Chapter V.

 

 

After a month inside at the palace’s walls, the spy duo grew fond from this land. They would not allow any country to perish by the tyrant’s filthy hands.

 

By the dawn, a figure slowly opened his eyes and sat on the bed groggily. Listening some mumbling, he asked sleepily:

 

“Hmm, are you already up, hyung?”

 

A sleepy Yoong asked in curiosity while rubbing his eyes once he realized that his cousin was diligently writing something. Without taking his eyes of the report, Jesse replied into a serious tone:

“Yes, I need to finish these reports as soon as possible.”

 

“You are not registering Hwang Kingdom’s defense’s plan, right?!”

 

Now a worried and very awake Yoong gulped in concern. Jesse stopped his writing to take a good look on his younger sibling and sighed heavily:

 

“Yoong, you know too well that I need to send these reports to that tyrant regularly or else, he will be suspicious.”

 

“But are you going to expose everything?! I thought you didn’t want to let this kingdom succumb?!”

 

The younger inquired into a tense tone as he stood up and thrown his hands on the air. Jesse quickly shushed him and barked seriously:

 

“Of course not, Yoong!”

 

“Then, how come? I – I don’t understand.”

 

Now, the confused young man asked while he observed his older cousin going to the window and blowing a whistle. Suddenly, a brown hawk came to his window and Jesse gestured with this hand so the animal could jump inside of his palm. He caressed the bird gently and explained:

 

“Yoong, in the spy games, you need to learn something called half-truth. Although I despise lies, I have to play his sick game or else, that cunning viper would find out everything…”

 

Jesse took a deep breath and continued as he tied the message on the hawk’s paw. Once he set the animal free, the latter quickly got speed and fly away, disappearing from their sight on the horizon. The cousins stared to each other and Jesse completed:

 

“On that message, I only informed what he needed to know. That the plan was in course and partly, about Hwang’s defense. I purposely omitted a few facts just to let his confidence’s boost only to make him think that he has the upper hand. The pride comes before the fall, remember?”

 

A sad Yoong took a deep breath and sat on his bed while shaking his head:

 

“I understand, cousin. But I thought we were trying to set our people and this land free from that monster.”

 

Jesse could only nod his head and took a seat beside him. He placed his hand on his right shoulder and stared earnestly:

 

“Yoong, we liking or not, the conflict will come. Until then, I will do everything to undermine his plans and make sure he fails in every step he takes. We will stop that murder so no one will have to suffer again.”

 

Yoong looked at him intently as Jesse stood up before him and confessed into a frustrated tone:

 

“You honestly think that I don’t want to stop his madness right at this right moment?! For now, I have to be smarter than him until all the pieces of this puzzle are completed. I cannot afford to be reckless. I have so much to lose if I do the smallest mistake.”

 

It was when Yoong saw the anguish in his cousin’s eyes. A heavy weight was on his shoulders. He was thinking on Yoong himself, his sister, their country and this land. The younger one felt everything and took a decision. He would fight will all his strength to fulfill this mission and make sure that everyone would be safe. Yoong rose from his seat and placed both hands on his cousin’s shoulders, sincerely speaking:

 

“I understand now, hyung. I will do everything to help and share this weight with you. We are in this together, remember?”

 

Suddenly, Jesse’s burden eased once he received a word of comfort. He grinned, proud of kind person Yoong turned, and he couldn’t help to think in his mind:

 

“Yoong, you will do great things in future. I have faith in you, my friend.”

 

Both of them grinned and saluted themselves in agreement. However, Yoong’s smirk fell a little once he remembered a dire fact:

 

“Hyung, do you honestly think that maniac would send someone to spy us as well?!”

 

Jesse sighed heavily and frowned as he started:

 

“I am more than sure of that, Yoong. That viper do not let loose ends. At the moment we left the palace, I know that he already have a back plan just in case we get out of the line.”

 

“Hyung?” Now Yoong was genuinely surprised as Jesse explained calmly:

 

“I have already have my countermeasure. If another of his lackeys tried to check if my reports are true, technically they will only see what I wanted them to see.”

 

“Argh, I really need to study more strategy”.

 

A frustrated Yoong added as Jesse continued:

 

“That dictator likes to intimidate his enemies with his firepower while King Hwang do otherwise. He likes to use the surprise attack on his adversaries. I know that because I am already studying this kingdom’s weak points and advantages. Minho won’t know what it hit him, trust me.”

 

“Woah, cousin. I knew that you were smart, but not that smart. When this whole mess is over, I want to be your student."

 

Jesse could laugh at the comment of his curious cousin. Out of sudden, they heard the rooster crowing and they knew it was time to get ready to work. He tapped his younger sibling friendly and remarked without any trace of doubt:

 

“One day, you will be better than me, Yoong. Now, get ready, today we will have a lot of work to do! Let’s go!”

 

Together, the cousins prepared themselves for a long day of work. After all, tonight would be the elegant dinner that chef Sooyoung was so worried about it.

 

-*-

 

Late at night, the banquette was a success. The guests loved the cuisine and seemed that everyone was having fun, well, almost everyone. Between serving the guests, Jesse couldn’t help but to steal some glances of a certain princess from afar and this didn’t pass unnoticed by his dongsaeng:

 

“You are doing this again, hyung.”

 

Yoong whispered cheekily. However, the eldest one did not seem to realize as he kept his stare on the upset princess:

 

“She is hating this party. I can feel it. Look that sad grin, her eyes aren’t even curving while she is talking with the guests.”

 

“What? Why do you think so, hyung?”

 

Now the younger one was very curious as he also noticed a hint of sadness of the eldest princess’s form. Jesse sighed heavily after they got a “break” from the guest when the latter decided to dance. It was when he admitted into a worried tone:

 

“She clearly did not want to be here. She didn’t even have a time to rest without those hyenas surrounding her like if she was the next meal…”

 

“Hyung… Are you jealous of her by any chance?”

 

It was when Jesse finally gulped and felt his face on fire at his cousin teasing remark. Although he kept a serious expression, the spy could not hide his sputtering:

 

“What?! Of course not! I – I am just worried about her wellbeing. That’s all!”

 

“Oh hyung! You should have seen your face! It’s all red!”

 

“Yoong…” Jesse snarled in warning as he was starting to feel angry at his cousin’s laugh.

 

The latter wiped a tear of the corner of his eye and spoke into a cool tone to ease his cousin angry semblance:

 

“Relax, hyung. I don’t want you having a heart attack. But, seriously, you should talk to her. It seems that she really need a hero right now and I mean you!”

 

“Nonsense, Yoong! Do you honestly think that the princess would pay attention on a mere servant while she is among of spoiled princes and royalty?! I know my place and if you remember well, we are not here in vacation…”

 

The spy harshly whispered the last part with some bitterness in his tone in a reminder of their mission. The younger one sighed heavily and returned to serve the guests once the dance was over. Yet, not before, to speak with confidence as a hint of a smirk crept in his lips:

 

“I understand, hyung. But it seems like theory turned to be right after all.”

 

“Huh? Why do you say so?”

 

A genuine confused Jesse asked as he frowned to his cousin’s remark. It was when the latter gestured with his head to the other direction and finished his sentence with a wide grin:

 

“Because she didn’t take her eyes from you since then…”

 

“Wha--?!”

 

Unknowingly, Jesse rapidly turned his head to her direction was become stunned when in fact, he realized that Yoong was right. When their eyes have met, he felt his heart racing and as he unconsciously let a fond smile form on his cheeks while the princess who in return, gave her brightest eye-smile with a hint of an adorable pinkness all over of her face.

 

Jesse dumbly could only mouth a “Hi” which she answered the same greeting coyly. The pair stood like that for a moment as if nothing else on that room existed. Only they knew how their hearts were beating loudly. Maybe the dinner was not that bad after all…

 

-*-

 

After a tiring night, a good part of the kitchen’s crew already left to their homes or went to the dormitory. The familiar trio remained in the place while cleaning the post party scenario on the kitchen.

 

However, Jesse realized that his superior was apprehensive. So he asked worriedly:

 

“Chef Soo, are you still worried about the dinner? It was a success.”

 

The chef sat on a wooden chair and removed his cook’s hat tiredly while confessing:

 

“I know. I am grateful for you and everyone for the hard work.”

 

“So?” Said Yoong in curiosity as he stopped to broom the kitchen’s floor. The chef bit his nails and wailed:

 

“It’s that my wife is close to have our baby and I heard from our staff that she is alone at home right now, since her mother has some errands at the other city. I cannot help but to feel worried. What if she starts to labor and I am not around?!”

 

Both assistants gasped and they quickly looked at each other as the same thought crossed their minds:

 

“Nononono! You have to leave N.O.W!”.  

 

Jesse rapidly pulled the chef from the chair and practically expelled him from the room. Meanwhile, Yoong shook his head vehemently and imposed while holding the chef’s arm:

 

“Chef, you should have said so!”

 

“But look at this kitchen! It’s not fair with both of you! There is a lot to clean and—“

 

“And your wife and baby are more important!”

 

Yoong seriously interrupted the chef with a frown on his forehead. Jesse took the cue and crossed his arms while finishing his point:

 

“Do not worry, boss. We handle this. Now, go see your wife! ”

 

Inevitability, the chef felt relieved and happy to see such committed duo. Nodding his head in agreement, now with a smile in his face, he said while quickly removing his chef’s attire:

 

“You are right. Boys, I trust this task on both of you.”

 

He sighed and with a smile, he could not help to brush their hair friendly like if they were his dongsaengs. The trio laughed as their boss walked to the door. Yet, this was not before he turned around and bowed while speaking sincerely:

 

“Thank you.”

 

The spy duo smiled in return as their boss finally left them alone. Nevertheless, not without yelling from the corridors:

 

“And don’t burn the kitchen while I am away!”

 

Jesse and Yoong laughed at the last sentence. They looked at each other and nodded as they resumed their tasks.

 

-*-

 

After a good round of cleaning, Yoong was almost sleepwalking with the broomstick. Jesse was finishing his dishwashing and could not help to look to the scene with some amusement, seeing his beaten dongsaeng swaying around, almost fainting on his spot. The elder spy shook his head with a chuckle and tapped his cousin’s shoulder fiercely:

 

“Hey, Sleeping Beauty. I think it’s time to go to bed.”

 

“What?! No! I – I still have work to *yawn* to do.”

 

A stubborn Yoong rapidly returned to his tasks, yet he barely had any coordination at this time. Jesse crossed his arms and took the object from his cousin’s hands while demanding:

 

“You already did a lot, Yoong. Now, go sleep.”

 

“But, hyung. You always do thi—“

 

“Because I am the eldest and you know I am right. Bed, now.”

 

A beaten Yoong complained and tiredly dragged himself outside from the kitchen:

 

“Are you sure you are not need my help?”

 

“Don’t worry, Yoong. I have only some pending tasks. No big deal.”

 

“All right. Then *yawn*, good night, hyung.”

 

“Good night, Yoong. I won’t take too long.”

 

The younger one nodded and finally left the area. Meanwhile, Jesse scanned his surroundings and realized that as matter of fact, they cleaned practically everything on the kitchen. His shoulders and arms were sore. Who would say that a fancy dinner would tire him as much a secret mission?

 

The spy resumed to the dishwashing and afterwards, cleaned the table. After some minutes, Jesse breathed tiredly and wiped his forehead after seeing the kitchen was crystal clean. With a satisfied grin of their work, he was about to leave the place when his stomach rumbled out of nowhere. Oh, right. Even working in the kitchen all this time, he does not remember the last time he ate a meal.

 

“Hmm, it must have something here—Argh! Perfect!”

 

Jesse happily added when he found a dish of Chef’s Soo famous dessert, the chocolate pudding. He quickly got a smaller plate and took the last desert to himself as he sat on the kitchen’s wooden table. With a spoon, he got ready to dive on the delicious treat:

 

“It’s now you and me—“

 

However, he stopped his spoon on the midair as he suddenly heard some footsteps. Who could be at this time? He thought. This was until a very familiar figure appeared behind the door and double the size of her eyes in shock:

 

“Jesse?!”

 

“Y-Your Highness?!”

 

Jesse hurriedly stood up beside the table to bow to the princess. The latter instinctively placed her hand on her rushing heart and asked, still in surprise:

 

“What are still doing here?! It is almost 2 AM! Are you not tired?”

 

The spy could sense the worry in her tone, yet his attention was in somewhere else. It is the first time he saw the Princess in her gown, a light pink cloth. He felt his face burning and heart racing as he quickly diverted his eyes to the ceiling to not being “caught” staring the princess for too long.

 

“I-I am fine. Thank you for asking, Your Royal Highness. I was a-about to leave the kitchen when I – I heard some footsteps…”

 

Tiffany did not realize why Jesse was so tense and looked to everywhere less her. It was when she took a good look on herself and gasped in shock once she realized that accidently her hobby was loosely open and revealing more of her white nightdress and cleavage. Once she understood the gravity of the situation, she flushed in embarrassment and quickly tied the knot of her nightgown again; making sure that nothing would be exposed again.

 

With a tremble voice, the Princess quickly sat on the wooden table and covered her nervousness:

 

“I – I thought that everyone left already, but when I saw the light, I was thinking it was Chef Soo.”

 

“Err… Yoong and I send Chef Soo to his home since he was deeply concerned about his wife. He mentioned that their baby could come anytime soon. So we decided that it was better for him to rest and stay with his family while we finished the cleaning.”

 

“Oh, right! Lady Yuri is almost 40 weeks already. My God, how could I forgot that? That stubborn Soo should have reminded me, so he could stay with his family sooner… Anyway, I – I really appreciate your actions, Jesse. Thank you for all support.”

 

“It was the least we could do, Princess.”

 

Jesse could not help to feel his heart getting warm at the princess’s words; little did he know that she was deeply grateful for his concern towards the chef Soo. Nevertheless, Tiffany chuckled when the assistant still did not look at her. This action did not pass unnoticed as the spy frowned in curiosity when the princess explained and motioned to him:

 

“You can look down now, Jesse. Please, have a seat.”

 

“Hmm *clearing throat* S-sure. Thank you, Princess.”

 

Jesse finally eased and slowly lowered his head to direct his stare his attention to the princess as he took the place before her. Both of them still were flushed as Jesse tried to break the silence slowly:

 

“If I may ask, why is the Princess is awake until this time?”

 

Caught! That was everything that the princess could think. So she confessed in embarrassment with red cheeks as she rubbed her forearm:

 

“I did not eat on the dinner, but I ended up waking up hungry so I decided to make some quick meal. Yet, I did not imagine that someone would still be working here.”

 

Jesse raised his browns in concern and rubbed his chin while recollecting his thoughts:

 

“Really? I thought the Princess had eaten on the dinner last night. Nonetheless, I missed the Princess a few moments of the dinner--!! I mean, I – I apologize, isn’t like that I was stalking you or anything!”

 

Out of sudden, Tiffany giggled at his discomfort and decided to a little:

 

“So you did keep the eye on me… Hmm, good to know…”

 

“Princess, I-I was just worried about your absence and—“

 

“I told you, Jesse. You do not need to apologize yourself. But, you were right, I did not stay at the dinner very long. I felt drained and went to my room…”

 

Her tone dropped slowly as the melancholy emerged from her heart. Seeing how the mood changed drastically, now Jesse felt concerned about her and could not help to ask softly:

 

“Your Highness, I am sorry if I look intrusive. It is just that when I saw the Princess’s semblance, I could not help to feel worried. I know it is not my place—“

 

“Is that how I looked earlier?”

 

Tiffany inquired sadly, as Jesse halted his words and finally nodded. He breathed heavily when he saw that his words made some effect on her, he quickly tried to lift her mood. Therefore, he gently pushed the dish to her and remarked caringly:

 

“I think the Princess needs this more than I do…”

 

The latter felt her heart get warm with such caring action. Yet, she gently refused as she pushed the plate back to him:

 

“Nonono. I have seen you and the staff. You did not have time to rest on that dinner or even have time to eat. I insist!”

 

“Are we going to be tugging of war because of a pudding? All right. Then, I will not eat either”.

 

The spy crossed his arms in victory, as neither he nor the princess would take the delicious dessert. She shook her head in frustration and whispered:

 

“You are impossible.”

 

He shrugged his shoulders, but remained unshaken. It was when out of sudden, the princess has an idea. She quickly stood up and searched on the kitchen’s drawers for a familiar item. After finding the object, she happily remarked an “Aha!” and hurriedly returned to her seat. Now, showing the utensil to the assistant, she prompted into a victorious tone:

 

“Now, we can share this delicious dessert!”

 

Jesse only looked at her in shock, not believing in his eyes. The princess wanted to share the desert with him?! Not in his wildest imagination he would thought of something like that. He could not help, but feel guilty as he complained:

 

“Your Highness, you really do not need to do that. I am perfectly fi--- *growlllll*”

 

Jesse widened his eyes in embarrassment when his stomach talked by itself as he quickly darted his eyes to the princess. The latter tried to hold her laughter and for the first time in the night, she laughed loudly at the scene. Meanwhile, the spy could only lowered his head in shame as Tiffany remarked quirkily as her laughter was ceasing:

 

“I guess your stomach talked by itself. Come, the desert is big enough for both us. Shall we?”

 

The princess gestured to the assistant take a bite while she took a good spoon of the meal with a confident smirk in her face. Although Jesse felt beaten by her cleverness, he couldn’t help to admire her eyes turning in two crescent moons as she ate the pudding like a happy child. When he realized, his mouth was faster than his brain as he confessed sincerely:

 

“That is the smile that I wanted to see.”

 

Now, the princess gulped loudly and raised her browns in surprise with his sentence. After the sudden silence, Jesse face palmed himself mentally for the ninth time for speaking too loud. He could not help himself when he was around her. Once he saw her reaction, he closed his eyes and frowned, ready to stand up and leave. It was when now he was surprised when he felt a hand holding his wrist accompanied by a pair of lovable eyes and soft/husky voice:

 

“Please, stay. I told you before. It is all right… I – I appreciate your words and I really would like to have your company right now.”

 

For some unknown reasons, Jesse mutely nodded while his interior was jumping frenetically after her touch. He barely could contain the butterflies in his stomach. Then, he returned to his spot and slowly started:

 

“Princess, can I ask something?”

 

“Sure.” The princess did not hesitate in response. Jesse felt more comfortable to make his question.

 

“Why were you sad earlier at the dinner?”

 

It was when Tiffany took a deep breath and looked at the ceiling, recalling the events of the previous night. Unconsciously, she reached for her necklace and rubbed the pedant anxiously, a ring to be exact. Then she placed her spoon on the plate and started dully:

 

“I have so many projects that could help our people and our neighbor’s kingdoms. I thought that the dinner would be an excellent opportunity to discuss with the countries representatives. Yet, the only thing they have in mind was to have a dance with me or ask if I was single. I am tired of everyone thinking that I am only a pretty face or some kind of trophy. I have so much more to contribute, but sometimes I feel like I swimming against the tide.” 

 

Jesse let her vent herself as he attentively listen to every word. Once she confessed her frustration, he sighed and asked gently:

 

“I know that the word of a kitchen’s assistant doesn’t have so much weight… But could I give you a word of advice?”

 

Now Tiffany was surprised and for some unknowing reason, she really wanted to know what he has to say. Jesse looked deeply into her eyes and started earnestly:

 

“I know that I lack the experience of all the people that knows the Princess by the years. However, as on outsider that is living here for a small time, I already have my impressions of the Princess…”

 

The latter leaned forward now, completely engulfed about what Jesse has to say about herself. He took a breath and let the sincerity of his heart take the lead as he stared at those adorable and curious eyes:

 

“I witnessed several times how Your Highness cares about this people. The way the people at the streets look at the Princess, with admiration, care and proud, I can definitely say that the Princess is on the right path…”

 

He halted briefly and continued honestly:

 

“I never saw something like that and I am happy to be able to witness this scene. So, Princess, I tell you. You do not need to fight against the tide, use this in your favor. I know the Shidae’s kingdom is looking for more sponsors to help with the social projects. However, don’t start tomorrow when you can already do this today. Start with the small, that being a clever Princess that I know you are, everything will prosper.”

 

“No one ever gave me this advice before.”

 

A pleasant surprised Tiffany spoke in awe after hearing such compelling speech coming from Jesse. The latter smiled and finished his words deep seriously:

 

“I see a bright and prosper future for this kingdom by the Princess’s hands. And I will do everything in my power to ensure this vision.”

 

“How come you are so wise, Jesse? It is amazing how you always know the right thing to say.”

 

The surprised princess confessed with a truthful smile as she watched him in awe. The spy blushed at the praise as he dipped his head and whispered humbly:

 

“I am only saying of what I see. I am sure that the Princess has more capable advisors than a kitchen assistant.”

 

“I will beg to differ, Jesse. You have this aura that I cannot explain. It is like you held a deep wisdom, a nobility that I rarely see these days. It’s like you are above these frivolous things.”    

 

“Princess, I am not—“He tried to intervene only to be stopped by the halted hand from the princess as if she was asking him to accept the compliment. Then, he nodded his head in acceptance as a comfortable silence surrounding them. This was until the amazed princess asked in deep curiosity:

 

“Jesse, how come you are so eloquent?”

 

“The Princess meant for a kitchen’s assistant?”

 

Now, Tiffany was flushed thinking that she might have offended Jesse:

 

“Jesse, I did not mean to—“

 

“*Chuckles* I am just joking.”

 

However, when she heard his chuckles, her heart eased the pace when she realized that he was only being playful at her. Then, the mood got serious as he placed his arms above the table and answered with a hint of sorrow on his tone:

 

“I always liked to read and also, because my mother was a teacher.”

 

“Really?!”

 

Tiffany do not know why, but she felt really curious about Jesse’s life. Then, with a small grin, he nodded his head and continued as he remembered his dear mother:

 

“She wanted to make sure that we always were learning something new. She used to say that to have knowledge never is too much.”

 

“That is a great thought! She must be very proud of you!”

 

The princess added in awe, anxious to know more. It was when the mood got gloomy as Jesse gulped and looked down sadly:

 

“I hope so…”

 

Now the princess was confused at his remark. Before she could open to ask, Jesse looked up and started slowly:

 

“She and my father died a few years ago.”

 

A gasp filled the room as without know why, Tiffany felt her own heart heavy as well. Maybe she shouldn’t be so intrusive. Seeing that it was such delicate matter, she quickly reached his hand and gingerly held as she spoke softly:

 

“I am so sorry, Jesse…”

 

“That’s all right. The Princess didn’t know.”

 

The duo stood there, just staring at each other in silence and comfort like if anything else around them mattered. It was only when a sudden sound emanating from the clock on the wall broke their stare. They became flushed when they realized they were too close of each other and an embarrassed Jesse raised his eyebrows when he saw the time:

“Is it 3AM?! How long have been chatting?”

 

Suddenly, the agape princess confessed with a coy smile as she changed her eyes from the clock to Jesse:

 

“I guess the chatting was so good that I didn’t see the time flying by…”

 

Although his face couldn’t be more red and burning, Jesse smiled gently and admitted:

 

“This is one the most pleasant conversations that I have for a long time…”

 

“Really? I hope I was not a burden.”

 

“On contrary. It is always a pleasure to have your company, Your Highness.”

 

To show he mean it, Jesse took a respectful bow to the shy princess who could only chuckle in delight. Once their laughers ceased. The duo slowly walked to the door and corridor as if they wanted to make this moment last. It was when the Tiffany bit her lips hesitantly and started:

 

“Once again, thank you for the talk, Jesse. I really appreciate the talking and well, everything actually. So hmm… go-good night…”

 

She quickly dip her head in nervousness as she heard a hesitant Jesse calling her behind:

 

“Princess…”

 

“Yes?” She more than fast turned around, anxious for his words. It was he took a deep breath, stared at her endearingly and whispered sincerely:

 

“For everything is worthy, I think the Princess is doing the best. If the Princess see the way I see you, you will be perfect…”

 

Although his heart soared hard inside his ribcage, he didn’t shake since he was saying the truth of his thoughts. That action was enough to make the Princess speechless, no ever talked her to like this… and she did like it. However, she did not have time to talk back before she realized, Jesse already bowed gently and with a last caring stare, he finally left. Leaving a pleasant surprise princess to behind.

 

She placed her hand of her racing heart and whispered to no one in particular:

 

“Who are really, Jesse? And why do I feel that way when I am around you?”

 

TBC

 

A/N: Sorry, guys. I know that was far too long, but my life is kinda frenzy. But everytime I have something new, I will come back. I apologize for not replying. This author here is kind a zombie these days haha Stay safe and God bless everyone.