The Accidental Monarch

Homecoming

Public knowledge dictates that the royal family occupies a hidden mansion located on the imperial grounds in the heart of the city. The surrounding gardens and the parks circling the residence are all open to the public, but the stone bridge leading to the inner gate and the main palatial grounds are strictly off-limits, reserved only for the royals and their staff.

Seri remembers studying the roof of the mysterious residence peeking through the tall trees as a young girl. She remembers wondering what he might be doing inside, how many floors it had or if it sits on top of a hill to be that high up, if the proximity of his house and the sky was the reason why he enjoys looking up at the stars.

Only to be surprised to find out years later that the rumors served as a façade to deter the public's attention from the real residence of the royal family. They arrive in front of a massive gold-laden gate bearing the royal seal located in the outskirts of the city. Two uniformed guards stand in attention and raise their hands in a salute as the motorcycle roars past them.

The winding path leading up to the secret residence is lined with evergreen trees and tall streetlamps in alternating fashion. At the end of the path, a lush garden rich with flowers and greenery greets them before the grand palace boasting of opulence and glory demands her attention. The architecture reminds her of a smaller version of the Palace of Versailles, but it takes her breath away just the same.

The prince takes the long route around the palace, giving her a spectacular tour that shows how extensive the grounds are, before proceeding down an underground garage where the valet was waiting for their arrival. Once they have dismounted the vehicle, the man takes care of everything: the motorcycle to be parked away, the helmets to be cleaned and stored, and even the leather gloves covering the royal's hands.

"Seri, this is Jung Man-bok," Jeong-hyeok introduces. "He oversees all the vehicles the family uses."

The valet gives her a genuine smile and a firm handshake. "Very nice to meet you, Ms. Seri," he says, and she graciously returns the sentiment. He turns back to the royal with a hand on the motorcycle. "How was she, Your Royal Highness? Personally made sure that she will be in tiptop shape upon your return."

"I might have scared Seri with how fast I was going. Thank you, Man-bok," the prince answers with a laugh. The older man grins proudly in response before bowing out to give them some privacy. She watches him walk away and realizes how deep the garage goes and how many types of vehicles are hiding under the dim light. "I didn't, did I?"

It takes her a minute to realize that the question was directed at her. "Oh, no, not at all," she replies, feeling embarrassed from being caught spacing out. "It will take a lot more than a fast motorcycle ride to scare me."

"That's the Seri I know," he says with a fond smile, making her bite her lower lip and look away. He clears his throat. "In all seriousness, are you okay? It seems you had quite an eventful night."

Keeping her real emotions hidden has always been a talent of hers, and so she manages to reply with a cheeky, "I told you. I don't get scared easily."

Unfortunately, her habit of tucking her hand into the back pocket of her jeans manifests at that moment, and the rough material scratches her bruised knuckles. She flinches, and he notices. When she takes it back out to inspect the damage, her eyes widen at the black and blue bruises forming with a tinge of red that makes it look worse than it is.

"What happened?" the prince demands at the sight, making the actress look up at his tone. Instinct prompts him to reach over and touch her, but respect holds him back. His eyes began to search for other indications of a struggle and his expression clouds over with anger. "Did he hurt you?"