*THIRTY DAYS MY PRINCESS*
*CHAPTER 6*
The moon shone brightly over the palace. Seryeon had been treated for her injury but was advised not to move for a while.
*Jehun:* "Looks like we'll have to sleep together."
Seryeon jolted upright.
> Sleep together?! No! No!
Her imagination betrayed her, she pictured Jehun leaning in to kiss her and—
*Seryeon:* "No!!!"
Jehun blinked, startled.
*Jehun:* "What are you thinking I'll do? Ahh… I can't believe you. And your cheeks are already red....are you serious?"
He was genuinely surprised. This side of Seryeon was new to him.
*Seryeon:* "It… it's just that… y—"
*Jehun:* "Relax. I'm too good-looking to sleep beside you. Don't worry, I won't bite."
Finally, her heart settled.
That night, Jehun slept on the floor while Seryeon lay on the bed. In the middle of the night, Jehun stirred.
*Jehun:* "Ah, I forgot something."
He stood and sat on the edge of her bed.
*Seryeon:* "You said you were harmless!"
*Jehun:* "I just forgot, I can't sleep in these clothes. But it's cold outside. How about—"
*Seryeon:* "No!"
Jehun raised an eyebrow.
*Jehun:* "Oh, so you want me to change here? I was going to say I'd change behind the divider."
He pointed to the divider separating the room.
Seryeon quickly nodded, gesturing for him to go.
He changed behind the divider, returned, folded his clothes, and gently patted her shoulder.
*Jehun:* "Good night."
He turned off the light. Though he disliked sleeping in the dark, he didn't want to disturb her by keeping it on.
*DAY 5*
Seryeon woke to find Jehun already dressed in his maroon and gold robes. She jumped up, forgetting her injury.
*Seryeon:* "Ah!"
Her cry startled Jehun, who rushed to her side.
*Jehun:* "You're too careless for your position."
He scooped her up effortlessly. She struggled, but he didn't budge. He carried her to her room and gently set her down.
*Jehun:* "Get ready. The visitors will arrive soon."
That's when she remembered, she had to give a speech. And she hadn't prepared a single word.
*Seryeon:* "Booni!"
The maid rushed in.
*Seryeon:* "Go tell the Crown Prince I need a speech for today. Tell him I'll repay him with anything he wants. Please, just tell him!"
Booni ran after Jehun.
*Booni:* "Your Highness! Your Highness!"
Jehun turned.
*Jehun:* "Aren't you Princess Yeonhwa's maid? What is it?"
Booni dropped to her knees.
*Booni:* "My Lady requests your help with her speech. She said she'll repay you with whatever you want."
Jehun smirked.
*Jehun:* "Whatever I want? Go ask her if she really means that."
Booni hurried back.
*Seryeon:* "Tell him yes! I'll even write a promissory note. Please, just get the speech!"
Booni relayed the message.
*Jehun:* "Deal. I'll write it for her."
*IN THE COURT ROOM*
The grand hall glowed with lanterns. Nobles and foreign envoys filled the space, all eager to see the Crown Princess. Seryeon wore white and gold robes, her hair elegantly styled.
All morning, she had practiced the royal bow.
> "Graceful, not groveling," Lady Hwan had instructed.
Now, all eyes were on her. She stepped forward, heart pounding, and dipped into a noble bow.
She stood at the podium. Her mind went blank.
She opened her mouth. Nothing came out. She cleared her throat and remembered the first line.
*Seryeon:* "Honored guests… I welcome you all to the… the… strategic deployment of border troops."
Laughter erupted. The Queen Dowager alone recognized the innocence behind the blunder.
*Seryeon:* "I mean… may our alliance be as strong as our… cavalry formations."
More laughter. The ceremony leader quickly stood and clapped.
*Ceremony Leader (CL):* "Ah, as you can see, Her Highness has a wonderful sense of humor! Let's enjoy the feast. And as an apology, Her Highness will perform a dance she's quite talented!"
> _What?! Dance?! Is he insane? This was a setup!_
The envoys and nobles had heard rumors of the Crown Princess's antics. Now they had witnessed them firsthand.
Seryeon rushed to sit beside Jehun.
*Seryeon:* "How was I?"
Jehun chuckled.
*Jehun:* "The best jester in the world."
*Seryeon:* "Was I that bad? You gave me that speech yourself!"
Jehun frowned.
*Jehun:* "Do you hear yourself? I never gave you that scroll. Ask your maid. I stamp all my speeches with my royal seal. Did yours have one?"
Seryeon hesitated. She had noticed the handwriting was sloppy for a prince but desperation had silenced her doubts.
CL clapped again.
*CL:* "Now, it's time. Her Highness will perform a dance!"
Seryeon looked at Jehun, pleading for help. He looked away.
She stepped onto the stage.
The music began slow drums and a soft flute. She was to perform _Hyangak Jeongjae_.
She mimicked the steps,arm swing, step, spin and then…
*Disaster.*
Her sleeve caught on her sash. She spun too fast...tripped then landed in a graceless heap.
The courtyard buzzed with murmurs.
> _Seryeon, your life is over. Just let the ground swallow you whole._
Suddenly, Jehun stood.
*Jehun:* "The Crown Princess does not dance for perfection but for sincerity."
Gasps filled the air as he walked to her side and joined the dance.
Seryeon felt awkward, but followed his lead. He lifted her arm, wrapped his hand around her back, and guided her through the steps.
She stumbled again but this time, he caught her.
As the music ended, Jehun bowed and lifted her into his arms.
*Jehun:* "My Lady injured her leg yesterday while practicing this dance."
With that, he carried her out of the courtyard.
Though the ceremony ended well, deep in the crowd, someone watched with eyes full of hatred, jealousy, and rage.
*END OF CHAPTER 6*
🤥🤥🤥 _LITTLE UGLY KID_