*CHAPTER 1*
*DAY 1*
Seryeon stood before the grand courtroom. Today was the day she would be formally welcomed as the future Queen of Goryeo. Draped in heavy silk, her hair twisted into an elaborate knot that felt more like a crown of thorns than a symbol of grace, she could barely keep her balance. The gown she wore weighed more than her dignity.
She rehearsed her lines in her head:
> "It is an honor to see Your Highness. Your face shines brighter than the sun itself. You warm the air in the middle of a winter night. Wherever you go, flowers bloom like a spring morning. Your presence feels like a sudden summer rain. Your Highness's grace is as grand as Mount Blossom."
That's enough to melt his heart, right? she thought.
> This is so uncomfortable. I feel like puking. I'm nervous, anxious, and ---
*Voice:* "Are you not going to come in?"
Snapped out of her thoughts, she realized the courtroom door had already been opened.
She lifted her hands, placing them just below her torso, and began walking with deliberate grace. Every step was measured, as if time itself belonged to her.
Then she raised her head and her eyes met Jehun's.
> " Why is he looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face? Did I get caught? What does a princess do smile? Laugh? Greet first? Ah, let me greet him!
She bowed so quickly that her headpiece slipped forward and smacked her squarely in the face. The entire court gasped, struggling to hide their shock behind polite smiles.
*Seryeon:* "It is an honor to see Your Highness. Your face shines brighter than the sun itself. You warm the air in the middle of a winter night. Wherever you go, the flowers bloom like a spring morning. Your presence feels --- "
*Jehun:* "Are you not done yet? Please escort the Crown Princess to her chambers."
> "Ah, I knew it. If I don't shut up, I'll die today. Please, Seryeon, control your mouth. This is a palace, not a school."
Throughout her over-the-top praises, Jehun had tried his best not to laugh, though it was clear he was struggling. The court was dumbfounded, but Seryeon remained blissfully unaware.
Jehun raised a hand, stopping her before the court burst into laughter. She bowed once more to him, then turned and bowed to each minister before gracefully exiting the room.
*Royal Guard (muttering):* "This is going to be fun."
He smirked as he escorted Seryeon to her quarters.
*IN THE QUEEN DOWAGER'S CHAMBERS*
*Voice:* "Your Majesty, the Crown Princess has been escorted to her quarters. Shall I bring her to greet Your Highness?"
*Queen Dowager:* "Let her be. She's still a child. She'll learn in time. She knows nothing of palace rules just make sure she's trained well. The future of Goryeo lies in her hands now, as the future Queen."
She spoke calmly, her hands busy scribing something on a piece of cloth while a maid stirred the ink beside her.
*END OF CHAPTER 1*
*TO BE CONTINUED...*