Chapter Text
For a term with such vague meaning, everyone knows what a ‘soulmate’ is.
To some people, a soulmate is a metaphor, a hyperbole for someone that you love so much, of someone you share a deep bond and connection with. Someone that is so perfect for you it was like they were made to be your match. Someone you can’t live without.
That’s how most people viewed the term.
Not Lee Taeyong or Nam Haeun.
No.
To them, the term soulmate meant the one person who they loved so much that they transcended life, time, and space.
The one person they would never be able to leave behind.
It doesn’t matter what year, what decade, what part of the world, what age they were at.
They would always find each other.
Always.
1889 —— Joseon Dynasty
It should be a crime to be locked up on a day like this.
The sun was shining but there was still a comforting breeze to cool the sweat. Birds were chirping and the sounds of kids running through the markets carried through the air. It was absolutely gorgeous out, beautiful to the point where it could lift your mood.
Maybe she’d call the local guards and file a complaint. Unlawful confinement.
“Sure, file a complaint but don’t expect us to come down and bail you out when they carry you off in handcuffs.”
Nam Haeun shot a glare at Mark Lee who stood behind her, stirring a bowl of batter with a smug smile on his face. She didn't realize she had spoken outloud.
“Mark leave her alone, she’s being fussy.” Her mom called from the kitchen.
Haeun groaned as she dramatically draped her body across the first-floor window of their little family bakery that was tucked in a small street filled with shops.
Nam’s Bakeshop had existed for 3 generations, passed down from son to son and being the first daughter of the Nam line, it was expected that Haeun would be taking it over when the time came.
No matter how many times she tried to convince Mark, a childhood friend who lived alone when his parents traveled, to inherit the store instead of her, it was clear. The store would be hers.
“Fussy is cruel and outdated language. And I am your daughter, you’re supposed to be on my side.” She huffed.
Her mother came out from the kitchen and shot her daughter a look before gently tugging on the sunflower print ribbon in Haeun’s hair. “Normally I am, but your father is sick and we’re running behind, so instead of daydreaming, help Mark with the cinnamon cakes please.”
Haeun let out another groan before dragging her body next to Mark’s and began lining the tray, “What if I pay you to take over the bakery when I inherit it?”
Mark rolled his eyes and began pouring the batter into little cups, “I love this place and your parents but the bakery is going to be yours, they really want you to take it. Also, you’re basically broke, you have nothing to bribe me with.”
“Ugh.” She leaned her cheek against her fist and watched Mark carefully bang the bottom of the tray against the counter to get rid of the air bubbles before moving to the fire pit oven.
After prodding the coals, Mark glanced her before pulling out a muffin that he had been hiding and slid it over to her, “How are you even planning on traveling the world when you don’t even have any money?”
Her expression changed when the sweetness hit her tongue and when she was able to talk about her dreams, “I’ll find a way, maybe I’ll get a job that lets me travel.”
“You really think your parents will let you do that? Like even without the shop, they want you to get married soon, Hae. You’re already 26.” He whispered the last part, knowing that it would upset her.
She frowned, dropping the muffin to look away, “They know I don’t want to get married until I get to see at least a little more of what’s out there.”
Mark sympathized with her, most women her age would’ve already been married and have kids but Haeun always did things differently. Her parents had begrudgingly agreed to delay searching for a groom, but the older they got, the more concerned they were getting. They wanted to make sure she had a family before something bad happened to them and it was going to be harder to find a suitor at her age.
“Mark, why don’t you marry me?” She cooed, batting her lashes.
Mark scrunched his face up, “Because I’m too young to have my entire future thrown away.”
She scoffed and socked him in the shoulder, making him laugh.
“Are you kids just goofing off or are you finishing today’s orders?”
Haeun’s eyes widened as she watched her father walk in, her mother scurrying in after him, “Dad, why are you up? Aren’t you still dizzy?”
“I told this old man that he should just take a rest but now he wants to go to the palace to make a delivery.” Her mother complained.
Her father brushed her off and began filling a wicker basket full of their nicest pastries. “The King has always been good to us, if it wasn’t for him we wouldn’t still be open.”
That much was true.
The King and Queen had come through their neighbourhood a few years ago and her father, excited as can be, got up the courage to approach the many guards and offer a cake to the royals. Luckily for them, the King loved it and since then, had a standing order every week for a basket of pastries. He had even gone as far as hiring the bakery to provide delicacies for the lunar new year festival.
“The prince must be getting married soon, if we stay on his good side, he could ask us to cater the entire wedding. Can you imagine? Being asked to bake for a royal wedding.” Her father said.
Her mother looked unimpressed, “But still, it’s a 2-hour trip to get there and another 2 hours back, I’m sure they will understand if you miss this week’s delivery.”
“I’ll go!” Haeun exclaimed, standing up.
Mark snorted, “Here she goes.”
Her father eyed her wearily, “You want to make a delivery?”
“Maybe she’ll propose to the prince.” Mark joked, ignoring Haeun’s glare.
His snide got a smile out of her father who seemed to fully feel the heaviness of his illness, “Fine. You can go. But you’re coming directly back home, your mother still needs help.”
“Yes! I promise.” Haeun rushed to drape her robes over her clothes and take the basket from her father. She had never been to the palace before, only ever hearing the stories of how grande and luxurious it was and how beautiful Nobel men and women would be walking around the grounds.
She had always wanted to see inside.
“Listen carefully, when you’re at the entrance, one of the king’s aides will come out to and meet you, you can just pass her the basket and she’ll take it to the kitchen and bring back the basket. You are not to go in on your own, okay? I know you like to explore but remember, trespassing on royal grounds is a crime, it doesn’t matter how much the king and queen may like us.” Her father instructed.
She nodded excitedly before racing to the door, “I’ll see you tonight!”
“This was a good idea, right?” Her mother asked.
Mark chuckled and walked to the kitchen, “Just be ready to be exiled from the country when the guards find her trying to steal a priceless artifact.”
-----
It had been 30 minutes.
She had been standing outside the palace entryway for 30 minutes and no one had come to retrieve the basket like she was told. Her feet were sore and the sun had long set which meant that the loving breeze from earlier had turned into a frigid chill.
Haeun pulled her robes tighter against her shoulders as anger boiled up through her. She respected the king and queen and the entire royal family but it was disrespectful to leave her in the cold just because she was a normal citizen.
Who did they think they were?
Holding her head up, she rolled her shoulders back and stomped up the walkway to the palace. Almost as quickly as her confidence came, it simmered away.
She had just done the first thing her father told her not to. She was waiting for royal guards to spring out from the dark corners of the palace and tackle her to the ground. She quickly turned on her heel and chewed her lip in thought.
Maybe she could just leave the basket on the ground or by the palace doors and take off running before anyone spotting her.
No.
She was sure the palace would be more alarmed with a mysterious package. Mustering up the courage once more, she turned only to slam face-first into someone’s chest. Gasping, she stumbled up and looked up at the person, her heart dropping down to her stomach. He blinked curiously at her, tilting his head as he glanced at the basket in her hands.
She quickly lowered her gaze. “Prince! I—I’m so sorry, I mean, Your Highness I didn’t mean to be here, I was just delivering m—“
“Are those the cinnamon cakes from Nam’s Bakeshop?”
Her lips parted as she looked back up at him.
Jung Jaehyun.
The first and only Prince. His good looks were almost as infamous as his kind and caring personality. She had never seen him up close, only as a spot in the distance whenever the royal family would make public appearances.
He really was as beautiful as people said, he looked like he was made from porcelain, not a single imperfection and his robes were made of the finest silk and gold thread.
“Y-Yes they are.”
His eyebrows knit together, “Where’s the owner? He always delivers them, doesn’t he?”
“He’s my father, and he’s just a little sick right now.” She breathed out, unable to grasp the fact that she was actually talking to a member of royalty.
His eye widened, “Oh gods, you’re Nam Haeun.”
“How on earth do you know that?” She whispered.
He grinned and she felt the oxygen escape her lungs. It was a blessing that he was going to be the face of their country one day, “Of course I do, your father talks about you all the time. He loves you a lot, I must say.”
She felt her own smile grow, “Really? What does he say?”
“If you hand me that basket, I can give you a tour of the palace grounds and tell you.” He offered.
Her eyes lit up as she nodded, “Are you sure, though? I’m supposed to deliver this to the kitchen.”
“Oh, if it goes to the kitchen my father will empty it out before I get a chance. Come on, follow me.”
-----
“And this is where we keep our family portrait. It’s a little gauche which is why we hide it in a back hallway.” Jaehyun pointed out while taking a bite of the cake.
The entire thing felt like a dream.
Jaehyun was just as kind and charismatic as everyone thought. Despite being royalty, he spoke to her like a friend, telling her funny stories and hidden histories of the grande palace.
She almost forgot he was someone that many people revered and admired. She felt like she was talking to Mark, gossiping and giggling down the hallways.
“I hear you’re looking to get married soon.” She mused as he moved them to a small pond filled with exotic fish.
The light smile that adorned his face stiffened a fraction as he pulled his gaze away, “I suppose many people are curious, aren’t they?”
She shrugged, “I never cared much for marriage, but I guess it’s more of a duty for you than it is for other people.”
“Right, your father mentioned the deal you made.”
“He told you that!?” She exclaimed.
He chuckled, “I’m quite fond of your father. I think my father is jealous.”
“Oh dad would love to hear that the King is jealous of him.” She snorted.
Jaehyun looked at his feet as he spoke, “My parents made a bit of a deal with me too. They allowed me to choose my bride, not many royals get a say.”
Haeun grinned, “Lucky. I can’t wait to see which Nobel women wins your heart.”
Jaehyun opened his mouth just as a royal aid rushed to his side, “Your Highness, your tutor has been looking for you everywhere, where have you been!?”
“Oh, I was jus—“
“There’s no time! Hurry!” He yelled, pulling the basket out of his hands and handing it back to her.
Jaehyun quickly glanced over his shoulder and gave her an apologetic smile, “Sorry to leave so suddenly, it was nice meeting you, please return home safely.”
Haeun barely was able to bow when he was pulled away and out of sight. It was kind of Jaehyun to spend any time at all with her considering how busy he must be and how unimportant she was, but she wasn’t really paying attention to the direction that he led her in.
She had no idea where she was or how to find her way out of this labyrinth.
But meeting him and seeing the inside of the castle only further fuelled how much she wanted to see the world, meeting interesting people and hear their riveting stories.
Sighing, Haeun lifted the hem of her robe and began wandering along the path next to the garden. She continued along the perimeter of the palace walls until she found herself standing next to a steaming pool.
She inched closer and looked over at the crystal clear water and the stinging scent of salt. She had heard rumours that the Queen had rare healing salts brought in from Japan.
The sound of footsteps nearing snapped her out of her daze and sent her into a full panic. She knew that technically she wasn’t trespassing and that if worse comes to worst, the Prince would vouch for her but she still didn’t want to deal with people accusing her of something unsavory.
Scrambling, she ran behind a tall statue and curled up as small as possible. Holding her breath, she peeked around the statue and felt her heart stop.
She didn’t recognize the man that stood on the patio, surveying the yard but she knew that suddenly, Prince Jaehyun was no longer the most beautiful man she had ever seen.
“Is this whole palace filled with people who look like that or what?” She muttered to herself as she kept staring.
He took half a step forward and the moonlight was able to properly reveal his features. Sharp, feline eyes that scanned every inch before him, a thin slope of a nose, pursed, defined lips that sat in an unamused line and narrow cheeks that made him look all the more intimidating.
Haeun managed to pull her gaze away from his face and down to his robes when the realization kicked in.
The dark blue silk, the golden buckle on his belt and the sword synched at his waist. He was a royal guard. And the three stripes on the handle of his weapon meant that he the head guard of someone important.
She watched, enraptured, as unclasped the sword from his side and set on the patio before pulling on his robe and letting it slip down his shoulders. Her mouth immediately dried as exposed skin came into view. She couldn’t stop her eyes from darting everywhere, taking in the taut stretch of skin over firm muscles that must’ve been built over years of training.
She had never seen a man without his shirt before, except Mark once, but they were kids and he didn’t count.
It was all so overwhelming that she hadn’t noticed the way her teeth dug into her lip as her eyes shamelessly traced the curve of his stomach muscles before noticing the large dragon tattooed on his left breastbone. It was the royal seal that confirmed her assumption that she really was staring at a royal guard.
The one person trusted enough to accompany the royal family whenever they leave the palace, the person who ensures their safety and the person who pledges to sacrifice everything to protect the royalty and by proxy, the nation.
Although they often moved as shadows to the royals, they were just as revered and respected. Only guards of the highest pedigree are accepted to work for the royals
It was only when his hand drifted toward his pants did she have the decency to look away. Squeezing her eyes shut, she balanced the empty basket on her knees before pressing her palms against her cheeks, to cool herself down.
How on earth would she be able to sit here silently while he was bathing?
Unfortunately, her embarrassment meant she wasn’t able to notice someone charging at her, grabbing her by the throat and slamming her against the palace's outer walls. A scream escaped her lips as pain radiating through her back.
Wincing she peeled her eyes open, her heart racing as she held her breath. His face was inches from hers, his glare deadly as he inspected her face. Fingers wrapped in bandages curled around her neck.
“Who are you? It’s against the law to be on royal grounds.”
His voice was low but sounded like an agitated animal, ready to roar. Her body began to overheat in fear as she cowered against the wall, “I-I’m sorry, I wasn’t trespassing, the Prince let me in here, I just got lost. I was delivering cakes from Na—“
“Nam’s Bakeshop?”
Her eyes widened as she nodded, pointing to the basket at their feet, “Yes!”
His grip on her disappeared and in a second the anger in his face was replace with a gentle warmth. In a second his scorching glare turned into big sparkling eyes filled with emotion, “Oh no, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
Her jaw dropped at how quickly his tone changed, how it softened as he stepped back and bent to pick up her basket. His robes hung loosely open off his shoulders, he must’ve thrown it on when he spotted her.
He held the basket out, his brows creased in concern, “Are you alright? I slammed your back pretty hard.”
She rolled her shoulder and pursed her lips at the sting, “I think I’m okay.”
She looked up at him only to find his eyes pinned on her searching, “I can call the royal doctor, it’s the least I can do after hurting you.”
How could someone so terrifying be so sweet and worried? “No, really, I think I’m okay.”
The man fell silent as he scanned her face closely, “You’re his daughter, aren’t you?”
“Who didn’t he talk to about me?” She asked, exasperated.
The corner of his lips hitched, “He sang your praises, I was hoping to meet you under better circumstances, though.”
She felt her cheeks burn and looked away, “Right, it’s not very ideal to meet while being choked to death.”
He winced, again, “I really can’t apologize enough.”
“Maybe you can make it up to me by showing me how to get out of this maze.” She said.
There was something that did absolute wonders to her when his face softened and his eyes glittered. It was completely different than when he stood by the patio, glaring at his surroundings in search of a threat. It made him look younger and warmer.
He smiled and she finally understood what all those girls in her village meant when they said that a boy could make them ‘melt’. He reminded her of a kitten, with a coquettish grin and eyes that made you feel wholly protected.
He tightened his robes, knotting the belt, “I think I can arrange that.”
-----
“I noticed the basket is empty.”
She learned his name was Taeyong and that once they started walking, he never really looked her in the eye.
Haeun glanced down before looking at him in confusion, “Yes, the Prince basically emptied the entire thing.”
Taeyong scoffed, “That animal.”
Haeun’s eyes widened at the insult and opened her mouth to defend the royal but Taeyong was already shaking his head, “Don’t worry, I’ve grown up with Jaehyun, known each other since we were kids and sad to say he might be one of my closest friends. My father was the King’s guard.”
She gaped at him, “Oh-h, that means…”
“He died protecting the King from the rebel attack, yes.” He said softly, staring off in the distance.
Haeun never knew anyone close to her that died before, she wasn’t quite sure what to say, “Does that mean that you are the Prince’s guard?”
Taeyong smiled slightly, “Yes. When he becomes King, I’ll be his guard as well.”
“That’s impressive and a lot of pressure, to guard the life of your friend.”
He hummed in agreement and she wondered how it was so easy to speak to a man she had never known before tonight, “Wait, why does it matter that the basket was empty?”
Taeyong glanced at her from the side of his eye before shrugging, “My men were looking forward to their portion.”
Haeun stopped walked and stared at him in shock, “I was supposed to give some to the guards?”
“My men love your father, I think because he reminds them of theirs, after a few visits, your dad would bring some sweets for them too.” Taeyong explained.
She looked like she was about to cry, “I’m so sorry, I’ll bring some by tomorrow, my father didn’t really explai—“
“Haeun, it’s fine, they’re grown men, I’ll deal with it.” He assured with a gentle smile. “They’ll cry but I’m sure they’ll pick themselves up again in the morning.”
The same smile that was quickly driving her mad.
She let out a shallow breath as she stared at him before quickly clearing her throat and continuing down the path Taeyong was leading them.
“If you have to guard the Prince that must mean that you get to travel all over the world with him, right? What were your favourite places?” She asked.
Taeyong looked up in thought, “Once we visited the royals of England. It was like nothing I had ever seen, the culture, the fanfare, I enjoyed learning about something I knew very little about.”
“That sounds amazing.” She said in awe.
Taeyong smiled, “Your father mentioned your penchant for travelling. Where do you want to go?”
“Everywhere.” She said while staring up at the sky.
He looked over at her profile, his eyes taking in the curves and lines that made up her face before turning up at the sky as well. Finally, they stopped by the gates of the palace that she remembered entering through. Oh, how she wished she could be lost with Taeyong a little longer.
But he was the Prince’s guard, protector of one of the most important people in the nation, this was probably the last time she’d ever see him.
"Will you be okay from here?" He asked.
She wondered if she should just pretend that she was too frightened of the night to secure another two hours of his company. But she decided otherwise, thinking how selfish it'd be.
Haeun smiled up at him, "I'll be okay."
He hesitated and for a second she thought he was going to offer to walk her home anyways, but he must've decided against it when he just nodded with a smile.
“I guess I’ll see you the next time you’re in town guarding the prince.” She said lamely.
Taeyong tilted his head, “Or you could come back up here with the next delivery, I can finish the tour Prince Jaehyun started.”
Her heart skipped and she tightened her grip on the basket, “I’d like that.”
“Alright then, get home safe, Haeun.” He said softly.
“Good night, Taeyong.”
-----
Taeyong, for the first time in a while, found himself distracted as he made his way back to the steam spring.
Nam Haeun wasn’t what he expected her to be.
Being at the palace he was used to seeing some of the most impeccable Nobel men and women and royalty from other nations cross through. And yet, he had never laid eyes on anyone nearly as breathtaking as the daughter of the baker.
She could easily outshine every person to ever have stepped in the palace.
When she started growing comfortable with him, he caught glimpses of the fire that sparked behind her personality. The same fire that her father often joked about, he used to say that he felt sorry for the man that would marry her because she’d burn him. She spoke fast and full of passion, thirst for life and dreams of the bigger world out there.
He nearly asked her to let him walk her home but he held back in fear of coming on too strong or aggressive. He knew women like Haeun, women who didn't need anyone to lead them or guide them, women strong in forging their own path. He always admired those women.
Taeyong’s lips quirked as he walked by the statue where he found her hidden. He’d like to see her again if destiny allowed it because he never backed away from fire before.
His eyes caught something bright on the ground and he knelt down to pick up a scrap of silk with sunflowers printed across it. It seemed fitting, someone so bright and passionate, to love a flower that flourishes under the sun’s compassionate heat.
Sunflower.
1890 —— Joseon Dynasty
“Don’t cry, sunflower. It’s nothing to cry over, I will be back, I will be okay.”
Haeun glared at Taeyong as tears tumbled over her cheeks, “If you knew you were going to be okay, you wouldn’t have shown up outside my house in the middle of the night just to tell me that.”
He cupped her cheeks and thumbed away her tears and pulled her close, “I came because I missed you, I wanted to see you once before I left, not because I wanted to warn you of anything.”
She rolled eyes but he smiled. He leaned forward and gently pressed his lips against her forehead, “You’re insufferable, do you know that?”
“I know, it’s a miracle you still love me, sunflower.” He mused.
She tilted her head back to catch his eyes, the warmth in them flooding through her body, "I do. I foolishly love you."
He ducked down, skipping over chaste kisses and burned into her mouth until she was arched up against him, fingers digging into his arm. It was rather scandalous to do outdoors despite the empty streets and late hour but she didn't mind this time. She kissed him just as fiercely until he pulled back, breathless, beautiful and everything she wanted to protect.
It was beyond her how his eyes always spelled out every single one of his emotions. The love, longing, adoration was nothing short of breathtaking. "Loving you was the least foolish thing I've ever done."
She softened and curled her arms around his waist, pressing tight against him, “Will you come see me right after you get back?”
“Of course, I will.” He whispered. “I will always find you.”
A/N:
Haha! First chapter is up! I personally loved writing this, my first shot at a period piece. So just to explain, this entire story is not going to be a historical story, but there will be a LOT of flashbacks referencing this time period. so it's basically gonna be 50-50
So we’re going to learn a lot more about how they went from meeting at the palace to him calling her sunflower and hugging outside her house.
Comment and Upvote <33
-loviet