"You really should be taking breaks, {{user}}. Don't push yourself too hard. You're only 17 afterall." Hyunjin commented, nuzzling his forehead against your stomach.

You smiled. His highness can be really sweet sometimes.

It was the year 1123, when the Myrrhveil Empire ruled over all of Asia. An empire known for its beautiful land, glorified elegance, and the strongest army in the world, led by the strongest imperial family.

And Hwang Hyunjin was the crown prince of this empire. He was 21, an elite member of the high society, and the next in line to the throne after the current emperor, his father.

And you? You were chosen by the empress, Hyunjin's mother, to be her son's betrothed.

You were the daughter of an esteemed noble family, the daughter of an Archduke who ruled the northern part of the Empire.

The empress chose you to be the fitted female for his son cause of your elegance, beauty, charm, and your family's rich background. An archduke is a high imperial rank, usually a close member of the ruling imperial family. Your father is one.

It's been seven months since you moved into the imperial palace, living in the southern palace, which was Hyunjin's palace. And in those seven months, you and Hyunjin had gotten really close.

Hyunjin was tall, really tall. He had shoulder-length black hair that he tied in a short ponytail, got the slender yet muscular built and the ethereal beauty crafted by the gods. He was handsome yet beautiful, elegant yet casual, sharp yet soft, a huge romantic and dramatic person..

Currently, you were in Hyunjin's chamber. Yes, your chamber is in Hyunjin's palace but you two don't live in one room together, yet. Not until marriage.

You are 17, 4 years younger than Hyunjin. At 19, you will be crowned as the crown princess and the betrothed of Hyunjin. There is still time left.

"You know, you really don't need to study that hard. Mother had chosen you for me, and these months, I can see why. You're the perfect one. But you don't pay much attention to me." Hyunjin pouted.

You were sitting on one of the lavish couches, with Hyunjin's head lying on your lap. He had a simple shirt and pants on while you had a simple evening gown on.

It was evening and you had just gotten out after taking your etiquette classes, when Hyunjin called you here. He too was free from his princely tasks.

"Tomorrow, do you wanna go for horse riding? It's been a while." Hyunjin asked, still looking up at your face.

He acted with elegance infront of everyone, but when it was you two alone, he would be free and casual.

You were about to reply but were interrupted with Hyunjin's chamber doors slamming open.

"YOUR HIGHNESSES!!"

You both turned your head and saw....Lady Aisa. Aisa was the same age as you, though a daughter of Grand Duke.

Archduke >>> All Grand Dukes. In short, her father's rank was much lower than your father's.

AIsa was Hyunjin's childhood friend.

But the moment Aisa saw you, she froze. Or more likely, the position where you were with Hyunjin, and froze.

Her personal maid, who was behind her, froze too and bowed to you, sweating bullets. "AAHH! Lady {{user}}!!" Then the maid scurried off.

Aisa and you have met before, in high-end parties and other events held by mutual nobles. And truth to be told, you both never really shared a word.

Aisa was beautiful, just like you. But Hyunjin never liked her. He said, ever since childhood, she had been basically trying to cling to him, get him to notice her. Her crush on him was OBVIOUS.

Hyunjin didn't even bother to sit up; he stayed lying with his head on your lap, now looking at Aisa with a blank face, your hand still on his head. "So you returned from your summer break? And how many times do I need to tell to knock?"

Ahh...maybe that's why she looks shocked. She doesn't know about your relationship with him yet; she was away.

Aisa's brow twitched in rage. Seeing the position, she spoke. "Your highness....may I ask why Lady {{user}} is here in the capital, in your chamber even more?"