Jungkook Royalty Au - Tumblr Posts

MEANT TO MEET BUT NOT BE- JJK 1

SYNOPSIS:  After forming a bond with an unidentified stranger at your family’s ball, your parents send you off to marry Min Yoongi in attempt to mend their relationship with the Min family. Having to forget about the stranger and accept your new life, you end up being closer than you think with the mysterious man that you couldn’t seem to shake off without even knowing it was him.

GENRE: princess/ prince au, forced marriage au, forbidden love au, angst, fluff

WORD COUNT: 8.5k (she's big)

WARNINGS: swearing, not much in this one

A/N: hello! This is my second work that I am publishing so I hope you all enjoy. I like this one a lot. Again, this is unedited because I hate editing so don’t mind errors. 

FALLING FOR YOU- THE 1975

“ ON THIS NIGHT AND IN THIS LIGHT,

       I THINK I’M FALLING FOR YOU “

Your eyes shifted back and forth from the swirling balls of light above back to the flickering candles across the brick path. The delicate rose bush obstructed your vision slightly from where you were laying on the floor, but you could still see the wavering light dance in the cracks of the flowers.

A heavy sigh escaped your lips as your gaze traveled back up to the stars, you watched them twinkle with all their beauty. You've always loved the stars, the moon, and the sky. It was one of the few things in life that was constant, that must have been why you liked it so much. The stars brought you comfort, and recently you've been escaping social gatherings to look up at the sky any chance you'd get.

"My lady," you recognized the voice, and you knew the person who owned it had been sent out to find you, they always were sent out to find you, "what are you doing out here instead of enjoying the celebration?"

"My dear Jasper," you gently brought yourself to a seated position as your hands dug into the soft grass under you, "don't act coy, you know exactly why I am out here instead of in there. Mother must have sent you."

As mother has always sent poor Jasper to come and find you when you decided to, in her words, "go rouge" and leave the celebrations they throw. It was a common occurrence that your family holds a celebration inviting everyone in the land to come and party in your castles dining hall. Common people from all around would dress in their best attire in order to get a chance at royal life for a night. Royalty from other parts of the continent would travel far distances to experience a stupendous and rather famous party in the Kingdom of Candor.

"Yes, your mother has sent me. She would like you to come back to the castle immediately, she is to announce the upcoming event in place and would like you there as it regards you." Jasper's eyes sadden as he mentioned the last part, but he quickly composed himself. He knew of your displeasure with the royal ball to be held this Sunday, just two days away. He knew of most things about you. Jasper, being your royal servant, has spent majority (if not all his time) at the castle with you. You have seen Jasper more times that you've seen your father in the past year, and dare you say Jasper has been kinder to you than your father ever would be.

"Of course she would. Let me walk around the garden one last time then I will make my way back." You pushed yourself to a standing position, hands scrapping against the black material of your fitted dress brushing all the grass piece off.

You began your walk down the stoned pathway, arms encircled around your body as a breeze passed by pushing your hair back. The flowers rustled in the wind and the sight of it made a slight smile appear on your lips. Like your love for the stars, you also shared a love for flowers. But your love for the latter of the two differed. You loved the stars because they were constant, you loved flowers because they provided a sense of renewal, a hope that you too could bloom in the coming spring. The delicate petals fascinated you since you were a child and your love for it grew as your garden did. It was in no way complete, but it was filled with all kinds of flowers in each corner. Your mother disapproved of the 'messy' look to it and demanded you just plant roses there, but like always, you never listened.

You stopped in front of the anemone bush fingers wrapping around a single bud ripping it from its roots. You then placed the flowers in your hair that was held up by a pin in back. You grabbed another one placing it next to the other flower as you pull your mask down before turn to Jasper who stood waiting for you, "Shall we go?"

"Yes, my lady," Jasper held his arm out for you to grab onto as you walk on the pathway back up to the dining hall where people danced and chatter could be heard from where you two stood, "Why did you pull those flowers out and place them in your hair Princess Y/N?"

"Do you know what flower this is, Jasper?" He shook his head.

"My these flowers that I picked are anemone. They have many different meanings. One is protection against evil and ill wishes, another is the arrival of the first spring winds. They mean protection and rebirth. Lovely, isn't it?"

"Yes, they sound beautiful," The two of you were standing beside the door and Jasper reached forward gripping the metal handle.

"But they have another meaning too you know," Your arm laced around his once more once you were inside and the loud chatter made your voice barely audible for the older male, "they also mean forgotten love and affection."

He barely heard the last part, something you hoped he would have possibly caught onto, but it seems the noise was too loud, "That's nice my lady."

"Yes," You bitterly smiled as the two of you arrived where your mother and father stood composed, but you knew they were fighting back hostile words to throw your way, "it's very nice."

Jasper bowed to the King and Queen then retreated to his post standing tall near the other guards and servants around.

"Nice of you to finally join us," You father's voice was stern and his facial features static upon seeing you. "Now we can make the announcement."

Guards gathered around you as they lifted their horns causing the chaos in the room around to settle down. Eyes gathered to see the royal family stand above. Your family carefully tore off the masks that had been concealing your faces.

"Ladies and gentlemen, first of all I would like to thank each and every one of you coming to the kingdom tonight from lands far away to celebrate our dear daughter today." Your father placed a hand on your shoulder as those below clapped letting out cheers left and right. "With her reaching the dashing age of twenty-one we have decided to search for her beloved partner in life. This Sunday will be another ball hosted here to find the lover for my daughter. By her request it will be a masquerade ball like tonight, so please wear your best mask. We wish to see you all here again. Now let's wish a big happy birthday to my daughter, Y/N, princess of Candor!"

He raised his glass above the hall and those below did too letting out a perfectly coordinated happy birthday. You forcefully smile lifting your own glass up then bowing down to the crowd below. Upon doing so the flowers in your hair became noticeable to your mother who has stood with a sour look on her face ever since you entered the castle smelling like the outdoors, "Why would you place such ugly things in your hair?! Pulled from the root itself not even washed in water before?"

"Mother do you know what the meaning of the anemone flower is?" You took a sip from the champaign in your hard before turning to face her.

"Who cares for the meaning? They're ugly and ruin your hair. Take them out immediately."

"You just proved their meaning." A distain look formed on your fragile face. You bit your inner lip placing your glass on the tray that a waiter had held beside your family and your legs brought you to the stairs.

"Where are you going young lady?" Your father grumbled rushing to reach your side gripping your arm.

"To speak with our guests. You know the people who are here for me without me even wanting them to be here."

You finished your descent down the spiral stairs now entering the ballroom area where tables were scattered around, and people were dancing to the live music. Guests hurried to greet you as you walk by wishing you happy birthday mentioning that they traveled from far to greet you here. Mostly commoners ran up to get a glimpse at the beautiful princess, and young children ran to see the person they look up to. You greeted the children with pure bliss, the smile on your face reached your eyes anytime you bent down to hug a child that would give you a handmade bracelet as a present.

"I love it," You would say adding it to the collect of arm decor smiling at how adorable their creations were.

Now you sat by the bar area unhappily stirring the drink you had in hand while the bartender for the night tried to tell you horrible jokes to cheer you up.

"Can I tell you a joke about pizza?" Seokjin leaned over the counter eyes waiting for your response. He always did this, tried to make you happy when you felt all the opposite of it. Seokjin perhaps was your only friend in this castle, everyone else being too old for you to speak too or being too harsh on your behavior.

"Sure," You lazily replied while watching your soda swirl around in your cup, the bubbles popping at the top.

"Ah never mind it was too cheesy," He laughed, his laugh being a very distinct laugh that lulled you to join in.

"Just to let you know," You continued laughing as he did, you brought your hand up to cover your mouth as you did so, "I'm laughing at your laugh, not the joke. The joke was as bad as the last."

"But you laughed which means my work here," He flipped the glass in hand, "is done." He then walked away attending to other needs of the people who started to form a line demanding drinks left and right.

You pitied the workers here; they were often thrown around by the noble men and women who visited and believed that anyone who wasn't a part of the elite simply weren't worth the extra effort of being kind. You didn't believe in such a system and were open to speak with anybody, and that is why out of all your family you are the only one downstairs greeting people as they do you, while they sit upstairs only speaking with other royal families that venture up.

You quickly snickered at the pretentiousness of it all and downed the glass before you whipping your lips ridding the excess liquid from them.

"Excuse me, your highness," a voice behind you caught your attention and you shift your chair around catching the dark eyes of a male, "I believe this is yours."

In his hands he held the delicate anemone flower pushing it up to reach your line of vision. You look down at the purple flower then back up to the gentleman who had offered you the item that had fallen from your hair. His eyes were deep, you felt as though you were looking into a swirling stone of blackness. The rest of his features were covered by a mask, a beautiful white mask with the detailing of lines etched onto the surface of making a beautiful pattern.

"It is," you extend your hand forward, fingers brushing with his as you grab the delicate flower, "thank you."

"Anemone is an interesting choice of flower, don't you think?" The individual lingered around watching as you placed the flower back into your hair tucking it in securely. "Most royalty stick with the basic rose or tulip, and much less would they place it in their hair."

"Well, sir," You stood up from your chair brushing your dress down and retrieving your mask from the counter, "next time I'll make sure to be clad in roses and tulips with no other flower to be seen."

"Hey, hey," he held his hands up in response to your now defensive tone, "I mean no harm in pointing that out. I love anemone flowers. And it fits the theme for tonight, you know your birthday and now you're going to find you lover in just a few days."

"Don't remind me," You bitterly let out as your eyes drift around the room seeing those around now begin a dance floor in the center where tables were not placed. They moved around smiling with those around them, the mask covering their face not hiding the fact that they were doing so, much different from the crown behind yours.

"Not excited?" The man leaned against the counter letting his other arm rest on his hip. The suit he wore was obviously slight too small for him as the material hugged his defined arm showing off the muscle that hid underneath his jacket.

"My parents say it's a ball for me to find my beloved, thought of course they will have the final say, as they always do." You scoffed realizing this man's voice is not familiar to you at all. His looks, from what you could tell, are too not familiar and your furrow your eyebrows together under the mask letting out a soft tsk. "Have we met before?"

"Not to my knowledge." He clicked his tongue. "We don't really fit on the same social spectrum, your highness."

"Please stop with the formality. I hate when people always address me as 'your highness' it sounds so condescending." You scrunched your nose at the nickname.

"Well, what would you like me to call you, princess?" He was playing with you; you could tell by tone in his voice. He said princess in a way to make it stand out against the other words, he wanted to get a reaction out of you.

"My name would be just fine." You ignored his earlier comment. "And what should I call you?"

"I like the mystery so perhaps I won't tell you." You could tell he held a smug look on his face just by the way the words left his lips. He seemed like a hot shot, perhaps a prince that was too cocky, but he did mention that you weren't of the same class.

"Well mystery boy, when will I get the privilege to call you by your real name?" You began to bite the inners off your lips as you take in his appearance once more. By the looks of it he could be a prince if he were born into the right family. He was gorgeous no doubt, and his charm was impeccable.

"When you earned it." He flashed another smug smile which brought butterflies to your stomach. His gaze dances around your face trying to gather any intel on what you were feeling in that exact moment.

"Ah and what must I do to earn it?" You leaned forward as he licked his lips letting his tongue press against the inside of his cheek.

"For starters-" Before he could continue, he was cut off by Jasper stepping to your side giving a light tap on the shoulder.

"The King and Queen would like you to meet some people upstairs. Please follow me my lady." He held his arm out for you to grab as you rolled your eyes for possibly the twentieth time that night."

"Leave it to my parents to ruin yet another good thing during this night." You sighed letting your arm rope around Jasper's. Turning he began leading you towards the steps but before you could get father you stopped to look at the fine gentleman at the bar.

"May we meet again. I would really love to know what you were going to say." you then began your ascent up the stair grabbing the loose fabric of your dress, holding it tightly to ensure you don't trip and fall on the long attire.

The male, who still leaned against the counter, let out a curious chuckle tilting his head down letting his eyes close for a small moment before letting them reach back up to where you stood.

He was interested in you no doubt, but he shouldn't be.

He can't.

"Have you gotten the mask I have asked for?" You kept your cloak up shielding your face from others in the workman's shop making sure you keep your identity hidden.

"Yes, just how you like it, Violet." Yeonjun, the works man held out the wrapped material for you to grab. "I made sure to put the flower etched on it with precise execution. It was kind of difficult with the one flower you gave me to reference, but I tried my best."

"I'm sure you did wonderful, you always do." You placed the mask into the satchel that hung from your body. "Thank you for doing this. I will commission some money to you at the ball this Sunday. Meet me in the normal spot." Your voice lowered making sure it wasn't audible for the others around.

"Sounds good, Violet. I will see you there," He winked before attending other customers in the shop.

Yeonjun was someone that you met when you were just a young girl, and he was a young boy. His father was chosen to make masks for your family's royal gathering, and he came along with his father to see how business was done in the castle. You and Yoongi because close friends after that day and as you grew older you often would escape the castle grounds covering yourself with a cloak to blend in with the common people. He calls you Violet outside castle grounds to not draw attention.

Walking along the dirty road your feet scuffed against the ground and your cloak drags behind you collecting dust. The weather was beautiful out, a wonderful spring day where the birds were chirping, and the sun was shining.

The flowers were in full bloom at the castle, colors collided with each other, and open buds welcomed the spring weather will glee, yet here in the village there were little flowers to be found. The ones that were there were near death clinging onto their last breath of air before the last dead petal fell off from dehydration.

"You poor things," you frowned as your fingers brush against a rose bud, the slight touch causing the flower to fall from the stem to the cracked sidewalk.

"Sad isn't it?" You turned your focus from the empty stem to the gentleman that is now beside you, Park Jimin.

"Hello Jimin," You gritted your teeth slightly, "fancy seeing you here."

"I can say the same thing to you, princess," The last words he too said through gritted teeth offering a fake smile, "Aeris is waiting by the front gates."

"Why is it that you're always first to find out of my departure?" You huffed crossing your arms over my chest. "It's as though you are waiting for me to leave."

"If your father finds out you left with our best horse again he will not be pleased with me." Jimin stood impatiently. "You know what happened last time, he yelled at me."

"And I yelled at him. I defend you."

"Yes, but I still got in trouble for your actions. Think for once." His pointer finger extended pushing against your arm. "Your highness."

"You use proper names when speaking to me but somehow your actions don't follow in suite with that." You tilted your head to the side. "Let's walk around a bit then I will follow you home. If father wonders why we were out informed him that we went to the creek we used to go to ask child."

"Your father doesn't like me, remember? I'm just a stable boy and you're the pretty princess." He now began advancing towards the gated entrance.

"I don't understand why you're still offended by him telling you that I am not for you. You're gay first of all, second of all we were just friends." You rushed towards him in defense of yourself. "And I have done nothing but treat you like a normal person, not someone below me, you know this Jimin."

"Yes, but it still hurts when your father always deems me as below." His voice became softer as you reached the horses who were kept in check by a guard, the one guard who wouldn't be too harsh on your for leaving a castle.

"I am not my father." You replied just above a whisper. "I will never be my father."

Today was the day, the day you dreaded so. The infamous ball has finally arrive and the castle was frantic prepping everything. The dining hall was busy preparing meals, they have been working since early morning, and have no taken a break since. The maids were making sure the rooms were in prestige order, not even a speck of dust left on a window sill or painting. The guards were keeping check of the area making sure no funny business was happening in and around the castle grounds.

And you, you sat in your pretty dress while people made your makeup look all pretty and put your hair in pretty clips and told you of how pretty you look, but you felt like anything but.

You felt sick, your stomach churned and with the tightness of the dress you were almost sure you were going to vomit but the time the night was over. Your head hurt due to the lack of sleep the night before, you had been up overthinking, overthinking about how you'd rather be anywhere else.

"My lady," Your personal stylist/ nanny looked down at your standing figure that looked in the mirror, "You look beautiful."

"If only I felt beautiful."

"Hush," She placed a delicate hand on your shoulder turning you to look at her, "I know you are not the craziest about tonight, but at least try to have fun. Keep a positive mindset."

"Mae, I've been trying and it's so difficult. I want to live my life the way I want to."

"I'm afraid the life you were brought into doesn't allow for a princess to live how they want." Mae's voice hollowed out as she said this phrase and her head glanced down at her fingers as she picked the skin.

"But it doesn't have to be that way." You muttered sitting down on the windowsill watching the crowds gather around the yard. People stumbled in with masks covering their face, mostly royal families that your family was close with have arrived early, at request of your father. He always liked to see old friends without, as he says, "the commoners getting in the way", something that you always scoff to when being said.

"Your father would like you down in twenty minutes tops. Any later and he will be angry." And with this she left you.

"Me being late will be the least of his worries." You mumbled as you watched the door shut behind her. You quickly then shot up going to you closet to pull out the mask you have picked up in the village the day before. You carefully placed it onto your vanity eyes twinkling with wonder at the beautiful etching, you will have to pay Yeonjun more for his excellent work. It was exactly like the flower you had shown him, a smeraldo flower. Blackness surrounded the blue petals that connected to another flower making a chain that spiraled around the mask.

"If my parents find out they will be sure to have me executed," you thought to yourself as you looked at the dress hanging in the closet. It was black, elegant but not too royal with the style of it. You had planned to change into this after the first signs of your parents getting drunk of their asses to the point that they wouldn't try to worry about where you were, they always did this for extreme events.

You wanted to not stick out like a sore thumb, you didn't want all these people greeting you during the night each trying to prove themselves worthy, each trying to win your hand in marriage. You wanted to enjoy your night and not be a princess for one. You wanted to be normal, and the only way to do that was to dress normal, act normal, and disguise yourself. You requested the masquerade for this exact reason.

Within the twenty minutes of waiting, you have complied a list of things you would like to do while under your disguise, first you'd speak to the princes, you wanted to see how they'd react to a common girl hitting on them and eliminate the ones who are the rudest because inevitable they all will be rude. This was due to the fact of you knowing your parents will force you to marry one of the princes tonight, so at least you could have some say in it.

Second, you would see where the night takes you. Allow yourself to speak to everyone without this looming figure of being princess on you. Tonight, you would be you and only you.

Being the type of person you are, you waited the full twenty minutes before heading to the ball room where everyone was gathered. Your father impatiently looked around and spoke to Jasper who you assumed he was summoning him to find you. His eyes looked up to meet yours and he clapped in response, "My lovely daughter has arrived! Everyone welcome Princess Y/N!"

A round of applause erupted as you stepped down. Their masks were on the table, at this open even there were to be no masks per your father's request. You waved as you approached tables chatting with the families around. Most of the princes asked you mundane questions that weren't relevant to anything and only diverted the attention back to themselves in some way, how typical.

A few princes were sweet, your childhood friend Taehyung was there. He was prince of your sister province, Gandor, and was a lot kinder than the other men there. You would marry him if it weren't for the fact that you didn't like him that way. He was your best friend, if not a brother. "The guest of honor tonight!" Taehyung rose to his feet engulfing you into a tight hug. "How's the royal lady feeling?"

"Like I need to get drunk in order to get through tonight," You pouted.

He chuckled at your response and put his arms on your shoulder. "If you're not feeling it lets sneak out later like we always do. We'll go hide in your garden."

"Actually, I have a different way of hiding tonight," You pulled his figure down as you leaned into his ear, "I'm changing later."

"Me too. I can't sleep in my tux."

"I am going to be a commoner tonight." You clarified and his backed away with wide eyes.

"That's bold, even for you. But I hope it works out."

"It will. Why do you think I requested a masquerade?" You smirked pointing to the mask that laid on the table.

"I always knew you were smart. Best of luck tonight," He then bowed before you and you did the same turning to greet the other tables.

The princes were boring and had personality traits that centered around their manly features. It was exhausting hearing men speak about themselves only with no account to what you have to say.

They boasted about the kingdom and how great it was, more so how great they have made it. They described the vast land they had, and the many brides lined up for then to court (which was supposed to make you jealous, but it only made your eye twitch).

"The common people are coming in now; may you all have a wonderful night tonight!" Your father had made the announcement from the podium as a guard tapped on your shoulder to escort you up.

"Your highness," He held his hand out and you declined his offer heading to the steps without him. You never understood why he confined you to the upper deck when commoners were entering, you'd be down there anyways greeting people later, what did it matter if you started down there?

"King of Luxors seemed to be enjoying your company. We haven't been too close with their kingdom either, he would be a good suitor." Your father smiled as people began entering the vast room staring in awe at the scenery around them.

For this event, your parents put their all into making it the most festive and beautiful ceremony yet. Roses hung from the ceiling, fell down the walls, and sat in the tables. Vines decorated the chairs and streamers were placed all around. Guards were wearing their usual uniform, but each adored a flower pinned to their chest. You insisted on flowers being the main thing here, purple roses.

"I don't like him," you didn't go into specifics, as if your father would care, but the King was too touchy for your liking. He rested a hand on your leg for far too long and his demeaning nature just didn't sit right with you.

He seemed to be the type to silence his wife, she was only there for his intimate needs and superior ruling. He wouldn't love you. He would just use you as another trophy in his life.

"His family has been very kind to us these past events." He continued. "They have offered aid to our farmlands."

"Nice." You gave a laden smile as your fingers grip the sides of your chair.

"Royal family of Daegu has also suggested some sort of merge." You perked up a bit at his words, eyes scrunching together at the proposition.

"You mean the family we have had a feud with for years?"

It was known that Candor and Daegu were not on the best of terms. Years ago, there was a war that almost obliterated both lands. Since then, there has been this unspoken tension between the two and your father has been trying to find a solution since the war. He knew of their eldest son, and he knew that possibly there could be a marriage to bond the two cities. Though he wasn't sure if the rival city would nip at his proposition but seeing the family at the royal event this evening, he was almost positive this arrangement would work out.

"Yes," He took a sip of his wine placing the cup down, "It is likely he will be in the running for your future husband. Please get to know the fellow tonight at this ball."

Min Yoongi. His name was bitter against your tongue and the aftertaste of it was enough to make bile rise from your throat. He was a ravished man, one that took after his parents identically. His mannerism and ideals directly mirrored that of his fathers. He was basically a carbon copy of everything wrong with the King of Daegu, but you had to admit he had the serene beauty of his mother.

His face was overwhelmingly stern with hints of delicacy laced throughout his features. His lips pout out and his eyes were like those of a raven. His dark hair was fluffy and sat perfectly atop his head, you were almost sure if he were to walk there would be a slight bounce in the locks. His outfit fit that of his personality, dark with underlying hints of softness. His jacket was black along with his trousers. His shoes were also black with hints of silver in the buckle and a small green embroidered MIN on the side. His pants adorn a silver belt that screamed wealth at the very sight. His button-down shirt had silver buttons that trailed up his midsection stopping at his chest where a few buttons were left untouched. His jacket adorned a pendent, the family pendent of two serpents intertwined with each other. In the middle his name was engraved on this silver in a dark green ink. He was sight to see, and definitely wasn't one you wanted to see for long.

"I'll try my best to." You turned away from the Min family's table on the upper deck peering down at the ballroom below.

You would be lying if you said you weren't looking for someone. Of course, you were trying to spot the very person that made the last ball all the more interesting. You weren't sure if where to find him and even if he were to be here tonight. If he was a commoner, it may be likely he wasn't allowed inside the ball, since this is a more formal event only the few who had gotten sent an invitation was allowed inside. It was luck of the draw you hoped he got picked.

"Princess Y/N," Turning to your right you were faced with Min Hoseok, the youngest child of the two esteemed Min children.

"Hello Prince Hoseok," You took his hand bowing to him while he placed a tender kiss on your own.

"How is the special guest doing tonight?" Hoseok was the kindest of the Min family and quite possibly the only one you have had a decent conversation with. He was the odd one out of the family, always too bright against the dullness of parent and siblings. He was the sun among the dark moons.

"As good as any special guests of courting balls are," You let out a solemn giggle.

"So have you heard the news?"

"Ah yes, the news that I am possibly going to be wedded to your oh so wonderful brother? Yep." You sighed bringing your hands together to play with your thumbs.

"I do wish there was a better way," Hoseok pursed his lips together as his hands found their way to his pockets. "Mother and father told us it is what is needed to bring peace. Bring peace my ass they just want wealth."

"It's fine, Hoseok. At least I'll get to see you more often."

"True, seeing me is a plus. But it doesn't seem fair." His lips jutted out in a protest. His soft features show sadness, and you tore your gaze from his face afraid you will cry right there.

"Nothing is fair in this life." And it was true, nothing in royal life was fair. Nothing in common life was fair. Nothing in life is fair.

m It was easier than you thought slipping away from the confines of your parents. They seemed to have gotten drunk earlier than you expected, the stress of finding a suitor must have made them down the drinks at a faster pace letting you leave them to their own happiness.

Jasper didn't follow you, he assumed you were just going to wonder around like you usually did. Which was valid because that's what usually happens when your parents get shitfaced.

It was hard to avoid the people rushing to get a glimpse at the princess, thankfully a secret corridor known to those in the palace helped you make your escape to your confines easy and painless. Upon entrance you tore off the mask placing it on your bed. You kicked off your ugly heels placing them beside your nightstand. Getting the too tight dress off your body was a task you didn't expect to take as long as it did. The dress with tied in several knots and halfway through you contemplated cutting them, but it would cause too much suspicion.

Finally, you undid the ties letting the dress fall into a heap at the bottom of your legs. You stepped out placing the dress on your bed next to your mask. You looked down at it with saddened eyes.

If only you parents let you do what you wanted to do with your life. Love whom you wanted to love, be who you wanted to be. But of course, that couldn't never happen. You're a princess.

The black dress was easy to get into, it wasn't as expensive nor as complex as the one on your bed. It was simple. Something you were used to but liked greatly.

You put your hair down letting the loose curls fall down your back. You looked... simple. Smiling at your reflection you placed the black mask on your face letting it cover more than half of your features. Your lips were the only thing showing along with part of your nose.

Leaving your room, you began your trip to the ballroom. It was a short distance from your living quarters using the hallways you've done before but it seems luck was not on your side tonight.

"Excuse me miss," It was the voice of the stable boy who probably left the party because of how he hated seeing the royals live it up, "You can't be here."

"I-" You paused trying to make an excuse, but Jimin noticed your worry mistaking it for a genuine lost commoner.

"I won't tell on you don't worry. Let me lead you to the ballroom." He held his arm out for you to grab as he graciously directly you to the ballroom. "Don't get lost again. The next person to find you might now be so kind."

"Thank you." Your lips curved up into a smile for the boy who you had known for years. "Thank you so much."

"No problem. Enjoy your night." He then left going back down the same corridor you just left.

Standing at the edge of the chaos you were pleased to not see stares slowly gather in your direction. People carried on with their normal tasks, the party went on, and you were able to be a part of it entirely now.

Walking around no one gathered at your feet, no one stopped you to have a conversation, no one tried to court you. It was pure bliss.

"Hello there! What can I get you tonight?" Seokjin, who was manning the drink station, leaned against the counter with a towel around his shoulder.

"Just water, please." You leaned against the counter too waiting with anticipation to see if he'll notice your act.

"On it!" He flipped through glass in his hand scooping ice and pouring water into it. "For the lady."

"Thanks, Seokjin." You smirked taking a sip from the dainty straw waiting for his reaction.

"Who-" He squinted at you taking in your appearance further and it was as though everything clicked in his mind. "Y/N?"

"Shhh!" You quiet him down hoping that no one nearby hear him. "No need to say it so loud." "Wow you did it. You finally did the masquerade switch. I've been waiting for this to happen; I should have guessed it would be tonight."

"What can I say?" You took another sip as he still stood there surprised at your actions.

"Man, if you get caught finding a suitor will be the least of your worries." He sucked in some air grabbing the towel to wipe down the access water on the counter.

"I'll just have to be extra careful tonight." You gave a determine smile placing the cup down on the counter. "I shall go mingle as a commoner now."

You were giddy stepping away from the counter passing people from all social classes and backgrounds.

As exciting as the experience was it you weren't sure exactly what to do. You can't just talk to people; you were sure how to approach them they usually are the ones doing the approaching. Dancing alone doesn't seem like the best idea, it would be quite awkward to say the least.

"You look lost," A hand lightly sat on your waist allowing the passer to slip past you in the crowded area. His hands were soft and his touch delicate.

"Just a bit," You looked up to see Taehyung with his hand on his hip and the other resting at his side.

"Well, you should work on that it makes you stand out more." Lifting his hand from his hip he held it out for you. "Now let's go dance!"

He snaked you through the crowd to the dance floor as the band began to play a partner dance song. It was common practice at the ball for everyone to dance and then switch partners throughout trying to converse with as many others as possible. You never participated in the practice because you father didn't want you touching "common folks' grimy hands".

"I'm exciting to finally try this." You were quick to follow in Taehyung's footsteps having him guide your move. You knew how to ballroom dance, but it had been a bit since you have done it.

"It's lots of fun. Chat with your next partner." And with that he flung you to the next person and you crashed into their hands as they began to dance immediately.

"Gorgeous dress." The man commented, his lips poking out from under his rather long mask. His jacket hung big on his arms, the sleeves hitting the lower part of your palm in his right hand.

"Thank you." Dancing with him was different from Taehyung. This man didn't seem to want to lead, he knew the steps but not confidently enough.

"Are you apart of a royal family or from a village?" He followed your guide, which was subtle not to expose your stance in a palace nor make you seem like you don't know what you're doing.

"I'm from a village. Draken down the road." He spun you around and your dress beautifully flowed our circling your area.

"I'm from Grubster." Grubster. A village you were familiar. It was basically the trash can of the land, exactly why it is called Grubster. The village was ridden with disease, poverty, and crime. Your parent had abandoned the town about a year ago not wanting to deal with the issue eventually letting it spiral out.

"Ah Grubster. Is it still bad there?"

"Bad? That has to be an understatement. Ever since the King and Queen abandoned the town it has been downhill. I hope when the Princess rules it will be better." His statement warmed your heart and caused your lips to curve up.

"She will." With that you switched falling into the arms of another person. This one be a prince that you met earlier in the night. His cologne was enough to know that it was him and the cocky smile too. You disliked him when first speaking and the thought of having to do it again formed a headache.

"Hello pretty lady," His voice was high pitched and not pleasant in anyway. He gripped your waist a bit too low and looked down at your breast for a bit too long.

"Hi," You said through gritted teeth. The rest of the time dancing he tried to make small talk but immediately went silent when you mentioned you're a commoner. He moved his hand up but of course his eyes still peeked down your dress.

It was the last partner to have during the dance and the prince you were with spun you a bit too hard causing you to stumble into the next man. His hands reached out to catch you and he steadied you.

"Whoa there." Due to the pace of the music you quickly had to compose yourself and begin dancing.

"Sorry," Your eyes peeked up and the familiar mask form nights before was right in front of you. He wore a different tux, and his hair was slicked back. He wore a smile on his face giggling at your clumsiness.

"It's fine." He knew how to dance but he wasn't as forceful as past partners you've had were. His pace was just right, and his grip wasn't too tight. "How's your night going."

"Surprisingly well." You chirped. "Usually, I don't enjoy these things."

"Don't enjoy? Why's that." He bit his lip in contemplation as his eyes scanned your features that could be seen.

"Well tonight I did something different with my looks," You smiled at the thought of your dress, your mask, and your flowers adorn on your wrist.

"Yeah, I see that. Still kept the same anemone flower though. Was hoping you'd switch it up."

Your body tried to freeze but he pushed you to keep going in the mess of dancing people. He figured you out, how could he? You spoke with him once for almost less than five minutes and he already could see through the facade.

"I don't know what you're talking about." You decided to play coy. Act like you don't know what he's talking about and make it seem like he is crazy for insinuating such a thing.

"It's okay I don't tell anyone, your highness." He winked, it was visible through his mask. "The flowers gave it away of course, otherwise very well done."

"Who are you?" You questioned once again.

"Like I said that's a mystery, my lady." He spun you around for the final part of the song. His hand encircled around yours once more and pulled you flush to his body for the final pose as the last note hit. "Now why are you hiding as a commoner tonight?"

People began clearing the floor and going about what they did before the special dance.

"None of your business," You stayed pressed to his body for a second too long and break it once you realize that.

"Ah I guess you're right." The mystery boy followed you down the path to the lonely table in the corner. You wanted to sit down and survey the area, see how those interact with each other.

"Are you following me?" You raise your eyebrow, but the act was hard to see behind the fragile mask.

"I want to spend time with the lovely lady," He bowed for effect. "And it seems like everyone else that I talk to here doesn't like my company."

"How sad," You let him sit by you because, while you may be playing tsundere you do like his presence. He was easy to talk to and fun to joke around with. He didn't seem to like you for your status, and you have to owe him one for not giving away your cover.

"It really is but at least I have you by my side." He hits his elbow against yours before leaving back into the terribly uncomfortable chair.

"Hey mystery boy," his head perked up as you let your finger brush against your lip, "how much do you like flowers?"

You watched at the male stepped around the garden making sure to press his hands against each and every flower he meets. His eyes filled with glee with each rustle of the flowers in the night wind.

"So, I'm guessing you love flowers." You giggled crossing your arms over one another seeing his turn around.

"Love? Of course I love flowers. How else would I have known what the anemone meant?!"

"True I should have suspected that from the start." You moved towards the center of the garden and plot your knees down.

"Back where I'm from we don't have many flowers, and if we do, they are dark." He moved his way towards you dropping down too on the grass, his hands dug into grass.

"I can't imagine living in a place like that. These flowers are the only that keeps me going lately." You sighed letting yourself lay down and now look up at the starts. Mystery boy joined you and looked up also.

There were a couple of moments of silence, the only thing being heard was your breathing and the occasionally wind.

"JK." He broke the silence as his hand rested on his stomach. "Call me JK."

"Huh, JK," you said it yourself smiling that he told you his name, or at least part of it.

"Yep, JK." He repeated.

It was silent again, but it was comfortable. You felt comfortable with him here in this moment. You haven't felt this comfortable with anyone since you met Jin, and that had been years ago. Everyone else wanted something from you, only liked you because you were the next heir to the throne.

Turning your head, you faced him to notice him already facing you. A smile was adorned on his face.

"What are you looking at?"

"You." A blush creeped on your face as you turn away in embarrassment.

"You're a commoner aren't you." You said absentmindedly. "Or perhaps you are a prince who actually is worth my time."

And you hoped he was a prince. If he were a prince you can get to know him, marry him even if that's what he would like also.

"My lady I'm only a prince for today. It is all an act." He rested his head against the soft grass again, eyes trained on the stars above now.

"And I am a commoner for tonight." You sat up a thought circling in your mind. "But perhaps for right now we can just be ourselves.

"And how do you suppose we do that?" He sat up resting on his hands cocking his head to the side.

"Let's take off the masks, the labels, and just be... us?" You suggested but the silence that followed made you think perhaps it was the right thing to say. "You know what it's dumb. Forget what I-"

"No!" He quickly stopped you. "No, it's not dumb at all." His hands lifted stopped right beside your cheeks. "Can I?"

"Yes." You tucked your bottom lip into your mouth as he grazed his hand behind your head. His other hand came to grip the mask at the front of your face. The whole time you studied his features. It was strange seeing it so up close and in this moonlight. His dark eyes were even prettier in the light.

Undoing the string the mask fell limp in his grip. You gave a small smile as he stared at your now bare face.

"Can I?" You raised your hands too enclosing the soft material of his mask. He nodded and you slowly inched towards the ribbon material on the back. You wanted to see his face, you wanted to see the man behind the mask.

"Your highness," Before you could tug at the string a strict voice called out to the two of you in the garden. Both of your head's whip to see Jasper with Herndery. The two of them looked disappointed in your change of clothes and disappearance at the ball. "We've been looking everywhere for you."

"It seems we know why now that we couldn't find you." Hendery had always been the meaner of the two, and the one you disliked the most.

"I'm assuming it's time for the closing ceremony." You said through gritted teeth. How stupid of you to have your cover blown in such a way.

"Yes, it is madam. Please retreat back to your room and change back into your other dress." Jasper held his hand out for you to grab. Tears filter in your eyes as you step away from the man you know as JK.

"Did you know this was the princess?" Hendery questioned the male.

"No, no he did not. Not until I took my mask off."

"Well then, sir. It is best for you to leave us as once." Hendery guided his leave and JK bowed. "I enjoyed the ball your highness."

And with that he left, and the tears began to pour.