Chapter 4: The Search

I wake up early the next morning to prepare for my little investigation with the king. Though it's six a.m., Grace is nowhere to be found and her bed is nicely made. Where could that girl be? Figuring there's no time to waste, I shrug and get back to my own business. As an attempt to look my best, I wear my favorite floral hanbok, perfect my makeup like never before, and blow dry my hair. Once I'm ready, I head out to the entrance where his highness promised to meet me. When I get there, there's no one in sight, so I wait and observe the surroundings of this sunny autumn day. About ten minutes late, I hear footsteps and glance over to my right to the sight of his majesty coming towards me in his rich rouge clothing.

"You're late, your majesty. And way to blend in, sire. You do remember we're going into the city, do you not?" I flirt.

He laughs. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting. And this is the only kind of clothing I've owned since I became king two years ago,"

"Your highness, you've always been king. You were born king." As he simply gazes at me awkwardly, I turn the burdensome attention to the matter at hand.

"Anyway, I really hope he knows something." I begin walking and he mirrors me. Feeling his gaze on me, I instinctively look up to meet his gorgeous smile. "What?"

"I just... Thank you for helping me with this."

"It's nothing. It's my job to help you." I notice him frown and realize I maybe shouldn't have said that. "I mean- not that I wouldn't intentionally help you, your highness." I add a smile but he doesn't seem to buy it. I need to be careful what I say.

We find the old man at the jewelry store but he claims to not remember anything. As we slowly walk back, Miss Hye of the flower shop calls on me in her raspy voice - "Jade!"

"Good morning, Miss Hye," I greet her with a smile as we approach her little space that's - as always - surrounded by a colorful ensemble of roses, bell flowers, tulips, and more.

"Hi, my dear. It sounds like you're looking for something. Is everything- oh my goodness, your majesty, my apologies for not recognizing you. How rude of me. What brings you out here, sir?"

"We're in search of any information on the whereabouts of my sister," he replies as he crouches down to her level. "Have you seen her at all since her disappearance?"

"Not since I heard the news, but the day she went missing she came by my shop and later two of your guards as well as some man came to accompany her. She seemed to be in safe hands, so I was surprised when I heard she went missing after that day." Miss Hae lifts her weak, wrinkly hands to readjust her scarf.

"What?" His face pales.

As I see he's speechless, I step in. "Do you know where they headed after that?" I ask.

The king interrupts. "All my guards told me they couldn't find her. And who is this mystery guy?" He's officially panicking.

"He was someone I'd never seen before but he seemed to be of high rank," explains Miss Hye. "She introduced him to me as the love of her life." The king and I exchange glances. "Did... The guards not tell you anything?" She asks.

He shakes his head. "She never told me about any guy," he tells me, a frown reaching his temple - the kind of concerned expression a typical brother has when hearing of his sister's man.

He turns back to Miss Hye. "Did you recognize this rascal?"

She shakes her head. "No, but he wasn't dressed like someone who worked at the palace, and... I don't know if it's worth mentioning and I don't want to make any assumptions, but after a while they started arguing." The king's eyes widen. "He kept trying to convince her to run away with him but she would reject his offer. After that, the princess simply apologized to me for making a scene and then left with the man. I have no idea where they went off to after that."

His majesty massages his temple before he gets up to leave. "Thank you so much for the information, Miss Hye. You've been very helpful."

"Of course, my dear. I hope you find her highness. And I'll let you know if I see her again."

The king and I greet Miss Hye then turn to leave. "Lets go home," he says. I grin and follow him back to the palace.

Once we arrive at my door, we bump into my dad who approaches from the other side of the corridor. "There you are, Jade. Your majesty, I hope my daughter has been serving you well," he bows down to the king politely.

"She's been very helpful, Marquess Moon. Your daughter is a wonderful woman." I purse my lips to contain a smile. "I should be heading back for lunch. Jade?"

I nod in agreement. "I will be right there, your majesty."

Once the king is out of sight, I face my dad who's smiling proudly. I smile back.

"You're doing a superb job, darling. I knew I could count on you," he praises me. "The king seems to favor you."

"Indeed, father," I say confidently. "I'm already ahead of Grace by many steps."

"Good. Jade, I know you and Grace are best friends but you know this is all for the best,"

"Yes, father. I know. I can't have both."

"That's my girl. Have you had breakfast? It seems like you and the king went out quite early this morning."

"No, I haven't eaten. But I have to go serve the king now."

"Okay, well, make sure you eat something when you have time."

"I will. I'll see you later, father." I scurry to the King's suite.