My Forbidden Fruit - Choi Beomgyu

Chapter 9

Kang Hana's POV

After a few minutes of waiting for Mina, we finally left the palace at 3:00 PM and headed to the train station. 

When we boarded the train, Beomgyu took me by the arm and said, "We are sharing a cabin!" 

I rolled my eyes and allowed him to lead me. When we reached the cabin, Beomgyu slid open the door, revealing two sofas, a bed, and a small table with a TV on top. He placed his suitcase in the corner and sat on one of the sofas, loosening his tie and letting out a sigh as he leaned back against the headboard.

I cautiously scanned the cabin for any hidden cameras under the tables or a note from Beomgyu's stalker, but found nothing suspicious. Just then, my phone started ringing, displaying the same unknown number that had called me earlier in the morning. 

I was about to answer the call when Beomgyu asked, "Is it that Dohwa guy calling you again?" 

I turned to him, slightly taken aback, and replied, "Why do you care?" 

Quickly, I stashed my phone into my bag and settled on the sofa next to Beomgyu. I began sorting through the contents of my small bag: a dagger, a small gun, and a retractable knife. It would have to do, but considering the magnitude of the event and the potential threats to Beomgyu, I was risking my chances. 

After a two-hour train ride, we finally arrived in Busan. The distinct scent of fresh seafood greeted us from the nearby stalls, but the royal guards swiftly escorted us to the waiting cars. Upon our arrival at the castle, I couldn't help but notice its grandeur, which perhaps even exceeded that of the one in Daegu. The presence of an expansive garden adorned with a magnificent fountain in the centre could be a significant factor in contributing to the castle's splendour. 

The castle stood tall and imposing, a magnificent structure showcasing a blend of classic and contemporary architectural elements. Its walls, constructed from rich grey stone, bore intricate carvings that told tales of a rich history. Towering turrets and spires reached for the sky, a testament to its regal heritage. 

The castle's large, ornate windows glinted in the sun, reflecting the opulence within. Surrounding the castle, lush gardens and well-trimmed hedges added an air of elegance, and a majestic fountain served as a centrepiece, its waters dancing gracefully. The entrance was adorned with intricately detailed double doors, undoubtedly welcoming guests to an event of utmost grandeur.

I followed Beomgyu, who walked into the castle with an air of familiarity, treating it more like a casual entrance into a regular apartment rather than a magnificent Disney-like castle. The guards, dressed in their imposing uniforms, opened the massive gates, which seemed to weigh a ton, granting us passage. 

Upon entering the castle, we made our way to the throne room, where I laid eyes on a figure that could only be King Park Jimin. He was a vision of regal elegance, his silver hair perfectly coiffed, and he donned a suit of the most exquisite red fabric. 

The king gracefully descended the steps, moving toward us, and I offered a polite bow as he approached, his height surprisingly similar to mine.

"Mr. Choi, I am delighted that you could join us today," King Jimin's voice resonated, nearly angelic in its tone, like a soft whisper that carried a polite air. 

Beomgyu's father, Mr. Choi, responded warmly, "The pleasure is mine, Jimin-ah. I'm truly thrilled to see you ascend to the throne. As you are aware, Jae Gyeong recently took a break, and you must already know Kang Hana," he mentioned, gesturing toward me. 

King Jimin extended a warm welcome, his smile radiating friendliness as he approached me. "I'm pleased to have you here today, Ms. Kang," he said, taking my hand and gently kissing the back of it.