I crossed the sea, Just for you

Part 2

The ships arrived at the port. You were waiting for your brother at the palace. There were commotions and chants for the Prince. "Did you know? A guest is visiting our country.

They are telling that he is the Prince, who belongs to the country somewhere across the islands and sea", Meena said. "They may be regular travellers or traders. Why would a Prince visit our country?" you said.

"Y/n ah! Our ships were attacked by pirates it seems. Thankfully, everyone returned safely", your mother said. You were shocked as well. You have heard a lot of stories about pirates.

Before you could ask anything. The chants were so loud that they could reach the sky. You went to the balcony. You saw a lot of foreign soldiers were also entering the palace gates.

Your brother and another man came on the royal horse. "It's true. He looks like a Prince", you said. You made brief eye contact with him. He was distracted by the officials who greeted him.

"The Prince will be staying here till the Crown Prince's wedding. Actually, he saved your brother", your mother said. You went to the main court where the local officials and your father were gathered.
You listened to the conversation. "I know this language. They are Koreans", you smiled. "Finally, it's useful now", your mother commented.

"Everything we learn would be useful at some point of our life", you said. Your father called you and your mother. He introduced both of you to Taehyung. He was made to sit near the throne in a similar royal seat.

While your brother was sitting on the other side of the throne. Your mother greeted him. You greeted me in Korean. Everyone gave an impressed look. The Korean soldiers were proud that their language was spoken in a foreign country.

Taehyung gave a full smile and bowed back to you. Your father let out a proud laugh. "She is interested in learning languages. She even writes poems giving competition to our poets", he exclaimed.
You made a strong impression on him.

He tried not to stare at you in front of everyone but he couldn't help. You took one last glance on him and left the court.
After a brief introduction and customs, the meeting came to an end. Once you get the information from the maids, you head to your brother's chamber.

"Welcome sister", he greeted you. "I heard that you were surrounded by pirates. You are not hurt, are you?" you asked him. "I am not hurt", he smiled at you. "I brought you some gifts from the Island we visited.
These are pingan bowls.

"Wow, they are so pretty", you smiled. "Not more than the pearls you are wearing", he said. You giggled. "Pearls are our assets. Nowadays a lot of travellers are buying them.

Business is so good", you said. "I also asked them to bring the jasmine flower plants from the capital. Did you plant them?" He asked.

"Yes. Their fragrance is so good", you said. The capital is famous for jasmine. You were talking about the trip and listening to the stories. "About the Prince, why is he here?" you asked.

"He came for pearls. He also wanted to visit our country", he said. "I see", you replied. His eyes were imprinted in your mind. His smile was warm. "Y/n.. ", your brother snapped his fingers.

"What are you thinking?" he asked. "Nothing", you smiled. "You should rest", you stood up. Taehyung came into the room looking clueless. He was a bit taken aback by seeing you both.

"I think I lost my way", he said, scratching his neck. You just nodded and smiled, while your brother looked at you. "Oh! He lost his way", you translated. "It's okay, Taehyung", he said and looked at you.
You translated once again. "This is not fun", you sighed. "Help him to reach the guest room", he said. You accepted.

"Prince, please come with me. I will show you your room", you said to him.
You lead the way. "You speak better than I expected", he said. "I didn't learn fully yet. My teacher left the country, I will try to learn from the books he gave or wait for another teacher", you said.

"Still, you are good", he said. "Thanks for the compliment", you smiled. "Here is your room. I will ask them to appoint one of our translators to assist you. So that you won't get lost or something in the palace.

Also you can communicate with them", you said. "What about you?" he asked. "Huh?" "Ah! You are a Princess, you should have other duties as well", he said, leaning against the door frame.

"I thought that you wouldn't be comfortable enough", you chuckled. He smiled as well. You actively got mingled with the foreign traders so it was not that difficult to get along with him.

"Take a good rest. If you're staying here for the whole wedding ceremony then you might move to the capital tomorrow", you said. "Won't you be attending the ceremony?" he asked.

"I will attend as well", you said. He didn't seem to leave you. You didn't want to leave as well. "I have a question. Why do the climber plants grow inside the rooms? I mean from the ground to the windows", he pointed.

"How will you close the windows? I see no doors except screens", he asked. "Our climate is not too cold. Also these jasmines grow well during the summer time.

During winter, we would cut them so that they will come back stronger with more flowers", you explained. "It's natural fragrance is like a room freshener you know", you tried your best. "I see", he walked towards them.

"They will bloom in the evening", you said. "Also, the fragrance causes mental alertness and also it has a relaxing effect", you said. He listened keenly. "The flower in your hair is?" he trailed.

"Both are jasmines but one is from bushes and the other one is from climbers. Since it's a climber we allow them inside. The one from the bushes is the most famous Jasmin in our entire region.

It's the pride of our kingdom", you said. "Wait! But some people don't like this smell. If it's bothering you, please tell me I will ask them to take it out", you said and attempted to call the maids.

"It's okay", he grabbed your wrist. The sudden contact that too from the opposite gender made you stiff. It's a cultural shock. Unknowingly, your cheeks flushed and eyes glanced at him.