Chapter Text
"This is so boring" Han Sooyoung grumbled under her breath, watching the stage in front of her. Watching plays in the theatre wasn't exactly her idea of fun, watching it with Yoo Joonghyuk made it all worse. "Pardon? Did you say something, my lady?" Joonghyuk turned to her, expression calm and composed. It was obvious he didn't want to be here either. "No." Sooyoung bluntly said and turned to watch the stage with bored eyes.
Being born as the daughter of a Grand Duke was a privilege yes, riches at her disposal and the reputation to do as she pleased. Sooyoung was considered one of the highest—if not the highest—ranking noble lady in the empire, considering the fact that the empire had no princesses.
Due to her high rank she was betrothed to the crown prince, Joonghyuk. He was a good man, attractive, smart, strong. The perfect husband. Yet Sooyoung couldn't bring herself to agree with the marriage. She did not want to marry him because she was told to. She hated being told what to do. What made it worse was the fact that Joonghyuk loved another woman. Lee Seolhwa, the daughter of a Baron. How could Sooyoung marry a man whom she didn't love? A man who loved another?
Yet society expected her to be quiet and go through with the marriage. Women were degraded to fit the image of obedience, following the orders of their fathers then their husbands. It disgusted Sooyoung. "My lady?" Joonghyuk said for the fifth time, breaking her away from her thoughts. "You go on. I have an appointment nearby" She said, not bothering to smile but she maintained her respect for royalty, bowing to Joonghyuk as he walked off to his carriage.
If this was a cringe fantasy romance novel Lee Seolhwa would be the female lead— born in a lower family yet earns the love of the male lead, Yoo Joonghyuk—the cold and mysterious crown prince who chooses her over his noble fiancée. What would Sooyoung be? Well, probably the villainess standing in the female leads way of a perfect marriage.
She grumbled about how he was perfectly annoying all the way until she reached a cafe. The scent of sweets and sugar filled her nostrils as she entered. Nobles chattering away inside while workers hurried to fulfill orders. While Sooyoung walked through she could hear the gossip being spread. Nobles were so pathetic. Smile in your face and spit on you behind your back.
She finally reached the stairs and walked upstairs. The private area, only higher classed nobles were allowed here. The lower class nobles glanced at Sooyoung and whispered. She felt like throwing her shoe on them but simply rolled her eyes. Upstairs, she found only two tables occupied. Her eyes immediately landed on the two ladies sitting together and chattering. Light brown hair, fair skin and a kind smile. Yoo Sangah, the daughter of Duke Yoo, she was the nicest noble lady Sooyoung has ever come across. Sure she had her moments yet she saw the best in everyone. Next to her sat a women with black hair, Jung Heewon, the daughter of Marquess Jung. She was more passive, spoke her mind and stood her ground. Those were the only people Sooyoung could trust. She could call them friends though she isn't the type to admit that aloud.
She walked over and sat in the chair reserved for her. "Sooyoung! How was the meeting with his highness?" Sangah asked, a bright smile on her face. She knew that no feelings were present between the two, but she encouraged Sooyoung to at least be friendly with Joonghyuk. Sooyoung shrugged, grabbing a chocolate from one of the many deserts and popped it in her mouth. "We've said like...five sentences to each other including greetings." She said and Heewon burst out laughing.
Sooyoung opened her mouth to say something, probably an insult about Joonghyuk's behaviour or face but Sangah stopped her, silently pointing to the other table.
The formers gaze followed and landed on the only other table occupied upstairs. Two men, one buff, clearly a swordsman, with a bright smile on his face and short hair. If Sooyoung remembered correctly then he was Lee Hyunsung, son of Duke Lee. Then the other guy. Ah, the first Prince, Kim Dokja. He was the son of the first empress who sadly died. Which made him the half-brother of Joonghyuk.
Why wasn't Dokja the crown prince when he was the first born? No one knew. Which was the reason for all the nasty rumours surrounding Dokja. Some said he had an interest in children, some said he bed many women, some said he was ill. Yet no one knew why.
Sooyoung has only spoke to him once or twice when she was in the palace, then too it was basic pleasantries.
As if he felt her gaze, Dokja turned and shot Sooyoung a polite smile.