(possible triggers: violence, death, graphic descriptions)

CHAPTER FOUR:
Noble Blood

• • •

Seeva had always been the most powerful among us. It wasn't just that he was older and more practiced—his gift was far beyond what the rest of us were capable of. One strike from him was as strong as ten of the Order's most skilled gifts combined, which was why he rarely called upon his ability.

It was also why I panicked when there was a commotion from the crowd and elves began to scream.

Everything happened so fast. I was still in the Gratori's mind and realized instantly that he spotted Seeva the second the attack started. I couldn't warn him, couldn't tell him to stop. I could only watch over the impostor king's shoulder as my mentor unleashed the power he kept dormant for too long.

Black, crackling lightning erupted from his fingertips, splitting off into multiple bolts of wild energy that weaved back together and struck through the dispersing crowd toward a single destination: the man whose hands tightened around my waist when he heard the crowd's shrieks.

But the rippling, deadly power of Seeva's gift never touched the noble.

The Gratori leaped over to us with impossible speed, crashing into the masked Teseran and sending him to the ground while I stumbled back. My eyes widened in horror as the onyx lightning struck the warrior right in the spine. His entire body jolted, seizing like a statue for one terrible, drawn-out moment, and I watched as grey scars webbed out in fractals over his face. The bolt burned an exit wound through his abdomen, then dissipated to nothing before it could reach me. The Gratori's eyes rolled back as he dropped to the floor.

Seeva stood isolated from the rest of the crowd, and I realized he had lied to me. He spent months assuring me that he knew how to channel his attack through the ground, that he could hit the King without being detected.

I could hardly draw in a breath before the Keepers emerged from their scattered hiding spots, and I scrambled back to my feet just in time to meet Seeva's gaze and connect to his thoughts.

I'm sorry for lying to you. It was our best shot and I couldn't let you do it alone.

Seeva, they're going to—

I know, he looked away to keep witnesses from suspecting we knew each other. I'm sorry I failed, but Moon... he's taken a liking to you. I'm sure that he will invite you to the palace, and you'd put yourself at greater suspicion if you denied his request. So take the opportunity to gain his trust and infiltrate his mind. You can influence him. You can be the true power behind the throne without ever assassinating him. As long as you're careful, you can go unnoticed. No more bloodshed. You can't risk it now.

I listened to all he said, but the Keepers finally reached him and had him knocked to his knees in the next second.

Seeva!

I'm sorry I couldn't help you end this now. I wish it had worked— his thoughts cut short as two Keepers, both dressed in their pearly white uniforms, grabbed Seeva's arms and roughly restrained them behind his back. A third Keeper stood in front of him and held his hand out, and I gasped at the swirling grey mist that sprawled from his palm.

No, I can't lose you too. I can't do this alone.

You can and you will. Be strong, Moon. Do not let your grief show or they will link you to me. Watch without reacting. His tone was back to that firm leader's command. The voice of a second father who had helped me discover my owncapability. If he told me I could survive this, then I would do everything in my power to prove him right.

With a deep breath, I relaxed my shoulders, blinked back tears, and set my face to show only detached surprise at what was happening.

The Keeper sent that dark mist of xenith forward, and it wrapped around Seeva's chest, then his throat, coiling like a snake until it divided into three tendrils and entered both nostrils and his mouth. His body began to convulse, and small lines of lightning crackled around his hands before zapping out as the xenith devoured his gift from within.

He was stripped. But of course, stripping was only half the punishment for an assassination attempt.

My head trembled just slightly as I watched multiple Keepers draw their curved swords.

"By Idaean law," one of them thundered out for all to hear, "your crimes against the Silver King demand your swift end."

It will be okay, Seeva. You'll be okay. Even in his head, my voice cracked.

Get out of my head, Moon, I don't want you to feel—

I bit my tongue to stop from screaming when two of those wretched blades sunk into his flesh, each crushing past his ribcage to pierce both his hearts.

I couldn't feel his physical pain, but I experienced every rushing fear, every regret—images of people he loved and moments he longed to return to. That final panic before his light was snuffed out.

He managed one last thought for me, and while my face remained as stone, my soul thrashed in anguish.

Never forget our love for you, Moon.

May the Gifter bring you peace, I whispered for him as he passed.

And then my presence was alone. His mind was empty and cold, just like the cavern had been after the Keepers killed the others.

My jaw clenched to fight the need to cry out. I took another sharp breath, pulled my reach away from my fallen teacher—friend—and turned my gaze from his lifeless body.

The false king had long since returned to his feet, though his guards had surrounded him—a blessing, really, as it kept him from observing me too closely.

But as the Keepers lifted the assassin's body and took him away, the Teseran ordered some of his guards to talk to the crowd and send them home. He ordered others to take care of the Gratori's body. Then, with less security around him, he walked up to me.

"My King, are you all right?" I managed to act concerned despite my fury.

His eyes were sharp through the mask as they darted over my face. A wry smile crossed his lips. "It seems my time here in Oreth will be cut short. Assassination attempts tend to ruin the celebratory mood."

I prayed he was not listening to my quick pulse while racing to think of a proper response. "Isn't your survival reason to celebrate?"

The breeze swayed a long strand of ebony hair over his face. "My Gratori was killed. Everyone just witnessed an execution. It's best I return to the capital before any of his allies try to complete his work."

With a nod, I sent him a quick smile. "Then I suppose this is goodbye."

His dark eyes grazed over my body, moonlight glinting off the silver mask. I watched his lips as they let out, "Perhaps not. I didn't have the chance to search for more guests tonight, but you'll do just fine."

Another bite of my tongue before I replied in feigned disbelief, "You... want me to come to the palace?" Seeva was right.

His mouth upturned in amusement. "Remind me of your name."

"Moon, Your Greatness."

"Do you have any siblings, Moon?"

My hearts skipped. No. Say no—

"She does, Your Greatness," multiple voices rang out from the crowd. It shouldn't have surprised me that they were listening in. "She has a sister."

"Good. A few of my men will accompany you to your home. Pack any belongings and have your sister do the same. Dress comfortably for the ride back to the capital." Before I could muster a response, he grabbed my hand and kissed the top of it. "I look forward to the Gleaning, Moon."

━━━━━━ ◦ ♔ ◦ ━━━━━━

"I'll be out in an hour. Please stay outside," I muttered to the Royal Guards who followed me to our cabin.

"The faster, the better," one of them grumbled before I stepped inside and shut the door behind me.

"Moon?" my mother's anxious voice called.

Rushing to the main room, I found all three of my family members sitting at the table. Mother and Father were drinking tea while Sky was leaning back with a book in hand.

The second my parents glanced at me, they stood. "What happened?" they questioned together.

Sky lowered her book and turned to see me, stiffening when she noticed the tears in my eyes. I cleared my throat and blinked the wetness away. "The King requests my presence at the capital. And Sky's."

"What?" Father nearly shouted. He crossed the room and came to hold my shoulders. His gaze begged for an answer I could not grant. "Tell me you said no."

"I had to accept. You know that," I whispered. No one declines an invitation from the King—impostor or not.

His jaw ticked as he released his hold on me. He turned to my mother, my sister. "What do we do?"

Sky was still frozen, looking right through me. But my mother... my mother had a bittersweet smile on her lips.

"We let them go."

━━━━━━ ◦ ♔ ◦ ━━━━━━

I never had the chance to say goodbye to Namjoon or the others. I'd thought nothing could ever hurt as much as that, but taking the time to look Seeva in the eyes, to look my parents in the eyes and know that I would never see them again was just as painful. And because I was so tired of being separated from who I loved, the most selfish part of me was thankful that Sky was riding the horse to my right. It was instinct to worry about her though I knew she could hold her own if any nobles gave her trouble. Since it was my own fault that she was caught up in this, I silently vowed to protect her from any harm. Just as she had protected me all these years.

"So where will we stay? In the palace?" Sky asked the guard she sat in front of on the saddle.

After packing our bags, dressing in pants and long-sleeved shirts, and kissing our parents goodbye, we'd met the guards outside and they'd asked us if we knew how to ride. When both of us answered that we did not, two of the King's men begrudgingly extended their hands and helped us mount their steeds. The ride had stretched on through the whole night, and it was not until sunrise that we stopped through a village and spent the day resting at the local inn. By that evening, we were back on the road to the palace.

"You'll stay in a room at one of the smaller palaces until the Gleaning. Then depending on if you're chosen, you'll either stay or be sent back to Oreth," the guard answered.

"There's more than one palace?" Sky asked incredulously, her eyes bright and distant. Likely daydreaming about the beauty and riches awaiting her. She always had an infatuation with the Trians and Teserans. She seemed too excited about what was happening to her for my liking.

I listened in carefully, thankful that they rode so close to me. It was important that I knew what I was walking into. The Gleaning, from what I gathered, was a traditional ceremony where the nobles could choose certain guests to stay with them, though I wasn't sure with what purpose. To be their servant? A companion? Maybe they wanted us as pets. Whatever it was, I knew I had to earn the King's favor and be picked by him during the event. Get close, earn his trust, let him drop his guard until I'm able to enter his mind and rule the throne behind the curtain. Then make things right. Spark change.

I didn't care anymore about how risky it would be. As the last one standing from the Order, I would do whatever it took to see the mission through, one way or another. The only problem was that I had to keep my sister in mind as I did so.

Which was why what the guard said struck a chord. If I could ensure she was not chosen by anyone, she would return home. I'd be alone, but she'd be safe and I could finish things without fear of her getting caught in any crossfire. 

"Yes, redblood, there is more than one palace. There are three, to be exact."

"And which one does the King stay in?" I questioned.

Both their heads turned to me, but it was the guard sitting behind me who replied. "The Grand Palace is where the Royal Family resides. The Day Palace is where guests stay and the Night Palace is where the Dethali stay."

I'd heard about the Dethali only twice in my life: once when Father cursed about how cruel they were to anyone trying to cross the border, and once when my teacher spent ten minutes brushing over them in history class. The King's ruthless army.

"How far behind the King are we?"

"What is it with you both asking so many questions?" The elf behind me grunted but answered regardless. "They didn't stop to rest as we did, so they'll get there a day before us."

"A day?" Exhaustion was clear in my sister's tone. "How much longer will it take to get there?"

"Two more days."

Two more days to quietly mourn Seeva. Two more days to strategize and figure out how I could mold a cold-blooded ruler into being my pawn.

━━━━━━ ◦ ♔ ◦ ━━━━━━

To my surprise, the impostor king received us when we arrived at the palace grounds. He still wore extravagant drapes of white and silver, still had on his jeweled mask, but all of his hair was loose, falling long over his shoulders like glossy black silk. A band of silver twisted in beautiful patterns like metal vines, wrapping around his head and dipping into a point at the center of his forehead. His crown, which had been missing the night of the festival.

"Moon," he greeted me first, offering a hand to aid me in dismounting the horse. I accepted the gesture, fighting the itch to squirm away as his arms wrapped around my waist to stabilize me on the hop down.

"Thank you, Your Greatness," I said mildly, meeting his eyes past the mask. Whatever color they were, I couldn't quite tell. Not when the sun was only just about to rise.

I'd never understood how the elves—especially high elves and nobles—were so nocturnal. My partial Elven blood allowed me to see better than a redblood could, but I still couldn't see half as clearly as the guards did during our nightly travels. I could only imagine how strange it was for Sky.

"This is your sister?"

Under the Teseran's attention, Sky's eyes grew wide. She fumbled to dismount the horse, then rushed into the official bow of greeting. "Y-yes, My King. I'm Sky—Sky of Oreth."

The false king raised a perfectly arched brow, and I noted the amusement painting his lips. He waited for her to straighten before addressing us both. "From this point on, you are my guests, which means you are under my protection. Those who live here already know not to touch, harm, or upset you. You may roam as you please, but if you try to go anywhere off-limits, guards will redirect you. You can ask the staff questions at any time. The only rule until the Gleaning is that you attend my nightly banquets."

I'd expected far worse. Strict boundaries, tasks, perhaps an order to not look any nobles in the eye. To be granted such freedom and an invitation to eat a lavish meal each day was... beyond puzzling.

"What happens after the Gleaning?" Sky asked, her hands gripping the belt around her waist.

It wasn't like me, but I was too worried to resist listening in on her thoughts.

He's looking at me. The King is actually looking at me. What if I do something stupid? Don't screw this up, Sky. Just breathe. Don't piss him off either. Oh no, what if I piss off one of the nobles? I don't want to be sent home so soon—

Pulling away, I had to keep from frowning. How could she want to stay here so badly?

The noble posing as the King took time before responding. "You'll either agree to stay with the elf who chooses you—in which case you'll have to adjust to their rules—or you can reject them and be escorted home. You will also go home if you are not chosen. But let me make one thing clear before I take my leave." He paused, finally looking away from Sky to stare at me instead. "The chance of being gleaned by any Trian or Teseran is a high honor. The event is not to be taken lightly as it determines your future. So take the next two days to meet who you can and pray that one of them sees enough promise in you to be chosen."

With that, he turned on his heel and walked down the expansive courtyard, ascending the many steps to what I assumed was the main palace.

I tried for just a second to reach into his mind, but my power couldn't even breach his skull. Not surprising, considering how powerful and highly trained Teserans were.

Only then did Sky and I spare the time to admire our surroundings. The ground was of dark, polished stone while the familiar King's Stain of the moon and sun decorated the center of the courtyard. At the end of the open space, three massive, square palaces towered in all their glory. Both side palaces were smaller in width, yet they stretched taller than the middle palace. The one on the left was pristine white with flower-speckled vines wrapping around its columns, growing up the walls, and dangling from the edges of the roof. The palace on the right was styled the same but was crafted of all black and lacked any plant life around it.

The two of us walked closer to get a good look at the Grand Palace. It was dark grey, with silver and gold accents seaming within each stone, each shingle, each wooden vein. Multiple levels stacked upwards and progressively grew farther back. The entrance alone slackened my jaw, complete with enormous statues of a seven-tailed wolf and a winged lion, both of which stood beside the massive double doors. I'd never seen anything so brilliantly large except for the mountains that served as a backdrop to the current view.

It made me want to vomit.

I could only think of our tottering old cabin that failed to keep the rain out. Could only think of the wet, muddy camps outside the Viridian Forest. The cold, hard caves my second family trained in until they were dripping sweat and spitting blood.

"Can you believe this place?" Sky teemed with awe.

My feet carried me forward, and I didn't bother looking back as she followed.

"You heard what the King said. Let's go seek out the princes."

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The guards showed us to our neighboring rooms in the Day Palace—the all-black one. I could practically feel Sky internally squealing at the gold furniture and the sheer size of the space, even through the wall that separated us.

An hour later, after I'd bathed and changed into an olive green dress from the wardrobe, I stepped out into the hall and found Sky waiting for me with a grin on her face and a sparkle in her eyes. She had cleaned up and found one of the provided dresses too, much to my frustration. She clearly was as determined to impress the princes as I was, but for a wholly different purpose.

It was strange just how easy it was to meet the Royal Family. No one accompanied us or asked where we were headed. Servants hardly spared us a glance, and neither did the guards who stood at the entrance of the Grand Palace. They only... let us in.

"Do you think we should ask someone where they are?" Sky questioned as our steps clicked on the polished floor and bounced off the towering walls. I glanced up and briefly—accidentally—admired the ornate patterns trimming the ceiling.

Before I could reply, a shout rang out from a nearby room. Exchanging looks, I took Sky's hand and led us toward the source of the sound. Bouts of laughter and clinking glasses helped me narrow in on the right direction, passing through a corridor and an empty room until we came upon what looked to be the kitchen.

"It just wouldn't be right for me to drink alone," spoke a voice richer than butter. I peered farther past the doorway and noticed a man with his back to me sitting atop one of the marble counters. His hair was a deep violet, so dark it was nearly obsidian in color, and half of it was tied in a bun while the rest fell in waves to just above his shoulders. He held out a gauntlet to one of the cooks. "Join me before I turn in for the day."

"What do you see?" Sky whispered behind me.

The man lowered his arm, then slid off the counter. I held my breath and stepped into the room, meeting his gaze as he turned.

"Who might you two be?" he practically purred as he sauntered closer. "One of my brothers' latest guests?"

If he thinks we could have been invited by any of his brothers, does that mean they all switch off posing as the King?

The pointed tips of his ears peeked past his hair, studded with many silver loops. Two silver studs also pierced one of his brows. His irises shared the same hue as Sky's, reminding me of the lilacs growing in my garden back home. I pulled my shoulders back and lifted my chin as he stopped right in front of me. I was tall, but the height and frame of any noble would always be greater. Those traits of his confirmed that he was indeed one of the princes.

"Is one of your brothers the King?"

One corner of his mouth lifted. "Do I look like part of the staff?" He gestured to his fine clothing—black boots and pants, and a loose-fitting black blouse with frilled cuffs and threaded accents of purple decorating the shoulders. The collar dipped low, revealing a great deal of tanned chest.

"You're a prince," Sky said as she stepped beside me.

The noble's eyes took her in carefully, that titled smirk still molding his lips. "Yes, but titles bore me. I'm Jungkook. Just Jungkook." When Sky and I were beginning to lower our heads, he tsked. "I hate formalities. What are your names?"

"I'm Moon," I replied first.

"Lovely," the prince mumbled as he held my eyes. Then he looked to Sky. "And you, redblood?"

"My name is Sky," she answered softly, sweeping some of her dark curls behind her ear.

He hummed, and I hated that his gaze lingered on her. "Either of you care for a drink?"

Sky held her hand out before I could blink, and Jungkook smirked as he passed the gauntlet to her. She coughed after one sip.

"Stronger than what you're used to, I'm sure. But that'll change," he chuckled, taking the cup back. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've big plans that involve my bed and, well... sleep. Don't be afraid to share a drink with me again." Then with a parting wink, he left.

"I don't think I've ever seen a man more beautiful."

I eyed Sky as we began walking back in the direction we came. "What about the King?"

"The King looked majestic. Powerful. Regal. But that prince... He's what sex would look like if it were a person."

I gave her a bewildered look and she grinned right back. "Okay, I think we'd better go back to our rooms. The princes are going to be sleeping anyway. We'll have to get used to resting during the day now too."

"That's not going to happen," Sky muttered as we made it back to the grand doors.

Walking outside, the sky had brightened to its usual violet blue. But the tranquility that normally accompanied dawn was broken up by the grunting of the elf who trained in the middle of the courtyard.

Sky and I descended the staircase, and the closer we came, the more the male intimidated me. He was swift, his body shifting with strength as he wielded a curved sword and practiced different attacks. Then the sword shifted, molded and lengthened into a chain of some sort, which he lashed out in perfect form. Then the weapon melted into liquid metal, and I watched as the floating substance bended according to the elf's hand movements. With a flick of his wrist, the liquid dove into a small vile fastened to his belt.

When the warrior glanced over to us, sweat glistened on his face and his short, maroon hair was dampened to his forehead. He heaved a sigh before approaching us.

"A halfling and a redblood? Bit unusual."

His height and his ears signaled that he too was a Teseran. Another prince.

"Our invitation was a surprise to me too," I said confidently, "but we'd like to make the most of our stay here. My name is Moon, and this is my sister, Sky."

The elf remained silent as we offered our bows in respect. Even as we straightened up, he made no reply.

"It's an honor to meet you, Prince..." Sky trailed off, awaiting a response.

His eyes fell from me to her, stony expression softening the slightest bit. "Hoseok."

"Well, Prince Hoseok, we look forward to seeing you again." I would have preferred to make a stronger impression on him, especially if it was true that the princes each dressed as the King to hide his true identity. This prince made his disinterest abundantly clear, however, so I'd have to try again later.

"You won't be around long," he muttered before brushing past us. Sky and I watched as he climbed the steps without a care for his rudeness.

Sky appeared especially offended, but I wrapped an arm around her and tugged her along toward the Day Palace. "Come on, let's go to bed. We can meet the rest of them tonight."

She reluctantly agreed, and a few minutes later I was kissing her cheek before she closed the door to her bedroom. I went to the door just beside hers and stepped into the room, taking a deep breath. The bed was ridiculously gigantic, wide enough to sleep at least four people comfortably. I couldn't help but pick apart every aspect of the room, my contempt growing the more I realized just how useless everything was. Who needed twenty expensive dresses? What did it matter if the Viridian wood poles framing the bed were carved with swirls and flaming suns? What point was there in lining the sink and the bathtub with gold?

I paused at the bathroom mirror, taking a moment to assess my reflection. The olive dress was enough to catch anyone's attention, especially with how the color complimented my warmer complexion and contrasted the white of my hair. Lifting my hand to brush a strand away from my eyes, I caught a glimpse of the ring on my finger and stopped. Fiddling with the accessory, I recalled how emotional it was to craft. Weaving the two bronze wires together was easy enough. It was pressing the unattractive black flower into the resin that hurt so much. The same blossom from the plant Namjoon had chosen for me, no matter how ugly I told him it was. Now, the flower outshined everything in this entire room, this entire capital.

His broad smile and his dimples filled my mind as I remembered him saying, "I bet you'll grow to love them." My hearts twinged. He was right.

Without bothering to change out of the dress, I crossed the room and fell back on the bed—softer than anything I'd ever rested on.

With my stare fixed on the muraled ceiling, I began running through my plans. The false king at the festival was definitely a Teseran—a noble elf, which meant he had to be one of the princes. And odds were if one prince could play the part, so could the others. Which left me no choice but to get to know each of them, to grow closer until at least one of their minds opened up to me and I could learn of the Silver King's true identity. Then I'd work on him until I could mold his thoughts, persuade and bend his choices to my will. No bloodshed, no assassination. But plenty of deception and—

I'd recognize that scheming voice anywhere, came a familiar presence in my own head. I jolted upright, looking around the room. He was that same elf who invaded my mind months ago in the village square.

Who are you? I asked.

Nice to meet you again too, lovely cheater, he teased.

Shuffling off the mattress, I rushed across the room and swung the door open, peering down the hallway where I thought I sensed him. When there was nothing there, I turned to glance the other way—

I came face to face with him, and for a moment all words and breath were caught in my throat. All I could do was stare back into the depths of those emerald irises. They were dark, calculating, curious. As fastened to me as mine were to him.

He slowly raised a hand to take his familiar black hat off. His short onyx hair fell over one eye, framing his face as he leaned closer to me—the movement so small I nearly missed it.

"Hello there," he spoke quietly, and his low timbre sent a shiver through me.

My whisper was sharp. "What do you want?"

The corner of his lips tugged upward. "I hear you plan to make a fool of the King—"

He was pressed against the wall in half a second, my hand clamped over his mouth. I glared him down, but his eyes danced in response. "Shut up. You heard nothing. You know nothing."

You sure about that, little fox? From where I stand, you seem a bit defensive.

"Get out of my head," I snarled and pressed him further into the wall. With as much concentration as I could spare, I tried to shove him out of my mind. There was an odd sensation as the tendril representing my gift pushed against his, and it hardly budged. Instead, he caressed mine, much like I used to do to get past Namjoon's mental barrier. At the soothing feeling of his touch—a touch that wasn't even real—my resolve started to give. My energy waned, and I was so focused on our mental battle that I scarcely recognized our foreheads were touching.

Still needs a lot of work, he said rather softly. The name's Yoongi by the way, since you don't seem to possess any manners. Then he finally retreated.

Breathing out in relief, I stepped away the moment I realized our proximity. "You're a bastard."

"No, I'm someone who shares the same gift as you. Someone who knows all your secrets. Someone who can and will stop you at every turn."

I observed his ears, his stature. Tall, strong, but not a match for the Teserans I'd met. He must've been a high elf. Not one of the princes.

"Why stop me? Why does it matter to you?"

He only angled his chin up, resting his head against the wall and letting his gaze settle over me. Waiting.

Despite how tired our interaction left me, I took the chance to be the one invading his mind. And to my surprise, there was no barrier. I just passed right through like he'd kept the gate open himself. And among a few other thoughts—how amused he was at my hot temper, how attractive he found me to be—there was one that stood out.

Because I'm going to figure out his identity first. And then the King will die at my hands. I will not see him be a puppet, only a ghost.

Then he stepped forward and stood a breath away while I tried to process his confession. "Maybe I am a bastard, but at least I'm a fair one. Don't expect to be let in so easily next time."

As I watched him walk away, nerves constricted my chest. The mission I came to finish just became a hell of a lot harder.

• • •

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Y'all don't even KNOWWW how excited I am about this story lol. I just have such a blast writing it! I know it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I've wanted to try my hand at a higher fantasy concept for so long and I'm just really happy to finally be doing so. And it means a lot to me that you are here supporting a work that I enjoy so much. My hope is that it's equally enjoyable for you!

This was a hefty chapter, so let's review:

What are your thoughts on the failed assassination attempt and Seeva's death? Clearly, the King and his Keepers don't mess around.

And what do we think about Sky's excitement to be a royal guest? Seems Moon may even have to compete with her sister for the nobles' attention.

I'd love to know your first impressions on the two princes we met! Jungkook and Hoseok so far—do you suspect either of them might be the True King posing as only a prince? Remember, ONE of the princes will in fact be the real Silver King.

Finally, our dear black haired, Daechwita inspired Yoongi! Thoughts on him? ;)

I love and appreciate each of you. Thank you for supporting the story! Remember you can tap the little star at the bottom to let me know if you're liking the read so far!

Looking forward to the next update ❤️

- Kat

July 31, 2021