Hello~ I really love your "Mea Bella" story and was wondering if you can do another royal themed drabble: Male reader (if you can) x Yuta as a prince, where Yuta is having a royal gathering and M/n, the mysterious foreign prince attends. M/n is gossiped about due to him being a foreigner and his cold exterior. An unexpected turn of events occur where Yuta runs into a dangerous situation and m/n protects him. Maybe a secret of m/n's gets uncovered? Then they begin to form a relationship of sorts.
-I haven’t written Mea Bella in so long haha this one will be cute!
Lily of the Valley
The annual International Congress of Future Leaders Ball, around this time of year you would have burned the invitation and moved on with your royal duties. It wasn’t a shock that your parents thought you were anti-social, spending time with your head in books and wandering the gardens. In hopes of increasing networking and your social ability they forced you to accept the invitation. You hated this ball, it was full of snobby princes talking about how excited they were about their father dying so they can take over their respective kingdoms. Since you’ve been missing all of the balls for the past couple of years, most people assumed you died or something.
But prince Yuta was shocked to hear you were attending this year, he hadn’t seen you since you were tweens, complaining about your voices cracking and fencing classes. You hated preparing for the ball, constant fittings for your suits, manners classes, and dancing lessons. You were dreading the ball as the days got closer and closer. Your parents would always remind you about it at dinner like a countdown timer, so you couldn’t find a way to ditch it.
The day had come, you groaned getting out of bed. The maids put your suit on perfectly fitted, showcasing your kingdoms signature green color and white accents. You hopped onto the carriage as it took you out of your woodland forest castle to the Nakamoto’s lavish mansion. You hopped out as several guests looked shocked at you, and began to whisper about you.
“I thought he was dead”
“He’s probably here because someone made a bet about him coming”
“Still as cold as ever, nothings changed about him.”
That would have made 13 year old you feel like crap but now, as an adult you really didn’t care. As you opened the doors, you greeted the announcer as servants blew the trumpets and announced your name to the crowd of princes who had already arrived. No claps or cheers just a bunch of whispering as you cascaded down the stairs. As your foot touched the ballroom floor everyone cleared space for your path. New princes to the congress cowered in fear against you while ones you were familiar with rolled their eyes.
“Why is he here?”
“Shouldn’t he be busy turning people to stone?”
“You’d think he’d learn to greet people during his time in solitude.”
“m/n!!”
Yuta caught your sight as Yuta excitedly dashed over to you.
“m/n, i’m so happy you could make it! I wanted you to meet the new people to the committee! What have you been up to?”
The conversation fell silent after that. Yuta laughed awkwardly as he took you away from the confused Shotaro.
“Look, I know you’re not the biggest fan of socializing, but it’s a party, let loose a little.”
“I don’t ‘let loose’ prince Yuta, I’d rather be at home right now. Besides people don’t want me here anyways.”
“Why’s that?”
“I’m a foreigner to them regardless if I talk to them or not they’re minds won’t change about how they feel about me...”
“They just haven’t seen your charms yet m/n, I bet they don’t know you’re a world champion in fencing and archery. I could always keep you company if you want.”
“I wouldn’t want to keep you away from your other guests.”
“I’m f-“
“Prince Yuta watch out!”
You tackled Yuta to push him out of the way of the falling chandelier that shattered behind you. You were on top of Yuta as you saw everyone in the room fall silent. You got off Yuta checking out the chandelier as he called the guards to scan the area.
“m/n, you saved my life, how can I ever thank you?”
“Let me go home early.”
“Seriously you are still thinking about leaving after you just saved me?”
Shotaro then approached you.
“I just wanted to say what you did was really cool.”
“Oh, thanks, I guess.”
Others eventually joined in asking about your training and you had a good time meeting new people and learning about their interests. You then noticed that the roles have changed now Yuta’s the one alone while you had all the attention. You excused yourself to see how Yuta was doing.
“Hey, is everything alright?"
"We called security to search the place, apparently it was an angry peasant against princes is who snuck in."
You noticed Yuta had a cut near his forehead. You called a maid over for a first aid kit and took Yuta aside into a bedroom to clean him up. Yuta hissed at the rubbing alcohol touching his wound. You placed bandages on his forehead and he thanked you.
"Hey m/n?"
"Yeah?"
"Why are you so insistent of going home all the time?"
You sighed.
"Well, my home is all I've ever known. I'm an only child to my parents, so they pushed me hard to train in everything I can to become the perfect king one day. They thought if I went to other castles for parties or play-dates that I would get distracted. I would become soft in a sense, letting friends get away with crimes and picking up rebellious behavior, for example. My grandfather was almost killed by his second in command, so my family has a lot of trust issues. So, I've never really learned how to make friends or socialize properly. But recently, my parents are seeing how their tactics have caused me to become cold and introverted. When I made a commoner's baby cry, that's what pushed them to let me out of the castle."
"I see, but what about those times when I'd come visit?"
"My parents saw that you made me happy and was fit for competition, but you know I'd win anyway."
"Hey! No fair! I haven't had the change to train as much as you!"
"Clearly." You said poking his wound, Yuta pouted in response.
"m/n, thanks for sharing this with me. I know trusting people for you isn't easy."
"Thanks Yuta, you're one of the few people I can trust." you said with a warm smile.
"There's a saying in my kingdom, I'd say you're becoming a lily of the valley."
"What does that mean?"
"The lily of the valley is a symbol of a return to happiness, a start of something new, growing to be happier every day."
You were hanging laundry up to dry on clothespins when you saw Jaehyun and his advisors and planners with him in the garden, picking out what flowers to use for the decorations. When they caught your eye, you curtsied and allowed them to continue. However, you felt Jaehyun's eyes lingering upon you, gazing at your features and beauty. Jaehyun was so distracted that he almost fell into the fountain.
"Prince Jaehyun, please look where you are going," said his royal advisor, Taeyong.
"R-right, thank you."
You smiled as you walked back into the castle to finish cleaning before helping the needs of Jaehyun. You cleaned and organized his room, closet, and office and eventually met up with Jaehyun around noon. You went to serve them lunch, and they were discussing the guest list.
"The Lees, Suhs, Moons, Kims, Wongs, and Parks have RSVPed so far."
"Fantastic. Hopefully, everyone else will as well."
"Prince, I am required by law to invite princess-"
"Yes, I know, and I am fully aware that she and her family have RSVPed."
"Now that everything is in order, you still have a tasting of the food and outfit fittings left for the Prince Jaehyun."
"Thank you for your kindest services, now let's eat."
When you walked away, you wanted to know who the lucky princess is. You hoped some of the other maids in the kitchen had heard anything. From what you heard, they said that she was a flirt and slept with wealthy men to reach the top, which is how she became a prospect for Jaehyun. You felt sick by this and hoped that Jaehyun wouldn't fall for her, but he might have to marry her.
Jaehyun finished his lunch but still had to taste the food for the midnight ball. You walked out to see him sitting by himself, awaiting food with a list and quill in his hand. He notices you walking in and smiled at your presence. You walked over to him, and he immediately gave you a quick peck on the lips.
"Is this the first course I'm tasting?"
You laughed while blushing.
"Because this tastes REALLY sweet."
He pulled you in for another kiss that was longer than the first one, but you pulled away in fear that someone would see.
"I'll go get your actual course."
"Come back quick before I perish from loneliness."
"Don't be so dramatic."
You brought out some hors d 'oeuvres such as deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms, and pate. Jaehyun ate and checked off or crossed out the foods he wanted for the ball. But he had been talking about 10-15 minutes with each hors d'oeuvre, and you still had more food for him to taste.
"y/n, tell me what you think of this"
"b-but Jaehyun, it's caviar, you should be tasting these things."
"Yeah, but I need another outside opinion, you know?"
"I don't know…"
"Do it for me?"
"Fine…"
Jaehyun put some caviar on a cracker and fed it to you. You swear it was the best thing you have ever tasted in your life, and you wanted more of it.
"Jaehyun…This is really good, and it's creamy and salty. I like it."
"Do you know what's also creamy and salty?"
"Oh, shut up."
"Here, try the smoked salmon with cream cheese."
Jaehyun fed it to you again, and you smiled back as you tasted the smokey fish and cream cheese touch your tastebuds. It was a perfect combination of food.
"Hey you got a little cream cheese on your face, let me get it for you."
Jaehyun licked his thumb and rubbed it against the spot on your cheek where the cream cheese was, and you felt your face turning red.
"I-is it gone?"
"Nope. I missed a spot."
"Whe-"
Jaehyun pecked your lips, which made you throw your head into his lap out of embarrassment. Jaehyun caressed your hair and attempted to calm you down while smiling at your shy figure.
"Ahem."
You and Jaehyun turned to see his mother staring at you and Jaehyun intently to intimidate you.
"I understand that both of you are close friends, but you must not act this way at the ball, we have guests and a reputation to uphold. Jaehyun, your father would not be too pleased to see you like this infant of your potential wives. If you both continue to fool around, then you won't be matching this year, understand?"
"Yes, mother, I understand, I'll continue tasting now."
"y/n?"
"Yes?"
"Can you please go to the fitting room, to kill two birds with one stone so that Jaehyun can focus and that you can get fitted for your dress."
"Of course, enjoy the rest of your afternoon."
You bowed to both of them and walked up to the seamstress' room where they took your measurements and fitted you for the dress. They also took notes on what hair and makeup you'll be doing to accommodate the dress as well. You noticed a suit that looked similar to the fabric the seamstress was working on.
"Is that Jaehyun's suit?"
"Yes ma'am, would you like to peak?"
"If I may?"
"Of course."
She pulled to mannequin out from behind the divider, and you saw a beautiful royal blue suit with black detailing, symbolizing the colors of the kingdom, meaning confidence, wisdom, intelligence, and strength. You felt the soft fabric and saw on Jaehyun's suit a sash with all of his badges from the military and inherited ones from his ancestors. Each badge was perfectly polished and shined brightly in the light. You admired Jaehyun, and he had accomplished so much for an (almost) 18-year old. However, one badge caught your eye; it was an amber gemstone in the center of what appeared to be a flower or a daisy. That badge was a badge you gave to Jaehyun for helping him pick flowers with you, it was a cute badge at the time, but now you look back and realize it was a badge Jaehyun never took off. The seamstress noticed you were staring at the badge for a long time and decided to give some input.
"Ever since Jaehyun was young, he refused to take off that badge. It was very special to him. I also heard that he never took it off in battle too, whenever it was becoming rusty or old he constantly wanted it polished and fixed right away, it was very sweet. When I asked him about it, he said someone very special gave it to him, and it motivates him that he can do anything as long as he has his heart set on it."
You smiled and have never felt warm and fuzzy about something in your life. But it only made it bittersweet when you realized that Jaehyun was going to be courting people wearing your badge. You said your goodbyes and thanks to the seamstress and continued your daily routine. Preparing bread and food for dinner, cleaning and dusting several parts of the castle, and having to assist Jaehyun when he needed it. You were helping Jaehyun with selecting flowers, and he asked for your opinion.
"y/n, roses or lilies?"
"roses, they look more elegant and fitting for the ball."
"hm, good choice."
Later that night, it was dinner time, and you were helping serve dinner as usual, due to this, you were always exposed to the daily conversations at the dinner table.
"Did you see if your suit fits?"
"It does mother."
"How about the food is everything suitable, presented perfectly, and tastes lavish?"
"Of course."
"Have you looked at the list of princesses attending tomorrow evening?"
"…no.."
"Jung Jaehyun! I told you look at that weeks ago! You must have done some research in the library!"
"My darling, leave him alone, I didn't even research you because there was no need once I spoke with you."
"Can you stop being so irrational right now! I just want what's best for our son!"
"He will choose what is best, I've taught him to have a good heart."
"Have you heard of the rumors of some of these princesses? If my son marries, please excuse my language, but a whore, I won't be able to breathe."
"Mother, will you please relax, there's nothing to worry about."
While Jaehyun's mother looked in distress, she saw you fill her glass with more water, and she turned to you and began to speak.
"Ah, y/n, since you are attending, can you please make sure that Jaehyun stays clear of the troublesome princesses? I trust you because you know as women, we know how vicious we can be."
"Of course, my queen, I will try my best."
Great, picking Jaehyun's future wife while you are secretly dating, doesn't sound like a bad idea at all. You turned to Jaehyun, giving him a small smile before returning to bring out dessert, raspberry tarts.
After dinner, you helped clean up when you saw Jaehyun waiting so you could help him with his nighttime routine of bathing, getting dressed, and going to bed. You walked up to his room to see him sitting against his window, still looking out into the starts.
"I'm not ready, y/n."
"I don't think anyone is ever ready."
"It's a big moment in my life. I don't think I'll be able to do it, especially when you are going to be there."
"Don't worry about me. I'll be okay."
"But it's not okay!"
"…"
"I- I love you, y/n! to have you watch me go off with another girl is just wrong! I-I don't want to hurt you!"
"Jae, it's fine, we both knew this day would come eventually….trust me, I'll be okay."
"Are you sure, my daisy?"
"Of course, I will always love you, no matter how many times you could break my heart."
"I promise I will find some way for us to be together, and I promise I will have a dance with you at the ball."
Jaehyun kissed your hand as you bitterly smiled, and you went to go prepare his bath filled with rose petals and lavender. The aromatics in his bathroom were warm and florescent. Jaehyun noticed how monotone your face was while filling his bath, so he came behind you, only in a robe hugging you from behind.
"Join me."
"W-wh-"
"Please, it might the last time we have this chance together."
"B-but Jae I'm just a maid I'm not supposed to- let alone see you naked."
Jaehyun looked at you with puppy-like eyes begging you to take a bath with him, and you couldn't resist.
"Fine, but you are getting in first."
Jaehyun smiled as you turned around because you were too shy to see Jaehyun naked, your mind would go lewd places. Jaehyun laughed as you heard him, slowly dip into the bath. You started to strip your clothes and tie up your hair with a black ribbon so your hair would not get wet. You hesitated to turn around once you removed all of your clothes, but Jaehyun encouraged you to turn around. You turned around slowly looking at the floor, but you could sense the smile forming on Jaehyun's face. He reached out a hand for you to join him, but you were still looking at the floor when you walked to the edge of the bathtub. You looked at Jaehyun's loving gaze as you slowly dipped into the bath, now only looking at the candles around you trying to avoid looking at Jaehyun and his body. Your back met Jaehyun's chest, and you felt Jaehyun pull his head down into your neck. His hands started to rub your arms and legs lightly, massaging them. You felt your cheeks blush, and your whole body feeling hot.
"J-Jae-"
"Shh, let me love you, my daisy."
Jaehyun started to kiss your neck softly, and his hands moved all over your body, making you become breathless under his touch. You turned your head to meet his eyes, kissing him delicately while the bright candles and warm water hug both of you. It was as if time stopped, and you turned your whole body to straddle Jaehyun deepening every kiss. Jaehyun wrapped his arms around you hugging your waist tight, wanting you to be closer to his body.
"God, you are so beautiful," Jaehyun moaned.
You felt his member get harder against your thigh begging to enter inside you, and you felt hungrier for Jaehyun. You looked at Jaehyun's eyes filled with lust, pleading for you. Jaehyun whispered in your ear.
"I'm going to put it in, okay? Relax, you'll be okay love,"
With that, he entered inside you, kissing you every second of the way and whispering words of encouragement to keep you relaxed. You felt the pain and pleasure scratching Jaehyun's shoulders, moaning loudly like music to his ears. Tears streamed from your eyes from the pain, and Jaehyun lifted your head from his neck and wiped them away, kissing your neck.
"Is it okay for me to move?"
"M-maybe one more- ah- second- mmh-"
"Of course, take all the time you need."
You took about 2 minutes before you told him that it was okay for him to move, and he began moving at a slow pace, for you and him. Jaehyun eventually picked up the pace while kissing you and caressing your entire body, splashing water, petals, and moans scattering all over the bathroom. It eventually led to Jaehyun, making you both reach your climaxes at the same time. You both panted, taking deep breaths to relax your breathing. You straddled off of Jaehyun, sitting in between his legs, and you laid against his chest, fiddling with his fingers.
"Are you alright, my little Daisy?"
"Yes, Jae, I love you so much."
"I love you too, y/n."
Jaehyun got up from the bath and carried you out, knowing that your body would be a little sore, and you would not be able to walk. He wrapped you in a towel and laid you down on his bed, letting you dry off and relax.
"Wait, Jae, I'll clean- the bathroom- ah-"
"No, no, no, you've cleaned up after me several times, let me."
"But-"
"Please rest, for once, let me take care of you now."
So, you laid on the plush bed as Jaehyun started to clean up the bath, throwing the petals out the window and draining the tub and cleaning the floor with a cloth. Once he finished, he kissed your forehead to wake you up from your small nap. You smiled, looking at Jaehyun, who smiled back and left to get your nightwear from your room. He removed the towel and helped you get dressed. He also prepared clean clothes for you the next day when you woke up. You could barely walk, so you stayed with Jaehyun for the night. Jaehyun changed out of his robe and into his pajamas, cuddling up next to you, kissing your neck.
"Goodnight, my daisy."
Follow me for updates and to follow the series! also, dm me your thoughts I would love to know 🥺
Pairings: Reader x Jaehyun, Reader x ???
Genre: NCT royalty!au, angst, fluff, subtle flirting
Warnings: flashbacks, forbidden love
Words: 2.9K
Chapter 1 - Run with Me
You knew Jaehyun since you were a young child since your mother worked as a maid for the castle when you were young. Your father had died in battle, which left your mother to work for the royal family. You remember that day. You were about five years old when a carriage came to pick up you and your mother. You had packed a small suitcase and held a bunny stuffed animal your father gave you. You entered the carriage hesitantly and sat looking impatiently out the window.
You stopped in front of a castle bigger than you could see, it was so big you almost fell back looking up at it. You held your mother’s hand while entering the castle past the terrifying guards and bowed to the king and queen when you entered. You hid behind your mother’s legs, being shy about meeting new people. Your mother introduced you, and you poked your head out from behind the fabric of her dress and hugged your bunny tight. Your eyes met another pair of eyes who appeared to be around the same age as you.
“This is my son Jaehyun.” the queen had said.
He was also hiding behind his mother, peering out to look at you. He waved, and you shyly waved back and continued to hide behind your mother. Another maid led you to the maid’s quarters, and your mother unpacked your things. You were too young to start work, so the queen allowed you to wander and explore the castle. You heard music coming from a room and decided to follow it.
There was a light coming from the room of soft piano keys being pressed to play a melody. You peeked and saw Jaehyun playing the piano and swaying to the music. Jaehyun noticed you, and you immediately shut the door. Jaehyun ran and opened the door to see you bowing and looking at the floor, apologizing. Jaehyun smiled and grabbed your hand and helped you up on the seat to listen to him play. You were amazed at his skill and enjoyed him playing music for you. When he finished, he looked at you and smiled
“I loved that Jaehyun, you are very talented.”
“Thank you, y/n.”
From that moment on, you played with Jaehyun often, and his mother allowed you to follow him to be his little assistant. He taught you manners and how to become a good maid, however, Jaehyun didn’t see you as another maid but as a friend. He let you join him in archery, horseback riding, and you memorized his daily schedule. One day, Jaehyun took you to the library, where he would study and read. You looked at the amazing array of books, but you never learned how to read. You’ve always wanted to learn but never had the chance. Jaehyun caught you glancing at The Great Gatsby and told you to take it out if you wanted.
“You know, you can take that back to your room if you want.”
“I wish, but I don’t know how to read.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, with my dad away I had to help my mom a lot, I didn’t even go to school.”
“Hmm, maybe I can teach you.”
“Actually? How do you even learn to read?”
“I’ll read this book to you, and you can follow along to my voice.”
Jaehyun read for about fifteen minutes before your eyes started to get droopy, and you felt very sleepy. You felt your head fall on Jaehyun’s shoulder and started to sleep. Jaehyun noticed, closed the book, and carried you on his back to your room. He laid you down and tucked you in saying:
“Goodnight, my daisy.”
Leaving the book at your bedside, so you know who bought you back to your room. About an hour later, you were awakened by the sound of a bell, which you assumed was the dinner bell. You sleepily walk to the kitchen rubbing your eyes, grabbing the water pitcher. You walked out and started pouring water glasses for the family. You got to Jaehyun and smiled and walked passed standing only if they needed their water to be filled.
“Bring in Mrs. y/l/n, please.”
“Yes, ma’am,” said the butler.
After the butler went into the kitchen, he came back out with your mother.
“Yes, my queen?”
“I have a request for you.”
“What is it, my queen?”
“My son seems very fond of your daughter, and I would like to allow her to be his personal maid and friend, serving for this castle. I wish to appoint her has my son’s official maid.”
“I accept my queen.”
From that moment on, you were to stay with Jaehyun, get him ready in the morning, and following him through his schedules now with royal approval. Little did you know that as you both grew up, you grew feelings for Jaehyun, and you knew him better than anyone. Your new room was placed next to Jaehyun’s room, for him and for you. He would be able to ask things from you, and you would be able to serve him with ease.
~Modern Day~
You woke up in your bed, hearing the birds chirping and the sun beaming through your window. You were now sixteen, and you still work in the castle along with your mother. You stretched your arms up yawning as you walked to your closet full of the same black and white dress you wear every day. You grabbed one off a hanger, changed out of your nightgown, and into your outfit to serve Jaehyun breakfast and get him dressed. (yes, you still dress an 18-year old). You made your bed and left your room to pick up his breakfast on a. cart from the kitchen elevator.
You quietly knocked on his door and wheeled in his breakfast and tea. You opened the blinds of his room and prepared his tea with two sugars, just the way he liked it. Jaehyun groaned at the light and kept his face in his pillows. You walked over and removed his blanket, telling him to get up. He eventually got up and sipped his tea while you found appropriate clothes to wear for the day. Once Jaehyun finished eating and drinking, you helped him get dressed. You turned around as he put on his pants, and he attempted to put on the rest of his clothes.
“Hey, y/n?”
“Yes, Jae?”
Jaehyun never liked it in the beginning when you called him “prince,” so he told you to call him “Jaehyun” or “Jae,” but you would only call him “prince” in public or in front of his parents.
“Can you help me with my shirt, I can never get the strings right.”
You turned and saw Jaehyun with a bare, pale chest. You took the ends of the strings and delicately laced them in his shirt. You tried to not stare, but you couldn’t help but think:
“Since when did he have abs?”
Last time you saw Jaehyun’s stomach was when you were children playing your stomaches like drums. You finished his laces and didn’t realize how close his face was to yours. Your lips only lightly brushed against his, and you turned away blushing while Jaehyun laughed at your reaction. As you turned, he held your waist and rested his head on your shoulder.
“y/nnnnn, why did you have to wake me up? I’m so tireddd.”
“You are a busy man Jae, you have a lot of things to do as an 18-year old, you’re going to take over the kingdom soon. You also have to prepare for the midnight gala, we’ve been attending it since we were kids.”
He removed his arms and his head and put on the rest of his clothes. You both walked down for Jaehyun to start his schedule. First, he had fencing. You didn’t know how to fence but always watched Jaehyun win every time. Afterward, Jaehyun took a bath while you washed his hair and got him dressed again. He had music and etiquette class while you sat and tried to follow along. Then towards the end of the day at sunset, he had horseback-riding lessons, which you were required to be on a horse.
“C’mon y/n!”
“No, Jae we have to get back ins-“
“Just ONE race, unless…”
“What?”
“You’re chicken.”
“WHAT.”
You raced Jaehyun through the vineyard and eventually found a flower field outside the perimeter of the castle. Jaehyun got off his horse and offered you a hand to help you off the horse. You stepped off, and Jaehyun ran off saying
“The race isn't over y/n!”
“Omg…”
You bolted after him, and he stopped, and you fell on top of Jaehyun. You apologized and went to get up, but Jaehyun stopped you.
“No, stay like this, I like it.”
From Jaehyun’s point of view, he saw your hair blow in the wind while hundreds of small flowers fell into your hair. With the sunset in the back, it was a beautiful sight to see. He pushed your hair behind your ear and held your cheek. You two just gazed at each other and felt yourselves getting closer and closer until you suddenly snapped out of it.
“Shoot, you have to get back home before it gets dark.”
“Alright, princess, since you want to go back so badly..”
“Shut up.”
You both rode off back to the castle and made it just in time. You opened the doors to see Jaehyun's family awaiting his arrival at the dinner table. You shyly left go to the kitchen to get the water pitcher while Jaehyun sat down at the table. You were overhearing the conversation Jaehyun had with his mother.
“Jaehyun, you are eighteen..”
“Mother, I am not having this conversation again.”
“You are to be married to one to the prospects me and your father have selected, and that’s final. It’s tradition Jaehyun, your father did it, your grandfather did it, your great-grandfather did it, your-“
“I GET IT.”
You looked at Jaehyun as he felt frustrated, you would be lying to yourself if you didn’t admit that you felt terrible. A little part of you also felt hurt, you knew this day was coming, but you wished that in the realm of possibility, that Jaehyun would be allowed to date you. You both felt a connection, and it had only grown from there. But you both had just been flirty with each other in the meantime. Jaehyun looked at you feeling guilty, that one day he’d have to be married to someone he didn’t love. You smiled at him at reassurance, and you left to go into the kitchen. After dinner, you helped Jaehyun to another bath and got him prepared for bed. You had some conversation while putting on his clothes, Jaehyun seemed tense and felt that he needed to vent a little.
“Can you believe this?”
“Believe what?”
“My stupid mother, making me marry someone I don’t even know.”
“It’s your family tradition.”
“How can you say that?”
“…”
“Fine, how would you feel about marrying some snobby rich man, who maybe didn’t even love you.”
“If it made my mother happy, I would.”
“Well, your mother and my mother are different, at least your mom isn’t a pushover.”
“You’ve known this had to happen sometime after you turned eighteen. This shouldn’t have been a shock to you, Jae.”
“Yeah, but all of these girls are spoiled, and I don’t even know if they will like me.”
“You are a very kind-hearted, caring, considerate, and loving guy. If she doesn’t love you, it’s her loss.”
“Thank you, y/n.”
“Do you know when you’ll meet them?”
“The midnight ball.”
“O-oh…are we…not going to match this year?”
“NO, we are going to match, that’s OUR tradition, and that will not be broken until I get married.”
You chuckled, “alright,, my stubborn prince, it’s late, and you have a big day tomorrow.”
“What am I even doing?”
“Planning for the midnight ball, outfit fittings, food tasting, and french practice.”
“Ughhhh, why can’t I just stay in bed.”
“You’re a prince. Its what you do, goodnight Jae.”
“Goodnight, y/n.”
You blew out his nightstand candle and tucked him into bed. You walked into your room and began to change into your nightgown. You tucked yourself into bed and couldn’t fall asleep. The underlying idea kept popping into your head of Jaehyun, getting married to someone else. You both loved each other, and you wouldn’t bear to see him get married to another woman. You tossed and turned but couldn’t sleep. You walked out of your room quietly and went downstairs to have a warm glass of milk. But when you entered the kitchen, you also found Jaehyun making himself some warm milk.
“Can’t sleep?
“Y-yeah.”
“Here, I’ll make more.”
You sat as you watched Jaehyun heat up more warm milk for himself using the fireplace. You both drank in silence.
“What’s on your mind?”
“I don’t know…just thinking about getting married still worries me, what about you.”
“I just feel a little sad that you are getting married, we are growing up.”
Then there was silence again
“Jae?”
“Did you ever like someone who you wished you could get married to? Or did you ever like someone?”
“…yeah”
“O-oh”
“She is beautiful on the inside, and outside, I feel like I could trust my life with her.”
“Does she make you happy?”
“Very happy.”
“Who is sh-“
As you were about to continue, Jaehyun’s lips were a centimeter away from yours, and your eyes connected with his deep brown irises. You were red and felt that you could faint. Jaehyun grabbed your cheek and leaned in to kiss you on your lips. His lips felt soft and warm against yours, and he pulled away to see you shyly fall into his chest. You laughed a little, and Jaehyun couldn’t help but smile. However, your eyes started to become glossy, realizing what you had just done. You let the prince kiss you! A maid! Not even meant to be seen touching him! You immediately pulled away from Jaehyun.
“Jae…”
“What is it, my daisy?”
“This is wrong…we shouldn’t be doing this…”
“You don’t f-feel t-t-the same w-way?”
“No! I do feel the same way it's just-“
“Just what?”
“You’re a prince Jae, I’m just a maid, even if we did love each other, there is no way we could ever truly be able to love.”
Your eyes started to form tears and fell down your face. But your face was blank, and tears were just falling, with no sobbing or choking up.
“Oh, y/n...”
Jaehyun embraced you and rubbed your back while you held Jaehyun crying into his shoulders.
“We can keep this a secret, yeah?”
“…”
“It’s okay if you want us to stay friends. It's your decision, my love.”
“What do we do if someone finds out? Or what will we ever get to do together? I’m just- so confused, frustrated, and scared, Jae.”
“I promise I will protect you from anything until I stop loving you, and I will never do anything that will hurt you in any way. I swear on my heart.”
“…alright…we can flirt in secret…and date…I guess…”
“YE-“
“BUT nothing beyond that I don’t want you to get carried away,” You said as you winked
Jaehyun blushed and then kissed you on the cheek
“You’re such a cheeky little one, aren’t you?”
You laughed as you fell into his chest, hugging him. You both eventually walked back to your respected rooms and fell asleep in bliss and happiness.
The next morning you woke up and got ready and walked into Jaehyun’s room to wake him up. As you were about to remove his covers, he grabbed your wrist and pulled you on top of him.
“mmh…sleep with me…”
“You were always a sleepy head Jae.”
You played with his hair as you laid on his chest, and he kissed your forehead as you blushed. You eventually convinced Jaehyun to get up and dragged him out of bed. Jaehyun got dressed, while you were putting his pajamas in the laundry basket to wash. While you bent over, Jaehyun whistled at you, which made you slap him in the arm playfully.
“What? y/n, I’m not wrong.”
“You are so gross Jae, why did I have to fall in love with a dork like you.”
“Hey! But I’m a cute dork, YOUR cute dork.”
You laughed as you kissed his cheek
“Okay, now its time for you to go plan for the midnight ball.”
“But what’s the point in going if you aren’t going to be there,” he said pouting
Jaehyun kissed your hand before walking out to attend his duties
“Till I see you again, Mea Bella, te amo.”
You were always flustered when Jaehyun spoke to you in Latin, finding it to be charming and impressive. You sighed in bliss as you skipped to go do the laundry happier than anyone in the castle.
Follow me for updates and to follow the series! also, dm me your thoughts I would love to know 🥺
You were hanging laundry up to dry on clothespins when you saw Jaehyun and his advisors and planners with him in the garden, picking out what flowers to use for the decorations. When they caught your eye, you curtsied and allowed them to continue. However, you felt Jaehyun’s eyes lingering upon you, gazing at your features and beauty. Jaehyun was so distracted that he almost fell into the fountain.
“Prince Jaehyun, please look where you are going,” said his royal advisor, Taeyong.
“R-right, thank you.”
You smiled as you walked back into the castle to finish cleaning before helping the needs of Jaehyun. You cleaned and organized his room, closet, and office and eventually met up with Jaehyun around noon. You went to serve them lunch, and they were discussing the guest list.
“The Lees, Suhs, Moons, Kims, Wongs, and Parks have RSVPed so far.”
“Fantastic. Hopefully, everyone else will as well.”
“Prince, I am required by law to invite princess-“
“Yes, I know, and I am fully aware that she and her family have RSVPed.”
“Now that everything is in order, you still have a tasting of the food and outfit fittings left for the Prince Jaehyun.”
“Thank you for your kindest services, now let’s eat.”
When you walked away, you wanted to know who the lucky princess is. You hoped some of the other maids in the kitchen have heard anything. From what you heard, they said that she was a flirt and sleeps with wealthy men to reach the top, which is how she became a prospect for Jaehyun. You felt sick by this and hoped that Jaehyun wouldn’t fall for her, but he might have to marry her.
Jaehyun finished his lunch but still had to taste the food for the midnight ball. You walked out to see him sitting by himself, awaiting food with a list and quill in his hand. He notices you walking in and smiled at your presence. You walked over to him, and he immediately gave you a quick peck on the lips.
“Is this the first course I’m tasting?”
You laughed while blushing.
“Because this tastes REALLY sweet.”
He pulled you in for another kiss that was longer than the first one, but you pulled away in fear that someone would see.
“I’ll go get your actual course.”
“Come back quick before I perish from loneliness.”
“Don’t be so dramatic.”
You brought out some hors d'oeuvres such as deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms, and pate. Jaehyun ate and checked off or crossed out the foods he wanted for the ball. But he had been taking about 10-15 minutes eating and analyzing with each hors d'oeuvre, and you still had more food for him to taste.
“y/n, tell me what you think of this”
“b-but Jaehyun, it’s caviar, you should be tasting these things.”
“Yeah, but I need another outside opinion, you know?”
“I don’t know…”
“Do it for me?”
“Fine…”
Jaehyun put some caviar on a cracker and fed it to you. You swear it was the best thing you have ever tasted in your life, and you wanted more of it.
“Jaehyun…this is really good, it's creamy and salty, I like it.”
“Do you know what’s also creamy and salty?”
“Oh, shut up.”
“Here, try the smoked salmon with cream cheese.”
Jaehyun fed it to you again, and you smiled again as you tasted the smokey fish and cream cheese touch your tastebuds. It was a perfect combination of food.
“Hey you got a little cream cheese on your face, let me get it for you.”
Jaehyun licked his thumb and rubbed it against the spot on your cheek where the cream cheese was, and you felt your face turning red.
“I-is it went?”
“Nope. I missed a spot.”
“Whe-“
Jaehyun pecked your lips, which made you throw your head into his lap out of embarrassment. Jaehyun caressed your hair and attempted to calm you down while smiling at your shy figure.
