๐น๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ - Jay x female reader
Pairing: Jay x female reader (Idiots in love/ strangers to lovers/ he fell first he fell harder, no really,he's down bad).
Summary: A runaway princess meets a man in the far away town of a whole new kingdom and falls in love.unbeknownst to herself that the man she has come to love, is the very man she had given up her life as a princess to avoid marrying.
Warnings: inaccurate regency era portrayal, but it's an alternate universe so what i say goes/some subtle misogynistic undertones/ a few cuss words thrown in there// maybe one minor scene with violence and thats about it.
Word count : 14,305 words.
A/n: I edited this 3 times on this forsaken app today, made sure the pacing was correct and the paragraphs were short, but ofcourse all 3 times it did not save. So I'm going to give up on beta reading after the final word I rewrite in my fics.
Somewhere in a far away kingdom, a king sat idle yet fairly impatient, his hand tapped rhythmically against the wooden table, which somehow seemed to echo in the huge dining hall.
The queen seemed to hold her head down, pondering whether this supper would end in yet another dispute.
The Princess however, stood blissfully unaware to the storm cloud floating above her dear father's crowned head.
In the east wing's garden that she personally tended to when she had the the time. "the peonies are almost in bloom" she smiled gently holding one by the stem, not pulling nor applying force, as to not break the delicate flower.
she bent over to take in the faint scent that always seemed to calm her nerves, she straightened her back and went around checking on all her flowers.
The lilies were planted before the peonies and so were the yellow carnations.
"Your highness, his majesty the king, has asked of you to join your family in the dining hall for supper" came the voice of one of the palace messengers, her handmaidens standing right behind her for assistance stiffened slightly.
"oh thats right on time, the sun was just about to go down" she smiled turning to lea, her handmaiden whome was also a dear friend to her.
"I believe the flowers are in perfect condition for their season" spoke lea smiling at the Princess who nodded satisfied "lets not make father wait much longer" she stated walking ahead, her two handmaidens followed suit.
When she walked into the dining hall she found her father sat in his respective seat, along with her mother and brothers.
But something felt different tonight, the air was heavy with unspoken tension, like something huge was going to come crashing down.
"Pardon me for my tardiness, I was tending to the east wing's garden" she smiled greeting her brothers, riki seemed to be indifferent per usual.
Meanwhile the youngest, shota sat talking animatedly with their governess, sophia, a woman in her mid 30's who was stern when needed yet was a welcomed addition at the table due to having had taught all the current royal children.
"Oh y/n dear, how are your studies coming along?" Questioned her mother just as the maids started bringing in the food.
Placing portions infront of everyone respectfully. She thanked the maid who sightly bowed before leaving.
"Oh they're coming along just fine mother, in fact, my geography tutor says I have almost finished my studies" she announced with a smile on her face that slowly slipped when her father cleared his throat.
"Well that aside, y/n, you are aware ,as the oldest and the only daughter, you have duties, correct?" He inquired looking at her with a rather unsympathetic expression on his face.
Y/n fixed her father with an inquisitive look but answered nonetheless "yes..?, i believe I have been preparing my whole life to serve this kingdom in any way it requires" she found herself saying, the shift in her mothers demeanor not going unnoticed.
She could feel the charged energy in her father's gaze as he nodded "i am glad that you are aware, as your father and the king of Amaria, i have decided to form an alliance with Jheriir" he started.
"That is great father, Jheriir is great in terms of their trade and support, an alliance with them could do alot for our markets and our kingdom's people would benefit greatly"
She smiled but what he said next made it falter rather quickly and be replaced by a frown.
"It is great that you are aware of what is at stake here y/n, so in order to go forward with this alliance , king park and I have decided to wed our children together to form an alliance set for years to come" he smiled, thin lipped and serious.
At that very moment, she looked at her mother and found her avoiding her gaze, and she knew then, that her mother had been made aware and was in total agreement with this entire thing.
"Pardon me for my rudeness, do you even know what the prince is even like?" She inquired looking at her father with pleading eyes, the eyes he chose to look at but not see the desperation brimming in them.
"It does not matter, for this marriage is an economic provision, therefore, he can not be bad towards you after marriage because it can nullify the alliance" he stated, tone flat, y/n wasn't having it though.
She inhaled sharply and let out an incredulouse laugh , "but why me?, why must I be the sacrifice, why couldnt you just form an alliance for trade instead?, why must I marry someone who hasn't had any public appearances and could be a horrible person due to that fact?"
She gritted her teeth, trying to keep her voice from rising.
"It is because I have thought about this for a year, and what i think is best for this country and you, is this alliance through matrimony, therefore, what i say will happen. Now I do not want any further discussions because I wish to eat in peace."
That shut everyone at the table up, even shota knew when to stop talking and pay attention to his food.
Later that night y/n stood in the balcony of her bed chambers and a thousand thoughts were running through her head .
"what if he takes concubines? Or worse ..already has a lover and ends up resenting me?, i can not marry someone who might be an old man, doesn't matter whether he is next in line for the throne, I'd rather run away or die than marry someone i do not feel an ounce of affection for"
she breathed out in frustration to lea, gazing at the moon with saddened eyes that were now welling up with angry and sorrowful tears.
"Running away, thats it!, Ha!!" She muttured looking triumphant as she felt a strong sense of joy at the idea, the tears had dried way before they could be shed.
Which as absurd it was for a princess to run away, it was the only thing she saw fitting at that very moment.
And thats what she was going to do, determined she turned to lea "but what on earth are you even going to do with these princess?" The maid questioned feeling on edge with the look on her dear friends face.
Tieing them up with her blanket and her curtains they created a long rope which she settled with being strong enough to allow her to climb down to the west wing garden that was below her bedchambers.
"You're not going to do what I think you are going to do, please princess" begged lea feeling nervous and utterly scared.
Y/n looked at lea and held her by the shoulders "I am, god lea, I really am, for once in my life I've thought of something and have enough courage to go through with, so please if you value my happiness even a little bit, you would not stop me"
Her resolve was solid, she had made up her mind, and lea knew there was no point in trying to argue with her.
And thats how y/n found herself in abit of a pickle, she dangled helplessly 70 feet above ground, realising just how stupid it was for her to be doing this instead of running away through the escape route connected to the end of the west wing.
Lea had stood on the balcony feeling like her heart was going to give out from the escapades of the princess she had grown up with.
It was frightening to say the least, and when she was almost all the way down did she find it in herself to breathe out in relief.Her heart seemed to be hammering out of her chest as she straightened up her cloths and dusted them off.
She still had a long way left to be completely through the palace grounds, so tip toeing around the premises she slowly walked through hallways and straight to the back exit that no one but her family and some selective staff knew of.
She ran out through the dimly lit and very narrow hallway that was making her feel claustrophobic and when she saw moonlight streaming through the gaps of the bricks did she finally sigh out in both anguish and determination.
"God whoever built this exit was trying to kill someone, this is heinous" she grumbled pulling the latch making the stone wall suddenly open up like a door.
"On second thought,maybe he was onto something" she grinned stepping out into the open grounds surrounding the palace, breathing in the fresh air that finally filled her lungs.
The stars twinkled and the moon shone down at her, as if lighting up a path for her to go ahead and not look back.
Feeling ambitious she straightened up her back and hoisted up her satchel.without thinking once more she all but ran .
Away from the palace, she didnt dare look back, for y/n was very aware of her own tendency to run back to her family if she looked back even once. So she walked until she was as far away from the palace as she could be.
And it was at dawn did she find an inn on the way, going inside she tried to look as presentable as possible and not raise even a slither of suspicion.
She smiled at the in keeper. Who only looked at her extravagant garments and quirked a brow, but deciding to mind his own business he grumbled giving her a key .
Sluggishly she walked to the bed and all but threw herself at the stiff and uncomfortable thing.
Walking almost nonstop for 6 hours was no easy feat and she wasn't used to travelling this much by foot, her carriages were plenty and so was her father's collection of horses.
Around mid afternoon she woke up and decided to fill her stomach and be on her way "what do you have for food here?" She smiled all teeth not looking quite like death unlike her prior appearance in the morning.
After a fulfilling meal she stuffed some bread and a few apples into her satchel.
And she continued to go on her marry way towards the next town where she could get some cloths that wouldnt get her quite the odd looks.
At the inn she had gotten many weird looks from people for how her robes were made off fabric that only nobles and royalty wore.
And she really didnt want to cast any more attention towards herself so soon. So getting a ride from a market wagon she sat along with the crates full off fruits.
She was accompanied by the farmers wife who told her about what the town was like, it was still her own kingdom that she hadn't left due to how vast it was.
"Thank you mister and missus bennet" she curtisied smiling at them as the older woman smiled at her kindly.
"Do visit our shop if you need anything my dear, travelling alone as a young beautiful girl isn't easy " she patted her hand that y/n had held listening to her speak.
"I will keep that in mind, good day to you both" she smiled walking inside the quaint town that looked very lively despite being so small.
And after minutes of walking she finally found a clothes shop that seemed to have ready made cloths on display.
"I would like a few dresses please" she voiced entering the shop the lady working eyed her cloths and then her face .
"You're not from around this part of the kingdom are you,eh?" She questioned as she got to pulling up some dresses that fit y/n.
She tried not to let her nervousness show as she gave a curt smile to the lady. "i am the daughter of a travelling merchant, currently in town accompanying my father"
she stated simply, the lie rolling off smoothly from her tongue surprising herself that she was even capable of lying so easily.
"A merchant's daughter, that explains the fancy silk you got on with the satchel that also seems like if costs a pretty penny".
The woman then proceeded to hand her the dresses just then the bell jingled above the door and in came a scruffy looking little boy, seemingly no older than the age of eleven.
His pants seemed worn out but he was carrying a huge box like it weighted nothing "oye miss,your new fabrics are here" he announced putting the box on the counter.
"Ah! Danni boy, i got some work for you, be a doll and sort out this pile of ribbons and laces for me will you?"
Stated the woman pointing towards the table that had a huge pile of what seemed to be a bunch of ribbons and laces that were all jumbled and tangled together.
Y/n decided to ignore whatever it was that was going on and continue with her shopping, after trying on a couple of dresses she decided to keep one of them on and stuff her royal dress into her sachel and she then proceeded to buy the other ones she had also tried on.
When she looked at the table where the kid had sat sorting the lot, was now clean and there laid a bunch of assorted laces and ribbons no longer looking tangled and a mess.
"Huh, that kid sure was quick and nimble"she thought walking out of the shop with a new bag of cloths.
She felt her stomach growl and couldn't help but ask about the nearest inn to the first person she saw, it turned out to be a nice old man.
"Oh the Dursleys inn is right around the corner, just take a right from here and go straight " y/n thanked him and bid him fairwell.
And she went on her merry way towards the inn but halted in her tracks hearing a few hushed voices in a corner.
There was also a sound that she couldn't just ignore, sounding like someone struggling with something.
Ever so curious she went to check it out and the sight that beheld her turned out to be a scrawny young boy being beaten up by a couple of older more fit looking kids.
The sight was sad to say the least, they seemed to be taking advantage of the fact that the boy wasn't big enough to fight against them.
When he looked up she realised it was the boy from the cloths shop who was being held against a wall, the one holding him up was a much taller and rather fat looking older boy while another similar boy stood infront of him looking down at the smaller boy.
"I am not going to say it again, give me your money you ugly twat" he all but spat out, giving him a mean punch which made y/n feel abit taken aback by the sheer force of that blow.
The little boys nose gushed with blood as he only smiled up at him looking smug "well thats a weak fuckin punch youre packing, all that fat got you no advantage, such a gormless fucker".
"what you say to me you fleabag?"Yelled the bigger boy , looking even more enraged as he started sizing him up.
Danni then proceeded to spit in the bigger boy's face and didn't even flinch seeing him raise his hand to take another swing at his face.
And thats when y/n decided to step in "oye, what are you lot doing to that wee lad" she hollered causing the older boys to scramble as they bumped into each other before running away.
"Yeah scurry off to your mummy's and daddy's" she yelled before looking right at the young boy "bloody tossers" she mumbled shaking her head.
"Dan-" she didn't even get to finish her sentence as the said boy grunted walking away, "woah woah WOAH!, slow down mister" she chided looking him over for any injuries and found his nose still bleeding and grimaced.
"what?, No thank you miss, thanks for saving me from getting my arse kicked" She questioned earning her an eyeroll in return as he snatched his hand and continued to speedwalk away.
"Wait, danni, i think you should get your nose checked by a physician it could be broken" she stated following after him, just as She put her hand on his shoulder he turned around and swatted her hand away.
"What do you want?! Why are you following me do you really want me to be grateful to you, fine!, thank you miss whatever your name is.thanks to you, they will bother me more from now on, now go away and leave me alone" he hissed looking like a wild wet cat.
Y/n could only purse her lips as she didn't mind his temper, after all, she had dealt with worse from her brothers who had phases of losing their cool over petty things.
"Well i didn't know okay!, you know what?, where are your mum or dad, I'll talk to them myself about whats been going on with you" she announced smiling as a way of trying to get him to soften up but it only caused him to scowl at her.
"Do you not get it?, you privileged nobles all think the world is so easy, what do you want to hear?, that i'm an orphan who doesn't have a home, that i sleep wherever the work allows me?, well there you are now made aware and can stop the heroic act and ignore the likes of me like everyone else in town" he glowered walking away.
Y/n sctrached her head as an impulsive idea struck her and she didn't think twice.
"Come with me!" She yelled out making the boy halt mid-walk as he slowly turned around to look at her like she had grown two heads "are you off your rocker lady, have you gone completely mad?" He commented looking at her incredulously as y/n gave him a sheepish smile.
"Well i am travelling till I can find a place to settle, and it has been quite lonely travelling alone, I said it in a sense that i will take care of you, if you wish to tag along on my endeavours ...that is." she spouted, brows knitted together in worry.
She had overstepped,why was she scared of a literal kid?! What happened to the fearless princess who had trained for battle?, well she's probably still stuck at the palace and now standing here at this moment is just y/n.
A travelling merchant's daughter for the sake of the fake story she was settling to tell strangers.
"Okay" he spoke, face void of emotion "and i will get you food and... wait did you just say okay?, okay as in you will come along?".
She questioned looking confused as to how it took him no convincing "okay as in I have nothing keeping me here aside from my own obligation" he shrugged, y/n's face broke out into a huge grin which danni reciprocated lightly.
"Aww you look adorable when you smile" she found herself reaching out to pinch his face, only to be stopped.
"no pinching" he grumbled causing her to nod "oh yeah, yeah sorry" she replied looking sheepish .
And thus their journey began, two days of travelling alone and she had already found a companion.
The two travelled until they reached the border of the neighboring kingdom of pariah and they both looked rather suspiciously at the man who was eying them.
"So miss uh" "linda bishop" she grinned slightly flirtatious ,trying to make herself sound more mature than she actually was.
"Miss Bishop.. " he eyed her face really warily and then his gaze travelled to danni who was glaring daggers at a man eating a huge loaf of bread.
"Oh this is my son, danni bishop, danni dear, say hello to the kind man" she pinched his side causing him to yelp "good day kind sir" .
He sounded like he wanted to tackle y/n and pull her hair while she was trying to ignore the menacing energy he was directing at her.
"You may proceed forward, have a pleasant stay in the capital of pariah" he suddenly gave a warm smile which danni didn't reciprocat but y/n took it as a good sign.
"Sure will do kind sir" with that she grabbed the younger boy's wrist and tugged him along whilst he only huffed.
The knight's smile dropped as soon as the "mother and son" weren't in his vicinity as he turned to his subordinate "keep an eye on those two for twenty four hours, report back whatever they get up to".
The clumsy looking junior Knight puffed up his chest and saluted "sure will do sir"the older shooed him away making him scramble to follow after the two.
And as soon as they were in the capital square, y/n found herself going straight towards the marketplace, ofcourse she did.
And poor danni didn't realise how never ending it would be when it came to shopping with her.
And thats how danni found himself being fussed over in a garments store which was for young gentlemen.
"Go on, try on those pants" she muttured picking up whatever she found to be in his size, though it was rather hard seeing as he looked severely malnourished.
"Okay we will be getting everything that fits him" "what no we are no-" "do not talk back to your mother!".
She tutted causing him to scowl as he quickly put his other cloths back on and come outside to look at her dead in the eye.
"Okay is 100 enough?, good" and with that she put the bag of cloths in his hands and gestured for him to follow along.
The two went around looking for a house to rent and when they found one that was just the right size for two people, she didn't hesitate before signing a lease.
And thats how the two once again found themselves at the market and this time it was for groceries for food, how did y/n know to cook?.
Well when she was little she'd always sneak into the grand kitchen whenever she got a break from her governess's lessons and her piano lessons.
She would spend an awful alot of time watching the staff cook and the chef and maids would give her some cookies each time as she watched them cook whatever it was that her parents had asked for.
Observation can come in handy in alot of scenarios, and cooking being one of them. So she knew just what she needed to cook, not only was she cooking for herself but also for a kid who seemed to have been thriving off cold bread and water.
"How much for this basil?" She quirked a brow at the clerk hearing the absurd price.
"that can't be the price for such a small amount, you mister are being way out of line with these prices"
She jabbed pointing her finger at him as he wavered under her intence gaze "oh miss, it's because of the sudden down flow of the crops being delivered, I apologise for the inconvenience"
He suddenly bowed his head causing y/n to feel bad instantly.
"It is fine, I will pay the full amount" she put the money in his hand and turned around, only to be greeted by the sight of all the people around her whispering amongst themselves .
"They are saying a rather handsome nobleman was seen surveying the capital an hour ago, oh Gladys!,do you think it was a viscount?".
And suddenly she gasped slapping the woman called Gladys's arm repeatedly in excitement "Oh what if its a duke?!" The two squealed causing her to chuckle and shake her head in amusement.
Oh how she wished she also had the luxury of fancying a handsome young man as she pleased and wasn't just being bound to one for the sake of others.
Biting her lower lip in thought she looked to her right where danni had stood not even a second prior and found that the boy was no longer there.
And thats how she found herself panicking as she frantically ran around yelling his name like a chant.
"danni?!" She yelled as loud as her lungs allowed her while looking around, the idea of keeping a low appearance long forgotten as she picked up her pace.
Due to her own speed she hadn't realised the oncoming carriage and was suddenly being pulled by her arm by a strong and firm hand.
She yelped colliding with a solid chest, not even realising that her eyes had been shut tight due to shock, she had gripped the laples of the man's jacket for dear life.
"Are you okay miss?" He gently shook her by the shoulders causing her eyes to flutter open at the sheer gentleness of his voice.
Oh he had a nice voice, soft with the right amount of gruffness. "Miss?, hello?" He waved his hand infront of her face as she suddenly widened her eyes not even registering that the one holding her was none other than park jongseong.
Her royal betrothed, ofcourse she didn't. For he had been anonymous due to being the only royal heir therefore no one knew what he looked like outside his royal palace.
"Danni, I must find him" she muttered to herself pulling away to start running, only for him to hold her by the wrist.
The grip being tight enough to halt her in place but not hurt her. "Miss, i am asking you if you are okay?" He asked once again as her uneasy eyes finally settled on his face.
And for a second the sight of him caused her breath to catch in her throat, only briefly did she find all her sane thoughts succumbing to the sight of the handsome young man.
But she composed herself rather quickly "yes i'm..I am fine, but danni.. i mean my son!, I have lost him in the market and I must look for him"
As if on autopilot she went back into panicking and Jay's eyes took in her disheveled state "than i shall help you" giving her wrist a slight squeeze he let go of it right after.
The two looked into each other's eyes, coming to a silent agreement "what does he look like?" He inquired to spot him better.
"He's around one fifty five centimeters, looks rather scrawny and was wearing blue robes" she told him and with that,
the two started searching through every street.
Splitting up at some point as they went around screaming danni's name.
"DANNI!" Shouted y/n, her eyes darting around trying to find him anywhere but to no avail, she couldn't.
Meanwhile, jay also found himself shouting the boy's name as he asked random people about a scrawny boy in blue.
His eyes took in the sight of a man getting his pockets picked by a a young boy.
With quick strides he grabbed the boy's hand and yanked him back "what do you think you are doing young ma.. wait.... danni?" He questioned looking him up and down, the boy was scrawny, in blue and around the height she had mentioned.
"How do you know my name mister?" He commented squirming in jay's grasp causing him to sigh in relief "your mother is looking for you, do you have any idea how worried she is?, and to top it off youre over here being a pick pocket"
He tsk'ed shaking his head in disappointment despite not knowing anything about the boy.
The boy scowled at the older "well what i do is none of your business, who are you anyway" he gabbed, feeling nervous and he didn't like it when another man was right.
But oh did he realise he was wrong, after all ,why was he even trying to steal? He could have just asked her and she would have gotten him whatever it was that he wanted.
"I am taking you to her, shes at the next street over, worrying her head off. Oh and she almost got hit by a carriage due to how frantically she was searching for you " he chided the young boy, walking ahead expecting to be followed.
Danni brooded and grumbled under his breath but followed after him nonetheless.
And as soon as danni was infront of her,first thing she did was pull his ear.
"How dare you leave my side without saying anything, you are in big trouble, you could have been abducted or gotten lost in this big town".
She berated him making the poor boy whine in pain "Ouch!,that hurts like hell" .
"I think he has learned his lesson" interrupted jay as he decided to step in to save the young boy from the scolding of a lifetime.
"Oh i am so sorry, I forgot to thank you for finding him" she voiced, tone filled with gratitude as she turned to face him letting go of the boy's ear who grimaced rubbing his now red ear.
All her previous worries and anger vanishing,"I was going to come back to the house on my own anyway, why thank him and look so gracious " he muttered only to earn himself a smack upside the head.
Jay bid them both goodbye as he walked away from them "your highness where have you been? I was looking all over for you".
Came the voice of his accompanying guard who was also a dear friend of his "well sunghoon, i am afraid I have fallen terribly and utterly in love".
He breathed out dreamily whilst getting on the carriage and the said man told the chauffeur to take them back to their townhouse.
"But what about your marriage with princess y/n?, surely you're not thinking of calling it off, you're the crown prince you can't go against a promised alliance through matrimony".
He questioned,eyes wide as saucers in both in worry and disbelief,jay suddenly realised the dire situation he somehow found himself in.
"For a second on the streets of this beautiful town, i felt like a normal young gentleman, looking admiringly at a young lady, oh and she has a son, did I tell you that?".
He announced in passing looking at sunghoon with a far away look on his face causing sunghoon's face to contort into an expression that was a cocktail of emotions, intrigue,horror, confusion and ridicule were all plastered across his face.
"Pardon my language your highness, but, HAVE YOU COMPLETELY LOST YOUR WITS?" He shriekd causing jay to grimace.
"You are in love with a married woman, with a son...oh dear, oh dear , please tell me no one saw you getting close with this woman" he yelled, looking like he was going to pop all the veins in his head.
"It wasn't like that, you see i saved her from getting hit by a passing carriage and she didn't even bath me an eye, rather she was looking devastatingly frantic"
"Now, why would i let such a fair lady be frantic on the streets alone?, so turns out her son had disappeared from beside her at the marketplace so I offered help, I found the little rascal-, guy, little guy and bought him to her, thats all"
He frowned looking out the window Sunghoons eyebrows eased down seeing the weight of the situation on his friends shoulders,scooting closer he patted jay's shoulder comfortingly.
The next day when Jay was walking beside sunghoon he suddenly spotted her carrying a bunch of things whilst looking really focused on something at a stall
"And did you know wolves are common in northwest regions in states?, yeah my sister wrote to me that they are" sunghoon continued on, not realising that jay had already slipped away from beside him.
"Miss bishop" he grinned feeling excited only for his acknowledgement to fall on deaf ears as she continued picking up different apples to buy.
"Earth to miss Bishop?" He waved his hand infront of her face "oh goodness, my apologies ,I didn't see you there my lord".
She chuckled nervously, her face starting to get red which Jay found endearing as she did a slight curtsy in greeting.
"I called your name, twice, you were far too engrossed with uh .. apples as i can see" he chuckled looking at her and then at the fruits.
"Oh my apologies, I was picking the freshest looking ones because I want to bake apple pie for danni, he wanted to go on a picnic by the lake so ofcourse I couldn't say no" she shook her head at the thought of the mouthy young boy.
"Oh the lake, You have any idea about the way to it?, perhaps I can take both of you there on my carriage".
He questioned looking at her hopefully "that is.. if it is fine with your husband and son" he sputtured out,trying to not get in trouble and make himself look pushy in her eyes.
Y/n looked like she had tasted a sour lemon and jay stood shifting his weight from one foot to another.
"My husband has no problem, he uhm passed away last year" she spoke fidgeting with her dress as she handed the basket full of apples to the vendor along with the money.
"Oh that is very tragic, I am so sorry for your loss" his eyes softened as he dropped his head feeling apologetic.
"Thank you" she faked the sadness on her face which was good enough to fool just about anyone, being a royal prepares you to fake your emotions just great, hell she could keep a mean poker face and not flinch at any sort of exchange.
"And to answer your question, yes I wouldn't mind and neither would my son, the company is appreciated".
She smiled , her eyes crinkling which did things to his poor heart "I have a friend that also wished to see the lake, and i was wondering if he could accompany us?".
"Oh, the more the merrier I guess" she smiled turning to the vendor to get her fruit.
"I shall see you in the afternoon..maybe?, I live on the street just beside the market, its the house beside the modiste".
"Oh I shall remember the directions hopefully, see you and danni later" he grinned bidding her goodbye.
He pretty much skipped all the way to where he knew sunghoon was, after all they were headed to the academy he had come into town to teach at.
And there by the entrance stood a not so impressed sunghoon "you have got to quit running off on me like that your highness".
He folded his arms fixing his friend with a stern look.
The lovesick look only made his frown deepen "please tell me you did not go meet that woman you fancy, whome has a son might I add" he whispered hushed.
But jay didn't falter one bit "aw hoon, you worry too much" he winked pinching his arm "ouch, when I said i was willing to throw myself in harms way for your protection I didn't know i was also signing up to be harmed by you explicitly"
He swatted jay's hand away "you have a class full of young men who wish to learn fencing from the infamous jay who has won international competitions" he shook his head .
"Do not let them down" "and i wouldn't" he puffed up his chest.
"Oh and we are to go to the lakeside with her and her son by noon"
He grinned wiggling his finger in the scowling man's face before all but running inside.
"You have got to be kidding me" he yelled facepalming, taking quick strides to catch up with him he matched his strides.
"You jest" he spewed "nope" was all he got in answer while jay put his hands behind his back seemingly like he had not a care in the world.
And when noon arrived, jay hurried sunghoon along as the two rode over to where they were to pick up her and danni.
Y/n fussed over danni's cloths "do you really have to keep the collar askew?, wouldn't it be more comfortable down properly?" She questioned trying to fix it causing the young boy to groan.
"Can you stop, you are making me look rather childish and like a mumma's boy" the look on his face only made her purse her lips to suppress a snicker.
And just like that the carriage arrived in front of them, jay pushed sunghoon back as he tried to seem chivalrous by offering her his hand as leverage to get onto the carriage.
And it was the first time he had held her hand in his, albeit for a split moment but it made him want to feel the shape of her fingers in his , and boy did they feel right, fitting perfectly between his bigger hands.
His eyes then drifted to danni who didn't bother greeting him, climbing up right after y/n he sat facing sunghoon.
And sunghoon couldn't help but stare at the boy rather hard trying to make out how he was even her son, something didn't add up and he was going to get to the bottom of this.
The carriage ride was good for some and torture for the other, the latter being jay as he couldn't look at her for more than a fleeting moment.
For she would have caught his stare, but when he did get the chance to admire her, did he realise how easily he was starting to like her alot, he knew the consequences yet all sane thought was pushed to the back of the labyrinth of his mind.
The soft glow of the sun was illuminating y/n's hair, draping her in a soft glow that made her look unreal, and jay knew he should have looked away but just that very moment she turned her head away from the window and caught his eye.
"Something the matter my lord?" She quirked a brow, a knowing smile tugging at her lips, she knew he had been sneaking glances, what he also didn't know was that she too had been doing the same.
So when the carriage came to a stop jay got down swiftly and helped her down "you are quite the gentleman, my lord".
She spoke truthfully as jay couldn't help but feel giddy "it is a must as a gentleman to help a lady when needed" he smirked downwards causing her to chuckle.
Sunghoon cleared his throat as he too got down, danni jumped down and stomped on the poor guy's foot "OWW" he yelled out glaring at the young boy who fixed him with a shit-eating grin.
"You'll live" he then proceeded to push past the lovestruck two, causing y/n to lose her balance a little, that gave jay a chance to hold her by the waist to steady her.
"Oh my-" she yelped in surprise that then turned into bashfulness as she realised his grip on her waist was rather sturdy "are you okay miss Bishop?" He looked oh so worried.
She bit her lip and cleared her throat "yes um, you can let go now" she commented making jay realise he was still holding her waist as he slowly withdrew his hand.
He looked at sunghoon who could only bite his lip to hold back a snicker, somehow finding jay's awkwardness with a woman he fancies, amusing.
The four decided to put down a picnic cloth as they settled on it, y/n put down her basket on top as she proceeded to take out the pie she had baked.
"Oh that looks delicious" commented jay, sunghoon too found his mouth watering as he eyed the pie.
She cut everyone a respective piece and danni found himself eating his share rather quick, he had seconds and so did sunghoon.
One slice lied in the tray, and sunghoon took it and proceeded to sprint, danni ofcourse didn't hesitate before running after him.
"Danni no-" she started only to be stopped by Jay "let them have their fun" he spoke gently as she shook her head chuckling at their antics.
" that is my slice" he screeched running after sunghoon who did circles around a tree "doesn't have your name on it" he stuck his tongue out at danni and laughed.
The laugh was short-lived as a scream ripped out of his throat, for danni had decided to jump on him and try to bite him.
"Aaaaaa!!, what the hell!" he yelled trying to shake him off his back, staggering he tried very hard to detach himself without making either of them fall.
But to no avail, the two ended up fallin right into the lake causing a ruckus that everyone around them gathered to see the comotion.
Everyone watched and did nothing as sunghoon emerged from the water and coughed getting out, hair and body drenched.
Y/n realised the other body hadn't emerged "Danni?!" She yelled trying to jump into the lake, only to be held back by Jay as he quickly took off his shoes and coat before jumping in.
It took an entire minute that felt like hours for him to emerge with the young boy in his arms.
The two slumped on the grass as danni gurgled and coughed out water, y/n went straight to him and started scolding him, no real heat to her tone.
"what will I do with you, you are such a handful,young man" she pinched the bridge of her nose sighing she patted his back.
"Thank you again, for bringing him back in one piece" she commented her eyes softening as they took in jay's appearance.
The wet garments clinging to his skin showing all that was hidden, his chiseled abdomen catching her eye as she oddly found herself staring without realising it.
Jay ofcourse caught this and smirked making eye contact with sunghoon who stood behind her.
The men exchanged knowing looks as jay swiftly acted like he didn't notice anything "its no big deal miss Bishop,after all as you and your sons chaperone today, it was my responsibility to look after either of you" he gave her his best sincere smile and it made knees weak.
"It is getting late, we should be on our way back into town, shall we" with that they all boarded the carriage once more and rode into town.
Sunghoon and danni kept fighting for space to rest their feet and it irked jay as he tore his gaze away from the sight that was she.
"Gentlemen, let's stop making this small space unbearably smaller than it already is with our quips and shoves, can we do that?" He raised a stern brow at danni who only huffed, but retreated his legs crossing them along with his arms, sunghoon doing the same.
And when they reached the square y/n requested to be dropped off there for she had business in town.
"It was nice and we had alot of fun today, thank you for taking us to the lake" she smiled at jay "it was but my pleasure, after all, you make such fine company miss bishop".
He smiled "linda is fine" "then call me jay please" he caught himself saying, a wistful look on his face that made sunghoon cringe as danni gagged in the back.
"Goodbye, jay" she smiled waving as the carriage started moving, jay poked his head out the carriage window and waved excitedly, y/n ofcourse doing the same.
And as the carriage got further did she finally realise how she was acting, she had completely acted out of character from the widowed persona she was supposedly conveying.
"I get why you like her" commented sunghoon making jay turn to look at him shocked yet delighted.
"I told you, she's everything" he grinned earning himself a playful eye-roll from his bestfriend.
"But don't you think it would be too cruel for you to lead her on?, you are a prince, and have to go back to the palace in 3 weeks to prepare for the wedding with princess y/n" he spoke truthfully.
Jay knew what he was doing was relatively selfish, but he couldn't let go of the feelings he was elbows deep in, he was in love, and very much so.
He had given his heart to this woman, widow or not,he could care less about labels. but his reputation as the crown prince weighted against his chest.
A day after that faithful outing,y/n needed something to take her mind off her feelings of homesickness, deciding to promenade around town she got ready.
"Are you sure you don't want to tag along?" She asked danni who had been busy putting together some weird elaborate toy.
" I really don't think you have to make me stroll alongside you everywhere, you're a big girl aren't you?" He sassed.
"FINE, suit yourself sassy" she stuck her tongue out on her way through the door, chuckling to herself she continued to go to the town square.
Right on the way there a florist caught her eye, stepping inside she couldn't help but admire all the flowers infront of her.
The camellia flowers catching her eye she couldn't help but lean over to smell them to appreciate their uniqueness.
"An admirer of flowers are we?" Came the oh so familiar voice of jay, this time, there was nothing but ease on her face as she turned around to greet him.
"You sure have a knack for finding me in town" she teasingly tutted "well i would like to call it fate" he grinned .
"And to answer your question, I love flowers , back home I used to grow them in my own garden" she wistfully found herself saying.
Jay took notice how she spoke in past tense of a home, maybe her parents house before marriage? He wondered, but didn't ponder too much as he looked around and pointed to the gardenia's and forget-me-not's .
"Can I get a bouquet of these, and add some baby's breaths too" he smiled at the florist, an old man whose eyes crinkled as he smiled in approval of the choices.
"Are these for a very special lady?" He questioned handing him the flowers as jay suddenly looked rather bashful.
The charming smile he gave the older man made y/n swoon internally,"here, keep the change sir" he bid him goodbye as she walked ahead of him.
Clearing his throat he handed the flowers to her "here, these uh, are for you" "Oh ..jay, these are beautiful, thank you".
She sighed in appreciation as she bought them up to her face to take in their scent.
"There's a flower exhibition the day after tomorrow, starts at noon and ends around sunset, i was wondering if you wanted to go, which, it's okay if you don't i mean it is no big deal if you are against the idea.."
He chuckled nervously fidgeting with the cuffs of his sleeve.
"You said you love flowers so if you would like to-" "i would love to" she cut him off, her smile warm, easing his nerves almost instantly.
"Oh ok, great, its at the lake park by the way" he added, going back to his default chivalrous persona "well, i guess I'll see you then?" .
She laughed quirking a brow at his lack of response "oh right, farewell " he sputtured out before all but sprinting away, okay maybe he didn't sprint but he did speedwalk though.
"What about this one?" Asked y/n coming out of her room with a blue dress on, as blue as the clear sky they were expecting tomorrow.
"I think you should go for the royal blue gown" commented danni, perched on a sofa like a lazy feline, he sure acted like a wet cat when it came to having to do something he didn't want.
Yet here he was paying attention to her as she emerged again and again after trying on different dresses.
After having all but broken down with the words coming out of her mouth being "I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR" and danni looked incredulous and astounded.
So here she was, getting help from a 12 year old boy "trust me it brings out your eyes" he spoke looking quite self assured.
"I shall trust your fine judgement then" she smiled at the young boy who waved her off "do you really like this guy?" He questioned suddenly.
"God, yes ,but don't you think he's just being kind?" She sounded unsure and like someone who didn't want to get their hopes up, danni straightened up and looked at her like she had said apple pie was tasteless.
"If anything, I can see the poor guy think every sentence over before opening that overly polished mouth of his" he scoffed.
"He does?" She questioned looking puzzled "oh you sure are clueless" he tsk'ed pointing to the flowers in the vase.
"Gardenia and forget-me-nots with baby's breaths?, you do know what they symbolise right?" He inquired as y/n took a moment for it to click in her mind what he was getting at.
"Oh.." she whispered, now seeing the flowers entirely in a new light, "yeah, oh" he commented , "danni, I feel like I have to tell you this, since you have proven to be a trustworthy companion".
she found herself fidgeting with her dress "you're the runaway princess" "i am a princess- WAIT YOU KNOW?" She screeched looking at him frazzled.
"Well you don't exactly ooze widow energy, nor one of any nobility in these kingdoms" he commented as a matter of fact.
"Oh okay, this makes me feel better now that im not hiding anything from you" she smiled, and this time the boy gave her a small one in return.
"Your highness?, didn't take you for a connesiur of flowers, nor do you seem interested in botany in the slightest,frankly speaking you have been focused on nothing but fencing for the past month you've been here".
Came the voice of an academy professor causing jay to almost jump out of his skin.
"Sir witsburg, fancy seeing you here" he chuckled, smile conveying the unease he was feeling.
The nerves of getting his secret revealed to the world, no, to her making him all jumpy and jittery.
"I am the botany professor" he stated looking weirdly at him.
"Ah right, I knew that, I just assumed you might be giving a lecture seeing as you're quite renowned".
He chuckled trying to keep up the pleasant facade, the man always seemed to be in his space for some reason .
"Ah, always such a smooth talker your highness" he grinned feeling gassed.
"Jay?" Called out the voice that he had been wanting to hear first thing since he woke up this morning, and boy did it make his soul sing, the smile on his face was striking, and it did not go unnoticed by the man standing beside him.
"Miss bishop" he spoke smiling as y/n walked towards him, her dress making her look like the princess she was supposed to be, and jay couldn't help but stare entranced .
"There you are,i have been looking everywhere for you" she complained jestingly before her eyes settled on the man beside him as she visibly tensed up.
"I didn't know we had company" she commented looking at the young professor .
"Witsburg, Solomon witsburg, and you are?" He asked extending his hand to greet her "linda bishop" she smiled giving him her hand , he bought it up to his face and placed a kiss on the gloved skin.
It didn't cause any pleasant feeling in both y/n nor jay, she smiled trying to seem civilised "well if you would excuse us, we were going to pomrande around the exhibition".
She curtisied and put her her hand in jays extended arm, together they walked away from the overly curious man.
"Quite the narcissist that one" she stated when they were out of earshot of Solomon, and jay looked at her like she was a completely different person, oh he couldn't be any more in love "oh you have no idea!, I give fencing lessons at the academy and that man has tried one upping me, albeit has failed in doing so, but still has been in my business for some strange reason".
He huffed looking at her and seeing the pursing of her lips he couldn't help the snort that escaped him.
"Go ahead and laugh at my dilemma" he rolled his eyes in exaggeration "my god jay, I have never seen you lose your cool , it's adorable seeing you look comfortable enough to talk like that with me" .
She smiled at him sweetly, and it made his ears feel hot "oh um well i might have gotten carried away" he cleared his throat.
She chuckled shaking her head "oh my look at all those exotic flowers" she gasped eying them from afar "let's take a closer look" was all he said before y/n all but dragged him towards the different potted flower beds.
"Geraniums, oh these were my favourites growing up" she spoke voice carrying emotion he could point out as nostalgia.
"They also symbolise harmony, and domestication, like being at home" she continued "oh tell me more, I want to learn more about flowers from you" he voiced out.smile wide as she couldn't help but take that statement as a promise .
And with that she spent the day dragging jay around showing him flowers and their symbolism.
And by the end of their little courting day they stood in front of the last flower that she ended up buying.
"This one is called petunia" she spoke proudly "it can signify many things, anger being one of them, but it can also mean the opposite of anger, it can show happiness just as much".
She smiled at him, face turning red slightly "i want you to have it" she spoke fidgeting with her gloves "here, for the petunia pot" she smiled politely at the vendor.
Taking it in her hands, she extended the small potted flower towards him, face alight with nervousness.
He took it from her hold, not daring to hide the sly graze of his touch on her exposed wrist, his touch featherlight yet so heavy with all his want for her.
Her pulse raced, and she was afraid he could feel it at this point, his touch wasn't shy yet not over the top.
So she smiled, eyes slowly looking up at him. His own already trained on her face, crinkled slightly in the corners "this is very thoughtful, I shall take good care of it" he promised.
The day ended with them going to a bakery and trying every desert that caught her eye "oh that tart sure looks delectable" she whispered pursing her lips and jay didn't waste a second asking for the said pastry.
They sat down at a table and ate them together "do you do anything other than fencing?" She questioned eyes turning to him as she ate the strawberry cream cake delightedly.
"Well i play the piano" he announced, his gaze trained on the small dab of cream by her mouth, as if possessed with something he picked up a napkin and gently wiped the corner of her mouth.
"Oh." She whispered feeling bashful "Pardon my messy eating, I tend to get carried away when eating sweets" it only earned her a smile.
"It is no big deal, I myself tend to eat rather clumsily when I'm with company i feel comfortable with" they both exchanged a meaningful look as they smiled at each other, conversation flowing like a second nature.
To send her home he chose to walk together, wanting to spend as much time together as possible, "i had alot of fun today" she voiced turning to him at her door .
"I did too" he breathed out, eyes going from her eyes to her lips, the very lips that curled upwards at the realisation.
Her eyes took a quick look around, finding no one to be near, with finality she tugged at the lapple of his shirt and pulled him down, their lips meeting in a chaste yet hurried and overly clumsy first kiss.
Pulling back in a few seconds they both exchanged a look that conveyed a thousand unsaid things they couldn't have said in front of all the people in town.
"Will it be improper to go for another this instant?" He whispered searching her eyes for any discomfort or rejection.
Finding none he held the back of her neck and tilted her face in the right angle for his mouth to envelope hers in a way that was far from chaste, unlike the previous kiss initiated by her.
When they pulled away,their breaths were quick and mingling together in the foggy nights haze "Goodbye jay" she whispered, voice sounding hoarse as she quickly got into her house.
Closing the door she was greeted by danni standing by the stairs looking at her incredulously "spare me the unholy details and just tell me whether you had fun or not ".
"The most fun I've had in years" she sighed dreamily falling on a sofa.
And that started the whirlwind romance of the two, meeting any chance they got, exchanging letters in public that conveyed whatever they wanted to say but could never say it openly due to prying eyes and ears.
laid in bed splayed on her stomach, legs kicking behind as she giggled over his words on the newest letter danni had bought in from him.
"You are so hard not to stare at in the marketplace, it is one of the hardest tasks I have faced, not being able to hold you and kiss you like i wish to do, let's go somewhere just the two of us, i can arrange some quiet place for us to enjoy each other's company.
And so she wrote him back
"It makes the two of us, not being able to be near you without the scrutiny of those around town that is, I think being able to see you teach at the academy with such vigor and focus has truly been one of the highlights of my week, you look ever so dashing in your fencing kit, though seeing you in action makes it easier to admire you openly due to the audience you already seem to harbor at the academy.
P.s yes I would be more than delighted to spend a quiet day with you someplace out of town.
Sealing the letter in an envelope she all but rushed down to find danni to deliver it, finding the boy in the living room playing with a bow and arrow, deciding not to comment on the very odd choice of venue for the sport.
"Danni boy, here, be a deary and hand this to jay, him strictly and no one else okay" she smiled sickeningly sweet pinching his cheek. "Ow let go would you, god you both make me sick, who even writes 10 letters within a week" he huffed rubbing the red skin.
Y/n shooed him out the house as he left grumbling. It took him exactly 15 minutes to get to jay's town house as he rang the doorbell, the door opened by sunghoon who eyed him.
"Oh its you again, another letter might I guess" he sounded bored and monotonous.
"I'm no happy being here seeing your golly pale face either" he sassed pushing past him.
"Whose at the door sunghoon, if it is mrs.Bentham tell her I have the plague and that I am taking my last breaths- oh hey danni" he cut himself off grinning like an idiot.
"Please, save the pleasantries, here" he rolled his eyes pushing the letter to the older man's chest "for someone who teaches at a prestigious academy you sure are vain".
He stated causing jay to look offended "what is that supposed to mean" he whined looking at the younger boy.
"I mean do you seriously think that she is any older than you? And old enough to have given birth to me?"
He questioned trying to gauge his reaction, jay opened his mouth to retort but closed it quickly as he looked at him for an explanation.
"Seriously?, I'm trying to tell you that she's not my mother, nor a widow, for god's sake shes 20 not 40" the look on jay's face was priceless.
He looked constipated and the younger could only bite his lip not expecting such a reaction " wait what, but why would she pretend to be a widow?" He whisper-yelled.
"Well wouldn't any girl that wants to be free but without society pulling her apart?" He quirked a brow causing jay to look thoughtful.
"You're right young man, thank you for trusting me enough to tell me this" he smiled gently as he somehow felt ten times lighter.
And when the two met at countryside ranch, they couldn't help but be as close as possible, whether it was stealing fleeting touches here and there, holding hands as they promenade around the estate and the stables.
"Have you ever ridden a horse?" He inquired looking at her with curiosity, y/n being y/n decided to play a small joke "oh I've never, my brothers have though" she smiled sounding wistful almost, playing him like a pied piper, anything she would tell him he would take it like that was the one and final truth.
"Well that's unfortunate, I must teach you this instant" he grinned looking determined and she tried to fake a worrisome look. "But what if I fall?" She questioned as she clutched his shirt "I would catch you" he didn't leave room for debate.
And so jay helped her get on the saddle of a horse, hoisting her up "see it's quite simple to steer it in which ever direction you want to go, just tug the reigns that way and the horse shall comply".
" They're gentle animals, horses, if you want to halt, just give a firmer pull, and to fasten the pace give a little nudge right here" he patted the part in the horses abdomen as she nodded along.
He walked alongside her for a while, letting her steer the horse around, ever so sneakily he stopped dead in place, letting her ride ahead.
"Hey jay" she voiced out " yes my darling?" Came his voice from way behind and she decided to kick her acting up a notch "JAY!?" She almost yelled sounding desperate.
Nudging her heel skilfully to signal the horse to pick up pace drastically.
"OH MY GOD" she yelled, voice sounding frightened and this did it for jay, sending him into a panic as he ran after the horse.
Which ofcourse didn't work out for him as the animal was way faster for his human legs to keep up.
He felt his knees buckle, and at a little more distance she oh so playfully slowed the horse down and rode back towards him.
"How'd i do professor?" She questioned getting down from the beautiful black horse, holding the reign in her hands she grinned at him.
"You!" He breathed out, voice sounding both confused and surprised, but there was no hint of anger on his face.
He took long strides towards her and took her by the neck, he kissed her with such ferocity it took her breath away.
Her eyes were wide like saucers, and when he pulled back his mouth curled up into proud yet ridiculous smile.
"you will be the death of me ,woman" he stated shaking his head, her own smile turning tender at his affectionate tone.
"I love you" he whispered, gingerly holding her hands in his, his thumb rubbing her knuckles in a way that was more to calm himself than her.
"Did you just?" She breathed out in awe and he didn't look up from her hands "say it again, look at me jay, and repeat the very words I've been longing to hear from you".
She uttured as a plea for him, y/n was starting to think this was all but a dream she and her mind was playing tricks, dangling something she had been looking desperately for since she was a tween.
"I said i love you my dear, I have not felt this passionately for someone before" he announced looking right into her eyes, his brimming and overflowing with genuity that she reciprocated entirely.
"You really are the most captivatingly beautiful man I have ever encountered, and god I am so in love with you, i would be turned into an asylum for the mad if word were to get out" she chuckled.
"I know you're not a widow, nor a mother, do not worry, it was danni who informed me a few days ago, no one else".
"And really, although my heart had made up on the thought of being captive by you it was still a pleasant surprise being your first love just as much as you are mine" he spoke, kissing her forehead.
She rested her chin on his shoulder, taking in his intoxicating scent that carried a mix of pine and musk with a hint of something gentle like lavender.
The two stayed like that for a while until they decided to both get on the horse and ride along the ranch.
The day spent sharing more thoughts such as childhood stories and future plans, the setting sun did nothing but make the atmosphere feel lighter than it was for the two.
Sunghoon on the other hand stood by the stables muttering to himself "i don't get paid enough for this".
"What do you think of this necklace?" He questioned the 12 year old who hummed eying the delicate jewelry.
"Looks like something I would stay far away from whomever is wearing it, why?" .
He questioned eating a pastry whilst smacking his lips clumsily as he ate looking at jay who was eying the jewelry shop's display from the outside like a hawk.
"Well I wish to gift it to linda" he fidgeted and danni rolled his eyes.
"It's beautiful, she'll treasure it" he stated simply and that did it for jay who grinned going inside the shop and purchasing the necklace that was intricate and all the more delicate.
The smile on his face was consistent, he greeted everyone he saw from day to day, cheerfully.
And with a pep to his step he had walked towards y/n's house with danni by his side.
The house was just a street down,but a feeling suddenly overcame him, his gut seemed to be doing twists as he looked ahead despite his nerves.
And right by the flower shop he saw her smiling at the vendor, holding a basket full of hydrangeas looking oh so beautiful.
Nerves forgotten in an instant at the sight of her he called her name, the expression being reciprocated by her as she waved at him.
They exchanged gestures from afar, him beckoning her over, while she shook her head playfully and mouthed for him to come over to her.
He had pretended to be against the idea pinching the bridge of his nose in an exaggerated opposition, but slowly walked over nonetheless.
The sight that beheld him right behind her caused him to halt dead in his tracks
For what his eyes were seeing was none other than the palace guards from his kingdom, who seemed to be asking around for his whereabouts.
Probably sent by his father to fetch him and tell him to come back to their kingdom so they could depart for the very engagement he did not wish to go through with anymore.
He looked frantic all of a sudden and that caused y/n's brows to jump up in both confusion and worry.
"Whats wrong-" she cut herself off due to the sheer surprise of feeling his grip on her wrist and the look he seemed to be giving to something right behind her.
"Shit,we have to go, like, NOW"He whisper-yelled, suddenly taking off dragging her along with him, not realising the blue box had fallen from his pocket and danni had tried to call out to him.
"Hey you dropped this-and he's running away with her..." He trailed off speaking to no one in particular, stuffing the item in his pocket he had shrugged deciding to mind his business.
"Jay what-" she sputtured out feeling the wind wish through her hair as he held her wrist running with her "PRINCE JONGSEONG!!" came the voice of the head guard who took initiative to run after the two.
That caused y/n's head to whip right back to look at who was calling the name of her supposed betrothed.
And she couldn't help but feel confused and shocked seeing the royal guards of jherrir hot on their heels only seemed to cause her heart to hammer against her ribcage as if trying to escape right out.
Her face twisted as she put the two and two together, still not breaking from his hold she couldn't help but be in denial.
He took some turns here and there and finally after 10 whole minutes of running through town the two came to a halt when Jay realised they were not being followed.
He panted leaning against a wall in an alleyway, peeking out he found no one there, his attention went to her when he felt her jerk her wrist out of his hold.
His face contorted painfully at the look on her face. "you- jay... you're" he nodded not knowing how to speak back as if all words were suddenly meaningless at the sight of her broken expression.
She opened her mouth as angry hot tears started streaming down her face, her fists went up pounding against his chest with each word that went past her lips.
"You lied to me!!" "I did" "you tricked me, you told me you loved me" "I do!" Came his broken voice desperate for her to look at him with love, he needed those eyes to look into his with the same expression he was used to.
"My love please" he begged "you made a fool of me" she gritted out feeling a thousand emotions at once "darling please listen to me" he started once again only to be hushed by her.
"No you!, listen to me, what was it? Did you want to pass time outside the academy and needed a source of entertainment?"
"Well I am very delighted I danced to your whim your highness, I am nothing but a jester after all"
She smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes and made him blabber feeling like he just got stabbed by her words.
"Please I really love you, nothing i have said to you and haven't meant, I am aware I should have told you who I am"
"I know it wasn't the best thing to do, but with you I really forgot everything and just acted like myself" he added searching her eyes for anything.
"Please don't hate me, I don't know how I could live with that" he stated tilting her chin upwards his own eyes brimming with unshed tears.
"You could have told me any time sooner" she breathed out, feeling her throat seize up from tears.
"I really wanted to, I just didn't know how to bring it up and it wasn't a lie, I just didn't tell you, please don't be so mad that you punish me by not looking at me"
He whispered sounding like he was going to break any second.
"Jay i-" "run away with me!" He suddenly bursted out.
"What do you mean run away-" she started "YOUR HIGHNESS, THERE YOU ARE!" Came the voice of the guard who suddenly came from one end of the alleyway.
And jay gulped realising that a few more were coming from the other end, feeling cornered he could only hug her close, inhaling her scent.
"I will come find you okay" he mumbled against her hair, her face buried in his shoulder and her grip was tight on his shirt.
" I am afraid its time to go back home my prince" came the stone cold voice of the guard who pulled him away from her,
She could only watch as the guards surrounded him and escorted him away, his gaze not leaving hers until he was out of her sight.
And she fell to her knees crying like an abandoned child in an alleyway, her dress bunching up and getting muddy as it started pouring all of a sudden.
The rain was like the final straw and the dam broke, she started wailing as her whole body shook from her cries.
A hand on her shoulder caused her to break out of her stupor as she looked at danni who shook his head.
"Why are you crying in this alleyway?" He questioned tsk-ing as he ushered her up on her feet .
"We best get home and change before we get sick, come on now" he patted her back as she nodded getting up.
When they were home and had settled down in warm cloths did she look at the younger boy and her eyes welled up once more .
"Why are you crying like that?" He questioned "because hes gone, and he won't ever come back" she answered sniffling causing the young boy to sigh in exasperation.
"Why do you think so?, didn't he say he loves you" he inquired trying to comfort her somehow "hell he even got you this, which when you both took off he dropped on the ground"
He pulled the necklace out and handed it to her, and she held box with shaky hands.
Opening it she cried silently at the sight of it "I mean its not the flashiest but you shouldn't cry like that".
He jested "its beautiful" she gave him a watery smile "eugh you look like an actual grieving widow, go wash that face of yours" he quipped faking disturbance.
"Oh shut up" she pinched his side "ow- okay fine I won't say no more, but why are you still here and not after him when you know hes a prince".
He started, earning himself a beyond confused look from her causing him to groan like a weeping ghost.
"You are a princess aren't you? Why don't you try out your luck officially as a royal".
He did some jazz hands in her face as it finally dawned on her ."Wait danni, you are a genius" "okay we really need to stop pointing out the obvious". He gabbed causing her to roll her eyes.
"Hes the prince of jehrrir, park jongseong, I am literally supposed to marry him in a few months" that did it for the poor younger boy who only looked at her like she was beyond crazy.
"Well if you're betrothed, why are you still here?!, get on with it, we must take you back to your kingdom" he urged.
And thus they packed everything they could and set off on a journey back to Amaria, the palace where her father had been stricken with greif ever since she had departed.
Her brother no longer talked at the dining table and her mother could barely stomach even a morsel of food, thus falling ill.
Meanwhile on the other hand on the jehrrir royal ship, jay stood against a pillar looking at the waves like they had wronged him.
"It was for the better, there was no way out of your duties to your kingdom" commented sunghoon placing his hand firmly on the brooding young man's shoulder.
He squeezed his shoulder and decided to walk towards the ships deck to converse with the captain.
Only to look back at jay who had slowly neared the ships edge and sunghoon knew him too well, slowly swatting his hand, he scolded him.
"No, I can't trust you near that, you shall not leave your room until we are home" he stated causing jay to slump down even more.
Some days went by and jay had gotten back home, duties not stopping for the crown prince as he started right away with preparations to depart for Amaria with his family and staff.
The grand engagement was everything but a small celebration, and for that there was alot they had to present to the king and queen of the kingdom they were building an alliance with.
And on the other hand y/n finally found herself standing in front of the very fence she had climbed over hesitating.
"Maybe we should just go from the front?, as a way of not looking like theives" he spoke sincerely and thats what they did.
The two went around, taking them around 10 minutes to even get to the front of the fence due to how vast the castle was spread out.
"You sure left quite a place" he spoke in awe of the humongous castle that was peeking from even over the 10 foot fence.
"Who goes there" spoke the guard on duty as y/n took off her hat "Rupert it's me" she smiled though it was wavering from sheer nerves . "OH MY GOD PRINCESS" he sputtured out feeling gobsmacked. "Well wouldn't you let me and my companion through?" She quirked a brow only to receive a bow as the giant gates opened.
The carriage was awaiting infront for her to get on, and they rode towards the front of the castle entrance.
The usher gave an announcement of her name "oh and say sir danni is with her" spoke a somehow excited danni causing the old man to look at him like what the hell, sure.
"Princess y/n is home, along with her companion sir,Danni" he announced.
And soon enough a bunch of pattering footsteps echoed as a very excited shota came crashing into her arms "Y/N YOU'RE BACK!!" he yelled as she bent down to hug him properly.
Then came riki who hugged her too and he looked like he was going to cry but being himself, held back tears.
"You had us sickeningly worried sister" he shook his head as she ruffled his hair "and look at you, not crying for once" she teased.
There was a pin drop as the usher announced the kings arrival, she stiffened visibly and danni bowed his head in respect and abit of fear.
She opened her mouth to retort only to close it back up sputtering like a fish as her father suddenly hugged her.
"Oh my darling daughter why did you leave us" he spoke, voice heavy with all the emotions he wasn't supposed to show as king.
And for once in years she felt like a little girl in her father's arms, they were safe and they were home.
"Forget everything, I'll do anything you say, if you don't wish to marry than we shall call it off" he uttured pulling back to look at her.
"I was way out of my head not hearing you through, please forgive your old man" he sounded strained like he was going to break any second.
"I am back for good father, and i won't go against anything you say, I am no longer angry and would like for our kingdom to have this alliance through me"
"Are you sure my child?, i hope you know i really meant it, you do not have to marry for the sake of anyone but yourself" .
He looked at her worried, but the smile she gave him eased down his nerves "I am sure father" and thats all it took as he nodded kissing her forehead.
And when she went to her mother, she couldn't help but cry against her mothers chest who ended up crying along holding her daughter close as if she would dissappear.
"I am so sorry mother" she sniffled "no, I am sorry for not paying your feelings any mind and not retorting against your father "they both stayed like that until they stopped crying.
Some days went by and y/n fell right back into a rhythm as the princess, she went towards the garden and the sight of it being alive caused her to be in awe.
"But how?" She questioned until one of her handmaidens spoke up "your father ordered us to take care of the gardens like you do, he didn't let not even a single flower wither".
And she couldnt help but touch them wistfully, "it is almost time for the ball, princess, we should get you ready" and she nodded letting the maids escort her to her room.
They took hours pampering her and readying her for the ball she was supposed to get engaged in midst of.
Standing infront of the giant mirror she couldn't help but twirl around for a second, feeling like herself in the huge gown that flowed around her like it belonged on her and her alone.
"Everyone's downstairs waiting for you" knocked riki as he came in at the sound of her voice stating "come in"
"Do you really wish to go through with this sister ?" He inquired looking at her as she sucked in a deep breath to calm her nerves.
"Yes my sweet brother, I do, trust your sister for once" she cooed pinching his cheek causing him to hiss.
"Ouch, im not a kid you know" he grumbled but extended his arm for her to take nonetheless.
Meanwhile downstairs was a totally different scenario, the kings and queens conversed heartily as jay further brooded against a buffet table eating random pastries as if he were pregnant.
"Can't you atleast pretend to be in a good mood, and not look like your horse died or something" pressed sunghoon.
"I am grieving can't you see" he exhaled reaching for another pastry only to halt seeing another hand reach for the very last bit left on the dish. His eyes travelled up to the person it belonged to and his face was almost comical.
"Danni?!" He whisper yelled incredulously causing the young boy to look at him like he was somehow stupid."Yes? Do you need something?" He questioned earning him a disbeliefed scoff.
"But you're supposed to be i don't know? With her?" He started, only to earn a shrug from the boy who shoved the entire tart into his mouth.
And jay looked like he was going to have a stroke as sunghoon's gaze wouldn't leave the boy, he surely needed answers.
"Ladies and gentlemen , I present to you, prince riki and princess y/n of Amaria" announced the usher causing everyone to gasp at the sight that was her.
Sunghoon who had looked up at the grand staircase gasped as well as he sputtured "she- you oh wow" he spewed out nonsense.
"Oh what's got you in a chokehold-" the words died at the back of his throat at the sight of her.
She looked stunning and ever so breathtaking and it was beyond confusing as she finally came down and walked straight towards his parents, who seemed to be loving her from the looks of the huge smiles on their faces.
And their heads collectively turned to his direction and he felt like he was being left out of some huge elaborate joke.
His face no longer looked like he was in pain but did however look like he was constipated.
"Well, what do you have to say?" Came her voice startling him out of his stupor "what do I think?!, you're supposed to be back there and not here! And your name is supposed to be linda and not y/n!?" He spewed feeling like he was going to explode like a canon.
"Well youre not the only one with secrets" she stated shrugging,only for him to reach over and take her hand in his, the look on her face made him feel like he achieved everything in life.
He slowly bought her gloved hand to his lips and placed a kiss at the back of it causing her to blush deeply.
"You my love, surely have surprised me, and I am not in the slightest bit angry, I am thankful for the universe to have even the smallest chance of being with you".
"And yet here I am, blessed by fate" he smiled gently holding her hand and rubbing his thumb on her knuckles like a second nature.
And thats all it took for her to not feel nervous and feel like running away, for this was the place she belonged and couldn't think of anywhere else she could be if not beside him.
The one who she had tried escaping and yet the universe had a funny way of planning things.
Their love was to be talked about for generations,their story making a path for those to come afterwards.
