"We may not have birthed you but you will be our daughter, one way or another. Start with a scholarship and end as the Queen, any path you take is your choice to make."
In a modern-day monarchy, Ari is every bit a struggling student as any other. T...
"Is it that time of the month again?" Ari asked, leaning over the partition in her traditionally styled dressing room.
Something about Joshua standing among a peerage of dresses, Western and Korean alike made her think it was indeed true. Among them was a striking red cape dress resting on a mannequin that stood out without question. "Come on in," Joshua called, "Stop dawdling at the door and try out the dresses for the winter dinner."
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It was the one day every month. The day when Council members, invitees and private guests dressed to their finest to dine with the King. King Yoo-Il hosted a monthly dinner with those closest to him and their guests. On some special occasions, invitations to these dinners were extended to foreign officials, political partners and even regents/nominated representatives of profit-worthy trade countries.
December was one such month. The King had been away on multiple dates in November attending meetings only world leaders were privy to. Mr Anderson had hinted that the King's schedule would be far too packed to share a meal with his descendants, owing to recent discoveries of hidden missiles up north among other classified details. It gave the December dinner a whole new meaning.
"Isn't this going overboard though?" Ari frowned glancing at the overbearing options around her. Every dress outbid the other in style, fabric and show. Stopping at a multi-layered Hanbok, Ari turned to her assistant to complain, "The King wouldn't bat an eye if I showed up in sweatpants." She muttered, "Is there any reason for us to go this far?"
The tight layers were an omen to the suffocation Ari would feel upon wearing them and the female attendants in the room seemed to share the sentiment. Ari noticed their glances, growing confident in her words. "Whatever happened to finding more realistic and practical clothing? All the other dinners didn't have it this bad."
"A lot is riding on this banquet, Your Highness." Joshua's mindless answer rang with his nose dipped into the catalogue. He was much too busy to entertain the Princess's antics. "And I'm no designer. If you have any problems with the clothing, take it up with Mrs Cho. She'll tell you the same thing that I am now—nobody can make you a new dress this close to the banquet."
After checking the catalogue thoroughly, Joshua ticked the outfits that had arrived. Ari's hardworking assistant then handed the little book to the waiting attendant. "All the promised designs have been delivered. Please thank Mrs Cho for her timely work and notify her that we'll be releasing the latter half of her payment soon."
The attendant then left the space, allowing Joshua to give Ari his full attention. "The King will certainly mind if you show up in front of the Council in pyjamas, Your Highness. You must remain presentable at all times, including when you eat at this banquet. It is of utmost importance."
Ari rolled her eyes. "Come on, Oppa." She whined softly, "The King has made it quite obvious he doesn't want me there. I'm certain he'll block any chances of my acquainting with international partners."
