As he contemplated her seemingly irrational statement; Prince JiangSu proceeded to wrap his arms around Eun Jung’s body, and pulled her into a tighter embrace. Despite feeling wanted for the first time in her life; Eun Jung knew that it would be impossible for her to continue to live a lie. Unable to suppress her grief upon thinking about the day when she would have to leave her Prince; Eun Jung reluctantly allowed the tears to flow from her eyes. When Prince JiangSu felt Eun Jung’s tears seep through his sleeping garment; he immediately broke away from their embrace to examine her face. Observing that the tears were still streaming down her cheeks; Prince JiangSu reached out his hand, and gently wiped them away before asking, “Soo Jin, why are you crying?”

Thinking that it would be best to conceal the actual reason for her tears; Eun Jung decided to circumvent the question by explaining, “I’m crying because I’m so happy that I married you.” Having heard her explanation, Prince JiangSu smiled warmly and observed, “Only, someone as silly as, you would cry over something like that.” Playfully grabbing a hold of Eun Jung’s dimpled chin; Prince JiangSu teased, “But you’re lucky that your husband has a soft spot for silly girls.” Having caught a rare glimpse of Prince JiangSu’s good-humored disposition; Eun Jung decided that she would cherish their remaining time together, and wiped away all remnants of her tears before proceeding to reciprocate his smile. Even though he wanted to stay up, a little longer, with Eun Jung; Prince JiangSu recalled that he had to attend an early morning meeting with the King and his royal court, and suggested that they turn in for the night.

Despite having slept for only a few hours; Prince JiangSu felt completely refreshed upon opening his eyes to behold Eun Jung’s peaceful expression as she slept. Although, he did not want to wake her; Prince JiangSu longed for a better view of his beautiful wife and proceeded to gently brush away several strands of stray hairs from her face. Mesmerized by Eun Jung’s breathtaking features, Prince JiangSu asked himself, “If it’s this hard for me to leave your side now; how difficult will it be, ten years down the road?” Realizing that he would be late, if he did not begin to prepare himself for the meeting; Prince JiangSu reluctantly got out of bed before making his way out of the room. With his attendants’ aid; Prince JiangSu was able to make it to the Geunjeongjeon (The Thrown Hall) fully dressed in his formal attire even slightly before the meeting was to commence.

Standing near the steps leading to his royal father’s throne; Prince JiangSu watched several of his royal brothers enter the hall and took note of Prince Dae Hyun’s eagerness to approach him. Although, Prince Dae Hyun knew that his royal brother preferred not to be spoken to before the meetings; he still wanted to inquire after Eun Jung’s injuries. As he took his place by Prince JiangSu; Prince Dae Hyun asked discreetly, “May I inquire as to the condition of the Grand Princess Consort’s injuries?” Only slightly glancing over at Prince Dae Hyun; Prince JiangSu replied, “She’ll be fine. I can take care of my wife, so you don’t have to constantly worry about her.” Sensing Prince JiangSu’s growing discontent over his attentiveness towards the Grand Princess Consort; Prince Dae Hyun quickly explained, “I’m only inquiring about the Grand Princess Consort’s condition, because I know that it’s my royal mother’s fault for having caused her such injuries.”

Recognizing his own overreaction to Prince Dae Hyun’s inquiry; Prince JiangSu nodded his head to indicate that he understood Prince Dae Hyun's upright intentions. Before the brothers could continue their conversation; the remaining members of the royal court had arrived, which prompted the announcement of the King’s presence into the hall. Once all Palace formalities had been properly observed; the King proceeded to inform the group that he had called the meeting to discuss, his growing concern over the emerging civil strife in the country’s southern most regions. Despite discussing the issue for the better part of the morning; the King was still unsatisfied with the proposed solutions presented by the royal court, and ordered everyone to go back to their residence to devise better resolutions to put forward at the subsequent meeting.

Since Prince JiangSu had not informed her of his early meeting; Eun Jung awakened, with a startle, to find that she was alone in bed. Before Eun Jung could dwell on where she thought Prince JiangSu could have possibly gone; her maids knocked on the door, and asked for admittance into the room. After she gave her permission for the maids to enter; Eun Jung addressed the first person she saw, by asking, “Do you know where the Prince went?” With a deep bow; one of the maids provided her with an answer, by saying, “The attendants informed me that the Crowned Prince has gone to a meeting but will return later this morning.” Nodding her to acknowledge the maid’s response; Eun Jung pondered silently, “I wonder if he got enough rest last night.” Eun Jung’s thoughts were suddenly interrupted when one of the other maids reminded her that it was time to clean and reapply the ointment to her injuries.

Thinking that she would prefer to take a bath before having the maids tend to her injuries; Eun Jung asked, “Since the Prince won’t be back for a while, would it be too much trouble for you to prepare a bath for me in here?” Contemplating Eun Jung’s request; one of the maids cautioned against the idea by saying, “The royal physician previously instructed us not to allow your highness' ankles to be submerged into water. Therefore, we cannot permit your highness to take a bath this week.” Even though it was typical for Eun Jung not to bathe for days on end; when she was roaming the streets, looking for things to steal for the orphanage, now she could not bear the thought of sleeping beside Prince JiangSu smelling any less than pleasant. Contemplating a resolution to her problem; Eun Jung wondered if Prince JiangSu would allow her to sleep in a separate room for the remainder of the week.

Taking note of the apparent displeasure on Eun Jung’s face; one of her maids quickly thought of a solution and said, “While your highness can’t bathe, we can still wash your hair and cleanse your body with a fragrant cloth.” Relieved to hear that she would not end up smelling like a skunk, by week's end, Eun Jung happily thanked the maid for her resourcefulness and dismissed her to prepare the necessary items. Within a very short amount of time; Eun Jung's maid was able to gather the necessary items for her to cleanse herself. After several maids had helped Eun Jung wash her hair; she politely asked that they all leave the room so that she could cleanse the rest of her body. Although, it was relatively easy for Eun Jung to cleanse herself with the wet cloth; she found that reaching her back was quite problematic. Giving up the endeavor; Eun Jung covered herself and proceeded to call out for her maids to come in but stopped when she heard the door open.

Upon entering their bedroom, Prince JiangSu saw Eun Jung sitting at the table with a tub of water beside her and wondered what she was doing. Before he could announce his arrival, Prince JiangSu heard Eun Jung ask, “Can someone help me clean my back? I can’t reach.” Feeling his lips twitch upwards into a smile; Prince JiangSu made his way over to Eun Jung, and took the damp cloth from her hand before proceeding to dip it into the warm water. Without bothering to look back, Eun Jung swept her wet hair over her left shoulder, and carefully removed her outer shirt; leaving herself only covered by a front paneled embroidered silk brassiere. After waiting a short while for her maid to begin to clean her back; Eun Jung began to wonder why the person was not doing anything. Feeling the cold draft from the morning air; Eun Jung decided to ask her maid what was going on. Upon turning around, Eun Jung was stunned to discover that Prince JiangSu was staring at her wide-eyed.

After getting over the initial shock of seeing Prince JiangSu’s gob smacked expression; Eun Jung quickly covered herself with her outer shirt and asked loudly, “Why are you always doing that? First it was when I was taking a bath and now this!” Trying to sound as calm as possible; Prince JiangSu countered, “What did I do? You’re the one who asked me to help you clean your back.” Grabbing the wet cloth from Prince JiangSu’s hand; Eun Jung replied, “Right, and you were helping me clean my back with your eyes.” Unable to suppress a laugh; Prince JiangSu sat down beside Eun Jung before observing, “I would’ve eventually helped you. But you can’t expect me not to look when you’re the one who's putting everything out on display.” Without allowing her to respond, Prince JiangSu asked, “Was that a tattoo of a firefly on your left shoulder or a birthmark?” Mortified by Prince JiangSu’s inquiry, Eun Jung replied angrily, “You don’t need to know!”

Finding that he was unsatisfied with Eun Jung’s answer; Prince JiangSu continued to ask, “Why do you have a tattoo of a firefly? Don’t you like crickets?” Realizing that Prince JiangSu would continue to pursue an answer, Eun Jung finally replied, “My caretaker told me that my parents had the firefly tattoo imprinted on me when I was a baby.” After contemplating her response; Prince JiangSu observed, “I didn’t know that your royal family practiced the custom of imprinting their children.” Tilting back his head to get a closer look at her now covered left shoulder; Prince JiangSu smiled before complimenting Eun Jung by saying, “The firefly is really cute. And the colors of the tattoo are more vibrant because your skin is so white.” Putting her head down on the table, Eun Jung pleaded in a muffled voice, “Please stop talking about this.” Seeing how distraught she was; Prince JiangSu replied, “Okay, we won’t talk about your cute firefly anymore. But I do wonder why it doesn’t glow at night.” Unable to respond, Eun Jung simply groaned loudly and buried her head further into her folded arms.

Jessica, this just has got to be the funniest chapter i've ever read. at first, i was spazzing with "But you're lucky your husband has a soft spot for silly girls. (our prince sure has a flirty air in him). then i was totally taken with "If it

This chapter sure is a delight. Thanks we needed that boost Jessicaaron, you really are good at surprising us, we can't second guess you

I myself was imagining the whole scenario while it was playing out. very nice, giggling the whole time. Our Prince JiangSu reacting to Eun Jung

i thought the same thing too, girls...the tattoo surely means something...she must be from a royal/wealthy family too...i mean if you're going to brand your baby (and it must have hurt her like crazy!!) i'm sure its for fear that someone might steal the baby for ransom, couldn't it?

i so love this chap too...and i couldn't help but imagine GS with his tilted smile when eunjung started to peel off her top to show a what did you call it an embroidered silk brassiere...hmmmm......and we know how voluptuous our dear princess is...he must have gawked at her....too bad it was only her back that he saw and probably just a little glimpse of her front...ha ha ha...

thanks jessica!!!

Upon feeling herself being nudged, Eun Jung listlessly lifted her head from the table, and glanced over towards Prince JiangSu to ask, “What do you want now?” Having registered Eun Jung’s apparent aggravation; Prince JiangSu decided against inquiring, if she still wanted his help to clean her back. Instead of asking his originally intended question, Prince JiangSu countered, “Have you had your morning meal yet?” Relieved to find that Prince JiangSu was no longer interested in talking about her tattoo; Eun Jung shook her head before replying succinctly, “Not yet.” Recalling that Prince JiangSu had been stuck in a meeting all morning, Eun Jung proceeded to ask, “Have you had a chance to eat yet?” To which, Prince JiangSu quickly answered by saying, “No, I haven’t eaten yet; but for some reason I’m not all that hungry.” Thinking that Prince JiangSu had lost his appetite, due to his inability to get a restful night’s sleep, Eun Jung wondered what she could do to help him restore it.

Unable to figure out how she could persuade Prince JiangSu to have his morning meal; Eun Jung decided that she would wait for him to eat and suggested, “Let’s have our morning meal together later when you’re hungry.” Shaking his head to indicate that he did not want her to wait; Prince JiangSu asked teasingly, “What kind of a husband would I be, if I allowed my wife and her little friend to go hungry?” Observing that Eun Jung was not at all amused by his continued references to her firefly tattoo; Prince JiangSu quickly added, “Go ahead and eat first. Since I’m planning on going to my library to prepare for tomorrow’s meeting, I’ll just have someone bring me something to eat in there.” Before Eun Jung could protest; Prince JiangSu summoned the maids into the room, and instructed several of them to begin preparations for the Princess’s morning meal.

Having communicated his orders to the maids; Prince JiangSu re-focused his attention on Eun Jung face, and smiled before saying, “I’ll be back soon to check up on you. So pay attention to your injuries and try to stay put.” Prince JiangSu proceeded to make his way out of their bedroom, only after he had seen Eun Jung nod her head to acknowledge his statement. Upon being left alone with several of her maids, Eun Jung noticed that two of the younger girls were intently whispering back and forth. Curious as to the secretive nature of their conversation, Eun Jung asked, “What are you two whispering about over there?” Coming upon the realization that the Grand Princess Consort had taken note of their improper conduct, the young maids quickly knelt onto the ground to ask for her forgiveness.

With an audible sigh, Eun Jung tried to calm the young maids by saying, “I’m not upset with either of you. I was just curious about what you were saying to each other. If you don’t want to tell me, then that’s okay too.” After a slight pause, one of the young maids finally recounted the conversation by saying, “We were just talking about how much the Crowned Prince has changed ever since your highness arrived. We think that the Crowned Prince has become a much happier person.” Unable to deny, that she too, recognized Prince JiangSu’s altered disposition; Eun Jung replied, “I’m in agreement with you. The Prince does seem to smile a lot more often now.” Despite being glad to hear that people were noticing a positive change in Prince JiangSu; Eun Jung began to worry that he would revert back to his previously disagreeable state once he found out about her deception.

Eun Jung knew that there was nothing she could do, at the present moment, to rectify her mistakes, and resolutely decided that she would spend the remainder of their time together creating only the best memories. Recalling that the people at the orphanage had always praised her culinary skills; Eun Jung thought that it would be a good idea to prepare some hand-made pastries for Prince JiangSu to eat. Turning her attention to the maids, Eun Jung asked, “Does anyone here know what type of pastries the Prince likes?” Observing that the maids were slightly confused by her inquiry, Eun Jung proceeded to explain, “Since the Crowned Prince is not very hungry; I’d like to bring him some hand-made pastries.” Having served Prince JiangSu since he was a toddler; one of the most senior maids replied, “The Crowned Prince absolutely loves pineapples. So I believe that any type of pineapple pastry would be to the Prince’s liking.”

Realizing that she did not even know what a pineapple was, Eun Jung asked the senior maid, “Do you know how to make those types of pastries?” The senior maid nodded her head to confirm that she did before inquiring, “Would your highness like me to make a batch of pineapple cream puffs now?” With a slight shake of her head, Eun Jung replied, “No. I actually wanted to see if you could teach me how to make it. I think that the Prince would really like it if I hand-made him something.” Despite her initial misgivings about allowing the Princess to engage in such menial work; the senior maid found that she unable to refuse Eun Jung's request upon seeing the eager expression on her face. Once they arrived at the Jaseondang’s main kitchen complex, Eun Jung informed the other maids that she was not yet ready to eat, and asked them to stop preparing her morning meal.

After she ushered all of the other maids out of the kitchen, Eun Jung turned to the senior maid and asked, “So what should I do first.” While she provided Eun Jung with instructions on how to make the pineapple cream puffs, the senior maid was astonished by the level of comfort, which the Princess displayed while using each of the kitchen utensils. Within an hour, Eun Jung was finally satisfied with her last batch of pineapple pastries, and happily thanked the senior maid for her assistance. After she placed the hand-made pastries onto a serving tray, Eun Jung asked the senior maid to lead her to Prince JiangSu’s library. When they arrived at the front entrance to the private library, Eun Jung once again thanked the senior maid for her help, and excused her before proceeding to knock on the door.

Having heard the knock at the door, Prince JiangSu figured that it was his attendant bringing him something to eat and called out for the person to enter. Not bothering to turn around to address the individual, Prince JiangSu said, “I’m still not very hungry, so just put the tray down on the table and leave.” With a slightly playful tone, Eun Jung replied, “Yes, your highness. I’ll take my leave after I put down this tray.” Upon hearing the familiar tenor of Eun Jung’s voice; Prince JiangSu quickly turned around, and watched her deposit a small tray onto the table. Setting down the book, which he held in his hand; Prince JiangSu walked over to Eun Jung, and asked loudly, “Didn’t I tell you to stay put? Are you trying to make your injuries worse?!” Ignoring Prince JiangSu’s apparent concern, Eun Jung slightly pouted before countering, “Is this, the thanks I get for making you these pastries?”

Prince JiangSu glanced over towards the golden-brown pastry puffs, which had been neatly arranged onto a small plate, and asked in disbelief, “Did you really make those pastries all by yourself?” Eun Jung happily nodded her head to indicate that she had in fact baked the pastries on her own. Eun Jung's cheerful smile quickly faded upon seeing a look of apprehension appear on Prince JiangSu’s face. Taking a hold of his arm, Eun Jung asked, “Aren’t you even willing to try one, before you make up your mind that it tastes bad?” With a slight smile, Prince JiangSu grabbed a pastry puff from the plate and replied, “Since you made them, I’ll do my best to eat at least one. But you do know that it’s against royal law to poison a Prince right?” Offended by Prince JiangSu’s insinuation, that she was a bad cook; Eun Jung quickly snatched the pastry from his hand and observed, “No one’s forcing you to eat this.”

As he carefully forced Eun Jung to take a seat, Prince JiangSu replied, “Don’t be like that. I already said that I wanted to try one. But honestly what if it tastes bad?” Seeing that Eun Jung was having a difficult time coming up with a response to his question; Prince JiangSu proposed, “Let’s make a deal. If the dessert doesn't taste good, then you’ll have to give me a kiss on the lips to help me get over the bad taste.” Placing full confidence in her culinary skills, Eun Jung asked, “What if it tastes good?” Acting as though he was contemplating her question; Prince JiangSu finally replied, “If it tastes good, then I’ll figure out a way to thank you for the delicious dessert.” Finding that the terms of the agreement were fair, Eun Jung nodded her head to indicate that she was in agreement with his proposal.

After taking his seat by her side, Prince JiangSu opened his mouth and said “Ah” to prompt Eun Jung to feed him the pastry puff, which she held in her hand. With a diffident smile, Eun Jung hesitantly extended her arm to feed Prince JiangSu the dessert. Closely examining his reaction to the pastry puff, Eun Jung asked eagerly, “How does it taste?” With a look of apparent dissatisfaction on his face, Prince JiangSu replied, “It tastes kind of funny.” Suspecting that Prince JiangSu was not telling the truth, Eun Jung decided to try one for her herself, and proceeded to place a pastry puff into her mouth. As she ate the dessert, Eun Jung’s eyes narrowed before she turned to Prince JiangSu to say, “You’re such a liar. The pastry puff tastes really good.”

Seeing that Eun Jung had balled up her fist, as though to hit him, Prince JiangSu grabbed a hold of her wrist and smiled before saying, “I wasn’t lying. I was just joking around.” Pulling her wrist away from his grasp, Eun Jung replied, “I know that you’re still lying right now.” Upon hearing her response, Prince JiangSu cleared his throat and said, “I guess it’s wrong for a Prince to lie. Therefore, I will honor my words by coming up with a good method to thank you for the delicious dessert.” Curious to hear how Prince JiangSu intended to thank her; Eun Jung stared at him and waited for further clarification. Without any notice, Prince JiangSu grabbed a hold of Eun Jung’s face and proceeded to press his lips against hers. As his soft lips moved against hers, Eun Jung felt as though she was about to black out and tightly held onto her seat to steady herself. Sensing that she was returning his kiss, Prince JiangSu’s busy lips still managed to tilt upwards into a smile.

Before the couple was ready to break apart; their intimate moment was suddenly interrupted by a loud knocking sound, which was coming from the front entrance. With his lips still firmly pressed against Eun Jung’s; Prince JiangSu asked out of the corner of his mouth, “Who is it?!” To which, the person outside the door replied, “It is I, your royal father’s personal attendant. The King has requested that your highness and the Grand Princess Consort come to the royal Queen’s residence for an early afternoon meal.” Frustrated by the interruption, Prince JiangSu reluctantly pulled away from his flustered wife and replied, “Okay, we’ll be there shortly.” Turning to Eun Jung, Prince JiangSu said, “Let’s go get ready.” Unable to speak, Eun Jung nodded her head to acknowledge his decree. Noticing Eun Jung’s blushed complexion, Prince JiangSu grinned before observing, “Your reaction to my kiss was a lot better this time around.”

oh Jessicaaron, I'm so tickled pink, what a lovely chapter.

I'm all in love with this two lovebirds. Eun Jung is now more comfortable being King JiangSu's bride and aware of a big change in the Crowned Prince who has become a much happier person ever since she came to his life.

With blissful moments like this of concern over the other. Eun Jung even prepared how to make the golden-brown pastry puffs with the help of the senior maid. Prince JiangSu worried about her injured ankle. She is concerned of her husband's needs and thinking of how to make him happy.

I was smiling from ear to ear with the intimate moment, then..... there should be a sign at the door "do not interrupt please"

"Noticing Eun Jung

A BIG WOW im speechless haha i just read chapter 18 a while ago and decided too leave a comment later... now im back...it is surprising to see a new chapter...

chapter 18 i like this chapter alot having a new twist in the story...interesting whats the secret behind the tattoo? JS jealousy strikes again.... i can't stop giggling and smiling in front of the screen a while ago and to think it is a public PC im using at a public place haha

chapter 19

a real WOW i did'nt expect a new chapter this ( well for me because i read the previous chapter a little late )
im really speechless haha while im reading this i could clearly imagine JGS and PSH as the main characters doing their roles.... this chapter is really sweet EJ cherishing her planned last moments with her prince on the other hand i could see JS flirty side in this chapter and now falls hard for his princess....

Ok this is the longest post at this moment....Well thank you very much jessicaarron for this wonderful chapters amazingly unpredictable...making me wanting to read for more Keep it up and coming

I love love love these two chapters!!
Chapter 18 was hilarious and cute and chapter 19 was just LOVE.
Of course, JiangSu will find another way to kiss her. Eun Jung should have realized that when JiangSu didn't specifically mention what he was going to do. Hahaha, but I love it. And he didn't end the kiss just to call out.

Waiting your next chapter with patience.
Great reading as always.
Thanks Jessicaaron!!

another good one, jessica!

for someone who lived most of her life dodging their version of "police" ... eun jung sure is naive when it comes to the warning signals of loooove. she didn't see the kiss coming. hahaha! that makes her all the more adorable. and prince jiang su, with all his stoic demeanor, seems to have his own experience of intimacy. no qualms at all, and very quick witted in thinking of a way to kiss her, one way or another! or is he just used to getting his way, and only eventually learned to succumb to his wife's wishes? suh-weet! the maids were right, i definitely could see the change. from being business-like from their first meeting, he is showing his finer facets. if i were eun jung, i'd also be rendered speechless.