The king was looking at the three girls who were standing in front of him. Their head hung low and hands folded behind their back. The king's sharp look was enough to make their bodies shiver with fright, expect for kid who's eyes were still focused at the paintings. Her mother tried to bring her daughter's focus back to the king by pinching her arm secretly, a act that didn't went unnoticed by the king.

The king sneered in disgust looking at the child's immaturity. She was a kid after all, but he couldn't help but think how she could influence his son. Jungkook, the future king of the Jeon Kingdom does not have time to be a kid, and having another kid his age running around the castle is not good.

" So, you're saying that you want a job as a maid here?" the king asked sternly. The mother nodded.

Sighing, the king rested himself on his throne. He sets a rule for himself, that he will help all the villagers who seeks for his help and refusing to help the woman just because she has a child is wrong. The king rested his hands on his temple and thought for a while.

" Fine, you can work here" the king finally said, making Soyeon and the mother's face spark with delight. " But the child has to leave"

It was funny how their expression change, but the king forced himself not to smile. His eyes shifted to the girl who has no idea on what's going on. He felt pity for her but he really wanted the best for his son.

" Think about it" he said as he stood up. " Tell the maid your answer after discussing"

And he walked away leaving the them alone.

~~~

" He's joking right" Mina asked as soon as the king leaved making Soyeon slap her arm.

" Don't be rude, we are still in the castle" she shouted. Mina didn't reply and the two stayed in complete silence.

" So...what are you going to do?" Soyeon asked. 

" I don't know" Mina replied. Y/N is the only family she had and she will do anything to make sure she's safe. Leaving her alone at such a young age is not even in her dictionary.

" I'll keep her with me" she said, rubbing the back of her neck.

" What? So you're rejecting the offer?"

" No!" Mina almost shouted. " There's no better offer than this! If Y/N and I stayed in the castle, the loan sharks won't disturb us!

" But making Y/N stay with you will put her in danger"

" I'll figure a way out. She must stay with me" Mina said.

" Are you really sure about this?" Soyeon asked. " You were telling the opposite a few minutes ago"

" I just realize that this place is the safest place we can stay, Y/N is safer here than letting her stay with someone else" 

Mina's eyes searched for the maid that the king told her to tell their decision. She saw her standing by the wall below a horse painting. Taking a deep breath, she gripped Y/N's wrist and approached her.

" You already decided?" the maid asked. Mina nodded in return. " I'll work here"

" How about the child?" she asked, pointing her hand to a confused Y/N.

" We'll send her to her grandfather, Mrs. Park" Soyeon replied.

" Well then, why is she still here? Send her outside" Mrs. Park said and left them alone.

" Do everyone in this castle walk away like that after throwing a bomb?" Mina asked, her mouth wide open.

Soyeon glared at Mina, ready to scold her for joking at such an irrelevant time but stopped when she saw her face. Mina's nose and eyes were red, as if she's trying to hold her tears. Mina must have feel burdened at the fact she need to hide her daughter.

" Don't worry, Mina. We'll figure out a way" She patted her shoulder. "But you need to send Y/N outside first"

~~~

"Mummy, are you sending me away?" Y/N asked when the three of them stepped out of the castle, her eyes tearing up. Although she was too focused on the alluring paintings in the castle, she could still catch up with their conversation. It took a few minutes for the little girl to catch up, but she finally understood the situation.

" No, sweetheart, I'll never leave you" Mina said as she crouched down in front  of her daughter.

" Then, are we leaving together? I loved the castle" She said, pouting her lips.

" No, we're not. We'll live in the castle together" Mina smiled. " But you need to be a good girl and stand here until I arrive again"

" Why?" Y/N asked again.

" Because we have a work to do" Soyeon replied.

" Now, come here" Mina dragged Y/N and made her stand under a big tree near the castle's entrance. " Promise me you won't go anywhere" 

Y/N nodded and sat down. Mina smiled at her and kissed her chubby cheeks.

" I'll be back soon, okay?" she said, looking at Y/N's brown eyes.

Her daughter nodded again, still sulking over her mum.

~~~

Double update today :D

🖤🖤🖤