PROLOGUE
The palace was in chaos.
Guards rushed through the corridors, swords drawn, their faces tight with anxiety. They searched every corner, every shadow, every chamber. Princess Yeonhwa had vanished disappearing without a trace just thirty days before her wedding to the Crown Prince.
The wedding could not be postponed. That much was certain.
Only the King had been informed of the disappearance. He had ordered a kingdom-wide search, but time was running out.
Inside his private chambers, King Gomin sat in silence, his brow furrowed with worry. A royal guard stood before him, head bowed low in reverence.
*King Gomin:*
"The wedding cannot be canceled under any circumstance. Royal Guard, do you have a plan? If we delay it, who knows war could erupt. I'm out of options. I can't tell Crown Prince Jehun his bride is missing. What do we do?"
The guard immediately dropped to his knees.
*Guard:*
"Your Majesty, please forgive me if what I'm about to suggest is foolish. But… what if we replace the princess? Just for now. A stand-in. A vessel to play her part. I'm confident we can find Princess Yeonhwa within thirty days. Once we do, everything can return to normal."
The King's expression softened. Relief washed over him. He hadn't realized he had such a clever strategist on his side.
*King Gomin:*
"Put your plan into action immediately. Find a girl who resembles Yeonhwa. I will reward you for your sharp mind. Now go."
Without another word, the guard rose and hurried from the chamber, already putting his plan into motion.
The search for Yeonhwa's replacement had begun.
*TO BE CONTINUED...*
*End of Prologue*