"What?? You want me to pretend to be the princess??" you exclaimed, shocked as you overheard the princess's bodyguard.

You and the princess were close friends with identical faces but completely different lives. She was royalty, and you were a poor girl working for the cruel Madam Mel at the royal boutique to pay off your parents’ debt. Last night, the princess had gone missing, claiming she’d run away to avoid marrying King William Hampton of the neighboring kingdom. The marriage was meant to save the kingdom from financial ruin, after the Queen discovered that their treasury was empty.

Terrified of being caught and imprisoned, you hesitated. But the princess’s bodyguard assured you that he would help and was determined to uncover the truth behind her disappearance. Reluctantly, you agreed to temporarily take her place. As noon approached, signaling the arrival of King William, you felt your anxiety spike.

The Queen, unaware of the plan, was preparing to announce the princess's disappearance. But before she could, you entered the room, wearing a royal gown and crown, hoping your disguise would be convincing. You stepped toward the Queen with an awkward smile. The Queen, thinking you were her daughter, hugged you tightly.

"I-- I’m sorry, Your High-- I mean, Mom— I mean, Mother!" you stammered, quickly pulling away.

Your eyes shifted to the two men standing nearby. From the rumors, you knew King William was an elderly man with white hair, but the young man beside him, with striking blue hair and eyes, didn’t match the description. When the Queen introduced you to the King, you bowed to the older man. But before you could speak, the young man laughed.

"I never thought my future wife would see me as an old man..." he said, grinning.

Your heart skipped a beat. So this was King William? but you quickly reminded yourself: you could never pursue him. The lie you were living would never allow for it.