Chapter Seventeen

[WARNING: MATURE CONTENT]

17•••

You opened the door when the King and Queen returned. They chose to respect their daughter's need for rest, and decided they would be heading back to the North before she woke. Her father would return in the morning to take her home.

As soon as they left, you laid beside Jennie and you stayed all day, through the night. Jisoo, and Lisa when she visited, were the only ones you allowed to enter. Them, and the nurse when she delivered Jennie's antibiotics.

You were in silence, unmoving despite when the sun was awake, because you wouldn't dare create a single ruckus to disturb Jennie's sleep. You just held her, gentle in your arms as she rested in your shelter. You didn't mind one bit, because you got to admire her natural beauty up close.

When the shadows of the room disappeared and dusk loomed, your sleepless eyes felt the effects of fatigue, but Jennie's feline ones had opened. Just in time for dinner to be brought up.

"King Mason might be looking for you." she said as you rested her tray of food on your lap, then setting your own on the bed in front of you.

"My father, looking for me?" you joked, but it planted a pout on her face. You kissed it away. "Never mind him, Jennie. I'm staying with you."

Her food was rather bland, as Doctor Moon had advised post-surgery. You felt guilty for having a flavorful meal piled on your plate, but she wanted you to fill your stomach more than anything. In fact, you wiped your tray clean before she could finish her mashed potatoes and bread.

"Here," she impaled her fork through a piece of cut mango on her side dish and held it up to your mouth.

"I'm stuffed, baby- you have it" you refused.

"I don't remember this being on the dietary list," she countered, "Come on, you love mangoes," she tittered and in truth, you love it so much that you couldn't refuse.

Once dinner had finished, you stood to set the trays out the door.

"Rosie," Jennie called your attention, confused as she looked at you up and down, "you haven't changed since last night?"

You shrugged in response.

"Have you slept?"

You shrugged again, a ribbed smile on your face, but she wasn't amused at this joke either.

"Shower" she stated.

"I'm clean- I've been beside you all day"

She crossed her arms and looked at you sternly, in no doubt that she wouldn't let you back on the bed without a cleanse, "Shower".

You made it quick. You were back in Jennie's bed in ten minutes time. She laughed at how wet your hair was when you returned.

It was dripping.

You wasted no time drying it off with the towel.

"Forget it- just get over here, love" Jennie lied on her back and pushed down the sheets to your side of the bed.

(Yes. Your side of the bed.)

You dug your arm under her head and cradled her warm body close to you, still very careful not to hurt her.

She sighed in delight, "much better", and nuzzled close to your chest. She looked up at you, eyes beady and beautiful like always, "I love you, Rosie" she whispered, and it sunk deep in you when she poured it in a kiss, "I love you" even deeper the second time, "I love you" and permanent the third.

You never imagined you could love someone as much as you love Jennie. You never thought the world could create something as beautiful as this love.

You just love everything about her. You listed it all the down, the list of everything Jennie, you have kept it etched in your mind in golden letters. You said them all in a whisper, even after she had fallen asleep.

•••

You have never prepared a speech as coherent as this one to let father allow you past the borders. You have probably never made one as persuasive either, and have it actually work.

"Three days,"

"Three days" you repeat, trying to suppress the bubbly inklings to jump up and down in excitement. Bet it on your presentation of reasons why you are old and mature enough to travel without him, or pure luck that he will be out of town for provincial issues for these three days, you are more than blessed.

"I want you back home before sunset on the 13th," father opens the door to his office and you follow him out, walking along the corridors as he continues with his regulations. "And whether or not Princess Jennie is to come with you, I will not have you in the North any longer, is that understood?"

"Certainly, father" you both descend the stairs, onward wherever he goes.

"No improper behavior- you will do everything King Tae-oh and Queen Ara ask of you, and you will answer to them with utmost respect. No stepping out of line- you will follow the rules in their grounds. And please, Roseanne"

You stop abruptly on your feet when he turns around to face you.

"No unnecessary shenanigans. I beg you, do not embarrass me." he says and the blunt words would linger in you if you weren't so elated.

He's actually letting you go.

"I won't disappoint you, father." you say, confident and serious. With utmost respect.

He seems to doubt you for a second, looking you in the eye for a falter in demeanor. But he breaks contact and sighs as you deem persistent, "Very well." He continues down the corridor and you follow as he adds a few more do's and don'ts to the list.

You mentally take note of them with the finest pen you can imagine.

You will take time to practice your coronation speech, you will not speak of counsel matters at hand, you will not speak of the counsel at all, you will be present and engage in fruitful conversations, you will follow all Princess protocol with palace subjects.

"You will certainly not speak of my whereabouts in the provinces," he stresses. You don't question it, as anything you might say or do may be held against you. Needless to say, father works in secret. A pocket full of surprises in the name of politics.

But when you turn the corner, it is a surprise neither of you could expect. Rather, a surprise that shakes you to the bone- staggers you in the worst-case of alarm. It is another shock of panic for someone's fortuity.

And for someone you have already warned before.

You snap your head up to your father, hoping he didn't see what you have just— Jisoo and Suho have pushed each other apart— But father has stopped in his tracks just like you because he has seen it all- his face is unreadable. Jisoo and Suho, they're mortified behind the mask of their attempts at oblivion. You're disgruntled to the core because nothing will erase the two of them holding each other in arms from father's mind.

The air is insufferable.

Father's bland voice cuts through it.

"You will take Suho." he states. He puts his hands in his pockets and continues onward, walking past between the subservient pair- like he isn't at all phased.

Your feet force you to follow behind, perhaps, playing the part that you saw nothing either.

When you stop between Jisoo and your royal guard, she holds her apologies in her eyes.

"Ms. Kim," father sounds, not turning back as he walks down the corridor to the function hall, "we have much to discuss for the coronation. Follow me, will you?"

Jisoo sucks in a short breath, anxiety written all over her face. You have a bucket full of worry in you too, but you drown it out quickly.

You urge Jisoo by the shoulder to follow your father, "Deny deny deny" you whisper to her before she unwillingly paces out of sight.

You turn to face Suho. His posture stands straight, chin up, and eyes forward. Cowering in his mighty figure, his masculinity and honor to shade wrongdoings has always been his retreat. You can't help the spite in your aura as you strut away from him, "Pack a bag.".

Jennie appears by the grand doors of the vestibule, coming out into the sun, arm wrung with her father and Sehun to her other side, guiding her down the steps.

When she spots you by your carriage, she grins widely. It infects your being to great satisfaction that you get to go with her.

"We can't wait for you to see the grounds, Roseanne!" King Tae-oh beams, reaching the last steps. "Follow our carriage, yes?" he says, leading Jennie to their ride. She purses her lips, and you know she wishes to travel with you.

"I will be right on your tail, King Tae-oh." you say, sneaking a wink at Jennie to lighten her spirits. She smiles cheekily and lets her father help her into her their ride.

You catch a glimpse of Sehun's sour face as he mounts Kuma for the travel. You look around for Lisa and she is nowhere in sight.

Suho opens the door to your carriage and you enter, followed by him taking the seat across you. His features are somber and worrisome. Though, only to you, as his reckless actions have set his tough, manly persona apart from his benevolence. To the rest of the kingdom, he appears dedicated to the lawful duties as the Princess' royal guard- stiff as a board. To the eyes of those outside the circle of whispered secrets, Suho is deadpan, as if he has not just surrendered himself to the law. More so, surrendered your best friend.

"You must be an idiot" you can't even blame this candor on the slip of the tongue. No shade of filter could alleviate the venom off the words said, "Do you have any goddamn clue how badly this may turn out?" you pin your fiery gaze on him, his lowered chin, his sullen eyes fixated on his fiddling fingers. You scoff at how pathetic he looks, to be blunt. You can't even bare look at him any longer.

You strain your eyes to the passing terrains out the window before you burn holes through his shiny gold medals.

   It takes immense focus, for the first leg of travel to direct your thoughts on everything but the hope that you won't have to see the rubble of collateral damage in Jisoo and Suho's case. But as the carriage takes the long winding road, en route a land of everything new to you, it is growing anticipation and curiosity that you are swamped with.

It is the thought of passing the borders, leaving the South and breathing in the Northern air that keeps your restless mind awake. The lack for sleep has nothing on your thrill of suspense.

And as the carriage treads off the soil of Southern ground, in the middle of a vast landscaped greenery, and onto the cobblestone pathway onward the gates, you are on the edge of your seat.

You unlatch the lock to the window and you slide the glass open, allowing the calming breeze to swoosh in and fill your senses with a fresh aroma.

You stick your head out the window.

"Y-Your Highness—"

Your hair blows like a dandelion in the fields.

You look forth the pathway, where you follow the royal family's escorts to the stone wall border that separate the two kingdoms. It is exceptionally grand. You can't even guess how tall, up in the sky, the barrier stands.

And a thin smile rests on your face because you actually get to see the other side of it. This might be just as good as free from your father's bounds.

You get to see the rest of your world- Jennie's world. You're at the stepping stone to greater adventures and newer heights with Jennie. You're hanging on to the edge of the frontiers and you're ready to let go- fall deep into the ocean of Jennie's love.

You glance at her carriage window and you catch her looking at you through the glass. She has a smile on her face, similar to your contentment and you think- again, with Jennie, you get to spend these days and you just can't wait to fall in love with her more and more. It is a feeling you cannot begin to describe, nor compare to anything of seemingly just as great- you feel sorry for those who don't get to feel this way because nothing feels like Jennie.

You look at her intently and, "I love you" you mouth, soft on your lips and only loud enough for you to hear, but articulated— true enough for her to understand. She grins wider when she catches the words in her heart. You giggle when she shies away. With crinkled eyes and a wide smile, she gestures her hand subtly, telling you to crawl back in because you're approaching the gates.

You look up and you are towered by the shadow of the stone wall. Sitting back down on your seat, you wait patiently as the carriage has come to a stop. And when it begins to move again, you see the gates have opened, you advance closer to the wall— you cross the border.

You have entered North Marcadia.

•••

Contagious, you think. The bright, enthusiastic, joyous, electrifying, and everything lively plastered on the faces of the Northern citizens, who wave fervently with welcome flags and celebratory batons to the arrival of the South Princess in their kingdom.

You didn't realize how much they care for your presence. You didn't even know they knew of your coming.

You think, is it absurd to feel so at home in a place only foreign to you?

Perhaps.

But the warmth, the glee, the hospitality- you know these are Jennie's people.

You hear their loud cheers for you, and you hear the tenderness as they holler concerns for Jennie's health. Photographers, newscasters, and journalists follow the carriages with flashing cameras and pens and papers.

You smile and wave, genuinely happy. You're still on the edge of your seat, bouncing almost— You just can't wait to see it all!

This part of town that you cross is similar to that of the South. Cottages and shops and common grounds for gatherings fashioned in white stoned structures, wrapped in natured vines, plants, and flowers around, it is beautifully simple like the towns of your region. But the people, they are different from yours. You wonder if it is betraying to say that they are much more civil than the Southerners.

No one has touched the carriages, let alone been reprimanded by the guards for rowdy behavior. No one has even stepped off the sidewalks.

"Have you been here before, Suho?" you break the silence between you and your royal guard, curiosity getting the best of you.

"Once, Your Highness." he says, "When I was still a second class guard. To deliver relief goods to aid the families of the soldiers who were affected by a fire."

The words recollect a story you've heard and thought a lot about, but you decide not to question Suho's perspective of the tragedy at this moment.

"Has it always been like this?" you ask, still gazing out to the town. The crowds come less and less as you appear to be nearing the outskirts and to the woods.

"Like what, Princess?" he questions.

And you will feel sorry to your people for what you say next.

"Free?"

You will one day repay them with the liberty before you.

Suho clears his throat, "It remains the same ever since, Your Highness." he tells you. You're glad to hear it as it puts new ideas to your reign.

The cheers fade when you enter the trees. You're surrounded by them in fact. For quite some time in the travel, you start to think the forest is endless. Even as the carriage ascends in the mountains, the only thing in sight are the thick and quiet trees.

Jennie wasn't lying when she said her travels from North to South were always long-drawn-out.

Though, it is no matter to you, really.

You take it as a longer opportunity to take in the change of scenery.

Jennie had told you the palace grounds are atop this very mountain you tramp, Mount Chester, named after her ancestor, Chester Shepard Kim. As the early King to Northern Marcadia, he saved thousands of animals, ordering the people of the land to bring them up the mountain, to safety when a wild fire had spread.

It is a story you wouldn't forget. Neither would the signs for every species saved, planted every few meters apart, let history go lost to those who trek the path.

Jennie told you much about the palace and its history, but it is the palace itself, the timbered municipal- it's shockingly enchanted and unparalleled facade- that you discover with your own two eyes.

Your jaw slacks at the vast estate. You're practically drooling as the carriage takes you to the entrance. You look left and right- at the garden flowers, the water fountains, the carved wooden statues- the palace itself is of wooden architecture!

Once it stops right in front of the grand doors, you're in major awe at the sight. You've never seen anything like it before.

How astonishing- compellingly humble, Jennie's home is.

Your royal guard, now standing outside your door, takes your attention with the staff, "Royal Highness, Princess Roseanne of South Marcadia."

You didn't even realize Jennie and her father have made it to the grand doors.

Suho helps you out of the carriage and the royal subjects at the entrance bow with respect to your arrival. You return it with a low, wholehearted one.

You're still slightly agape, overwhelmed with it all, in fact.

Jennie beams at you, seeing right through your stunned expression.

"Welcome to our humble abode, Roseanne," King Tae-oh opens his arms and beckons you to join them on the stairs. You force your feet to move and step on their holy grail, "Make yourself at home." he smiles, and as if on cue, Queen Ara opens the doors to the palace.

She embraces you in a tight hug, wringing her arm with yours and bringing you in their home. The strong, rich scent of mahogany wood fills your nostrils and the hint of spice tickles.

"It's nothing much, but there definitely isn't a place that feels more like home." she coos.

"Ara, why don't you give Roseanne a quick tour around," King Tae-oh says, but Jennie interjects.

"I wanted to be the one to show her around." she says softly.

"Mom can show her the common areas for now, darling, you need to rest in bed." her dad counters, and you nod meekly to comfort Jennie.

"I'll leave the best places for you two to explore, perhaps, tomorrow?" Queen Ara assures and Jennie rests her case, accompanied to her bedroom by her father.

In the meantime, Queen Ara takes you through the corridors, opening doors to common rooms, and showing you the dining area. The interior of the grounds are decorated with keepsakes of family eras. With the picture frames, the antiques, and the nostalgic atmosphere, you can't argue when she says nothing could feel more like home.

It is of great contrast to what you call yours.

You're starting to realize how hollow your marbled court actually is.

"Jennie tells me you love to paint," Queen Ara mentions as she guides you through the halls.

"I do enjoy it, Your Majesty," you say kindly. Does Jennie talk a lot about me, you wonder. Anyhow, you're blushing already.

"Any style to your paintings?"

You pause to think, "Not exactly, but I am aesthetically pleased with pastel colors."

Queen Ara smiles brighter at this. She turns the knob to the door once you reach the end of the hall, "You may like this particular painting then."

It opens to a large room, and it is no question which of the many canvases she is referring to. Just the one stands out.

You both approach the frame on the wall, a portrait you register to be Queen Ara in her younger days, sitting by a grand piano- oddly, a piano you somewhat recognize. The soft tones of white and pink colors bring out the grace and femininity of the picture.

"You can take a closer look if you like."

Stepping up to the frame, you observe the detailed strokes. Filbert, you think. Your eyes wander on all of the portrait, from left to right, from top to bottom, it is elegantly painted.

You reach the lower corner and your breath hitches.

Your heart stops and shivers run down your spine at the cursive letters signed in cream paint.

Ellen it says.

You look even closer to be sure, but you know it must be true. You know this writing too well, "Did my mother..."

"Yes," Queen Ara stands beside you. You let out the breath you didn't realize you were holding. "She painted this for me. A gift after Jennie was conceived." she tells you, and as your mind is still wrapping around the fact that mother's hands made this artwork before you, Queen Ara says, "It was the most thoughtful present I have ever received."

You look back up at the picture, "And the piano..."

"It was a gift in return, to celebrate you in her womb."

You wouldn't have known had things been different today, but with the way things are- now that you do know, it prickles fortunate tears in the back of your eyes.

"You remind me much of your mother, Roseanne." Queen Ara says, trailing to a softer tone, one that sounds of longing, "Ellen was exceptional," missing, "a dear friend."

•••

"I hope you don't mind keeping my daughter company for now. I want to make sure the room you will be staying in is at its comfiest before settling in."

Oh, you wouldn't mind at all.

"Last door of the hall," she tells you once you make it up the stairs. She takes your hands in hers. So firm, yet gentle. "We are so pleased to have you with us, Roseanne." you've almost forgotten how much they resemble your mother's.

"It is of great honor to be welcomed into your home, Queen Ara." you will always be grateful that they have made it feel like one for you too, not even after a mere hour of being here.

You separate from Her Majesty as she moves on to errands while you walk to Jennie's room. You knock on the wooden door three times, and the sweetest voice you love lets you in.

"I was beginning to think you were having much more fun with mom." Jennie says, sitting up against her headboard.

You advance toward her, staring straight at her plump lips, "I would be lying if I said I wasn't." you rest your palms on the mattress, lean in to her playful sulk and kiss her inviting lips. When you part, you sit on the edge of her bed. You observe the white sheets with embroidered leaves for patters. You look around the entire room.

Her wooden bed frame sits in the middle against the wall, a desk is placed in front of the large window overlooking the palace grounds, a bookshelf of tons of literature beside it, and a matching full length mirrored dresser beside the bathroom door, right across the bed. It's very much like Jennie, simple, and like all you've seen of the palace.

But you notice it is the only room with the lack for memorabilia. No picture frames, no aging art works, nothing on the mahogany walls, only a lamp on each side table- it's so simple that it might very well just be empty.

"Are you hungry, love?" Jennie asks, taking your eyes away from the room.

"I'm fine, are you?"

She shakes her head. She cups your face and holds you closer, rubbing her thumbs over your cheeks. She stares at you, doing her own observations on your face, "What are you thinking?" she asks in a hushed whisper.

"What are you thinking?" you counter, nuzzling your noses together.

"I asked you first" she giggles, pushing you back.

"I'm sure your thoughts would be much more interesting to hear"

"Oh?"

"Mhm"

"You really want to know what I'm thinking?" she snakes her hands to your nape.

"I'd be delighted"

She pulls you in, grazing those pillow lips right by your ear, "I was just thinking..." she whispers hotly- like for a sudden confession.

You grip the sheets.

"about how bad I want to watch you cum right now..."

You hold your breath at the surprising seduction— the words. So obscene and smutty and arousing— A low hum sounds in the back of your throat when she kisses your neck, finding your sweet spot to suck right then and there.

You don't know what you're doing. You should really hold off the sexual tensions for when Jennie is fully recovered. You shouldn't do this now— she just had surgery, let her rest— you should but you're melting in her touch, no force in your heating body to pull away.

Jennie finds your lips and kisses you with passion- pushing her tongue in to explore every inch. You hold her wrists, her hands cupping your face- you should pull away "Jennie—" you moan again when she nips at your bottom lip.

"It's fine"

Your core is pulsing— it's strong and hankering— dripping, even. You'd be stuck in its uncomfortable need for release if you stop now but you just don't know if this should go on- "You should rest"

She tangles her fingers in your hair.

"Your incision—"

"I'm fine" she states, disconnecting from the breathless kiss. She trails off to your jaw, your nape, "Sit between my legs" she flips you on the bed and between her spread thighs.

"Jennie I— are you sure?" you rest on her front, but you leave no pressure on her injured side. You're just as breathless. God you're sweating- fiery anticipation coursing in your veins— you're still ruining the sheets with clenched fists—

Jennie's hands are all over you. She swings one of your legs over hers and holds you wide open.

Your dress has ridden up to expose your satin panties and the cold air to your skin makes you shudder.

Jennie sighs at the sight of you, idly stroking her fingers over the garment, "So wet for me, baby..." and you gasp when she hooks your panties to the side, letting the cool draft of the room blow on your folds.

You hum as she strokes you, playful fingers up and down your slit. She takes her other hand to your chin, tilting your head up.

She wants you to look at the mirror.

"F-Fuck" you jerk when she centers on your clit.

"Look at you, baby..." she draws out, keeping your chin up because she wants you to look at the mirror- your reflection, your legs spread apart- her fingers between and her mouth parted open as she pleasures you.

The sight is stimulating. You need and you want more friction. You're trying hard not to squirm to her touch, worried you might hurt her— so you grip the sheets tighter and buck your hips instead.

You stare at your reflection, face crumpled in pleasure and legs wriggling- toes curling.

Jennie rubs your clit faster, steadier. She dips her hand in your bra and palms your breasts, taking a bud between her fingers to squeeze, "Oh god" you still keep your eyes on the mirror, ridiculously aroused by your own little show.

You're a mess- breathy moans fall on your lips and you're getting wetter with each stroke of her fingers. You move your hips up and down- she adds more pressure, "You're so sexy..." she whispers, and she takes your ear between her teeth. You tilt your head as she licks and kisses.

Your breaths come heavier and moans grow louder. You spread even wider— "Oh!" you jolt once she pushes in- two fingers deep— "Fuck Jennie" your profanities know no limits when you're in bed with her, "Fuck—" you can't help it— not when you're watching her fuck you through the goddamn mirror.

She pushes in deep, stretching your pussy to hit the deepest part.

"J-Jennie" your hand flies to clasp on the back of her neck, an impulse to the great wave of satisfaction, "Oh!"

She covers your mouth, muffling your unfiltered mewls, "Our walls aren't as thick as yours, love" she breathes hot against your skin, "Try to keep it down for me, will you?"

You see the wicked smile on Jennie's face, and your eyes roll back in desires because you know this means she'll fuck you until you can barely walk.

"You like it like this don't you?"

You do. You admit it- you like it best like this. Hard and fast— you like it rough.

"I know you do..." she sucks on your nape, nibbling on your skin. "Your Highness..."

You shudder at the title. How naughty it sounds off her tongue—

"My Princess... My Queen."

Your walls clench as she quickens her thrusts- you scream in the palm of her hand as she does. You feel the heat all over and you feel yourself on the edge, but you don't want this to end just yet.

"So wet for me" she puts a finger in your mouth and you lick- suck just like she did you. "So open for me... Just like it's meant to be mine"

"Mhm..." she stares right back at you in the mirror, eyes narrow, lustful and shaded with greed.

"This cunt is all mine, isn't it love?"

You release her fingers when a moan pries out of you- she curls her fingers in you—

"All mine to love, to touch..."

"Oh god" she brings the hand that had covered your mouth under your thigh. She pulls your knee up to your chest, really stretching you out to expose her fingers deep inside you. You're shaking and panting and so close to release— you gasp when she flicks your clit with that finger coated in your saliva.

She spits her words "Mine to fuck" and drives in you with no mercy.

Your head spins in ecstasy, walls tightening to the thin layer of heat around her pounding fingers. You're coiling- moaning way too loud as she kneads your clit.

"Jennie" you warn- you're so close and you can't keep it down "Baby— mhm!"

She changes the motions, up and down in a come-hither motion, "Tell me, Rosie," she grunts, "this pussy is all mine, isn't it?"

You nod— yes yes yes always

"I want to hear you say it." she demands but you're stumbling over your words, throat sore and voice trembling, blood rushes to your head- really making you dizzy. You throw your head back and you bite your lip hard when she hits your spot repeatedly.

"I'm waiting, Rosie..." she looks down at your face riddled in dire need. "But I hope not for long. It hurts me to keep you from cumming hard for me..."

You swallow hard, heaving for air, "M-My—" you choke on your breath when she thrusts deep, staying still- oh so still inside you. You know that one more thrust and you'll come undone.

You force the dirty words out of you, "M-My pussy is yours"

"Yeah?"

"Yes" you expire "yes it's all yours— Jennie please—"

She chuckles at your begging, "As it should" and pounds her fingers in you to a powerful, mind-blowing orgasm that has you crashing in unwavering sensibilities. You can't even fathom how high she takes you because you can't come down from the feeling of her.

Jennie kisses your head, your temple, your cheek- over and over- and she stays inside you as your body lies limp against her.

You like it best like this. After the passion and the lust of it all comes the tender, delicate, vanilla loving.