In the name of love

19

The chaotic scene in the ballroom continued to unfold with hordes of guards at the foreground, trying desperately to shield the royal family from the eager media.

It was ridiculous. It was stupid. But from the point of view of themedia and from the angle those photos were taken, it really did make them look a little too close for a 'guy' and a girl, at least for Korea's standards.

Your Highness, who's the woman in the picture?

Your Highness, is it true that you have someone else in your mind?

Was the engagement with Princess Sana an act?

Dahyun remained unmoved, staring at the now blank spot where Sana stood just a while ago. Her parents had gone in pursuit after her, but not before warning the prince to stay away from their daughter.

"Are you alright, my dear?" Queen JooHyun asked worriedly at her unresponsive child.

Down below, Jeongyeon was still reeling in shock over the exposed pictures of her and Dahyun. Given her ability and duty as a royal bodyguard, she should have noticed they were behind followed on that fateful day. Clenching her fist tightly, she wanted to smack herself for being careless; having used to the relative tranquil in Europe.

"That's the girl!" A man from the crowd shouted aloud, pointing at the lone Jeongyeon. Before she could react, a small horde surrounded her, behaving like a pack of hungry hyenas.

What's your relationship with the Prince?

Are you his secret lover?

The media continued their relentless pounding as numerous camera flashes kept flashing continuously at the back. Kang In looked from the side, unable to move forward due to the huge crowd blocking his path. Despite knowing Prince Yesung's idea to expose the ugly side of Prince Minseok beforehand, Kang In never expected it to be revealed during the engagement. In fact, he had pleaded with Prince Yesung to withhold the pictures. He was about to push his way through the blocking crowd when a familiar voice suddenly roared out in fury.

"Leave her alone!" Dahyun yelled angrily as she broke free from the attendants and jumped down the stage, running towards Jeongyeon. This certainly came as a surprise to everyone, including the royalty alike.

"I said leave her alone!"

The menacing tone of the angry prince deterred anyone from approaching both him and Jeongyeon. They hastily took a few steps away from the girl. Without any further words, Dahyun simply grabbed the stunned Jeongyeon by the hand and pulled her along, breaking into a quick run, leaving everyone aghast by their action.

Once out of sight from everyone else, Jeongyeon immediately broke free of Dahyun's grasp and shot out angrily, "What are you doing?! You should be out chasing after Sana, not coming back for me!"

"And leave you alone to deal with them?" Dahyun spoke in defence.

"But now-" Jeongyeon croaked exasperatedly, "-everyone will think those photos are real!"

Dahyun maintained her silence, not planning to explain further. There was only one other thing in her head. She kept walking straight towards the hotel entrance, undeterred by the fact that everyone else was waiting for her explanation.

"Your Highness-" The guards stationed at the door greeted nervously.

"Where did she go?"

"We tried to stop her but-"

"Where did she go?!" Dahyun reasserted strongly.

"We have sent a few men- Your Highness! It's raining-" Without waiting for him to complete his sentence, Dahyun dashed. Jeongyeon quickly followed suit, chasing after her.