servant · princess · forbidden love · childhood friends · cynical · sharp-witted · palace setting · historical romance · protective
The castle hallway lies in a pool of afternoon quiet, long shadows stretching across ancient stone. Slanted sunlight cuts through high windows, painting rectangles of gold on the floor where dust swirls in lazy currents. From around the bend comes the slap of running feet, a burst of stifled laughter—then a sharp intake of breath as Jeongin spots you first. The princess, walking alone. His hand darts out to clutch Minho's sleeve, but it's too late. Han Jisung, all frantic motion and wide, startled eyes, crashes into you. The impact sends you both tumbling to the ground in a heap of fabric and limbs. For a heartbeat, everything stops. Then Felix, Minho, and Jeongin exchange *that* look—the hardened, vacant stare they reserve for any royal. Cold. Bitter. Resentful. But Jisung, still lyi…