Chapter Thirteen   “My whole body hurts.” I complained as I slumped on the soft mattress of the king-sized bed in the middle of the room. Soojin was on the nearby walk-in closet, busy preparing my dress for the ball.   “It’s only normal after swimming, your highness.” She replied.   “And I’m so sleepy.” I yawned, my words muffled by the feather pillows. “Can I skip this ball and go straight to bed instead?”   “If you so wanted, your highness, nothing is impossible.” She answered with a smile. I saw her dragging out a mannequin wearing the supposed ball gown I am to wear.   “But that dress is gorgeous and I don’t want to disappoint Ten.” I mumbled, sitting up. “Secretary Kim, how high are my heels for tonight?”   “We are giving you three options your highness, each come with a suggestion depending on who you choose as your for tonight.” She replied, motioning towards three shoeboxes laid out in front of me. “The black one is Christian Louboutin and it’s five inches high. We suggest you take Taeyong gun as an if you plan on wearing it.”   “I guess it’s the shortest one, right?” I asked.   “That’s correct, your highness.” Answered Soojin.   “But I know Taeyong will have a date for tonight given that he already met the guests earlier. He won’t be an option for sure.” I said and pouted.   “The second is a Louis Vuitton classic and it’s five and a half inches high. You can ask Mr. Kang to you around like the usual. He will be more than willing to help you endure these pumps.” She continued.   I giggled upon hearing her words. Before I used to go around balls and parties with my head of security because it’s best to keep him near and he’s very good at shooing boys away. But I shook my head. “I’ll only make the old man uncomfortable.”   “The last pair is from Gucci. It’s and six inches high. This is intended when you select a very tall , your highness, the likes of Youngho doryeonim.” Said she and I eyed her suspiciously.   “Secretary Kim, are you and my ladies maids setting us up?” I mocked which earned a few giggles from the girls. “Aigoo, aren’t we already close enough?”   “Ne mama,” answered Kyuri, one of the girls. “We saw you with doryeonim in the pool this afternoon and you looked really cute together.” A few more giggles followed.   “Heol, so you guys were spying on us? Tsk.” I was feeling playful with the ladies whom I can also call my closest friends and families.   “But then, your highness,” said Namjoo, another one of the ladies. “Don’t you think doryeonim is so dreamy? I mean, he’s such a gentleman and he’s a forthcoming doctor. Isn’t he too perfect to be true?”   “Heol!” I exclaimed louder, which earned another round of laughter. “So you guys are crushing on him too? No wonder he can easily sneak in on me, because you guys are allowing him. Don’t you know how skilled he is with a scalpel? What if he intends to dissect me?”   “Then I’ll crack the living day lights out of him, mama.” Said Boram, a member of my security team. “I’ll make sure he dies a slow and painful death.”   “Uh that’s too much Boram unnie.” I answered, whilst laughing awkwardly. “I was kidding. Anyway, he’s not all too perfect you know. He has a lot of flaws which I presumed you guys refuse to see.”   “Even his flaws are beautiful, mama.” Said Kyuri and I could only blink in disbelief. Actually their little crush on him was actually ticking me. What on earth did they see on Youngho for them to be head over heels for him like this? They must be reading too much gossip magazines.   “Get out.” I kidded whilst pointing towards the door. “Get out and don’t show your face to me.”   Yet she took it quite seriously and looked as if she’s scared to death. She was quick to gather her feet and was about to scramble out the door when I hastily grabbed her wrist.   “I was joking, alright.” I told her with a sneaky grin and her expression immediately relaxed. She hurriedly asked for forgiveness but I simply laughed it off. After all, it was only a joke.   “Joesonghamnida, mama.” Said Secretary Kim. “I’ll make sure to control the girls from now on.”   “Yes you better be,” but this time, my answer was sincere, “You can fantasize about my cousin or some other kpop idol in the country but there are two men in this world you are forbidden to spare even a single thought from your dreams. First, my father, the king, obviously he’s off limits and if dare so, the queen may have your head. And second, doryeonim, or else you’ll be at my mercy. Do you understand?”   “Ye, mama!” they all answered firmly in chorus, which made me smile. That’s right, to all the girls in the world, know which man is available and which man is off-limits if you don’t want to mess up with the wrong person.   “Good.” I chimed. “Prepare the pumps, I choose them.”   “Right away, your highness.” Said Soojin and the rest of the girls immediately went to work. I have some dolling up to do.   — —   Breathe in. Breathe out. Smile. Relax. I had to brief myself as I stood atop the platform of my dressing room, surrounded by mirrors set up by my ladies maids. I was wearing a cream colored Krikor Jabotian couture gown along with the pumps I previously selected. My hair was made into a halo that cradles my tiara on top of my head and my make up was done beautifully; kudos to my girls who are not only my loyal staff but also highly skilled fashion and makeup experts.   I tried my best to balance myself in my sky-high shoes while at the same time maintaining my composure. I got this; I’ve been practicing with heels for as long as I can remember so I only need to be confident. Yeona, you are the most powerful woman in this island, right now. I thought to myself as I eye me in the mirror. You need not cower for anyone will bow down beneath you if you only so speak.   “Your highness, you look ethereal.” Said Soojin as she fixes the last touches of my tulle skirt.   “Thanks to all of you guys.” I told them and they all bowed down in reply, grateful for having the honor to dress me, while I also feel likewise.   We heard a few knocks on the door and two of my girls rushed to open it. “It must be Youngho doryeonim.” Said Soojin and she was right. Shortly came in the dashing man who will me throughout the night, wearing an exquisite black Giorgio Armani suit that fitted his well-built figure nicely. His hair was pushed back in a y manner, exposing his gorgeous forehead and his thick dark eyebrows. Oh yes, I admit it. I’m currently addicted to my hobby, which is gazing at perfection that is Seo Youngho. Can you blame me?   “Are you ready?” he asked as he fiddled with the buttons in his sleeves only for me to realize he was wearing the cufflinks that I gifted him. I slowly mounted down the platform to reach him, taking in his hands and doing the cufflinks myself.   He looked up to meet my eyes and we instantly shared a smile. “Yes, I am.” I answered. I fixed his bowtie after I put the cufflinks on place. “Hmm, not bad.” I complimented.   “I’m going to be more generous and say that you look absolutely stunning.” Said he, which earned a few giggles from the girls.   “Oh shush, we need to hurry before Ten sends in his guards to search for us.” I said. We then proceeded towards the venue, which is the throne room of the Summer Palace. I held unto Youngho’s arm as we threaded through the halls accompanied by my people. Kang ahjussi was on alert, taking notice of every little detail on my security whilst Soojin kindly reminded me of the important people that I will be meeting shortly.   “You will be introduced before the king and queen of Siam, your highness, first thing after your entrance has been announced.” Said she. “Furthermore, there are five people on the look out for you to meet tonight. First up are maternal cousins of a Japanese family conglomerate, Ms. Minatozaki Sana and Ms. Myoui Mina. Their family business is one of the leading export partners of Korea in Japan. Next is a Thai billionaire, Mr. Nichkhun Buck Horvejkul, he is one of the biggest investors and patrons in South Korean children’s relief organization. The fourth one is a Hong Kong national fencing Olympian, Mr. Wang Jackson. You sparred with him before while you were on a state visit if you can remember. And the last one is a Korean, Ms. Kang Seulgi. She is the daughter of the Minister of Tourism and their family is a real estate mogul all throughout Asia. I will be alerting you whenever we bump into any of those people mentioned, your highness.”   “Thank you, Secretary Kim. This could get quite a handful so please be on the lookout for me.” I told her.   “No worries, your highness.” She replied with a slight bow. Sooner or later we already arrived at the entrance of the throne room and a guard announced my arrival in English.   “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our guest of honor, Her Royal Highness, the Crown Princess of Korea, Lee Yeona.” Said he along with two loud bumps from the long sphere he is carrying. A Korean traditional music played as if on cue and I was ushered to enter the venue, along with Youngho whom I guessed must be nervous out of his wits. As we passed by, people along the sidelines bowed their heads before us and I returned the simple gesture by slightly dipping my head. When I reached the front of the throne room, where the king and queen is seated—along with Ten who stood lingering from his mother’s side—I made a deep low bow while Youngho excused himself to the side.   “I pay my respects to the King and Queen of Siam.” I spoke in my well-practiced Thai. Afterwards the party returned to its normal pace and the music went back to the usual. The queen ushered me to her side and took my hand.   “How is our god child doing?” asked she. That’s right, the monarchs of Siam are my god parents during my christening along with other royalties of our nations.   “I am well, your majesty.” I answered. “Umma mama and appa mama would also want to extend their greetings to you.”   “We hope to meet up with your folks soon.” Said the king with a warm smile. “So, how do you find our son, Princess Yeona?”   I looked at Ten and we shared a mischievous smile. “He’s very admirable, your majesty. I learned a lot of from him even with the short duration of my stay here in Thailand.”   “Really?” said the queen looking quite surprised. “What could you possibly teach the princess, son?” then she motioned for Ten. “This boy is full of silliness, he must be quite a handful.”   “Mother.” Said the prince, obviously objecting his mother’s remarks. The queen simply laughed.   “Even so he’s a grown man now. I really do hope you can meet each other more. It’s important we foster friendship between our families.” Said she and I’m hinting she meant more than that but I didn’t put much thought to it and simply bowed my head.   “It would be an honor, your majesty.” I answered.   “Alright dear, we won’t hold you for long.” Said the king. “Ten would you the princess?”   “Absolutely, father.” Answered Ten, looking grateful. He took my hand before I caught him giving glimpses to Youngho, who was silently observing nearby. “I’ll take her for now, hyung.” He mouthed, giving the other man a teasing wink.   “What do you think your doing?” I whispered to him, keeping a sheepish grin.   “Teasing hyung, I would never miss this opportunity.” Said he as he escorted me away from the thrones and into the crowd. I looked back to see Youngho closely following along with Soojin and Kang ahjussi.   “Do you want to meet my cousins, Yeona?” asked Ten but I wasn’t paying much attention so I didn’t quite catch him.   Nonetheless I answered without much thought. “Sure.” I mumbled and before I know it, I was already getting dragged to a pool of Thai royals, each enthusiastic to greet and meet me. I lost sight of my people for the time being.   — — / / 3 r d  p