It was the queen's dying wish. That's what people are saying.

Donghae doesn't know if Hyukjae knows. Or has heard anything like that.

He wonders... often. Wonders what Siwon has told him. What Hyukjae hears. Of the many whispers about him. About his sister's death. Within the castle. Outside of it.

Donghae's job is to accompany Hyukjae. Almost everywhere. Any whispers usually die down. Whenever Hyukjae's close. Donghae thinks he probably can't hear all whispers.

Yet of the ones Donghae hears... he hopes Hyukjae doesn't hear half. 

"Oh, I'm excited for today," Hyukjae says. He claps his hands to himself. "I love kids."

He always speaks to Donghae. Just like he speaks to everyone else.

Donghae gives him a smile too. Bows his head as he passes. Hyukjae sits in the chair Ryeowook has ready for him.

"I wish we could take Eunji..." Hyukjae says. "Wouldn't it be nice if she could come?" He looks up at Ryeowook. The man turns Hyukjae's chin again. To the front. Dabs at his face.

"That would be nice, yes, your highness."

"Oh, what do I say if she asks me why she can't come?" Hyukjae mumbles. He catches Donghae's eyes now. In the mirror. "Donghae, what should I tell her?"

"Your highness... um," Donghae tries. "I don't think Eunji will be asking you anything?"

Ryeowook snorts. Makes Hyukjae close his eyelids. Stops him from scolding Donghae.

Hyukjae waits. A little pout's on his lips. Ryeowook gently powders his eyelids. He uses a soft brown. Faint glitter. He then moves to his lips. Hyukjae immediately opens his eyes. But he still can't talk. So he gives Donghae a harmless glare.

Donghae chuckles.

Eunji's just over a year old. She knows a few words. Babbles them. Unintelligible. Hyukjae won't have to explain himself. But he does. Everytime.

Hyukjae gets his hair done. He is then dressed by Yesung. Donghae stands to the side. Smiles at them bickering. Averts his eyes at times. Then quickly reminds himself: He must have his eyes on Hyukjae.

It's a strict order. It's his entire job.

A few minutes later... Hyukjae's ready. He observes himself in the long mirrors. He's dressed in a cream shirt. He has a brooch. Gold collar pins. His pants are straight. Black. Yesung doesn't dress him up too much. Keeps it simple. But Hyukjae always looks elegant.

Hyukjae thanks Yesung. Turns to Donghae. His eyes shine prettily.

"Shall we go see Eunji?"

"Yes, your highness."

Hyukjae's smile tends to lift Donghae's spirits.

He seems to have that effect on many. Donghae thinks... Hyukjae's lucky. To be able to do that. To make people feel comfortable. At ease. The kingdom could've disliked him. Because their queen was very dear to all. 

But Hyukjae... is very much like his sister. Everyone soon saw that.

"Eunji princess," Hyukjae whispers. "Are you awake, baby?"

Eunji is obviously not. She's in her crib. Hyukjae's tiptoed in. Donghae stands close to him. Yoona waits at the door.

Hyukjae's carefully picked Eunji up. He coos quietly. Pecks her head.

"Princess, I'm going to a special school..." Hyukjae murmurs. "I'm gonna see the little kids do crafts and I'm gonna play with them. You're too little though, so I can't take you, okay? I'll be back by lunchtime and I'll play with you for as long as you want, baby."

Eunji's a deep sleeper. She takes after her father. King Siwon Choi. So her eyes remain closed. Hyukjae hugs her. Places her head against his shoulder. Sways lightly. her back.

He smiles at Donghae.

It's heartwarming. The amount of love Hyukjae has for Eunji. She is his niece. But Donghae suspects... it wouldn't have been too different. If Eunji was not his niece.

Then Hyukjae's carefully kissed her face. Lowered her back into her crib.

"Oh, you're so pretty, princess." Hyukjae gently brushes her hair. Gazes softly at her. Whispers. "I love you, Eunji." He straightens up. Beams at Donghae. "Alright, is it time to go?"