Taeyeon finds herself with a pocket of free time once again, and yet again she retreats to her place of repose, the palace gardens.  As her footsteps fall, one after another, against the even gravel footpath, she’s once again reminded of the kindness of the Damcyan royals for fitting her with a pair of quality leather walking shoes, which make her strolls feel light and effortless.

There’s no one else around.  Taeyeon takes her time, smelling the flowers (literally and figuratively), because she knows Jessica is fast asleep.

Or, was.

Taeyeon is abruptly jolted out of her daydreaming and idle serenity by an all-too-familiar voice.

“Taeyeon..!”

Before Taeyeon can even turn around fully, she’s tackled by a rapid force from behind.  Taeyeon almost doubles over, but manages to steady herself and accept Jessica’s playful, and risky, backhug.

“Hi,” Jessica says, giggling slightly.

Taeyeon’s first reaction is fear and slight annoyance.  She can’t believe the princess would be so careless about showing her affection so openly when they could easily be caught like this.  But seeing Jessica’s face, glowing with health in the late afternoon sunlight, her white gown equally bright, and her shining hazel eyes reflecting so much more than words can say, all of Taeyeon’s unkind words di