iii. her human
+ JISOO
The time for the state dinner swiftly came. And of course, Lisa dressed me right for the occasion which also equated to ordering me to shop from store to store because she was so painfully picky. And it took my heels to melt before she finally decided. She said it was a piece from a designer's collection and that i should be ecstatic for wearing one, but I don't see why i should see the difference. It was still a dress.
"This looks okay." I stated looking through my reflection on the mirror.
"Okay? It's fucking splendid! God wishes he could wear this!" Lisa expressed her praise for her exquisite fashion taste. I crunched my face, "Does he even wear clothes?"
Lisa growled and rolled her eyes, "My point is, it deserves more than an okay. Look at that glory shining over you!"
"You really are nosy, aren't you? I'm getting the feeling that you also manipulate your human's choice of clothing." I stretched a curious look at her. She just shrugged, still unbothered. "I mean, I just sometimes push her to the right store. My human has basically no deeming style of her own, so I thought I might as well give favor to the poor." Her audacity was oozing but it wasn't questionable. Lisa definitely has taste in mortal fashion so I can't judge her pride for it.
"You really take credit of being a five hundred year old fashionista asshole." I injected. She scoffed with her unwavering pride and said, "Bold of you to say that when you're a thousand years old asshole yourself." I rolled my eyes at her. I dislike to talk about age.
Imagine how indecent we are with each other. There's a reason why we can never go to realms of the Benevolent, they can't let two rascal angels banter up there, it would be too chaotic.
"Can we please get back to preparing?" I begged to ignore her exaggerations and better ready myself for the event that night.
Time seemed too fleeting, I was already passing through the gates of the Palace while I reminisced to the early beginnings of this symbolic structure. You see, I have a long history with Monaco's royal family for as long as I can remember. Ever since the death of the French human I had which was Phillip II (also called as Phillip Augustus), who was the Prince of France from 1165-1223, I was then abruptly shifted to protect the wife of the High King of the newly found Monaco at that time. It was 1215 when the country became a colony of Genoa. And when Jennie's bloodline took the throne there, I never left the place ever since, along with the ties I had with the royal family. It was the responsibility that the celestial gave me and I'll never know why.
But I tell you the royals were always the most crucial kinds of humans to ever be with. They were such a nuisance to themselves. They were more of lunatics compared to normal people, they tend to treat everything and everyone like property, which is like directly parallel to modern capitalism. Royals were often very anxious about conceiving the throne and its power. Everyone basically had swords buried on their necks because they've been killing and betraying each other. It was not the greatest family you've imagined them to be.
So I was glad when civilization started to amend the culture of Monaco maybe sometime on the 18th century perhaps when Monaco was an indebted independent state and discovered the rich delights of gambling. They found their key to economic success. As of today, the Royals were now more sensible and fair, and has adapted to giving equality to their subjects.
The last royal I had to protect before was Jennie's grandmother. But after she died, I was then authorized to protect the only heir of Monaco who was born days after her grandmother died. I didn't forget that day and never shall I forget.
I resurfaced from my thoughts as I was greeted by Kai and my Father-in-law. My supposed to be Mother was still in Paris since she had social commitments for the upcoming Paris Fashion Week.
We were stationed at the famous Blue Room (Le Salon Bleu) as we wait for the Royal Family to arrive before the guards open the dining hall (Salle à Manger) which was just right after the huge door before me. There were a few strangers in the room, but I begged not to be intimidated by them. They're still peasants styled in lavish clothing. Oh, wait I am peasant too. But whatever.
At the corner of my eye I spotted familiar faces."Oh don't you look lovely, darling." The esteemed businessman greeted me by the cheeks as i thanked his compliments. It was my stepfather, I think Death planted a prior memory of us meeting beforehand and we already established a relationship. Now all I have to do was to continue it and pretend that I've already met him before. He was the same height as his son, he had ash brown hair and blue eyes along with an expensively shaved beard. A born and bred monégasque.
"Bonsoir, Jisoo. I'm glad you came." Kai was being modest. "Bien sûr, how could I reject a personal invitation from you." I gorged a grin.
"How are you adjusting to the Monaco lifestyle so far?" Father asked as he reached his hand to my shoulder. "Oh." I hesitated as I try to think of something more than eating pizza and sleeping at the mansion all day. "Well I was...doing self recreational activities. The place is all about leisure after all." I subtly stitched my words.
The modest Father smiled at me, "That's wonderful to hear, but Kai here should invite you to more social events of the elites so you can get to know the locality. Perhaps joining a club? What do you think son?"
Kai pouted as he nodded, "Of course that could be arranged. And I'm sure also my girlfriend would be glad to help you appeal to the crowd here, she has a great social reputation so don't worry."
"What a great idea. I think that's just what I needed." I agreed while simultaneously nodding. Kai was clever of thinking I needed his girlfriend. That's right I need that devil so that I can have my wings back. I thought.
Not a moment too long when a few mortals tried to nudge into our conversation and I found myself talking to five different people all shimmering over their tuxedos and long gowns encrypting their smile of neither sincerity nor interest. What a weak facade they have. I can still see right through them.
"So Kim Jisoo, what do you fancy to do?" A torrid soft spoken voice that interrupted our small talk about hobbies rang over my ears. I quickly tilted to my right as I saw a young man with his bow tie tuxedo appear before my circle. He was slender, tall, and almost attractive to my liking which was quite a surprise. "I'm sorry?" I pardoned as he was a stranger to me.
"My apologies. I'm Cha Eunwoo. The sixth Prince of Liechtenstein." He then proceeded to kiss my hand in courtesy. [Liechtenstein ; a German-speaking microstate country located between Austria and Switzerland] "Oh Eunwoo! I didn't know you've arrived." Kai who was beside me revealed his relation to this stranger. "Right, I took an early flight since I didn't want to miss the state dinner and I felt bad when I wasn't able to attend your sister's welcoming party." He retorted at my brother. "You were quite the talk of the town Miss Jisoo, as so you know." This Eunwoo beamed his smile at me. I was confused. Why does he know about me so much?
I heard Kai clear his throat, perhaps sensing my confusion, before he spoke, "Uhm, Eunwoo here is one of the closest family friend we have so he slightly knew about you. I didn't have the opportunity to introduce you to him since he was away."
Oh right. Now it makes sense. I internally conclude. So with that establishment I smiled at this charming guy Prince. "Well I'm glad that now was the chance that we can meet. It's a pleasure to know you Prince Eunwoo." I ingested my gallantry towards the Royal lad. He was surprisingly charming.
"But you haven't answered me yet, mademoiselle." The Prince stated a demand. "What do you fancy to do?" He continued with a gentle voice. "Flying." I directly retorted.
"Oh like planes?" Eunwoo continued to pry. These clueless mortals would take a laugh if I said I literally fancy flying with my wings, so I adjusted and answered, "Yes." I guess? I pledged a nervous smile as I lied. I've never even driven a plane in all of my existence yet here I am declaring as if it's a child's play to do it.
"Quite a hobby you have." He pronounced. "I assume it won't be as interesting as yours." I retorted greater words. The Prince shyly looked away as he answered, "Believe me or not, flying is my sole purpose in life."
Oh dear now he's going to pry me with aerial technicalities. "Touché." I shortly replied. I just dug my own grave. I was now anxious to get out of the situation.
"We should fly together some time. It'd be fun to have someone who shares the same hobby as mine." He thinks I am his accomplice already. Oh fuck me. I'm dead. I stuttered to reply, "Y-yeah. Why not."
And before the Prince that I have come to terms in avoiding in like maybe forever because I really don't want to embarrass myself in the future can speak again, the guards have suddenly halted and announced the Royal Entry of the people we've been waiting for.
"Attention! The High King and the Princess of Monaco has graced us with their presence. Let us all bow in honor." The guard on the forefront bellowed. On cue the men lowered their heads and torso while all the ladies folded their knees and also bowed their heads, and then the doors opened in its splendor. Slowly their majesties walked towards us. The alluring princess was beside the King with an ever earnest expression sketched on her face. The kind that gives inferiority to everyone who looks into her eyes. She was that kind of princess.
"At ease." The King commanded and everyone was back at standing straight. "I extend my gratitude to you all who have come to this state dinner. May we embellish great bonds tonight and savor ourselves with good food. And just try to relax." The King tried to be comical and calm and everyone shared small laughs among their surrounding peers and also indulged into the amiable atmosphere.
Then I had the chance to look at Jennie. Her expression was revealing her thoughts, like she was kind of doing it just for the sake of doing it. Oh this human never bothers to sympathize at any given situation. Yet she look lovely amidst of it.
"Now shall we have dinner?" The King said in finality as the congregation applauded while the Dinner gates were opening and one by one we entered their glorious dining place of white, silver and gold. I can't believe I can eat at this place now. I've only been hovering all over the palace as an observer of just, but now having to take a seat and fumble over small conversations with the Royal family had me feeling overwhelmed.
It was a sixteen seat long table we were placed at a very cohesive position. The King was at the center end of the long table and the Princess was on his right wing and Kai happened to be next to her, he was her boyfriend after all. While I was sitting across them with Prince Eunwoo and my Father on both of my sides.
Everyone had the fair share of conversation with the King and when it was my Father's turn to speak about the status of his business, I couldn't help but to listen intently. "How is Monte Carlo doing?" The Royal man asked as he sips his delectable wine.
"It's never been better Your Majesty. We're closely maintaining the opulent reputation of Casino de Monte Carlo, Opéra de Monte-Carlo and Hotel de Paris. And of course, we shall always prioritize extravagant service. Tourism has doubled the Casino's profits and more foreign investors has seen Monaco as a place of business expansions. Not to mention, my stepdaughter's conglomerate here, Jisoo, will be stapling their real estate ménage soon. They will be building new infrastructures together with us."
"Well I am delighted to know that a family of fortune has put interest to invest in our land. Perhaps you are managing this future project, Miss Jisoo?"
"Oh no, I believe I'm still not equipped sire. I'm still on my terminale year on lycée."
"Ah, I see. I assume you'll be inclining with business too when you step into college?"
"Definitely, your Highness. I fancy luxury management." I lied. I'd rather have my wings back than to go into an inhumane system of learning. I've seen it all and I hate it.
His Majesty nodded, "Good to hear. That's the passion that I took when I was in college too. It just saddens me that the Princess and I don't share the same light about education." He intended his voice to be offensive, perhaps towards his daughter.
"We do have different wavelengths, your Majesty. But just out of my curiosity, what does the princess think about education? Any pursuance?" I directed the conversation towards the agitated Princess who was obviously annoyed.
Jennie managed to smile at me, "Actually, I do. Father has recently talked me out of it."
"Really? So you'll quit racing for good?" Eunwoo carelessly interfered.
"She should. It'll be a disgrace to her reputation if she continues." The King obliged to answer looking at his daughter with demeaning eyes. I sensed Jennie tensing up, she gave her Father the same stare.
"I have to disagree. The only disgrace that a royal could commit would be neglecting others opinions and stance just because their ego matters more than the voice of the rational."
"Oh, just like how you prioritize drag racing than your duties as a royal? Quite an egotistic act isn't it?" The King managed to backlash his daughter's statement and Jennie froze as a response. She didn't know what to say or was it even a risk worth taking if she does so. Humiliation and anger was stirring across her face, she was in mortifying pain. His toxic disposition with her Father never gave her the emotional stability that she needed growing up. She despised the King's negligence of her being and the way he treated her as a subject rather than family after her mother died killed a part of her. Jennie was never good at adapting, that's why she got stuck to an delinquent environment that was presented to her after her Father decided to build a wall between them.
I saw Jennie wanting to respond but she was too anxious at the moment, and I had enough of this insignificant insult and rage so I had the urge to retort, "We all due respect your majesty, but persecuting a fellow doesn't make you a great monarch, but it is understanding them would make you such." I tried to be in a tone more courteous than deserved. "Wouldn't you agree?" I continued with a smile.
Then he just stared at me in both confusion and hesitance. I'm sure he remembers these words. He will never forget his Father's nobility. I thought as I held my gaze.
"How did yo-?" He stammered, perhaps realizing it was his late Father's words that he was defying, but before he could continue Jennie suddenly stood up from her seat, "If you may excuse me for awhile." Her head was facing down as she anxiously walked out of the hall. So I thought it was the time for me to escape this audacious event too.
So I stood up and excused myself the same and followed the young Princess.
...
I quickly walked my way into the Hercule Gallery which magnified the 13th century Carrera marble structure with columns so prestige of affluence. It had a view of the palace's main courtyard.
It didn't took long until I found the presence I've been wanting to see. "Got you some champagne in case you were thirsty." She quickly turned around when she heard me and I made eye contact with her enigmatic feline eyes when she greeted. "Hi." Jennie Kim smiled with her lips along with her crystal white evening gown drazzling down on the century old marbled floor.
"Bonjour." I greeted back as I handed her the champagne and stared at her for too long that I can see her getting awkward by the time. It was quite amusing. "So I was right then, You're the Kim Jisoo that I've heard of." She confessed. "Obliterating your thoughts to the Highest Majesty in the room is quite an impressive act."
"And you're also the exact Jennie Kim people talk about."
"Hm. And what does that mean?" She questioned.
"The kind who rather wants to be a delinquent loudmouth than to be tamed and silenced by her patriarchal and arbitrary Father."
"I'd take that as a compliment, merci beaucoup."
"Oh wow the princess has learned how to appreciate." I started to get on her nerves again. Jennie rolled my eyes in frivolous denial. "Oh shut up. Get off my tongue will you?" She bickered.
"Well that doesn't mean you stopped being annoying." I said with a glib expression.
"Spare me the shit, Sherlock. I've had enough of that tonight."
"Well, you're not the only one." I implied as I sip the last of my drink.
A silent moment came as I made my way beside her as we watch the view of the Garden in front of us. "Hey, you were solid out there. I heard what you said." Jennie suddenly spoke.
"Did the princess just appreciated a peasant subject like me?"
"No." Jennie stuttered in denial.
"What changed?"
"Can you stop prying me for once?"
"Not if I see you go blank when I do so. It's quite hilarious." She dared to mock me.
"That doesn't really make it any better for me."
"Exactly my point." I bit again.
Jennie scoffed a laugh, maybe finding it a bit comical of a conversation.
"Wanna go for a drive?" A sudden invite grasped Jennie's smiling lips.
With politeness I said, "I'd rather die walking."
"Driving can kill you faster, if that's your intetion."
"Yeah right especially when you're on the wheels. In case you didn't know, you have an infamous reputation of crashing luxury cars that are new from the market." I blabbered nonstop.
"What?"
I realized I was being to obvious that I know everything about her so I choked for a bit, "Uh-Your boyfriend was being nosy about you, he mentioned your-"
"Oh come on, you haven't even seen me drive." She interfered strongly.
"I do not need experience to confirm it." Even if I had experience. I would gladly decline.
"How many times did a monégasque royal invite you for a personal tour?"
"Uh-"
"That's right, none. You should be grateful that a Princess is willing to give you one. Now come on, let's get my car."
"But I di-" Before I knew Jennie was already grasping my wrist as she pulled me from behind, leaving our champagnes glasses at the marble surface of the Gallery's balcony.
I can't believe I'm going to die a mortal. I thought for I was never this uncertain for the future of my well-being.
+ JENNIE
The deeming lights of the glowing city of affluence and its hostile yet charming atmosphere has garnered my peace. I was now calmer than before. I was now behind the wheels of my Bugatti La Voiture Noire (which translates to The Black Car), which is by the way an €16 million bargain. This haute couture automotive packs 1,500 horsepower and 1,180 pound-foot of torque that propels it from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds. It has a quad turbo W-16 engine with a top speed of 261 mph.
It was the latest gift from my Uncle, he was my Mother's brother who's a business tycoon in Germany. He fancies luxury cars as much as I do that's why he gifts me with the most expensive ones because he believes that a royal's wealth should never be topped by it's subjects and coming from a country with 32 percent millionaires I should be the epitome of being a filthy rich monegasque. I was driving Jisoo along the north pristine roads of Monaco, we were about to go south as I was engulfing myself with the mystifying roaring sound of the car's engine.
"I don't remember Bugattis being this loud." I heard Jisoo spoke while seating at the shotgun seat. She took her time examining the interior.
"That's because it's the loudest and most expensive Bugatti out there." I flexed with utmost right.
Jisoo crunched her forehead, "I really don't understand why there should be a difference. It's still a car with four wheels."
"You want to see the difference?"
"What?" Jisoo, the astounding darling that she was, looked at me in confusion.
"Buckle up." I warned her with a smug smirk on my lips as I was thinking of my mischievous idea.
"JENNIE I SWEAR TO-" then after that all I could only hear her scream with the engine as I pumped my gas and raised my speed into a 120 km per hour. "KYAAAAAH!" were Jisoo's accurate words. I felt my wheels blazing along the cold breeze of the night.
"WHAT ARE YOU FUCKING DOING?" The ever composed lady that I knew has currently lost it. "I'm letting you see the difference." I blurted out as I was trying to stop myself from laughing.
Then all of a sudden I felt a hand above mine, finding something to hold onto. My eyes shifted at her touch as a peculiar buzzing feeling shaded all over my body. Her skin was so translucent and soft that every hair on my skin stood up at the interaction.
"JENNIE THAT'S A BLIND CURVE!" I was out of the trance when a panicking Jisoo pointed out the road ahead of us. "Oh sHIT." Feeling alarmed, I quickly switched to second gear, as it would give me a nice throttle response and good levels of torque. To fully engage into a drift, I quickly hit the gas pedal for a brief moment to make the rear wheels spin. My heart was racing as I felt like the rear was overtaking the front I gently eased off the throttle and counter-steered at the same time. Then in a matter of seconds we were on the sane road again. Jisoo finally breathed her fright out as I was still feeling the adrenaline rushing through my veins.
I huffed a laugh as I found her expression amusing, "Can you let go of me now?"
"What?" Jisoo then noticed her tight grip on my hand. "Oh-I'm sorry." Her awkward tone resonated as she removed her hand.
"Have you seen it?"
"My upcoming death? Yes, I did."
"Come on, driving in a higher speed is more fun."
"Well clearly I'm feeling no fun at all." Jisoo continued to be a grumpy blabbering complainant.
"Then tell me, what do you do for fun? Beside from screaming at the top of your lungs." I then looked at her way as her eyes dazzled under the low light. It took her a few moment of silence as she answered, "Uhm. Watching." She s said with a tone of hesitance.
My eyebrows were confused too. "Are you a stalker of some sort?"
She shook her head, "No. What I meant is that I like observing people or places. You know, how one act and behave. I would like to be in one place, and focus on certain things as I watch them live the way they live."
Oh, now I get it. I thought in realization. She prefers to be in the presence of tranquility along with the harmony of co-existing. Hmm. Quite a catch does this young lady fancy.
"That's a cool thing to have as a hobby." I pointed out.
"You know. We can do that if you'd like." An idea brimmed out of my head again. "I know a place."
...
A few minutes of driving have passed and finally we arrived. We were at the southern part of the principality, Fontvieille Park and Roseraie Princesse Grace specifically. I bribed the guard to give us entrance to the area and he did obliged.
"Have you been here?" I asked as we were sitting at a white marble bench that gave us a view of the main fountain that was surrounded by a small rotunda of ornamental plants and flowers of the French. "Yea-Uh-No." Jisoo unlikely stuttered.
"This is where I likely do my observation. Since it's the next place I feel closest to besides the Palace. This place was built to commemorate the death of the Queen." I confessed as I felt my frowning smile appearing.
"Your Mother." Jisoo concluded. I nodded as a sentimental warmth cradled my chest. "It just saddens me that she didn't get to see all of this beauty built for her." I sighed.
"I think your mother would be glad nonetheless." Jisoo took the time to look me in the eyes, it was a new kind of warmth I liked. Jisoo was good at making me feel safe somehow. I wonder why. Well she mostly saved me at occasions where I didn't know I was in trouble with and she always thought ahead as if she knew what was going to happen to me. And I can't wrap my mind around it.
It's maddening.
"Well don't drown yourself too much there, princess." I was interrupted from my thoughts as Jisoo spoke. I flinched as I met her gaze. Was she observing me? With that thought, I felt conscious. "Thoughts can sometimes be overpowering." Jisoo added.
"You do really heedfully observe." I stated my realization. "It's because you're letting yourself to be predictable, your Highness." Jisoo revealed her thoughts.
"I really don't see how I can stop being so."
"Because that's how the world works for people. The more they think they're hiding what they truly feel or think, the more it rises up to the surface. A dilemma inevitable to man." The brazen lady clashed my perception of her. She was more than just beauty after all.
"I'd take that point." I agreed.
"But there are certain moments that come unpredictable."
"Like what?" I was curious again.
She shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know, you tell me."
I was then forced to think as her statement bothered me more, "Hmm. Maybe forgiving? Sacrificing?..." I started throwing out some of my answers. "Possible." Jisoo adamantly agreed as I continued to mutter, "...Dying? Falling in love?" Timely Jisoo's head turned into my direction and I was imprisoned by her intense gaze. Before I knew it I was stiffly preventing myself from not falling into her face as I felt my heart race louder than any car engine I've heard, it felt like a car crash. What the fuck is this? I felt my lungs in panic as her angelic face was too much for me to stare at. Like it was everything at once. She was everything at once.
"Perhaps." Jisoo's breath lingered through my skin for too long that I felt my throat tightened in agitation. "But I think we can only be so sure if we've experienced it, right?" She was so calm and her voice was so gentle and enticing to the ears as if I was drowning at every word she was saying. And I was kind of liking it? Maybe? I don't know? What's happening?!
"Jennie?" With Jisoo's now bothered tone I snapped back from my trance. "Ah-uh. Yes. D-definitely. Right, you're right." I can't believe I'm fucking stammering at her presence. She's not even dangerous nor harmful yet I'm here, feeling paralyzed over a pair of eyes.
"I think we should go now, Jisoo." I prompted first as I can't manage myself to breathe right. "If you say so." She deliberately agreed to my request as we head out of the Garden. I insisted to drive her to her residence so we traveled back north. I didn't spoke much during the drive since I was still lingering over what happened and it was an absolute bother.
It was already midnight when we arrived at Jisoo's exclusive residence. Her mansion was an exquisite one of course, perhaps better than my boyfriend's mansion. What more could you ask for from the daughter of billionaires?
"Glad I didn't made you scream on the way here." I bantered a jest. "I'd give you credit for that." She lowly chuckled and said. "Well thank you for touring me tonight, princess." The heavenly maiden continued to express her gratitude, as I felt my heart warm by her words.
"And thanks for saving me again..." I smiled as I ravished from the word that I was about to say, "..angel."
...
a/n: things will about to be better for them two. How do you feel about the story so far?