In the name of love

002

The japanese palace was surrounded with the beautiful gardens and the cherry blossom trees. There was the small tank where the Emperor's grandchildren grew up feeding the fish. Not far away from there was the library where most of the imperial family would get together to drink the tea. From inside of that same building the loud conversation between a young princess and her parents could be heard.

"I said no!"

"Honey, try to understand. Listen to your father."

"No! If he wants it to happen so bad then why doesn't he marry him?!"

"It's the last time I tell you, Sana. The decision it's final!" a deep voice sounded in the room. The man exited the large room leaving his wife and his only daughter alone.

"It's not fair! He can't decide for me!" Sana said tearing up. "In what era are we living? Forcing your daughter to get married!"

Her mother hugged the young girl tightly. Her heart broke by seeing her daughter like this and it was even worse knowing that there is nothing she could do about it.

"Don't cry, dear. It's for the good of the country. They won't mistreat you"

Sana sobbed.

"Mom, I don't want to leave.."

"I know, dear. I know" said the mother kissing her daughter's hair.

If only the Kims had just daughters instead of a son.

___

"Are you really not going to talk to me?"

Jeongyeon has been trying to get Dahyun to talk to her since they left the airport. The princess was leaning her head against the tainted window of the luxurious car that would take them to the palace.

"I already said I'm sorry."

The driver looked at them though the mirror. He must be thinking that she's just a difficult, bratty princess. It has been a long time since the palace's employees saw her and this is how she greeted them.

"We had no choice, Dahyun" Jeongyeon said looking at her.

"I know" Dahyun finally replied.

Dahyun was not upset at Jeongyeon. She knew her friend was just doing her job. It was the thought of having to be back to the palace, or Royal Prison, as she liked to call to it. Just having to be back was depressing for her. Those high walls, all the formality and unnecessary protocols, the lack of contact with people her age and having to hear again and again that title she disliked to much.

Your Highness.

Minutes later, the car stopped outside the lobby of a grand hotel. Jeongyeon looked out of the window and then at their driver.

"Why are we here?" Dahyun asked confused.

Jeongyeon shrugged and opened the car's door stopping the bellboy from opening for them. Before Dahyun stepped out, a group of bodyguards approached the car to scort the princess into the hotel.

"Your Highness, this way" said one of the guards and Dahyun followed them with Jeongyeon walking close behind her.

Once inside, they walked directly to the elevator. The hotel's all white walls and matching red carpet just said High Society. Being in this kind of luxury hotel was no new for Dahyun, it was part of her world.

The elevator reached the top floor and there were greeted by the hotel's manager.

"Your Highness, Sir Jae is waiting for you in the suite" said the man and bowed to the princess.

"Thank you. We will go in" Dahyun replied politely.

Inside the big room there was Sir Jae, the royal family's butler. A middle aged man with black and gray hair and a mustache. Sir Jae has been with the Kim family since Dahyun's parents got married.

"Welcome, Your Highness." Sir Jae bowed. "I hope you had a good flight back home"

Dahyun chuckled. "Oh, it was very comfortable" she said sarcastically. She looked at Jeongyeon who looked at the floor.

"We apologize for taking such a drastic measure" Sir Jae said.

"Well, what's this whole plan all of you have in mind that can't wait till my exams week is over?" Dahyun let herself fall to the couch. "Does my da— I mean, does His Majesty know about this?"

Sir Jae was rather sensitive and strict about respecting the royal titles. Even if it comes from the King's daughter. Dahyun has to always be careful around Sir Jae and refer to her parents by their titles because of that.

Jeongyeon and Sir Jae sat down facing Dahyun and the old man served them some tea before proceeding.

"Before anything else, please take a look at this message left by His Highness, your brother" Sir Jae pulled out a paper from his coat and handed it to Dahyun. She opened it and she quickly recognized her twin's handwriting.

I don't know when I will be back.
Cancel that engagement, I don't plan on marrying someone I have never meet before.
I will look for my own happiness and freedom.
Don't bother looking for me.

"His Highness has been gone since yesterday. The security team has been looking for Prince Minseok with no success so far. We think he already left the country"

"To where?"

"His passport records shows he is in Italy, but he could be anywhere in Europe right now"

Dahyun looked at the letter in her hand.

That idiot.

"We can't allow us to cancel this engagement, Your Highness. We don't need an enemsty with Japan right now"

"Do my parents know about this?"

"His and Her Majesties are currently in New Zealand so they have not been informed yet. The royal PR team decided it to be that way." said the man putting down the very expensive cup of tea.

Dahyun was starting to get a headache. Sir Jae explained how the engagement party was scheduled to be celebrates in a week and the wedding more likely to happen in three months.

The young girl feared what would happen if her parents found out. She knew how her father can be when he is furious. And this was and international matter. If the press finds out about this it will destroy her family's honor not just in their country but also ruin their image with Japan.

"In the middle of this situation, it has been decides for Your Highness to help by pretending to be Prince Minseok" Sir Jae explained carefully.

"But this is absurd! I'm a girl, it won't work!"

"Of course it will work. You are twins!" Jeongyeon added.

"We are not identical! Our parents will be able to tell us apart with just one look!" Dahyun pointed out.

"Your Highness, leave everything else in our hands. We will do everything in our power."

Dahyun sighed. Her family's dignity was in risk. Do it for the nation, she told to herself.

"I guess I have no choice then"

Jeongyeon smiled in victory. She knew Sir Jae would be perfect to convince the princess.

"You will have to cut your hair, Dahyun. It will be so fun! Prince Dahyun!"Jeongyeon joked.

Ugh

"So, we got a week to start all this?" Dahyun asked.

"Not exactly" Sir Jae started. "The japanese princess arrives to Seoul in two days"

WHAT!