Chapter 56

It was an unofficial trip and she wanted to go alone. She insisted to use her personal car - her Lexus, which started to grow on her - instead of the Sedan. But if she had a choice, she would still prefer her Impala over every royal cars available and so then she vowed to do everything to bring that beauty in Thailand.

Her security, however, reiterated that she should be escorted on her trip to the complex. Something that she really was trying to avoid because she didn't want to draw so much attention to herself - and the trip, itself - because then it would create such unnecessary fuss, given the fact that everyone probably knew who the Lexus was registered to. But it was protocol, her security insisted. And since she was now highly considering the idea of actively participating in the royal court - that, and she really wasn't in the mood to argue - Pranpriya heeded, to everyone's surprise and she wasn't sure whether she was amused or upset about it. The lady captain was obviously expecting her to disagree like the last time.

Her Highness witnessed how those sharp dark eyes of the lady captain stared at her in confusion when she said, "Fine. But do so without so much ado, Captain. I don't want attention," before she dismissed them and retired to her chamber once again to prepare herself for the trip.

On normal days, she would mostly choose to wear comfort. Mostly, it would be a pair of jeans - any type of jeans that she can grab from her closet. She would pair it with white cotton tops and a flannel if the sun was too hot or the breeze was a bit cold for her liking. Other times, when it was the cold was a little unbearable, she would cover herself with thick jackets. She would be seen carrying a knapsack with her cameras inside, rolls of films carefully placed inside a box, a few necessary cables and some other important stuff she might need to survive the day.

She didn't want to stand out and attract attentions because she didn't want to be seen and recognized. She wanted to blend in. It was one of the downside of her decision when she left the kingdom; one of the many things she bargained when she chose to be Lisa and kept Pranpriya hidden behind her chosen façade. But she would stand out, nonetheless. Always.

People would still gawk at her unwittingly when she passes by. Children would look at her in awe and curiosity. Men would ogle at her admiringly and women would stare at her like she was someone they would want to achieve. After all, the grumpy waitress from the old café where she saw Jennie for the first time was right. She did look like a Barbie.

Today, however, was different. Pranpriya chose to wear the royal color. Something that she had denied herself to be associated with, as much as possible, for too long now. She didn't want anyone to put two and two together and realized that she was somehow connected to the kingdom. Chaeng would often tell her she was being stupid. That anyone can wear yellow and like yellow and not being suspected as part of the monarchy she belonged to. So that when Jennie asked her about her favorite color, she thoughtlessly said it was red and that she thought it represents life. She winced at the thought of the lies she had to come up with in order to keep her identity a secret.

Her dress and her bright hair shone under the Pathum Thani sun when she stepped outside the palace halls and unto the palace ground. Although, she might have looked like a lonesome yellow daisy in a garden of blue butterfly flower as she was surrounded by the royal guards in their royal blue uniforms. But it was iconic, in a way. The kingdom had too long been deprived of her presence and it was no surprise that Lek - the loyal servant to the crown - looked teary eyed when they saw her emerged from the door and descended gracefully down the marble staircase. His small eyes were gleaming with so much emotions when he looked up at her. Pranpriya noticed it but chose to brush it off, thinking that was also probably due to the soporific afternoon sun.

"Your Highness," Captain Pakpao greeted her.

The lady captain was standing beside the Lexus and opened the door immediately when she reached the landing. The car was parked close to the foot of the marble stairway, only giving her short distance to cross the car. She was particular about it during their brief meeting earlier because she didn't want to expose herself from the throng of visitors outside the gates.

But Pranpriya paused and raised her brows. "I'm not driving?" she asked the lady captain. She expressed mild disappointment. Although she might have expected it. She knew she forgot to discuss about it with the lady captain during the meeting and the captain would surely refuse her had she brought it up, anyway.

"I think it is best if you don't, Your Highness. But only for the time being, Ma'am. The trip to the complex might wear you out and we don't want that to happen," the lady captain explained.

"For the time being" didn't exactly sound promising, Pranpriya thought. Especially since she knew that after today, if things would go according to her plan and even if not, she won't be allowed to drive by herself anymore. But she wasn't in the mood to point it out and it was, again, protocol. Even the other members of the royal family were never allowed to drive. Not when being escorted by a hoard of royal guards, at least. Except His Majesty.

"Who's driving then?" Pranpriya inquired nonchalantly. She wanted to get it over with quickly or it might cause another pointless rift between her and the captain just like the last time and she wanted to avoid that.

"I am, Your Highness. It is my great honor to bring you the complex, Ma'am. And ensure your safety," Captain Pakpao replied and stood proudly beside the car. Her badges and pins on her chest glowed under the sun, like testimonies of her allegiance to the crown.

Pranpriya understood why it was a major thing to Captain Pakpao. She was, after all, her eyes and shadow. The lady captain was serving her for years now, without her knowledge, and today would be the first time that they would visit the complex together. Today was probably the highlight of the lady captain's career and Pranpriya didn't want to ruin that.

Pranpriya nodded. She went in without a word and settled on the backseat, which reminded her vividly of the time when she was told to sit on the backseat of her own car with Jennie beside her and Mr Young driving her Impala against her will. That felt like a long time ago already. Like a distant memory that her mind conjured out of nowhere and made her feel like how she felt when she woke up with the empty space beside her - cold and empty. Pranpriya sighed. Now wasn't the time to be sentimental.

The lady captain closed the door carefully but firmly and signalled the rest of the guards before she walked around to settle herself behind the steering wheel. Lek bid Her Highness farewell with a deep bow as the lady captain started the engine and soon they were cruising towards the high gates. Her car was flanked between four royal police cars - two at the front and two at the rear.

The people outside the gates grew in numbers, Pranpriya noticed. They appeared to be asked to organize themselves by a museum facilitator. They were tourists and locals alike, of all ages. Each one could be seen holding some kind of a brochure and was wearing hats of any kinds on their heads. The three P.M. sun was still unforgiving, yet anticipation was etched on their faces despite the heat.

When the throng of cars passed by, the locals immediately recognized the royal crest bore by the vehicles streaming from the palace gates. They were, of course, aware that the palace was a current and official residence by a member of the royal house. For whom, they didn't know exactly since there were about a hundred or so royal residences scattered around all over the country and the royals could be anywhere, wherever they chose to be. But it was, nonetheless, giving them a bit of something to get excited for. So that when they saw the royal emblem and the beige cars that everyone knew were designated solely for the royal guards, they knew immediately that someone of importance was inside the gleaming Lexus.

Their hopeful eyes travelled and pierced through the windshield of the Lexus, as it was the only part of the car that could give them access from the outside. It could have been only a matter of a second but Pranpriya saw their exchange of excited glances.

"I think the people saw me back there," Her Highness said a moment later.

"I believe so, Your Highness," the lady captain agreed.

"And what do think it implies, Captain?" Pranpriya asked.

"Words travel fast, Your Highness. Soon the country will know of your return, Ma'am," the lady captain replied.

Pranpriya grimaced. The thought wasn't appealing. "I don't think I'm ready for that. I really should've journey to the complex alone," she said wistfully.

"But it is-,"

"Protocol. I know. I understand. But I personally think it's better to not draw attentions like earlier. Not when His Majesty is under, ah, duress given the current situation," Pranpriya said. Which she was to blame basically and it made her feel guilty that she dragged His Majesty and the whole kingdom into her mess she created. Talking about it to the lady captain was embarrassing.

"I understand, Your Highness. But I have direct orders from His Majesty," the lady captain said firmly.

"I'm not going to run away, if that's what you're afraid of," Pranpriya said defensively.

"I am aware of that, Ma'am," the lady captain said.

"Did you escort the Kims, too? When they left?" Pranpriya couldn't help but asked. She had been wondering since this morning. Were Jennie and her mom and their entourage left alone to fend for themselves? That would be very unlikely, of course. But she really wanted to know.

"No, Your Highness. My job is to keep you safe," the lady captain replied.

"Right," Pranpriya resigned with a sigh. So they were left on their own then, she thought desperately.

"They were, however, escorted back to the airport by another unit from the King's guard, Ma'am. The same unit that picked them up when they arrived in Sanambin. The unit was personally handpicked by His Majesty, himself, to ensure the Kims' safety," Captain Pakpao said.

"Thank you," Pranpriya muttered gratefully and never said a word again throughout the rest of their trip.

She wanted to hate Jennie. For leaving her without a word and for waking up to a news about everything Jennie lied about. In fact, she maybe hate Jennie. Right after she realized what Jennie did and it was finally sinking on her. But Jennie must have had a hard time, too. What with all the things going on around and the stuff she had to deal with, including relieving the vice president of their company. Pranpriya saw that on the news, too - the reason was never cited. But she read on some gossip sites that he had something to do with the malicious article and that he was the father of the guy whom Mrs Kim eyed to marry Jennie off and his wife was the aunt of the Gucci Guy, whatever his name was.

That must have been tough for Jennie, all of it. Tougher, perhaps, than weaving lies about them and about her and then speak about it in front of the media with a straight face. But she was hurt, nonetheless. Jennie could have talk to her about it. But then again, she ditched dinner and left Jennie to deal with all of it alone. Besides, who knew what His Majesty had told Jennie when they had a private talk inside the study on the upper floor? She would ask him that because she desperately wanted to believe that Jennie only had their best interest at heart. Even if it was supposed to hurt them both. The gut-tugging feeling of emptiness swept her once again. It was becoming heavier every passing minute.

"Who else knows I'm coming, by the way?" Pranpriya asked. She wanted to engage the lady captain in a dialogue or else the desolation she felt would soon overcome her.

"I've spoken to the general before we left the palace, Your Highness," the lady captain replied.

"His Majesty knows about my visit then?" Pranpriya said. Of course, he would - naturally. And so his staff and his staff's staff. And then the other members of the royal court and their staff, too. Basically, everyone in the royal household.

Great. Pranpriya sighed. Just great.

She knew, of course, that it would happen, obviously. But the mere thought of it happening was actually giving her a headache. The lady captain's words bothered her. "Soon the whole country will know of your return, Ma'am." She didn't know whether to recoil with shame and return to Pathum Thani and hold herself in confinement inside the palace or face the nation with remorse. Or both.

She had abandoned her post in the family. She had been neglecting too many times her responsibilities and she had disgraced the whole kingdom and His Majesty with the recent tittle-tattles by the media that had been spun into something that was now placing the kingdom and the country in a bad light. How dare she decide to just barge in the complex and claim what's hers after everything she did and didn't do?

....

"Shameless, I should say," a member of the royal said in a bored voice inside a deserted hall.

"The rumor is true, then? She's coming? After all those years that she had been snobbing direct orders from His Majesty to return at once?" said another member. They were holding an unplanned meeting inside one of the many mansions in the outer court. Apparently, the news about the Princess' coming had spread inside the complex like a wildfire and it had finally reach them.

They were shocked. None of them had any idea that Pranpriya had finally returned in the country for days now. What shocked them more was the rumors spreading around that His Majesty and the Princess Mother knew about it and both had already paid the princess a visit.

"Apparently so. I've heard from one of the guards that the general has been barking commands right and left to prepare for her arrival," said another member.

"Preposterous!" hissed one member.

"Careful or you will be heard. His Majesty is very fond of Her Highness, you know? - despite their many disagreements."

"Of course, he is," said another member. "Isn't it the reason why His Majesty just allowed her to roam around like a commoner and now has brought embarrassment to the kingdom? And he still hasn't said a word about it. And now we will welcome her back like nothing is happening."

"Shall I remind all of you that she is still the Crown Princess and therefore we should show her respect," said another member heatedly.

"Anyway, who knows what the Princess wants now? Last time she checked in here, she wanted to quit and quit she did," said the other member, a scholar who was on his way to the royal institute and only dropped by upon the request of the senior member.

"His Majesty believes she is rightfully fit to inherit the crown and I daresay she is," said another one who was on his way to the royal bureau.

"She is the King's daughter. Of course, he will highly consider her. Besides, wasn't His Majesty just as defiant as his daughter is when he was still a school boy, himself?"

"Oh, yes. The late King was too soft for him," said one member and the rest agreed at once by nodding.

"And now he's doing it to Her Highness. I'd say we all have flaws and kings aren't an exception," said the most senior member who had known His Majesty since he was a young prince. He looked wizened but his eyes were sharp. He had served alongside the late King on the military and was currently serving as adviser to the King. One of the chosen few who had personal access to His Majesty as he was a member of the private council.

"I've heard her beauty is exceptional?" said one of them. Curiosity was laced on his brazen voice.

"If she looks exactly like how she looks on that appalling article, then that I would agree. But anyway, we haven't seen Her Highness for a long time now. I hope she still remember her manners."

....

Her heart was thundering so loud against the cavities of her chest when finally, the tall pediments of the numerous buildings inside the complex came into view on the windshield. The trip was short and was made even shorter by the traffic halting to give way to her convoy.

It had been years since her last visit to the complex. She knew that His Majesty wasn't fond of renovations and such, as he was as keen to preserve the façade of the old architectures like the kings before him, so she wasn't expecting any major changes within the complex, physical-wise. But nonetheless, she was growing more anxious especially when they finally crossed the main entrance and drove deeper into the extensive courtyard of the outer court and on to the northeast part where the temple was located.

She could see people flocking around and taking photographs for souvenirs or basking in the eclectic grandeur of the architectures surrounding them - which was a combination of traditional Thai and 19th century European style - where the public was partially allowed to roam around and visit. It was on them that her focus was set when the lady captain called her attention.

"Are you okay, Your Highness?" Captain Pakpao asked in an implausibly steady voice which Pranpriya envied at the moment.

"I'm not sure anymore if this is a wise decision," Pranpriya replied while studying the scatter of people they were passing by, marvelling on her culture and dynasty. She oddly felt like she was in some foreign territory despite growing up inside the complex, where the gardens served as her playground and the surrounding mansions and pavilions were her playhouses.

"Believe me, Ma'am, it is," Captain Pakpao said as she parked the car in a green courtyard outside the temple.

"How do you know that?" Pranpriya asked curiously.

But the lady captain had no time to answer her query because a uniformed man swiftly approached the car. The lady captain immediately stepped out of the vehicle to greet the general with a snap salute and then proceed to open the door beside Pranpriya.

"Welcome, Your Highness," the general said with a bow.

He was a man on his fifties. Tall, tanned and with a well-built body despite his age. His eyes were soft but his face was set and hard - a conflicting combination but nevertheless effectively intimidating. The display of pins and badges decorating his chest and the shoulders of his dark uniform were screaming of authority. A unit of royal guards was behind him. They bowed altogether when Pranpriya emerged from the car. The crisp sound of their greeting echoed across the empty courtyard. It was impressive. They were, indeed, ready for her.

"My name is General Somcha. I shall escort you to His Majesty, Ma'am," said the general. His voice was crisp with confidence of someone who had faced numerous adversities and conquered all of it.

"Thank you. But I would like to visit the temple first, General. Is that okay?" Pranpriya asked cautiously.

"Of course, Your Highness. I shall inform His Majesty. He is currently in his office and has given me the instruction to escort you should you wish to tour the complex," the general said.

"Thank you but I only wish to visit the temple before meeting His Majesty," said Pranpriya.

"This way, Ma'am," General Somcha said as he led the way towards the gate of the temple. The lady captain was walking behind her.

The temple itself could only be accessible through a stairway. The Ubosot was rectangular and single-storey, with the main entrance located on the eastern end. It was surrounded by fort-eight square columns - each with twelve indented corners and each column was decorated with glass mosaic and gilded edges; the capitals depict lotus flowers covered in colored glass mosaic.

Pranpriya paused at the stairway towards the main entrance to marvel at the sight before her. She had to squint her eyes because the afternoon sun was gleaming against the colorful tiled roof supported by columns, where gilded pediments were placed on its either end.

The elaborate details of the design of the exterior walls had always fascinated her. It was covered in traditional Thai decorations made of gold leaf and colored glass while the interior walls were painted with murals and the wooden ceiling was painted with star designs in glass mosaic.

Pranpriya passed through one of the several doors topped with a crown-like design. The general and the lady captain did not join her inside, to provide her the privacy on her praying time. She couldn't think of anything in particular to pray about and the only thing that came into her mind was enlightenment. For she didn't know what to do exactly. Or say, for that matter. She wanted to ask for guidance. And probably some peace of mind. And maybe a strong will, too. If that wasn't too much to ask, considering she hadn't been praying a lot lately.

After her short visit to the temple, the general joined her and the lady captain inside the car. They drove towards the middle court, where the important state apartments and ceremonial thrones were mostly located and where the King was waiting for her, the general said.

The lady captain parked in front of the northernmost and forward building of the group of buildings inside the middle court where a throne hall was located, instead of bringing her to His Majesty's office inside his residence. Panpriya wasted no time and proceeded to the main entrance of the hall which was reserved for use by the royalty only while her escort, the general and the lady captain, used the adjacent door.

Inside the hall was another display of impressive grandeur. Inside the large throne hall stood two rows of columns - five on the left and six on the right, adorned with floral designs - while the coffered ceiling was decorated with glass mosaic stars. It was a large hall. The floor was decorated with dark and white tiles, like a giant chessboard. The lighting was dim and giving off an archaic solemn vibe. And there, at the end of the hall and standing in front of the gilded throne was the King in a white suit. He looked secluded with his hands clasped on his back. His back was on them.

"Your Majesty? Her Royal Highness Pranpriya has arrived, Sir," the general proclaimed in a sober tone. One that sounded like a prayer.

The King turned around and faced them. He looked serious. His mouth was sealed, his eyes were unreadable. And with all that, he only looked more secluded. As though he was looking at them but not really looking at them, except with how his eyes flickered towards his daughter. There was something with how his eyes lingered on Pranpriya for a moment before he acknowledged the general and the lady captain with a slight nod.

"Leave us," His Majesty said to them. Both General Somchai and Captain Pakpao bowed and retreated immediately. Their footsteps echoed across the expansive hall until there was only silence left when the adjacent door was closed. The air felt solemn all of a sudden.

"It's good to see you donning the royal color," His Majesty spoke after he gave her a long assessing look.

"Thank you, Sir. I thought it was appropriate," Pranpriya politely replied. Weird how her insides remained calm despite how overwhelmingly intimidating the situation was.

His Majesty nodded in approval. "Indeed," he said after giving her that long searching once more before he turned his back on her once again. He was marvelling again at the throne before him.

Pranpriya, meanwhile, was looking at him and the way he stood there and the undeniable force that he was exuding. He was, indeed, the King. He could speak a volume or none at all and the people would still tremble in excitement and fright at his mere presence. And out of the blue, Pranpriya wondered if she could be revered just the same if and when...

"Do you remember where we are, Pranpriya?" His Majesty asked.

Of course, she remembered very well where they were. His Majesty had brought her here some years ago, when she was still gaping with awe and curiosity about the bloodline that she belonged to and the promise of power and grandeur that her dynasty carried.

"Inside the throne hall where most of the former kings and you were crowned, Your Majesty," Pranpriya answered.

But she didn't know why they were there, actually. Why did the King brought her here today when they could be talking somewhere less unnerving was baffling her. Sure, she wanted to talk to him, laid out her plans to him. In fact, she was hoping they could discuss it inside his office, where the walls aren't too expansive and their voices wouldn't echo across the hall, as though speaking a little too loudly might be a grave sin to the sacred throne. The reverberating effect of the capacious hall was discomforting.

"Correct. I had my first royal audience here on my first day as the King," His Majesty spoke. "It had already been years but I can still remember how I felt that day while I was standing here alone and waiting for you." He glanced at her, inviting here to come closer and marvel at the gilded throne with him; Pranpriya heeded.

"I was nervous. Although I was sure I had never showed it to anyone. I had that - what do you call it? Ah, my King face - that day. I wasn't sure what I was doing, what with both the queen and the king gone and the whole nation was still in grief with the passing of His Majesty."

"You had the Princess Mother, Sir," Pranpriya said. "Mother told me all about it. She spoke highly about it. The ceremony, the people - and there were too many people that she couldn't remember their faces anymore, she said - but only that they looked too importantly dressed and how they looked at you that day, Sir," she said. "She was probably just as nervous as you were that day, Your Majesty."

"Ah, yes. She stood by me throughout the whole time," His Majesty nodded. "And how did they, according to the Princess Mother, looked at me, Your Highness?" he then asked.

"With reverence, Your Majesty," replied Pranpriya.

"Do you think that's true?" His Majesty asked.

"I couldn't tell, Sir. But I'm sure that the Princess Mother would never lie to me about it. She said she was overwhelmed by the gravity of the event that day but it was nothing compared to what you probably felt. Especially with all those eyes looking at you," Panpriya replied earnestly.

"I agree," he said, nodding. "Your mother will never lie to you. But personally, I thought that my audience was looking at me that day 'with reverence' - as the Princess Mother had put it highly - because they probably hoped I can be as great as the old king. My father was most loved by the people, after all," His Majesty said as he glanced at her. There was a smile playing on the corner of his mouth, Pranpriya saw it before it was gone. But she wasn't sure what to make of it because she thought that His Majesty looked a little morose.

Was it that he missed the old king and his great wisdom and his good heart and his overall omnipotence?

"You are, Sir," said Pranpriya.

"Do you really think so?" His Majesty finally turned around to face her. His brows were raised with curiosity.

Pranpriya opened her mouth to speak but words failed her. She wanted so much to say yes, because despite their disagreements in many particular occasions, she knew her father. He was wise and strong and always have the best interest of the people and the kingdom. He was daring and brave. Although he could be a little too imposing and stubborn at times but he was an effective ruler. He was respected and feared. He was enjoying the same venerated status that had been given to the kings before him. But her judgement at the moment, she realized so suddenly and with regret, was clouded with all the raging emotions running inside her that came alive when their eyes finally locked. There was, after all, a fine line that separated a ruler from a father, Pranpriya realized. That while His Majesty was an effective ruler, there were times when he failed her as a father. He was distant and cold.

"I know you hate me, Pranpriya. You might even think of me as the enemy. Like someone who staunchly stands on your way to get what you want," His Majesty said. "Or what you don't want."

"You're a good ruler, Sir," Pranpriya said. And hate is a strong word, she wanted to add.

"Thank you," replied His Majesty. "But what good does a good ruler do if he couldn't fulfil his duties to his daughter?"

Her heart skipped and beat. She did not see that coming and did not know where the conversation was going anymore.

"You have been protecting me by sending the lady captain to watch over me when I was away, Your Majesty. And even while I'm here," Pranpriya said. And strangely enough, she had finally appreciated how she was watched and protected despite not wanting nor asking for it.

His Majesty smirked - the same smirk she knew she would have whenever she would hear something that tickles her humor.

"Come on, Pranpriya. You and I both know it's not just about that. It's also and mainly about safeguarding the future of the crown."

Right, Pranpriya thought. Nation, above all else.

"Despite me not wanting it?" she asked with a hint of a little insolence.

"Despite you not wanting it," His Majesty repeating her words.

"But why, Sir?" asked Pranpriya. Because she had been curious about it all these years. Why did she have to be the selected one despite her reluctance and yes, refusal? Despite her running away from it - from all of it? He could choose anyone in the lineage.

"As the reigning king, it is my duty to safeguard the future of our dynasty. And you, Pranpriya, are the future of this dynasty - whether you like it or not. It is your birth right. You bear my blood and the blood of my forefathers and therefore, it is your duty to guarantee that our bloodline doesn't die. You can refuse to accept it, of course - the Crown. The laws have been generously amended to cater the unwillingness of the next-in-line to accept his or her fate. But even so, should you refuse to take it once my reign is over and someone else will inherit the crown and reign the kingdom, you are still the future of our dynasty because you are my daughter."

"With all due respect, Your Majesty, but a prince is not on my list," Pranpriya said tersely and regretted it after. She came her to negotiate her intentions. Not create discord.

"I am aware of that. I understand now but only so little as I'm still contemplating to fully accept the things that are beyond my control."

"I do not understand, Sir," Pranpriya frowned.

"Your, ah, friend, Miss Kim, made me realize that there is a force greater than pushing for what is deemed right," His Majesty said. He made no attempt to disguise the emphasis on his voice when he spoke of Jennie and Pranpriya noticed it.

"Did Jenn- I mean, Miss Kim, discuss with you about her plans, Your Majesty?" she asked. Her heart was beating loudly again. Would she finally get the answers to her many questions regarding what Jennie did today?

His Majesty shook his head. "No," he said which made her heart sunk back to its cavity. "But only that she is willing to sacrifice her everything for your sake," he added which only made her heart sunk more. What did she do to deserve such gallantry from Jennie?

"Now, the lady captain failed to mention to the general the purpose of your visit here - not that I am not pleased that you're here, because I am, truly. But what is that you want, Pranpriya? Surely, you're not here to simply pay me and the temple a visit, am I correct?"

Pranpriya hesitated. She didn't know where to start. Or how to put it exactly without sounding desperate nor impertinent. And so she settled with: "I want to officially return to the royal household, Sir." with a straight face.

His Majesty contemplated and finally gave her a curious look. "But you have always been part of the royal household. Surely, you are aware of that, are you not? You have been funded generously by the treasury and the bureau has been updating your rightful status in the household, annually," His Majesty said.

"I mean, I want to return to my duties as the Crown Princess, Your Majesty. And no, Sir. I am not aware of the funds deposited in my account. I've only used the savings that Mother and Marco had set up for me to fund the studio and the apartment as a start-up and since then I have been using the revenues from the studio and from the gigs for my travels and expenses, which I deposit in a Korean bank account under my pseudonym."

"Gigs?"

"I shoot events with clients and also sell portraits, Sir," Pranpriya explained. "It's not big but it was enough to support my expenses."

"That explains why you had been staying in some cheap hotels whenever you're outside South Korea?" His Majesty asked.

"They are old but good hotels, Sir. I hope the lady captain did not fail to include that on her reports?" Pranpriya said defensively. She felt a little stung because she would usually choose the place where she would stay for their history and their old vibes. Both factors were important to her.

"She did not fail to acknowledge most of the things that fascinate you. I did, however. I forgot that you have been bestowed with such soul. Anyway, I am both impressed and surprised. The late king loved photography and I believe he was a big influence on your chosen interest. But it was only a hobby - one of his many. Whereas you - well, you're an entirely different story and I commend you for that, Pranpriya. Truly, I do," His Majesty said.

"Thank you, Sir," said Pranpriya as she felt her face flushed. They might have had differences but a father complimenting the works of his child was always a good thing. It made her feel like she had proven her worth. Somehow.

"On the otherhand, I'm surprised that you're here to discuss your intention with regards to your status in the kingdom. I thought you came here to beg me to let you go and allow you to return to South Korea at once, after what Miss Kim did today," His Majesty said.

"I'm sure Miss Kim has her reasons, Sir," Pranpriya replied.

"I'm sure she has," His Majesty echoed. "But are those reasons the motives of your being here and the intentions you have told me?"

"I'd be lying if I'd say no, Your Majesty. But there are reasons other than that, Sir," Pranpriya said.

"And do you wish to share them with me - those reasons? Because you see, Your Highness. Should you decide to actively participate in running the kingdom alongside me, there has to be openness between the two us. It is integral to our objectives that we communicate openly. Assuming that we have the same objectives?" His Majesty said.

"'Chat, Satsana, Phra Mahakasat.'"

"Nation, Religion, King," His Majesty said, nodding. He was satisfied.

"Yes, Sir," said Pranpriya.

"It is not going to be a walk in the park, so to speak," warned His Majesty.

But Pranpriya already knew that. She had spent the entire morning drafting inside her head the things that she should expect once she would be admitted by the king back to royal household. She had to prove her worth.

"I am aware of that, Sir. And I am willing to sacrifice and share the hardships during the process," Pranpriya said.

"There's actually really no need for that. The notion that the next-in-line should undergo difficulties in order to gain the approval of the court is medieval. But I want you to undergo formal education from a university of your choice and a degree you deem fit for your interest and capabilities."

"I will do that, Sir," Pranpriya agreed at once.

"And perhaps you need to lose that bright hair. Not that it is offending me the slightest but we have a reputation to uphold," His Majesty said.

"I will dye it black as soon as I return to the palace, Sir," said Pranpriya and quickly made a mental note to call Lek to get her a hairdresser as soon as the King was out of earshot.

"Good, good. I have an important engagement with the Minister in an hour. You can join me in my residence later and then we can discuss your plans further over dinner," said His Majesty. He was preparing to leave, causing Pranpriya a sense of panic sweeping over her.

"I will be there, Your Majesty. But Sir, I have one thing to ask from you and I implore that you will let me," she said.

"And what would that be?"

"Please allow me to return to South Korea for the last time - if it has to be the last time, Sir. I have to settle everything that I have left there. Including my place, my car..." She would do everything to bring that car to Thailand. "...and my studio. My assistant, Bobby, doesn't even know where I am or whether I will return or not and I have to bring my cats here with me, also. I cannot just leave them there and dump the responsibility on Chaeng. And speaking of Chaeng, I haven't spoken to her since my return here, Sir. I have to say goodbye to her, at least."

"And Miss Kim?"

Ah, yes. Jennie. The prospect of seeing Jennie again scared her, to be honest. She loved her but everything seemed different now. It was still the same love but the fervour - the impatience, the aggressiveness and the brazenness to overcome all of that was hindering her from acting on that love - she realized just now, had died out. The fire and the magic supplementing that desire to bask in Jennie's presence was gone.

"I haven't yet decided whether I want to see Miss Kim or not, once I get there. But I have decided to bring the lady captain with me if you will allow me, Your Majesty. To ensure you, Sir, that I will keep my word," she said.

The King gave her a long look. One that would suggest he was not keen to believe her but he would later when he was finally convinced there was truth to her words.

"We'll talk about this later," His Majesty said before he turned his heels towards the door meant for royals.

"Yes, Sir," Pranpriya said and bowed.