In The Name of Love

10

The car journey to the riding stable was pretty fast. It took them only thirty minutes to reach from the palace. Every facility was of top notch. The greenery pasture and the vast riding track over the area were huge, and not to mention, a special designated area for the Korean traditional horseback archery, one of the sports, which Prince Minseok was said to excel it.

There was even a small nature reserve park linked from the stable, as pointed out by Prince Yesung when they were on the road, 5 minutes away from the stable.

"It seems like we have reached before them. Why don't you wait for them in the viewing area while I have a word with the trainers first? Gotta make sure the horses are in top shape before riding." Prince Yesung then instructed his men to escort Hanni to the air-conditioned platform while he made his way to the horses' holding area with another aide.

Hanni waited patiently for the others to turn up as she wandered around the viewing platform aimlessly, the men clad in full black suit, following closely behind.

"It's fine, you all can relax"

"Your Highness, this is an order from His Highness. We have to ensure your safety."

"But it is safe around here.."

Before the bodyguards could give her yet another inflexible reply, she heard a loud voice coming from outside.

"Come on, just go in!" Haerin said exasperatedly as she pulled Minji into the compound.

Minji was trying to resist Haerin as she still wasn't prepared to face Hanni after their little almost kissing incident last night. However, when she caught Hanni's eyes on them, she stopped right away, causing her to stumble forward a little. But she quickly regained her composure and acted normal like always.

"Hey, hello!" Minji chirped brightly, concealing her tensed inner self.

Hanni looked at them a little startled.

"It's a nice day, isn't it?" Haerin added. She was determined to help those two as she recalled Jo Kwon's advice. "Step 1, make sure they are comfortable in front of each other. Nobody would ever make the first step if they continue to be in an awkward position."

"Perfect for a little leisure riding, right?"

Minji eyed Haerin, hoping she would keep her mouth shut. The last thing she needed was Haerin's help, which for some unknown reasons could possibly turn into something disastrous.

"Ahh, I'm starving!" Minji said purposely as she looked beyond the crowd at the food displayed at the long table, in an attempt to distract her bodyguard.

To Minji's surprise, Haerin walked up to Hanni.

"Your Highness, let's go choose the horses." Haerin announced vibrantly, showing Hanni the way.

Hanni, startled by Haerin's action, flinched slightly at her sudden vibrant act. But upon seeing the latter cheerful face, she relented, smiling in response to her friendly approach.

"Your Highness," Haerin said, referring to Minji who was still standing near the exit, "What are you waiting for? Lead the way!"

Minji made a scouring face at Haerin. Hanni chuckled at their reactions and for a brief moment, there was an envious feeling for Haerin's exceptional relationship with the Prince.

Haerin immediately started to pull Hanni along until a figure came into her view, obstructing her from exiting.

"Sorry, Your Highness but you can't leave. His Highness has ordered to remain here until he returns." It was Prince Yesung's personal bodyguard, Kang In, whom Haerin knew him as a kind but strict senior back during their training days. However, their friendship became strained when Kang In was assigned under Prince Yesung, while Haerin remained in the palace, groomed to be the royal guard for Minji under the orders of her father, Sir Yoo, the head of royal security act.