The next morning, Kita awoke to a loud knock on her door. She quickly threw on a robe over her nightgown and went to open the door.

As soon as she started to turn the handle, Seonghwa pushed it open and stormed into her room, followed by Yeosang.

"Good morning to you too." Kita said, raising her eyebrows and closing the door. She watched her brother pacing back and forth in her room, Yeosang's eyes following his every move. "What's going on?" She walked over to the wizard.

"King San has invited himself to stay." He said quietly, glancing quickly at Kita.

"He what?"

"We have to do something. I know Father is trying to be civil, but he puts a bad taste in my mouth." Seonghwa said, his face slowly getting red.

"There's not much we can do right now, Hwa." Yeosang quietly. Seonghwa stopped, his face softening as he was addressed informally by the wizard.

Kita smiled at the two of them. Yeosang was often the only one who could calm her brother down. They shared the same unspoken secret that she had with Wooyoung, so there was an understanding between all of them.

"I have alerted Mingi, he is posting more guards around the palace to up security, but if we do any more than that, King San could see it as a threat." Yeosang continued. "I haven't been able to find much information on him either. He just came to power recently after his father died fighting Nerua. I don't even know if he has been blessed by the gods."

"Let's pray he hasn't." Seonghwa said, running his hands through his messy hair. He hadn't taken the time to style it this morning, so Kita knew he must have come straight here. "Well... I suppose we should get ready. The kitchen has prepared a breakfast for the nobles who stayed last night. It will be out in gardens, Kita." He gave her a quick hug and the two men left so she could get ready.

She chose a simple dress today, not that any of her clothes could really be classified as simple, but it was a plain, light blue color. She brushed out her hair and braided it again. It was her signature look, plus it kept it out of her face.

When she was done, she made her way down to the gardens, smiling when she heard the familiar music from Wooyoung's troupe. They hadn't gotten the chance to talk anymore the previous night, but Seonghwa had mentioned they would be staying for at least a few days.

As she stepped outside, her eyes found him immediately as he sang quietly with a few others. His eyes found her too and his smiled widened as he sang. Kita shot him a small smile then went to greet her parents.

Much like last night, the breakfast gathering was very informal. Nobles stood in groups, talking happily and enjoying the food. Many stopped their conversations to bow in greeting and Kita nodded her head in return.

"Good morning, Sweetheart," Her mother said, giving her a small hug. "How are you?"

"Good, what is the plan for today?" She looked at her father. He chuckled when he saw the hopeful expression on her face.

"Let's get through this first, then you can have the day for yourself." He kissed her forehead and turned to speak with some of the guests.

Kita had to work hard not to show her excitement as she made her rounds.

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Wooyoung watched as her face lit up after speaking with her father. He knew that meant something good was going to happen. He just hoped it involved spending time with him today.

When he finished his song, he sat off to the side to stay out of the way.

"Your voice is beautiful as ever." Wooyoung froze when the smooth voice whispered in his ear. "I've missed it." King San stepped out of the shadows, looking down at the other. His eyes were narrowed in a way that sent a shiver down Wooyoung's spine.

Knowing he needed to show his place, Wooyoung stood and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty." He had to work hard to keep his voice steady.

The King chuckled, then reached out and placed one finger under the other's chin to lift his head up. He licked his lips once, let his finger drag over Wooyoung's chin, then smirked as he walked away.

The performer had to excuse himself for a moment to go splash water on his face, trying to calm his racing heart. He was jumpy the rest of the morning, especially when he watched the King approach Kita.

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"Princess. You look lovely this morning." San said, bowing his head in respect. He saw her return the motion.

"Thank you." She said shortly. He could tell he made her nervous, and he loved it.

"Would you like to go on a short walk with me?" He held out his arm and tilted his head back a little. He thought he saw her swallow, but she knew it would be impolite to refuse him, so she nodded and took his arm in hers and allowed him to lead her off to the side.

"Did you enjoy your room?" She said.

San nodded. "I did. Your palace is beautiful." He played along with the small talk, but he kept his head turned in her direction so he could watch her.

She really was as beautiful as people said. Her pale skin, platinum blonde hair braided just so, luscious pink lips. San had to fight back the growl that threatened to come out as he studied her.

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Kita did the best she could to look straight forward. She could sense him watching her. It made her skin crawl. She chanced glancing around, hoping to find Seonghwa or Yeosang. Neither were insight, they must have been on the other side of the party.

"Were you informed that your father was gracious enough to let me stay here for a few days?"

"Yes."

"I'd hoped maybe you could give me a tour of your kingdom. I would love to see more of it, and you." He purred, never taking his eyes off her.

"I have obligations, but I can try to arrange something for you." Kita said, keeping her voice authoritative.

"I can wait." He stopped and turned to her. He repeated the same motion as last night, bringing her hand to his mouth to kiss, never taking his eyes off her or blinking.

Kita bowed her head once, then walked away, forcing herself to keep her pace normal. Her eyes darted back and forth until she found her brother, moving to stand next to him for support and protection. He shifted so their shoulders were touching, letting her know he saw.

She did her best to remain calm during the rest of breakfast. Once most of the nobles left, her father gave her permission to leave. Kita bowed her head and walked past the performers and over to the stables.

It had been a few days since she had been able to go for a ride, so she hoped to kill a few birds with one stone. She walked up to her white mare, who nickered in greeting, and rubbed her head. "Hello my pretty girl."

"Princess." Kita turned when she heard his soft voice and smiled. Wooyoung bowed, knowing there could be stable hands around.

"Father has given me the day off. Would you like to go for a ride and get away for a bit?" She asked, barely containing her excitement.

"I would love to."

When the horses were tacked and ready, they rode out the back of the barn and down the side of the palace. There was a small path carved into the mountain side that led down to the beach. They kept the pace slow, enjoying the fresh mid-morning air.

As soon as they passed out of the guard's line of sight, Wooyoung moved his horse closer and reached over to take her hand. "I'm glad we can finally be alone."

"Me too. How long until you leave?"

"Let's not worry about that right now. We have today, let's make the most of it." Wooyoung smiled at her, then spurred his horse forward, shouting "Race you!"

"That's cheating!" Kita called, smiling as she heard his laugh echo off the cliffs.