you nodded, sinking in your thoughts and with each minute passing, your breath was getting heavier. not because of the corset, though.

the day, as your parent referred to it. the day you’ll meet your husband. well, soon to be husband. the day you’ll become a princess.

you looked at your reflection in the mirror, lily’s smile encouraging you. she patted your arm.

“my lady! my lady” sudden shouts could be heard outside the room and someone bursted in. haewon, your other servant and lily’s friend, shouted “he’s here! and oh. my. goodness! he’s so handsome i’m losing my mind!”

“is he?!” lily shouted back and they ran to the window to peek. you just scoffed and gulped, looking at yourself in the mirror for the last time. you’ve got this.

walking down the stairs, you were told they will be waiting for you there. then a short dinner together, the prince will be showed his bedroom and then officially the preparations for the wedding will begin.

as you walked down, you noticed the prince’s gaze on you. he was talking to your parents but his eyes were fixated on you. well, the dress was stunning–

“good day, my lady” he hummed as you finally stepped from the last stair.

oh dear, was he handsome.

“good day, sir oh” you hummed. he grabbed your hand gently and placed a tender kiss on the back of your hand.

his copper-coloured hair were shining in the light from chandelier. ebony irises were sparkling with some kind of boyish mischief but he had the kindness in them too. a cute smirk tugged on his lips when he leaned away.

“please, call me seungmin” he hummed, his honey coated voice sending shivers down your spine. nodding shyly, you felt blood rushing to your cheeks. was that man even real?

“y/n l/n but i suppose you already know that” you mumbled and your parents giggled. so did seungmin.

“adorable” he whispered, thinking you wouldn’t hear. well, you certainly did.

“we shall eat now that you’re here” your mother said, taking you by your arm “the cook made your favourite”

you were seated opposite of seungmin, your parents on the other sides. lily appeared with wine glasses, sending you a wink. you smiled in return, seungmin noticing your small interaction.

“we know you are put in a difficult situation but we hope to make it… good. we went through the same. even though i despised my husband at the begging, we got along in the end. but i truly believe it’s the pressure and inconvenience of my situation” your mother spoke out while the food was being served. she was looking at you “i know it may put you in uncomfortable situation at first but it’s for your good”

you nodded. seungmin smiled.

“thank you for sharing, lady l/n. i will do everything in my willpower to make my future wife happy by my side” he said, eyes turning to you. you couldn’t even mutter a word, blush forming on your cheeks.

“thank you” your father nodded, grabbing your mom’s hand and squeezing it. you started your meal in silence, lily and haewon peeking at you.

“i can’t help but notice there’s a piano. does anyone play it?” seungmin asked. you looked at it.

“yes, i do. do you?” you couldn’t help but ask too. a bright smile lit up his features.

“yes, even though i’m still learning. is there any other activities that peak your interest?” he was genuinely curious.

“i enjoy botanics, flowers, gardens… everything connected with nature, really. how about you, sir- seungmin?”

your parents exchanged happy looks.

“oh, nothing really. maybe i’ll share your passion for nature if you’d be so kind to teach me” his brown eyes took in your features, memorising every detail. you were so beautiful, he couldn’t believe his eyes.

“um, sure. i can show you around after dinner, the finest flowers in our gardens” you nodded, puffing your chest. of course, the flowers were being taken care of you that’s why you knew what you said it’s true.

throughout the meal seungmin continued to chat with your father about some political related issues. however his eyes never left yours, not failing to make you blush and your heart skip a beat.

after the dinner, as you promised, you and seungmin went on a walk around your gardens. you were lucky enough that lily was meant to accompany you… and she did the exact opposite, walking behind you in a sluggish manner to give you two some space.

“oh dear, it really is beautiful here” seungmin hummed happily, his hands behind his back “during dinner… i was a bit ashamed to admit in front of your father but i enjoy singing”

“really? that’s actually impressing!” you gasped, quickly shaking your head. keep your manners, y/n. “i’ll keep your secret”

he sent you a warm smile.

“if i’m brave enough one day, maybe i’ll sing for you. “a serenade for my blooming blossom” how does that sound?” he asked cockily, chuckling “i just made that up… i’m no chopin or mozart but i already know you’ll be my muse, y/n”

you tried to hide your – for the millionth time this day – reddening face by turning away. seungmin grabbed your hand and pulled you closer towards him, locking eyes with you.

“what i meant during dinner… i said it frankly. i wish to make you happy and comfortable. it was sudden news for us both but i promise, i’ll treat you right. you won’t be silenced or alone, i’ll always listen to you” seungmin said, grabbing your other hand “and i’m really proud to be soon to be your husband. i want you to trust me”

you bit your bottom lip, stomach swirling with butterflies. before you could answer, you realised in which corner of the garden you are.

quickly picking a violet petaled iris, you stood on your tippy toes and tucked it behind his ear.

then you placed a quick peck on his cheek and run away, giggling.

seungmin gently touched the flower, turning around only to see your silhouette disappearing behind the corner.

“irises symbolise trust”

he looked next to him and noticed your servant. she bowed slightly and walked away, presumably chasing after you.

a huge smile bloomed on seungmin’s face.

[ masterlist <3 ]