Yongguk would normally never allow me to step foot into the tower…but there’s no harm when he doesn’t know yet.

The long hallways are unrecognizable as I get farther and farther away from the main part of the castle. I hardly ever, well more like never, ventured this far before or by myself.

My goal is to get to the royal prison tower that's located on the opposite side of the castle. The place is manned by human guards 24 hours a day and seven days a week. It's a long walk but I know once I reach the encased bridge, I would be close to where I needed to be, because at this end of this bridge is the entrance into the tower.

Walking up to the two guards, I am greeted with a bow and a rejection, “Princess, you shouldn’t be here.”

“I got permission from my father.” They looked skeptical, though it was the truth. “You can check with him later, if you want,” I added good-naturedly.

They quickly shook their heads. “We wouldn’t dare to doubt your words.”

“Can I go in then?”

With a slight hesitation, they finally open the door for me.

Stepping inside, I looked up to see the steps to appear endless. The stoned prison tower had multiple floors, each lined with specially made cells that were designed to keep whatever it held in. “Where in this tower is the Lone Werewolf from the banquet being held?”

They looked uneasy as they took glimpses at each other. “Princess, where is Red? Shouldn’t he be making this visit with you?”

I pressed my lips together. How do I say it nicely? “He doesn’t know I’m here.” If he did, I would have to listen to him lecture me on the dangers – “don’t tell him.”

“Princess –“

“I’ll be fine!” I sighed at their stubbornness. “The Lone Werewolf is in a cell, he won’t be able to touch me. So, which floor?”

The guard led me up the stoned steps until we reached another entrance. He pressed a notch beside the locked entrance and the heavy door loudly creaked open. stepping in after him, I found the place to be dark all along the corridor. The small windows in each cell did nothing to brighten it up all that much. I have never been here and seeing it for the first time showed me why my father and Yongguk wouldn’t want me to frequent this place.

I knew there were others in here but relying only on my ears wouldn't have told me so. Moving forward, I stop in front of the first cell and look in to see the person I have been looking for, sitting in the corner of the space. Noticing me, he lifts his head to meet my eyes, all the while staying silent.

“You can go,” I turn to the guard and again, I get that look on his face. “I’ll be fine,” I waved him off. 

When the guard finally left me, I glanced around until I saw a small stool in the corner. This floor was so quiet that the mere sounds of my footsteps were enough to disturb the peace. I came back over and placed the stool a few feet away from the prison cell before settling myself in it. “I’m sure you know who I am.” After all, he did target me and it would be a total waste of time to introduce myself.

Like how I predicted, he wasn’t going to respond. I sighed seeing that this visit would end up with me just talking to basically the stoned walls. No better than me just talking to my roses.

“It’s dark in here, isn’t it?”

Again, no answer.

I looked into his cell, even though he wasn’t replying, he was staring back at me so I knew he was at least acknowledging my presence.

“The windows don’t provide much light –“ I stopped myself from furthering the small talk, this is getting nowhere. “You know, I’m just really frustrated.” Seeing the Lone Werewolf brought memories of Prince Woobin visiting me the other day to my mind. “There was this Prince that came to see me and he was blantantly hiding something. He knew I knew and he still doesn't reveal it...can you believe it?”

Silence.

“Yeah, I can’t either. And then, he simply left.”

“Why are you here?” His voice was rough, probably due to me being the first person he has talked to in a while. “What is a Princess doing here?”

“What do you mean? Shouldn’t you be happy? I begged and made a deal with my father to be here.” In exchange for this visit, I needed to contact Prince Woobin to apologize. I always feel like I lose whenever we make these deals. “I guess I kind of see what you’re saying,” I decided to add when he doesn’t give me a response. I glanced around at the many holding cells and then back at him. “I’m here to visit you.”

“Why would you?”

I simply shrugged, “I was bored.” It was somewhat of a truth. My lessons had already ended, I’ve watered my roses, and I didn’t feel like eating yet. “Since Yongguk is away, I needed someone to talk to.” Yes, my father took him away again – not particularly a surprise there. Though I don’t know what for, Yongguk went to see my father after the Prince's visit and ever since then, I’ve been lonely again. The time in which having Yongguk returned to me didn’t last very long. My eyes travelled down to the buttons on my cardigan and my fingers started fiddling with them. “My father keeps taking him from me, so I can’t talk to him about my frustrations.” 

“A brother?”

I looked at him, seeing the pained expression on his face. Even if he was worn out, it was still evident. “No, he’s my Knight.” That’s right my Knight, I wish my father understood that concept but I couldn’t help but feel guilty at the same time. The times I did see Yongguk, he looked so tired. “I sound selfish, don’t I? He’s probably busy with more important things but I’m sitting here complaining.”

“Your Knight?”

I return a nod, “ever since I was 10.” The first time anything meaningful entered my life.

“So, since then he’s been the royal family’s pet?”

I snapped my head up at what he said. “Please don’t call him that.” I couldn’t help but feel offended by the offensive comment. 

“He’s just a dog to you, isn