The Accidental Monarch

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The warm evening air greets Seri the moment she steps out of the armored Lincoln Navigator in a simple white button down and jeans. She feels overwhelmed at the sight of the staff preparing for the flight and the live plane that was about to take them to a private island she didn't even know existed.

Just a few hours ago, the actress was in her kitchen contemplating her dinner options, and now, she is standing on the tarmac about to embark on a spontaneous adventure with the prince.

Someone clears his throat beside her and offers to take her purse. She recognizes the man with the sharp eyes as the one who reprimanded Jeong-hyeok when he first took her to the palace months ago. Without thinking it through, she declines and assures him that she can handle it herself, and the displeased compliance that appears on his expression makes her smile falter.

Before she can take her words back, the prince appears by her side. He looks handsome in a brown linen shirt and beige slacks, an outfit that she failed to appreciate when she first saw him that evening. His warm smile shows off the deep dimple on his cheek, melting her worries away.

He offers his arm and asks, "Let's go?"

Relieved, the actress takes his arm, unconsciously stepping closer to his side, and follows him up the staircase leading to the entrance of the aircraft. At the sight of the royal seal on the side of the plane, insecurity hits her once again.

"Are you sure that it is really okay for me to tag along?" she asks. The question had come up so many times since his invitation that she feels like an annoying parrot. "I don't want to impose -."

"You're not imposing," he cuts her off as they reach the top step. The wind ruffles his swept-back hair, and she is once again taken aback at how effortlessly gorgeous he is. "No one is going to be there except for you and me. And of course, the staff. I should be the one asking you if you are all right with that arrangement."

How is a holiday on a private island with the prince of South Korea not going to be all right with her? Choosing not to tell him that, she shakes her head with a light laugh, "You never fail to surprise me. Come on. Your staff is beginning to look antsy."

She has had her fair share of first-class tickets aboard various airlines because of her job, but the royals' private plane is on an entirely different league. The interior is like an extension of the palace, mirroring the theme of liquid gold and marble. Plush white sofas occupy most of the first section, each with its own tea table. Over in the next section, there is a cocktail bar and a long dining table that can sit eight people.

A couple more rooms lay beyond the dining area, but she needs a moment to take it in. She stands by the entrance in shock, barely noticing the prince chuckling at the look on her face. Jeong-hyeok places a hand on her back to guide her towards the nearest sofa and sits beside her.

"How long is this flight going to be?"

He looks sheepish. "Only an hour."

The right words escape her as she turns her attention back to the luxurious aircraft. Everything screams wealth beyond comprehension that she settles with a subdued reply, "Right, an hour."

"It is a bit much, isn't it?" he finishes for her and watches her nod helplessly. "Usually, whenever I want to go to Bongsu, I take my helicopter. It's more convenient, and I don't bother a lot of people. But after what happened, they are taking precautions. This is the plane we take whenever we have engagements abroad. It is the only aircraft my brother trusts at the moment."

Before she can reply, a flight attendant appears in front of them. The actress notices how the younger woman doesn't seem to know whether to look at him or look at her first. She gives her an encouraging smile to which the attendant shakily starts by asking them what refreshments they would like to have. The prince turns to her with an expectant look and puts her on the spot.