WHEN LOVE CALLS - CHAPTER 59&60

~Marry me instead~

Bomi sat silently, watching Shin and Byeol as they chat happily, laughing and all. They really seem close and comfortable with each other. They’re currently at the private shade and ever since they got there, Shin hadn’t said a word to her. In fact it’s like she’s invisible to him, he only sees her younger sister, Byeol.

“Your highness” Bomi eventually said getting their attention.

“It’s getting late now, Byeol has stayed long in the palace I think it’s best she returns home now” She says, and Shin countenance fell a little.

“Really? I didn’t realize time has gone so fast” He held Byeol’s hand.

“Come again tomorrow, we can continue from where we stopped” He smiles at her while Byeol only gave him a small smile in return.

“Sure Your highness” She slowly removes her hand from his and stood.

“Then I shall be on my way now” She bows slightly to him, Bomi stood also bowing.

“We’ll get going now your highness” she says and Shin nods not looking at her.

“Come again Byeol, I’ll be waiting for you” He smiles at Byeol who nods and turns leaving, Bomi follows.

Shin wouldn’t stop smiling as he watches her leaves.

“So, he was a girl all along. I really love this…” He chuckles.

“I didn’t know you were that close with the crown prince” Bomi said after some moments of silence as they walk towards the palace gate.

“Eonni…” Byeol stops looking at her.

“That I can explain. I didn’t know he was the crown prince believe me, I only met him outside the palace, he didn’t know my identity then cause I also disguise as a man we’re just friends” She explained.

“So, you’re friends with him. He seems to like you a lot, look he even invited you over to the palace again tomorrow. He also seems pleased to find out you’re a girl. I’ve never seen him laugh so heartily like he did today” Bomi said.

“Eonni…”

“You should go home now, it’s dangerous so be careful” Bomi smiles at her.

“Guess I’ll see you tomorrow, Byeol.” She added then turns walking back to the palace without waiting for a reply from Byeol.

Byeol watch her leave then sighs.

“Why does he have to be the crown prince of all things…” She mumbles.

DAYS LATER.

Byeol visit the palace practically everyday cause Shin is always inviting her over. Rumors about her being a seductress also spread about the palace.

She wasn’t comfortable with this but Shin seems not to care about the rumors cause he wouldn’t stop inviting her over.

Bomi also start to act distant to Byeol, it was obvious she wasn’t happy with the way things turned out and no matter how Byeol tries to explain, things doesn’t seem ready to return to how it was before.

Byeol walked into the library slowly, Shin is currently in a meeting with the ministers so she was asked to wait in the library.

While waiting, she began taking a look round the library but then a hand suddenly pulled her into a corner. A loud gasp left her mouth as her back got slammed against the shelves there.

She was about cussing the person who pulled her but stops on seeing who it is.

“Byul?” She calls in surprise.

“Why are you here?” He asked rather in an unfriendly tone.

“I…” She drops her gaze from him.

“Are you here for Shin?” He asked again and she slowly nods.

“How did you know he’d be here? How did you know of his identity?” He asked gruffly and Byeol sighs explaining everything to him. Byul steps back from her the moment she did.

“Can I ask something?”

“What?” She asked.

“Do you really have… something going on with him like the rumors said?” He asked.

“No… Byul believe me I don’t. It’s all a misunderstanding… it’s all not true” She defended and on hearing that he seems to calm down unlike before.

He steps closer to her again trapping her by the shelves.

“You shouldn’t be in the palace Byeol, it’s dangerous” He said, his breathe hitting her face.

“What about you? Why are you here and why didn’t you tell me… about your identities?” She asked.

“I work for him and also, it wasn’t something I could reveal” He replied.

“I thought you guys are friends” She said.

“We are but… I’m his subordinate at the same time” He said and she sighs.

He brought his palm to her face, carelessing it.

“I’m worried about you Byeol, many has their eyes on you now and it’s not a good thing. You have to stop coming to the palace, alright?” He said to her, she nods.

“I was wondering where my little bride ran to… but here you are. I waited for days, for you” He said loftily to her.

“I… couldn’t sneak out cause I got locked up. My father won’t let me go out also… I’m sorry” She said and he chuckles silently. She raised a brow.

“Why are you chuckling?”

“You seem to have me in mind also… you missed me didn’t you?”

“I…I didn’t” she snaps pushing him away but he slid his arm around her waist pulling her closer.

Her lashes battled as their chest slammed, he leaned down to her face.

“I missed you… Byeol” He mutters, closing the little gab between them.

As if she had been expecting it, Byeol closes her eyes reciprocating the kiss immediately. Her palms coiled up to his neck and her eyes went shut.

Shin who was looking for her in the library had to halt on witnessing the two of them kissing.

His smiles vanished, and his palms balled. He turns back and without them knowing, he left the library.

Byeol unlock from the kiss pushing Byul away from her.

“What if ..what if someone walks in?” She asked bashing her eyelids. Byul smiles and steps away from her.

“I may not be able to spend more time with you here, let’s meet later at the hideout” He said to her.

“But i_” He interrupted her with a kiss.

“I’ll be waiting” He winks before leaving her. Byeol couldn’t help smiling, she walks out of the corner heading out of the library just then she met the Shin’s eunuch approaching.

“My Lady, the crown prince is waiting” He said to her.

Byeol got to where Shin is, it was the private shade. She took in a deep breath and walked up to him, bowing.

“Your highness” She greeted and Shin look at her. He seems quite moody unlike other days.

“Come here Byeol” He patted to a seat next to him but Byeol hesitated.

“Come take a seat” He said again and she reluctantly drag her feet there, sitting beside him.

“Your highness I have something to say” She said.

“What?”He asked

“I don’t think it’s_” The remaining words went hanging in her throat when Shin suddenly laid down, laying his head on her laps.

“Your highness” She gasp, looking around.

The maids turned away from them so as the eunuch.

“I’m tired Byeol and I’m not in my best mood right now, just sit still, don’t do anything.”

“But_”

“It’s an order!” He interrupted making her give in.

Shin close her eyes while she twist her face. Anybody who sees them now will certainly misunderstood them, Shin keeps putting her in a tight spot and there’s nothing she can do, to save herself.

Bomi who was watching them from afar fisted her palms, her breathing coming out in heaves.

“Byeol…how could you…how could you do this to me?” She seethes.

*. *. *

Byeol got back home and was rather surprised to meet Bomi at home already, she was standing outside prolly waiting for her.

“Eonni?” She calls happily running towards her but her happiness vanished the moment Bomi gave her a defeaning slap the moment she got to her.

“Ah!” She held her cheek looking up to her with a shock expression on.

“Eonni…?” She calls in shock.

“Don’t you dare call me that you pretentious witch” Bomi spat shocking her more.

“Was this your plan all along? Uh!!!” Bomi said confusing her.

“You must be happy since the crown prince fancy you now, no, since he eventually chose you over me!” Bomi howled at her face.

“What are you saying Eonni, I don’t understand you”

“I loved you as an older sister should. I cared and looked out for you but this is how you pay me back! By betraying me!! “It’s all your fault! You turned everything upside down with your appearance! Can’t you just disappear!!!”

Bomi pushed her back, she stagger but maintained her stance.

“I hope you’re happy now. Congrats on ruining me Byeol! I hope you live forever in regrets for the rest of your life!” Bomi said and walked away in anger leaving her in nothing but confusion.

She looks forward and saw her father looking back at her with a straight face.

“Father…” She called walking closer to him.

“The crown prince cancelled the bride choosing competition and chose you as the bride instead. Get ready to move to the palace tomorrow, your wedding will take place in three days” Her father said then walked into his room.

“Wh…bride? Me…his…his bride… that’s nonsense… that’s…I can’t…” She slumps to the floor before she could stop herself.

“Eonni… Eonni…what do I do…” She couldn’t help sobbing.

~PALACE~

“Your highness” Byul greeted on entering his room.

“Byul, you’re here” Shin smiles, gesturing to him to sit.

“So, how far have you gone with the investigation? Were you able to locate the Wol’s?” Shin asked.

“I’m trying my possible best to track down their location but I still can’t get anything” Byul replied.

Shin sighs.

“How could they be so hard to track, the king is angry at the incessant abducting of young ladies. We’ve to get them fast” Shin says.

“I’ll try my best to catch them your highness” Byul said, Shin nods.

“That aside, about my marriage, hopefully it’s going to take place in a few days, my bride to be will be entering the palace by tomorrow the crown princess has finally been choosen” Shin said.

“Really? Congrats, your highness”

“Won’t you ask who it is?”

“Who_”

“Byeol” He cut him off.

“Uh?”

“My bride is Byeol, Lord Kim’s second daughter, her name is Byeol. You’ll be shocked to find out who she is.” He grinned while Byul only stares perplexed.

“Byeol?” He find himself mumbling, with shock obviously written all over his face.

Shin only grins.

~NEXT DAY~

“MY LORD!!!” Rona’s scream made Lord Kim runs into Byeol’s room which Rona is currently in.

“My Lady…my Lady is gone!” She announced.

*

*

*

Byeol sat uneasy under the tree, with her feet tapping on the ground. She has been sitting there for almost two hours now, waiting and praying for Byul to come.

Eventually she saw a figure coming from a distance and quickly hid behind the tree. When the figure came closer and turned out to be Byul, she got away from the back of the tree and ran to him, into his arms taking him aback.

“Byeol?” He calls while she tighten her grip on him, crying slowly.

“Byeol what are you doing here?” He questioned while she sniffs.

“Take me away Byul, please take me away from all this” She whimpers in his arms while he hugs her back.

“I want to go away please…”

AFTER SOME MOMENTS.

“My sister h@??s me now, she thinks I snatched him from her but believe me Byul, I never wanted this. I never even expected him to do this. I didn’t want all this” She shook her head while Byul cleans her tears slowly.

“You don’t want to marry Shin?” He asked.

“He’s a great guy, he’s also the crown prince remember, he’ll surely take good care of you” He added but she shook her head vehemently.

“I don’t…I don’t want him. I really don’t Byul” She said amidst tears.

“So you ran away from home?”

“They’ll find me soon, they must already be looking for me right now, Byul…” She dipped her hand in her sleeve and brought out the jade ring wearing it on his fourth finger.

“Marry me instead” She said surprising him.

“What?”

“We already made a promise to anyway so just marry me instead and take me with you”

“You don’t know what you’re saying. You’re suggesting we elope? Do you know what that means, all our lives you’ll be on the run. You’ll have to live in hiding and fear, no…I don’t want that kind of life for you” He removed the ring.

“I prefer to live in hiding than to go into a marriage where I’ll be unhappy for the rest of my life. Marry me Byul or I’ll just flee by myself”

“Byeol…”

“This is the decision I’ve made Byul, I choose you, because I prefer it to be you. Don’t you want me?” She asked teary eyed and he sighs. He cupped her face staring intently.

“You could get ki||ed if caught. I don’t want anything bad happening to you”

“You can just protect me…” She leans closer and give him a short kiss on the lips.

“I want to be with you… let’s us be together Byul” She says.

“Together…” He mutters.

“Forever…” She said also and he smiles.

“Thank you Byeol…for choosing me…” He said then close the space between them, taking in her lips in one of the warmest kiss ever.

LORD KIM’S RESIDENCE.

When the people from the palace arrived to take Byeol to the palace Lord kim had to lie to them that she’s severely ill and can’t go at the moment.

They people went back to the palace and informed Shin about this and instead, Shin came to their house along with the physician.

Lord Kim was taken aback by his actions, he tried to make up a lie to avoid him of seeing her but all was fruitless, Shin remained adamant on seeing her.

When Lord Kim learnt of Byeol’s disappearance that morning, he has sent out some men to look for her all over the village however they haven’t found her yet

“WHERE IS BYEOL! WHERE IS SHE?” Shin growls when he couldn’t find her in her room or anywhere else.

“Your highness!! I deserve to die! I had failed to monitor and discipline my second daughter, hence, she has ran away from home! Please ki|| me your highness!!!” Lord Kim said on his knees.

“What! She did what!!!”

I have sent out some men to look for her since morning but they haven’t been able to find her. It’s all my fault your highness, don’t hesitate to punish me!” Lord Kim said again and Shin snatch a sword from one of the guards there, aiming it at his neck.

“Sure… you don’t deserve to live if you can’t even manage a daughter of yours. I shall grant your wish” He raised the sword up but before he could bring it down to slash him, a voice yelled out stopping him.

“STOP!!!” Bomi ran to them breathlessly.

“Please don’t! Your highness” She said lowering her head.

“Tell me why I shouldn’t…if your reason isn’t strong enough then you partake in the punishment also” Shin said to her. Bomi took a deep breath then hand over a piece of paper she was holding to Shin.

It was actually Byeol’s letter to her (Bomi).

Shin snatch the letter from her and his eyes scan through it.

“I think she has a lover your highness, and she has planned to run away with him” Bomi said as Shin reads the letter. His veins began popping out as each seconds passes, and his eyes turned dark.

Shin squeeze the letter and throw it away angrily.

“The wedding will be taking place in three days and nothing will stop it” He seethes.

On hearing this, Bomi smiles secretly a glimmer of hope shinning through her.

Does that mean, she’ll be the one to marry him.

“But the bride…” Lord Kim tries to say.

“Byeol is coming back. I’m gonna bring her back…at all cost” He grits then walk away from there, his guards and maids following from behind.

Bomi slumps to the floor, her strength leaving her.

Despite all…he still chooses her (Byeol)

She couldn’t held the tears, strolling down her cheeks.

*

*

*

“We’ve to leave here as soon as possible I’m sure Shin must be aware of your disappearance now, and it’s possible he suspects you’ll be here” Byul said to Byeol.

“Do you have a place in mind?” Byeol asked.

“Don’t worry…I have somewhere you can stay for now. I’ll take you there”

“What about you?”

“I’ll join you after taking care of some things” He replied.

“No, I…I don’t want to go alone. I’m not going to” She said defiantly.

“I’m not leaving you Byeol…I promise I’ll never leave you…be rest assured okay?” He said to her and she hugs him.

“Come on let’s go” He disengage from the hug holding her hand leading her away from there, however they haven’t walked long when a group of men who are obviously guards ambushed them.

Byeol gasped, while Byul slowly pull her behind him.

“GET THEM!!!” One of the palace guards yelled and Byul immediately pulled out his sword from his sheath also.

“Byul…” Byeol called behind him clearly scared.

“Don’t worry… we’ll be fine” He smiles at her.

“HYAAAA!!!” The palace guards charge at him while he charged at them also.

The fight was fierce, they were obviously too many for Byul alone to handle, he did all he could to make sure no attack came to Byeol and he did his utmost to fight them all.

“Ahh!” A painful yelp however left his mouth when he got slashed on his arm.

“Byul!!!” Byeol yelled holding him but before he could collect himself, Byeol was taken away from him by one of the guards.

“Byul!!!” She keeps calling in tears.

“Byeol…” He calls also, as he made to advance to her another pain struck his arm again.

“Ahh!!!” He yelled out in pain.

“Byul!! Byul!!” Byeol began struggling from the person that hold her.

“Let me goo!!!” She fight back but however was knocked down by the person. She fell into unconsciousness and the person carried her away.

“Byeol… Byeol…” Byul made to go after her but was stop by the palace guards.

“We’re ordered to bring you back to the palace, please come back with us gently or we’ll have to use the hard way” One of the guards said to Byul.

“Did Shin sent you? Did he???” Byul growls but however was knocked down from behind, he went falling down, unconsciously.

TBC…