The Prince

2

As I awaken I  try to  stretch out and find myself trapped. I open my eyes and see Jongdae. And here I was hoping it really was a dream. I take the opportunity to admire his features. His strong jaw, wide chin, thick lips, straight nose, soft eyelashes. A true work of art.

"Like what you see?" He smiles.

"I didn't know you were awake." I stutter; embarrassed to have been caught staring.

"I was thinking of your story. What it should be." He snuggled into me.

"And what did you think of?" I pulled away.

"So Yeon. 24 years of age. Granddaughter of a noble from Ming. We met last time I went there. Fell in love and have met in secret since then in order to hide my identity and yours." He yawned.

"How long ago was that?"

"Hm, a month ago."

"Okay. Well, good thing I can speak Chinese, too."

"Speak what?"

"The new name for Ming."

"Oh. Has the language changed?"

"Not much."

Suddenly there is an announcement that the King has arrived.

We scurry to hide me but he walks in.

"Father!" Jongdae acts surprised.

"Who dares be here with you?"

"This is So Yeon, Father. I've been seeing her in secret. My apologies." He gets on his knees and bows. I decide to stay quiet and follow suit by bowing as well.

"So Yeon?" He states.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Rise. I must see if you are fit to help rule the nation."

"Is brother that ill?" Jongdae gets up with me.

"I didn't say you could get up. Only So Yeon."

Jongdae quickly gets back on his knees.

I keep my face to the floor as the King comes closer to me. He walks around me, looking me up and down. Grabbing my face he looks at it and swings it around.

"You seem healthy to me. I will have the doctor examine you, as well. If my son chose you, you should be worthy. He is very picky with his women. Never looked at any I sent to him." He sighs and turns to walk out of the room.

"Was there any other reason for visiting me, Father?" Jongdae asks.

"Just to inform you of your assignment as Crown Prince. The ceremony will be in two days. Your brother's funeral is tomorrow."

And with that, I was left with Jongdae alone.

"Brother has died?" Jongdae sits up, heartbroken.

"I'm sorry." I softly replied, gently placing my hand on his shoulder.

"Well, Soon-to-be Crown Princess, shall we prepare? What do you know of our time period?" He wipe away a tear.

"Well, luckily, everything. I can act the way I'll need to." I smile softly. Reading all those history book came in handy, I'd say.

He smiles back and nods. With a sigh he gets up and turns me to face him.

"For now, let's work on falling in love with each other." He whispers.

The days passed, turning into months, and no one really questioned me farther than his story for me. Knowing I was a noble from Ming was enough for them. They didn't bother researching my existence, so as to not irritate the country I supposedly was from.

We had a wedding ceremony shortly after the crowning ceremony.

I was glad to be married. Jongdae was sweet. His laugh was brighter than a thousand suns. His smile lit up the night. When he was focused on his work he was gorgeous. I could feel myself falling for him, and I simply hoped he would love me back.

We we no longer allowed to room together, although we could visit each other. Maybe I should go ask to see him. I don't want anything more than to hold him. Would that be ok?

As I'm thinking of getting up, the man himself is announced at my door. He comes in and smiles to me. "Evening, my love. How are you?"

"Fine." I stutter as I rise so he can take the seat.

"Leave us be." He says the to servants. They obey and leave, smiling ever so slightly as they close the doors.

"Is something the matter?" I look into his eyes. There's a layer of mischief in them.

"No. Just, Father has commanded that we produce an heir as soon as possible. He's dying, you see. We will have to take the throne within the year, most likely." He runs his hand through my hair, which I'd let down already to prepare for slumber.

"I see. So, I guess I really am stuck here then, huh?" I sigh.

"It's not so bad though, is it? You get to live the life of a royal."

"The life is fine, I just miss someone. I wonder how he's doing without me."

"Who was it?"

"My friend. His name was Baekhyun. We grew up together and he kept promising to marry me but I kept refusing. I wanted to one day. He needs someone to keep him under control. I hope he's found someone but at the same time, I'm unsure if I like that thought or not. I'm sorry. You're my husband. I shouldn't think about another man."

"I agree. You shouldn't be thinking of any man other than me. But, I do understand it, too. You came unprepared. No goodbyes. Here, may I help you?"

"With what?"

"Your heart has been saddened. Can your husband not lift it back up?"

"How will you do that?"

"Oh maybe this." A kiss is placed upon my forehead. "Or this." Another is placed on my nose. "Or, I don't know, this." And he seals it with one to my lips. He pulls my body closer and kisses me harder until we can't breathe. Pulling away, he smiles.

"Well, I do admit, that was nice."

"Just nice? I had put my heart into that kiss."

"I could tell, it was very passionate."

"Then why was it just nice?" He pouts.

"Because you stopped. We're supposed to make an heir, aren't we?" I smirk at him.

A blush sets across his cheeks.

"Future girls are straight to the point, aren't they?"

"Sometimes we take the lead, too. Do you want me to?"

"No! No. I'll do it. I'm your husband. I should be the lead."

"Then please do. Proceed."

"Giving me orders." He mumbles to himself, shaking his head and laughing. He brings his lips back to mine.

And soon the ties of our robes were being loosened.