Chapter 3 

It had been three months since Yuri officially became Jessica's bodyguard. They spent most of their time in the palace, especially inside Jessica's study room and garden. They would often discussed the state affairs together although Yuri would only listen and may voiced out her opinion from time to time. More and more, Jessica began to trust Yuri and in return Yuri learned to respect Jessica in many ways. Even though Jessica barely spoke her mind during her time in court, but Yuri knew that she cared about the state affairs but did not want others to see her as a threat. Jessica would rather spent her time studying the matters and discussed them with her father alone and voiced her opinion to her father only, which her father seemed to be very proud of how his daughter knew where to position herself in politics..

"Yuri.." Jessica said as she put her quill down

"Yes, your highness" Yuri asked

"I want to see the capital city.. I want to see how people are living outside" Jessica said as she looked at Yuri thoughtfully 

"You mean.. you want to go for expedition?" Yuri asked 

"Yes.. I want to disguise myself and walk around the city" Jessica said as she rest her chin on her hands

"It's still dangerous..even we're in disguise" Yuri said with concern

"Well, we need to take some risks" Jessica said with a playful smile

"Your highness. It's not funny" 

"I know it's not.. but I need to know more about the situation outside..rather than reading from the parchments" Jessica said as she flicked her finger at one of the parchments on her desk

"Then I need to get a permission.." Yuri proposed

"Why don't we just sneak out.. Just you and me" Jessica said

"Your highness.. that's breaking the law.. That will be more like kidnapping" Yuri said

"You're not kidnapping.. I agree to go with you.. with my consent" Jessica said as she stood up

"It's still not a good idea.. Your highness.. I need to get a permission to do so" Yuri said

"Did anyone ever tell you that you're no fun" Jessica pouted

"It's not about fun.. Your highness.. It's about your safety" Yuri said

"Yes.. I know that.. and do you think when we ask for the permission..even if we allow to go out.. then there will be like 20 Royal Guards following me around including you..with your uniform… what will I see then.. ? A well organized town where people live happily and smiling.." Jessica said and gave Yuri a disdain look 

"Then..at least.. His majesty should know" Yuri said

"Fine. I will talk with my father first and if I get the permission then you must comply. Agree?" Jessica said

"Yes. Your highness. I will comply if His majesty give your permission to do so" Yuri said with a smirk

"No doubt about it. My father will let me go" Jessica said with a confident smile 

And as if she had known her father too well, Jessica simply got her permission and Yuri had to complied. The next day Yuri dressed like normal men instead of her military uniform. She wore her white long sleeve shirt and her black riding pants along with her riding boots. She let out a light sigh as she looked at herself in the mirror..thinking back to when Jessica enthusiastically told her that she got the permission from her father..

"I told you so!" Jessica said cheerfully

"I still have concern about your safety.. Your highness" Yuri said

"You agreed to the deal already" Jessica said

"Yes.. Your highness.. I have agreed" Yuri said in defeat

"So we will meet here at the palace tomorrow and will get out at the east gate, where court ladies enter and exit the palace" Jessica said

"Yes. Your highness.. I will organize a group of Royal Guards to disguise themselves for your protection" Yuri said

"No.. Just me and you.. that will be enough" Jessica said in her commanding voice

"Your highness.. It's too dangerous" Yuri said

"It's not. I think bringing too many people will draw attention to us.. Just me and you and that's final" Jessica said as she crossed her arms

Yuri could only let out a light sigh as she nodded in agreement. She did not agreed to what Jessica had suggested, but she knew that she cannot win over Jessica no matter how hard she tried. The Crown Princess was quite stubborn, especially when she had set her mind on something. Yuri let out another sigh as she stepped out of her room and made her way to the courtyard. She mounted her horse and headed to the palace. In her heart, she wished that nothing would happen during their time in the city.  When she arrived at the east gate, she found Jessica already dressed in a simple dress. Yuri let out a light smile upon the sight. Somehow the dress unable to tone down the fact that Jessica still look as refine as ever. She looked more like a lady from a very rich family rather than normal citizen.. Well, she was a Crown Princess after all and could not be any less than that Yuri thought to herself. For Jessica, it was her first time seeing Yuri on a horse, the sight somehow managed to makes her heart skipped a beat.. Yuri looked too handsome for a girl and Jessica could not help but forget that fact for a moment…as Yuri dismounted and walked up to her…

"Good morning. Your highness" Yuri greeted as she bow

"G..good morning" Jessica said as she tried to regain her composure

"Are you alright? Your highness.. Your face is a little…flush?" Yuri asked 

"N..no.. I'm fine… well.. let's get going" Jessica said as she quickly walked away

Yuri looked at Jessica with a little confusion but soon followed her as they both walked out of the palace into the city.They silently stroll down the streets. The silent made Yuri concerned. For the fact that Jessica had been overly quiet for an expedition that she wanted so bad. There must be something wrong. She could not help but felt slightly worry. Her first thought came to conclusion that Jessica might not use to the hot sun…since she had spent most of her time indoor..

"Your highness.. Are you alright? Is the sun too hot?" Yuri asked with concern as she stop walking and looked at Jessica directly

"No.. Why?" Jessica startled at the sudden appearance of Yuri in front of her..since they have been walking side by side for a while

"You seem to be too quiet…I thought you might be more..excited about going out of the palace" Yuri looked at Jessica 

"..Oh.. I just.. thinking to myself that's all.." Jessica immediately came up with a reasonable excuse.. to be in fact she was just trying to deal with the new feeling that she just had a moment ago…

"Oh…Is that so..?.. I thought.. you might find it boring..since we have been walking in silence" Yuri said then sighed with relief

"No..Not at all.." Jessica immediately refused 

"Well..then…why don't we try to enjoy this trip" Yuri said as she offered her hand to Jessica

"Yes..Let's enjoy this trip and thank you for dropping the formality.. I almost tell you to stop calling me…your highness… People will know who I am if you continue that" Jessica giggled

"Then what should I call you?" Yuri asked 

"Jessica.. just Jessica.." Jessica said as she smiled brightly and placed her hand on Yuri's

"…Fine then.. Jessica" Yuri smiled and lightly held Jessica's hand before she lead Jessica towards the city centre

Jessica's smile became a little more brighter…for some reasons…somehow.. her feelings for Yuri had began to change. At first, she just admired for Yuri was strong and brave, but after she had spent a few months with Yuri..she knew that there were many sides to Yuri that she never knew before and behind the weak smile and her formal words, Yuri had always been kind towards her even though sometime she can feel the slight distance between them and yet right here, at this very moment she suddenly felt that they could be closer and in her heart she knew that Yuri can be trusted and perhaps be something more..

Meanwhile, Yuri felt relief when Jessica finally regained her bright smile. She knew that something must have been wrong a moment ago…but she still did not know what and it bothered her a little since she did not want Jessica to feel any discomfort, especially when she was around. They continued to walk down the streets together side by side as Yuri would pointed out a thing or two around the city.. From the churches to the sidewalks that could lead to many different part of the city. Jessica felt mesmerize by the sight of the city. She never had this kind of experience before. All she had been doing was looking at the city from her room and it had always looked so small to her, but as she walked around she finalle get a sense that the capital was really big and filled with so many fascinate things. The marketpIace located at the sqaure was filled with people and lively shouts from all the stalls. Jessica's eyes widened with excitement as Yuri led her around. It has been a while since Yuri cisited the market. She used to come to the market with Sooyoung and Sunny before she went to the Academy..and so, most of the shopkeepers and vendors remembered her very well..

"Young master Yuri!" An old lady from the fruits stand shouted out as she waved to Yuri

"Oh.. Aunty Eun Mi! Long time no see" Yuri said brightly as she walked to fruit stand with Jessica

"Long time no see to you too. Young master. A day off?" Eun Mi asked

"Yes.. I'm off duty today. How are you doing?" Yuri asked

"I'm fine as always. My son has just joined the army, but as a new recruit unlike you that graduated from the Academy. I saw you at the graduation.. You looked very handsome that day. Want some apples? I just got them freshly from the farm" Eun Mi said as she laughed out loud and Yuri joined her with a slight embarassment 

"How much is it?" Yuri asked as Eun Mi handed her the apple

"Oh.. Com'on.. for you it's free" Eun Mi encouraged Yuri to accept the apple from her

"You know I can't take it" Yuri said

"It's alright. I always give you one or two when you visited the market and another one for your friend too. She's so pretty" Eun Mi smiled as she looked at Jessica, who was hiding behind Yuri

"Thank you" Yuri said as she let out a light laugh and finally gave in as she accept two apples from Eun MI then passed one to Jessica..

"Is she your girlfriend?" Eun Mi asked as she looked at Yuri, who apparently just have her first bite of the apple…and Jessica almost dropped the apple in her hand upon hearing the question with surprise

"N..no.. We're… ahem…f..friends.. Sometime your jokes get a little.." Yuri said as she lightly coughed…to be in fact she almost choke herself

"It never gets old.. Well, tell Sooyoung that I miss her.. she lets Sunny came here alone too often" Eun Mi said as she lightly laugh

"I will tell her that. Thank you for the apples. It taste great like always" Yuri said brightly

"Take care of yourself young master and visit the market more often. We kind of miss you" Eun Mi smiled

"Yes.. I will.. Thanks again Aunty" Yuri said and finally wave a goodbye as she walked away with Jessica

"..W..well.. You seem to be well known around here" Jessica said as she looked at the apple in her hand although Eun Mi's question still resound in her ears

"I often came here with my friends.. when they came for our household grocery" Yuri said as she tried to pushed aside of what Eun Mi said…she was still quite surprised by the question

Then Jessica just nodded and still looked at the apple in her hands as if it was the most interesting object in the world. Yuri noticed the sudden change in Jessica's behavior and afraid that somehow what Eun Mi said might offended Jessica. Yuri began to worry that perhaps her answer might also troubling Jessica as well. Since in fact..they were not friends and to be even more exact, she could not be Jessica's friend's. Jessica was the Crown Princess after all…

"Is she your girlfriend?" Eun Mi's voice still very much resounding in Jessica's ears and she could not help but felt both of her cheeks slightly burned from all the blushing..

'Do we look like a couple?" Jessica thought

"She didn't mean to said it.. Sometime..she jokes around and it can get a little.." Yuri said with a slight worry

"What did you just say?" Jessica asked as she turns to face Yuri…since she has been busied herself from trying to get that resound question out of her mind..

"Was there anything bothers you? You seem to be…absentminded" Yuri asked with concern

"..N..No.. Nothing" Jessica said

"Really?" Yuri asked

"Yes.. I'm fine.. really" Jessica said

"Is what she said bothers you…then I'm sorry.. Sometime her jokes can went a little too far" Yuri said as she gave Jessica an apologetic look

"It's alright.. I know…it's a joke" Jessica said. She somehow surprised by herself that when she uttered those words out…her heart felt a little sad…as if she never wanted it to be just a joke

"Oh..that's good then.. I thought you might feel..offended..since.." Yuri said as she let out a light sigh

"Since what?" Jessica asked

"Since..I'm just your bodyguard" Yuri said with a light smile

Jessica was quite taken back by Yuri's words. Jessica could see clearly through Yuri's eyes that she truly meant what she just said. Yuri only viewed herself as Jessica's bodyguard and nothing else. Somehow Jessica's heart began to feel a slight disappointment as if she expected something more from Yuri. As if…she was waiting to see even just a little hint..of sadness in Yuri's eyes. Jessica tried to pushes her feelings aside…the more she focused on what she felt, the more she became confused with the relationship between her and Yuri. Jessica sighed and forced out a smile, but Yuri surprised her once again when she found Yuri's hand reached out for hers. 

'Do you really think of yourself as my bodyguard…just that?… then why did you take my hand.. like this..' Jessica thought 

For a while they walked through the market together, Jessica tried to enjoy herself as she observed how lively people were. The exhanged between the merchant and the normal people made her could not help but smile brightly. The place was filled with laughters and children were running around with a soft folk song performed by street performers played in the background. There were even dancers, showing their talents and magicians entertained the crowds from here and there. The world outside palace was so fascinating and full of colors that she never knew before. She looked up at Yuri and see that her bodyguard was also smiling and a very gentle smile at that.

"This is how people enjoy themselves.. " Yuri said

"I never know before that there would be so much fun outside the palace" Jessica said as she looks at the crown show off his magic tricks with a young boy

"There're a lot of things outside the palace" Yuri said as her face turned slightly grim

"You're not going to show me just the fun part…are you?" Jessica asked

"For now.. I want you to see how people are enjoying themselves..and remember their smiles" Yuri said

"So that I wouldn't forget when I see them cry?" Jessica asked

"Yes.. So that you could know how valuable these smiles are" Yuri said as her gaze became deeper as she looked at the crowd around her

Jessica studied Yuri with her eyes. She knew that Yuri had the knowledge and instinct of a natural leader, but she never thought that she could ever seen Yuri looked like this before. Yuri's eyes and gaze that looked at the crowd was as if she, herself wants to protect them all from her heart. Jessica could see such potential in Yuri…that somehow..Yuri could be the one that she was searching for…someone that she could trust…someone to be her companion for life..

Later that day Yuri took Jessica into a local pub, where people in the city would come to hang out for lunch and dinner. Jessica observed the place with amazement before she took her seat as Yuri told her to. Yuri was then went over to the bar and ordering their lunch along with some beverages. She glanced around to look at Jessica and saw a group of young men approached her.. Yuri lightly sighed to herself..she knew this would happen…and she left the bar immediately. She could see the young man reaching his hand out towards Jessica and nearly took a seat next to her.. Yuri rushed towards Jessica and successfully stood in front of the young men and blocked their way completely…with Jessica still sitting at the table behind her not far away..

"Do you mind keeping your hand to yourself?" Yuri said as she grabbed on the young man's wrist and pushed it aside befor she casted a cautious look

"Who are you? How dare you to block my way?" The young boy said apparently he seemed to be the leader of the group.. He lightly shook his hand that Yuri just pushed aside

"If you don't have any business with my lady then I have no intention to block your way" Yuri said politely as she looked at the young man straight in the eyes

"Your lady?" The young man asked as he turns his head to his peers and laughed in unison

"Yes.. my lady" Yuri said in a low warning voice 

"A beauty like her.. with you..? A small yet fragile looking? Don't kid me" The young man said as his fellows backed him up with another batch of laughter

"The more I look at him.. The more I think he is a she" One of his fellows said and another laughter erupted making all the people turn their heads toward them

"My thought exactly. Are you really a guy? You look like a girl" The young man said as he reached his hand out towards Yuri face, which Yuri immediately slapped his hand away 

"If you're not having any business with her.. then would you please go on your way. The lady is with me and that is enough for you to know" Yuri said coldly

"What an arrogant prick..looking like a noble and act like one too" The young man said as he took a step closer to Yuri. Yuri did not even step back

"And what's with that look? Are you looking for trouble? Pretty face" Another fellow said as he grabbed on Yuri's collars and immediately Yuri pushed his hands away

"We don't want any trouble. So could you please leave us alone" Yuri said coldly 

"Fine. We will take our leave then" The young man said as he finally turned his back on Yuri

Yuri sighed with relief for the fact that she did not have to fight with the guys and seated herself down across Jessica, who looked at her with worry eyes. Yuri weakly smiled as she turned her head to make sure that the guys were leaving.. and she found them sitting not far away…their eyes were looking towards her and Jessica.

"We can just leave" Jessica said as she was surprised by what happened

"We don't have any reasons to and these kind of things often happen" Yuri said as the waitress gave them their two pints of ale and Yuri lightly said her thank you

"So you often facing with this kind of situation?" Jessica said

"I'm used to it already" Yuri said as she took a sip of her ale

"By having people grabbing your collars?" Jessica asked as she hesitantly took a sip of her ale and taken back by its flavor

"No.. by keep getting people call me a pretty face boy" Yuri scoffed

"But you're not a boy" Jessica said 

"I'm not a girl either" Yuri sighed 

"You're a girl. What do you mean by that" Jessica said

"I'm not. Am I look like one?" Yuri asked

"It doesn't matter what you look like.. and to be more in fact it doesn't even matter if you're a boy or a girl. You're just you. Isn't that enough?" Jessica said

"I don't know" Yuri said as she took another sip

For a moment they shared a brief silent before the waitress came back with their food. They quietly ate their lunch, while Jessica was still surprise to see Yuri become sullen by their previous conversation. She did not know how Yuri felt all this time but she was certain that deep down Yuri never wanted to be like this…which somehow sadden her a little. For her, Yuri had always been quite mesmerizing and magnificent.. she never thought that being like this could be troublesome for Yuri. She never really have thought about Yuri's situation in that way before and she began to understand a little why those words troubling Yuri. She was a girl but she needed to stand up and looked like a boy on the outside…and doing things like what other boys did. Jessica found herself feeling sorry for Yuri for the first time…and somehow… she managed to admire Yuri more than she already has.. She saw Yuri took a deep breath and looked at her with concern

"People are not quite fond of the noblemen at the moment" Yuri said

"Why?" Jessica asked as she looked around..and noticed that some people looked at them with their vengeful eyes

"Because of the recent rumors that we will increase the tax" Yuri whispered 

"But that is just rumors. We didn't even decide on that yet" Jessica said in her hush tone

"There are some people who already panic about it" Yuri said as she continued on eating her food, pretend that their conversation was not so serious

"Then who spread the rumors?" Jessica asked 

"I don't know, but there are these kind of rumors every year. This year is a little more serious since we have more people migrating to the capital" Yuri said

"You really know a lot" Jessica said with amazement

"My father is very concern about this, and I think your father too" Yuri said

"I heard that there are rumors..but I never thought that people will be this serious about it" Jessica said and took another looked around the pub

"It is serious..since some of them can barely buy breads to feed their family and now with the tax increasing.. who will be able to pay?" Yuri asked

"So..there are some people who still struggling?" Jessica asked.. she thought that people will live happily under her father rules

"There will always be people who are struggling" Yuri commented

"Can't we do anything for them?" Jessica asked

"We can.. Well.. Why don't we go to a different part of the town after this?" Yuri said

"Sure.." Jessica said

"I will go and pay then" Yuri smiled and walked towards the bar

As soon as Yuri finished paying, they left the place and Yuri made sure that Jessica was right by her side at all times.. since the place that they were heading was considered the poor area of the capital, where povery started and ended. As they walked down the streets.. Jessica could see how the buildings were getting older and older as well as the streets became more narrower and darker, which made her held on to Yuri's hand even tighter.. afraid that something might lurk out of any small dark alleys..

"There is no need to be afraid. It may seem scary, but there is nothing to be scare of " Yuri lightly whispered 

"How can you said that?" Jessica said in disbelief

"They're your people.. and you shouldn't be afraid of them. They too don't want to live in places like this.. They only live here because they can't afford a much better living. Is there anything to be scare about them?" Yuri asked and Jessica lightly shook her head

"My father's friend built a church near this area. He used his own money to built… I think it's around the corner" Yuri said as she could hear singing voices not far from where they were

"A church?" Jessica asked

"Yes.. He also built some schools in different areas.. helping those who are in need. I don't know how he is doing now.. since I didn't hear about him from my father much these days" Yuri said as she took a left turn and found a small white church at the centre of the community

"I think we found it" Yuri said with a smile then she saw the church's door burst open with a young 4 years old boy running out

"Il-Sung! Don't run. You might fall" A young lady rushed out of the church and running after the boy

"I don't want to sing! I want to play sword fighting! Bleh!" Il-Sung said as he turned around and stuck his tongue at the young lady

As the boy turns around he found himself ran into Yuri, who looked at him with a grin on her face. He tried to runs away, but Yuri caught him and held him up as the young lady approached them with a beautiful smile on her face. Yuri looked at the young lady for the first time. Strangely, the young lady did not seem quite fit with the place. Her fair skin and her long dark brown hair…although her dress was old, but she did not look like a local girl…but what made Yuri mesmerized most..was her eyes that shine so brightly…

"Thank you for stopping him" The young lady said

"It's alright. He seems to be a trouble maker" Yuri said as she handed the boy over

"He is. Il-Sung.. How many times did I tell you not to run out of the church like that" The young lady said

"But it's boring. Fany Noona.. I don't want to sing. I want to fight! I want to be a soldier" Il-Sung said

"It's too early for you to be a soldier" Yuri said as she lightly laughed

"Are you a soldier? Hyung?" Il-Sung asked and Yuri was quite taken back but then chuckled

"Well..yes. I am" Yuri said as she decided to played along

"Even better. He is a Royal Guard" Jessica added and looked at Yuri amusingly

"Uwah! Then you must graduated from the Academy! So cool~" Il-Sung said

"Now.. Don't get over excited. Let's go back in. Your friends are all waiting" Fany said

"But I don't want to" Il-Sung said

"Il-Sung.. Is that right?" Yuri asked as she saw the young lady named "Fany" lightly nod

"You want to be a soldier?" Yuri asked

"I want to! It's so cool" Il-Sung answered excitedly

"Well.. then do you what is important for a soldier?" Yuri asked

"Sword fighting?" Il-Sung guessed

"No.. You need to obey your superior and those that you serve. Right now.. You're being a bad soldier since you didn't listen to your Fany Noona" Yuri said

"But.." Il-Sung said

"There is no buts for soldier. We have to do what we have been order to. Will you go against your commander? or perhaps our Princess?" Yuri said as she glanced at Jessica, who apparently shaking her head

"Did the Princess gives you orders?" Il-Sung asked excitedly

"Yes. She gave me orders everyday" Yuri answered and let out a laugh before Jessica lightly pinched Yuri on the arm

"And you still did what she said?" Il-Sung asked

"Yes" Yuri answered

"Why?" Il-Sung asked

"Because I am a good soldier. So Il Sung do you want to be a good soldier?" Yuri asked

"I want to" Il-Sung said and beamed

"Then listen to your Fany Noona and behave, alright?" Yuri asked

"Alright" Il-Sung immediately agreed

"Promise?" Yuri asked

"Promise" Il-Sung said and lightly giggle

"Like a soldier? When a soldier promised, he cannot break it" Yuri said as she lifted her hands up and placed it on her left chest

"Promise like a soldier" Il-Sung said and followed Yuri action

"Good" Yuri said as she lightly patted Il-Sung's head

Fany lightly laughed then mouthed the word "Thank you" towards Yuri and they shared a moment looking at each other before Fany slightly bowed her head to Yuri and turned around with Il Sung in her arms. Jessica turned to look at Yuri, who somehow still had a happy smile on her face… then Jessica turned to look at the young lady..somehow she could feel that she will see that young lady again..in the near future..

"Well..she is quite attractive, isn't she? Yuri Oppa?" Jessica said with a hint of mockery

"What?" Yuri asked with a little surprise in her voice 

"You look at her as if she is the most attractive woman on Earth" Jessica said

"I didn't look at her like that.. and did you just call me Oppa?" Yuri asked

"I did. Don't you like it" Jessica said teasingly

"It's weird" Yuri said 

"Seriously…Were you looking at her or the boy?" Jessica asked

"I looked at the boy. He just waved at me when she turned around" Yuri answered

"It doesn't seem so" Jessica said

"Why would I look at her? I'm not a guy" Yuri said as she lightly shook her head

"Oh.. but you pretended to be one…just now" Jessica said

"I pretended because he's just a boy and he didn't mean to" Yuri said as she began to walk once more

"Yuri.. Do you enjoy being like this?" Jessica asked and that made Yuri stopped walking right away

"What if I'm not?" Yuri asked back

"Then why did you do it?" Jessica asked

"Sometime..you have to do something..that you don't want to" Yuri said as she weakly smiled

"Like taking orders from me?" Jessica asked

"No.. Serving you is my duty and I am happy to serve you" Yuri said as she began to walk once more

"Then… can you serve me forever?" Jessica asked as she reached out for Yuri's hand

Yuri turned around and looked at Jessica. She was expecting Jessica to joke around..but all she could see was a pair of sincere eyes looking back and demanding for an answer. Yuri lightly smiled. It might be a little too early..but the time that she had with Jessica, she knew that Jessica cared about this country more than everyone else.. She might be reckless and stubborn at times..but what she did, she did for a better understanding to what really happened outside the palace. For that instance Yuri knew the answer and without much thinking, she knelt down in front of that white church…dropped one of her knee onto the street..

"I will" Yuri said with her confident voice

And that was the moment where Yuri had promised herself and swore to the lord above that she would give her utmost effort and loyalty to the person in front of her. Jessica smiled happily…as she also knew that Yuri could be the person that she can trust… She might not have to believed in Yuri's words..but for some reason..she can felt the sincerity and was touched by Yuri's sudden action.. Remember their first conversation in the garden…Jessica lower herself and put her hands on Yuri's shoulders as she told Yuri to rise… They looked at each other for a moment and with that simple eye contact.. they both promised each other silently that they will be by each other side no matter what…

...