CHAPTER FOUR
FOUNTAINS

"I'm sorry," Jimin said for the umpteenth time since they stopped for Enya's little episode. He felt it was his fault, since she became faint as soon as he mentioned that they wouldn't be together much.

Maybe she was worried about being in a new place. A new environment and a new economy could be overwhelming for anyone.

Maybe he could calm her down by making her think of her home. "Tell me about where you're from."

Enya looked into the prince's eyes. She seemed to search for some kind of emotion, although Jimin didn't know which one she wanted to see.

"I live at the inn with Hobi. We take care of each other. I think I'm worried about what will happen now that we're separated." she told him.

Jimin's eyes grew wide. "I d-didn't know you were already in a relationship. I thought they only put single women in the raffle."

"They do," Enya assured the confused prince. "Hoseok and I aren't together like that. We're friends, that's all."

"Oh, okay."

"Yep."

"..."

"..."

.

Jimin had never been more relieved to see the palace gates in his life. His happiness showed on his face when a fond smile grew.

In excitement, he pointed out the windows at things to Enya.

"That's the bakery where Mr. Kim bakes the best pastries ever. I'll take you sometime, don't worry. Over there is the school. All the kids can't wait to meet you. Behind the school is a little chapel where I was thinking we could get married. My father says we should get married in the palace in front of everyone, but I kind of want an intimate service. It's ultimately our choice, you and me." Jimin was rambling now, but he couldn't help it.

He had a new friend to show his world to. He couldn't wait to get started.

Enya on the other hand, barely heard anything the prince was saying. She was too busy gazing up at the humongous castle casting a shadow over the coach. With her eyes shining, she let her mind take everything in.

High turrets and towers surrounded the grey stone walls. Men paced back and forth atop the wall, with swords at their sides. Other men stood in the high watchtowers with binoculars, diligently watching for any threat. A horn sounded a ways away, announcing the prince's return. Flags made of rich purple silk and decorated with a silhouette of the North Star waved accordingly.

The smell of the sea was strong. Enya had never smelt fresh seawater before. Rotten fish: yes, but fresh ocean air: no. Men and women worked on the docks, loading up ships with cargo of things Enya could only dream of.

"...The ships are really loud sometimes but you get used to--" Jimin trailed off when he finally noticed that Enya wasn't paying him any attention.

A small giggle escaped his lips as he witnessed the childlike fascination in Enya's eyes. He suddenly felt very proud of his country, of his town.

"Do you like it?" Jimin asked, biting his bottom lip in anticipation.

"It's beautiful," said Enya. She turned to face him, "Does it always smell like this?"

"Always."

The coach came to a halt right outside the palace. "We're here, Your Majesty." Jeongguk shouted from his front perch.

Enya made to open the door, but Jimin stopped her, his hand over hers.

"What's wrong?" Enya asked.

"Wait for Jeongguk to open it for you."

"Why?"

"It's his job." Jimin said.

Enya didn't like the authoritative tone in his voice, or the way he rose his eyebrows as if it was obvious how one man would serve another.

How would Enya know? She didn't serve men. She never did anything without something in return. She wasn't a slave to those in higher power.

Jeongguk was, though.

Perhaps after the king and prince were assassinated, the young guard could serve the king's nephew. Then he could get the treatment he deserves.

When the door was opened, Jeongguk offered a hand towards the future princess. Enya gave him a genuine smile and accepted it.

As soon as her boots hit the level ground, Enya knew she was in a different world. Already people were passing in clothes more expensive than the very coach she was brought here in.

This heist might be more than trouble than the money it's worth.

Two months, Enya, she reminded herself. She eyed Jimin out of the corner of her eyes. He'll be dead, and you'll be back with Hoseok before they can say--

"Enya? You coming?" Jimin said. He held out his elbow, and Enya gripped it as daintily as she could, pushing the venomous thoughts from her head.

The gates of the palace were swung open by two guards, and Jimin led her into the palace courtyard.

Yet again, Enya stood amazed as she saw the fine architectural designs. A large fountain was placed in the middle of the stone courtyard, filled with clear water and little koi fish.

Along the walls were balconies from the main castle, where guards were situated, along with men and women of the court. In the far left corner was a well, where people were gathering their daily provision of water. To the far right were a few knights, preparing their horses for some sort of scouting mission.

Enya let go of Jimin's arm and ran to the fountain. She dipped her fingers in the cool water and wriggled them around, giggling as the fish swam away from her.

Suddenly, a hand gripped her arm in a vice manner and Enya felt Jeongguk's breath down her neck as he let out in a hurried manner, "Just remain calm."

"And who are you to touch my wife's fountain?"

Enya turned to see a man taller than her and frightening in his posture. His eyes were narrowed.

He must've been the king, and yet Enya found it hard to imagine that Jimin and this man were related.

At the thought of Jimin, Enya turned back to look at him. She noticed he had come closer. "Father, she's never been to the capitol. She doesn't know."

The king glared at his son for a moment before turning to Jeongguk, "Take her away from here. I don't want to see her. And you–" he looked at Jimin. "–we'll talk later."

Jimin flinched and bowed his head. "Yes, Father."

Enya watched him follow his father out of the courtyard like a dog with his tail between his legs.

"Let's go," Jeongguk whispered to Enya, grabbing her elbow and steering her away from the crowd.

The crowd had barely batted an eye towards the future princess or the confrontation that had just appeared. Enya wondered if this was a daily occurrence or if the people were just being courteous.

Jeongguk pulled her up a spiral staircase which led up to a corridor. It took a few moments for Enya's eyes to adjust to the dim lights. A few lanterns lined the walls of the hall. She followed the guard to the last room on the left, where he knocked swiftly on the wooden door before barging into the room.

A tall girl was inside, bustling around the room. "Kookie! I told you to knock!"

"Okay."

The girl huffed and pointed at his chest with a feather duster. "I'm not done dusting."

"Enya doesn't mind a bit of dust," Jeongguk smirked at the furious girl.

Enya glanced between the two, unsure if that was a jab toward her or a jab towards the girl. Either way, she decided to speak up on it, "Of course I don't mind dust."

The girl turned towards Enya and shoved him the duster under her armpit. Then she bowed, "I'm Minah, at your service."

Jeongguk chuckled and whispered to Enya, "She's your maid."

"Yah!" Minah swatted Jeongguk with her duster. "Don't forget that I'm older than you, and I can beat you up."

"I've had knights training," Jeongguk boasted.

"My father is your teacher." Minah retorted proudly.

Enya broke away from the bickering couple to look around what she assumed to be her new bedroom.

The walls were stone, yet covered in hanging tapestries of intricate designs in the most beautiful colors. Ivory furniture was distributed evenly around the large room. An entire section of the room was dedicated to beauty, complete with a vanity, a wardrobe, a bath, and a screen to dress behind. A large canopy bed rested against the center wall, covered in deep purple silks and golden tassels. Two wardrobes filled with fine clothes took up the opposite wall, save in between them, where a door led to a balcony.

"This is all mine?" Enya asked, amazed.

Minah scoffed, "Of course. You can't be the fiancé of a prince and live in a nobleman's home, can you?"

Enya didn't answer for lack of words.

"I am your servant, so ask me for anything and I am obligated to make sure you get it." Minah told her.

Jeongguk smiled, "And I am the royal guard for you and the prince. Any time you wish to leave the castle, I will escort you."

Enya looked up at Jeongguk, "Where did Jimin go?"

"Er..." Jeongguk glanced at Minah for help. "Just a bit of royal discipline."

"The king isn't a bad person," Minah interjected, seeing the shock on Enya's face, "he is just teaching the prince certain rules that he must follow before he becomes king."

"Oh." Enya still found herself feeling queasy. She figured it must've been from the long ride to the castle. "May I sleep for a while?"

"Of course," Minah said, ushering Jeongguk out the door. "I'll wake you for dinner."

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a/n:
whoop whoop
sorry for the late update