Chapter Eight   “Why don’t you consider taking advil everyday? I mean, he lives up to his words; he’ll surely come to your aid everyday. That means you’ll be able to see him everyday and you both can be cheesy like triple cheese pizza.” Said my best friend, who was lying down next to me. She came over at Sunday to help me with my homework but we ended up chatting more than actually working. Although homework is done, I still have my paperwork to do—royal duties apparently. I decided to put it back to later and hang out with Yuju. I missed her so bad although I am not a particular fan of her teasing.   “That also means I’ll die early.” I answered, shading sarcasm. She giggled before answering, “Right and your hot cousin can take over the throne, maybe he’ll consider me as his concubine, what do you say?”   “I thought you don’t like Taeyong.” I wailed in disbelief. Really this woman, Jungkook is already head over heels for her and here she is fangirling for other boys.   “It’s a love-hate relationship, dear.” She pointed while we both munch on grapes. “I cannot lie though that cousin of yours looks like he walked straight out of a manhwa. Too bad he doesn’t live here in the palace and the public doesn’t get a glimpse of him much often.”   “It’s a rule and you know that. There can only be one prince living in the Imperial Palace. In this case, princess, but more importantly only the sole heir can actually live in royalty. The next in line can live wherever he or she prefers.” I answered.   “Where is he again?” she asked and rolled to lie on her stomach, using her arms for support.   “In Apgujeong, Gangnam.” I answered, imitating her action. “Why are we talking about him anyway?”   “Nothing, he just texted me last night.” She said before casually fishing her phone from her pocket.   “Why would he do that?” I asked whilst trying to snatch the device from her.   “Ssh, I’ll read it okay.” Said she. “Here goes,   Hi, Yuju ah. It’s Taeyong oppa. Have you heard from Yeona lately? —Lee Taeyong, 10:32 AM   “Apparently, he wanted to know about your well-being.”   “Really?” I said, suddenly in deep thought. “Why would he suddenly be concerned about me? We practically hated each other while growing up. Did you reply to him?”   “I told him it’s none of his business.” She answered and we both laughed at that.   “Whoa ssen unnie!” I cheered; actually Yuju is older by a few months to me.   “If he’s concerned about you, he can phone you personally. You’re family after all.” Said she.   “Except my phone is turned off for the last few days.” I said. “Hmm, I should probably report this to my mother. This simple text could easily mean coup d’état in politics.”   “I’m so glad I’m not a politician or any of my family members.” Said Yuju. “But why’d you say that?”   “Just to be safe. A lot of suspicious people are popping up these days. The last time I heard the French weren’t interested in me at all, the next thing I knew their ambassador personally invited me for breakfast. I just smell something fishy.”   “Or you’re just being paranoid. What did I told you, stop judging people like you’re a magistrate of some sort.”   “Hey I’m not judging them, I’m trying to be safe here.” I reasoned and pouted.   “I read this somewhere before, ‘danger is only a mind-construct.’ Who knows, maybe your little imagination is only making that up.”   “So you think I’m crazy?” I asked with a straight face. Remind me again why we’re best friends?   Yuju mouthed a ‘yes’ before she exploded in laughter. I playfully hit her with a pillow in return. I guess it’s not just me who’s crazy, she is too, I mean just look at her.   “Anyway, are you planning to rot here in your palace all day, your highness?” she asked.   “Do I have a choice?” I slumped. “I want to go out of course but I can’t.”   “How about we meet with the club, Jaehyun oppa was pestering me again about it. He says he’s concerned about you.” Said she.   “I can’t see him. Umma mama personally forbids me to do so. After all, he’s of public concern too; I’m not about to destroy what we worked hard for. The rumors are finally gone and I’m more than thankful.” I answered.   “If you’re suspecting oppa is a bad person, then you’re wrong. He can never hurt a fly and you know that, Yeona ah. So you’re suspecting your friends now too?” she said, looking suddenly grim.   “It’s complicated. My life is so complicated and difficult, tiring and stressful that I can barely keep up.” I answered feeling defeated. “Everybody expects something from me, to the point of almost perfection. I’m actually considering enlisting in the military because apparently I am not patriotic enough according to some critiques.”   “You know you’ll die there. Your lungs can never keep up with your work.” She said as a matter of fact.   “Well some people want me to.” I answered and buried my face in my pillow.   “You know what forget what I said earlier. Taeyong and you are the only one who deserves the throne. No one can replace you and your dedication. Those frauds and liars you are talking about, obviously doesn’t know a thing about you. As far as I know you would trade your lungs for the well-being of the Korean people, where else can we find a princess like that?” said my best friend and I immediately tackled her in a hug.   “You always believe in me Yuju ah, I can never be more thankful.” I said.   “That’s because I know you more than I know myself.” She said.   “Ditto.” And I playfully poked her.   “So tell me honestly, how do you feel about your doctor knight?” she asked out of the blue.   “Where did that come from?” I said whilst I feign laughter.   “I don’t know, just curiosity. So, tell me.” She answered rather nonchalantly.   “He’s fine I guess.” I answered and my thoughts drifted back to Youngho. “I mean he’s sincere on whatever he does which is a good thing. You know even if we don’t fall in love I think we’ll become really good friends.”   “Even in marriage?” she asked.   “Even in marriage. I can’t force someone to fall in love with me and I certainly cannot force my heart and brain to do so. I know I have to marry someday, even though I’m still considering not to, but for the sake of my people I have to fulfill my duties even in the absence…”   “Of love.” Yuju finished my sentence and she reached out to pat my shoulder. “But that’s just so sad, Yeona ah. I think love is possible between the two of you anyway, did you consider that?”   “I cannot seem to put myself on those kind of shoes as of the moment. To me, love just seemed to be a funny thing, one that I can simply shrug off.”   “Wait till you experience it and you’ll never stop thinking about it.” She said.   “Then why are you still denying Jungkook? The poor boy would do anything for you.”   “T