The Accidental Monarch

Connecting

When the elevator doors open to the underground parking of her apartment building, Seri finds her ride to the party waiting for her. She recognizes the Royal Guard who exits out of the vehicle to open the rear passenger door for her as the one who took her home from the palace before. Before she steps inside, she asks for his name, and her question obviously takes him aback.

"Kim Ju-meok, ma'am," he says, breaking his stoic expression. "I am a really big fan of yours."

The actress breaks into a bright smile at the cute admission. "Really?" she asks to which he responds with an enthusiastic nod. "Well, then. I will have Jeong-hyeok know that I prefer having you as my driver whenever the occasion arises. Quite frankly, the others scare me."

They talk about the show business industry on the way. He tells her about the gossip he reads on the internet, making her laugh and putting her at ease. She asks him if there are any speculations regarding her and the prince, and he shakes his head. "Don't worry. You two are in the clear," he assures her. "You are still being linked to your costar from your last drama."

Amusement replaces her relief. "I think I need to sign on a new project soon."

She welcomes the distraction after going out of her mind all day about what might happen or who she would meet at the event. With impostor syndrome rearing its ugly head, she almost wants to call Jeong-hyeok to tell him that she cannot make it, but the thought of it being the last time they can see each other before he leaves prevents her from doing so.

Her smartphone ringing makes her jump out of her skin. "Hello?"

"Hi, beautiful," the prince greets her from the other end. "Are you on your way?"

Ju-meok holds out five fingers. "Yes, we are five minutes away," she interprets before her nerves skyrocket at the short timeline. Can she stay in the car instead? "Jeong-hyeok, are you sure that it is okay for me to be there? You can still say no, and we can have the car turned back around."

She hears the noise in the background fade along with the whooshing sound of a door closing. "There is no need to be nervous. I will be with you the whole time," he gently assures her. His voice comes in clearer than earlier. "Besides, Aunt Mi-ran is looking forward to meeting you, and my brother has already asked if he can have at least one dance. I am still debating on the latter."

"I never thought of you as the gatekeeping type, Your Royal Highness," she teases as her driver enters a hidden road from the highway. The path is shrouded with thick trees for privacy, indicating that they may be near. The headlights of their vehicle serve as their only light source.

"Well, you've given me no choice, darling," he murmurs. "Not if you are wearing that dress."

When the actress asked him about the dress code, he answered with a two-worded message: something daring. Known as the rebel of her generation, the princess has made it a point that her parties are devoid of any rules, and that includes what they choose to wear. Through the years, the costumes have become more and more outlandish, making it one of the highlights.

Since it was the last minute, she only came up with a simple costume but still made sure it had impact. Her velvet dress shows off the deepest color of dusk. And while the hem reaches her ankles, it has a slit that starts on her upper thigh, showing off her flawless legs. Attached to one is a holster with a fake Glock that the Royal Guards had to double check a couple of times.

Jeong-hyeok smiles at the sight of her black stiletto as she steps out. That smile, however, fades when she comes up to her full height. She has her hair up in a ponytail along with smoky eyes and a dark lip, embodying a Bond girl. In the foyer, when the attendant asks if she can take her fur wrap, the actress obliges, and the body glitter shimmers with every inch of skin revealed.