Chapter IV.

 

 

“Princess?!”      

 

“YOU?!”

 

After recovering from his shock, Jesse rapidly bowed in reverence and immediately thrown his hands in the air in deadly concern afterwards.

 

“Your Royal Highness, I know is not my business, but what are you doing here?! It’s dangerous! You could have been killed!”

 

The princess felt embarrassed for being “caught” in such situation. She looked down in shame once she realized that this could have been her end if he didn’t show up. Rising her head, she could only try to mouth the words:

 

“I-“

 

They were interrupted when they heard sound of a group of men marching in their direction, by the heavy steps, Jesse realized that could only be the royal guards. Meanwhile, they also noticed as the wasted bandits stumbled got on their feet as they yelled in fear:

 

“Sh!t! It’s the princess! We have to get out of here!”

 

“If they catch us, boss will rip our heads off!”

 

“RUN!”

 

With that, the duo observed the group of bandits quizzically as they were running for their lives. The guards approached and in the middle of group of dozen men, a despicable, yet knowing voice emerged:

 

“Princess! There you are! We are looking for you everywhere!”

 

“Well, as you can see, I am right here, Captain Horvejkul.”

 

Meanwhile, Jesse didn’t hide his disgust and rolled his eyes at the man. A not so also pleased Tiffany sighed as she fought against her own will to not roll her eyes as well at the annoying captain. Then, the latter smiled “sweetly” as he approached from her form. However, he raised his eyebrows in shock when he saw her depleted state: torn and ripped clothes and small scratches.

 

“WHAT HAPPENED HERE?!”

 

The captain angrily looked around to find the culprit. Why does some bast@rd have the audacity of touch “his property”. She belongs to him! (Even if she does not know that yet). It was when the princess tiredly explained as she stared at Jesse in appreciation:

 

“Captain, I am fine now. Mister Jesse here hel—“

 

“YOU! YOU DID THAT TO HER! I AM GOING TO KILL YOU, YOU SCUM!”

 

“Wha--?!”

 

This was the only thing that Jesse managed to say before the captain gave a hard punch on his stomach. He would have lost his breath if he wasn’t a trained and being adept spy with a very resistant body. He coughed hardly as he was ready to charge against on the insulting captain when the latter’s men held him firmly on his place. Tiffany was completely shocked at the horrendous scene before her eyes. It was when she desperately yelled, feeling the anger filling her soul:

 

“HORVEJKUL! ARE YOU CRAZY?! STOP IT RIGHT NOW!”

 

“I apologize for making you watch this scene, Princess. But this b@stard needs to pay!”

 

“YOU IDIOT! I - *hard punch*”

 

Jesse tried to explain, but after seeing the captain smirking in satisfaction for finally beating him up as revenge for their previous encounter, he knew that he would end up killed. He knows he could handle this situation with no problem since these guards were a bunch of amateurs and bullies.

 

However, he was on dead alley. Blow the cover or get killed. No option would end well.

 

At that time, a completely mad Tiffany step up and held the captain’s arm angrily in the air, preventing to delivery another punch on her savior. She glared deeply into his eyes and ordered:

 

“I SAID LET HIM GO. ARE YOU GOING TO DEFY MY ORDERS, CAPTAIN?!”

 

The silence took over the place as they heard their princess deadly serious tone. The captain felt his blood boil after seeing the princess defending this plebian, yet he held to fake his intention as he took a deep breath and started into a “worried” tone while “gently” raising her hand from his arm:

 

“Your Highness, I am afraid that the shock clouded your judgment. I believe if it would be better if the princess leave this with us as we give the right punishment for this criminal.”

 

“I am in my perfect mental capabilities, captain. He is not a criminal!”

 

“What is happening here?!”

 

Due the commotion, this brought attention from another group of guards leaded by a Commander. Once the captain saw his superior, he gulped and quickly gave him a salutation:

 

“Oh, Commander Kim?! Sir!”

 

Captain Horvejkul quickly refrained himself as he saw his Commander coming into his direction with an angry frown. He took a good look on the scene and didn’t like a bit, it seems his subordinate was abusing of his authority. He directed his attention to the princess and bowed in respect as the latter returned the gesture, feeling safer now that he came. Then, he pressed on:

 

“What happened here?”

 

“Sir, this criminal dared to attack our princess and—“

 

“I was not talking to you, subordinate. Right now, I do not want to hear your voice. I will deal with you later…”

 

The Captain needed to hold his pride to only nod his head meekly like a scared dog. Then, the Commander direction to the Princess and spoke softly:

 

“Your Royal Highness, before understanding what happened here, I need to bring you to our King. He is deeply concerned with your absence. Shall we?”

 

“Yes, Commander Kim. I will explain exactly what happened here to father.”

 

Tiffany assured to mark her words while glaring to the captain who felt really scared about his possibly punishment. Afterwards, she could only look at Jesse’s hurt form and gently asked:

 

“Can you walk?”

 

“Don’t worry about me, Princess. I am fine.”

 

“I am worried. We will solve this misunderstanding, trust me.”

 

Jesse could not help, but feel his interior getting warm after the Princess gently placed her hand on his right shoulder while helping him to get on his foot. She looked to the Commander and nodded as they went to the throne room.

 

---

 

Seohyun was the first to see her older sister entering at the room as she quickly hugged her in concern:

 

“Sis! What happened?! We were so worried!”

 

“I am sorry, Ju Hyun.”

 

Tiffany said guiltily as she hugged her sister back. After they parted, she could hear a booming voice coming into her direction:

 

“MY DAUGHTER! WHERE WERE YOU?! YOU DO NOT HAVE IDEA HOW WORRIED I WAS! ARE YOU HURT?!”

 

The King rushed to his daughter to give her a tight hug, feeling relieved to see her safe and sound. The latter closed her eyes and hugged him back as she answered into an embarrassed tone:

 

“I am fine and I am really sorry, father. This is my fault.”

 

After they parted from the hug, he was shocked to see his daughter in such state. Nonetheless, he was relieved after she remarked that she was fine:

 

“Stephanie, what were you thinking?! Rumbling on the streets alone and in the middle of the night?! What if someone did something to you?!”

 

“Father, I was strolling by the city to see our people. If I want to be a good ruler, I need to understand them. And with that, I saw how many homeless people were scattered around the city. I simply couldn’t turn my back away from them. I will do no good if I don’t do anything to help my own land.”

 

The princess gave a fiery speech about her convictions. Jesse couldn’t help but to feel more admired by this lady before his eyes. She really is different from everything he saw of royalty. Although the king was also touched by his daughter’s principles, he gently placed his hands on her shoulders and started deeply:

 

“My daughter, no other king in this entire planet would be luckier to have daughters like you and Seohyun. Your mother would be very proud. Yet, I fear for your safety. Not everyone in his country share this vision and you should be careful.”

 

“I know, father. You are right. I promise I will not do this again.”

 

“This is not your entire fault, my daughter. It seems like this did not do their job very well. What do you have to say in your defense, Captain Horvejkul?!”

 

The king was refraining his anger before his daughters as he interrogated the infamous captain:

 

“What was all that commotion, captain?! Is not your duty to protect my daughters and the kingdom?! And why am I seeing a wounded man inside the room?!”

 

“Your Majesty, I am afraid to tell you that we were protecting the Princess by all means, but in a blink of an eye, she simply meddled into the crowd and disappeared! Good thing we managed to follow her tracks just in time that this criminal could harm her—“

 

“Father, this is not true!”

 

Princess Tiffany quickly intervened as she saw that the captain was ready to jump in conclusions again:

 

“And I saved her from that monster. Do not fear, my King. I will give him the right punishment.” The Captain proudly finished his sentence.

 

“Jesse did not hurt me! He was the one who saved me from a group of bandits. If it wasn’t for him, I do not know what could have happened. After that, Captain Horvejkul didn’t even listen to my explanation and started to assault the innocent man!”

 

“What?!” That was the only thing that the stunned king as to say.

 

“Jesse?!” Seohyun whispered in shock to see the chef’s assistant hurt and being treated so poorly. Now, the king was furious and inquired while raising his tone:

 

“Is that true?! Did you know that, Commander Kim?!”  

 

The Commander seemed deeply disappointed with the conduct of his men. Then, he answered properly:

 

“I believe her, My King. That man certainly does not pose a threat and Captain Horvejkul did not a good judgment of waiting a proper explanation of the facts.”

 

Meanwhile, Tiffany was outrageous once she looked around and realized that Jesse was cuffed. She put herself beside him and demanded:

 

“Why did you put that cuffs on him?! Aish - Now we already know the obvious, remove these cuffs from him right away! He is not a criminal. He is my savior and he certainly deserves more respect. I order you that all of you apologize to him right now!”

 

“…”

 

“Why are you looking to me, subordinate?! You heard her! Obey!”

 

The Commander deadly warned to the captain. The latter felt like a hard punch was giving in his ego. He despised that Jesse that much and now he will have to apologize or else his head will be in stake. Gritting his teeth in anger, he removed the cuffs and mimicking:

 

“I am… err..sorry.”

 

“I did not hear that. Apologize properly!”

 

The princess was really losing her patience as she glared the captain. The latter sighed heavily and gestured to his men to apologize as well as he repeated his apologies. Meanwhile, Jesse rubbed his wrists after the cuffs were out and nodded in appreciation to the princess while whispering a “thank you”. For the first time on the night, she eased her angry form and gave a kind smile in reply.

 

“Your Highness, Princesses, I deeply apologize for my subordinate’s conduct. I will give a proper punishment at your will.”

 

The Commander Kim bowed his head in respect to the Royal family as the latter looked to each other, thinking in what would suit the best to the cocky captain. The latter was really afraid of what could be his future until the king spoken:

 

“My daughter, if I were you I would let him rot on prison, but since you were the offended part here, I will let this for your judgment.”

 

“I am not a barbarian, father. Although Captain Horvejkul exceeded his post, he was in his duty to protect me. Commander Kim, it would be nice to have the captain doing volunteer services to remind him that we are only here to serve our people and not to rule them with iron fist. Yet-”

 

Tiffany took a deep breath and made sure to be clear to each word of her sentence as she glared the captain seriously:

 

“However, if I hear that the captain was abusing his power and harassing our people again, mainly Mister Jesse here, I will gladly adopt father’s idea. Understood?”

 

“Very well, Princess. Your wish is my command. I will make these soldiers remember that in our general quarter. We are going to leave now. Have a good night.”

 

“Thank you, Commander. Good night.”

 

Tiffany nodded politely as the Commander left and practically expelled the captain and his guards out the throne room. Since everything was solved, Jesse took this cue to also leave the room. That was until he heard a deep, yet welcoming voice calling him:

 

“Not yet, young man.”

 

Jesse froze at the King’s voice, but kept his composure as he slowly turned around. Then, he bowed his head in respect and answered:

 

“Your Royal Highness?”

 

“I guess we were not properly introduced yet. My name is Stephen Hwang. Nice to meet you, Jesse---“

 

The spy was genuinely surprised when the king came to his direction and extended his hand for a handshake. He quickly recovered from his trance and responded:

 

“J-Jin Jesse, Your Majesty. It is a pleasure to meet you as well.”

 

“Huh?! A firm grip? Very good! Haha!”

 

The king laughed as he slapped hardly at Jung’s left shoulder. The latter almost fell if he wasn’t standing firm on the ground. Tiffany and SeoHyun watch the scene with amusement, its being a while since their saw their father acting so carefree with someone. The scene brought a true smile in Tiffany’s lips.

 

After the laughter ceased, the king looked earnestly into Jesse’s eyes and asked:

 

“Could you tell me who are you?”

 

“Father, he is the new Soo’s assistant. Well, actually he and his cousin Yoong, correct?”

 

Tiffany explained with a friendly grin as her father raised his eyebrows in surprise and inquired:

 

“Oh! So you were behind from that delicious breakfast this morning?”

 

“Sure thing, father. He was the one who cook those delicious sweet toasts just like mom used to make.”

 

Jesse couldn’t help to feel some proud expanding in his chest as he saw that this detail wasn’t forgotten by Tiffany. Now, he started felt embarrassed for receiving such compliment as he scratched the back of his neck:

 

“Well, Chef Soo was the true professional there. Yoong and I merely helped.”

 

“Such modesty…” The King chuckled at the Jung’s answer and nodded in agreement. Once his laughter ceased, he stood before the spy, placed both hands on his shoulders and earnestly speaks:

 

“Jesse, I am glad that you and your cousin decided to join to our crew. If Chef Soo and my daughter trust you, so do I. And I deeply apologize for the early incident; no one should be treated like that.”

 

“Your Majesty, I do not know what to say. I am honored to be here as well. No offense was taken. Thank you for your concern.”

 

A shocked Jesse seriously replied as he bowed his head in respect. The king smirked in return and now gave a softer tap on his shoulder as he added in appreciation:

 

“No. I should be the one to thank you, son. My daughters are my most valued treasures. If anyone treats them well, they do the same for me. Thank you for taking care of Stephanie.”

 

“Actually, Your Majesty… To be honest, it looks like she didn’t really need my help. She handled the situation very well. I only knocked some cowards before they could do something to her. You raised a courageous daughter, if I may say so.”

 

“That’s my girl! I raised them right.” The King added proudly as he looked to his daughters with a wide smile.

 

On that time, Jesse couldn’t help to look to the princess and smile in wonder. This action didn’t pass unnoticed as the latter felt her cheeks burning at the praise and it seems like SeoHyun realized that as well as she cleared with a smirk. Back to the king, the latter nodded his head in satisfaction as he was getting ready to leave:

 

“Both of them are just like their mother… Well, it was a tiring day and I believe that everyone in this room wants to rest. Girls, will say good night to Mister Jesse here?”

 

“Sure, father. I am on my way.”

 

Tiffany quickly replied while she stared at Jesse as if she wanted to say something more to him, but not in front of her father. It seems like SeoHyun got the cue as she rapidly passed by the assistant and remarked with a truthful smile:

 

“Good night, Jesse. Thank you for saving my sister again.”

 

“Anytime, Princess. Good night.” He responded after giving a respectful bow to the younger princess.

 

“Let’s go, father. I believe sis wants to thank her savior in private.”

 

Seohyun smartly added as she rapidly dragged her father out of the room, giving privacy to her sister and Jesse. It was when a quizzical king abruptly replied while leaving the room:

 

“But I – I, oh well. Good night, my daughter. Good night, Jesse. It was a pleasure.”

 

“The pleasure was mine, Your Majesty. Good night.”

 

Both Jesse and Tiffany laughed at the scene until they were finally alone. Taking a step closer, the princess lowered her head shyly and spoke slowly:

 

“Thank you for not giving all the details to father. He would be mortified if he knows what really happened there.”

 

“It’s not my place to do that, Your Majesty. But I agree with him. The Princess should be careful.”

 

“Y-You are right. I was reckless and as a Princess I should be aware of everything surrounding me. It’s just that I was so engaged in hearing our people that I didn’t see the time flying by…”

 

The princess said into sad tone as she sighed deeply and looked to the ground. Seeing that his words were making her feeling guiltier that she already was, Jesse decided to lift the mood as he gently started:

 

“If my words mean something, I thought that your actions were admirable.”

 

“Huh? Really?!”

 

Now the princess was really curious about what this assistant has to say as she quickly shot her head up to stare him with interest. Seeing the princess so close, Jesse found hard to keep the composure to not let his mind drift away with such adorable eyes staring at him intently:

 

“Well, of course the Princess doesn’t need my or anyone validation. But, *ahem* for the short time that I am here, I can see how much love the Princess has for your people and how the feeling is mutual. Your true care for them is admirable when through history, we see otherwise. Oh, forgive me… I think I talk too much. I shouldn’t.”

 

Jesse rapidly silenced himself when he realized that he was getting too comfortable with THE PRINCESS! He lowered his head in embarrassment as if he could face palm himself for his audacity. This was until he heard a heartily chuckle and when he raised his head in confusion to see a smiling princess looked at him in admiration as she confessed:

 

“Not everyone speak their mind so easily as you, Jesse. Much more when they are new in the palace. You are the first one to talk to me like that ever since…”

 

For a moment, Tiffany stopped her words when she reminds a “certain person” and how Jesse made somehow remembers “him”. Although this memory still hurts her heart, she can’t explain, but also feel a warm movement inside herself.

 

Her train of thoughts was interrupted when she heard an embarrassed tone:

 

“I know. I shouldn’t be so direct; I apologize for my words, Your Majesty. I will understand if the Princess doesn’t want me working here anymore.”

 

Seeing such sincerity, Tiffany could only shake her head as she softly placed her hand on his right shoulder and started:

 

“On the contrary, Jesse. When I said that you two were a good sum to our palace, I mean it. I feel that there is more in you that eyes can see. For that I want to know you more, so if something crosses your mind, please do tell me. I am not a tyrannical princess *chuckles*”

 

For some reason, Jesse felt guilty of hearing her words since he knew that he wouldn’t be completely honest with her since he was a spy. He took a deep breath and nodded in agreement. That was when he looked deeply into her eyes and at least, shared the sincerity in his mind:

 

“For what I saw today, I am more than sure that the Princess will be fine ruler.”

 

“Thank you, Jesse.”    

 

Even being a spy, he would assure that this kingdom and his own would prevail against that maniac regent. That moment, settled in his mind that he would do everything to protect Tiffany, her family and these people.

 

Suddenly, her eyes caught a red spot at his side. Seeing the direction at the princess’s worried eyes, Jesse cursed mentally “Damn it. She saw…”

 

“Jesse, what—“

 

“Oh, it’s nothing, Princess! Nothing to worry about it.”

 

He quickly closed and hid his hand before the princess could reach it. She raised her brown in disapproval and extended her own hand in response as she demanded in deadly serious tone:

 

“Are you going to let me see by myself or do I need to use my authority?”

 

Suddenly, the air in the room fell cold at her demand. Unable to refuse, he sighed heavily and slowly showed his left hand. Once she saw the gash on his palm, she gasped in shock and asked frenetically:

 

“When were you intending to tell me that you got yourself hurt?!”

 

“Princess, it’s nothing. We get wounded all the time, even in the kitchen. The Princess shouldn’t get worried…”

 

Tiffany gave him the “look” unfazed as she shook her head and mumbled into an upset tone:

 

“Men, hmph. Always acting tough…”

 

“Princess, you really don’t need to—“

 

An arguing Jesse was silenced by her hand as he quickly shut his mouth in defeat. Meanwhile, the princess carefully to examine the wound and let a sigh escape from her lips in sadness. After, she mutely brought him to the nearby sink and gently washed his hand with clean water. She grabbed a bottle of alcohol and whispered before to pour the liquid:

 

“This is going to sting a little, okay?”

 

The small pain was nothing as Jesse watched Tiffany in amaze. He wouldn’t ever imagine that he would receive such treatment from a princess. He could only observe the scene, completely absorbed with her care and in why his heart insists to double the pace as he looks at her concentrated expression while she cleans his wound so caringly.

 

Only when he felt something soft around his hand, he was pulled back to reality. He saw the new fabric on his hand and when recovered his capacity of talk again, he vehemently shook his head and pleaded:

 

“Princess, please, don’t do that! I don’t want to stain your clean handkerchief with my blood. Really, you –“

 

Once again, the princess surprised him another nth time when she gently made a knot at her tissue around his hand. She caringly enveloped his wounded hand with hers and answered sincerely:

 

“What good would I do if I don’t take care of my own people? You saved my life and got wounded because of me. This is the least I can do. So please, accept this.”

 

In such warm words, Jesse finally nodded in thankfulness and found himself unable to refrains the princess any longer. They only stood there, staring at each other in amazement. Unconsciously, both hearts speed up the pace as they exchanged smiled in appreciation for each other. They parted their hands slowly, without knowing that for some reason, they didn’t want to let go at all.

 

Maybe this going to be beginning of a beautiful friendship or something more. Against all the odds, something already started to blossom at the hearts of a spy and a princess.

 

TBC

 

@Hyacinth_93: Anytime, my friend. I hope you liked this one.

@nichkhunfans: Certainly, they cant simply ignore it haha. You are welcome, my friend. That’s the idea, to get detached from that era and have something to soothe our minds once in a while. Yes, I am getting old for this hehe but fanfics still have a spot on my heart. I confess that I wanted to write this fic long ago, even after everything, I am happy that at least, I managed to share my imagination with all of you. I thank you for the bottom of my heart. I will be doing the same for all of you =)

@Rpr363: Haha true, they cant simply resist to each other. Yes, I imagined her as a kind, eloquent and brave princess as well, not just a damsel in distress hehe. Yet, I thank your words deeply. I want to give a decent goodbye gift for all of you once I am done. You too, my friend. Stay safe.

@Thea050713: Really? What was your first impressions? No problem, I understand. Its being a tight fight to update this fic once in awhile. You are welcome, my friend. Like, finally, right? =D

@Jeti48: Yay! Its me once again. You don’t have any idea how these kind of words make us, authors, keep going. Thank you very much for your kind words. I will try my best to not disappoint. Haha of course not, I wouldn’t leave my dear readers. Love all of you!

 

A/N: Hey, guys! How are you have been? I hope you are taking care of yourself. I apologize for the late update. As I said before, I have a lot of ideas, but I am short in time. Good thing that I already write about 80% of the next chapter. Prepare yourself for JeTi sweetloads! I just wanted to say that your words really make my day. Its good to know that someone still appreciate my amateur writing. Anyway, God bless all of you and stay safe, okay? See ya and thanks again!