Cold war
CHAPTER 1 — THE THREE ROYALS WHO LOST THEIR WAY
Joseon–Seorae Palace, Korea.
THE WHISPER THAT REACHED A THRONE
Night settled over the Joseon-Seorae Palace, lanterns flickering softly against carved wooden pillars.
Within the private council chamber,
King and Queen of Joseon sat in silence as a lone figure knelt before them — cloaked, unseen, trusted.
The spy’s head remained bowed.
“Your Majesty,” he said quietly, “what I bring is not rumor, but warning.”
The Queen’s fingers tightened around her silk sleeve.
“Speak.”
The spy lifted his gaze only slightly, his voice lowered to reverence rather than fear.
“Remember her name.
She will not conquer with swords, but with sight and silence.
Duty will rest in her breath, wisdom in her blood.
When she rises, kings will lower their voices,
for the future queen’s mind will rule long before her crown does.”
Silence followed — heavy, unmistakable.
The King exhaled slowly.
“So the whispers are true,” he murmured. “The Indian princess.”
The spy nodded. “She governs unseen, Your Majesty. Ministers listen before she speaks. Enemies misstep before realizing they are being watched. It is not fear she inspires… it is awareness.”
The Queen lowered her eyes,
a thoughtful smile touching her lips.
“Elegance like that,” she said softly, “is not taught. It is born.”
The King leaned back, gaze distant.
“Then we must be careful,” he said.
“For a queen like that does not enter history quietly.”
And somewhere far away, beneath another crownless sky, Princess Riva carried the weight of kingdoms — unaware that even foreign thrones had begun to speak her name in whispers.
____
Morning sunlight slipped through sheer silk curtains as servants hurried across the hall,
preparing for the royal departure to India.
Prince Li Seon Jun
the perfectionist, the mirror-lover, the future king
stood in front of a tall bronze mirror, admiring the sharp cut of his jaw.
Prince Li Seon Jun wore the dark blue Gonryongpo, adorned with black hyungbae emblems.
His long, black hair flowed from
beneath the Hogeon crown,
and quiet charm and magnetic presence,
"A pair of deep, magnetic dark hazel eyes,
fit for a noble lineage,
drew you into their depths.
" Implying an alluring gaze that is difficult to look away from.
“Look at this jawline, Bong Sun,” he declared proudly. “India will faint.”
Kim Bong Sun, his loyal guard, sighed.
“Your Highness… this is a diplomatic journey. Not a modeling audition.”
Before Jun could respond, a loud, dramatic voice erupted behind them.
____
“HYUHHH!! I’M READY!”
Prince Li Seon Hyu burst into the room like a thunderstorm — mischief in his eyes,
a grin that guaranteed trouble, and vibes that screamed pure chaos.
The Royal Departure — Korea → India
The royal family gathered in the throne room.
Servants bowed, guards aligned, and the two princes prepared for the long journey.
King Li Jin Hyuk studied his sons with a mix of pride and worry.
“Jun, Hyu… are you certain about this journey? India is far, and its customs are unpredictable.”
Prince Jun straightened proudly.
“Yes, Father. I will represent Korea with dignity… and unmatched aura.”
Prince Hyu grinned.
“Don’t worry, Father. I’ll charm everyone.
Maybe even start a small revolution of laughter.”
Queen Song Yan chuckled softly.
“Hyu, must you take chaos everywhere you go?”
Jun shot Hyu a glare.
“We have a mission. Diplomacy first.
Your jokes can wait.”
Lady Kyo stepped forward with her signature mysterious smile.
“The world is bigger than Korea. One misstep, and you’ll be a legend for centuries — whether you like it or not.”
Bong Sun adjusted his uniform nervously.
“I will keep both princes safe, Your Majesties… and hopefully prevent disasters.”
___
Hyu nudged Jun.
“See? Even Bong Sun knows my charm is dangerous.”
Jun rolled his eyes.
“It’s dangerous only when paired with your stupidity.”
Queen Song Yan tapped both sons lightly.
“Remember your manners. India is a land of respect and surprises.”
Jun bowed confidently.
“Of course, Mother. I am perfection.”
Hyu saluted playfully.
“And I am chaos incarnate.”
Lady Kyo whispered to the queen,
“Do you think they’ll survive a week without embarrassing themselves?”
The queen whispered back, smiling, “I doubt it.”
King Li Jin Hyuk cleared his throat.
“Jun, Hyu — protect Korea’s honor, and return safely.”
Jun bowed dramatically.
“My aura and I shall make Korea proud.”
Hyu beamed.
“And if chaos follows… may it be beautiful.”
Bong Sun muttered under his breath, “I’m going to need a miracle.”
The queen handed them travel satchels.
“May the winds guide you. And Jun — try not to blind anyone with your aura.”
Jun smirked. “Blinding is my specialty.”
Hyu threw an arm around his brother.
“And I’ll provide the comedy.”
Moments later, the princes and their loyal guard left Korea.
____
While leaving Korea jun remember something
The royal study was quiet, lit only by the glow of oil lamps and the weight of unspoken matters. King Li sat across from his eldest son, gaze steady, unreadable.
“Seon Jun,” the King said at last, “there is something you must understand about the Indian princess.”
Jun straightened, a confident smile already forming. “If this is another warning about foreign courts, Father, I assure you—I will manage.”
The King did not return the smile.
“She is not merely a princess,” he continued. “She governs. Ministers listen before she speaks. Enemies misstep without realizing they are being watched.”
Jun chuckled softly. “Intelligence is admirable. Still, no mind is immune to charm.”
The King’s eyes sharpened.
“This one is.”
Jun’s smile paused — only for a breath.
The King leaned forward. “She does not conquer with beauty or noise. She watches. She waits. And when she moves, it is already too late.”
Jun scoffed lightly, smoothing his sleeve. “Father, I have faced councils, rivals, and kings. I can handle one clever princess.”
Yet something stirred behind his confidence — curiosity, unwanted and faint.
A princess who ruled in silence? Who unsettled kings?
Interesting.
Across the chamber, Prince Seon Hyu lounged near the window, pretending to examine the night sky while listening intently. His usual grin had faded.
“So,” Hyu said casually, “she doesn’t sound like someone who’ll be impressed easily.”
Jun shot him a look. “Don’t start.”
Hyu shrugged. “Just saying. People who don’t try to win attention are usually the most dangerous.”
Jun laughed. “Dangerous? Please. Everything bends eventually.”
Hyu didn’t reply.
He imagined a presence rather than a face — someone who would look at a crown and see weight instead of shine. Someone who measured storms instead of fearing them.
As Jun rose to leave, pride restored and smile perfect once more, Hyu watched him go.
Hyung thinks he’ll win her with charm, Hyu thought.
He doesn’t realize she’s already playing a different game.
And for the first time, the mischievous prince felt something unfamiliar.
Not attraction.
Not fear.
--
PRINCESS RIVA
🌺 INDIA — ENTER PRINCESS RIVA
India welcomed them with buzzing bazaars,
ringing temple bells, and the warm scent of spice drifting through the streets.
As they approached the palace outskirts,
Princess Riva glided across the land in a flowing pink Indian gown, the fabric drifting gracefully behind her
long, black hair fell freely,
some strands caressing her face,
crowned with a golden princess crown.
Golden anklets jingled lightly with each step,
accompanied by delicate bangles,
while her long eyelashes framed eyes full of warmth and curiosity, making her presence both regal and enchanting. , accidentally collided with them.
Princess Riva.
Sharp eyes.Fiery attitude.
An energy that screamed: Don’t mess with me.
But they had no idea she was royalty.
“HEY! Watch where you’re going!” she snapped.
Jun blinked, offended.
Hyu blinked, impressed.
Bong Sun bowed politely.
Jun raised an eyebrow.
“Naega nugu-inji algo haneun mal-inga?”
(Do you know who you’re talking to?)
“No,” Riva said proudly. “And I don’t care.”
Jun’s jaw dropped.
Hyu burst into laughter.
“Hyung, she roasted you!”
Jun glared at him.
She can speak korean too
Riva smirked and responded sharply,
“Na eoneo eomcheong jalhae.
(I’m amazing at languages. Didn’t know, huh?)
She pointed at them.
“You three look lost. Very lost.”
Hyu flashed a grin.
“We ARE lost. But at least we’re cute.”
Riva replied coolly,
Careful. If I get annoyed, it’s over.
Bong Sun facepalmed.
Jun stepped forward, ego blazing.
“If the King finds out you yelled at us, you’ll be punished. We’re very special guests.”
Hyu added cheerfully, “Royal-level special!”
Riva raised a brow.
“Oh? So you speak my language too?”
Jun flipped his hair.
“Of course. I’m amazing at languages. Didn’t know, huh?”
He smirked.
“No one can match my aura.”
Riva deadpanned,
“Ohhh, ‘your aura.’ Impressive.”
Then she narrowed her eyes,
But
In India such a people are called stupid jerk.
“ don’t talk nonsense.”
I’m a perfectionist.
While brushing his own hairs he said
"And i know that deep inside, you are also
Impressed by my beauty "
Hyu whispered to Jun in Korean,
“Hyung… she’s kinda scary…”
Jun muttered back,
(“Joyonghi hae")
Shut up.
Remember we’re special guests of the king.”
Riva rolled her eyes.
“In which angle?”
Jun gasped.
Hyu exploded into laughter.
Then Riva gets a crazy idea
“Fine,” she said. “I’ll guide you. Follow me.”
She led them… the wrong way.
On purpose.
Through mud.
Through cow fields.
Through a goat festival.
A goat even chased Hyu.
“WHY IS IT ALWAYS ME?!” Hyu screamed.
Jun’s shoes were ruined.
His soul almost left his body.
Bong Sun regretted every life choice.
Finally, they reached the palace — dirty, tired, humbled.
____
👑 THE GRAND REVEAL
Inside the throne hall, King Mandev stood waiting.
“Prince Seon Jun, Prince Seon Hyu, and Bong Sun — welcome.”
The princes bowed.
Hyu fanned his sweaty face.
Bong Sun bowed gracefully.
“All greetings were translated, bridging the Korean royals and the Indian court.”
Jun complained immediately,
“Your Majesty… someone misled us terribly!”
Hyu added with pain,
“She dragged us through mud! I still smell like cow!”
The king lifted a brow.
“Oh? And who did this?”
Then the doors opened.
Princess Riva entered — elegant, calm, radiant.
Jun froze.
Hyu stopped breathing for a second.
Bong Sun whispered, “We are doomed.”
Jun stared.
Hyu rubbed his eyes like the reveal was a hallucination.
“W–Who is she?” Jun asked.
King Mandev smiled.
“She is my daughter. Princess Riva.”
Hyu elbowed Jun.
“That’s the girl who yelled at you! HA!”
Riva smirked sweetly.
“Oh… hello, ‘Royal Special Guests.’”
Both princes bowed instantly.
“Nice to meet you, Princess Riva.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“Oh? NICE to meet me? Suddenly?”
Queen Manirka chuckled.
“Riva, be polite.”
The princes stood awkwardly.
Queen Manirka asked gently,
“How was your journey?”
Jun sighed dramatically.
“Someone guided us terribly—”
Hyu complained,
“She was sooo mean!”
The queen frowned.
“And who is this terrible girl?”
Riva coughed loudly.
“Mother, maybe she was just… confused.”
Hyu pointed at her behind his back.
Jun slapped his hand down.
The Queen instructed,
“Madhvi, Kisha — escort the princes and Bong Sun to their rooms.”
Then she looked at Riva.
“Riva, accompany them.”
Riva recoiled.
“WHAT?! They’re not that special!”
“Riva.”
One warning from the queen. Enough.
Riva grit her teeth.
Jun smirked.
Hyu waved like an excited puppy.
And so—
Princess Riva led the two chaotic Korean princes and their loyal guard down the grand palace hallway.
A witty Elegance princess,
Two dramatic princes and
One loyal guard.
One destiny.
The real adventure had only just begun
