A Lush Affair: A Jealous Till Jade Sequel (A Hwarang Fanfic)

Chapter 2: The Coronation

It's a day to remember for the people of Baekje as well as for the king and myself. Though I do feel uneasy about the prince getting remarried to another woman, I know that it's what's best for Baekje and for Prince Onjo. He has seated my husband and myself at the very front, along with his cousins who are all as kind and good-looking as the prince. I'm relieved he and the king have made up since yesterday. I was worried that this special day would be ruined because of their immaturity.

Immediately after the wedding is the coronation. As the current king Jumong carefully carries out the tall embellished crown, we all rise from our seats to savor this special moment. Don't worry, my dear prince, we will succeed together. As a family. King Jumong lifts the crown from its cushion and finally places it on his stepson's head. Then Onjo is handed the royal stick and royal round ball (don't judge, I've still a lot to learn about this job) which he gently accepts. To end the process, the priest speaks some words of pledge which the in-progress King Onjo repeats. Once the crowning process is done, one of the officials shouts, "let us all bow down to our new king! Long live King Onjo!" I can't contain my smile nor tears. The princess would have been so proud to witness this moment.

Once we're back inside the palace, we let King Onjo get settled and have a drink. As he sits on his long navy chaise and sips his soju, he pouts, "are you sure you have to leave already?"

"I wish we could stay but I have a meeting with the emperor of Japan," replies Jinheung. "And Jade needs to prepare for her party."

"Well, alright then. I don't want to keep you from your plans. I'll miss the both of you very much. Please take care of the princess' grave in my absence."

"We will." I smile. "Keep in close touch, okay? Let us know if you ever need anything. You know we're both here for you."

"I will."

"Yeah, and I'll be back here soon to discuss that project with you," says Jinheung.

"Of course," replies King Onjo. "I'm looking forward to that."

He gets up to walk us out, then we say our official goodbyes and head to the port to catch our ship. The nice thing about riding a ship as royalty is that we have the large space all to ourselves. How cool is that? As you can see, I'm still getting used to this whole queen thing.

Though I'm exhausted, there's still much to do for the remaining hours of the day. While Jinheung meets with the Emperor of Japan to discuss enhancing their mutual military support, I gather our servants to prepare for my annual royal garden party, The Duchess.

"Your Majesty, which auction company would you like to invite this year?" asks the main event planner who stands in front of me with a clipboard and pen in her hands.

"The Royal Gallery Auctions Co. was very impressive last year. Also that jewelry one," I reply as I lean back on my couch.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Anything else, ma'am?"

"Surprise me." I smile.

"Very well, Your Highness. I will write to the companies right now."

"Thank you. Good work."

As the event planner exists, Aro enters. "Your Majesty, the flower arranger has just arrived. Would you be able to speak with them now?"

"Bring them in."

Everything starts coming together and I get more and more excited about The Duchess. But, at the same time, I'm exhausted and want to go to sleep already.

At 10pm my work for the day is finally over, and so I snuggle up in bed while I wait for Jinheung to finish his meeting with the swordsman and royal guards. It feels like all we've both been doing lately has been work. I remember during the beginning of our marriage when I'd feel like the happiest girl in the world, spending almost every moment of everyday with my loving husband. Things have sure changed. He's sure changed. I mean, what is this nonsense about the Han river? He never used to greed for such minuscule things.

There's a polite knock on the door, interrupting my lonely reflection on life.

"One moment!"

I quickly get out of bed, wrap my silk robe around myself, and tell them to enter.

And here he is again: Viscount Joon. I don't know why, but something about this guy bothers me. I mean, sure, he's drop-dead gorgeous, but it's something more than that. When I see him I feel like I'm doing something forbidden. Almost as if I'm about to get myself involved in an-

No. Ugh, get yourself together, Jade. You're a queen. And you love your king.

"Viscount, what can I do for you?"

"I am very sorry to have disturbed you at this time, Your Majesty. It's just that I have been assigned to manage the former Official Park's case and-"

"Why...is this case being reopened?" What is going on?

"Oh, it is not being reopened, Your Majesty. It's just that the time has come to release the accessories as they do not carry a crime as great as that of Official Park."

"Oh." I can't believe the time that has passed. Will Silla be safe with Sun-woo, Ban-ryu and Soo-ho living as free men again? Is three years enough time for criminals to learn their lesson and get their crap together?

"My father has given me all the information I need to know for the court hearing tomorrow, but I was wondering if I could hear the story from your perspective as well. Y-you know, because you know more about the culprits and case than anyone. Your Majesty." Is he stuttering?

"I think it would be better for you to come back when the king is here. Then you can hear the story from both our perspectives."

"Please, Your Grace. I can ask the king his story some other time. For now, I would really like to get to know you better- I mean the case! Better. Of course."

"O...kay. Well then, have a seat," I gesture towards the couch, and then grab two glasses in which I pour a new bottle of rich red wine. With our beverages in my hands, I take a seat adjacent to Viscount Joon and hand him his glass. "So...this may be kind of a long story. You ready?"

It's nice to have someone to sit down and talk with. I haven't been able to do that with the king lately. He's just been so busy. We both have.