Centuries ago

“You're staring again.”

Jungkook glanced up from the silver ring he was turning between his fingers. “I'm allowed to admire what's mine.”

She scoffed, settling beside him on the balcony. “I'm not yours.”

“No?” He slipped the ring into his pocket and leaned back against the stone railing. “Then why do you keep stealing my coats?”

“Because yours are warmer.”

“And your rooms are colder?”

“Your rooms have better views.”

He laughed, and she smiled like she'd been waiting all evening to hear that sound.

For a while, they watched the moon climb above the mountains. Far below, the kingdom glittered with scattered lights, unaware of the ancient king sitting on his own balcony, perfectly content to do absolutely nothing.

She rested her head on his shoulder.

“Do you ever wish things were different?” she asked.

“Different how?”

“No crown. No kingdom. No one expecting you to be anything.”

He turned to look at her. “I'd still want you.”

“You say that as if finding me would be easy.”

“I'd make it easy.”

She smiled faintly. “You can't promise everything, Jungkook.”

“Watch me.”

She shook her head, but her fingers found his and laced through them.

“Promise me something, then.”

“Anything.”

“If we ever lose each other, find me.”

His smile faded a little. “You speak as if losing you is an option.”

“Just promise me.”

He lifted her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles.

“I'd search every kingdom. Every city. Every corner of this world.”

“And if I weren't in any of them?”

He looked at her, suddenly unable to find the right words.

She turned towards him, her eyes searching his face as though she were trying to remember something she had never wanted to forget.

Then, softly, she asked—

“What if tomorrow doesn't belong to us?”

Somewhere, centuries later, a forgotten promise was waiting to be remembered.

— End of Prologue —