『JenSoo Short Stories』

Lend Me Your Hand (3/4)

"And of course, if my daughter changes her mind about Viscount Minho and decides to pursue someone else, the same rules apply to them. Does that sound fair enough?" the King asks them both.

Both the Princess and bodyguard share a quick glance at one another before nodding in agreement.

----- 

The second event of the courting season was the infamous Luna Regatta, a boat-racing event held by Lady Wong Vivi.

Although Jennie wasn't participating in the race, she was still in the sea on a luxurious boat. She had deemed it to be too boring if she were to watch it on land and after saying that, Viscount Minho immediately offered that they watch it together from his own boat. It was obvious that Jisoo wanted her to decline, stating it was too dangerous especially since the Princess didn't know how to swim.

In normal circumstances, Jennie would probably adhere to that advice knowing that it was a matter of safety, but the weather was beautiful and due to the compromise created by her father, Jennie was allowed to go on the boat without protest anyways. And so, an apprehensive Jisoo went aboard the boat just behind her.

At the start of the first race, the Viscount led Jennie towards the edge of the boat so they could get a better view and it was then when their conversation had begun. To be honest, Jennie had held out genuine hope for this moment as she was excited to get to know the Viscount on a more personal level. However, the Viscount's dialogue had been filled with cringey flirting and lacked any real mental simulation for the Princess. In simpler terms, the Viscount was disappointingly bland.

Now, as soon as they were out in the sea, the bodyguard had kept her distance from the Princess and the Viscount. Although, it was quite obvious to Jennie that Jisoo was still close enough to observe them. To hear them. So, had she laughed and touched the Viscount at points that didn't garner such reactions at all? Maybe, but it wasn't because she wanted to make her bodyguard jealous. Rather, she didn't want to give Jisoo the satisfaction that she may have been right to dismiss the Viscount as someone worth the Princess' time.

After a few more races, the waves had begun to pick-up and the boat started to sway more and more with each passing wave. The bodyguard noticed it immediately and so without hesitation, Jisoo approached the pair, "Your Highness, I recommend that the two of you move towards the center of the ship. The waves are becoming stronger and the railings are quite low. You could fall into the sea if the boat were to be hit with enough force."

Jennie looked towards the edge in which she was standing by and it was only then when she realized that the railing was just below her waistline. Her eyes widened in fear just as a wave came in, rocking the boat slightly. Before she could say anything, she felt a hand on her back.

"Jisoo, was it?" The Viscount speaks smugly. "I assure you that the Princess will be safe as long as I'm here."

Jisoo's eyes narrow at the sight of the Viscount's hand touching Jennie's lower back before locking eyes with Viscount Minho.

"Excuse me, my Lord," Jisoo's tone is tight-lipped. "But I do believe it is ultimately up to the Princess if she would like to move to a safer area."

And just like that, she felt two sets of eyes on her. Her mind kept weighing her options. Either side with Jisoo and feel safer, but then that means letting Jisoo think she's in the right yet again or side with Minho despite her fear of falling in, but feel better knowing that she had bested Jisoo for the second time that day.

Just as she was about to give her answer, she felt herself suddenly jerk backwards. As she began to fall, she felt the touch on her back disappear and saw Jisoo reach out to grab her, but it was too late. In mere seconds, Jennie was submerged in the cool sea waters and began to panic as she realized what had just happened. As if her life wasn't already one big joke, it was clear that a strong wave of water had hit the side of the boat, causing her to be in this exact position just like Jisoo had predicted.