I slipped away from the party as soon as I could.  The joyous music and the smiling faces were all too much for me.  Mostly, I left to avoid the small glimpses I caught of Kyuhyun and the princess.  Seeing them together hurt more than I would’ve liked to admit.

As I moved down the quiet halls, I finally allowed myself to breathe.  Though I was more relaxed than before, I still couldn’t shake the heaviness I felt in my chest.  I laughed quietly to myself, a sound tinged with hurt and unspoken emotions.

Before long I walked through the entrance to the indoor gardens that I had discovered all those months ago.  I hadn’t been back to the place since the first time, but it was just as peaceful and lovely as I remembered. 

I made my way over to the little bench that I knew was nestled away from sight amidst the leafy cover of a large flowering plant. 

I sat down and tiredly rubbed my face.  There was too much happening, and while I knew I should’ve anticipated it all, it still seemed hopelessly overwhelming.  I chuckled humorlessly to myself as a sense of déjà vu washed over me. 

The last time I was here I was conflicted much as I was now.  Of course, this time there were far more things and emotions to take into account.

I knew what my options were, and while I could not foresee the consequences my decision would cause, I knew that either way there would be considerable backlash.

I lifted my head from my hands when I heard soft footsteps approaching.  Through the gaps in the leaves I could make out the figure of a young woman.  The elegant dress colored in a soft pink caused me to tense in realization.

It was Princess Sungmin.

Before the realization truly sank in, the princess pushed aside the branches that hid the bench where I sat.  She let out a small gasp of surprise when she saw me sitting and I quickly jumped up and bowed deeply.

“I apologize for startling you Your Majesty” I said, still holding my bow.

I straightened up and gestured towards the bench.

“Please sit, I’ll leave right away so as not to disturb you”

The princess smiled softly and went to sit, however as I made a move to leave she stopped me.

“Oh please don’t leave on my account.  You were obviously here first, I would hate to evict you from your spot”

I hesitated before bowing in thanks and awkwardly perching myself back on the bench.  I wasn’t exactly pleased to be there, but there was no way I could politely excuse myself after she had so graciously asked me to remain.

We sat in an awkward silence before she finally asked,

“I’m sorry, but I don’t believe we met at the party, what is your name?”

“Kim Ryeowook, Your Majesty”

She smiled and nodded, before replying lightly,

“Well I would introduce myself, but I have an inkling that you might already know who I am”

I chuckled slightly at her joke, still not feeling completely comfortable.  Not wanting to lapse back into silence I continued the small talk.

“Have you been enjoying your first royal ball, Your Highness?” I asked.

“It’s all very exciting, I can’t quite believe that all this commotion is for someone as insignificant as me”

I gave her a surprised look and she smiled at seeing my confusion.

“I suppose that sounds strange to you.  Everyone has always known me as the kidnapped princess, my parents’ ‘lost treasure’” she paused and gave an impish smile at the thought, “But to me, I’m simply Sungmin”

She looked down at her hands and gave an almost imperceptible shrug.

“I mean I’ve always known I was a princess, but I never really understood what that meant.  Lord Siwon made it quite clear to me that I was valuable and that this whole war was being fought on my behalf.  I always heard that, but I never quite believed it.  But now that I’m free I realize that this whole Princess thing is more than I could have ever imagined”

She sighed softly and said in a voice so soft I could barely hear her,

“I’m not sure if I even want it”

I didn’t know what to say in response.  Though I didn’t want to, I could feel myself softening towards the princess.  With all the excitement and intrigue that surrounded Princess Sungmin and her rescue, I guess I had never really stopped to think about how she had felt about everything.  Looking at her now I realized that coming home was more of a shock to her than I could ever fathom. 

“Did you know I’m to be married?” she suddenly said.

I went stiff at the mention of her marriage, but I forced a smile on my face.

“Congratulations, Your Highness”

She smiled so sadly that despite the pain in my heart, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pity for her.

“I don’t even know him” she said softly, “I don’t know him, and I certainly don’t love him, but I am to marry him”

Again I was at a loss for words, all I could do was nod.

“But I guess that’s my duty, a princess’s duty”

For a moment we didn’t say anything, and really, what could I have possibly said to make her feel any better?  I didn’t want to feel for her, I truly didn’t, but there was something about her that made my heart ache with sadness for her.

I knew very well that the man she spoke of was most likely Kyuhyun.  I knew it, yet I still could not bring myself to hate her.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what possessed me to prattle on like that”

I was jolted out of my thoughts as the princess apologized looking equal parts sheepish and abashed.

“Not to worry Your Highness.  I fear that I have not been of any comfort to you, and for that I apologize”

“Oh no!  You have been a wonderful confidant, Ryeowook-sshi.  Honestly, thank you for listening to me and my petty troubles” she smiled at me, and I could see that she truly did believe me her confidant.

I smiled back at her, my first genuine one in the course of our conversation. 

“If ever Your Majesty finds herself in need of an ear, please don’t hesitate to call on me”

Her smile brightened and she grabbed my hand and gave it a fond squeeze,

“Thank you” she answered sincerely before a puzzled look came over her face “But does that mean you are a member of the court?”

I shook my head and corrected her,

“No Your Highness, I am but a lowly servant.  But I do have the honor of serving Commander Cho, though my Master is Prince Yesung”

She looked at me obviously confused.

“It’s a long story” I sighed, not wanting to get into it.

She looked like she wanted to ask so I decided it was time I extracted myself.  I smiled and stood, bowing before her.

“I’m sorry, but will you excuse me Your Majesty?”

She still looked confused but she nodded and I slipped away.  As I made my way back towards Kyuhyun’s chamber I silently cursed myself for somehow getting more involved in this whole mess.  I had not intended to like the princess, but it seemed that was unavoidable now.

I stopped and leaned up against a wall, suddenly more exhausted than I had ever been before. 

“What am I doing?” I muttered to myself, whishing for all I was worth that I had a viable answer.

Sorry I haven't updated in a while.  My grandma had emergency surgery so I went to her house to take care of her as she recovered.  Luckily she's doing fine now and I've returned to the land of wifi ;P

Anyway, finally getting to know Sungmin, I thought i was about time

Hope you liked this!

Music: "Mamacita"- Super Junior (Um can I get a hell yeah?  The Kings are finally back!)