The Accidental Monarch

Rendezvousing

When people think of royalty, they assume the likes of fairytales and palaces, glittering jewels and golden crowns, fancy titles and expensive lifestyles – an existence larger than life itself.

But the reality of it is that the members of the royal family are, at the end of the day, still real people. Behind the glamor is the loss of freedom – the shackles of schedules, the expectations of the country, and the weight of responsibility. A life that demands more than it gives.

Since his birth, Jeong-hyeok has had to live up to this ideal. His name alone contributes to the expectation. Never once has he been introduced simply as Ri Jeong-hyeok. It was and always will be: His Royal Highness, Prince Ri Jeong-hyeok of South Korea.

There is one exception, and she goes by the name of Yoon Seri.

They meet on a random Thursday. When a young Jeong-hyeok, carrying the fatigue of a full day in school, chances upon a girl playing the piano in the music room. He recognizes the Debussy piece in an instant, having been familiar with the instrument since he can press its ivory keys, and leans against the doorframe to listen.

She has her back towards the door and lacks the confidence in playing even when she had no audience. There is a subtle uncertainty that appears as her fingers shift between keys. And her posture leaves much to be desired with her back bent uncomfortably and her face a little too close to her hands.

When the final note fades, he speaks up, startling her out of her seat. "How long have you been playing the piano?"

The piano bench scrapes the wooden floors. "You scared me," she mutters with a hand on her chest. With an accusing glare, she adds in a louder tone. "Ya. Didn't your mother tell you that it is rude to eavesdrop?"

The casual language she uses takes him aback as he is accustomed to people addressing him formally. "She has," he stammers before recovering from his surprise and clearing his throat. "Too many times that I have already lost count."

Her sharp eyes assess him before she surmises, "You seem proud of the fact that you refuse to listen to your elders."

He feels chastised. "I'm not. I'm simply answering your question."

Her scowl deepens. "What happens if I tell on you?"

He has never dealt with threats before. "Well," he stalls, rubbing the back of his neck as his mind races for a proper response. "Punishment, most likely. My mother recently found out the wonders of using a hanger."

Despite attempting to keep her expression sour, the hint of amusement that shines through renders her scowl moot. "My mother used a hanger once," she shares. "She found out that I have been squandering off my allowance on tteokbokki."

He schools his features into a solemn expression despite finding her sudden admission hilarious and adorable. "Understandable," he nods. "I find tteokbokki worth going under the hanger for."

"Isn't it?" she confirms, her hostility falling away with a giggle, and he finds himself fully smiling. "Have you tried Mr. Song's stall? I have yet to try tteokbokki better than his."

His bodyguard ushers him into the car the second he steps out of the school. "Uh," he stutters. "I don't think I have seen his stall yet. Is it outside the school?"

"Oh, right," she smiles kindly, as if just remembering the fact that every single one of his peers are focused on. "You're new. Don't worry. I can take you there sometime."

He knows that his security will forbid it, but he still accepts and finds himself excited even. "I look forward to it."

"I don't think we have formally met," she brings up before offering her hand. Another rule broken, given that the royal should always extend a hand first. "I am Yoon Seri."