Chapter 2: Royal Engagement
Bunny is overwhelmed by her mother statement about the royal marriage. She remembers when she just passed her high school, at the age of 17, her parents used to tell her about her engagement to the crown prince. The late King and her grandfather were friends. They shared a lot of knowledge in common. Bunny's ancesters has been well known philosophers of Korea for centuries. Some of them have been priministers of the countries and had worked in parliament. However, they had not much had deep relationship with the palace people if it had not been for the country welfare or political issues.
The late King, the father of current King was famous for his special wisdom and kindness. Besides, he only had one wife who bear him an only son for the throne. He had long been friends with Bunny's grandfather and they respect each other very much. The late King was very fond of the her family. Therefore, before he passed, he had make this request to the current King, his only son, to ask for Chae Soo Bin's hand in marriage for his elder grandson who is in next line for the throne. And the current King agreed to do so.
"But mother," Bunny says, "I have never met the crown prince. What if the prince doesn't like me at all, what if he already have the woman he loves. Besides, I might not fit for the crown princess role".
To this her mother replys, "My dear daughter, don't think too far, please go and see the prince and his family. Since both the prince and you are single, why don't you try to work for the attachment. Maybe you both will fall in love. Besides , it is a promise of our elders."
There is a silent.
Her mother continue, " if the outcome is not very good ...then we can discuss that later. But look at the King and Queen. They also married with parents' arrangement. But they formed respect and attachment. Maybe you and the prince will do the same thing too."
Bunny thinks to herself, "who will know"
So the next day, both her parents and her visit the the the royal vacation house at the near end of the city.
The royal vacation house is a big household although not as big or grand as the the royal palace in the city. In fact, it looks actually more cozy; more like a living home. Still it is surrounded by a big garden.
The servant tells Bunny and her family to wait in the luxury living room.
So they sit and wait while admire the art of architecture for the building which is built in a European style.
Not long after, her aunt and another lady arrive. They are both relatives of the queen. And they are both unmarried(spinsters!!) and are cheerful. All sit and talk while waiting for the Queen.
Bunny's aunt, Mi Mi, and her cousin Mi Yeon, are laughing while talking about the royal driver for the palace that have to pick them up is so fashionable with a pink hair.
"Youth, whatever they do look great."
"Hehehe, yeah"
Bunny's head is up a bit when she hears PINK!!...
Then, the Queen comes in.
Of course, she does not wear anything like on how media shows. Her dress is a lot more casual than those seen on TV.
The queen is indeed calm, humble and intelligent person. But she does ask a lot of questions including about Bunny's education and her interests. It is interesting that both the Queen and Bunny love reading and artistic things that are classic.
When all the greetings and questions are over. The Queen invites them to dinner for the next evening.
"Let's party the dinner this coming Friday night. Both his majesty the king and crown prince Siwan and his brother, who is just graduated from the USA are coming. They are not here today because they have work abroad. They are flying back to Korea tomorrow."
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It is 2 days left to Friday. Bunny is very busy. She has to practice for the royal dinner. She has to do SPA. She has to try on the beautiful dresses that her aunts bring to her.
The evening before the dinner party, Bunny and So Hyang meet for evening talk. Bunny tells So Hyang about her fate. So Hyang shook her head. Arrange marriage is not ideal thing for her. "But I wish you all the best", she says at last.
To which Bunny reply, "I am just going to see him."
At the royal dinner, the younger prince is absent due to his personal matter. The crown prince Siwan is very elegant and handsome. He definetly possess the features that many women adore. But still, he look really serious.
The King look very matured and elegant as well. And the Queen look very beautiful despite her age.
The king and Bunny talk a lot. " Yes, these days technology is even getting a lot more developed. We would really like the young prince Seokjin to manage in the area since he graduated with Engineering. And our crown prince is doing so well with international affairs."
He continue, " we would like to have him have someone who can ease his tiredness. Someone who will look after the household for him. Or maybe someone who can help him with his work" And he and Queen smile.
Her parents, the King and Queen all talk. Prince Siwan also speak up to sometimes when it is necessary. But he doesn't even glance at Bunny. And Bunny is the one who is the most quiet person. She feels out of place somehow.
After the dinner is over, everyone is going to the library room. But Bunny asks to stay behind in the living room, saying she feels sick somehow.
The two servants girls accompany her in the living room.
From them, Bunny learns that Prince Siwan used to have a girlfriend whom he loved dearly. But for some reason she married another man. Since then the prince busied himself with work.
But then there is a call for the two girls from the kitchen. So Bunny just let them go.
When, she is alone, Bunny's tears pour down. She look up at the big great beautiful room. But can she be really happy here? Does she really have to marry someone who did not even glance at her once? Probably, he will never be able to fall for her or even like her. Yep, she feels very sick. But suddenly, someone calls her..
"Hey, miss, is this yours?"
Bunny somehow feels familiar to the voice. It is the man from the restroom days before. He is holding her beautiful gold hair pin.