OUTTAKE - Chapter 13

Here's a treat for our readers. Just something that should have been included in Chapter 13. But didn't make the cut. Enjoy.
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Classes have started for the new semester. Chaegyeong's tummy has gotten bigger, although she doesn't look pregnant yet.

"Do I look fat?"

Shin has been hearing that question for two weeks now, every morning whenever Chaegyeong prepares for school.

"No you're not, you're pregnant with my baby, not fat."

"Hmmph! I'm still fat, and I know you think I'm fat!"

"There's no sense in arguing with you. Let's go, or we'll be late."

"Wait you didn't eat your breakfast!"

Breakfast for the past month have been shin-ramyeon with egg. Chaegyeong like to cook ramyeon every morning but doesn't eat it. But loves to watch Shin eat the spicy noodles soup. However after a week Shin got tired of eating shin-ramyeong every morning.

"No, come on, we'll be late." Shin said pulling Chaegyeong towards the front door, "I'll have breakfast at school."

"You don't like my cooking anymore?"

"It's not that." Shin saw that Chaegyeong is about to cry, he doesn't want another episode of Chaegyeong crying all the way to school that happened a week ago. He was trying to think of how to explain to Chaegyeong without making her upset, "It's not... it's just..."

"Come on, let's go, we'll be late." Chaegyeong suddenly said and went to open the front door.

"Hormones."

"I heard that!" Chaegyeong hollered back at Shin.

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Chapter 14

"What do they say about Love?", Shin wondered as he looked at Chae-gyeong, lying supine beside him on bed, sleeping and breathing evenly through her open lips, while he pondered on their future. His future.

Love is pure, Love is brave, Love is sacrifice.

"Shin, a terrible thing has happened in the Palace. Have you heard?"

"Yes, Halmamama." As Shin answered his grandmother's question, he thought of the responsibilities he left behind - the responsibilities he chose to leave behind. But he has other responsibilities now, more important than anything else in the world.

Shin and Halmamama were sitting at the balcony of his apartment. Chae-gyeong has excused herself to accomplish some homework and prepare for her classes in the afternoon. He thought of how blissfully unaware Chae-gyeong was of what was happening in the Palace. He figured that it was better that way.

"Chae-gyeong's pregnancy could change a lot of what is going on at the Palace."

"I know. That is why we are keeping it a secret." He said quietly. "But I know we can't keep it forever. I just don't want Chae-gyeong to feel pressured with all of that. She and our baby are far more important to me now."

"But you are the Crown Prince, that is your destiny. You can not run away from it forever. There will always be sacrifices to be done, that is our destiny as a royal family."

Those words still echoes in Shin's ears long after the Queen Mother has left their simple apartment.

"You're staring at me again, Shin." Chae-gyeong opened her eyes and looked pointedly at her husband. He was startled at her sudden remark for a second but he smirked at her.

"You're just too beautiful to look at."

"I'm fat, I don't feel beautiful." She replied indignantly.

"No, you're not fat. How many times-" He was cut-off by his wife's lips as she kissed his lips. He deepened the kiss, but before things started to heat up, he broke the kiss. Chae-gyeong gave him a light smack on the lips as a parting kiss.

"I know what you're thinking." He just looked at her expectantly to explain what she meant.

"I can make sacrifices too, you know." She said a moment later. Looking at him in the eye, she snuggled into Shin afterwards.

"You're a mind-reader now, aren't you?" Shin asked playfully, hoping to divert the needed discussion on how to deal with the newly risen development back home.

"No, I just know you. And don't change the subject. I know what's happening, I'm not stupid, and you're keeping things from me..."

"I just don't want you to make any sacrifices in behalf of me or my family." He cut her off and went straight to the point, instead of going around the topic. It's easier to deal with it this way.

"But I want to. I'm part of your family now. Or am I not?"

Shin didn't answer. As much as he wants to tell her that she's part of his family, long before they even both knew, there is still a part of him that wishes his family is just like hers, just like every other family in Korea.

"And besides, I'm not sacrificing anything. The way I see it, we are just fulfilling our destiny." Chae-gyeong continued when he didn't answer her immediately, seeing that he was contemplating on what she said earlier.

"And what is that destiny?"

"You and I together." She said, bringing herself closer into their tight hug. "With our child or children. And the rest, we'll just deal with it just like how the royal family has for hundreds of years." Chae-gyeong peeked at her husband as he was nodding his head. She has heard of what's happening back home and it has made her think of things, of what they have done and what could be done still. As she was pondering on what was going on, she realized that she has learned to accept their circumstances, and that even if they are far away from the Palace, who Shin is, and who she has become since marrying him will always haunt them. Looking at Shin, she knows that he'll be a great king someday. And she can't really steal a great king from their country. She thought that if he is destined to be that king, then she is destined to be by his side.

"I would always stand by your side. That's where I should be, that's where I always want to be." She said, hoping to convince him with what she truly felt about the current situation.

Shin didn't know what to say to the declaration of her devotion and determination to sacrifice everything for him. So he promised himself that he'll do everything in his power to protect her and make palace life comfortable for her. He leaned into her for another kiss, too overwhelmed to speak of his promise. Chae-gyeong smiled into their kiss and glad that she's able to persuade him. Too soon, Shin was on top of her, and kissing her feverishly. Shin was enjoying the moment and was touching her body everywhere, but Chae-gyeong suddenly pushed him away, and jumped off the bed, as quickly as her bulging stomach allowed, and ran out of the room.

"Potty break!" Chae-gyeong's shout broke into his baffled mind as to what just happened. He smiled ruefully at the disruption.

advisory from the writing staff

Patience is a virtue.
Shin and Chae-gyoung are busy at the moment.
We will update as soon as our schedule permits.

:-)

Chapter 13

Gyeongbok-goong, Seoul, Korea

"Gong Nae Gwan, do you think I still fit to be a Crown Prince?" Lee Hoon asked, his voice less confident that before. Gong Nae Gwan have never heard him sound like this before.

"Daegoon mama, you have to be strong. These scandals for sure will be cleared."

"But what would the Royal family get from my uncle? They keep on asking where else he could be. I've already told them what I know." Lee Hoon looked at the round moon hanging from the sky, thinking that his life and a moon's life is no different, it changes constantly. "What truth could my uncle know about me? There are times I'm afraid to know, but there are times I want it so badly."

"You don't have to worry about that, mama. The Palace is taking care of it."

"Thank you Gong Nae Gwan. You should rest now, it's been a long day for you."

Lee Hoon heard the door close as Gong Nae Gwan exited. The scandal about his true heritage have been an issue since he was declared as the next Crown Prince. The Royal family have been keeping it low key for now, however the Royal Council have been threatening to put this issue publicly. It seems they have succeeded as one newspaper have published about it.

"What have you gotten yourself into," he thought. "First they tell me that I am Crown Prince's son, and now they say I am not. So what is the truth then?" He was into his own thoughts that he didn't hear anyone approach him.

"The truth is you are not the former Crown Prince's son?" Kim Seung-min said under the sliver of moonlight passing through Lee Hoon's room.

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Madrid

Shin has been reading for two hours in the study room, when he noticed that it has grown unusually quiet. A while ago, he could hear the chatter of Chaegyeong and Lady Choi in the kitchen, they were discussing about the ingredients of the next cake that Chaegyeong would like to bake. She's been craving cakes this past week. And he had been sent out of the bedroom for not buying a slice of old fahioned chocolate cake the other night.

"Park Sang hyo, where is Chaegyeong?" Shin asked his assistant as he saw him pass by the study room.

"Bigoong mama went to take a nap, Your Highness."

"Again?" Shin said to himself with a slight smirk.

Shin went to the bedroom, sat beside a sleeping Chaegyeong and watched her sleep. He wondered how can she be a mother, when she is like a child herself? More so,he still can't believe that he is going to be a father. It took sometime before he became excited with the pregnancy. If it wasn't for the scare three weeks ago, he would still be in denial of the baby's existence.

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Three Weeks Ago

"Shin goon! Shin goon!"

Shin was suddenly awakened by his wife's scream. He immediately got up and ran towards the bathroom where he heard her scream coming from. When he opened the door, Chaegyeong was sitting on the toilet holding her underwear. She showed it to him. Shin got numb for a few seconds upon seeing some dots of blood on it. When Shin got back to his senses, he immediately picked-up Chaegyeong and carried her.

"Shin goon, I don't want to lose our baby." Chaegyeong cried on Shin's shoulders.

"No, I won't let it happen."

Upon exiting their bedroom, Shin called for Mr. Park and asked him to call for a cab going to the hospital.

Both parents-to-be were relieved when the doctor told them its just some minor spotting. Chaegyeong just needs bed rest for a few days and no any sexual activities for two weeks.

When they got home, Shin carried Chaegyeong all the way up to their apartment. He laid her on the bed and covered her with the blanket. He then laid down beside her and embraced her.

"I'm sorry." Shin said.

"For what?" Chaegyeong asked.

"I have taken your pregnancy for granted."

"What do you mean?"

"I... I have been thinking how this baby would complicate things for us... but then when I saw the fear in your eyes earlier... I got scared too." Shin's voiced cracked a bit while speaking, "I suddenly realized that I want this baby as much as I want you next to me."

Chaegyeong turned in her husband's embrace and faced him. She wiped Shin's tears with her thumb.

"Thank you." She said and kissed him.

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So now it has been three weeks of celibacy for Shin. He didn't even try to make any intimate contact with his wife, for fear she would bleed again and loose the baby. But Chaegyeong just entered her second trimester of pregnancy. What they say about it is true. It's getting harder to resist her, especially now that he thinks that little bump on her tummy was sexy.

Chaegyeong woke up and the first thing she saw was Shin's face. Shin fell asleep beside her. Chaegyeong smiled and lightly touched his cheek.

"Look at your appa," Chaegyeong said, talking to her unborn child, "he looks so sweet when sleeping."

She got up and went to the bathroom to take a pee. Then she took her lipstick from her make up kit, as well as her digital camera. She took pictures of him sleeping. However, afterwards she started applying lipstick on his face. She took pictures again, this time Shin have big red dots on each of his cheeks, and his lips were so red, and shaped like a clown's exaggerated lips.

When Shin woke up Chaegyeong was not beside him anymore. He got up, went to the bathroom to pee. He washed his hands and went looking for his wife. He found Chaegyeong and their Korean neighbor in the kitchen, they were having a snack together with Choi Sang gong. All girls suddenly burst into laughing when he showed up.

"What?" He asked.

"Nothing." Chaegyeong answered.

"Jeonha would you like to have some dukbboki?" Choi Sang gong asked.

"No, thanks."

Chaegyeong burst out laughing again.

"Why don't you wash your face and come back. I'll serve you a slice of cake."

Shin realized that there must be something on his face. So he touched his cheeks, and when he looked at his hand there's red marks on it.

"Yah! Shin Chaegyeong what did you do to my face again??!!"

Chaegyeong just giggled in response.

Shin went to the bathroom and looked at his face on the mirror.

"Haiz! Shin Chaegyeong you had me again." He paused from wiping off the lipstick on his face and wondered, saying to himself, "but when can I have you again."

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Shin was in the bathroom brushing his teeth and preparing for bed. He was thinking of ways on how to resist another night lying beside his sexy wife again.

"Don't think that she's sexy... arrrrggghhhh." Shin looked at his reflection in the mirror, he can't hide his frustration even to himself, he thought.

When he came out of the bathroom Chaegyeong wasn't in their bed. He went to see if she's in the kitchen again raiding their fridge for some late night cravings. He was right. Chaegyeong was sitting at the kitchen table, with what looks like chocolate bars, couple of wine glasses, and a bottle of wine. She's muttering something and keeps on shaking her head.

"Yah, what's this?" Shin picked up the bottle of wine, "This is champaigne! What are you going to do with this? You can't take alcoholic drinks!"

"It's nothing like that. Of course I know I can't drink that."

"And what's in those two glasses, huh?"

"One is just sparkling grape juice, the other one is yours."

"And what's in it?"

"Champaigne." Chaegyeong relied shyly.

"What are all these for?"

"It's just I wanted to try something I saw on TV." Chaegyeong looked at Shin, who gestured with his head for her to continue, "I've never done it before. Maybe we can?" She said in a small voice.

Shin sighed, "Okay. Let's do it. But after this I want you to go to sleep, understand?"

"Yes!" Chaegyeong said eagerly, delighted that Shin gave in to her request.

Shin picked up the glass of champaigne, gestured to Chaegyeong to do the same. Then they crossed their arms, and drank with their heads close to each other.

Chaegyeong opened one eye and peek on Shin. Shin finished his glass, and caught Chaegyeong looking at him. Chaegyeong blushed shyly when Shin caught her peeking at him. They unhook their arms and put their wine glasses down.

"So are you happy?"

"Yes. Thank you Shin goon." She said cheerily then whispered, "Let's see if what Lana gave me is effective."

"Did you say something?"

"Nothing. Chocolates?" Chaegyeong put on her most innocent smile.

"Alright, go to bed now. I'll clean up here!"

Chaegyeong stood up and walked towards their bedroom. Shin looked at her retreating back, and suddenly his body felt warm. How can she sway her hips like that? He thought, he never saw her hips sway like that. Shin poured champainge on the glass and drank it straight again. He then ate a few bars of chocolate. He just realized that he's been craving chocolates since last week. The chocolate tastes familiar to him, tastes like the chocolates that Chaegyeong gave him before.

After eating all the chocolates and drinking half the bottle of champaigne, Shin went to the bedroom after cleaning up the table.

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After doing his nightly rituals in the bathroom, Shin laid down beside his sleeping wife. She's so pretty when sleeping, he thought. He could see the outline of her curves through the little shine of moonlight coming in from the window, that little bump of her tummy, the up and down sway of her breast as she breathes, up to her sexy neckline and further up to her full and lucious red lips. He shook his head when he noticed that his thoughts has gone a little further than he wish them to be. He turned his back on her, and sighed deeply.

"Shin goon, what's wrong?" Chaegyeong asked sleepily.

"Huh? What do you mean?" His back still facing her.

"You haven't given me a goodnight kiss, for two weeks now. Am I that fat already?"

How can she think that, she's really sexy to me. He sighed and turned to face Chaegyeong, "You're pregnant with my child, how can you be fat?"

"Then what's wrong? You haven't touched me for more than 5 seconds each day, nor have i got any real kiss from you."

"It's just I feel that if I touch you or kiss you, I wouldn't be able to control myself."

"Why would I want you to control yourself?" Chaegyeong was puzzled at that thought and realization hits her, "Ahhh! Is it because of what happened?"

Shinl looked down and picked on the imaginary lint on the comforter.

"But the doctor said it's okay now."

"Yes, but I still can't help and be scared."

"But can I just get at least one kiss?" Chaegyeong appealed to her husband.

Shin can not resist that pout she would use whenever she's asking something from him. So he drew closer to her and kissed her cheek.

"Aigoo! On the lips!" Chaegyeong uttered half demanding and half in annoyance.

Shin was surprised at his wife's almost demanding tone. So he obliged her and dipped his head and kissed her lips. He was not aware of how it happened and when, but the next conscious thing he felt was that of Chaegyeong's naked skin next to his. Chaegyeong's lips all over his neck, marking him and the bump of her tummy pressed onto his stomach.

Shin blocked off all the irrational fears in his head, and just carried on with their love making, and in doing so he helped expunge all the insecurities felt by his pregnant wife.

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Shin was walking on the way home from a nearby store with a happy gait in his steps. He has been like this since that night that he and Chaegyeong got their grooves back. Chaegyeong has been craving again that morning. His wife's craving seemed to be never ending to him. Thus the reason for buying butter waffles at Chaegyeong's favorite nearby waffle and pancake store.

As he near their apartment, he saw three black official looking sedans parked in front of the building. He looked at the car plate and saw that the cars belong to a diplomat. He thought that he didn't know that there's a diplomat living in their apartment building. But then he saw the little flags at the front on one of the cars. The little flag was familiar, a closer look revealed that those are Korean flags.

Shin's eyes grew big at the realization of what those innocently parked cars could mean.

"What's Halmamama doing here?"

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Chaegyeong blew an exasperated breath and opened her eyes. She’s been lying on bed for the past two hours but can’t find any sleep. She can’t decide on the cause of her distress - Shin not sleeping beside her or the fight they had earlier.

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2 and half hours ago

“Taeja Jeonha, I’m sorry, but we don’t know where Bigoongmama is.” Park Sang hyo said.

“What?” Shin asked in a loud voice. “Have you tried calling her through her mobile phone?”

“Yes, Jeonha but she’s not answering.”

Shin closed his eyes trying to control his anger and worry over a missing Chaegyeong. He went to the bedroom and grabbed a coat. When he came out Choi Sang gong and Mr. Park is already in the living room, Mr. Park was wearing his coat already.

“I’ll go search with you, Jeonha.”

“Yes, thank you. Choi ---“ Shin was cut off when the front door opened.

“Thanks Lena, I’ll see you around. Bye.”

Chaegyeong waved to someone to her left. She entered the apartment and was surprised at three faces looking at her.

“What?” Chaegyeong asked them. “You’re going out? Where are you going?” She asked and closed the door then sat down on the sofa. She put the brown paper bag on her lap and opened it. She took out the plastic container of red sauce and dukbokee. The other three people in the room just watched her open the container and wet her lips with her tongue while eyeing which piece to eat first.

“What?” She asked them again when she noticed them staring at her.

“What? That’s all you have to say?” Shin started saying, his voice starting to rise, but he controlled himself when he realized that Choi Sang gong and Mr. Park was still in the room.

“Jeonha, Bigoong mama, please excuse us.” Mr. Park said when he noticed Shin’s stare on them.

“Where have you been?”

“I told you I was going to look for dukbokee.”

“I don’t remember you saying that!”

“That’s because you were too busy with your script!”

“So you just went out without making sure if I heard you?”

“You said its ok. And do I have to ask your permission every time I got out? We’re not in the palace anymore Shin.”

“But this is a foreign country.”

“And so? It’s not as if I’ve never been to one. And what’s this, you’re doing an inquisition? I never asked when you come home late because of a ‘project’ with those flirtatious girls from my class.” Cheagyeong stopped her ranting as she ran out of breath, which Shin took as an opportunity to butt in.

“What are you talking about?” He asked, confused at where all these ranting of Chaegyeong was coming from.

“Whatever. You never try to understand. And you just made me lose my appetite.” Chaegyeong covered the dukbokee, placed it on the coffee table and stood up. But Shin was quick and grabbed her arm.

“Wha-a--Where are you going? I’m still talking to you.” Shin was still confused on Chaegyeong’s behavior.

“Well I’m done with your inquisition.” Chaegyeong pulled her arm and went straight to the bedroom. Shin followed her, but Chaegyeong was quick, she closed the door on his face and locked it.

“Yah! Shin Chaegyeong! Open this door!”

Chaegyeong opened the door and threw at Shin’s face his pillow and blanket.

“I don’t want to see you right now. I hate you for making me lose my appetite. Sleep somewhere else.” Chaegyeong closed the door on Shin's face.

Shin stood there with bewilderment written all over his face.

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Frustrated and feeling a bit hungry, Chaegyeong get up from bed. As she pass by the living room going to the kitchen, she noticed Shin's sleeping form on the sofa. He seems to be sleeping uncomfortably on that small space of the sofa, she felt guilty seeing him like that. Like a magnet, Chaegyeong approaced his sleeping form and sat down on the coffee table in front of the sofa. She was careful not to step on the part of the comforter that has fallen on the floor. She looked at him with her head slightly tipped on the left.

What's wrong with me to make a crown prince, my husband, sleep in such a cramped space? He must be having a bad dream coz his brows are knitted together. Maybe I should just carry him to our room. But how do I that without waking him up?

Chaegyeong kneeled on the excess comforter on the floor, thinking of how to carry Shin. But she ended up staring at his face under the moonlight that's coming in from the window, studying the curves of his lips, his beautiful nose, his thick brows and every mole in his face.

Shin woke up feeling cold. He tried to reach for the comforter but it seemed to be stuck on the floor. He opened his eye to see what made it stuck. He was surprised to see Chaegyeong lying on the floor warmly wrapped in the comforter. He shook his head at the sight of Chaegyeong, this is so typical of her, he thought.

Shin carried the wrapped-comfortably-in-a-comforter Chaegyeong to their bedroom. She felt heavier than before, must be the increased appetite she have lately.

"Yah, Shin Chaegyeong, what have you been eating lately, huh?" Shin asked his sleeping wife.

Shin laid Chaegyeong carefully on the bed, unwrapping the comforter around her and covering her with it instead. He knelt beside the bed and brushed a few stray hair from her face.

"Shin goon... shin goon..." Chaegyeong suddenly said in her sleep surprising Shin.

"Yes, I'm here." Shin answered her, eventhough he knows that she probably wouldn't hear him. "I'm sorry about what happened earlier."

"I'm sorry too."

"I thought you were asleep." Shin widened his eyes at the realization that Chaegyeong was awake.

"Am I really that heavy?" Chaegyeong asked. "Then you shouldn't have carried me." She added indignantly.

"Do you really want another fight?"

"You will have one if you don't get up here and kiss me." Chaegyeong said, which Shin obliged right away.

Shin was trying to control his kisses, but Chaegyeong seemed to have something in her mind. Slowly clothes were dropping on the floor, until every part of their body that they touch was no longer covered with cloth. Usually, Shin was the one who would initiate their love making, but tonight, Chaegyeong seemed to be on top of it, literally.

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Chaegyeong woke up with a different feeling, something missing she thought. She reached behind her, but all she could feel was an empty bed space. She turned around only to see that Shin wasn't beside her. Ever since they made up from their fight a week ago, this was the first time she woke up without Shin's arm wrapped around her waist and feeling his warm breath on her neck. It was disappointing because this is a special day for her.

Her curiousity as to where her husband could be made her to get up from bed. However, she suddenly felt dizzy, must have stood up quicky she thought. She went to the kitchen and saw that the table has been set with breakfast.

"Unnie? Unnie..." Chaegyeong called for Choi Sang gong, "Where could she be?"

Chaegyeong sat down and felt her stomach grumble with the sight of food on the table. She took off the lid of the soup bowl in front of her. She was about to dip her spoon when Choi Sang gong entered.

"Good morning, Bigoongmama."

"Unnie! Where have you been? Come on let's have breakfast."

"Yes, mama." Choi Sang gong sat down.

"This seaweed soup is delicious Unnie. I'm sorry you have to cook breakfast, I over slept."

"I did not cook these, mama. Jeonha woke up early and cooked. He said that it's your birthday, and he wanted to surprise you."

"Really?" Chaegyeong asked bashfully and smiling like a little girl. "But where is he?"

"Right here." Shin said, embracing her from behind and holding out a boquet of red roses in front her. "Happy Birthday!" Shin said and kissed her blushing cheeks.

"Thank you." Chaegyeong was touched at Shin's effort of surprising her on her birthday.

"Hoy, what's with these tears?" Shin wiped her tears with his thumb.

"Nothing. It's just I'm so touched and happy." Chaegyeong covered her face with her hands, embarrassed at her sudden emotional outburst. "Did you really cook all these?"

"Yes." Shin looked at all the food that was on the table. "I called your appa and asked how to make your favorite dishes."

"So that's why the seaweed soup taste familiar." Chaegyeong went back to sipping her soup, although her eyes were still misty.

Shin was glad that he was able to do something for her birthday. Even though they were far from their family and friends, he was able to make her smile and happy on this special day.

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Shin and Chaegyeong went to the university that day to get their grades. It's officially the last day of school for that term. As usual they parted ways at the entrance of the university and agreed to meet each other later in the afternoon. Shin had promised a dinner for her birthday later that night. Chaegyeong was excited at the thought that they will be dining out again. While walking to her college building, she reminisced on the dinner they had together in Seoul Tower.

It ws mid-afternoon when Shin completed collecting his grades from his professors. He was walking towards their meeting place with a certain gait in his steps. His steps are lighter and he's smiling and whistling, looking forward to the evening that he will spend with his wife.

He stopped suddenly when he felt his mobile phone vibrating in his pocket. Thinking that it was his wife, he flipped it immediately.

"Yah, where are you now?"

"Is this Mr. Shin Lee?"

"Yes." Shin was surprised at the male voice on the other end of the line and looked at the caller ID, only to find out that it's not a registered number in his phone, "who is this please?"

"This is from the university hospital. A certain Chaegyeong Shin was just brought here earlier."

"What? What happened to her?" Shin's heart almost stopped at what the caller have said. Why was she brought there, his thoughts were suddenly flooded with images of Chaegyeong hurt and bloodied.

"She fainted at her college building. We called because you were listed as next-of-kin and..."

"Yes. I'm her husband." Shin didn't let the guy finish his sentence and hanged up on him.

He immediately turned around and walked back to the direction where the university hospital was. His face was etched with worry as to why she fainted again. His thoughts were brought back to the day she first fainted. He felt angry at himself for not being there, again, when she fainted this time. But she's been eating healthily these days, what could cause her fainting spell, Shin thought.

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Shin was standing in by the door of Room 103. He can see Chaegyeong lying on the hospital bed, with IV line running from her left arm, and half of her body covered in white blanket. She seems to be sleeping. Shin made a quick look on her breast, just to make sure that it's still rising and falling with her breathing.

"Excúseme Señor, está usted el marido de Señora Shin Chaegyeong?"

Shin was brought out of his trance by the doctor's voice. He turned towards the doctor standing beside him.

"Si doctor."

The doctor then explained that there's nothing to worry about. She was just dehydrated and its normal in her condition to faint like that. Shin listened carefully to the doctor's explanation, nodding his head every now and then. When the doctor said congratulations, he quickly turned his head, and with eyes wide open asked the doctor what does he mean by that.

"Señora Shin Chaegyeong is pregnant."

His eyes, which has been wide open from hearing the doctor's congratulatory greeting, was now bigger than he could imagine his eyes was capable of. Just then, as he turn his gaze through the door's glass window, he saw Chaegyeong moving her head, a sign that she's about to wake up.

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Chapter 11

"Choi Sang gong unnie I'm going to class." Chaegyeong cheerfully announced.

"But mama..."

"Unnie, I've missed a week of my classes. And the term is about to end, I've had so many things to catch up." Chaegyeong reasoned.

She has not been attending classes for the past week due to a flu that they thought she caught from someone in her class. Although she's feeling better already Shin still wanted her to take some more rest. However she missed her husband for most of the week. He has been busy with school projects and papers, that they barely have time with each other. And he seems to let her rest more than play with her. Choi Sang gong and Mr. Park have been her companion for the past week, helping her with her papers and homeworks that Shin brought home. Shin is thoughtful enough to consult her classmates regarding the lectures she has missed in her classes. Although she has to do her homeworks under the supervision and help of Choi Sang gong.

"I'm feeling better now. Don't worry, I'll be home later with Shin." Chaegyoung said and waved goodbye to Choi Sang gong and Mr. Park.

--------------------------

For a moment Chaegyeong was disappointed because Shin was not waiting for her outside her classroom, when she remembered that Shin didn't know that she went to class that day. He's probably busy with his class, because he forgot to check on her. During the week that she was sick, he would call regularly just to know how she was. So she went to look for him in his classroom.

She was approaching Shin’s classroom when she heard some loud giggles from some female students, together with the distinctive laugh of Shin. She peeked at the door to see if it was really her Shin goon. And there he was with two girls sitting close to him and laughing at a joke that he said. "Hmmm those girls are familiar... omo, they're from one of my classes."

Chaegyeong didn't know that theses girls also share a same class with Shin. She was lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice Shin was standing in front of her.

"Chaegyeong what are you doing here?" Shin asked.

"Oh! You scared me! Don't do that."

"I'm sorry. But why are you here? Shouldn't you be resting at home?"

"Uh yeah. But I was feeling better earlier so I came to school, I don't want to miss more lectures." Chaegyeong was saying a little embarrassed for being caught peeking at her husband in class.

"Oh hey Chaegyeong, you're feeling better?" (in spanish) Chaegyeong didn't notice that the two girls also approached her.

"Uhmm si, si."

"Shin, thanks. Let's meet again tomorrow. Bye Chaegyeong."

"Okay. I'll try to finish the summary by tonight so that we could start working on the script." Shin said and waved them goodbye. He looked back at Chaegyeong and noticed that she's looking pale again.

"Tsk tsk. Look at you. You don’t looking good again." Shin grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him, and put his arms around her shoulders.

"I'm okay. I think it’s just too much excitement of going back to school."

"Maybe you should start taking some western medicine."

"Tell that to Unnie. She said that its tradition for a royal to drink herbal medicines. It's not like I'm still the Crown Princess."

"Well you are my Crown Princess."

Chaegyeong looked at him curiously. She wanted to ask if he would still like to be the Taeja. But she knows that Shin was doing this not just for himself but for her as well. But now that they've been living away from the Palace, she seems to be thinking about it these past few days. What would he say if I told him that I still want him to be the Crown Prince, that someday he'll be great king. He'll probably be disappointed in me.

"What's the matter?" Shin asked after noticing that Chaegyeong's been quiet for quite sometime.

"Nothing."

"There's something in your mind, tell me."

"What were you laughing about with those two girls? And why are you meeting them again tomorrow? You said you don't have classes tomorrow. And that you'd spend the entire day with me."

"Whoah! Hold you're horses, that's too many questions." Shin said amused at Chaegyeong's outburst. "First, they're my group mates for one of my classes. Second, they're you're classmates, I get some of your class lectures from them. And lastly I'm sorry about tomorrow. Our professor changed the schedule for the submission of project, so we're kind of in a hurry. The professor asked for a special class for tomorrow."

"And why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I only knew about it just now."

"No, about you being friendly with my classmates." Chaegyeong stated exasperatedly at Shin.

"Uhh..."

"And you're even flirting with them." Chaegyeong said annoyingly under her breath, barely heard by Shin.

"What?"

"Nothing. Let's go home, I'm hungry."

"You know I've been hearing that a lot this past week."

-----------------------------

The following week Shin and Chaegyeong have been busy with their school works. However Shin has more school projects than her, she was able to finish hers by the following weekend, but he still has one more to finish during the weekend. She was a bit worried about him. He might be overworking himself, not only was he busy with school stuff, but with his charity work as well. It’s good that Mr. Park was there to help him. Although she wanted to have some quality time with Shin, Chaegyeong don’t want to pressure him in spending some time with her.

So here she is trying to make a dukbokee, but with no success. She got the recipe from the internet and followed it religiously. It didn’t come out the way it should be, and the taste is far from the dukbokee that she buys outside her school. Choi Sang gong unnie was not of help this time, because this kind of food was discouraged inside the palace.

“Unnie! What did I do wrong?”

“Mama, maybe you should try again.”

“Yeh Mama. My mother used to make dukbokee, and she used natural ingredients only.” Mr. Park said encouragingly.

“Right. Next time that’s what I’ll do. Aja!” She said encouraging herself.

Chaegyeong then went to the study room where Shin was busy typing on the computer. She stood behind him for a while, then bent down and hugged him from behind.

“What?”

“When will you be done?”

“I don’t know.”

All of Shin’s attention was on the script that he was typing. But his senses once again betrayed him, they keep on telling him that Chaegyeong’s body is near him again. These past few days, he noticed that Chaegyeong was very affectionate, physically affectionate. Although he’s not complaining, it’s just distracting though. But when Chaegyeong removed her arms around him, Shin missed the warmth of her bosom against his back and her warmth breath on his neck.

Chaegyeong straightened and walked towards the door, as she wasn’t getting the attention that she wanted from Shin.

“I’m going out, going to look for Korean stores that sell dukbokee.” She said just before she left the room.

“Okay, okay.” Shin said not paying enough attention to what Chaegyeong have said.

-------------------------------

“At last! I’m done!” Shin exclaimed as he stretched his back, feeling a little bit sore from sitting too long. He looked at the window and noticed that it’s dark already. He checked the time and shook his head. He’s been doing his script for hours. He went out of the room and went to the kitchen. He was near the door when he heard some whispering voices. Both Choi Sang gong and Park Sang hyo went quiet when Shin entered the kitchen. Shin noticed that both were uncomfortable and can’t look straight at him.

“What? Is anything wrong?”

“Jeonha, I thought Bigoongmama was sleeping, but when I went to your room, she was not there.” Ms. Choi informed Shin.

“What do you mean she’s not there?” Shin looked at both of them seeking answers.

“Taeja Jeonha, I’m sorry, but we don’t know where Bigoongmama is.” Park Sang hyo said.

“What?”

Chapter 10

"Tell me again why we invited Yul to have dinner with us?" Shin asked his wife as he was folding his sleeves to help Chaegyoung set the table, while in the kitchen Choi Sang gong was busy preparing for their dinner.

"Because he is your cousin and we haven't seen him in a long time. Isn't it nice that we met in a foreign country?" Chaegyoung reasoned with her husband then looked curiously at him and asked, "Don't tell me you're still jealous?"

"What?" Shin was dumbfounded at her question; he couldn't look straight at her, am I that obvious, he thought. "It's not that. It's just."

------------

Last night when they went to Real Jardin Botanico de Madrid, bumping into Yul was not even in Shin's thought as he and Chaegyoung were strolling the garden with their hands entwined with each other.

"Look at this." Shin called for Chaegyoung's attention while pointing at a tree with a very wide trunk.

"Oowaahh! It's so big."

"It's a sequoia tree. Sometimes they call it giant sequoias, and in the US, it's commonly known as California Redwoods. Because of it's redish bark. It can live up to 2,000 years, but it's an endagered species now. It says, this one is more than a hundred years old, one of the trees planted when this botanical garden opened." Shin informed Chaegyoung.

"Wow. I wonder what kind of stories it would tell if it could talk. 2,000 years is a very long story." Chaegyoung wondered, which made Shin smile and shook his head at her. "But what kind of name is sequoia?"

"Well legend say that it was named after a Cherokee Indian chief."

"You really know a lot of things Shin goon." Chaegyoung said with pride for her husband.

They moved on to the next trees just beside the sequoias.

"Shin goon look at this! It looks like bigger version of my grandfather's bonsai." Chegyoung excitedly said as she pointed out at the trees with wide branches of yellowish leaves.

"That's a ginko. It's commonly made into bonsai."

"My grandfather told me that one should be like a ginko, uncorrupted and pure." She said remembering her granfather's teachings.

"That's because ginkos are known to be tolerant of pollution, and is famous for being the first that sprouted after the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima." Shin explained to her, then turned to her and said, "I wish I have met your grandfather. I wanted to thank him for being the former King's best friend and for bringing you into my life."

"Me too." Chaegyoung admitted and blushed when Shin gave her a kiss on her cheek. She's not yet used to this public display of affection from Shin.

After seeing twelve species of trees, Chaegyoung felt tired and sat down on one of the benches near the cypress trees while Shin walked to the nearby set of trees.

"Chaegyoung?"

Chaegyoung heard her name called, the voice was familiar but it was not Shin's. So she looked around to see who it was. It was Lee Yul, standing nearby next to the cypress tress.

"Yul?" She said standing up and approaching him.

"What are you doing here?" Both of them said at the said time and laughed at themselves.

"You first. What are you doing here?" Yul asked Chaegyoung. He was trying hard to mask his excitement at the thought of fate bringing them together again.

"I'm studying here. How about you?"

"I had some vacation time before starting college in London, so I used the opportunity to visit Madrid." Yul explained to Chaegyoung.

"Of all the places, why Madrid?"

Yul was startled with the question, he turned around to see who was the owner of that familiar voice. Shin smiled at Yul when their eyes met. He walked straight to Chaegyoung and put his arms around her shoulders. A sign that Yul immediately understood.

---------------------

Yul arrived five minutes earlier than the agreed time for dinner. Park Sang hyo opened the door for him and led him to the living room. He sat down and looked at the interior of Shin and Chaegyoung's apartment. It looks comfortable and homey. There were framed pictures on the console near the entrance of the living room. Yul went to look at the pictures. There were pictures of family and friends. Chaegyoung's family and the Royal Family. There were also pictures of Chaegyoung and Shin's wedding day, not the grand royal wedding, but the one where Chaegyoung was wearing a simple white gown and wreath on her head. They looked so happy in the pictures.

"Lee Yul, you're here." Yul turned when he heard Shin's voice, but before he could respond, Chaegyoung's voice was heard from the dining room, announcing that dinner was ready.

-----------------------

All throughout the dinner, Chaegyoung was her bubbly self. She kept on asking how was Yul, how his mother was, and how London was. Yul would answer her queries and tell stories of how he was doing. Shin would comment occasionally, but his comments were mostly directed to Chaegyoung, giving the impression that his attention was only on Chaegyoung - making sure that she has enough food on her plate, telling her to slow down with the talking and the eating. Chaegyoung on the other hand was also very attentive on Shin. She would put food on his plate, asking him if he wants some more, and if he likes the taste.

Yul noticed all these between the couple. He noticed that something that wasn't present before was now very much alive between Shin and Chaegyoung. Is this what they call love? Yul thought. He never saw a couple so in love like Shin and Chaegyoung. They were both glowing and their eyes have this twinkle in them whenever they look at each other.

"Choi Sang gong unnie made delicious dinner, didn't she?" Chaegyoung complimented Choi Sang gong.

"Mama, excuse me, but I will just get the dessert." Choi Sang gong said.

"Ah, no no. I will get it." Chaegyoung said. She stood up and went to the kitchen.

"Tada!" Chaegyoung said when she came back with a cake. "I made this myself." She said proudly said.

Chaegyoung sliced a triangular piece and put it on Shin's plate, wherein she dipped her finger in the incing and trying playfully to put it on Shin's nose. But Shin was quick and caught her hand and put her finger in his mouth. Choi Sang gong and Park Sang hyo just looked at them and smiled at their silly behavior.

--------------------------

"You look happy Shin." Yul said.

After dinner, Shin and Yul went to the balcony, where Park Sang hyo served them tea. Chaegyoung was in the kitchen helping Choi Sang gong with the dishes.

"Yes I am." Shin said. "How about you?"

"Looking at it differently, I just now realized that I was only slightly touched by Chaegyoung's bright personality. But she was willing to give you all her bright self."

"You see, that's the difference between us, I never asked for it." Shin said.

"But you also gave that warmth in you to her. I see that she is very happy, and that is enough for me." Yul sighed and looked at Shin, who was looking down listening to him.

After helping Choi Sang gong, Chaegyoung went to look for Shin and Yul. She passed by the living room where Park Sang hyo was talking quietly on his mobile phone.

"Park Sang hyo ssi, where are Shin and Yul." Chaegyoung asked, which startled Shin's assistant and immediately turned off his phone.

"Oh, they're in the balcony, mama."

Chaegyoung was surprised at Park Sang hyo's reaction, it was the first time that she saw him nervous like that. When she reached the balcony, she stopped short. They look like they're having a serious conversation. Chaegyoung thought. Both men turned to look at her when she opened the door. She went to Shin's side and put her arms around his waist.

"What were you two talking about." Chaegyoung asked them.

"Nothing that concerns you." Shin answered.

"Aissh!" Chaegyoung playfully pinched him.

"I'm sorry but I think I have to go." Yul interrupted them. He doesn't want to witness anymore of their affectionate behavior. It's getting cheesey enough. "Thank you for inviting me."

"Thank you for coming too Yul goon." Chaegyoung said.

Shin and Chaegyoung walked him to the main door, where Shin and Yul shook hands before Yul turned and leave the royal couple behind.

Chapter 09

Sorry for the delay on the update.
Disclaimer: I've never been to Madrid, so what I wrote here were just based on my research and imagination.

So there on with the show...

----------------

"Aaaahhhh!!! It hurts!" Chaegyoung said in between breathings as she had another contraction.

"Bigung mama, you have to do your breathing." Choi sang gong said, trying to encourage her, although her left hand has become numb because of Chaegyoung's tight hold on.

"I've. Been. Doing. That. But. It. Still. Hurts." Chaegyoung let out a sighing breath when the contraction was over. "Where's my Umma? I want my Umma!"

"She's coming Bigung mama."

"How about Shin goon, he's coming right?" Chaegyoung asked.

"Yes, Bigung mama. I was told that the meeting with the new Prime Minister is about to end."

"I shouldn't have told him to go to that... AAAAHHHH!!" Chaegyoung was not able to finish her sentence as another contraction hit her. Choi sang gong tried not to cry out in pain also, as Chaegyoung's grip on her hand tightened.

The door opened and Chaegyoung looked up immediately, hoping it was Shin. But it was the doctor entering with her mother. Chaegyoung let out a tear as she saw her mother.

"Umma, it hurts. I don't want to do this anymore."

"I know, but you have to bear it. This is the way it should be." Mrs. Shin said, trying to console her daughter while the doctor was measuring how far along she was.

"Bigung mama, I think you should start pushing at the next contraction."

"What?!!! But Shin goon is not yet here. I want him to be here when the baby comes."

"Well we cannot wait longer or the baby will be stressed."

"I want Shin goon to be here!!!" She screamed in pain again as another contraction went through her abdomen. She tried pleading with her mother to find Shin, but they all kept on telling her to push.

"Bigung mama please start pushing!" The doctor said, which was echoed by Choi sang gong and her mother.

"No! No! I want SHIN GOOOOOOOON! SHIN GOOOON!"

--------------

"SHIN GOOOOOON!!!"

Shin almost jumped out of his seat and threw the book he was reading when Chaegyoung screamed his name. She was lying prone at the seat next to him, sleep-talking again. They were in a plane going to Madrid. Although there were only a few people at the first class section, her scream awakened some people and made others turn their head towards the two of them. They did not fly using the Royal family's private plane; they wanted to start their experience by trying to be like ordinary people.

"SHIN GOOOON!" Chaegyoung screamed again and now people are looking at them curiously. Embarrassed with his wife's sleeping habit, he tried to wake her up.

"Chaegyoung, wake up. Chaegyoung..." Shin shook her while trying to see if people are still looking at them. Chaegyoung opened her eyes wide and upon recognizing Shin's face, she hugged him tightly.

"Shin goon."

"Hey, I'm sorry to wake you up. But you're talking, well screaming in your sleep and people are starting to look at us." Shin said as he pulled himself from her embrace and looked at her. Small beads of sweat were on her forehead and she's shaking. He shook his head at her. "Didn't I tell you to stop watching those scary movies."

Chaegyoung lightly punched his arms at his comment. She hesitated telling him what the dream was about. He might think of it as silly. So she tried to go back to sleep but just couldn't get her dream out of her mind.

Shin tried to ignore her tossing and turning beside him. He got so annoyed at her behaviour that he put his arms around her and hugged her to him.

"Hey what's wrong? It's annoying the way you toss and turn beside me."

Chaegyoung decided to tell him what was bothering her but then the captain turned on the seat belt sign. They both buckled their seatbelts. Moments later the plane dipped due to some air pockets. Chaegyoung held her breath as the plane tried to pass through it.

Shin noticed that Chaegyoung was gripping on tight to the armrest. The dream must have really scared her, he thought. He reached over her and held her hand. Chaegyoung smiled with appreciation towards his gesture.

Chaegyoung fell asleep again inside Shin's embrace. It wasn't until the plane has landed that she woke up. Shin woke her up and asked if she's okay. She nodded and tried to smile at him. They both got up and exited the plane. Shin kept his eyes on her all the time.

--------------------

After passing through the immigration and customs, they got a cab and Shin gave the address of their new home. It seemed that Chaegyoung has forgotten what was bothering her as they enter central Madrid. He noticed her facial expression brightened as she looked outside the cab's window. Chaegyoung's face lit up like a child, full of excitement upon seeing the buildings, monuments, gardens, churches that they passed through on the way to their new place.

"Oh-wah! Shin this is Madrid, it's so beautiful." Chaegyoung exclaimed, glancing at Shin.

Shin tried to tell her the names of the buildings, statues, and other landmarks that they they were passing through. Again Chaegyoung was amazed at his knowledge.

"You really know a lot of things, Shin goon."

"I've been here before, twice to be exact, with my parents." Shin replied.

"So that's why you aren't as excited."

"Just because I don't look excited doesn't mean I'm not. This is the best trip I've ever made in my life." He confessed. "But I don't need to ask how happy you are because I know you are."

Chaegyoung blushed at his comment and said, "I don't think I would be this happy if I came here without you."

------------------------

After fourty minutes of a relatively slow moving drive, the cab parked in front of a Baroque-style building.

"We're here." Shin said opening the cab's door and letting Chaegyoung out.

Chaegyoung looked up the ten storey building and admired the architecture. From the outside it looks so old. But when Shin led her to the lobby, she was amazed at how elegant it was, from the marbled floor to the wood-panelled walls, and the elevator looks modern too. Shin pressed the button for the fourth floor.

"Rent in this building must be expensive."

"We're not renting it." Shin told Chaegyoung matter-of-factly. Chaegyoung was surprised that he bought a place in Madrid. When did that happen? she thought.

Shin grabbed her hand and led her out of the elevator. They turned left and stopped at the second door, Shin knocked on the door that has the number 42 on it. Choi sang gong opened the door and welcomed them both inside.

"Unnieeee! You're here!" Chaegyoung exclaimed happily and hugged Choi Sang gong at the same time. "You too! Park Sang-hyo Ssi!"

"Yes, bigung mama. Welcome to your new home."

Park Sang-hyo bowed as his greeting and went on to help them with their luggages. Chaegyoung turned and looked around their new home but she was surprised at what she saw inside the apartment. It looked like a replica of her house back in Seoul. She couldn't believe that Shin would do something like this. She turned around to ask Shin about her observations but before she could ask, Shin has already an answered.

"I really liked your house, so I thought maybe you wouldn't be so lonely here if I made our place look like your house. I hope that's okay with you."

Chaegyoung ran to him and hugged him so tight. Shin put his arms around her and held her tenderly. Chaegyoung was at a loss on what to say. Shin noticed this and smiled at the thought that he has rendered her speechless.

"But of course the bedroom has a bigger bed." Chaegyoung laughed at Shin's joke.

The apartment has three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a dining room and two bathrooms. Chaegyoung walked around and inspected the kitchen and dining room. She never expected this from Shin, but their new home really is a replica of her house in Seoul. Shin followed her around; he was glad that Chaegyoung liked their new home. When his assistant was done bringing their luggages in their bedroom, he grabbed Chaegyoung's hand and led her there. When he opened the door, Chaegyoung almost cried of excitement, most of her stuffed toys are in the bedroom. Even her favorite pillow with her name on it was there. She also noticed that the bed is indeed big enough for the two of them.

"Look at here," Shin said while looking out their window. "See, we've got a nice view from here."

But instead of looking out the window, Chaegyoung hugged him from behind and put her cheeks on his back.

"Yah, you're obsessing with my back again." Shin said trying to turn around.

"Just stay still will you. This is my way of thanking you."

-------------------------

"Bigung mama, let me do that." Choi Sang gong said as she saw Chaegyoung mixing a batter for pancakes.

"No. I woke up early to do this. I want to do this for Shin. It's our first day of school and I've always wanted to make his breakfast, just like a good wife." Chaegyoung said while preheating a pan and then pouring half-cup of batter onto it.

"Just as long as you don't burn it."

"Shin goon!" Chaegyoung exclaimed and tried to turn around, but Shin was hugging her from behind while kissing her shoulders. Choi sang gong left the couple in the kitchen. "You're awake."

"Yeah. I woke up and you weren't beside me." Shin said. He let go of Chaegyoung so that she could cook properly and went to sit at the table.

When Chaegyoung was done with the pan cakes, she arranged the table and served a plate of two pancakes to Shin. Chaegyoung stood beside him, watching him slice a piece and put it in his mouth. Shin noticed her standing beside him with an open mouth.

"What are you doing, don't you want to join me for breakfast?"

"Uh... so what does it taste like?" Chaegyoung asked him while sitting down.

"Not bad." Shin said. "But why does it taste salty?"

"What?" Chaegyoung sliced a piece of pancake from her plate and tasted it. "You! It's not salty."

Shin tried not to laugh out loud at his wife's reaction but threw a wide smile at her.

"Just eat your breakfast or we'll be late."

---------------------

Shin and Chaegyoung went to school together that morning - as they would do every morning. The queen wanted to provide a car for their own use but Shin insisted that they wanted to live like ordinary people while studying in Spain. So Shin tried to learn more about the city of Madrid and how to get around it.

Metro de Madrid is one of the most often used public transportation around the city. Their first ride wasn't bad at all, thought Shin. Although there were a lot of people rushing, Shin noticed that he doesn't seem to be different from these people who, like him, is in a hurry to get to where they are going.

He saw different kinds of people getting on and off at each station. There were men wearing business suits and busy talking on their hand phones, the same with some women. There were some teenagers wearing earphones, oblivious of their surroundings. After ten stations they get off at the Ciudad Universitaria.

"You already know where your classroom is, right?" Shin asked Chaegyoung as they entered the university campus.

"Yes. Choi Sang gong unnie told me about it already."

"Are you sure you can find it? Maybe I should just take you there."

"What...but..." Chaeygoung didn't get to object as Shin was pulling her towards her classroom's building.

When they reached her classroom, Shin let go of her hand.

"I'll be going now to my class." Shin said and gave her a peck on her cheek.

Chaegyoung just smiled her appreciation towards his gesture.

-----------------------

After her last class for the day ended, Chaegyoung was surprised to see Shin waiting outside her classroom.

"Why do I think that you have done something with our schedules so it will be the same?" Chaegyoung asked Shin.

"I just want us to go together and go back home together." Shin said and held her hand.

Chaegyoung smiled at him. They were walking for quite sometime when Chaegyoung noticed two girls following them. They were whispering and giggling behind the couple. It's just the first day and girls are stalking my husband already, Chaegyoung thought. She looked at Shin to see if he noticed the girls behind them.

"What?" Shin asked when he noticed that Cheagyoung kept on sneaking looks at him.

"Huh..what?"

"You've been looking at me. Do I have dirt on my face?" Shin said.

"Nothing." Chaegyoung said and smiled embarrassingly. "So do we go straight home?"

"Do you want to see the Real Jardin Botanico?" Shin asked. "I've heard you ask Choi Sang gong about it the other day."

"Really?" Chaegyoung said excitedly.

--------------------------

TEASER FOR Chapter 09

Hi! So sorry haven't updated lately... but here's a teaser for you on the next chapter... maybe next week i'll be able to post the whole chapter...

________________________________________________

"Aaaahhhh!!! It hurts!" Chaegyoung said in between breathings as she had another contraction.

"Bigung mama, you have to do your breathing." Choi sang gong said, trying to encourage her, although her left hand has become numb because of Chaegyoung's tight hold on it.

"I've. Been. Doing. That. But. It. Still. Hurts." Chaegyoung let out a breath of relief when the contraction was over. "Where's my Umma? I want my Umma!"

"She's coming Bigung mama."

"How about Shin goon, he's coming right?" Chaegyoung asked.

"Yes, Bigung mama. I was told that the meeting with the new Prime Minister is about to end."

"I shouldn't have told him to go to that... AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!" Chaegyoung was not able to finish her sentence as another contraction hit her. Choi sang gong tried not to cry out in pain also, as Chaegyoung's hand tightened around her hand.

The door opened, and Chaegyoung looked up immediately, hoping it was Shin. But it was the doctor entering with her mother. Chaegyoung let out a tear as she saw her mother.

"Umma, it hurts. I don't want to do this anymore."

"I know, but you have to bear it. This is the way it should be." Mrs. Shin said, trying to console her daughter, while the doctor was measuring how far along she is.

"Bigung mama, I think you should start pushing at the next contraction."

"What?!!! But Shin goon is not yet here. I want him to be here when the baby comes."

"Well we can not wait any longer or the baby will be stressed."

"I want Shin goon to be here!!!" She screamed in pain again, as another contraction went through her abdomen. She tried pleading with her mother to find Shin, but they all kept on saying PUSH to her.

"Bigung mama please start pushing!" The doctor said, which was echoed by Choi sang gong and her mother.

"No! No! I want SHIN GOOOOOOOON! SHIN GOOOON!"

____________________________________________________

Chapter 08

"What? The parliament wants to do an investigation before approving Lee Hoon's inclusion into the Royal Family's registry."

The Royal council was in another meeting after the Parliament's decision regarding the distant cousin of the royal family.

"But wouldn't that be in our interest, as it will give us more time for our plans?" one of the council's members asked the chairman.

"Yes it could be. However, if proven that Lee Hoon is indeed the son of the former Crown Prince, approval from the parliament would be given soon and that will be the end for our plan," said the chairman of the royal council.

"Then we must find that uncle who took care of Lee Hoon before the parliament's invetigative team finds him," a member sitting at the other end of the table said.

"Why should we do that?" asked another member.

"It seems that all of you have forgotten the scandal that has brought down Lee Hoon's father as Crown Prince and caused death to the former King, his grandfather."

"Ah yes, there were rumors that the woman Crown Prince Lee Young married was pregnant at the time that they got married. I remember now." said the chairman, which was followed by whispers and nods from the rest of the members.

"The person who took care of Lee Hoon must have known something, as I have learned that he is the brother of Lee Hoon's mother." The member sitting at the end of the table said to his fellow members.

--------------

Bright light seeped into Chaegyung's eyes when she tried to open them. The first thing she felt was Shin's warm breath at the back of her neck. She closed her eyes again, thinking that it was just the continuation of her dream.

Last night's dream was wonderful. Shin took her out for dinner and told her that they're going to Spain. It was such a romantic evening. How she got home was a blur, the next thing she knew was both of them were swaying to an imaginary music. Then they were looking at each other's eyes and then their lips met. They both fell on the bed kissing each other without a pause.

"Yah, you got a silly smile on your face so early in the morning."

Chaegyung opened her eyes wide at Shin's sleepy voice near her ear. She turned her head towards him and felt Shin's strong arms tightened around her waist. Her face turned red when she realized their current position. She's lying on her side with her back towards Shin, who was also lying on his side, spooning her.

"So last night was not a dream," she whispered to herself and giggled.

"Yah, what are you thinking now?" Shin asked a bit uneasy, as Chaegyung's giggling movements was waking up certain parts of his body.

"That this is how skinship feels," she said and started giggling again. "It still feels like the first time."

"But the first time you said it was painful." Shin reminded her.

"You're ruining my moment." Chaegyung frowned at Shin.

Shin made a face and then started tickling Chaegyung. They both wrestled each other, playfully tickling each other until Shin got on top of Chaegyung. They were both breathing so hard, blushing with silly smiles on their faces. They looked at one another and slowly their faces drew nearer towards each other. Then their lips met.

They kissed for a while, but Chaegyung broke the kiss and said, "Shin goon, again?"

Shin in response just kissed Chaegyung's neck and then shoulders. Chaegyung just giggled and pulled the blanket over their heads.

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Days passed in a blur for the royal couple as they finalize their travel plans to Spain. Shin has already made arrangements with the college they will be attending, as well as the house where they will be staying. They were both happy that they are one step closer to their dreams - to be a film director for Shin and a designer for Chaegyung.

In between of all these activities, Shin was also busy attending charity events and some of his Crown Prince duties. Chaegyung would often be seen with him in these events. Before, for Chaegyung, these crown duties were tiresome and unexciting, but now the charity events that they have been doing are interesting for her.

"Shin goon, Shin goon..." Chaegyung called out on Shin while peeking through the doorway. Shin was reading some documents that his assistant have left on his desk. They both just got back from a charity event, while he went straight to his office, Chaegyung went to their bedroom to rest for awhile. Hearing her call him that way again means that she'll be asking about something. He wondered what it could be this time.

"What?" He finally answered her. Chaegyung entered the room and looked around. She scanned Shin's desk for something to play with. When she didn't find anything interesting she looked at Shin and sat down in front of his desk.

"Taeja Jeonha, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Are we really going to Spain?"

"That's the hundredth time you asked that. This time my answer would be no, Bigoong mama." Shin goon answered with a teasing smile. "Why do you keep on asking that?"

"It's just if we are... can I invite my friends over here... so that we could have a get together? You can invite your friends too, you know." Chaegyung said in childlike voice.

"Hmmm... but our schedule for this week is already full."

"Oh... but when are we leaving?"

"You have so many questions that I've answered so many times already."

"It's just that I'm excited! This time we will be traveling together. Just the two of us." Shin covered his face with the folder that he was holding, trying to hide his grin at how excited his wife was for their trip. He was excited as well, but it was fun to tease Chaegyung.

"Hmmmphh! I better ask Hwang-hu mama for some help... oh she might be busy, maybe I should just ask for appa's help."

"Why would you do that?" Shin asked and looked at her curiously.

"Well, we are going to live on our own in Spain, I should learn how to cook, so I can cook for you. Don't you think so?" Shin just shook his head at her.

"Then go. You're distracting me here."

"When I learn how to cook, you will only eat my dishes! Until then, fighting!" And with that Chaegyung left Shin who has a very wide smile on his face.

--------------

"So you will be gone for a long time?" Kang-hyun asked her friend.

"Maybe. We plan to finish our studies there."

"What studies? You just want to make lots of babies there!"

"Yah! What are you saying!" Kang-hyun chastised Hee Soong for saying such things.

"Ha! You must've liked it noh?!" Soon young added, ignoring Kang-hyun.

Chaegyung was blushing so hard at her friends questions. She asked her friends to come over at Changdok palace, so that they could meet. This maybe the last time they could be together before going to Spain. Surprisingly, Shin thought this to be a good idea, and invited his friends as well. But she wasn't really prepared with all the teasing from them regarding her married status.

"Yah! You shouldn't ask Chaegyung that! Look at her, she's embarrassed!" Kang-hyun scolded her two mischievous friends.

But Hee-soong and Soon-young pushed her playfully, and ran away from her as fast as they can. Kang-hyun ran after them as payback. Chaegyung helped Kang-hyun in chasing their two way-ward friends, but the three of them ended up chasing Chaegyung.

Shin heard the girls' shrieks and laughter and looked at their direction; he saw them playing around chasing Chaegyung. He smiled at seeing his wife so carefree and happy with her friends. He was with his friends as well, they were standing at the porch in one of the guest houses. They kept on teasing him about being married and the activities married couples do. But he just brushed it off, not telling anything. He was not the kiss-and-tell type of guy, although it was very tempting to brag about his newly found manhood.

Shin's thoughts was distracted by Chaegyung, as she ran to Shin and hugged him from behind. Her friends caught up with her, but drew short because Chaegyung was hiding behind her husband.

"Yah, Shin Chaegyung don't hide behind your husband! That's not fair." Hee-soong said, pointing her furry pink stick at Chaegyung.

"Oh! My beautiful swan! How are you?" Jang-kyung said as he stood up with attention when he saw Kang-hyun. But she just ignored him and moved far from him. Kang-hyun still does not understand Jang-kyung's interest on her.

Meanwhile, Shin pulled Chaegyung from behind him and switched their positions so that Chaegyung was in front of him and he's hugging her from behind. Chaegyung stuck out her tongue to her friends.

"You shouldn't be playing around the Palace." Shin reprimanded her.

"Why? The other night you were chasing me without---" She said turning around to face Shin inside his embrace, but she was cut off when he kissed her on the lips. Shin wanted her to stop telling more of what happened, as it will generate more teasing from their friends. Chaegyung blushed so hard out of embarrassment.

Their friends laughed and whistled at their displayed affection towards each other. However, thier laughter died down when a sang gong entered together with Min Hyo-rin. All their heads turned towards her. Chaegyung turned around when she realized that it has gone quiet.

"Why you--- Hyo-rin?" Chaegyung said.

----------------------

Shin and Cheagyung sat side by side on the couch in the study room. Opposite them was Min Hyo-rin. Shin made an excuse to their friends and lead Hyo-rin, together with Chaegyung into the study room. Chaegyung didn't want to go, she wanted to leave the room, but Shin was holding on to her tight to prevent her from leaving. A sang-gong entered with tea and pastries. Chaegyung pulled herself from Shin and went to get the tea from the sang-gong. Chaegyung, wanting to relieve the restlessness in her, served the tea for the three of them.

"Thank you, Bigoong mama." Hyo-rin said, while Chaegyung took a seat beside her husband. Shin grabbed her hand and held it, if Hyo-rin noticed, she didn't let them see it on her face.

"When did you arrive?" Shin asked.

"Just yesterday. Is everything going well with your plans?

"Yes. Thank you for helping me out." Shin said and looked at Chaegyung. "I don't want anyone to know about this, that's why I asked for your help since you've been to Europe these past months."

"Huh? Is that why you were calling Shin goon?" Chaegyung asked Hyo-rin as she realized what Shin has just said.

"Yes. I'm sorry if you had a misunderstanding because of that. I told Shin to let you know, but he wanted to surprise you."

"It's all been done, nothing to talk about now. Are you back in Korea for good?" Shin said.

"Yes, Jeonha." Hyo-rin answered. Although she still have some feelings for Shin, looking at him now so happy and content with Chaegyung, she felt that it's time to move on. "I should go now, I just dropped by to wish you both good luck."

"Hyo-rin, thank you." Hyo-rin just smiled at her and left.

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