Book 2 of It's You Series.
Soon to be titled as the Crown Princess of Joseon, Hwang Eun-bi struggles to adapt to the palace's life, but it isn't as easy as she thinks. What makes her days more bearable is her betrothed prince, Lee Yul, who can't see...
His voice was grave and solemn. "For years, many have always wanted the throne, including nobles who wish to gain control over the royals," he explained. "However, the current King is clever, sharp-witted and firm in his beliefs. It is difficult to manipulate him to do their biddings. For those who tried, they ended up dying or locked away in the dungeons."
Eun-bi inhaled sharply. Most of the time, the King portrayed himself as a silly, old man before her. Now, she was silently relieved that he was her father-in-law and adored her, otherwise, she couldn't have escaped from death for offending him several times in the past.
"However," Yul continued his story, "the rebels have yet to give up on the throne. We've received several reports throughout the years over missing armoury and money that we had sent to the soldiers guarding our borders. It was reported that landslides and robberies by rogues were the causes, but as years went by, it was getting obvious that everything was a ploy. Whoever stole them did it as discreetly as they could, but we're already aware of them. Our men are secretly investigating and collecting evidence now."
Eun-bi rubbed her hands together in excitement. "Great, but what about me? What role am I going to play in this investigation? The interrogator? I've a knack for turning people insane with my words."
"You can't." He stopped briefly for a moment. "You're already caught in it."
"I—What?"
She didn't miss the way his face turned into a look of shame and remorse, which deflated her excitement. When he finally revealed the truth, disappointment swelled within her.
"It all started from the day you proposed the construction of the female academy. You've already become their target, Eun-bi." His fists clenched on his knees while he looked away unhappily. "It was Father's fault for letting it happen. It was in his plan and he didn't inform me earlier. I confronted him when I first found out."
"The King?"
Eun-bi let out a snort, unsurprised. "I knew there was something that he was hiding from me when he handed me such a huge task. It turns out that I'm just a pawn in his chess game."
Yul was furious. "You're definitely not a pawn," he said firmly. "I've already spoken to Father about this and gave him an earful. He should not have risked your life like that."
So this was the reason he got enraged with the King the other day. The image of the Crown Prince going up against his father and giving him a lecture was amusing. "What else did he say?'
Yul grew even more upset. "Father thinks you would make a good bait because you're new to the palace and have much to learn. He believes people would take advantage of your lack of knowledge and inexperience for their self-gain."
Eun-bi snorted once again. The King definitely lived up to his reputation as a shrewd one. "And that's why he kept me in the dark?"
"He did that because he wanted others to fall for your innocence." Yul's face crumpled into an expression full of regret. "I'm terribly sorry about my father, Eun-bi. When you promised a future with me, I promised to protect your entire life. This isn't what I wanted you to experience in the palace."
His voice wavered subtly, almost as if he got frustrated at his own incompetence. Moreover, he was caught between two of his dearest people in his life and it would devastate him if they pitted against each other.
Her tone softened and she reached for his cheeks. "Don't blame yourself, Yul. I've lived in the palace for months and seen several problems that aren't easily solvable by hands or words. You can't constantly be by my side and protect me from our enemies. I would much rather prefer you give me a chance to protect myself, and a chance to be of help to you."
"Besides," she chirped, "even if the King didn't ask, I would have still built the female academy anyway."
Yul studied her expression closely in confusion. "Aren't you...angry?"
"Towards you? — No. The King? — Yes, I am," she answered, sounding overly bubbly. "It's just that I haven't blown up like a bomb yet. Come, Yul. We've to go."
His expression went from puzzlement to surprise as she retrieved his shoes and gave them back to him to put them on. "Where are we going?"
She grabbed his hand and led his hand, hurrying out of her bedchamber and courtyard. "Causing harm to the King is punishable by death. If I can't throw my shoes at his face, does he have a favourite vase? My fingers are itching to destroy something."
Yul nodded in agreement. "He keeps his favourite wine bottles hidden behind his bed. Those meant more dearly to him."
A laugh escaped her lips, and it felt good after experiencing all the tension in the palace recently. She patted his shoulder lightly. "It feels good to have a Prince be my accomplice."
While Eun-bi was disappointed with the King for hiding his intentions from her, Yul revealing the truth meant that he trusted her abilities. He needed her help, and she was willing to offer it to him in her best capacity.
And she ought to show the King she, too, could catch wicked men just as well as he could!
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A/N: I really owe you guys an apology for uploading this chapter late! Work has been stressing me out these past few months and a family member has been admitted into the hospital. I really wanted to write more but life just happens. 😩 *Sigh*
