Song Jae gazed at Princess Chul Yun-Hee, momentarily captivated by her radiant beauty. The princess's golden hair shimmered under the soft sunlight, and her flowing yellow dress complemented her fair complexion, making her appear almost ethereal.
Just then, a young lady approached, her demeanor poised yet respectful. She curtsied deeply before introducing herself.
"Greetings, Your Highness. I am Lee Cha, daughter of Duke Lee. From this day forward, I shall be your study partner."
Princess Chul Yun-Hee smiled warmly, her joy evident. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lee Cha."
Song Jae watched as the princess's face lit up with delight. There was an unmistakable innocence in her joy—one that was rare within the palace walls.
But the moment was fleeting." Your highness I must take my leave now," Song Jae announced. "My family awaits me outside."
Song Jae hesitated. She hadn't intended to speak, but remaining silent would only invite another argument with her older sister, Song Nabi—something she wished to avoid.
As she prepared to depart, she turned back to Princess Chul Yun-Hee, a soft smile gracing her lips. "You look stunning in yellow, Princess. The color suits you beautifully."
The princess's face brightened at the compliment. "Thank you, Song Jae! Then I shall wear yellow more often."
Song Jae chuckled. "I'm sure you have impeccable taste, Princess."
With a playful glint in her eyes, she reached out and gently poked Princess Chul Yun-Hee's cheek—a lighthearted gesture that might have been considered audacious in the strict hierarchy of the palace.
Lee Cha stood frozen in place, astonished by Song Jae's boldness. A common noblewoman touching a member of the royal family so casually? Even as study partners, such familiarity was unheard of.
Yet, instead of offense, the princess giggled in delight.
Lee Cha, still processing what she had witnessed, inclined her head politely before taking her leave.
Princess Chul Yun-Hee, still beaming, turned abruptly on her heels and hurried towards the Empress Dowager's palace. Excitement coursed through her veins—she could hardly wait to share her joy with her grandmother.
Her maidservants, caught off guard, scurried after her, struggling to keep pace.
"Your Highness, please slow down! Be careful not to slip!" the head maid pleaded, breathless.
Finally, they managed to halt the princess's eager strides. The head maid bowed slightly before speaking in a lowered voice.
"Your Highness, please compose yourself. We wouldn't want Princess Chul Bong Cha to make fun of you for forgetting etiquette."
At the mention of her older sister, Princess Chul Yun-Hee immediately slowed her pace. She had no intention of giving Princess Chul Bong Cha any reason to mock her. After all, everyone in the palace knew of her sister's sharp tongue and love for teasing.
Though their sibling rivalry was often dismissed as childish squabbles, her mother had always warned her to be wary of Imperial Concubine Hwa's daughter.
Upon arriving at the Empress Dowager's palace, Princess Chul Yun-Hee eagerly stepped inside, her heart still fluttering from the day's events.
She found her grandmother seated on her bed, preparing for her afternoon rest. Without hesitation, the princess rushed forward and settled beside her, her hands resting on the elder woman's lap.
"Grandmother, I adore the study partners you chose for me," she began, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Especially Prime Minister Song's daughter."
The Empress Dowager's sharp eyes glinted with interest. "And what about Duke Lee's daughter?"
Princess Chul Yun-Hee hesitated for a moment before answering.
"She is kind, but... cautious around me," she admitted. "Unlike Song Jae, who is wonderfully carefree in my presence."
The Empress Dowager arched a brow. "Carefree? What makes you say that?"
A playful smile curved the princess's lips as she recalled the moment.
"She complimented my dress… and even touched my cheek."
The Empress Dowager remained silent, her expression unreadable.
Princess Chul Yun-Hee, however, paid no mind. She simply leaned against her grandmother's shoulder, relishing in the rare warmth of companionship she had found that day.
The Empress Dowager chuckled, her voice warm with amusement.
"I see my granddaughter is easily pleased."
Princess Chul Yun-Hee shook her head, a small pout forming on her lips.
"No, Grandma," she corrected gently. "It's just that Song Jae speaks her mind freely. My other friends always try to appease me, no matter if I am right or wrong."
At this, the Empress Dowager's gaze softened. Her fingers traced absent patterns on the silk of her robe, lost in thought.
"As long as you're happy, my dear," she murmured, "then I am happy too."
A radiant smile bloomed across Princess Chul Yun-Hee's face. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around her grandmother, hugging her tightly.
"That's why I love you the most, Grandma."
A light, knowing chuckle echoed through the chamber.
"And what about me, your mother?" came a smooth yet teasing voice. "Do you love me as well?"
Princess Chul Yun-Hee startled, instinctively pulling away from her grandmother's embrace. Her head whipped toward the entrance, where Empress Hyo-Sonn stood, dressed in elegant silks, her regal presence filling the room.
Without missing a beat, the princess hurried to her mother's side, clasping her hands together in earnest.
"Of course, Mother!" she declared. "I love you the most—right after Grandma."
Empress Hyo-Sonn arched a delicate brow before gently poking her daughter's forehead, a playful smirk gracing her lips.
"You are too honest for your own good, Yun-Hee," she teased.
The Empress Dowager watched the exchange with a quiet smile, warmed by the sight of mother and daughter's affection. But even as joy flickered in her gaze, her thoughts drifted elsewhere.
Her grandson.
The crown prince—so composed, so distant, so painfully reserved.
He wouldn't even let his own sister touch him, nor did he show affection toward anyone. The Empress Dowager sighed, a deep ache settling in her chest.
What would become of him.
Across the palace grounds, in a stately courtyard adorned with fragrant cherry blossoms, Duke Lee sat in his study, his fingers idly tracing the rim of his porcelain teacup.
His daughter, Lee Cha, stood before him, her hands folded neatly in front of her.
"Tell me," the Duke said, breaking the silence, "how was your first encounter with the princess and Miss Song Jae?"
Lee Cha hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Father," she said slowly, "the princess and Song Jae seem… remarkably close."
Duke Lee's brows lifted slightly.
"Close? They only just met."
"Exactly!" Lee Cha agreed, shaking her head. "That's why it's surprising. It felt as though they were already old friends."
A crease formed on Duke Lee's forehead as he mulled over her words.
Lee Cha continued, "To be honest, Father… I thought Prime Minister Song's eldest daughter would be haughty. But it seems… I was mistaken."
Duke Lee's expression shifted to mild surprise.
"You're saying Song Jae wasn't arrogant?"
Lee Cha nodded. "Not at all, Father. In fact, she seemed… bold. Brave, even."
"Brave?" Duke Lee echoed, intrigued. "What makes you say that?"
Lee Cha pursed her lips, recalling the moment Song Jae casually poked the princess's cheek.
"The way she touched the princess without hesitation," she explained, "it's something only someone truly bold would do. No noble lady would ever dare touch a member of the royal family so casually."
A knowing smile curved on Duke Lee's lips.
"Ah, but you misunderstand, my dear," he mused. "It is not bravery—it is understanding. Song Jae knows that the princess appreciates those who are genuine and unrestrained. That is why they have become close."
Lee Cha blinked, surprised.
"Really, Father?"
Duke Lee nodded sagely.
"Yes. And remember this, Lee Cha—from tomorrow onward, when you are at the palace, be yourself around the princess. Do not pretend to be something you are not."
Lee Cha took in her father's words, rolling them over in her mind.
"Yes, Father," she finally said, determination flickering in her eyes. "I will remember."
Satisfied, Duke Lee dismissed her with a gentle wave of his hand.
Lee Cha stood, bowing deeply before retreating from the study.
As the door shut behind her, Duke Lee exhaled slowly, his thoughts lingering on his daughter.
She is still too naive.
It was clear that Princess Chul Yun-Hee would naturally gravitate toward Song Jae, who was warm, direct, and effortlessly charming. His own daughter, in contrast, was reserved, careful with her words.
Still…
He would not tell her to change.
Because in the end, genuine people are the ones who leave the deepest impressions.
As dawn broke over the capital, golden light spilled into the chambers of Song Jae, warming the silk sheets draped over her figure.
She squinted against the brightness, instinctively raising a hand to shield her eyes.
Just as she was about to turn over and drift back into slumber, her chamber door flew open, and a flurry of footsteps filled the room.
"Miss, it's time to wake up!"
Song Sena, her personal maid, bustled in, followed by several others carrying trays of morning tea and clothing.
"You must get ready for your first day as the princess's study companion," Song Sena urged. "We can't afford to be late!"
Song Jae groaned, burying her face into her pillow.
"I'd rather be late," she muttered sleepily.
But Song Sena was relentless.
"Eldest Miss, please stand up!" she insisted, her tone taking on a familiar whine. "You need to prepare!"
A heavy silence followed.
Then—
With an exaggerated sigh, Song Jae flung her pillow aside, swinging her legs over the side of the bed.
She stood, stretching lazily, rubbing the last remnants of sleep from her eyes.
Song Sena clapped her hands in triumph. "Finally!"
One of the younger maids rushed forward, offering a basin of warm water for Song Jae to wash her face. Another unrolled a scroll containing the day's schedule.
"Your bath has been prepared, Miss," another maid informed her. "And the tailors have sent a fresh set of robes for your palace visit."
Song Jae sighed once more, but this time, there was a ghost of a smile on her lips.
Her first day as the princess's study companion had officially begun.