Y/N's POV:
One year later
Everything was slowly healing.
The kingdoms... the people... the soldiers... even the kings. It was spring. The trees were blooming, flowers dancing with the wind, and the sun finally smiled again. Love was in the air. Everything looked peaceful.
But...
Here I am, sitting near the window of my room, watching the sky. The wind is touching my face gently, playing with my hair. It looks like a happy ending... but deep inside, I feel something dark is still waiting. Like this is the start of something worse.
This book...
The King's Love...
It lied.
It never showed the truth about Max Roy.
King Max Roy.
I met him.
I saw him with my own eyes.
I spoke with him.
And now I know he's not the monster this book described.
He loves someone.
Someone I know very well.
He never came to Mani Kingdom to see me.
He never came to buy my paintings.
He always came... to see Lotus.
His eyes were always looking for her.
Now I feel stupid. I blamed him for so many things just because of this book. But the truth is... he's been trying to win over the kingdoms just to bring her closer to him. Maybe he wanted to keep her in his own kingdom. But his father is the wall he can't cross.
If he wins both So-Land and Mani Kingdom... maybe then he could have her near him, without saying it.
And I thought I knew everything but...
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Flashback:
Max Roy: Since you know now... don't tell this to anyone. Not even your husband. Not even Lotus.
Y/N: Me and Taehyung... we're not married yet.
Max Roy: Oh... I thought you were alread-
Y/N: sighs It's all because of you, dumbass.
Max Roy: Wait, what's with that language?
Y/N: Why don't you just kidnap her and marry her? End this war..
Max Roy: (he glares at me) Are you really that dumb or just acting dumb?
I glared back at him.
Y/N: How long has this been going on?
Max Roy: A lot of years.
Y/N: Like?
Max Roy: Fifteen.
Y/N: (I was fricking shocked) Oh my god...(I puts hand on forehead) When I become Queen of So-Land, I'll give you permission to marry her. No war, no fight. Just peace. I'll support you.
Max Roy: he scoffs) You think I need your permission or help?
Y/N: Taehyung will never allow it. He will never accept this.. And Lotus... she won't go against The King either. And You... You'll start another war, ruin everything again, maybe even die.
Max Roy: Then let me die for her. I can't live like this anymore. I never wanted to be like this. Every day I ask myself- why me? Why do I have to go through this pain?
Y/N: You're not the only one.
Max Roy: Oh, look who's talking... You've never felt the pain of being away from someone you love. I try to forget, but my heart always returns to her. My father wants power... and I'm still trying to make him happy. Maybe then he'll give me permission-
Y/N: He won't.
He went silent and stared at me, his eyes cold.
Y/N: If he wanted to, he would've done it already. He knows your weakness. He knows your strength. He's using you. And he's old now. He'll di-
Max Roy: laughs bitterly) That man is made of iron. He won't die so easily. He'll only die after the last hope in my heart is crushed.
Y/N: We're both crazy, aren't we? You want to protect your love. I want to protect mine.
For a while we were both silent.
Max Roy: I'm leaving. I'm heading to the Northern Kingdoms. I won't be here anymore. You'll get time to marry him peacefully. I won't start any war.
I scoffed.
Max Roy: After my father dies, you can have the Indila Kingdom. It'll be my wedding gift to you.
Y/N: Can't believe I'm hearing this from you, Max Roy. Why don't you just take her with you? I'll look after her grandmother.
Max Roy: "She won't agree."
Y/N: I'll talk to her. Maybe she'll agree to visit you at least a few months in a year.
Max Roy: (nods slowly) You're smart.
Y/N: Since birth... It's a deal then. You'll leave our kingdoms alone, and I'll give you the peace you want with her.
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Y/N's POV
Disa: Are you really going to hide this from everyone?
I turned to look at her. Her face was calm, but her eyes were searching for answers I didn't even have.
Y/N: I do know everything... but there's so much I need to change, Disa. So many things to fix before it's too late.
She walked closer, folding her arms.
Disa: His Highness asked about your marriage again. You wanted this moment from the beginning... so why are you holding back now? Is it because of Lotus... or King Max?
I lowered my eyes.
Y/N: I feel like I'm changing my future... little by little. But I'm scared, Disa. Scared that if I don't change enough... I'll lose the people I love.
My voice went quiet... but the silence between us spoke louder than anything.
Then I took a deep breath and stood tall.
Y/N: Let's start preparing for the wedding. We'll move forward with everything. We'll begin once Lotus leaves with Max Roy... and we'll arrange proper care for her grandmother. Guards, maids, everything she needs.
Disa: I'll take care of it.
Just then...
Knock.
A soft knock came at the door.
I already knew who it was.
And there he was standing tall at the doorway. The man who made my world turn upside down. The man who looked effortlessly beautiful even after battles and storms.
Disa: A-ahh... umm... I think I should leave now. If you need anyth-...
She paused midway, then just bowed with a smirk and walked out quickly.
I knew exactly what she was thinking.
Taehyung: She didn't even finish her sentence.
Y/N: She knows I need nothing when you're already here.
While speaking I touched his shoulder lightly. My fingers paused.
Y/N: Your body's... getting stronger. Bulking up every time I see you.
His lips curled slightly.
Taehyung: Is that a bad thing? Should I... show you more?
Damn...
My heart skipped a beat.
Y/N: Don't you think you're visiting Mani Kingdom a lot these days?
He didn't answer. Instead, he gently tucked a loose strand of my hair behind my ear. His touch was soft, but his eyes burned with something deeper.
Taehyung: I don't need a reason to come see you... but if you want one- I missed you.
I smiled faintly, but my heart was heavy. He didn't know what I knew. He didn't know that every moment we shared might already be written... in a book that ends in pain.
Y/N :You've changed...
Taehyung:You made me change.
He pulled me closer by the waist, his forehead leaning against mine.
I wanted to say so much.
To warn him.
To tell him about the war. The ending. The death.
But I couldn't.
Y/N :What if... things go wrong?
He looked at me, confused.
Taehyung: What could go wrong, love? We're finally here. Together. Isn't that what we fought for?
Y/N: It is... it's just... I don't want to lose this.
He lifted my chin gently.
Taehyung: You won't. I promise. I'll protect this... protect you. No matter what.
He didn't know.
But I did.
I knew too much. And it scared me.
He kissed my forehead gently, his touch warm and grounding.
Taehyung: You're overthinking again. You always do that when you're hiding something.
Y/N : Maybe... but not today.
He smiled.
And I let myself believe just for this moment that maybe, just maybe, the story could end differently.
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Lotus POV:
It's been a year.
But still, something keeps pulling my heart in different directions.
He never came to see me. Not even once.
Only that one time... and even then, Princess Y/N was with me.
I know there's nothing between them.
I trust him
But still...
Why its still bugging me?
I shook my head and tried to smile. The past year has been too heavy already maybe... I'm just thinking too much.
I sat beside Grandma on the wooden bench in our little garden. The sun was soft today, not too harsh. She was smiling as she held the wedding photo album in her hands. She looked so happy.
Grandma: Look at me here... I used to be so slim! That white dress made me feel like a queen.
She laughed, and I laughed with her.
I looked closely at the photo. She was wearing a white gown with beautiful northeast embroidery.. light blue flowers near the sleeves and golden thread on the waist.
Lotus: Grandma... where did you get this dress?
She looked away, like remembering something far, far away.
Grandma: That dress was from a village beyond the hills of So-Land. Very far away. I had a friend there she stitched it for me by hand. We haven't spoken in years... I don't even know if she's alive now.
She paused. Her eyes softened.
Grandma: Before I leave this world... I want to wear that gown again. One last time. The same white color... the same flowers... even if it's not exact, just something close.
Her voice trembled slightly.
I held her hand tightly.
Lotus: Then I'll get it for you. I promise.
She looked at me with wide eyes.
Grandma: But it's too far, and I'm fine, really-
Lotus: No excuses. You've taken care of me all my life. Let me do something for you now.
I leaned closer.
Lotus: But on one condition.. you have to take care of your health till I return. Eat on time. Rest. And don't hide if you feel sick.
Grandma: (smiling faintly)Alright, alright... it's a promise then.
I smiled.
A real smile, for the first time in days.
This wasn't just about a dress.
It was a promise from me to her...
To bring a piece of her past back.
And maybe... in the journey, I'll figure out my own heart too.
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Author POV
In Mani Kingdom
The palace was brighter than ever.
The banners were up, the streets were being swept clean, and a soft excitement filled the air like spring wind after a long winter.
King Seok-Jin stood in front of the royal court, wearing his finest robe, a proud smile on his face as he declared the most awaited news:
Jin: I, King of Mani Kingdom, Seok-Jin, officially announce the wedding of Princess Y/N and King Taehyung of So-Land.
Cheers echoed across the court.
The news spread like wildfire. People clapped, guards smiled, and royal staff immediately started moving around setting things in motion for the grand celebration. Every corner of the kingdom started to light up. The palace floors were being polished, golden drapes hung by windows, flower garlands being weaved, and lanterns prepared to float in the night sky.
Jin sat with his trusted advisors and personally ordered invitations to be sent to every allied kingdom- So-Land, Kami, LaLa, Seop, Romania, and even Thyne.
Though the wounds of war were still fresh, this wedding was a sign of peace, hope... and a fresh start.
He sent his fastest messengers, all dressed in royal blue and gold, with scrolls sealed with the crest of Mani Kingdom.
This was not just a wedding.
It was history.
It was love.
It was destiny.
And it had finally begun.
The sky was still soft blue. Birds chirped gently. Y/N was sitting near the palace garden fountain, enjoying the peace before the wedding chaos began. Just then, Lotus walked in with her calm grace, holding a small bag in her hand.
Lotus: Your Highness...
Y/N looked up and smiled brightly.
Y/N: Lotus... you don't have to call me that when no one's around.
Lotus : But you are going to be queen of So-Land. That's not something small.
She walked closer, then gently held Y/N's hand.
Lotus: Congratulations. Truly. I'm happy for you.
Y/N : Thank you, Lotus... It means a lot coming from you.
There was a small silence. Just the wind dancing around the garden flowers.
Y/N: Are you going somewhere?
Lotus: Yes... northeast side. A small village. My grandmother... she has a wish. She wants to wear the same kind of gown she wore in her youth... white, with northeast flower embroidery. So... I promised her I'll bring it.
Y/N's eyes softened.
Y/N: That's beautiful. She must be proud of you.
Lotus: I just hope I find the dress... or something close. It's a far place, but I have to do this for her.
Y/N: Be careful. The roads are long and uncertain these days. If you need a guard, let me know. I can provide you with a personal guard.
Lotus: No no.. You said this, that's enough for me, princess. I will. And I'll return before your wedding, I promise.
Y/N: Your presence matters to me, Lotus. I'll be waiting.
They both hugged gently. There was a silent understanding between them something words didn't need to explain.
Lotus: Take care of yourself princess
Y/N: You too.
As Lotus turned to leave, Y/N stood watching her walk away, the wind blowing through her hair.
A small voice inside her whispered- "Not all goodbyes are forever... but some always carry a bit of fear."
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The sun was burning high. Her clothes stuck to her back, sweat trickling down her neck. The road was dry... too dry. No people. No sound. Just the crunch of her footsteps on the dusty ground.
She didn't stop.
Suddenly.... she heard a soft bell sound.
A bull cart was coming from behind, its wheels creaking. Lotus stepped aside and bowed slightly.
Lotus: Hello, sir. Could you please give me a ride to the nearest village? I'll pay.
The old cartman smiled kindly, wiping his forehead with a cloth.
Cartman: Sure, sure. No need to pay, miss. Hop in.
Lotus climbed into the cart, grateful to sit down. As the cart slowly moved, the man looked back at her with curiosity.
Cartman: Where are you headed? You don't seem from around here.
Lotus : I'm from So-Land Kingdom. Going northeast to find a dress... it's for my grandmother. Her last wish.
Cartman (shaking his head): Ah... the North. That place's different now. A new king has taken over... I heard he is ruthless. They say he has cold bloody eyes. People don't stay there long. You be careful, young lady.
Lotus nodded, holding her bag close.
Lotus: I'll leave as soon as I get what I need.
The cart moved slowly under the open sky. A soft breeze touched her face. She closed her eyes for a moment.... until something strange happened.
Cartman (suddenly): By the way, young man, you still haven't told me where you're going.
Her eyes opened wide.
Young man?
She hadn't even realized someone else was in the cart.
She turned her head slowly... and saw a figure lying on the other side of the cart, cloth covering his face.
Stranger (in his calm voice): Wherever she's going... I'm going there.
Her heart stopped.
Her throat felt dry.
She stared at him... long and hard.
He didn't move. Just spoke again..
Stranger: Staring at someone for so long... isn't that bad manners, young lady?
Just then, the wind blew harder. The cloth on his face lifted slightly...
Enough to see his face.
Lotus (gasping): YOU...!
Her voice trembled with shock. Her fingers curled into fists.
Her heart didn't know whether to beat fast out of anger.. or something else.
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Bonus :
Reaction from Other Kingdoms
So-Land Kingdom
When the messenger arrived at So-Land, King Taehyung stood on the balcony, watching the training ground. As he opened the scroll sealed with Mani Kingdom's crest, a soft smile formed on his lips.
He didn't say anything for a few seconds.
Then he whispered to himself,
"It's finally happening."
He turned to his General Park.
Taehyung: Our queen is coming soon.... complete your preparations soon, even sooner. And yes.. Have you sent the invitation to everyone? No one will be left behind. It should reach everyone as soon as possible.
General Park: Yes Your Highness
The entire palace began to prepare with full energy.
Right now Taehyung is the happiest person in the world. He has waited a long time for this.
Kami Kingdom
In Kami Kingdom, King Jungkook was in his royal chamber with General. When he read the letter, a big grin lit up his face.
Jungkook: Finally, hyung's wedding! We must send the best gifts and join the celebration in full spirit!
General: I'll handle everything. This time, we'll bring peace, not swords.
Even the people of Kami Kingdom were excited. After all the pain they had seen, a royal wedding felt like a celebration for all.
LaLa Kingdom
King Namjoon was reading some ancient texts when he received the scroll. He paused. His eyes read each word twice.
Then, a soft chuckle escaped him.
Namjoon: About time those two got married.
He called Princess Liaa, who smiled warmly after hearing the news.
Liaa: Let's gift her something meaningful, something royal... but personal.
LaLa Kingdom started preparing art, poems, and rare music performances for the wedding.
Seop Kingdom
King Yoongi was always quiet, always calm. He opened the letter slowly and simply said,
"Huh. Finally."
He nodded to his chief.
Yoongi: Prepare the best wines. Mani and So-Land Kingdom will see a celebration like never before.
The royal kitchens started working day and night, preparing sweet delicacies and Seop's finest drinks to take to the wedding.
Romania Kingdom
King Hae-in, still healing from the last war, smiled with relief after reading the scroll.
Hae-in: This is good news... the kind this world needs more of.
He called his wife, Princess Hiranmayee, who was happy for Y/N.
Hiranmayee: She deserves all the happiness... and I hope this story ends well.
Despite the recent pain, the entire Romania Kingdom prepared to attend the wedding with blessings and warmth.
Far Away... Indila Kingdom
In the shadows of his palace, Max Roy sat silently as he received the invitation. He took the invitation without informing his father about it.
He didn't say a word.
He just stared at Y/N's name...
Then slowly folded the letter and kept it in his drawer, close to the one where he stored Lotus's letters.
A flicker of something flashed in his eyes. Not anger. Not hate.
Just silence.
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