Marionette

"My Lady, are you awake?"

A woman's voice pulled Miye from his daze. The knocking must have been going on for some time, as he jolted upright the moment he heard it. A sharp pain pulsed through his temples, the remnants of a second nightmare still clinging to him like a curse.

He brushed the soft strands of hair from his face, tucking them gently behind his ear. Moving to the door, he eased it open only halfway, his posture cautious.

"You are...?"

The woman standing outside wore the robes of a court servant, but Miye did not recognize her. She appeared to be in her late thirties, her posture was stiff, and her eyes were darting nervously. It indicated that she was clearly someone unfamiliar with the palace routines.

Realizing her lapse, she immediately bowed.

"Forgive me, Your Highness. I failed to introduce myself. My name is Sung Chunhee, your new maid. I was appointed only last night, but I did not wish to disturb your rest."

"Where is Yuna?"

Yuna had been his maid for years. She knew him better than anyone in the palace—his habits, his nature, and the truth that the so-called Princess was, in fact, a man. Her absence could only mean one thing.

"So he found out..." Miye whispered under his breath.

Chunhee blinked, unsure if she should respond, and wisely kept silent. Miye sighed and stepped aside, reluctantly allowing her entrance.

She carried a tray of covered dishes, but as she set it down, Miye noted the meager portion. It was barely enough for a child, let alone an adult.

So... I am not to have a full stomach again.

Miye sat at his dressing table while Chunhee moved to the wardrobe, carefully laying out his attire for the day.

"My Lady," she began, "the Prince will be visiting you today."

"What? Why would he come here?"

"He said it concerns an official matter that must be discussed with you, Milady."

"...I see."

"I must ensure you are in your most presentable state. Though your beauty alone is enough to astonish any man... the Prince mentioned he would like to see you properly dressed." Chunhee hesitated, lowering her voice. "He... said he would like to see you dolled up."

Miye didn't flinch. He had grown used to such descriptions, especially from him.

To the Prince, Miye was never a person, only a possession - a gift handed to him on his birthday. A doll he could name, control, and display as he pleased.

Chunhee stepped closer, reaching for the ties of Miye's robe. Before her fingers could graze the fabric, Miye’s hand shot up, clamping around her wrist.

Her breath hitched. "F-Forgive me -"

Miye let go, his expression cold and controlled.

"I assume the Prince did not brief you on the rules of the Flower Palace."

"N-No, Milady..."

"Well, here is one you must remember." His voice tightened, a trace of bitterness slipping through. "I do not allow anyone to dress me. I will handle it myself."

Chunhee bowed so low her hair brushed the floor.

"Of course, Milady. I- I shall wait outside until you call."

The moment the doors latched shut, Miye exhaled sharply, releasing a breath he felt he had been holding for years. He loosened the knot of his top and faced his reflection in the mirror.

A slight, frail body stared back, delicate and almost breakable. His skin was milky white, save for the two faint pink petals of his chest.

If he had been allowed to live as a man... would he have looked different? If he had been permitted to continue his swordsmanship, would his arms carry strength instead of this slender helplessness?

He practiced the sword, ate the hearty meals of a young prince, and lived in a secluded, peaceful corner of the palace. 

However, he was never permitted to leave his quarters. The Prince wished to keep Miye entirely for himself and away from the public eye. Like a possession, he only wished to see for himself.

And so, the new Young Prince’s dedicated quarters had been the only place he felt at ease.

But then… the quarters were burnt down, until nothing but ashes remained. And…

He severed the thought before it could finish. It was useless to dwell on the past; he didn't want to remember the heat of those flames anymore.

He dressed in the attire Chunhee had prepared: layers of soft silk in the rich hues of royalty, adorned with the delicate embroidery of a noblewoman. Just as it did every morning, the transformation was absolute.

Underneath the elegant skirts and flowing ribbons was a man's body, yet no one would ever suspect it. All they saw was an ethereal grace that made even the highest nobles forget to breathe. 

They could see a stunning woman, a perfect doll.

A lie the Prince had crafted with his own hands.

"You may come in."

Chunhee stepped inside with small, cautious steps. Her breath caught the moment her eyes fell upon him. Even expressionless, Miye was breathtaking. His long lashes framed eyes the color of warm cognac, rich amber with a quiet burn beneath the surface. In the light, they deepened into molten gold, intoxicating as a draught of aged liquor. His hair, glossy and black, flowed down his back like woven silk, and the small beauty mark beneath his right eye stood out like a single drop of ink on fine porcelain.

"M-Milady, you... You look beautiful..."

"Don't make that face," Miye replied flatly. Compliments were merely white noise. "Come, help me with my hair."

me with my hair."

Chunhee nodded quickly, her hands trembling as she began to pin his hair with delicate precision. Once she was done inserting the silver hairpin onto his hair, she moved back.

Miye stood up and pulled the drawer as to look for the final cloth to complete this doll-like appearance for Yugwon. But before he could start searching for it, a familiar smell of something warm was felt behind him. 

He turned back to see, only for his senses to elevate as he flung back Chunhee’s arm that held a burning matchstick. He had struck her hard enough to leave the new maid in complete bewilderment. 

“Your Highness?” she stuttered, “I only wanted to ignite the incense burner for the prince’s arrival -”

“You should really read the rules of the Flower Palace, Song Chunhee,” Miye clenched his jaw, “Do not burn an object in front of me ever again.”

Sung Chunhee, confused and startled as she was, did not question the princess. She bowed multiple times and left the room at once.