Chapter Text
There were two plans in his head when it was announced that a new crown princess would be chosen. The plan depended on whoever was preferred by Queen Dowager or by his mother. If his mother’s choice wins, he would obey her and move forward on securing his position as crown prince. But, if his grandmother’s choice wins, he would avoid total contact, and build a plan to frustrate any of her plans to control him. Either way, he never really had a plan in case the person was... her. And, looking back, he was a bit… stupid to never consider.
She is from a noble family and she did mention her family name being Yoon. And he knew the winner was the eldest daughter of the Minister of War, who was Yoon.
So stupid. He was so focused on the politics of this, that he never thought something like this would come by. Not even when she appeared with that smile during the ceremony.
That smile gave her away, he would recognize anywhere.
Although his heart skipped a beat when he saw her, his mind was racing. Did she know who he was? Was she with Queen Dowager since… back then? Was this all her plan?
He waited until they were left alone to get something out of her. So, he searched her face for any indication that all was fake, or all was true.
And, then, she finally looked at him. She freaking smiled, again.
He stood up and left, because it didn’t matter if it was all fake or not.
He would still want her.
“Crown princess got drunk last night waiting for you and fell asleep, and maybe still is” his chief eunuch announced when he arrived to change him for the morning greetings. He didn’t ask, but his eunuch said anyway.
“She even might get a little late, the court ladies were all in a rush to prepare everything in time”
Crown prince couldn’t help but smile a little. She seems the woman he met, an odd person, in a good way.
“Why did you leave last night?”
He couldn’t answer, not to her.
There is a reason why he left her and that reason didn’t change, not even when she lied to his grandmother about leaving her alone all night.
He still didn’t know if he could trust her or not.
He was only allowed to relax a little when his mother, the Queen, confirmed that she wasn’t playing his grandmother’s game.
“Kang, Queen Dowager will use her to bring you down, so be prepared, and I will help you as much as I can” his mother said, softly.
“Yes, mother” he said, seriously, but she had a mocking expression on her face "What?"
And the queen smirked.
“You met her”
It wasn’t a question.
He confirmed with his head, a bit embarrassed.
“I don’t think Queen Dowager knows that you two met before, or that she likes you. But, she chose her, thinking it would be easy to kick her out of here, and further worsen your position here” she warned.
“I will protect her” he said, convinced.