I-I- I grew restless with nothing to do, I went for a walk around the palace. I am sorry beyond words, please forgive me.”

Maha sighs, his harden face slightly softening but his eyes still glaring, piercing through Jimin.

“You are new to this, so I’ll give you a warning,” he says, “Be aware, a mistake is forgiven once.”

“Yes, Mah-Master,” he says, lowering his gaze to show he understood.

“I will find something for you to do until they learn from the girls, they are intelligent and talented in many ways, hone different skills. Beauty is not the only thing that will make the King favor you, having wits, charms and skills will make you stand out. Aside from dancing what do you know?”

“Many things,” says Jimin, feeling insulted, “I did all the chores in the house at the orphanage, from cooking, cleaning, to fishing and hunting.”

“Well, you cannot do any of those things, not as a concubine, is there nothing that interests you, something you urged to learn. You could receive an education, those who come here at a young age are required to be schooled but you are old enough to make that choice.”

Jimin sighs, his eyes falling on the coral bracelet, he gasps, “horse.”

“What?”

“I would like to learn to ride one.”

“Alright, that is an important skill to have, the King goes hunting from time to time, and he will choose a concubine to accompany him.”

Jimin smiles, picturing the beautiful black stallion with the handsome performer and himself on a beautiful white stallion riding beside each other. The thought made him blush.

“You seem happy?”

Jimin shakes his head, composing himself, remembering where he was and why he was there, the thought took away the smile.

“I don’t think I have seen you smile before,” says Maha.

***

It’s been two days since his adventure to the market, heading Maha’s warning, Jimin often spent the days in the mansion, doing nothing. Even his efforts to join the ladies turned sour when he got into it with Lady Tzuyu again, so he decided to keep to himself until he is able to start his horse lessons. He wished to go back to the market in hopes to see the masked performer, but he knew such wishes remain like that, wishes. Nothing could ever come from dreaming about the impossible. He glances at the jade bracelet, glistening from the sun’s rays.

 

 Jimin sat on the swing in the courtyard, watching the house servants walk back and forth. Things seemed rather hectic, even at breakfast all the concubines were rowdier and chatter than usual.

“That’s where you run off too,” says Nyang standing behind him. Jimin glances at her, turning back as she makes her way towards him, sitting on the swing beside him.

“Why’re you sitting here alone?”

“I enjoy the peace and quiet,” he says.

“Hmm? You missed on all the news,” she says, excitedly.

“What news?

“Well, the third Prince has returned home,” she says, with a huge grin and eyes dazzling.

“The third Prince?”

“Yes, oh he is so handsome,” she says.

“So that’s what all the commotion is about?”

“Well, the Queen is having a banquet in his name tonight,” she says. 

“And we are to attend?”

“Yes, if the Consort lets us,” she says, “She is also invited and it’s a party for the young princess and princes, many arrived from neighboring Kingdom, even his fiancée Princess Ji Eun of Isla. How romantic is that?”

Jimin sighs, “I have on interest in royal parties, if it’s not required, I will not go.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t want to.”

“We, concubines especially in the third rank, do not have as much freedom as consorts and unmarried princesses. Lady Tzuyu is the king’s favorite and will soon get a mansion of her own with house staff to serve her. The rest of us may not have an opportunity to ever experience such fate, so attending party allows us to have a little freedom,” She says, her voice trailing, “Not many like me because of my connection to the Consort, so I will be honored if you were to come as well.”

“Why me?”

She exhales, shrugging her shoulders, “I do not know, maybe is because you do not know me, and I do not know you, so I feel comfortable with you.”

“That’s a strange thought.”

She chuckles, “I will make a deal with you if I take you out around the palace today will you accompany me to the banquet.”

Jimin turns to her, curious, “We are not allowed out the mansion without permission.”

 “I help out in the royal library, I will tell Maha, I am need of your assistance, then we can wander around the palace.”

Jimin sighs, he was bored and wanted to go anywhere, he nods his head, “Go ask Maha, and if he agrees, I will accompany you to the banquet.”

“Alright,” she says, getting up. Jimin chuckles as he watches her head back inside, with such ego and confidence, he couldn’t help but think of how much she ebbed the presence of a royal despite being a concubine herself. Her relationship with the Consorts seems to be the cause of such arrogance and yet she bows to Lady Tzuyu. What a strange girl.

 

It wasn’t long until Nyang wondered back to where he was, with a huge grin and head held high, she really did get permission?

“Done,” she says, chuckling, “Let’s go, we have to come back in time to dress for the banquet.”

“Looks like we have a deal then,” he says, laughing.

“This is the first time I have seen you laugh,” she says.

***

“This is the Royal library,” says Nyang, “They have so many amazing books here, even books from overseas.”

“Overseas?”

“Yes, the English, the Chinese and many more.”

“You speak these languages?”

“Yes,” she says, “I love reading English books, the romantic ones speak a tell of beautiful love and dreams.” 

“That’s wonderful,” he says, “I like to learn to read in other languages as well.”

“I can teach you if you wish,” she says, “It will give you reasons to leave the mansion.”

“I would appreciate that,” he says.

 

The Royal Library of Busan is located in the Busan Keep, with many levels. It is the repository of many scrolls, books, texts and artifacts on anything of historical, religious, cultural, or bureaucratic significance with valuable and rare items that are constantly guarded.

After explaining why she brought Jimin with her, the guard let them through. They walk over to the large table, where the Head Librarian sat. An old man with a white beard covering half of his face.

“Greeting, master,” she says.

“Greeting Lady Nyang,” he says, “And who is this?”

“Jimin, he resides with us, he is here to assist.”

“It’s an honor to meet you,” greets Jimin.

“The honor is all mine,” replies the Head Librarian, “Make yourself comfortable.”

“Thank you.”

“Let’s go.”

 

“There are some places in the library that are forbidden to us,” says Nyang, “So I’ll just finish my work, and afterward we will walk around the palace.”

“That’s alright,” says Jimin, “May I walk around here?”

“Yes, but stay on the first level,” she says.

Jimin nods his head, walking to towards the staircase of books, completely captivated. He went to school and finished his education but never had the chance to further his education, most of the knowledge was self-taught, he was mesmerized by the amounts of books that were available.

He went through row after row of neatly lined up books with their spines facing outward, color-coded with dots, arranged perfectly. And before he knew it, he was in the overseas books section because he could not read the words on the cover but was still fascinated by the design of the books itself.

He pulls out a book from the self, it was an image of two young people, in a garden, in each other’s arms, kissing. He glances around, as he stares at the book, caressing the cover, he flips through it and goes back to staring at the cover. Interested Jimin takes the books, wondering if he can ask Nyang to read it to him?

He glances around panicking, he was not paying attention and ventured deep into the library, not sure which way to go. Deciding it is safer to turn around and retrace his steps, he turns around, walking through the rows, wishing he marked a sign so he can remember.

 

Clenching the book tightly to his chest, his gaze wandering around, row after row but feared he was getting more lost. Oblivious, he did not notice the man climbing down the stairs and bumped into him.

“Apologizes,” he quickly apologizes to avoid trouble.

“You?”

Jimin looks up, his brain stutters for a moment as his eyes widen and mouth slightly opens staring at a familiar face, he thought he would not see again. He inhales, trying to remember how to breathe, unable to speak, stunned. The masked performer? Could this be fate? Or is he an imagination.

“Is this not fate,” says the guy, with a huge grin, staring at him with large dilated brown pupils.

“How come you’re here?”

“Just looking for a book,” he replies, “How come you are at the palace?”

“I live here.”

The guy smiles, “You live at the palace?” 

“Yes.”

“I do too,” he says, “I would’ve never known you were a manservant in the palace.”

Jimin lowers his gaze, biting his lower lip, he didn’t want to say he was a concubine, so he remained silent.

….

“May I ask for your name?”

Jimin clears his throat, “Ji-Jimin.”

“Jimin? will, purpose, ambition, wisdom combined with gentle, affable or stone resembling jade. That’s a beautiful name. You may address as Pr-,” he clears his throat, “Call me Jungkook.”

“Jungkook? nation, a pillar of a country, seeking nature,” replies Jimin, “A name for a royal.”

They gazed at each other, eyes searching each other, in silence for what felt like an eternity but lasted a few seconds as they both lowered their gaze from shyness.

“If I should ask you now for vows of love, I know you would say aye,” says Jungkook. Jimin stares at him with furrowed brow, confused, in a language, Jimin has never heard before, “Pardon?”

“The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet,” replies Jungkook, gesturing to the book, Jimin clenched against his chest. Jimin follows his gaze, holding out the book,

“What is it called?”

“Romeo and Juliet,” he says in Korean, “William Shakespeare, It’s a wonderful English literature novel. The foolishness of young love, a great tragedy.”

 Jimin chuckles, staring at the cover and back at him.

“Servants are not allowed to read such literacy,” says Jungkook.

Jimin clenches the book, “Do not worry, I do not know how to read it,” he replies laughing.

“How come you- “

“There you are,” says Nyang, from behind him. Jimin turns around staring at her, as she comes to a halt, her eyes wide, shocked. 

“Your Highness?” she says, bowing down, eyes on the ground. Jimin turns back to Jungkook, eyes wide. As Jungkook smiles.

"Greetings Lady Nyang," he says.

“Highness?” mutters Jimin, in disbelief. His voice trailing slowly, his words unwilling to take flight, Is a Prince? But how come?