Chapter Twenty   I had a dream of my near death experience, still vividly remembering every second of it. I was thrown into the ocean at a very painful velocity and then the waters engulfed me, immediately filling my lungs, effectively drowning me. I furiously tried to kick my legs to keep me afloat but I felt my right foot cram and a searing pain from my ankle prevented me from surfacing. Sooner or later I was already out of oxygen and I felt my body too week to wade against the current. Not even a minute later I was already unconscious and then there was nothing but cold and darkness.   I woke up eight hours later, panting from my nightmare, sore and struggling with my lungs, but nevertheless alive and kicking. Soojin was the first person to be beside me the moment I regained full consciousness. She was in tears and repeatedly asked for my forgiveness. I gently wiped her tearstained cheeks and told her it’s okay. It’s not her fault. In fact, it’s nobody’s fault. Who would have thought that an earthquake would devastate such a peaceful evening?   Suddenly, party poppers and balloons came out of nowhere, along with more than a dozen flowers and a handful of cakes held by the rest of my family. Halma mama was present, so was umma mama, appa mama, my uncle and his wife, their little son and of course my cousin Taeyong. But the one who held out the actual birthday cake—red velvet, I could tell the moment I saw its texture and also my favorite—was none other than my very best friend. Yuju was in tears as well, but nevertheless happy that I was alive. In chorus they all sang the birthday song, which reminded me, today I am officially eighteen years old.   “Saranghaneun bigung mama, saengil chuka hamnida!” they ended the song with more party poppers and I was made to blow the cake.   “We love you, honey.” Said my mother as the three of us hugged each other; my dad was surprisingly, but characteristically, the one in tears.   “I thought we lost you there, honey.” Said he as I wiped his tears.   “Don’t cry please, appa mama.” I tried to say even with my hoarse voice. “Thank you so much.” I told the rest of the people present and I mustered all my strength to give them my brightest smile.   “Wuaaa~” wailed Yuju, approaching me, “don’t you dare do that again!” I could only laugh silently as I hug her. I wanted to tell everyone not to worry, because I’m alive after all and we could never be more thankful, but I was already having a hard time breathing. My father noticed that and was quick to ask for a nurse to check on me. I was given a nose cannula afterwards, and the kind nurse cutely reminded me not to eat too much cake before she left.   Everything was perfect for our entire family was still whole. We shared a little feast, all crammed up in that tiny hospital room but nevertheless festive and joyful. I could never be thankful enough to God Almighty for bringing me back home safe. Our merry little reunion was shortly interrupted by a few knocks on the door, Secretary Kim answered and it revealed a young man whose identity I didn’t know.   “Ah, Hansol!” I heard my father greeted.   “You’re majesty.” He bowed before he shook hands with my father. “I’m paying a visit in the place of my father. He’s got an operation scheduled for today. He would like to greet her highness a happy birthday as well.”   “Why don’t you greet her personally then?” I heard my mother say and she ushered the said Hansol beside me. “Dear, this is Ji Hansol the son of the royal physician and Taegeuk Industries. He’s the man responsible for saving your life.”   Upon such words I couldn’t help but put up a huge smile. “I am indebted to you for life, Hansol ssi.” I tried saying. “Thank you very much.” Then I reached for his hand to squeeze it, for if my words were not clear enough, hopefully my gesture can deliver my gratitude to him.   But he turned my hand and instead kissed the back of it before saying, “It is our duty as your subjects to be of service to you, your highness, and it is my utmost honor to have finally met you. I’m very sorry for what has happened, in fact, this shouldn’t be a debt at all for I’m afraid I am partly to blame.”   “Nonsense.” I spoke and coughed a little. “Nobody is at fault.”   He laughed quite charmingly before he raised his left hand, which was apparently holding a folder, “I was tasked by my father to monitor you on his behalf,” said he, “I hope it’s fine but I’ll conduct a standard check up.”   “Please do so.” I answered. The rest of my family went back to the sitting room connected to my hospital suite to give us some space, whilst Yuju remained beside me.   “Rest.” I mouthed as Hansol took my vitals.   “No, I’m not leaving your side.” Yuju answered me, which only made me smile.   “By the way I’m not a doctor.” Said Hansol, which took my attention. I remained listening after I realized speaking would only trouble my breathing as of the moment. “Yet,” then he smiled sheepishly, “I’m still attending university but I usually tag along my dad to observe his work. So don’t worry, I got more than enough experience on my resume.”   I simply smiled at him. He proceeded checking my IV, temperature and blood pressure before he wrote whatever the results were in his metallic folder. “That should do.” Said he, putting away his pen. “Now, you still have some fever, and hours ago you had water on your lungs so we ended up draining it that’s why you’re finding it hard to breathe. For now I’ll ask my father if he can give you some paracetamol—my father because, you know I can’t issue prescriptions yet—and I’ll ask for a urine sample too. We need to make sure you didn’t drink too much salt water to damage your kidneys and to best friend,” then he faced Yuju, “make sure her highness drinks plenty of water, fresh and not salty.”   “Ne.” she cheerfully answered, giggling.   “If you need anything just call the nurse’s station and I’ll personally see to your aid.” He added. “It’s summer break so I don’t have much going on. I’ll be very gad to help.”   I nodded as a means of thank you. My father’s head popped out from the door suddenly, and he quickly informed me that he needed to see some of the nation’s business. I hurriedly shooed him away knowing that being king still comes first and kissed me goodbye before leaving. Not even a few seconds later, the rest of my family excused themselves saying that they wanted to let me rest for a while and that they too needed their rest. They have been in the hospital since midnight, the moment I was rushed in, and they didn’t get a single wink of sleep from then on. I happily bid them goodbye and so it were only I, my umma mama, Yuju, Soojin, and Hansol left in my hospital room. “Do you need anything else?” he asked as I drank some water.   “I can’t actually feel my ankle.” I tried saying, this time with a clearer voice. “Is it still in tact?” then I feigned a laugh. “I remembered it hurting so bad while I was still in the water.”   He went about to see my feet and it revealed to be in a cast. “Torn tendon,” said he with a low voice, “it was an old injury resurfacing after the shock from the earthquake. It may take some time to heal, your highness.”   I instantly had ballet in mind and realized that there’s a possibility that I won’t be able to dance it again. I was afraid to ask the question but I did it anyway, better face reality sooner than later. I was relieved to see him smile. “Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to do your pirouettes, your highness.” Said he.   “Oh that’s a relief.” Said Yuju, taking the words right out of my mouth.   “But no more high heels for the mean time.” He added. “You would want it to fully recover before you use some or else it’s not going to be nice.”   “I’ll keep that in mind.” I answered, actually grateful that I won’t be pestering myself for quite some time with those torture devices.   “Umm,” said Hansol, looking like a deer with his doe eyes, probably wanting to say something, “I actually have a gift for you, your highness.”   I quirked my eyebrow upon his mentions and encouraged him to go on.   “Since its your birthday, and you know the palace was supposed to throw you a big party, I was actually tasked to be one of your eighteen dances.” I couldn’t help but laugh with what he said. So that was the cheesy thing everybody’s going on about for my birthday. No wonder. “But since you can’t dance as of the moment, I prepared a poem instead. Can you give me the syllables?”   “Alright,” I answered, quite excited. “Lee,”   “Legions of army will bow in your glory,”   “Yeo,”   “Youthful, strong and virtuous queen,”   “Na,”   “Nation’s pride are you, our majesty.”   I cracked up big time after hearing his cheesy lyrical poem using my name and even Yuju cannot seem to contain hers as well. It was very cheesy but creative nonetheless. I’ll give him an A for effort.   “You sure are something, Hansol ssi.” I said after I calmed down from my laughter.   “I’m glad I could make you smile, your highness,” said he, grateful, “hard times will pass. Steadfast.”   “Thank you.” I answered.   “Well, I best be going now. I’ll be back later for another check up.” Said he as he left. “See you soon, your highness, and a h