Chapter 2 

In her new shining white uniform Yuri looked at herself in the mirror with her hair tied up neatly in the back… she looked like a Royal Guard, but did she really deserve to be one. She let out a light sigh. Ever since she got the offer..many did congratulate her, but many more despised her for it. Most would say that she only got the post just because she was her father's daughter and that was not something new. She had been hearing that since day one and did not bother her anymore. The only thing that made her felt different was that the fact she felt like she did not earn it. She felt quite upset by the fact that she got the post far too easily. Another sigh escaped her lips as she looked in the mirror one last time and grabbed her sword prepared to leave. When she arrived at the courtyard, she found Sooyoung ready with her horse… Yuri mounted on her magnificent black stallion and rode off heading to the palace even before the sun would rise and Sooyoung could only watch her dear friend took her leave…

"She looks great in that uniform, isn't she?" Familiar voice rang and Sooyoung turned around with a weak smile 

"Yeah.. You're absolutely right.. Sunny" Sooyoung said

"I hope she didn't think too much about herself.. you did see that look on her face" Sunny crossed her arms

"I know… she thinks it was too easy" Sooyoung said with a light nod

"She always has a doubt when things come too easy" Sunny said worriedly

"Well… Let's hope that she didn't lose it too easy" Sooyoung said and smiled to Sunny

Both of them looked at each other and let out a light sigh. They worried about their dear friend and what might happened in the future. As Yuri arrived at the palace, the tall iron gates opened for her and revealed the tall white castle in front of her eyes. She drew the reigns and guided her horse to walk into the courtyard. She could sensed that many pair of eyes were on her as she dismounted and lightly smiled to herself. This was quite amusing to her. She kind of used to this looking and staring anyway. She gave the stable boy her rein and thanked him before headed into the white building, where two Royal Guards stood and greeted her.

"You must be Kwon Yuri" One of them said

"Yes, sir" Yuri said

"Follow me" Another said

Yuri followed the two guards into the endless hallway. She smiled weakly to herself..although it had been a while…but the palace never failed to amazed her. It always seem so big and mysterious as if she could get lost if she did not pay attention of where she was heading. She let out a light chuckle from the thought alone. She was once here in the palace with her father..and somehow lost her way since she was in awe with everything at that time. The white marble hallway, the armors and glamourous feelings she could felt from the surrounding. She got distracted by the soft sweet scent of numerous flowers and forgot that she was supposed to followed her father and ended up followed the flowery scent that lead her to the main garden within the palace. She mesmerized by how colorful and well tended the garden was. She stood in amazement at the endless flower beds and the beautiful well sculptured fountain. Yuri thought to herself and wondered that the garden was still the same or not. After a while they arrived at the main hall, where most nobles and court officials were busily discussed numerous issues and mostly politics. The main hall, where the King would make his decisions and a place that only nobles and high court officials could grant an audience from the King.  The white wooden door slowly opened and revealed the magnificent high ceiling hall. Yuri slowly took her steps as she entered to the court, people turned their heads to looked at her and somehow she could felt the pressure as her feet stepped out…one by one… until she was finally in front of the King, who smiled at her kindly and beside him was his daughter…but Yuri never dared to looked at the Princess directly. She kept her head down and heard the King chuckled. Knowing the procedure Yuri knelt down in front of the King prepared to hear her official position announced in front all of the noblemen and court officials..

"Kwon Yuri, a daughter to General Kwon.. with your excel skills in fighting and knowledge.. As a King, I given you the duty to protect the Crown Princess…as a Captain of the Princess' Royal Guards" The King said as he given Yuri the decree in his hand proving that it was his official decision

Yuri received the decree with her hand and rose up to her feet. The King smiled warmly at Yuri, while pinned the rank badge on Yuri's left chest and she bowed her head head deeply before hearing the applause from all the people in the room. She turned around and found her father smiled back at her happily. She let out a light relief sigh…at least the official part was done..next was doing her job… She finally stepped aside and joined the other Royal Guard at the side of the room. She did not aware that there was a pair of eyes constantly looked upon her with admiration. All that morning Yuri stayed in that room as the King discussed state affairs with all the noblemen. She secretly casted a brief look at Jessica and saw that the Princess was somehow seemed to be bored and she did not find it quite surprising for the fact that they had been in this room without going anywhere for almost 2 hour already. She looked at the Crown Princess with curiosity…wondered about how Jessica seemed to have no reaction…even though the noblemen from North and East were having a heat debate..

'Is she acting..?' Yuri thought to herself…since she could not help but worry that the person that she was about to given her loyalty to

"You can't have more land towards the East side.. Sire.. We discussed this matter last time" One Lord from the East said

"Sire.. but the North needs to expand its territory since now we have more population migrated from the East" Lord of the North said

"I understand both of you. Lord Yushin from Tunia. I know that there are migration from the East to the North. I have read the reports" The King said as he sighed

"Sire.. If only the East know how to convince their people then this wouldn't be an issue" Lord Yushin said

"But that is because the lands in the East are still under its reconstruction. Many cities and towns were destroyed because of the war that you people from the North are responsible for" Lord from the East said then for a second he cast the look to the King too

"Lord Dong-Sun Please be careful with your words" General Kwon said immediately

"It's alright.. General Kwon. I know that we, people of the North should be responsible for. That is why, we put most of the taxes to reconstruct those areas that have been affected by the war.. It has been a long process and you do know best that we have finished most of the area.. Now, I want an answer to this very question.. Lord Dong-Sun.. With the amount of taxes and reconstruction done…why is it that people still migrate from the East provinces?" The King said as he knows from his visit last time that the reconstruction had been going well.. there should be no problem whatsoever

"Sire.. The reconstruction is not done.. People still migrating because the land has been destroyed to the point that they cannot harvest their fields" Lord Dong-Sun said

"Isn't it because of your abuse of power?" Lord Yushin immediately interrupt

"What?" Lord Dong-Sun asked

"Sire. I have heard that the lands which belongs to Lord Dong-Sun has set a high rental fees for the farmers.. He also abuse his power to those that wanted to sell goods in his town..to pay him far more than we collected merchants in the capital" Lord Yushin said

"That's not true. Sire. It's a lie!" Lord Dong-Sun disagree immediately as he begins to sweat

"Lord Dong-Sun please calm down.. and unfortunately yes… I have heard of that too Lord Yushin… To be more exact I have read some petitions from the citizen themselves..and it's not just from your province Lord Dong-Sun…but from most of your Eastern provinces. I would like to hear an explanation…since if I remembered correctly… it said that you, noblemen from the East are collecting these high fees because you need the money for reconstructing the town as I.. The King didn't giving you any funding" The King said even his voice remain calm..but his eyes shone with anger

"It's a lie! Sire!" Lord Dong-Sun said then all the East noblemen followed the same fashion as the hall begin to fill with the repetition of the same sentence over and over

"Enough! I want explanation not a plea" The King said as he pounded his fist down onto his armrest

Then silent filled the hall..as the North noblemen and court officials looked at those from the East demanding for an answe.. They knew the Eastern noblemen could not come up with any excuses…since all that had been said were true. However, the Duke of Estrella, who remained silent for a long time finally step up and knelt down in front of the King and everyone in the room looked at him in shock and surprise..

"Sire.. Even though we received the funds..but that funding is not enough for us to feed those who have lost their lands…houses..and jobs.. many of them asked us as their landlords to look after them..given them food and places to stay… At first we took care of them with our own money…and we need to come up with a solution.. we didn't have any choice but to raised the rental fees for those who can pay us…and from merchants who travel from town to town..as they are our main income.. Sire.. please have mercy on us" Duke of Estrella said

The hall then fell into silent once more…then as if the Eastern noblemen realized that they should followed Duke of Estrella's act and agreed to his words..they too knelt down and beg for mercy. The King look at Duke of Estrella with suspicion. The Duke of Estrella was the head of the Eastern Lords… he normally did not kneel to anyone..nor speak.. except when it was unnecessary. The King knew that Duke of Estrella was his only rival..and if he did not lead the North to won that war…The person on the throne would definitely be Duke of Estrella. The King sighed to himself. It was quite a reasonable explanation.. The funding was quite a huge sum..but when divided it to reconstruct each province in the East area..he knew..it would not be enough to fed and took care of those who have suffered from the war

"We will discuss this matter again.. and add the new reconstruction plan into tomorrow meeting. We still have other matters to discuss. Especially the reconstruction of the high wall in Kasni our Eastern border.." The King said as he needed to make sure that what Duke of Estrella said was true or not..

The Eastern noblemen about to protested but stop abruptly as the King casted them a certain look. They continued on to discuss about the budget and monthly tax collection and more. Yuri listened to them carefully and detected that somehow..the way that Eastern lords acted had been somewhat suspicious. As if they did not mean to agree to what the Duke just said.. Her eyes then looked at the Duke with caution… this man was not to be overlook..her instinct told her so…

After a long session in the hall, the meeting was finally over and Yuri was able to finally meet the one she needed to serve. Although..she still not quite like the idea of babysitting. She could not reject the position..since doing so will considered as a treason. It was the King's order after all. She sighed as one of Jessica's ladies took her to Jessica's study. At first Yuri expected Jessica to be like a carefree Princess from what she just saw in the hall , however, when she entered into the study…she could see Jessica was at her work desk and busied herself with many different books and papers… with a quill in her hand

"Send someone to my father's chamber and ask him to give me the petition. I want to see it.. Perhaps the North noblemen could forge the petition. Please be hurry" Jessica said as she smiled lightly and took a look at a piece of paper in front of her

"Your highness.. Captain of your Royal Guards is here" the lady said

"What?" Jessica said as she barely paid the attention then she looked up and saw Yuri stood at the doorway…she immediately dropped the quill due to the surprise

"Your highness" Yuri greeted as she bowed

"Oh.. Sorry.. I forgot that we're suppose to meet right after the meeting" Jessica said

Jessica got up from her seat and hurried to made her way to greeted Yuri properly, but then she somehow tripped over by her own chair and almost fall over. Fortunately, Yuri rushed in and caught her in time and lightly wrapped her arms around Jessica's shoulder.

"Are you all right? Your highness" Yuri asked immediately.. she was surprised to see Jessica tripped like that… and finally saw Jessica up close for the first time

"I'm fine.. Sorry.." Jessica said. As a Crown Princess, this was the first time she said sorry twice to the same person within one day

"It's my duty to take care of your welfare. Your highness.. My apologies" Yuri said as she helped Jessica to stood up and finally stepped away then took a deep bow

"No..no.. it's my fault anyway…for being clumsy" Jessica said and smiled, but Yuri still kept her head low

"You can look at me.. It's all right… No need to be so strict.. I'm not that kind of person" Jessica said as she lightly touched Yuri shoulders and makes Yuri looked at her

"Now that is better" Jessica said 

Yuri weakly smiled… she found Jessica to be quite…different than the image she had in mind. She heard her father mentioned Jessica from time to time and expected Jessica to be more cold and even more princess like. The person, who like to make themselves better than others… but this made her felt relief. Yuri was more reassuare that she could gave her loyalty to Jessica without much difficulites. On the other hand, Jessica also tried to restrained herself from looking into Yuri's eyes.. she somehow found them quite mesmerizing. It was also her first time to see Yuri this close and even though she wanted to deny..still her heart had to agreed that Yuri was charming.. Even with a light smile on her face ..Jessica could not help but wonder..what Yuri would look like when she smile happily and deep in her heart she began to wish that some day.. Yuri might smile happily for her..

"Your highness.. The petitions you have requested" The lady entered the room with a few scrolls in her hand

"Put them on the desk. I will look at them later" Jessica turned around and said before turned back to Yuri

"I think I will take a little break.. Do you mind accompany me to the garden?" Jessica asked

"Not at all. Your highness" Yuri replied

Jessica smiled happily as she led Yuri out of the study room and sent the signal to her ladies not to follow her. Yuri looked around and quite curious of why no one was following then noticed that Jessica was playfully laughing at her…

"It's fine. I want to spend some time alone with you" Jessica said 

"Your highness… that's.." Yuri found herself at the loss for words

"It's fine. I want to get to know you more. I need to know that I can trust you" Jessica said as she stopped walking and looked at Yuri

Yuri let out a smile.. so Jessica was having the same thing going through her mind. She needed to know that someone who was going to serve her from now on was trustworthy..just as much as Yuri needed to know the person she was about to give her loyalty to. Somehow both of them knew that they were having the same thought acrossed their minds as they slowly walked through the hallway that finally led to the main garden. The sweet scent of flowers filled the soft wind as Yuri entered the main garden for the first time in many years since her last visit. The fountain remained the same, but the flowers had become more beautiful and vivid.. Roses could be seen everywhere. The main garden had become more mature..unlike back then… it was colorful like children books…and slowly Yuri turned her head to looked at Jessica, who looked somewhat proud

'Ah.. so this is her garden…It's mature because its owner has become one' Yuri thought to herself

"My mother left me this" Jessica said as she slowly made her way to one of the rose bushes

"She told me to look after them.. At first I like many different kind of flowers, especially morning glory..but then I think as time goes by.. roses seem to be perfect for this garden.." Jessica said as she lightly touched the white rose with the tip of her finger

Yuri smiled at the sight in front of her… It was beautiful just like a painting…while Jessica looked back at Yuri with expectation to hear some response..but all she could see from Yuri was a pair of kind eyes looking back at her. The feint smile on Yuri's face made Jessica wondered what could Yuri had in mind. 

"Do you know that I used to have many bodyguards that are just like you?" Jessica asked

"Like me? Your highness?" Yuri asked with a little surprise from the question

"Yes. Like you.. stay silent as if they are not existed… left me said things alone or make me stay quiet in solitude.." Jessica said as she began to stroll away and Yuri quickly followed her

"I don't want a bodyguard… My life has been inside this place.. I don't know why I needed one.." Jessica said

"Because there are lurking dangers. Your highness. It is better that we don't overlook them.. even inside the castle" Yuri said

"That is exactly the answer I always hear. I thought you would be different" Jessica said as she turned around to looked at Yuri with her eyes fill with dissatisfaction

"Different? Your highness?" Yuri asked 

"Yes. I thought we would shared something similar.. You see.. me and you…We kind of similar.. You to become a soldier, while I become the heir to the throne.. We're born as women and yet to take the roles of men" Jessica said

A light wind lightly brushes passed the garden as they faced each other. Yuri looked at Jessica and found that there were things hidden behind those beautiful eyes, which Yuri did not expect. Jessica might be sweet and pure just like the way she talked about the garden a moment ago and she could be so serious and quite wise… Yuri weakly smiled as she found the the point that Jessica has brought up was indeed true..

"I don't want a bodyguard who followed me without a voice.. I want someone to be by my side, who I can trust completely.. and protect me because she wants to protect me.. not because it is her duty" Jessica said as she turned around and slowly took her stroll

"What you need is not a bodyguard.. Your highness… What you need..is a companion" Yuri said as she followed Jessica closely

"And can you be that for me?" Jessica said and turned around to look at Yuri once more

"A companion?" Yuri asked

"Yes.. my companion.." Jessica said

"That is something…you need time to answer… for now.. I can only serve you with my utmost effort" Yuri said 

Jessica looked at Yuri…she knew that Yuri only said that because of her rank and status and even though it was the truth, still she found it amusing. This was something she never heard anyone answered her before.. The answer was in time and future. Jessica smiled to herself.. this could be very interesting.. Normally people who have became her bodyguard would rather considered their status first and laid low…or jumped at her proposal with greed. Mostly she faced with the latter more than the first… especially with men who had been freshly promoted. She had asked her father that she would choose her own bodyguard since the last one had tried to courted her and of course, she knew better and immediately dismissed him. She was not a girl of seventeen like other would saw her. She knew that her life was unlike other normal girls, who would be happy by being courted and flattering. She looked at Yuri amusingly…somehow Yuri interested her ever since she has laid her eyes on since her last visit at the Royal Army Academy..

"And how long do you think it will take?" Jessica asked

"That is depends on your highness's thoughts about me" Yuri said

"Now this is something different.. Come and walk with me.. Don't just follow. I want to show you around this place" Jessica said as she lightly took Yuri by the hand and let Yuri walked beside her

"Your highness… This is a little.." Yuri said 

"It's my order. If you didn't comply.. I will count it that you're not serving my command" Jessica said 

"Beside.. no one would mind.. since you and I are both girls" Jessica smiled

"But still.." Yuri tried to protested but got cut off 

"Do not even try… Come.. I will take you to the North side I have just planted some white lilacs" Jessica said as she slowly guided Yuri through the huge garden

Yuri found herself quite astonished. The Crown Princess seemed to be more friendly than she thought, not only she did not mind about her high status, she also had a great mind and knowing very well of where her responsibility lies… Yuri let out a light sigh. The feeling of having her soft hand holding hers…made her feel a little uneasy… Of course, they were both girls..but even with Sooyoung.. she never held anyone hands.. except in fist fights…

"You seem to be a little uneasy.. Is it because of me?" Jessica asked 

"I think it is quite inappropriate for Royal Guard like me to walk hand in hand with your highness" Yuri said

"Don't mind that.. I told you.. I don't want a bodyguard.. I want a companion.. You said time will tell.. now I'm just starting to see if you can be my companion or not" Jessica said

"Do you mind if I ask… Why do you need a companion? Your highness" Yuri asked

"I want someone to support me.. I don't want to be support by just the North noblemen just like what father has.. You see.. The current situation is not a healthy politics.. when there is a chance the East will somehow tries to overthrow me.. and I don't want to be their enemy" Jessica said 

"Mind you.. I'm not afraid of them.. but I think it will be better if I gain my supporters from both sides.. not just one.. I cannot have both sides at each other throat like my father is dealing right now.. The Kingdom itself will be in turmoil if I let this goes on" Jessica said as she lower herself and inhale the sweet scent of the white lilac

"Then what you need is a strong political supporters" Yuri said

"Yes..and no" Jessica said as she turned around to look at Yuri 

"At some point I would need those who support me.. but I know that they would come and go.. You asked me why do I need a companion.. I need someone that will never leave my side" Jessica continued

"You want someone who loyal to you" Yuri summarized 

"Yes.. I want someone who is loyal to me.. and I hope.. you can give me that" Jessica said as she dare herself to looked into Yuri's eyes for the first time

"It is my duty to give you that.. Your highness" Yuri said as she looked into Jessica's eyes

"I don't want you to give it to me because it is your duty. Just like in a game of chess.. I don't want a knight, who just follows my command.. I want a knight who I can trust that she will protect me..even I didn't command her to" Jessica said 

"I know that loyalty is not something you can give to anyone so easily.. I have to earn it too" Jessica added

"Just like trust" Yuri said and smile

"Yes.. Just like trust" Jessica said and smiled back

Jessica felt a little more confident. It seemed like her and Yuri could get along fine. As they walk through the garden together, Jessica could feel that this was not a bad beginning, but It was only a beginning and Jessica knew it. She simply let herself enjoyed the moment. It has been a while for Jessica to shared this kind of intimacy with someone…and although she was quite surprise by herself…to took Yuri's hand a moment ago… She never had this kind of impulse to get close to someone like this before...

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