Chapter Nineteen   For the umpteenth time, Yeona has been checking her phone for notifications of any kind, hoping that at least one of it would luckily come from Youngho. Her trip to Jeju was about to end at midnight and she has sent more than a couple of text messages to him but not a single one of them earned a reply. It was making her edgy considering that he may be purposely ignoring her—for reasons her mind could go for miles naming each one—or he was not getting good reception and therefore not really receiving the messages. Yet, it was not like he went to the jungle or something, he was in America for crying out loud and with these thoughts she was leaning more towards her first option, which didn’t exactly make her feel better. She could only ask herself why, heave a sigh, and maybe wait until he comes back, maybe then he’ll have a good enough reason why he’s making her feel this worried.   No, she deserves a good enough explanation. But she’s keeping herself from bothering him too much because she didn’t want to seem too attach. She can stand on her own just well, with or without his aid. Hence she held unto her pride and shoved her phone back to her purse, deciding to push through her last schedule before she returns to the capital city and celebrate her birthday. Be that whether or not he will be with her or not. Her last trip for this weeklong cultural festival would be a dinner on a cruise ship along with the politicians and locals alike of Jeju, also with businessmen and other guests from all throughout South Korea. This was to commemorate the success of the festival, and in order to attract more tourists for the said island, media of both national and international coverage were invited. As representative of the esteemed royal family, Yeona was the guest of honor for the evening.   By nightfall the ship began sailing and went along the celebration with it. It was nothing too formal, guests wore suits and dresses but the party was made for people to have fun, purposely free of any protocols, long stubborn ball gowns or tight fitted suits. The main theme was casual so as to encourage a more easy going atmosphere. The crown princess decided to wear a white chiffon dress with elegant embroideries, paired it with black pumps and a matching purse. She had her signature red lipstick on, aside from that her face was almost bare side from the cat eyeline she’s wearing. She looked nothing less than stunning but the blue in her spirit was too apparent to be hidden. She absentmindedly shook hands with all the important people, giving them her best words and smiles, before she retreated into seclusion by the portside of the ship. Not alone, her ever-present staff and security team was with her of course, but she asked for them to keep a safe distance for a while. She needed a breather and maybe a time to be by herself.   The ship was running at a gentle speed, making the breeze pleasantly frosty amidst the summer air. Yeona loved the smell of the ocean and the sound of gentle splashes the waves made against the ores, she leaned towards the railing letting her hair fly from the breeze along with her wandering mind and spirit. She looked at the stars and wondered what fate could have had prepared for her. The night was young but in a few hours she’ll be turning a year older and yet she doesn’t feel the excitement of it. In fact to her, it would just be another day.   “That’s right,” she muttered to herself, “just like any other day.”   Her thoughts were interrupted by the peculiarly loud creaking of the ship that seemed to have resonated from below. She looked down and figured the ship was turning hard towards the portside, probably changing course so as not to stray afar from the main island.   “Your highness, please stand back. It could be dangerous.” She heard Kang ahjussi said but didn’t answer. The railings were high enough to reach her ribcage and if not for her heels it would have been higher. Amidst the sharp turn of the ship, all of a sudden, a faint shaking was felt. Sooner the wine from the tall stem glasses quivered and not even a few seconds later the entire vessel was in uproar due to a sudden earthquake disrupting the seemingly peaceful sea.   “Your highness!” Yeona heard Secretary Kim yelled as the wrath of the quake took its toll on the ship. The boat angled lower than it was supposed to and she suddenly felt her shoes slipping and her ankle snapping, the next thing she knew she was being thrown into the air, her heart stopping, and voices of screaming and yelling rang into her head before she splashed hard into the water and then there was only darkness.    Her security team wasn’t quick enough to catch her and Secretary Kim could only look stunned from afar, frozen in her position, and fearing that the worse had come. “Your highness!” yelled Kang ahjussi as he held against the railings, along with the rest of the bodyguards. They desperately searched the water for any signs of a body floating but the waters were dark and deep. The earthquake lasted for a few more minutes before the ship finally stabilized and the team was quick to dive into the water and start their search.   “Inform the captain of the situation,” said Kang ahjussi as he took off his vest, “we need a rescue team ready quickly.”   “Understood.” Said Soojin, before the rest of the security team dove into the water to begin the search. With her cheeks stained with tears and her knees still trembling from the shock, she stumbled her way towards the shoe that was the only remnant of her beloved crown princess and took it to her chest. They will find her. Failure is not an option.   “Common girls.” She called for the rest of the ladies maids and they quickly made it to the deck where the captain was on stand by.   “The crown princess is missing, we need a rescue team this instant.” She never made a command as eager as this in her entire life. But the situation was dire and time was against them.   “What?” answered the captain. “She fell into the water?”   “Hurry!” she yelled and the poor captained were startled to his wits. Yet he was quick on his feet,  “Sailor, get the paramedics and the rescue team. The crown princess is missing.”   “Aye, captain!” answered one sailor and he quickly launched to his feet.   “Sound the alarm and deploy the medics, we expect injuries from the guests.” He commanded and another sailor did as he was told. “Put me on the line,” he asked and was given the phone. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is the captain speaking, we have just experienced an earthquake from what seemed to be coming from the East China Sea. Please standby and remain calm for medical assistance is on its way. For the safety of everyone I will be docking the ship on the nearest harbor. No need to panic—”   Yet he wasn’t able to finish what he was saying as Soojin was once again on his neck, grabbing the telephone from his ear, “You are not moving this ship unless the crown princess is found.” She said in gritted teeth.   “Ma’am, please stand back.” Said the captain calmly. “Standard procedure is to bring the rest of the people aboard this ship into safety.”   “Are you telling me you dared to abandon your sovereign?” yelled she, eyes piercing.   “It was an earthquake from underneath the ocean floor, ma’am, I will not be risking the lives of hundreds for one!” answered the captain and within a split second, his left cheek met the palms of a raging woman.   “Miss Kim!” called one of the ladies maids.   “How dare you? Before the life of your very nation, you display such treacherous words.” Yet Soojin remained unfazed. Only that both of them didn’t know that their conversation was still being broadcasted live to all the people in the ship.   “Henchman, all engines ahead flank.” Commanded the captain nonetheless.   “Aye captain, all engines ahead flank.” Answered the henchman, but even he was trembling in fear.   “Are you out of your mind!” yelled Soojin, her tears b from her eyes. “The crown princess is in the water, probably drowning by now! If this ship leaving, causes her death, then you will surely pay for it.” Then she stormed towards the henchman. “Stop this ship this instant young man, or I will.”   The poor sailor simply remained stoic before her, trembling by his hands but unfazed by expression. She was about to push him out of the way and take the situation into her own hands when the door to the deck was busted open by a civilian.   “Stop this ship, captain,” said the young man. “Or else you’re fired.”   The captain swallowed hard upon his arrival and he was quick to salute. “Aye, sir!” then he turned towards the sweating henchman and said, “Sailor, brace abox.”   “Aye, captain.” He answered and the holler of the ship’s engine came to a stop and entire vessel closed in motion. Soojin heaved a deep sigh. She looked at the civilian who just barged into the deck and didn’t seem to recognize him. He loosened his vest before he approached the captain.   “We will not leave unless her highness is found.” Said he, finally silencing the captain.   “Thank you, sir,” said Soojin, approaching him. “I’m sorry, but who are you?”   “Let’s just say I own this boat.” Answered he, with a little smile. “We all heard your conversation from down stairs and everyone agreed that we must be quick to retrieve her highness.”   “Thank you.” Answered Soojin, shaking due to her tears.   “Hush now,” said he. “We have volunteers from the people wanting to help with the search. They are probably on their way right now.”   “Thank you sir,” bowed Soojin, “forgive me for not recognizing you.”   “It’s okay.” He said and smiled. “I presumed you would want to alert the navy, please do so. But if you require a civilian aircraft, my private jet i