Chapter 02

Halmamama, Hae-myung, and Hwang Hu were talking about the Crown Prince and Princess' arrival at Korea. A media reporter were able to identify the couple upon arrival. The newspaper article was accompanied by a picture of the royal couple at the airport. Fortunately the article did not mention the suspected pregnancy of the Hwang Taejabi. The news article also mentioned that the Prince seems to be attentive and caring towards the Princess. He looks in all appearances to be so in love with his wife.

Gong Ne Gwan entered the room. Haemyung asked about the search for the royal cousin.

"We've found him Your Majesty." He answered. "Up until a few days ago he was in Macau."

"Then where is he now?" Hwang Hu asked.

"We've found that he's working at a Chinese restaurant as a delivery boy."

"Is that so?" Tae Hwang Tae-hu asked.

"Yes, mama. He doesn't know anything about his royal birthright." Gong Ne Gwan informed them.

"Then send messengers to inform him about it. We should also invite him to come to the palace." Hea-myung said.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Gong Ne Gwan replied.

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Royal council already knows about the suspected pregnancy of Bigoong. The newspaper article also was a result of their doing. They wanted the whole of Korea to know that their beloved Royal couple are back. By releasing such article, they ensure the support of the Korean people towards the Crown Prince and his acession to the throne.

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Shin was reading the newspaper that contained the article about their arrival. He has a worried face while reading it. But at the same time he also admires the way the picture was taken. Chaegyung looks so beautiful in the photo.

They are now staying at Chang-dok Palace. Just as he requested before he married Chaegyung. Since he has decided to leave the Crown Prince seat, he preferred to stay at Chang-dok palace with Chaegyung. Also this way he and Chaegyung would be sharing one bedroom.

Chaegyung entered the study room and upon seeing Shin, she crept silently towards him and covered his eyes with her hands. In a very little voice she said, "Guess who?"

Knowing that it is Chaegyung, Shin played along.

"Jini-ah, stop playing games. We're pass this already, aren't we? You should've kissed me instead."

Upon hearing a girl's name, Chaegyung immediately removed her hands from Shin's eyes.

"Yah! Who's Jini?"

"Well, it has been lonely without you, so..." Shin was expecting to be hit by Chegyung. But when no physical reaction was coming from Chaegyung, he turned around. He felt a bit guilty for playing a joke on her as he saw her eyes were near tears. He immediately held her hand and tried to pull her towards him.

"I was just kidding. Don't cry, I'm sorry." Shin tried to apologize.

Chaegyung looked down on his bowed head and hid a smile. She pinched Shin's ear, causing him to shout in pain.

"That's what you get for kidding around." Chaegyung warned.

"You didn't have to pinch so hard. That hurts."

"Sorry." Chaegyung apologized, then burst out laughing. "But I got you, didn't I? I knew it! My acting skills has improved, still good as ever. Pwehehe."

"YOU!" Shin shouted and tried to grab Chaegyung. But Chaegyung was quick and run away from him. They run around the study room, Shin trying to catch her. Eventually Shin was cornered her inside their bedroom near the bed. He tackled her and they both landed on the bed with Shin on top of Chaegyung.

Shin's face went serious. The look that Shin was giving Chaegyung was so intense, that she had to look away. When Chaegyung broke their eyecontact, Shin saw her blush. This position seemed familiar, Shin thought.

"I-I'm sorry, are you alright?" Shin asked. He moved from her and lied on the bed facing her. "Do you feel sick? I shouldn't have done that."

"I'm ok." Chaegyung answered. A bit uneasy, yet thankful for Shin's thoughtfulness. "Uhm, I saw the newspaper."

"You shouldn't worry about that," said Shin, "It's been taken care of."

"It's just a lot of people suppport you as a crown prince. They all love you and respect you. However, I also see that you enjoy your charity work."

Shin sat up and sighed. Chaegyung followed his gesture and leaned on his back.

"Yes, I do enjoy my charity work." Shin answered.

"I wish I could join you." Chaegyung mumbled to his back.

"Really? You want to join me?" Shin was surprised at Chaegyung's statement. He turned his head to look at her.

"Of course! I'm your wife and I want to support you." Chaegyung said and hugged his back.

"I'm glad to know that you think that way." Shin smiled. He doesn't know what will happen in their future. For now they seem to be going on a different direction. She wanted to travel and continue her studies. He wanted to support her dreams. However, he also have a responsibility to the Royal family and the nation.

"Are you happy to be back here?" Shin asked.

"Ofcourse! I've been gone a long time. And mom and dad will be visiting tomorrow." Chaegyung answered cheerfully. She really was happy to be back, however she can't help but think if she can make her dreams come true. If Shin would still be willing to support her.

"Oh, that's good! They've missed you a lot." Shin said.

"I missed them a lot more. But I wish we're back at the main palace."

"Why?" Shin asked curiously.

"Because I have a lot of memories there. That's where I loved first."

Shin was touched by what Chaegyung said. He missed her a lot when she was overseas. Now that they're back together, he can't contain his happiness. Shin turned and hugged her. He was about to kiss Chaegyung when a knock broke the moment.

"Jeonha, Bigoongmama." Gong Ne gwan entered and addressed the couple. "Halmamama wanted you to go to the main palace. The results of Bigoongmama's medical exam is ready."

If Gong Ne Gwan noticed their disappointed and annoyed faces, he just kept it to himself and smiled. It's good that the his favorite Royal Couple is in good terms.

Chapter 01

"Is it... baby?"

Halmamama's question was met with shocked and confused looks from the newlywed couple.

"Halmamama, its not..." Shin started to say after looking at an equally shocked and confused Chaegyung. Chaegyung spoke at the same time with Shin. Outrightly denying what Halmamama has insinuated.

"Halmuni, no, no... I must've eaten too much egg tarts. Shin say something." Chaegyung explained.

"Shin, you better have your wife checked at the hospital before we leave, don't you think so?" Halmamama insisted, which caused alarm for Chaegyung.

"Halmuni, there is no need. Shin we only did it... could I get pre-pregnant that quick?"

"Mama, I think it is possible, as I've noticed that you haven't had your period since we left Korea." Choi Sang-gong answered before Shin could speak. It was good for Shin that Choi Sang-gong spoke. He was slowly becoming speechless as he recall his thoughts on what had happened between him and his wife.

"Huh? Oh yeah, but..." Chaegyung agreed.

"What?" Chaegyung's agreement with Choi Sang-gong's observation was a jolt to Shin's thoughts. He couldn't deny the possibility of a pregnancy. But they have to make sure first. "Well if that is the case, I think we should go to the hospital just to make sure. I will take her there Halamamama."

Later in the car, Halmamama and Choi Sang-gong were riding at the back. The atmosphere seemed tense, but at the same time full of anticipation, mainly from Halamamama. Shin was in deep thought while driving. Chaegyung sitting at the passenger side still look worried. She doesn't know what the implication of the pregnancy, if it turned out positive.

"Oh! I must inform Hae myung about this exciting event. Everybody at the palace will be happy about this. Choi Sang-gong please contact the palace for me, we must share this news immediately." Halamamama exclaimed. She's just like a child who got her Christmas wish.

"Halmamama, I think its too early to inform them about this, we must make sure first." Shin tried to stop Halmamama.

"Yes, Halmuni, I agree with Shin."

"Well then let us make sure first. But I really feel that it will be positive." Halamamama declared confidently.

"Do you still feel sick?" Shin asked while glancing at Chegyung, a hint of worry in his voice. "Do you feel dizzy? I think I'm driving too fast."

"No, I feel fine. Just slow down a bit Shin goon."

At the hospital, they are all sitting at the waiting room of the OBGYN. Shin requested for a Korean doctor so that Chaegyung might feel a bit easy and comfortable during the check-up. Sensing his wife's nervousness, Shin held Chaegyung's hand.

"Don't be nervous, and answer the doctor truthfully, ok?"

"Yes, I know. But what are we going to do if its positive?" Chaegyung asked.

"Don't worry about that, it will be fine." Hopefully he was able to say it with confidence. He wanted to convince himself as well that it will be fine. The truth was he doesn't want to think about the implications of a positive pregnancy.

"Are you ok? You are the only guy here." Chaegyung asked after observing that the other patients in the waiting room are all females with pregnant bellies.

"I'm fine. I'm your husband, so I think it's ok to be here."

"But..." Chaegyung started to speak, but the door opened and the nurse came out.

"Mrs. Shin Chaegyung please?" the nurse called.

"Yes, its me."

"The doctor would like to see you now."

Chaegyung looked at Shin, who smiled encouragingly at her. Chaegyung let go of Shin's hand and stood up to follow the nurse to the doctor's office.

"Shin you look so tense." Halamamama said when Chaegyung was inside the doctor's office.

"I just wonder what will happen if she is pregnant."

"Are you worried that you will be put back in as the crown prince? Well there would certainly be people around the palace that would want you back, especially now that there will be a new heir for the royal family."

"It's just Chaegyung seems so happy here, I don't want her to be confined in the palace again." Shin knows very well what Halmamama said would happen.

"But Jeonha, more people now wants you back as the crown prince. And that way Jeonha and Bigoong mama can be together again." Choi Sang-gong added.

"Yes, Teaja, Choi Sang-gong has a point. I know how much you missed your wife ever since she left the palace, and by looking at Chaegyung, she seem to have missed you a lot too."

"Yes, Jeonha." Choi Sang-gong agreed with Halmamama. She has seen all those lonely moments of Chaegyung and has been, at times, a victim of Chaegyung's boredom.

"Well, I think that we shoud all go back to Korea today. Choi Sang-gong make the travel arrangements, please, and inform the palace that we will be coming back today." Halmamama suddenly said.

"But Halmamama..." Shin protested.

"Taeja... Shin, I think it is better that Chaegyung will be checked by the Royal family's doctor. Nobody else have to know about this, if the results turns out to be negative."

"Ok, nobody will know about this, and that if she wants to go back here in Macau, she will be allowed to. I'll make sure of that."

Shin immediately looked up when he heard the door to the doctor's office opened. The nurse came out and called for him to go inside. When he entered, he looked at Chaegyung, but she didn't look back. The doctor stood up and greeted him.

"Hwang Teaja Jeonha, please have a sit."

"Thank you." Stealing a look to Chaegyung, Shin asked the doctor, "What's the result, doctor?"

"Jeonha to make sure that the result will be most accurate, I did a blood test on Bigoong mama, but the results will be out by tomorrow afternoon. I'm sorry if you have to wait that long."

"Yes it is going to be a long wait." Looking at Chaegyung again and seeing her nervous and pained expression, he asked the doctor, "Can you give us a moment, please?"

"Uh, yes Jeonha. Excuse me." The doctor went out and closed the door gently.

"Shin goon, I don't think I can wait that long for the results."

"Are you alright?" He asked worriedly when he saw that she's holding a cotton ball over her inner arm where the doctor drew blood.

"I'm ok." Chaegyung tried to smile, but Shin knows her better.

"I know. Halmamama can't wait that long either. She wants us to go back to Korea today."

"Huh? You're leaving today. But...but..." Chaegyung looked at Shin.

"WE are leaving, you are coming with us. She wanted you to be checked by the Royal doctors." Seeing her apprehensive expression he immediately assured her that if she doesn't want to, he will convince Halmamama to let him stay until the results come out.

"But I want to be with you. I don't want us to be apart. Didn't we promised that we will never be apart?" While saying this, Chaegyung's eyes got watery. Seeing her tears, Shin immediately gathered her in his arms.

"Yes, I remember. But are you ready to go back to the palace?"

"As long as we are together, I'll be fine." Hearing these words made Shin hug Chaegyung tighter. He was glad to hear those words from her. He was glad to hear that she would rather be with him. Eventhough he finds it hard to express himself, he would try everyday of his life to show his emotions towards Chaegyung. He can not lose her.

"Shin goon, uh, it hurts?"

"I know, it was hard for me too." He loosened his hug from her. Chaegyung looked up at Shin's face, with hurt written all over her face.

"Shin goon, it really hurts, everytime I had blood drawn, it makes me cry. Look its starting to bruise." Chaegyung pointed at her inner arms where the blood was drawn.

"What?" Shin looked at her with disbelief and annoyance written all over his face.

"Aish... come on Halmamama and Choi Sang-gong are waiting for us outside."

Shin stood up suddenly, which surprised Chaegyung. Shin let Chaegyung walk ahead of him, he can't help but smile and shake his head at her. He really did miss this girl and wouldn't mind her habit of "spoiling every moment," as long as she's with him.

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Prologue

Goong

"The law clearly states that a woman can not inherit the throne!" The elder sitting at the head of the table authoritatively declared this in the emergency meeting of the Royal Council. The meeting was called upon by him after the announcement by the Palace that the King is vacating his seat in favor of his only son, Lee Shin Hwang Teaja. However, surprisingly the Crown Prince also wanted to vacate the position and have given it to his sister, Hea-myung Gong-ju, as there was no other male heir.

The parliament has approved the said move by the royal family. However, since the law states that no female must seat on the throne, Hea-myung's appointment is only temporary. She was given the title as Regent Queen and Shin's title was retained until a new Crown Prince was chosen by the royal family.

"But the problem is Shin, he gave up the position. How do we convince him to remain in his original position as Crown Prince?" One of the elders asked with a worried voice.

"How about allowing the Crown Princess to be back in the Palace?" A suggestion that was met with murmurs of agreement from the rest of the council.

But the elder head of the council disagreed with the suggestion. He thinks that the Teaja would see right through that plan, as he is smart enough on his own. He instead suggested that a spy should be used to get information on him, on how to convince him to take back the Crown Prince position. This suggestion was met with agreement by the whole council.

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After a month of being the Regent Queen, Hea-myung finally met with the Royal Council. The issue that was discussed intensively was the throne and who should be the lawful person to fill in the said throne. The atmosphere was full of tension. Some members were apprehensive and doubtful on the purpose of this meeting. Hea-myung herself felt that the council might not agree with her. However she is giving off a confident and calm air, which the council found worthy of their respect and attention.

"Thank you for giving your time for this sudden meeting. I think we all know as to why we are all here. I have a suggestion to make to the Royal Council, pushing this suggestion to the parliament for approval would be greatly appreciated." Hae-myung paused and looked at the serious faces of the elders. She took a deep breath before continuing.

She knows that what she have to suggest would be improbable and should only happen once in the history of the royal family. Thanks to Shin's sharp memory, they were able to come up with this solution. Hae-myung knows that Shin's resistance in accepting the throne is out of his love for Chae-gyung. He wanted his wife to be free of the restricting and albeit boring life in the Palace. Although his sense of responsibility keeps him away from his beloved wife, he already have plans on how to make them to be together again.

"In the history of the Royal Family, there has been a time when there was no Crown Prince to inherit the throne. The King then ordered to look for a cousin's son, whom they have trained to become the next King. I now suggest the same thing. There is a Royal cousin that we found out, and he is living among the ordinary citizens. Currently we are still searching to his whereabouts. But rest assured that this Crown-prince-to-be has lawful rights to the throne."

"Yes, I do remember that the former King has a cousin who chose to be live as a commoner with his wife. But I never knew that his son's name was in the Royal Family's registry." This was not surprising to Hae-myung, as some of the council's members are very familiar with the all the members of the royal family.

"I do remember him. He indeed have a son. But didn't he die a long time ago, with his wife. I didn't know that his son survived."

"Yes, that is really fortunate." A surprising comment from the head of the council caused Hea-myung much joy inside.

Althought the approval of the council was for formality only, none the less Hea-myung was happy about the outcome. After establishing the agreement of the Royal Council, plans for instating the Crown-prince-to-be were discussed in detail. Hea-myung didn't expect that this would be easy. The real challenge would be when the crown-prince-to-be entered the palace. When the meeting has ajourned, she immediately called Shin about the news.

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"Make sure that you follow Lee Shin wherever he goes. Observe him carefully, and know about his little habbits and behavior. Write all your obsrvation in a notebook, and report it to me as quickly as possible. I assume that what I ask is not that hard, after all you are his bodyguard. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir."

The younger man left quietly after receiving an envelop. Inside the envelop was the promised reward, and the rest would follow upon completion of the assignment. The smile upon the old man's face was satisfactory, he didn't want to resort into this. However, to ensure a stronger Royal Family, one must do what was necessary.