"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...
Princess Ari hurried down the wide halls of the Royal Residence, followed by guards in unusual black attire. Help from around the estate stared at the unusual sight of Ari's rushed movement towards the Crown Prince's chambers. It wasn't until she had slid open the elegantly decorated door frames that the commotion outside finally reached the members nestled inside.
"Your Highness, First Prince Seungcheol," Ari called out in a deliberate formal fashion, alerting Seungcheol, Jeonghan and the guests he was entertaining. Briefly meeting the eyes of the Council member that was seated opposite the Prince, Ari spoke, "I would like to request an urgent audience with you, Your Highness, privately," she stressed.
Seungcheol who had previously been in the middle of a dialogue, halted without hesitation. Glancing over to his assistant, he nodded to convey his mind. And it was enough. Within minutes, Jeonghan had assisted the Councilman from his seat and out the door.
"What is it?"
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Seungcheol's worry was reflected in his voice as soon as the coast was clear. Getting up, he pulled at her by her wrists, closing the door behind them in the empty room.
Ari prepared herself before speaking. "There is a hint of an assassination plan. I believe I'm the intended target but we can never be too sure." She watched the Prince's expression crumple at the news. It was not good. And it signalled even more of upcoming danger. "I'm telling you this because I need you to be safe as well. What is the colour of your Winter Ball outfit?"
"White," Seungcheol answered easily. Rather than the question, his expression grew even more uneasy with worry. He watched Ari sigh in relief at his answer and prompted right away, "Are you alright?" he inspected her face for wounds, imagining a more action-based assassination plot. Trying to understand Ari's words, he grew nervous, "How is it connected to the attempt on your life?"
Ari showed him the parchment with the message on it. Seungcheol's brows knitted in confusion as his gaze drifted between Ari and the message on the paper. "My informant relayed his knowledge early morning." Feeling pensive, she added, "I received a red hooded dress in preparation for the ball just earlier."
"You don't think it's possible...?"
The First Prince's eyes wavered at the sound of it. It was preposterous. The Royal Residence was among the safest buildings on the planet. One could not hurt a fly within the Residence without alerting someone. Ari nodded wordlessly at the implication that the iron fortress of the Residence had likely been compromised. "Security has been alerted. Guards are sweeping the entire west wing as we speak."
"Wonwoo will find something," Seungcheol spoke, eyes serious. His grip on her wrist tightened with conviction. "Hand me the decision-making power and I will make sure this matter is put to rest. My security detail will sniff out any rats within the area, I assure you."
