synopsis: you and Jisung had gotten into your guys dream college together but he had a full ride and you didnāt. Being a cam girl was only suppose to pay the bills, but you couldnāt lie, the money you made from it was good. You lived life comfortably only making one video a week. Then of course, someone just had to find your videos.
Author's Note: Is it stupid to be posting this again? I have already done a rewrite of this story once and now i'm posting another rewrite? idk if this doesn't go well I guess i can always delete it. I also have started taking down some other stories, mainly because they horrifically bad, like it was just bad writing lol. I also want to redo all my work posted on here, but that's gonna take time. So we'll start with this story again lol. hugs and kisses to anyone reading <3
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The journey from the northern airstrip to the Northcy palace was grueling: a ten-hour flight followed by an hour-long car ride. By the time Princess (Y/n) arrived at Norhall Palace, it was the middle of the night. The grand halls of the palace were eerily quiet, and the only ones there to greet her were queen Jaeyeon and four maids. The lack of fanfare was a stark reminder of the tension that still lingered between the two kingdoms.
āMy dear, you must be exhausted,ā the queen said warmly, though her tone carried a regal authority. āPlease, come inside.ā The queen was a striking figureātall, slim, and impeccably dressed in a navy blue jumpsuit paired with a flowing white coat that brushed the floor. A delicate silver crown rested atop her head, but her presence alone would have been enough to command respect. She carried herself with the grace and poise of someone born to rule, her posture perfect and her gaze steady. With a gentle wave of her hand, she led the princess and her entourage inside.
The queen and her maids escorted (Y/n) to her chambers. āYou may freshen up,ā the queen said, her voice calm but firm. āWhen youāre ready, one of the handmaids will inform me. Iāll ensure youāre served a proper meal before you rest.ā Her words were polite, but there was an underlying formality that reminded (Y/n) of the delicate situation she was in.
āThank you, Your Majesty,ā (Y/n) replied with a respectful bow, masking her unease. As the queen left, (Y/n)ās two maids helped her undress and prepared the bath, while two of the queenās maids stayed to assist. Outside the chamber doors, two guards stood watch, their presence a silent reminder that, until the marriage was finalized, she was still in enemy territory.
After her bath, the princess stood before an ornate mirror, her reflection staring back at her with a hollow expression. Her thoughts drifted to home as her maids, Fei and Mei, moved quietly around her, helping her dress. The twins had been by her side for as long as she could remember. Though they looked nearly identicalāwith the same sharp features, dark hair, and graceful movementsātheir personalities couldnāt have been more different. Fei was practical and no-nonsense, her hands steady and her words few, while Mei was warm and talkative, always quick with a reassuring smile or a gentle joke. Both were only a few years older than the princess, and they had become her maids when she was just ten years old. Over the years, they had grown into more than just servants; they were her confidantes, her protectors, and the closest thing she had to real friends. They had been there for her through every triumph and every hardship, and now, even in this foreign palace, their presence was a small comfort in an otherwise unbearable situation.
The queen herself escorted the princess to the dining hall, her steps measured and deliberate, as though every movement was calculated to remind the princess of her place. The hall was vast and cold, its high ceilings and ornate decorations doing little to dispel the suffocating sense of isolation that clung to the air. A single long table dominated the room, but only one place was setāa stark, unspoken reminder that the princess was alone in this foreign palace, surrounded by strangers who saw her as little more than a political tool.
āPlease, enjoy this meal before you retire for the evening,ā the queen said, her voice smooth but carrying an edge of authority. The meal before (Y/n) was lavish: roasted meats glistening with glaze, steaming vegetables arranged like works of art, and freshly baked bread still warm from the oven, all served on fine bone china plates. Yet, the opulence felt like a cruel joke, a blatant display of excess that only highlighted the suffering of her people. How could she sit here and eat while her kingdom starved?
āI shall have meals prepared for your maids and guards in the servantsā hall,ā the queen added, her tone dismissive, as though the matter were already settled.
The princess turned sharply to face the queen, her voice firm despite the knot of anger tightening in her chest. āThey can dine with me.ā
The queenās eyes narrowed, her expression hardening. āIt is not proper, Princess (Y/n).ā
The princess opened her mouth to argue, to fire back with another sharp retort, but a subtle movement caught her eye. Fei, standing silently nearby, gave the slightest shake of her head. Her eyes, steady and unwavering, reminded the princess of the delicate balance she had to maintain. Listen. Follow. Obey. The words echoed in (Y/n)ās mind, a bitter pill she had no choice but to swallow.
āYou are right, Your Majesty,ā the princess said, lowering her head slightly in a gesture of respect that felt like a betrayal of her own pride. āI apologize.ā
The queen watched her carefully, her gaze sharp and assessing, as though she were weighing the princessās every word and gesture. āI have made arrangements for your maids in the servantsā quarters,ā she continued, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. āAnd your guards will stay with the other soldiers in the dormitory.ā
(Y/n) forced a polite smile, though it felt like a mask cracking under the strain. āI thank you, Your Majesty, for your hospitality,ā she said, bowing again, the motion stiff and unnatural.
āI hope you rest well, Princess,ā the queen replied, her voice firm and final. With that, she turned and left, her entourage trailing behind her like shadows. The princess stood frozen for a moment, watching them go, before finally sinking into the chair at the head of the table.
Alone in the cavernous hall, (Y/n) picked at her meal, her stomach churning with a mix of hunger and dread. The silence pressed in on her, broken only by the occasional clink of silverware against the bone china, a sound that seemed to echo endlessly in the empty room. Her mind raced, torn between anger and fear. Anger at her parents for forcing her into this arrangement, anger at Northcy for its role in her peopleās suffering, and anger at herself for feeling so powerless. Fear, too, gnawed at her, fraying her nerves. Fear of what the future held, fear of the man she was being forced to marry, and fear that all of thisāher sacrifice, her paināwould ultimately be in vain.
She stared at the food before her, her appetite gone. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the table, mirroring the darkness creeping into her thoughts. She clenched her fists under the table, her nails digging into her palms as she fought to keep her composure. This isnāt fair, she thought, the words burning in her mind like a mantra. But fairness had no place in this world, and she knew it. All she could do was endureāfor her people, for her kingdom, for the slim hope that this marriage might bring them peace.
-
As the queen made her way to her chambers, she found her son pacing restlessly outside her doors. His hands were clenched into fists, and his expression was a mix of frustration and defiance. āMy boy,ā she said, her voice calm but firm, āitās very late. You should be asleep.ā
āMother,ā Jeno said, stopping abruptly. He turned to her maids, his tone sharp. āLeave us.ā The maids hesitated, glancing at the queen for permission. With a slight nod, the queen dismissed them, and they retreated down the hall.
Once they were alone, Jeno followed his mother into her room, his agitation palpable. He moved to the tea set on the side table, pouring a cup for his mother with practiced ease, though his movements were stiff with tension. The queen sat gracefully, watching him with a knowing gaze as he began to speak.
āDo you truly expect me to marry that girl, Mother?ā Jeno asked, his voice rising slightly. āAn alliance could be negotiated without marriage. She offers nothing of value to our kingdom or our family. There are plenty of women within the councilāwomen of influence, women who understand our waysāwho would make far better brides.ā He sighed, running a hand through his hair. āI barely want to marry at all, let alone to a stranger. You canāt seriously think this is good for anyone.ā
The queen sipped her tea, her expression unreadable. Jenoās complaints were not unexpected, but they still grated on her patience. She remembered Princess (Y/n) wellāa sharp, observant child she had met years ago during a summit to discuss the war. The girl had been no older than nine or ten at the time, but even then, she had carried herself with a quiet dignity and wisdom far beyond her years. The queen had seen something in her then, something that had stayed with her ever since. (Y/n) was only three years younger than Jeno, and the queen had no doubt that she would grow into a formidable leader. Marrying her was not just a political move; it was an opportunity to unite two kingdoms under a shared vision.
āI do expect you to marry her,ā the queen said, her voice steady but firm. āAnd I do believe she will be greatānot only for our family but for Northcy as well. So, I expect you to be up early tomorrow, eager to meet the princess and make a good impression.ā
Jeno stared at her, disbelief etched across his face. āMother, you canāt be serious. You want me to wine and dine Princess (Y/n)? The stubborn, headstrong princess who doesnāt even care about her own title? Sheās not exactly the type to play along with your plans.ā
The queen set her teacup down with deliberate precision, her gaze sharpening. āI am entirely serious, Crown Prince Lee Jeno,ā she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. āAnd I expect you to be at breakfast tomorrow, prepared to meet your future bride. There will be no complaints, no resistance, and no disrespect. Do I make myself clear?ā
Jeno flinched at the use of his full title. He knew what it meant when his mother addressed him so formallyāhe had crossed a line, and there was no room for negotiation. He clenched his jaw, his pride warring with his sense of duty. Finally, he exhaled sharply, his shoulders slumping in defeat. āYes, Mother,ā he said grudgingly. āYouāve made yourself clear.ā
āVery well,ā the queen said, standing to signal the end of the conversation. āGood night, my son.ā
Jeno bowed slightly, his movements stiff with suppressed frustration, before turning to leave. As he walked out, the queen watched him go, her expression softening for a moment. She knew this was not easy for him, but she also knew it was necessary. Jeno was young and impulsive, but he would learn in time. And Princess (Y/n)āwell, she was exactly the kind of woman who could challenge him, temper him, and help him grow into the king he was meant to be. The queen only hoped Jeno would see that before it was too late.
-
The sun rose bright and early, casting a golden glow over the Northcy palace courtyard. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of flowers and freshly cut grass. Princess (Y/n) made her way to the pavilion where breakfast was set, her small entourage trailing behind her. Fei and Mei, her twin maids, walked a few steps behind, their movements synchronized and unobtrusive. Though identical in appearanceāboth with sharp features, dark hair pinned neatly back, and hands clasped respectfully in front of themātheir personalities were worlds apart. Feiās expression was calm and composed, her sharp eyes scanning their surroundings for any potential threat, while Meiās softer demeanor showed in the way she occasionally glanced at the princess with quiet concern.
Leading the way were the princessās two personal guards, Chan and Hyunjin. Chan, the older of the two, walked with a confident stride, his broad shoulders and steady gaze making it clear he took his duty seriously. His uniform, though immaculate, bore subtle signs of wearāa testament to the years heād spent protecting the princess. Hyunjin, taller and more lithe, moved with a graceful precision, his sharp eyes darting around as if expecting danger at every turn. Both guards refused to leave the princessās side, their loyalty unwavering even in this foreign palace. Despite the alliance between the kingdoms, old grudges and lingering tensions made them wary. They knew better than to let their guard down.
āPeople will gossip if you two donāt leave me be,ā the princess said, her voice light but tinged with exasperation as they approached the pavilion. Her lips curving into a faint smile, as Chan glanced back at her over his shoulder. āIām perfectly capable of walking to breakfast without an armed escort.ā
Chanās expression remained serious, though there was a flicker of warmth in his eyes as he met her gaze. āMy princess,ā he said, his voice low but firm, turning to face forward again, āweād be executed if anything happened to you. Following you wherever you go is the best way to ensure that doesnāt happen.ā His tone left no room for argument, though the princess knew it came from a place of deep loyaltyāand something more. Chan had joined the army at 18, risen to become her personal guard by 20, and somewhere along the way, his devotion had deepened into something unspoken. At 24, he was as much her protector as he was her friend, though neither of them dared to acknowledge the unspoken tension between them.
Hyunjin, ever the pragmatist, added with a smirk as he too glanced back at the princess, āBesides, who else is going to make sure you donāt trip over your own feet?ā The princess shot him a mock glare, though the corners of her lips twitched upward. The banter was familiar, a small comfort in an otherwise unfamiliar place.
Fei and Mei exchanged a knowing glance but said nothing, their loyalty to the princess evident in the way they adjusted her shawl or smoothed a stray strand of hair without being asked. The five of themāprincess, maids, and guardsāhad spent the past three years practically inseparable. They were more than an entourage; they were a family, bound by duty and shared experiences. The princess was rarely alone, save for the quiet moments in the dead of night when sleep finally claimed her.
As they reached the pavilion, the queen rose gracefully from her seat, her presence commanding immediate attention. Dressed in a flowing gown of deep emerald green, her silver crown catching the morning light, she exuded an air of regal authority. Her sharp eyes softened slightly as they landed on the princess.
āPrincess (Y/n),ā the queen called, her voice warm but carrying an undercurrent of formality. āCome, dear. Take a seat.ā She gestured to the chair beside her, then glanced at the princessās entourage. āYou may dismiss your guards and handmaids. They can take their meal in the servantsā hall.ā
The princess hesitated, her gaze flickering to Chan and Hyunjin, who stood like statues at her sides. She opened her mouth to protest, but Feiās subtle shake of her head stopped her. The queenās tone, though polite, left no room for negotiation. With a small nod, the princess turned to her guards and maids. āThank you,ā she said quietly, her voice carrying a note of gratitude and reassurance. āIāll be fine.ā
Chanās jaw tightened, but he bowed slightly. āAs you wish, Your Highness.ā Hyunjin gave a curt nod, his sharp eyes lingering on the queen for a moment before he turned to follow Fei and Mei as they retreated.
The princess took her seat, her posture straight and her expression composed, though her hands clenched subtly in her lap. The queenās gaze lingered on her for a moment, assessing, before she smiled and gestured to the lavish spread before them. āI hope youāre hungry, my dear. We have much to discuss.ā
Breakfast passed in a blur for the princess. She spoke only when spoken to, and even then, her answers were brief and measured. The king, seated at the head of the table, was a striking figureātall and broad-shouldered, with a face that bore the weight of years of ruling. His silver-streaked hair and sharp, calculating eyes gave him an air of authority, but his demeanor was reserved, almost distant. Though he was polite, his kindness felt formal, lacking the warmth of true welcome. The end of the war had not erased decades of tension, and the king had more pressing concerns than making small talk with his future daughter-in-law. Between planning the wedding and solidifying the fragile alliance between the two kingdoms, his mind was clearly elsewhere.
Jeno, seated across from the princess, was uncharacteristically quiet. He picked at his food, his usual confidence replaced by a tense silence. It was clear he didnāt want to risk angering his mother, whose sharp glances in his direction were enough to keep him in line. An outburst from Jeno would only provoke his father, and no one at the table wanted to witness the kingās temper. The queen, ever the diplomat, tried to steer the conversation, her voice light and encouraging as she asked questions and made comments to fill the awkward silences. But her efforts fell flat, met with stiff replies and forced smiles. The meal dragged on, the clink of silverware against porcelain echoing in the heavy air, a stark reminder of the unresolved tensions simmering beneath the surface.
When the king finished his meal, he stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. The sudden movement prompted everyone else at the table to rise as well. āI have pressing matters to attend to,ā the king said, his voice clipped and formal. He turned to the princess, his expression softening slightly, though his tone remained distant. āIt was a pleasure to meet you, Princess (Y/n). I look forward to getting to know you better.ā He gave a brief nod in her direction, a gesture of respect that felt more obligatory than genuine.
The princess responded with a graceful, deep bow, her movements precise and regal. The queen and Jeno followed suit, bowing their heads as the king strode out of the room, his presence lingering like a shadow even after he was gone.
As soon as the door closed behind his father, Jeno seized the opportunity to escape. āI also have matters to attend to,ā he said curtly, already turning to leave. His tone was dismissive, his body language tense, as if he couldnāt wait to put distance between himself and the awkwardness of the breakfast table.
But before he could take more than a step, the queenās voice stopped him in his tracks. āJeno,ā she called, her tone firm but not unkind. She paused, letting the weight of her words settle, before adding, āYou should show the princess around.ā Her voice softened slightly, though the underlying expectation was clear. This wasnāt a suggestionāit was a command.
Jeno froze, his back still turned to the table. For a moment, it seemed like he might argue, but then he exhaled sharply and turned back around, his expression carefully neutral. āOf course, Mother,ā he said, though the reluctance in his voice was unmistakable.
āJeno can show you around the palace,ā the queen said, wearing a tight smile.Ā Silently hoping that none of this will be in vain.Ā āIt will help you become more familiar with the palace and with the prince.āĀ Ā
āYes, your Majesty,ā the princess said in the most neutral tone.Ā The princess bowed again this time to the queen, before she turned to follow after Jeno.Ā Ā
The princess followed a few steps behind Prince Jeno as he led her through the palace, his gestures half-hearted as he pointed out random objects and rooms. āThatās a vase from the southern region,ā he said, barely glancing at the ornate piece. āAnd over thereās a painting of some ancestor no one remembers.ā His tone was dismissive, his words clipped, as if he were going through the motions of a chore he deeply resented.
Jenoās appearance didnāt help the awkwardness. He wore a simple pair of black dress pants and a light blue button-up shirt, the sleeves haphazardly rolled up to his elbows. His black hair was tousled, as though heād just rolled out of bed, and his overall demeanor suggested heād rather be anywhere else. The princess, in contrast, walked with her usual poise, her hands clasped neatly in front of her, her expression calm but guarded.
They eventually entered a room that could only be the palace library. It was breathtaking, like something out of a storybookāwalls lined with books from floor to ceiling, their spines a patchwork of colors and languages. The air smelled faintly of aged paper and wood polish, and the quiet hum of the space felt almost sacred. The princess couldnāt help but drift toward the shelves, her fingers lightly tracing the spines of the books. Some were written in an ancient Modian script, a language so old it was nearly forgotten. The sight of it stirred something in her, a connection to her homeland that felt both comforting and painful.
Jeno leaned against a nearby table, watching her with a mix of curiosity and irritation. āYou donāt talk much, do you?ā he asked, breaking the silence. His tone was casual, but there was an edge to it, as if he were testing her.
The princess paused, her hand still resting on a book. āI was raised to only speak when spoken to,ā she replied evenly, her voice calm but firm. āMy father wasā¦ keen on traditions.ā
Jeno raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. āTraditions?ā he echoed, his tone laced with mockery. āSomething like women are only meant to be child-bearers?ā
The princess stiffened, her hand dropping from the shelf. She turned to face him, her expression unreadable but her eyes sharp. It was no secret that the Modia royals were deeply traditional, but the way Jeno said itāwith that casual, almost mocking toneāfelt like a deliberate jab. She held his gaze for a moment, the tension between them thickening, before she replied, her voice steady but carrying a quiet challenge. āTraditions can beā¦ complicated. But they donāt define everyone who follows them.ā
Jenoās smirk faltered, and for a moment, he looked almost surprised. The awkward silence returned, heavier than before, as the two of them stood there, the weight of their roles and the expectations placed upon them hanging in the air like a storm waiting to break.
The rest of the tour was met with silence; Jeno continued to point out things to the princess, though she didnāt respond nor show any interest.Ā Jeno led her back to her chambers and bid her a farewell until the evening meal.Ā Ā
The prince wanted to smack himself for his comment.Ā His mouth was moving faster than his brain at that moment.Ā He didnāt want to make such a horrible first impression, but it seems the damage has already been done.Ā Ā
After the doors closed, separating the princess and prince.Ā The princess couldnāt help but let out the most exasperated sigh, the usual regal composure slipping away.Ā As she sunk down onto the couch that laid out in the front room.Ā Fei and Mei had already been in the room, preparing clothing for the evening meal. They exchanged a quick glance, noticing the tension in their mistress.Ā Ā
āHow was the tour, Your Highness?ā Mei asked cautiously as she set down the tea tray in front of the princess on the coffee table.Ā Ā
The princess groaned, sitting up to face her maids.Ā āAwkward.Ā Infuriating.Ā Take your pick.āĀ The princess picked up the cup, sipping the tea as her brows furrowed.Ā She thought back to the princeās comments.Ā āPrince Jeno is trulyā¦insufferable.Ā He made no effort to give a proper tour.āĀ The princess set down her cup, her posture straightening, āwhich was fine, I did not want to be with him either.āĀ She huffed, ābut then he decides to speak to me and to what?Ā To mock me.āĀ
Fei, who had been folding a shawl, paused and turned to face the princess, her sharp eyes narrowing.Ā āMock you, Your Highness?āĀ
The princess sighed, āhe made a comment about Modian traditionsāasking if women were only meant to bear children.āĀ The princess looked down at her lap for a moment, before returning Feiās gaze.Ā āCould you imagine, me, reduced to nothing more than someone that bears children.āĀ
The princess stood up from her seat, her face harding with resolve.Ā āI will not be reduced to just his bride.āĀ
āOf course not, Your Highness,ā Fei spoke with the same resolve clear in her tone.Ā āYou are far more than just his bride.Ā Your strength, Your intelligence, your dedication to your peopleā¦ these are things he cannot take from you.āĀ
āI know,āĀ the princess said, as she felt a tear slide down her cheek.Ā How she desperately missed home.Ā How she desperately wanted out of this marriage, this alliance, this palace, this country.Ā Only a day here and she could feel it building up in her.Ā Her disdain would drown her, if she didnāt find a way to win.Ā āBut I feel so alone.Ā I feel so helpless.āĀ
āYouāre not alone your highness,ā Mei spoke softly, moving to stand with the princess. āWe are right here and weāll be right here, always.ā Both girls looked at the princess, as they stood with her.Ā Silent reminders that the princess is not alone.Ā Ā
āThank you both,ā the princess said with a smile.Ā āYou two will be the only people to ensure I remain sane.āĀ Ā
āWho says youāre sane now?ā Mei asked, with a smirk, causing the princess to scoff.Ā Her smile growing as the tension begins to ease.Ā Ā
āYou best bathe before dinner,ā Fei spoke up.Ā The princess simply nodded her head, a bath at this time sounded nice.Ā As the maids helped her prepare for the evening meal, the princess felt a flicker of reassurance.Ā No matter what challenges lay ahead, she knew she wouldnāt face them alone. And that night as she lay in bed, staring at the ornate ceiling above, she made a silent vow: she would not let Jenoāor anyoneādefine her worth. She was a princess, a future queen, and she would rise above this, no matter how difficult the path might be.
-
After her arrival the days began to blur together as winter approached, its icy grip tightening on the Northcy Kingdom. A month had already passed since the princess arrived, and the once-mild chill in the air had deepened into a biting cold. Being so far north, the kingdom was no stranger to harsh winters, and soon the landscape would be blanketed in snowāa phenomenon the princess had never experienced. Coming from Modia, a tropical paradise where the sun kissed the earth year-round, she had initially been excited at the prospect of seeing snow for the first time. But now, as the temperature dropped, she found herself shivering under layers of wool and fur, unprepared for the relentless cold that seeped into her bones.
The princessās days were filled with a whirlwind of duties, as were Jenoās. As Crown Prince, Jeno was already an active member of the council, immersed in the intricacies of governance and statecraft. His role required him to understand every facet of ruling before he could ascend the throne, and his days were a relentless cycle of meetings, debates, and paperwork. The princess, meanwhile, was tasked with familiarizing herself with her new home. She spent hours with the queen, learning about the kingdomās departments, its noble families, and the labyrinthine politics of the Northcy court. It was a stark contrast to the Modian system she had grown up with.
In Modia, the council consisted of ten high houses, though only three held real power. The other seven were little more than figureheads, their influence symbolic at best. Northcy, however, was a different beast entirely. Jenoās future council would include eighteen noble families, a royal advisor, two āspecial membersā whose roles were unclear, and a general who held two votesāa detail that baffled the princess. The terminology alone was overwhelming. What Modia called āhigh houses,ā Northcy referred to as ānoble families.ā The sheer volume of information was staggering, and the princess found herself buried under endless stacks of papers, trying to memorize names, titles, and alliances. The queen, ever gracious, guided her through it all, explaining that it was her duty as queen to oversee the budgets and entertain the noble familiesāa responsibility the princess would soon inherit.
Despite their shared obligations, the princess and Jeno rarely crossed paths. Their interactions were limited to formal evening meals with the king and queen, where conversation was polite but strained. Jeno was often quiet, his attention divided between his food and his thoughts, while the princess maintained her composure, speaking only when addressed. The tension between them was palpable, a silent reminder of the forced nature of their union.Ā The princess began to wonder if this is all her life in Northcy would amount to. Endless studies and forced meals with the man that was supposed to be her husband.Ā
One evening, as the family gathered for dinner, the queen broke the silence with a surprising suggestion. āJeno,ā she said, her tone light but deliberate, āwhy donāt you introduce (Y/n) to your brothers tomorrow?ā
Jeno nearly choked on his drink, his eyes widening in surprise. The princess, too, was taken aback. In all her years of studying Northcyās history and politics, she had never heard mention of Jeno having brothers. The official records stated clearly that King Lee Donghae and Queen Lee Jaeyeon had only one child: Crown Prince Lee Jeno. The queenās words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications.
āVery well, Mother,ā Jeno replied after a moment, his voice carefully neutral. He avoided the princessās gaze, his expression unreadable.
The princessās mind raced. Brothers? How was it possible that Jeno had siblings, and why had they never been mentioned before? The Northcy court was already a maze of secrets and power struggles, and this revelation only added to the mystery. She glanced at the queen, who was calmly sipping her tea, her face betraying nothing. The king, seated at the head of the table, remained silent, his sharp eyes fixed on his plate.
As the meal continued, the princess found herself unable to focus on the conversation. Her thoughts were consumed by questions about Jenoās brothersāwho they were, why they had been kept hidden, and what their existence meant for her future. The differences between Modia and Northcy had never felt more pronounced. In Modia, transparency was valued, and the royal familyās lineage was a matter of public record. Here, in Northcy, it seemed that even the most basic truths could be shrouded in secrecy.
The princessās unease grew as she realized just how little she truly knew about the kingdom she was about to call homeāand the family she was about to marry into.
When dinner ended, Jeno rose abruptly from his seat, the legs of his chair scraping against the marble floor. The sound cut through the lingering silence like a blade. āPrincess,ā he said, his voice firm and carrying an edge that demanded attention, āallow me to escort you back to your chambers.ā His face was a mask of neutrality, carefully composed, but his eyes betrayed him. They burned with something unspokenāanger, regret, or perhaps a flicker of vulnerability. If only the princess could decipher the storm behind those dark, piercing eyes.
āOf course,ā the princess replied, her tone calm and measured as she stood, offering a graceful bow to the queen before following Jeno. She kept a few steps behind him, her hands clasped neatly in front of her, her posture regal even in the face of his abruptness.
The queen watched them leave, her gaze lingering on the doorway long after they had disappeared. A small, hopeful smile touched her lips. Perhaps this was the beginning of something real. Perhaps her son was finally starting to accept the weight of this alliance, this union that would bind their kingdoms together. She dared to hope that he was growing up, even if just a little.
As the princess followed Jeno through the labyrinthine halls of the palace, she noticed something was amiss. He had taken a wrong turnāone that led away from her chambers. āYour Highness,ā she said softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. āThis isnāt the way to my quarters.ā
āIndulge me,ā Jeno replied curtly, not bothering to look back. His tone left no room for argument, and though the princessās instincts warned her to tread carefully, she followed him nonetheless. She had learned to pick her battles, and this was not one worth fightingāyet.
Finally, Jeno stopped in front of a heavy wooden door, its surface carved with intricate patterns of vines and crests. He pushed it open and stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter first. The princess hesitated for a moment before stepping through the threshold, her breath catching as she took in the sight before her.
The grand hallway stretched endlessly, its polished marble floors gleaming under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers that hung like frozen stars from the vaulted ceiling. The walls were lined with towering portraits, each framed in ornate gilded wood that shimmered like liquid gold in the warm light. The air was thick with the scent of aged wood and the faintest hint of oil paint, a testament to the centuries of history preserved within these walls. It was a gallery of power, of legacy, of secrets.
The princessās eyes were drawn to the portrait closest to the door. It was a stunning piece, the brushstrokes capturing every detail with breathtaking precision. The subject was a young boy, no older than eleven or twelve, with dark black hair that contrasted sharply against his pale skin. His eyes, though painted, seemed to hold a depth of emotion that transcended the canvas. The princess stared at the portrait, her heart skipping a beat as she realized who it depicted. It was JenoāJeno as a child.
She turned to look at him, but his gaze remained fixed on the portrait, his expression unreadable. For a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of remorse in his eyes, but it was gone before she could be sure. The silence between them was heavy, charged with unspoken words.
āMy brotherās portrait used to hang here,ā Jeno said finally, his voice low and tinged with bitterness. He still didnāt look at her, his eyes locked on the painting of his younger self. āIt was a portrait of his mother holding him as a baby. It hung here for years, a reminder of his place in this family. Until the council decided he wasnāt good enough to be the heir.ā He paused, his jaw tightening. āThey decided I should be Crown Prince instead. Not because I was the oldest son of the king. No, because I was the only son of the queenāthe true queen.ā
The princessās breath caught in her throat, but she remained silent, her eyes fixed on Jeno as he continued.
āDo you want to know how old my brother was when they stripped him of his future?ā Jenoās voice cracked with anger, though he kept it tightly controlled. āFifteen. Fifteen years old, and they told him he would never be kingānot because of anything he did, but because of who his mother was.ā
āYour Highness,ā the princess began, her voice soft but steady, though she wasnāt sure what to say. How could she respond to such raw pain, such anger?
Jeno finally turned to look at her, his eyes blazing. āYouāre probably wondering why Iām telling you this,ā he said, his tone sharp but not unkind. āTomorrow, weāll have lunch with my brothers. And then, Princess, youāll understand why I canāt forgive the council for what they did.ā
The princess nodded slowly, her mind racing. She didnāt know what to expect, but one thing was clear: the Northcy court was far more complicatedāand far more dangerousāthan she had ever imagined.
-
The next morning, the princessās thoughts were consumed by Jenoās revelation. Three brothers. How could she have spent an entire month in the palace without ever seeing or hearing about them? They had never joined the family for meals, never appeared in the halls, never been mentioned in passing. It was as if they didnāt existāand yet, Jeno had spoken of them with such raw emotion. The mystery gnawed at her, making it impossible to focus as her maids helped her prepare for lunch.
āThe prince said he has three brothers,ā the princess murmured, her eyes fixed on her reflection in the mirror. Fei knelt at her feet, lacing up her boots, while Mei stood behind her, tying the delicate bow at the back of her dress. āThree. And Iāve never even seen them.ā
āYou mentioned this last night, Your Highness,ā Mei said gently, her fingers deftly securing the bow. āAnd again this morning.ā
āAnd early this afternoon,ā Fei added, glancing up briefly before returning to her task. āYouāve beenā¦ preoccupied.ā
The princess sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. āI know. But he didnāt say muchājust that there are three of them. He only talked about his oldest brother, how he was stripped of his title at fifteen by the council. Can you imagine?ā
āYes, Your Highness,ā Mei said softly, her tone tinged with sympathy. āYouāve told us.ā
The princess blinked, turning to look at her maids. āHave I really talked about it that much?ā
Fei nodded, her expression kind but firm. āYou have, Your Highness. Itās all youāve been able to think about since last night.ā
The princess turned back to the mirror, her reflection staring back at her with a furrowed brow. āItās justā¦ itās been a month. How could something like this not have come up sooner? How could I not have known?ā
Fei stood, brushing off her skirts as she met the princessās gaze squarely. āPerhaps thereās a reason for that, Your Highness.ā
āA reason?ā the princess echoed, her voice tinged with frustration. āWhat reason could there be?ā
Fei hesitated, choosing her words carefully. āYouāve said it yourself. In all your studies of Northcy, there was no mention of any brothers. Clearly, they were meant to be kept a secretānot from everyone, but from you.ā
The princessās breath caught, the realization hitting her like a cold wave. āBecause Iām still the enemy to them,ā she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. āIāll always be the enemy to them.ā
āWeāve been enemies for nearly a century, Your Highness,ā Mei said gently, stepping forward to adjust the princessās sleeve. āItās going to take more than learning their ways to move forward. Trust isnāt built overnight.ā
Before the princess could respond, a sharp knock echoed through the room, cutting through the heavy silence. All three women turned toward the door, their movements freezing for a moment. The princessās heart quickened. It had to be Jeno, coming to escort her to lunch. The moment she had been both dreading and anticipating had arrived.
Fei and Mei exchanged a quick glance before Mei stepped forward to open the door. The princess straightened her posture, smoothing her dress and lifting her chin. Whatever awaited her at lunch, she would face it with the grace and poise expected of a princess. But as the door creaked open, revealing Jenoās tall, imposing figure, she couldnāt shake the unease that coiled in her stomach. The secrets of the Northcy court were beginning to unravel, and she had a feeling that lunch would only bring more questions than answers.
The prince stood on the other side of the door, his expression unreadable, his posture stiff. He wore a crisp white button-down shirt tucked into black tailored pants, his attire simple yet commanding. His thoughts churned, a storm of doubt and reluctance. Is this the right time? he wondered. Should she really meet them now?Ā He understood the necessity of the princess becoming acquainted with his family, but this felt too soon, too personal. It was as if she were stepping into a part of his life he wasnāt ready to shareāa part he had kept guarded for years.
āShall we, Princess?ā Jenoās voice was cool, detached. He didnāt step into the room, didnāt cross the threshold. Instead, he remained in the hallway, maintaining a deliberate distance, as if to remind herāand himselfāthat this was merely duty, not choice.
The princess didnāt bother with a verbal response. Instead, she offered a graceful bow, her movements fluid and regal, before stepping out of the room. Her maids lingered behind, their eyes following her with quiet concern. As she joined Jeno in the hallway, Chan and Hyunjin fell into step behind her, their presence a silent but unwavering reminder of their loyalty.
Jeno noticed them immediately. He turned, his sharp gaze flickering to the guards trailing the princess. āYou can dismiss your guards, Princess,ā he said, his tone casual but firm. āThey donāt need to escort you to lunch. I can handle that.ā
The princess stopped,Ā the heels of her boots clicking softly against the marble floor. She turned to look at Chan and Hyunjin, her protectors. Chanās jaw was clenched, his hands flexing at his sides as if ready to draw a weapon at a momentās notice. Hyunjinās eyes narrowed, his sharp gaze locked on Jeno, assessing him like a threat. The princess had to suppress a smirk. Her guards didnāt trust easily, and they certainly didnāt trust Jeno.
āI think it gives them peace of mind to follow, Your Highness,ā the princess said, her voice calm but laced with steel. She tipped her head slightly, a gesture of respect that wasnāt quite genuine. āIf you donāt mind, I would like them to stay.ā
Jeno studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he nodded, though the tension in his shoulders betrayed his irritation. āIt is your decision, Princess,ā he said, his tone clipped.
The words stung, though Jeno hadnāt intended them to. Her decision? When had anything ever been her decision? From the moment this alliance was proposed, her life had been dictated by othersāher parents, the council, the queen. Even now, as she stood in this foreign palace, she was a pawn in a game she hadnāt chosen to play. The bitterness of it burned in her chest, but she kept her face composed, her posture regal. She couldnāt afford to show weakness, not here, not now.
āShall we?ā Jeno repeated, gesturing down the hall with a sweep of his hand. His tone was polite, but the edge in his voice was unmistakable. He was as uncomfortable with this as she was, and that knowledge gave her a small, grim satisfaction.
The princess nodded, falling into step beside him. Chan and Hyunjin followed a few paces behind, their presence a silent but potent reminder that she wasnāt entirely alone in this. As they walked, the weight of Jenoās words lingered in the air, heavy and unspoken. Her decision. The irony of it was almost too much to bear. But for now, she would play her part, even if it meant stepping further into a world that seemed determined to keep her at armās length.
When they arrived at the dining hall, Jeno placed a hand lightly on the small of the princessās back, guiding her toward the table with a formality that felt performative and distant. Chan and Hyunjin remained at the entrance, their sharp eyes scanning the room as they took up their positions. They were close enough to watch but too far to hear much, a deliberate arrangement that left the princess feeling both guarded and exposed.
As they approached the table, Jeno began the introductions, his tone clipped but polite. The first to rise was the oldest brother, Taeyong. He was tall and lean, with a striking handsomeness that commanded attention. His sharp jawline and piercing eyes gave him an air of authority, but his smileāwide and almost childlikeāsoftened his presence, making him seem approachable despite his imposing stature. āThis is Taeyong,ā Jeno said, his voice neutral, though the princess noticed the faintest flicker of respect in his eyes.
Next was Mark, the second brother. He was closer in age to Jeno, with pitch-black hair that fell slightly into his round, expressive eyes. His features were softer than Taeyongās, with small lips that curved into a shy smile as he nodded in greeting. There was a quiet intensity about him, a sharpness in his gaze that suggested he missed very little, even if he chose not to speak much.
Finally, Jeno gestured to the youngest of the three, Donghyuckāor Haechan, as he was often called. His tan skin and round, cherubic face set him apart from his brothers, his puffy cheeks giving him a youthful, almost mischievous appearance. But it was his energy that truly stood out; he radiated a brightness that seemed to light up the room, his smile as warm and inviting as the sun itself. āWe call him Haechan,ā Jeno explained, his tone softening slightly, ābecause his personality is as bright as the sun.ā
The princess studied each brother in turn, her mind racing to piece together the dynamics of this family. They were so differentāin appearance, in demeanor, in the way they carried themselvesāand yet there was an undeniable bond that tied them together. She could feel the weight of their shared history, the unspoken tensions and loyalties that shaped their interactions. This was more than just a family; it was a puzzle, one she was only beginning to unravel.
āIt is a pleasure to meet you,ā the princess, repeating her bow as always.Ā She could hear the faintest chuckles as she moved.Ā
āJeno,ā Haechan whined, ādonāt make her perform such formal greetings.āĀ
The prince could feel the heat of irritation rise through him. He was not making the princess perform anything.Ā
āPrincess (y/n), you donāt need to be so formal. Itās just lunch with family,ā Taeyong spoke, his tone light and breezy.Ā His suggestion felt like a trap to the princess. Something to make her show her cards. A way to get her to prove she isnāt good enough. The princess was all too cautious. āLetās sit.āĀ
The prince pulled out the chair for the princess. Although some would think his action was kind, the princess felt the action inauthentic. The prince had just been raised to be a gentleman regardless of feelings.Ā
The meal carried on with an unexpected ease, the conversation light and filled with stories of their youth. There was no talk of weddings or alliances, no probing questions about the princessās knowledge of her kingdom or theirs. For the first time since her arrival, the atmosphere felt almostā¦ normal. Like a simple lunch between brothers, free from the weight of politics and expectations.
The princess watched Jeno closely, struck by the change in him. In all the meals they had shared, she had never seen him smileānot truly. But here, surrounded by his brothers, his demeanor shifted entirely. His usual guardedness melted away, replaced by a warmth and ease she hadnāt thought him capable of. The difference was stark, almost jarring. It was as if she were seeing a completely different person.
āPrincess,ā Haechanās voice cut through the laughter, pulling her from her thoughts. He leaned forward slightly, his bright eyes curious. āDo you have any siblings?ā
The question hit her like a physical blow. Her utensils slipped from her fingers, clattering loudly against her plate. The sound echoed in the sudden silence that fell over the table. The princess felt the color drain from her face, her hands trembling as she struggled to maintain her composure. The memories rushed in unbiddenāher sisterās laughter, her brotherās mischievous grin, the emptiness that had followed their loss.
āHaechan,ā Taeyongās voice was sharp, a low growl that carried the weight of authority. He didnāt need to say more; the name alone was a reprimand. Haechan immediately shrank back, his cheerful demeanor faltering under his brotherās stern gaze.
āI did,ā the princess said finally, her voice soft but steady. She stared down at her plate, her fingers gripping the edge of the table as if it could anchor her. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to look up, meeting Haechanās apologetic gaze. āThey have passed.ā
The silence that followed was heavy, the weight of her words settling over the table like a shroud. Taeyong was the first to speak, his tone measured and diplomatic, though his eyes held a flicker of genuine sympathy. āWe are sorry for your loss, Princess.ā
Jeno, who had been unusually quiet, spoke next, his voice barely above a whisper. āI had a sister,ā he admitted, his words surprising even himself. It was a part of his past he rarely acknowledged, a wound he kept carefully hidden. āShe too passed.ā His eyes met the princessās, and for a moment, there was something unspoken between themāa shared understanding of grief, of loss, of the scars that war leaves behind.
The princess held his gaze for a heartbeat longer before turning back to the table, forcing a small, fragile smile. āPlease,ā she said, her tone light but carrying an undercurrent of pleading, ālet us discuss happier things.ā
Taeyong nodded, his expression softening as he offered her a reassuring smile. But beneath his calm exterior, his thoughts churned. He knew about the princessās siblings. He knew how they had diedāduring the war, likely as a result of his own campaigns. As the general of the Northcy army, he had overseen countless battles, each one leaving its mark on both sides. The irony wasnāt lost on him; here he sat, sharing a meal with the woman whose family he had helped tear apart, all in the name of an alliance that was supposed to bring peace.
The meal resumed, the conversation gradually returning to lighter topics, but the tension lingered, a silent reminder of the fragile threads holding this alliance together. The princessās smile never quite reached her eyes, and Jenoās laughter felt forced, the weight of their shared history pressing down on them both. For all the warmth and camaraderie at the table, the shadows of the past were never far away.
As the meal drew to a close, the brothers exchanged their final remarks, the warmth of their camaraderie filling the room. Taeyong stood abruptly when his phone buzzed, his expression tightening as he glanced at the screen. āExcuse me,ā he said, stepping away to take the call. When he returned, his face was clouded with irritation. āI have to leave,ā he announced, his tone clipped. āThereās an issue at the stables that needs my attention.ā
āLet us come with you,ā Haechan suggested eagerly, already on his feet. His eyes sparkled with excitement. āWe can take a ride after you sort it out. Itās been ages since weāve all ridden together.ā
Mark nodded in agreement, a small smile playing on his lips. āThe first snow is supposed to fall today,ā he added. āIt was our tradition to ride during the first snowfall.ā
Jeno, who had been quietly observing, stood as well. āIt would be nice, Taeyong,ā he said softly, his voice carrying a rare note of vulnerability. The princess watched the exchange, struck by how much the brothers seemed to cherish these moments together. It was clear they didnāt get to spend much time as a family anymore.
Taeyong hesitated, his brow furrowed as he weighed the request. āIām not sureā¦ā he began, but Haechan cut him off, his voice tinged with playful whining.
āYou never see us anymore,ā Haechan said, pouting slightly. The princess noticed how Taeyongās stern expression softened at his younger brotherās words.
Mark stepped closer, his head tilted in a gesture of quiet pleading. āItās been a while since weāve done something together, Taeyong,ā he said, his tone gentle but insistent.
Taeyong sighed, the tension in his shoulders easing as he relented. āFine,ā he said, though his voice still carried a note of caution. āBut no promises that this situation will be resolved quickly.ā
The brothersā faces lit up at his agreement, their smiles bright and genuine. The princess couldnāt help but feel a pang of warmth at the sight. It was a rare, heartwarming moment, one that reminded her of the family she had lost.
As the brothers began to gather their things, the princess stood, preparing to excuse herself. She dipped into a deep bow, her voice soft but formal. āIt was a pleasure to dine with you allāā
āYouāre not leaving now, are you?ā Haechan interrupted, his tone incredulous as he turned to face her.
The princess felt a flush rise to her cheeks, caught off guard by his directness. āIā¦ yes,ā she stammered, unsure how to respond.
āYou have to come with us,ā Haechan insisted, his enthusiasm undimmed. āWeāre going horseback riding. Itāll be fun!ā
āI donāt know how to ride,ā the princess admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Haechan waved off her concern with a grin. āItās fineāyou can ride with me,ā he said, reaching out to take her arm. Before she could protest, he had linked her arm with his, pulling her gently but firmly toward the stables.
The princess stumbled slightly, caught off guard by his forwardness. She glanced at Haechan, searching for some explanation for his behavior, but he simply looked happyāgenuinely, uncomplicatedly happy. It was a feeling she hadnāt experienced in a long time, and it left her momentarily speechless.
Jeno, however, was far from pleased. He watched the interaction with a growing sense of unease, his jaw tightening as Haechan led the princess away. He didnāt like the idea of her being dragged into thisāinto his life, his familyās traditions. It felt like an intrusion, a boundary being crossed too soon. And he especially didnāt like how Haechan had handled it, pulling her along without a thought for her comfort or consent. It was disrespectful, and it grated on him more than he cared to admit.
As the group made their way to the stables, Jeno lingered behind, his thoughts a tangled mess of frustration and resentment. He didnāt like any of itānot Haechanās impulsiveness, not the princessās presence, and certainly not the way this alliance was forcing him to open parts of his life heād rather keep closed. But for now, he had no choice but to follow, his steps heavy with reluctance as he trailed behind the others.
Taeyong could see the frustration etched across Jenoās face as they walked to the stables. It wasnāt hard to missāthe tightness in his jaw, the way his shoulders were stiff, the storm brewing in his eyes. Taeyong understood why Jeno felt this way. This wasnāt the life Jeno had envisioned for himself. He was angryāangry at the council for forcing this title on him, angry at his parents for forging this alliance, and, deep down, angry at himself for being born into this role. Taeyong wished he could ease his brotherās anger, but he knew Jeno would have to come to terms with his circumstances in his own time. Acceptance wasnāt something Taeyong could force on him, no matter how much he wanted to.
When they arrived at the stables, a man dressed in the crisp uniform of a palace guard approached Taeyong and pulled him aside. The princess watched, along with the other princes, as Taeyong listened intently to what the guard had to say. She didnāt mean to stare so openly, but her curiosity got the better of her. Prince Haechan noticed her focused gaze and leaned closer to her, a mischievous glint in his eye.
āWondering who that is, Princess?ā Haechan asked, his voice low but playful.
Before he could continue, Jeno cut in sharply, his tone firm. āHaechan.ā
The princess listened carefully, grateful for the information. It was rare for someone to offer her insights so freely, and she clung to every word. Still, she felt like she was being handed puzzle pieces without seeing the full picture. āI still donāt understand,ā she admitted, her brow furrowing slightly.Ā
Haechan smirked, a hint of pride in his expression. āTaeyong is the General of the Army. Heās in charge of every guard, soldier, and officer in Northcy. They all report to him.ā He paused, letting the information sink in. Slowly, the princess began to connect the dots, though many questions still lingered.
Jeno, however, wasnāt pleased. āHaechan,ā he said again, his voice sharper this time. He knew the princess would eventually learn all of thisāshe was going to be part of the family, after all. But he wasnāt ready to share so much about Northcy, about their family, or about himself. Trust didnāt come easily to him, especially not with someone who still felt like a stranger.
Meanwhile, Taeyong finished his conversation with Johnny and glanced back at his brothers and the princess, who were waiting patiently. Johnny had informed him that some of the palace guards were unhappy about sharing their dormitory with the princessās guards. Taeyong sighed, his tone firm but calm. āTheyāll have to deal with it for now. Thereās nowhere else to house them at the moment.ā
āIāll do my best to make them see reason, sir,ā Johnny replied, though he knew any complaints would likely fall on deaf ears.
āThank you,ā Taeyong said, dismissing Johnny with a nod. He turned back to the group and gestured to the stable hands to prepare the horses. The princesā faces lit up at the prospect of riding together, their excitement palpable.
āPrincess,ā Taeyong called, his voice cutting through the chatter. She looked up at him, her expression attentive. āTell your guards that weāll be riding up the trail about half a mile north,ā he said, pointing toward a clearing in the distance. āThe ride will take about an hour and a half. They can grab lunch while they wait for you.ā
āYes, thank you, Your Highness,ā the princess replied, bowing slightly. A grateful smile touched her lips as she went to relay the message to Chan and Hyunjin.Ā Chan didnāt like leaving the princess alone with strangers.Ā However the princess argued that it was important to build relations with each of the princes and this was a good opportunity.Ā Chanās eyes flickered with something unspoken, something the princess was all too aware of.Ā āIāll be okay, I promise,ā the princess said softly, her words meant to ease Chanās mind.Ā Ā
āIāll kill anyone who hurts you,ā Chan said, the sentiment tugging at the princessās lips to form a smile.Ā Ā
āI know.āĀ
āWeāll see you after the ride, your highness,ā Hyunjin said, as he and Chan both bowed to the princess before turning to leave.Ā Ā
The stable hands were busy preparing the horses for the princes. Taeyongās horse was a majestic white stallion, strong and sturdy, with an air of calm elegance. The moment the horse saw Taeyong, its ears perked up, and it let out a soft whinny of recognition. It was clear the two shared a deep bond. Markās horse was a sleek black mare, its coat as dark as midnight, with a proud, regal bearing. Haechanās horse was a chestnut brown, its coat gleaming in the pale winter sunlight, reflecting its riderās lively energy.
Jenoās horse, also white, stood out in a different way. While Taeyongās horse exuded serenity, Jenoās had a colder, more distant demeanorāmuch like Jeno himself. It was a beautiful animal, but there was something guarded about it, as if it mirrored its riderās emotions.
Ā The brothers began mounting their horses with practiced ease, their movements smooth and confident. Haechan turned to the princess, a playful grin on his face as he reached out to help her onto his horse. āReady?ā he asked, his tone light and teasing.
But before the princess could respond, Jeno stepped between them, his presence sudden and commanding. āThe princess will ride with me,ā he said, his voice firm but calm. He didnāt look at Haechan as he spoke, his gaze fixed on the princess instead. There was no room for argument in his tone, though the tension in his shoulders suggested he wasnāt entirely comfortable with the decision himself.
Haechan blinked, surprised, āwhy? She doesnāt want to ride with you.āĀ
āPeople will talk,ā Jeno huffed, āif they see her riding with someone who isnāt her fiance, they will talk and we donāt need anyone talking right now.āĀ
Haechan smirked, stepping back, āvery well brother. Apologies princess.āĀ
The princess hesitated, her eyes flickering between Jeno and Haechan. She wasnāt sure what to make of Jenoās sudden intervention, but she could feel the weight of his gaze on her. There was something in his expressionāsomething she couldnāt quite placeāthat made her nod silently in agreement.
Jeno extended a hand to her, his movements deliberate but not unkind. āCome on,ā he said, his voice softer now. āIāll help you up.ā
The princess took his hand, her fingers brushing against his as she stepped closer to the horse. For a moment, the world seemed to narrow to just the two of them, the cold air and the distant chatter of the others fading into the background. It was a small moment, but it carried a weight neither of them could fully understandāor perhaps didnāt want to.
āHold onto this part of the saddle,ā Jeno instructed, his voice steady as he guided the princessās hands to the leather grip. He helped her onto the horse, his hands firm but careful as he gently pushed her into place. The princess settled on the horse, her breath catching as she realized just how high off the ground she was. The horse shifted beneath her, its powerful muscles rippling, and she instinctively tightened her grip on the saddle.
Jeno swung up behind her, his chest pressing lightly against her back as he adjusted his position. The closeness felt strange to the princessāintimate in a way that made her pulse quicken. She wasnāt used to being this near to him, and the warmth of his body against hers was both comforting and unnerving.
āKeep your hands here,ā Jeno said, leaning over her shoulder to point to the reins. His voice was calm, but there was a hint of amusement in his tone as he noticed her tense posture. āDonāt tug on this part,ā he warned, giving the strap a gentle pull. The horse responded immediately, taking a step forward, and the princess let out a small gasp, her body jolting slightly.
Jeno chuckled softly, the sound low and warm. It was rare to see the princess so unsettled. She was always so composed, so regal, that her reaction was almost refreshing. āYouāll get used to it,ā he said, his tone lighter now.
āAre we ready?ā Taeyongās voice cut through the crisp air, commanding attention. He sat tall on his white stallion, his posture every bit the general he was. Without waiting for an answer, he gestured toward the trail. āLetās go.ā His horse moved forward with a graceful stride, leading the way.
Jeno glanced down at the princess. āReady?ā he asked, his voice softer now. She nodded, her grip tightening on the saddle as the horse began to move. The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves against the ground was soothing, but the princess still felt uneasy. Being this close to Jeno, feeling the rise and fall of his chest against her back, was unfamiliar territory. It felt like they were playing roles in a performance, one without an audience. She couldnāt help but wonder: if they werenāt royals, if they werenāt bound by duty and expectation, could they have been friends? Could they have laughed together like companolns without the weight of an alliance hanging over them?Ā If they werenāt born to opposite sides of a war, would things between them be different?
āRace to the top?ā Haechanās voice broke through her thoughts, his tone brimming with excitement as they began to climb the trail.
Mark shook his head, his expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. āWe canāt. The princess is with us.ā
Haechan grinned, undeterred. āYouāre only saying that because you know you canāt beat me,ā he teased, making exaggerated chicken noises. The absurdity of it caught the princess off guard, and a genuine laugh escaped her lipsāa light, melodic sound that surprised even herself.
Jeno stiffened slightly behind her, caught off guard by the sound. He hadnāt heard her laugh before, and he hadnāt expected it to be soā¦ enchanting. It was a small, fleeting moment, but it lingered in the air like the first notes of a song.Ā Ā
āI would totally beat you to the top,ā Mark shot back, his competitive side flaring up.
āWe all know my horse is the fastest,ā Jeno interjected, his voice carrying a lightness the princess hadnāt heard from him before. It was a side of him she didnāt know existedāplayful, almost carefree.
āProve it,ā Haechan challenged, and with that, he urged his horse forward, darting up the trail with a burst of speed.
āCheater!ā Mark shouted, spurring his own horse into a gallop as he chased after Haechan.
Jeno leaned closer to the princess, his breath warm against her ear. āYou better hang on,ā he warned, a hint of mischief in his voice. Before she could respond, he flicked the reins, and the horse surged forward. The sudden acceleration made the princess gasp, her heart racing as the wind whipped past her face. The world blurred around her, the trees and sky becoming a streak of colors as they sped up the trail.
Taeyong brought up the rear, shaking his head at his brothersā antics, though a small smirk tugged at his lips. He urged his horse forward, joining the chase with a steady, controlled pace.
The princess clung to the saddle, her breath hitching as the horseās powerful strides carried them faster and faster. The wind was cold against her cheeks, but it felt exhilarating, freeing in a way she had never experienced before. For the first time in what felt like forever, she wasnāt thinking about alliances or duties or expectations. She was simply living in the moment, feeling the rush of speed and the warmth of Jenoās presence behind her.
Jenoās laughter rang out, deep and unrestrained, and the sound sent a shiver down her spine. It was a laugh she hadnāt heard before, one that felt rare and precious. Without thinking, she laughed too, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep inside her. It was wild and unrestrained, a reflection of the freedom she felt in that moment.
The trail stretched ahead, the brothersā shouts and laughter echoing through the trees as they raced toward the top. For the first time, the princess felt a flicker of something she hadnāt known she was missingājoy, pure and unburdened. And as the horse carried them forward, she couldnāt help but hope that this feeling, this fleeting sense of freedom, might last just a little longer.
As they neared the top, clearing up ahead, Taeyong seemed to move faster towards them.Ā He confidently maneuvered his horse around them all.Ā Pulling ahead just before they reached the top.Ā It was clear then speed didnāt matter nearly as much as strategy.Ā As the princess and prince Jeno reached the top, the horse slowing down as they reached the clearing, she could feel the cold seep deeper into her.Ā She could feel herself begin to shiver.Ā Ā
āThis isnāt fair,ā Haechan huffed, as he reached the top last.Ā The other brothers chuckled watching the baby pout about not winning the race.Ā Ā
āThatās what happens you cheat,ā Mark retorts back.Ā
āShouldnāt have challenged us, if you werenāt confident in your abilities,ā Jeno teases, adding salt to the wound of Haechan's hurt ego.Ā Ā
āLook at this view,ā Taeyong said, his voice carrying a rare note of awe as he dismounted his horse and walked toward the edge of the overlook. The other brothers followed, their boots crunching against the frost-covered ground. The vista before them was breathtakingārolling hills, dense forests, and the distant glimmer of the city, all bathed in the pale winter light. It was a sight that could make anyone pause and marvel.
Prince Jeno dismounted his horse, his movements deliberate as he glanced at the ground. His eyes traveled upward, taking in the princessās bootsāelegant but impractical for the muddy terrain. āStay on the horse,ā he said, his tone firm but not unkind. āThe ground is muddy from the melted snow. I donāt want you to get dirty.ā His words were casual, almost dismissive, but they sparked a flicker of irritation in the princess. She wasnāt some fragile doll to be coddled, and his assumption grated on her.
Jeno led the horse closer to the edge, positioning it so the princess could take in the view. The landscape stretched out before her, vast and beautiful, but her mind was elsewhere. The princeās unexpected kindness feltā¦ off. It didnāt align with the cold, distant man she had come to know. Was this a genuine gesture, or was there something more behind it? Her thoughts raced, replaying every interaction from lunch to this moment, searching for hidden meanings. She couldnāt afford to let her guard down, not even for a second.
Jeno noticed the way the princess stiffened at his suggestion, her posture rigid and her expression guarded. He hoped this ride might help soften the tension between them, might show her that his resistance to the alliance wasnāt personal. If they had met under different circumstancesāif they hadnāt been forced into this unionāhe wondered if things might have been different. But those were thoughts he kept to himself, buried beneath layers of duty and pride.
The winter air bit at the princessās skin, sharp and unrelenting. She shivered involuntarily, her arms wrapping around herself in a futile attempt to ward off the cold. Jenoās gaze flickered to her, his brow furrowing slightly. āAre you cold, Princess?ā he asked, his voice softer now.
Before she could respond, he was already shrugging off his riding jacket, the one he had worn since they left the stables. āItās quite alright, Your Highness,ā the princess said quickly, her tone polite but firm. She didnāt want his jacket, didnāt want this sudden closeness. The ride had already felt too personal, and thisāthis was crossing a line.
āYouāre shivering,ā Jeno said, his voice leaving no room for argument. He swung back onto the horse behind her, his movements smooth and practiced. Before she could protest further, he draped the jacket over her shoulders, his hands lingering for a moment longer than necessary. āItās not thick, but itāll help,ā he added, his tone matter-of-fact.
The princess hesitated, then reluctantly pulled the jacket tighter around her. It did help, blocking the worst of the wind and trapping what little warmth her body could muster. She hated to admit it, but she was gratefulānot just for the jacket, but for the way his body heat seeped into her back as he settled behind her. It was a small comfort, one she didnāt want to acknowledge.
āLetās head back down,ā Jeno called to his brothers, his voice cutting through the crisp air. The others nodded, mounting their horses and preparing for the descent. Jenoās arms brushed against hers as he reached for the reins, his proximity sending a jolt of awareness through her. She told herself it was just the cold making her skin prickle, but deep down, she knew better.
As they began the slow ride back, the brothers fell into easy conversation, their voices carrying over the crunch of hooves against the frozen ground. They reminisced about past rides, their laughter ringing out in the quiet winter air. The princess listened intently, her mind working to piece together the fragments of their shared history. Every word, every anecdote, was another clue to understanding this family she was being forced to join.
But even as she focused on their stories, she couldnāt ignore the warmth of Jenoās body behind her, the way his presence seemed to fill the space between them. It was a strange, unsettling feelingāone she wasnāt ready to confront. For now, she clung to the reins, her walls firmly in place, even as the lines between duty and something more began to blur.
As they approached the stables, the princess spotted her guards waiting in the distance. Her eyes immediately locked onto Chan, and her heart sank. The tension in his jaw was unmistakable, his posture rigid, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. Even from afar, she could see the flicker of pain in his eyes, and it sent a shiver down her spine. She had never seen him look like thisāso raw, so hurt.
When they reached the stables, the stable hands hurried out to take the horses. Prince Jeno dismounted first, then turned to help the princess down. As her feet touched the ground, she shrugged off his jacket, the fabric slipping from her shoulders like a barrier being removed.
āThank you, Your Highness,ā she said, her tone poised and regal, but distantāso distant it felt like a wall had been erected between them. She turned to face Jeno and his brothers, offering a graceful bow. āThank you for the ride. I must be on my way.ā
No one argued as she turned and walked away, her guards falling into step behind her. Jeno watched her go, his thoughts a tangled mess. He had expected to feel relief as the distance between them grew, but instead, he feltā¦ unsettled. Confused. The sight of her walking away left an uneasy feeling, one he couldnāt quite explain.
The princess kept her head high as she walked, her steps measured and deliberate. But once they were far enough from the stables, she reached for Chanās hand, her fingers brushing against his in a silent plea for comfort. To her dismay, he pulled his hand away, his expression unreadable but his eyes betraying the storm within him.
āChan, please,ā she whispered, her voice breaking. āDonāt punish me for that.ā
Chan remained silent, his jaw clenched as he stared straight ahead. Hyunjin walked a few paces behind them, his presence a quiet reminder of the boundaries they couldnāt cross. The tension between Chan and the princess was palpable, a heavy weight that neither of them could bear to addressāuntil now.
When they reached her chambers, Fei and Mei were already inside, preparing her evening attire for dinner. The princess, acting on impulse, grabbed Chanās wrist and pulled him into the room. She ignored the startled looks from her maids, dragging him past them and into her bedroom. The door shut behind them with a soft click, sealing them off from the world.
āChan,ā she pleaded, her voice trembling as she turned to face him. āPlease, I didnāt want to hurt you.ā
āYou didnāt think playing happy couple with the prince would hurt me?ā Chan shot back, his words sharp and biting. He knew they were unfair, but the pain in his chest was too much to hold back.Ā
āThis is whatās expected of me,ā she said, her voice rising in desperation. āI have no choice!ā
āNo,ā Chan growled, his voice low and strained. āYouāre expected to marry him, not fall in love with him.ā
The words hit her like a slap. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over as she stared at him in disbelief. āWhy would you say that?ā she whispered, her voice cracking. āHow could you think that? Iām in love with you.ā
Chanās resolve wavered, his chest tightening as he looked at her. He wanted to turn away, to leave before he said something he couldnāt take back. But she reached for him, her hands gripping his arms as if she could anchor him to her.
āDonāt do this,ā she begged, her voice breaking. āDonāt leave me.ā
āMy princess,ā he said, his voice barely above a whisper, āyou know we canāt.ā
āNo, Chan, donāt do this to me,ā she cried, her hands moving to cup his face. Her tears streaked down her cheeks, her breath coming in shallow gasps. āDonāt punish me for loving you.ā
āDo you think me walking away is meant to punish you?ā he asked, his voice raw with emotion. āDo you think this is easy for me?ā
Before he could say more, she pulled him closer, her lips crashing into his in a kiss that was equal parts desperation and longing. It was a kiss that carried years of unspoken feelings, of stolen glances and hidden touches, of love that could never be. When she finally pulled away, her forehead rested against his, their breaths mingling in the quiet room.
āStay with me tonight,ā she whispered, her voice trembling. āIāll tell them the ride made me sick. Stay with me, here in this room, just for tonight. Let us pretend, just for one night.ā
Chan closed his eyes, his heart breaking as he gently pulled her hands away from his face. āYou know we canāt, my princess,ā he said softly, his voice thick with regret. āWe canāt.ā
āChan,ā she whispered, her voice barely audible as she watched him step back, putting distance between them.
āIām sorry, (Y/n),ā he said, his voice breaking as he turned and walked toward the door. He paused for a moment, his hand resting on the doorknob, but he didnāt look back. āIām sorry.ā
And then he was gone, leaving her standing alone in the middle of the room, her heart shattered into pieces.
Back at the stables, the princes were ensuring their horses were properly cared for when a palace servant approached. The servant bowed deeply before addressing them. āCrown Prince Lee Jeno, General Lee, Prince Lee Mark, and Prince Lee Donghyuck, your presence is requested by the king.ā
Markās face immediately showed panic. āFather wants to see all of us? This canāt be good.ā
Haechan, ever the optimist, waved off his brotherās concern. āOh, come on! We havenāt done anything wrong.ā
Jeno raised an eyebrow, skeptical. āReally? Youāve caused no trouble in the past day or two?ā Haechan was known for his pranks, and Jeno wasnāt about to let him off the hook.
Haechan grinned and gave an exaggerated bow. āI promise, my future king, I have caused no trouble within the palace walls.ā He knew addressing Jeno like that would annoy him, and he wasnāt wrong. Jeno immediately chased after him, the two brothers tussling like children.
Taeyong sighed, stepping in to break it up. āHey, quit fighting. Do you want to keep the actual king waiting?ā
āNo,ā both Jeno and Haechan muttered, their heads hanging low as they reluctantly stopped. Together, the four brothers made their way to see the king.
When they arrived, they found their father and Jenoās mother waiting in the kingās private drawing room. The room was simple and understated, more like a cozy lounge than a formal royal space. Behind a shelf of books was a hidden door that led to the kingās private officeāa place no one but the king and his personal butler, Jung, were allowed to enter. Not even the queen or the princes had ever stepped foot inside.
āYour Majesties,ā Taeyong greeted, bowing respectfully. The other brothers followed suit, staying silent as they waited for their father to speak.
āYou requested our presence, Father?ā Taeyong asked, standing tall and meeting the kingās gaze.
The king nodded, his expression serious. āYes. I have an announcement to make. After Princess (Y/n) and Jenoās marriage, I am considering stepping down as king.ā
Jenoās eyes widened in shock. āWhat, Father?!ā
The king continued, his tone calm but firm. āYes, I will step down from the throne after your marriage, Jeno, and you will be crowned king. But before that, I want to make Mark and Donghyuck full members of the council.ā
Jeno was still reeling from the news. āFather, stepping down? No king in the history of our kingdom has ever done that. Is that even possible?ā
The kingās expression didnāt waver. āIf itās not possible, I will make it possible.ā He handed Jeno a stack of papers, which the other brothers peeked at curiously. āThese are the accords of the alliance. The Kingdom of Modia will be transferred into our control as a territory of Northcy. However, this transfer will only happen once you ascend the throne.ā
Jenoās frustration was evident. āFather, you canāt be serious. You want me to take the throne early just to assume control of a kingdom that shouldnāt be ours?ā
The kingās gaze hardened. āJeno, this is reparations for the war. And letās not forgetāModia will fall without this arrangement. This is as much for their sake as it is for ours.ā
Jeno stood his ground, his voice firm. āFather, no. You canāt justify taking over another kingdom just because of the war.ā
The king rose from his seat, his presence imposing as he placed both hands on Jenoās shoulders. His grip tightened, a silent reminder of his authority. āMy boy,ā he said, his voice low and warning, āyouād do well to watch your tone with me.ā He paused, then turned to Taeyong, changing the subject. āIām sure you have much work to do, Taeyong?ā
Taeyong nodded, stepping forward. āYes, Father. The plans to withdraw soldiers from the front lines are underway. I leave in a few days to oversee it personally.ā He gestured for Jeno to follow him, and the two left the drawing room together.Ā Mark and Haechan stayed to talk to the king further about their own assignment.Ā Ā
Once they were out of earshot, Jeno turned to Taeyong, his face filled with worry. āTaeyong, I donāt want this. I donāt want to be king. I donāt want to get married.Ā This isnāt fair, nor is it right.ā
Taeyong placed a reassuring hand on Jenoās shoulder. āJeno, youāll make a fine king. Donāt worry so much and the arrangement will help Modia as well, if it didnāt they wouldnāt have agreed. And the princess is a beautiful girl. Whatās the problem with marrying her?ā
Jeno sighed, running a hand through his hair. āThe problem isnāt her. The problem is marriage itself. I donāt want itānot now, at least. I want to marry someone I know, someone I love, not someone Father and Mother forced upon me.ā
Taeyong understood his brotherās frustration, but there was little he could do. Jenoās duty as the only male heir of the true king and queen was non-negotiable. Before Taeyong could respond, a maid approached, calling him away for another matter. Left alone, Jeno stood in the hallway, his thoughts swirling with doubt and dread.
That evening, during the quiet hum of the evening meal, Prince Jeno found himself watching the princess. His gaze lingered on her as she ate, her movements graceful and deliberate. He wondered if she knew the full extent of the accords binding their union. Did she understand what this alliance truly meantānot just for them, but for their kingdoms? For a fleeting moment, he even wondered how she felt about it all. Did the thought of Modia falling under his control pain her? Did she resent him for it? The questions gnawed at him, but he kept them locked away, his expression unreadable.
The princess, meanwhile, was lost in her own thoughts. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions and questionsālove and duty, politics and alliances, right and wrong, truth and lies. She was beginning to realize that this union would cost her far more than she had anticipated. It wasnāt just her freedom at stake; it was her identity, her people, her very sense of self. And if she wanted answers, she would have to fight for them.
When the meal ended and the princess returned to her chambers, her thoughts refused to quiet. As her maids helped her into her sleeping attire, she couldnāt shake the memory of something Jeno had mentioned during lunch. āMei,ā she called suddenly, stopping the maid mid-motion. āFetch my robe. I want to go to the library.ā
Fei frowned, her brow furrowing in concern. āYour Highness, itās late. Surely this can wait until morning?ā
āNo,ā the princess said firmly, her mind racing. āThe prince mentioned something todayāsomething I need to understand.ā
āWhat was it, Your Highness?ā Mei asked as she helped the princess into her robe.
āHe mentioned a sister,ā the princess said, her voice low. Both maids froze, their eyes widening in surprise. āAnd he said his older brother has a different mother. Whoās to say the others donāt as well?ā Her expression was a mix of confusion and determination as she tried to piece together the fragments of information. āAnd the oldest brother, Taeyongāheās the general. In my studies, I learned that the general holds two votes on the council. One as general, and one as prince.āĀ The last sentence she said softly as if it were more for herself than for her maids.Ā
The princess stopped abruptly in the middle of the dimly lit hallway, her thoughts clicking into place. āYour Highness?ā Mei asked, her voice tinged with worry.
āPrince Taeyong,ā the princess murmured, her eyes narrowing as the realization hit her. āHe was stripped of his title as crown prince, so he became the general instead.ā
Fei and Mei exchanged a glance, their concern growing. āYour Highness?ā Fei prompted gently.
āI think,ā the princess said slowly, turning to face her maids, āI think Iām beginning to understand Prince Jenoās anger toward the council.ā Without another word, she continued down the hall, her maids hurrying after her.
When they reached the library, the princess pushed open the heavy wooden doors and stepped inside. The room was vast, its towering shelves filled with books and scrolls that held the secrets of Northcyās history. She moved quickly, scanning the titles for anything that might shed light on the royal familyās past.
āIāll prepare some tea,ā Fei said, knowing this would be a long night. āAnd Iāll inform Chan and Hyunjin of your whereabouts. They wonāt be pleased to find you out of your chambers so late.ā
Mei nodded, a hint of amusement in her voice. āTheyāll want to stand guard, no doubt.ā
The princess raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at her lips. āIāll be fine. Weāre still within the palace walls.ā
Fei sighed softly, her own smile faint. āIāll let them know.ā
āTell them not to come,ā the princess added, her tone firm but kind. āThey deserve a proper rest. Just inform them where I am so theyāre not worried.ā
āYes, Your Highness,ā Fei said with a bow before slipping out of the library.
Hours passed as the princess pored over books and scrolls, her determination unwavering. The information she found was fragmented, never quite enough to answer all her questions. Mei and Fei, seated nearby, began to yawn as the night wore on. They exchanged tired glances, wondering how much longer their mistress would keep them up.
āYour Highness,ā Fei said finally, breaking the silence. āItās late. You should return to your chambers.ā
āYes, Your Highness,ā Mei agreed. āItās not proper for you to be out like this.ā
The princess smiled faintly, her eyes still scanning the pages before her. āGo, both of you. Get some rest. Tomorrow is another day. Iāll return to my chambers shortly.ā
āYour Highnessā¦ā Fei began to protest.
āDonāt worry,ā the princess said, her tone gentle but firm. āIāll be fine. Goāthatās an order.ā
Reluctantly, the maids bowed and left the library, their footsteps fading into the silence.
More time passed, the princess growing more engrossed in her search. She was so absorbed that she didnāt hear the library doors open or notice the soft footsteps approaching.
āItās late, Princess,ā a voice said, cutting through the quiet.
The princess jumped, her heart racing as she turned to see Prince Jeno leaning against a bookshelf. He was dressed casually in a white compression shirt that clung to his torso, accentuating his athletic build, and a pair of grey sweatpants. His hair was slightly disheveled, as if he, too, had been unable to sleep.
āYour Highness,ā the princess said, standing quickly and bowing.
Jeno waved off the formality. āWhat are you doing here so late?ā he asked, his gaze drifting to the books and scrolls scattered across the table. His expression softened as he realized what she had been studyingāhis familyās history, their lineage, their secrets.
āYou wonāt find her in these,ā he said quietly, his voice tinged with something the princess couldnāt quite place.
āI donāt know what you mean, Your Highness,ā she replied, though her heart was pounding.
Jeno sighed, running a hand through his hair. āMy sister,ā he said, his voice low. āShe died young. She was born sick and passed away before she turned ten.ā He looked down, his shoulders tense. āThe council thought her existence was a weakness. They erased her from the recordsāno birth, no death. As if she never existed.ā
The princessās heart ached for him. The idea that the council could so callously erase a childās life, all for the sake of maintaining an image of strength, was horrifying. āYour Highnessā¦ā she began, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jeno looked up, his eyes meeting hers. For a moment, the walls between them seemed to crumble. He took a seat at the table, his posture relaxed but his expression serious. āAsk me anything, Princess,ā he said. āfor Tonight, Iāll give you the truth.ā
The princess was stunned. She searched his face for any hint of deception, but all she saw was sincerity. For tonight, at least, it seemed Jeno had decided to forget she was the enemy. And so, with a deep breath, she began to ask her questions.
Omggg since MDAP is recently brought up i just wanna let u know that i loved that story so much and I think itās one of the best royalty Jeno au out there š«¶š»š«¶š»š«¶š»
OMG IM SO EXCITED FOR YOUR F1 AU!!! Iāve also been a fan ever since they released drive to survive šš i cant wait š«¶š»š«¶š»š«¶š»
YAYAYAYAY I want you guys to love this series like you have my others, but I do think its kind of niche. Nevertheless I canāt wait for you guys to read it through
[21:25] You couldnāt help but think āthis is gonna be great.āĀ You spent all afternoon watching tiktoks, laughing at all these guys trying to open pickle jars that had been superglued shut.Ā And after a quick trip to the store for super glue, ten minutes gluing it and an hour letting it dry.Ā You had the prank set up in the kitchen.Ā Ā
Now all you did was wait for your boyfriend to return home.Ā It didnāt take long for Jeno to get back, and you set up your phone to record.Ā Ā
āBabe, can you help?ā you shouted out for Jeno.Ā Ā
āWhat do you need?ā Jeno peeked his head in, smiling sweetly.Ā Ā
āI canāt open it,ā you demostrated as you tried to open the jar.Ā Ā
Jeno strutted over, very confidently, to be your knight in shining armor.Ā You tried to contain your giggles as you watched Jeno struggle.Ā Jeno twisted and twisted, until all of a sudden you heard a pop.Ā
Jeno sighed, while you stood there shocked, āthat was really hard,ā Jeno laughed slightly.Ā You didnāt know what to say, he had successfully removed the lid from the jar.Ā
hi i just saw your latest announcement and i sincerely hope you are in a better state of mind now. i understand it can be daunting to juggle between your mental health, real life affairs and tumblr because you intend to give us the best works, but i hope that when you return to tumblr, you're truly happy and healthy ć ā¤ļø nothing matters more than your health, so i hope you don't feel that you owe anything to us. im sure you started writing because it brings you joy, and it should always be like that, and not an additional pressure to you. so please take all the break you need from tumblr and if you decide that you're ready to come back, we will always be here :) š
thank you so much for this.
I am doing much better now than I was. and I am gonna come back to writing again. I am in a much better place mentally, and I cannot thank you guys enough for being patient with me.
i really love reading my duty as a princess, one of the reasons why is this story has Jeno's pov so i don't need to feel anxiety about their relationshipš¤£š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤£
I finally finished The Nanny... Girl the last sentence of 10. I cried. Such a good story thank you so much!! Sending lots of love šā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
Can't wait to see what else you post!!
Awhhhhh thank you thank you. Iām so happy that there was so many of you that enjoyed the nanny. And if you read the nanny while it was still coming out, apologies for not giving proper warning. I didnāt pay good enough attention to the warnings, and I promise to do better from here on out.
Also if you guys read something I post, and think there should be something in the warnings, please lmk. Thank you ššš
I started reading your jeno series today and I'm loving it, I could read the original version but I will wait for the updated version. Also stay healthy, eat well and drink water!
Awhhhh thank you š
Iām sorry for making you guys wait on it. I know I kinda just fell off the face of the earth for about a week or two and thatās just because uni fucking stressful right. But itās okay, itās being handled lmaoooo
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