Chapter Ten     When I woke up last Tuesday morning I found myself in my pajamas and Youngho was long gone. Secretary Kim informed me that he was summoned to report to my father about my sudden attack afterwards he was sent home. I felt bad for not having to thank him although I sent him a message I know it wouldn’t be enough so I prepared a little token to express my utmost gratitude.   It was the early hours of Friday morning and the sun wasn’t even up yet but my entire staff has been busy preparing for my trip to Thailand. We would be leaving in a few for us to arrive by noon at Bangkok. For my complete itinerary, Soojin has got it covered as always. I was greeting the elders even in these early hours, my grandmother giving me her words of advice while my mother reminding me of her strict instructions. My father on the other hand, simply said he’d be terribly missing me. I’d be back by Monday afternoon anyway, so it isn’t really a long visit. I told them not to worry too much and I’ll keep them posted.   I was on my way back to my room to collect the last of my belongings when I received a text from a certain someone who’s probably more excited for my Thailand trip than myself.   Don’t forget the present! —Kiyeomi Yuju ❤, 5:53 AM   I immediately replied,   I got it covered. Thank you! —HRH Lee Yeona, 5:53 AM   After hearing the story of my asthma attack, my best friend was the most ecstatic. She didn’t even care if I nearly died, she was all over the fact that Youngho was so, and I quote ‘romantic for helping me.’ Seriously? I can’t see where she’s coming but after all, it’s Yuju we’re talking about here. Tuesday afternoon we went around some exclusive stores in Myeongdong to look for the perfect token. It wasn’t long till we selected the right present and I could only giggle as I watch my friend contain her excitement.   Do you remember what you’re supposed to say? You promised me you wouldn’t alter it. Better keep that promise! —Kiyeomi Yuju ❤, 5:54 AM   I smiled inwardly remembering the exact words my friend taught me, before replying,   Yes ma’am. I have it memorized in my head like a mantra. Don’t worry I’ll keep my words. —HRH Lee Yeona, 5:54 AM   She replied in an instant.   Alright, keep me posted! Have a safe trip~ And remember to ask Soojin unnie some  condoms if ever you guys be needing one. I’d like for you to have fun but better be safe, aight? ^.~ Love you xoxo —Kiyeomi Yuju ❤, 5:55 AM   Upon reading her text message I couldn’t believe myself. What is my crazy friend thinking? There are tons of wrong things in her text that I could point out; first of all I’m a minor, second why would we have ? Third, if we do have , won’t Youngho be in prison for harassing a minor like me? Wait—why am I having these thoughts? My best friend sure is corrupting my innocent mind. I felt my cheeks grew hot and red upon such thoughts and I hurriedly shook my head, as if by doing so it could be gotten rid of. It also didn’t help that I was suddenly startled while I was walking the pavements, making me drop my phone and raising my heartbeat immensely. I think I let out such unpleasant scream but who cares. When I turned around, I saw a cheeky looking Youngho and he got me with his strange antics once again. He merely laughed in pure amusement while I tried to hit him lightly—or pathetically—with my hand.   “How could you do that?” I whined, stomping my feet. I felt my cheeks still hot and flushed and I wanted to drown myself in a well for my embarrassment.   “You looked and sounded so cute.” He answered, which further annoyed me. “What were you ogling on your phone anyway? I called you twice but you didn’t hear.” He then proceeded to pick up my phone from the ground and I immediately panicked. He cannot see my best friend’s embarrassing text message.   “Youngho ssi, give me that.” I hastily said, opening my palms for him to surrender my gadget.   “Hmm, I’m curious. I kinda wanna know what secrets you have here.” Said he and I ended up without any choice but to snatch it away from him. Only that he was quicker and raised it high enough for me not to be able to reach. Curse him and his towering height compared to mine.   “Give it back!” I demanded while I jumped up and down, trying to reach my damn phone. If only Yuju didn’t send me that embarrassing text, the heck will I be doing this for his pleasure. As expected, he only laughed some more.   “Why won’t you let me see it?” asked he, still in fits of laughter.   “Privacy! Have you heard about it?” I answered in sarcasm and I was already feeling quite tired from jumping so I halted for a few seconds. He looked at me squarely, as if asking whether I gave up, before he made an attempt to read what’s flashing on the screen. Screw it, why did I even set my phone to be on standby for one minute?   I panicked once again so I ended up tickling his sides. “Give it back to me, you sneaky old man!” I said in gritted teeth before a ticklish Youngho, trying his very best to suppress his laughter.   “Arasso, arasso.” he said, effectively making me halt my assault yet my hands are still lingering in his sides, just in case.   “Give it back.” I demanded once more. He made one last cheeky grin before handing me the phone. I immediately snatched it back and shoved it deep in my pocket. I decided to ignore him and continue my flight to my room. We will be late.   I felt him catch up, caging me inside his enormous arms before saying, “Don’t worry you need not ask Secretary Kim for some. I always have it with me, just in case.” And he said it in such seductive voice that I felt the heat creep back up on my cheeks once again.   I turned around before hitting him on the chest yelling, “ert!” and ran as fast as I could towards my room. Screw the protocols, I only wanted to be drowned or swallowed whole by the ground because of my embarrassment. How did he manage to read it? Screw it! How can I face him back now? Wait, why am I even contemplating myself? Yuju was the one who sent that, not me. I should not be embarrassed! But I still am. What am I going to do?   I closed the room to my bedroom quickly before I leaned against it and tried to catch my breath. Calm down, Yeona. I pepped talked to myself. You got this, don’t let him distract you. I reached for my phone once again to send a fast reply to my evil genius of a friend.   I hate you. >///< —HRH Lee Yeona, 6:02 AM   And shoved it harshly on my purse, burying it, trying my very best to forget about the embarrassment. I decided to collect my carry on luggage, paused for a while, took a deep breath and held my head high. You got this. And I strutted out of my room as if nothing has happened. On my way out I met halfway with Secretary Kim and the rest of my staff. They came back after packing the last of my belongings to get me. She immediately got the luggage from me before asking if I was feeling all right. She mentioned I was looking so red, she feared I’m having a fever. But I reassured her that I was perfectly fine before I told everyone that we should probably get going if we don’t want to be late.   “We are still waiting for Taeyong gun and Youngho doryeonim, your highness.” Said Kang ahjussi. “They are still greeting the elders in the common room but they will be down in an instant.”   I wanted to say I couldn’t care less but decided not to, “I’ll head first to the vehicle then.” I ended up saying before I made my way towards my Rolls Royce. Of course we have to share a transport towards the airport as well, and I have to endure this long whole trip with them constantly ticking my patience, teasing me for embarrassment and annoying me for god knows whatever reasons. All of a sudden, four days seemed to be too long for a state visit.   My phone buzzed for more text messages but I decided to ignore it. I don’t want to hear anything from Yuju because I currently despise her. Instead I tried to focus on my schedule when we land in Bangkok.   “Our estimated time of arrival would be 10 o’clock in the morning, at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand, as Seoul is two hours ahead of Bangkok and we would be flying for more or less five hours. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Don Pramudwinai, would welcome us, and he would be escorting us to the Grand Palace were we would meet the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Thailand. We were informed that he would like for us to have lunch with him.”   I nodded as Soojin briefed me of what to expect on our first day.   “In the afternoon we only have one press conference on schedule, and that is by 4 o’clock. Afterwards the entire evening would be free. That is all for now, your highness, do you want some changes to be made?” asked Soojin.   “No it’s fine, thank you Secretary Kim.” I answered, giving her a kind smile. Not a little later, I saw two figures approaching the vehicle. I took a deep breath once again. Here we go, don’t panic. You don’t have any reasons too. And I diverted my attention towards the window.   Youngho and Taeyong were let inside the vehicle and the two were already chatting about their commonalities. I raised my head towards my cousin for he seemingly forgot to address me.   When he noticed he made a bow before saying, “Forgive me your highness. Good morning.” He flashed one of his cute smiles that would probably make most girls in Korea squeal in delight. But I’m not like most girls so I can just shrug it off like its nothing.   “Indeed,” I answered meaning for it to sound sassy, “Secretary Kim may we proceed? I don’t want any more delays.”   “Of course, your highness.” She answered before informing our driver to proceed. And now I am left with some awkward silence. I remained looking out the window while we were on the driveway, praying for Youngho to keep his mouth shut about this morning’s incident. Luckily both he and my cousin were so emerged with their conversation that they decided to ignore me as of the moment. How could they? But I didn’t complain because I also would like nothing more.   Halfway through the ride my intercom system buzzed, it meant I was receiving a call from any of my two Range Rover envoys. I ordered Secretary Kim to answer it and I saw Kang ahjussi from the other line.   “Your highness, just a precaution before we board, please be advised of everyone on your surroundings when we land in Bangkok. We have intelligence that the paparazzi are still on your trail even in a foreign country, so please be cautious of who you speak to or who you near yourself with.” Said he.   “Thank you, ahjussi.” I answered with a kind smile once more. “I’ll be entrusting my safety to you then.”   “You can count on us, your highness.” He answered.   “Ye, bigung mama.” I heard the rest of my security answered in chorus, which made me smile in delight. I merely nodded and in no time we were already in Incheon International Airport. We boarded our private jet with not much fuss; again I was free from any of their teasing,