𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞!𝐚𝐮) 𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐙

Prologue ~ Arrival

"Mark, hey, it's ok.  I'm--We're gonna be okay. Trust me, just tell me how everyone's doing." I grip his hand tighter and give a little squeeze. He squeezes back and after recomposing he continues.

"Everyone's been making assumptions and gossip has been highly increasing since they announced your arrival a couple of days ago. Donghyuk and Jooheon are looking forward to you coming back home although Jooheon might not show it. So is Baekhyun, Ten, your maids, and your lady companion. Ji-Eun... not so much."

"Well, it looks like I'm wanted. To a certain extent." I nod gladly.

"What? Who wants you?" he snickers.

"Everyone."

"Pfffft! Sure. You're just looking forward to seeing Taehyung." he mocks in a suggestive tone while raising his eyebrows. I glare at him but it doesn't hide the color rushing to my cheeks. "OooOoO, She's blushing!"

"Shut up! Oh my goodness! Everyone will find out!" I yell at him as I bury my face in my hands. I freeze as it soon strikes me like a cricket ball at 9 mph. 

How do I look?

"Mark, How do I look?" I say bringing out the mirror in my purse to check my reflection.

"Like Dog crap. That's what you look like," he says sitting back in his chair. I stomp on his foot as hard as I can with my heel. "Ow!" he yells. I study my reflection looking for any flaw that I might have. Normally, I wouldn't care, but I am seeing a certain someone to whom I need to look impeccable. I wasn't feeling too royal today so I opted for a more natural look. My baby-blue hair was collected into a neat bun that wasn't too tight or too loose. Some hair strands adorned my face making me look a bit more mellow than regal. With a slight bit of blush to add color to my cheeks and lip gloss on my heart-shaped lips, I look at myself a bit longer, staring at my rich ocean blue eyes.

"Sun-Mi you look great. You always do. Now put that mirror do--,"

"My dear royals, We have arrived." The driver interrupts while pulling up to the courtyard at the entrance to the castle. I forgot what home had looked like that it had struck me as alien when I glanced out the window. When the driver stops in front of the entrance,  I catch a group of people standing there.

"Remember to smile," Mark whispers as he gets out first meanwhile I straighten out my dress. He reaches out for me so I grab his hand and follow suit. Once I'm out I fix my shawl and bow ever so slightly for the people waiting for me, keeping my face hidden behind my fan. I can feel multiple pairs of eyes on me, so I keep my arm in Mark's as reassurance that I'll be safe, but I still feel something weird in the pit of my stomach.

"Look at us when you greet us, child." A voice chides from the people gathered around me. I bring my fan down and lift my head to see so many familiar faces. I make eye contact with the source of the voice only to find my nana staring intensely at me. I hear a small gasp here and there followed by a comment on my appearance. Did I really change that much? "Oh, Dear, you look ever so beautiful!" My nana exclaims as she stretches out her hands to grab my face. I flinch at the contact and grip Mark tighter.

"Thanks, Nana," I say as she studies my features. It stays in that awkward silence until a loud cough clears it.

"You know there are more who would like to welcome Sun-Mi home, right?" I look away from nana to see Dong-hyuck balancing on the balls of his feet. Nana scowls, muttering something about people not having any more respect for their elders as she backs off giving room for others to greet me. Right after she moves everyone steps in and swarms around me shouting greetings and compliments.

"There she is!" I hear Dong-hyuck exclaim as he takes a step closer to hug me, his dark-silver hair blowing in the wind. Before he does, Mark steps in front and blocks his path.