Empress Handbook

Chapter Twenty-Five | Crossroad

The next morning, Yeoreum wakes up to Nara tottering with three parcels in front of the kitchen counter.

"What are these?" Yeoreum says.

"Prince Jungkook would like you to wear one of these garments to today's appointment."

"Fine, I'll have a look."

Yeoreum's face darkens as she runs her fingers through the exquisite pieces of fabric the Imperial Household Agency will murder her wearing. There is a back feather-trimmed slip dress with a bold lack of cloth at the back, a blue and white cady mini dress and a black denim mini dress.

All the dresses fit Yeoreum perfectly, even though she never revealed her measurements to Jungkook. Yeoreum looks at the parcel sticker on the boxes, and an unsettling feeling crawls over her back.

These are all timed parcels requested to arrive at the recipient's address on a specific date. Though this parcel sticker does not reveal the date the items are put in for postal, they typically need to be put in for mailing at least three days before the intended reception date, meaning that Jungkook prepared this well before Yeoreum even decided to come.

A honk outside disturbs Yeoreum's anxiety. It is a Saturday, and most of Yeoreum's posh neighbours are still sleeping. Jungkook is apparently trying to force Yeoreum out of the house before she changes her mind.

Yeoreum wriggles into the most conservative black denim dress and darts to the black Porsche 356 outside.

Jungkook starts the car and rolls down the window with a smile. A couple of neighbours have already begun to peer outside their curtains, but Jungkook isn't bothered.

"You look very pretty," Jungkook gushes. "Hop in the car before angry rich people yell at us."

Yeoreum rolls her eyes and boards the vehicle, slamming the antique car door.

"Thank you," Yeoreum says sarcastically. "But I hope you understand that no matter how much you compliment me, you're paying for the noise pollution fines I get."

"You're so cheap." Jungkook laughs. "How interesting, you chose the only dress that isn't from an English designer."

Yeoreum folds her lips to stifle a gasp when she realises Jungkook's suit jacket is from the same brand as her dress. They are matching.

Jungkook is always somehow a step ahead of her.

"Was that some sort of test?" Yeoreum sulks.

"Yes, I got my inspiration from Buzzfeed Quizzes," Jungkook says. He pushes a button, and a gust of warm air fills the car. "The heater is on now, so take your coat off if you don't want to catch a cold."

"Fancy hearing you give proper advice."

Jungkook tugs his lips without a word. After a short drive, Jungkook parks the car adjacent to a café area hipsters have recently popularised.

Out of the blue, a gentle mewl emerges from the backseat. Yeoreum turns around and finds herself staring at a small, chubby Persian cat that has a dazzling pair of green eyes.

"Why do you have that cat?" Yeoreum says. Her tone is cold, but she can't stop smiling at the furry creature who has been peeping at her the entire ride. "You don't seem like a cat person, brother-in-law."

Jungkook studies Yeoreum's smile with a faint grin. He strokes the cat's round cheek until the ball of fluff licks his index finger.

"She is Victoria the Second, my loyal lieutenant."

"Did you name her after Queen Victoria?" Yeoreum says, pumping an eyebrow. "How dare you favour the English monarch over the Korean one."

"That's a secret between us."