Chapter Twenty Five   Not even the mad roaring of the thunder and the wild pounding of the rain could make Soojin hesitate on her hastened steps the moment she found her princess, shivering and crying on her knees, drenched from the storm and heartbroken from the scene she had just witnessed.   She had seen it all. As she enveloped her highness in her arms, providing her warmth and shielding her from the beating of the raindrops, she looked back towards that certain cabin lit by warm yellow lights with nothing but disappointment and resentment in her eyes. Yeona sobbed in her arms in a painfully silent manner, she was a mess but she still upheld her royal grace and anyone could easily tell that this woman, no matter how broken, is still strong and fulsome.   Soon after, the rest of the staff was surrounding them who brought umbrellas and towels for their princess. Soojin shared a look with Mr. Kang, the head of the princess’ security, and it was as if they were reading each other’s minds, immediately sharing an understanding. Kang ahjussi nodded his head before he spoke with such carefully chosen words, afraid he might affront the princess for after all, the man involved was the very first one she had her heart fell upon and everyone in their team can stand witness on how much her highness poured her heart out and took down her walls just for him. He was scared more than ever for her.   “Your highness, we didn’t mean to pry,” he had said, “but if you so wish we could apprehend the man. The king had ordered long before that we could do whatever is must if ever he so hurt a finger of you. Just say it and we will gladly oblige.”   “Yes, your highness.” The rest of the well-trained and specialized soldiers, serving as her bodyguards, answered. They may not be wearing uniforms and camouflage but they could take down anyone who serves harm to their sovereign, not even sparing the ones she may be affectionate about.   “Arrest him on what accord, Kang ahjussi?” answered Yeona as she slowly stood up in her wobbly knees, leaning against Soojin.   “He violated the truce between his private person and the Crown, your highness, not only once but twice.” Answered Officer Oh, the only woman in her security team, “his crimes are worthy for charges of treason—”   “I know.” Yet Yeona was quick to say, “this, whatever it is that we have—if we ever even had it anyway—is nothing but born out of an agreement, maybe even signed into paper. I know that nothing of this could be real, that this may be just one grandly orchestrated act, meant to fool and make me believe that what I feel is love, but you don’t have to say that to my face. I know it.”   In her quivering voice, she continued, “Yet it hurts me more knowing that it all could just be a lie; that in the end it was all a lie and if we can hold a person accountable for faking his feelings or his words, then we might as well arrest everyone else including me. I’m sorry Kang ahjussi, but it just seem so absurd. Whatever has happened and whatever you all have witnessed would be disposed. I will handle this on my own, although thank you very much for your concern.”   “Joeseonghamnida, mama.” They all answered in chorus.   “What’s more important is we act on the more important matter at hand.” Said the princess, “send someone in Seoul and I’d like to have his report on the whereabouts of Kim Yuju, Jeon Jungkook, Kang Seulgi and Lee Taeyong gun mama by morning in my desk.”   “Are we cancelling the entire event, your highness?” asked Soojin, trailing behind the princess who already started making her way towards her cabin.   “No, the poor children didn’t have anything to do with this but I’m afraid I needed to get back to the palace earlier than scheduled. I’d like an initial report delivered here, I’ll read the rest when I get back.”   “Yes, your highness.”   “Next, send someone to check on the updates regarding the investigation of the anti-monarchy movement. I exercise my jurisdiction on behalf of my involvement in the project and would like to extend the investigation on the private person of Prime Minister Jung.”   “But your highness,” Soojin was quick to remind, “his majesty, the king, specifically ordered not to meddle with the prime minister as he would be handling his investigation on his own.”   “My father is not telling me something.” Said Yeona, “and I hold the prime minister involve. I cannot forever remain in the sidelines and wait for what ever is going to happen without prior knowledge. I will not be left in the dark anymore. Send your best man, Kang ahjussi, I ask you a favor.”   “With pleasure, your highness,” he answered, bowing, “we would be submitting an initial report this morning as well.”   “Thank you very much.” said she, “for the meantime I’ll have the prime minister’s son by breakfast. Be on your guard, we will be making our own investigation when the sun rises up.”   “Yes, your highness.” They all answered in chorus.   — —   With the break of the dawn, the crown princess was already up on her feet and in fact fully dressed in her equestrian gear. She donned a black coat with a long hem that extends up to the back of her thighs, the velvet fabric displayed golden linings and the royal dragon symbolizing her status. Underneath she wore a comfortable vest that gently encloses her neck providing her warmth amidst the chilly weather. Her pants were white and fitting and her black boots were shiny and spotless. She put on her black gloves before she pushed her hair back on a high ponytail.   She wasn’t feeling all too well, the rain she had surged last night caused her temperature to rise slightly and her nose was starting to feel stuffed. She would be sick soon but she could not delay the task at hand any further. Yet the ever-persistent Secretary Kim insisted for her to see medical attention, just to make sure she would be okay whilst out riding horses. In the end Yeona agreed when Soojin said they had already called for the royal physician’s son. He was invited for this endeavor anyway and besides, Youngho hadn’t yet shown up even with their agreement to meet up at night and talk. Secretly, deep down inside of the princess, she had hoped he would show himself and offer whatever explanation and apologies he had. She was sure she could forgive him in a heartbeat but his soul was nowhere to be seen. It only fueled Yeona’s anger even more.   It didn’t take long before Hansol showed up in her doorstep, also fully geared, but in hand was his medical equipment, she had figured. “Good morning, your highness,” he greeted cheerfully.   “Good morning, Hansol ssi. Please come in.” she replied, escorting him towards a nearby tea table and they both settled down.   “Hmm, did you get caught in the rain, your highness?” he asked as he began checking her temperature.   “Something like that.” She answered with a little smile.   “You have a slight fever,” he informed, “but if you take medicines this early it won’t be such a bother. Is your throat sore?”   “A little.” Answered she.   “Can you please say ah?” he said, taking out what looks like a popsicle stick used to examine the mouth. He did as so, whilst Yeona obediently followed his instructions. “It is indeed.” He continued. “I’ll ask my father to give you his prescriptions based on my findings. Your medicine will be ready by breakfast your highness, and then you will be better.”   She smiled once again. “Thank you Hansol ssi, and please tell Doctor Jung of my apologies. I have been sick way too much lately.”   “It’s his job and he’s used to it.” Said the young man, sporting a boyish grin. “But sure thing.”   A short silence enveloped the atmosphere and Hansol appeared to be thinking about something as Yeona observed him intently. She knew he is curious about something and soon enough, he couldn’t keep it to himself anymore and began his interrogation.   “Your highness, I don’t mean to pry but I am very curious about something,” he began which she expected, “I noticed Jungkook ssi, Yuju ssi, even Seulgi and Taeyong gun mama is no longer in their cabins this morning. Has something happened to them?”   Yeona had read the initial report she had asked for shortly after she had woken up and was reassured that they are okay, but the rest of the story would be taken care of when she gets back to headquarters. “They are fine, Hansol ssi but due to their own personal matters they had to leave ahead of the entire volunteer group.”   “I see.” He answered, nodding his head although he didn’t seem to be so convinced. She knew he had further questions so she waited for him to ask some more. “Why was I called instead of Youngho ssi?” finally he had spilled. “I figured you shared a relationship which involves him solely in charge of your health. Did he have to leave too?”   She didn’t expect for that question to be thrown though and before his curious eyes she had fell silent. How was she supposed to answer that without revealing much of what actually happened? She swallowed but before she could answer, he was quicker to say, “Ah, I think I kind of get it.” Then he smiled to himself. “If it is what I’m thinking then allow me to give you a piece of advice, your highness, if I may so.”   She nodded. “Please do so, Hansol ssi.”   “Everything can be solved through a good and calm conversation.” Said he, “trust me, kind of learn that the hard way.”   “Thank you.” She replied, “I guess we could but maybe later, I got some business to deal with first. I know I invited you into this, Hansol ssi, but Jaehyun ssi and I have some important matters to discuss, it only came about and the I’m afraid it’s very urgent. I would appreciate it if you could give us some space.”   “As you wish your highness.” The two stood up at the same time, ready to head towards the stables but suddenly Yeona felt her head spin and her vision slightly became blurry. She wobbled to her feet but good thing Hansol was quick to her aid, taking ahold of her arm and supporting her.   “Are you alright?” he asked, looking really concerned. “Maybe its best you remain at rest, your highness. You really aren’t feeling well.”   “I’m afraid I can’t, Hansol ssi.” Answered the princess, cradling her head to her hands. “I’m going to be okay.”   “If you don’t mind then, I’ll be on the look out for you. The palace won’t let me off the hook if ever you fall off a horse right before my eyes.” Said he and Yeona softly chuckled.   “Thank you so much, please take care of me then.” And so the two grabbed their remaining headgears before finally heading towards the stables, only to be held back by a sudden commotion.   Upon their arrival in the patio of Yeona’s cabin, they heard a few voices arguing followed by series of struggling from what seemed like brusque and capable men. She checked to see what was going on and was startled for the scene that had unveiled.   “What do you think you’re doing?” Youngho had asked, although calmly, but his physique appeared to have been strained, exerting a good amount of effort to stand his ground against two of Yeona’s guard who was holding him off from entering the princess’ cabin.   “You are forbidden from anywhere near the princess.” Said Officer Oh, her voice sounding firm and if anyone else would be listening, they would surely be terrified of her lethal aura.   “Youngho doryeonim,” Soojin was quick to intervene with a calmer state, “its best you follow protocols from now on. We don’t want any more trouble and trust me when I say this is for the best.”   “What’s going on here?” Hansol softly asked Yeona, as he led her towards the scene, holding her hand as to make sure she doesn’t trip or fall on her feet.   She was unable to answer though when she met gazes with Youngho, who looked as if something in him snapped the moment he saw another man’s hands on her, especially this man. He looked grim but his actions were of the opposite, he had relaxed himself and stopped his struggling which allowed the two guards to push him off, almost toppling him to the ground. But he was quick to collect himself, preventing the crash, he remained his eyes astray though, not wanting to put any meaning on the scene he had just witnessed.   “What’s going on here?” she mimicked Hansol’s questions not intending for her voice to crack and sound weak, as she retreated her hands to herself. The mere sight of the man had clenched her heart and threatened her eyes with tears but his dejected and disappointed look had hurt her more than what she felt the night before. Why was she suddenly feeling like she’s the bad guy in the story? She didn’t do anything wrong. Did she?   The rest of her staff was quick to bow down before her as consequence of their failure to notice her presence and yet they couldn’t seem to answer her inquiry. “What’s going on here?” she repeated herself, much louder and braver this time, yet her eyes weren’t searching for theirs but for the man who refused to acknowledge her.   “We are only doing what is best, your highness.” Officer Oh was the brave soul who decided to voice out the opinion of the group, yet the princess didn’t look a single bit pleased with their course of action.   “Does that mean we need to resort to violence?” she spoke, “I appreciate your concern but I will be the one to decide what is best for myself. Haven’t I already told you to stay out of this matter?”   “We only wanted to give Hansol ssi his time while he examines you, your highness.” Answered Soojin, head still lowly bent.   Upon her mention, Youngho immediately looked at the princess with concern, as if it was in his instincts to look for any signs of injuries in her, yet he remained where he stood fearing that another commotion will break out if he decided to approach her again.   “Even so I am seriously disappointed.” She had said, looking down, unsure of what to do next.   “Yeona,” she finally heard him call and it took her best to prevent herself from being drawn towards him by merely the sound of her name. He sounded as sweet as ever, yet the pain in his voice could not be masked. She knew he was disappointed but so was she. It was all the more reason for her mind to race some more, bothered by yet again more questions of what really was going on. “Can we talk?” it sounded more of a plea than a question, almost begging her to let him in.   “I have duties to fulfill and the nation calls for me.” She answered, choosing to omit his name for she wasn’t sure if she would be able to keep herself when she calls him in her chosen endearment. After all, he was still the only person she had referred as such, making the term special and memorable.   “I could wait.” He quickly said, eyes searching for her. “Please, princess, I—” he sounded out of breath, struggling, but she wasn’t looking, “We need to discuss whatever this is.”   Yeona nodded, putting on her helmet. “I’ll see what I can do.” She replied before hurriedly walked away towards the direction of the horses, her entire team shortly following as they file into their usual lines. Unknown to her, Hansol had remained staring before Youngho, both men sporting almost the same gazes but for completely different reasons.   “She’s sick.” Hansol was the first to speak. “She has a fever and is sore. She would be having a cough soon. Don’t worry, I already asked my father for prescriptions based on my check up. She would be taking them after she have breakfast.”   “Did she got caught in the rain last night?” asked Youngho, keeping his hands to his pocket so as to prevent them from clenching. He hated the idea of him knowing how she was first before he did.   “More like she saw what happened last night therefore she got caught in the rain.” Answered the other man, and Youngho’s surprise look could not be mistaken. He was taken aback by his words.   “How could you be so sure?” asked Youngho, sounding rather dark, his eyes darting from one spot to another, his mind racing to put the puzzle pieces together.   “It’s quite an easy guess.” Hansol simply shrugged as he turned his back to walk away, “just make sure she fully understood what happened or else you will either lose her or your head.”   “Damn it.” He heard the man cussed under his breath as he cope distance from him. Hansol didn’t want to be involved in this but somehow; he got himself tangled in this messy situation. “Look after her for me,” he had heard Youngho said, “I’m pretty sure she doesn’t want to see me.”   He looked back to give him a nod before proceeding towards the stables.   — —   Yeona was racing across the tracks against no one in particular. S