Chapter 3

Astari

“You sure you’re ok with this?” Jongsu asks me upon entering the room.

“OK with what?”

“With Kurtis, it seems sudden…” He trails off.

“I know. It is pretty hasty isn’t it?”

“If you know this, then why go through with it?”

“Jongsu, you’ve known me the longest. Do you really think I would make rash decisions?”

“This is why I am confused.”

“Sooyung and Kurtis have been around my family for years. You know this. They visited so much that they may as well have lived with us while they trained with Admiral Ji-Hoon and served Chief Kwan. I’d be lying if I said I never thought of Kurtis romantically.” I sigh, looking around the hotel room. It’s set up similar to the other one we stayed in, just the colors are more tropical than the one in the city.

“You thought of Kurtis romantically? But he was only a high-class guard. Your father would never have approved.”

“Again, why I only thought about it. It’s not like he really talked to me anyway.”

“He didn’t really talk to anyone.”

“I know, it’s just odd, he told Prince Myom-Li that if he is going to lead he might as well get what he wants. If what he wants is me, when did that happen?”

“Only he knows. You should get cleaned up. You may also want to call your dad. He’s annoyed that he was the last to hear about the proposal.” Jongsu advises.

“Yep, I had planned to call him but…” I shrug then go to the bathroom and wash my hair. Kurtis said he was going to help me. Oh well, I think it’s best we maintain a bit of distance for now. Khelani is going to be so surprised. Danielle will be shocked too. Prince Myom-Li probably told her already.

Getting out of the shower, I pick out some clothes Jongsu conveniently brought with him. I am glad Kurtis kept him as my guard. Jongsu’s been my best friend forever. I just wonder how Kinta will handle Jongsu being so far away. They think they are stealthy, but I know something is up between them. Just like Han Lee and Hyun-Ki. Well, I guess it’s Kim Lee Han. That’s going to take an adjustment.

Hyun-Ki is a recluse. He rarely hangs out with anyone after what happened between him and Prince Myom-Li. He sure has latched on to Kim Lee Han. Kim Lee Han, however, doesn’t appear receptive or maybe he’s just emotionally unavailable. I don’t know, he doesn’t say much similar to how Kurtis was.

I wonder if Kurtis noticed and what he thinks about it. Perhaps he doesn’t have any opinions about it. It’s not like they were super close. I should ask Sora to look into it. If I try to pry, Hyun-Ki will just tell me to mind my own business. I could ask Danielle…

“Hey, baba,” I say into the phone.

“Star, how are you going to agree to a marriage without letting me know first.” My father admonishes.

“It’s not like you wouldn’t have agreed.”

“I wouldn’t have had a choice. You could have at least told me so I was prepared.”

“Ba, it happened so fast. I was just talking to him in the garden when he asked and then told his dad that he’ll only lead if we marry. You know The Alliance is in a precarious situation right now. We cannot afford to offend the Kims or to lose stable leadership right now.”

“You always knew more than you should. Why couldn’t you be born a boy?”

“You tell me, it was your seed that made me what I am. Anyway, I am happy with this arrangement.”

“Star, there’s a lot of responsibility being the wife of the Chief. I’m worried for you, so far none of the Head Chiefs’ wives survived.”

“Technically one did. Lady Agawa is still here.”

“Funny, Star. I am serious. Be careful.”

“I will. Besides, Jongsu is still with me. I will be fine.”

“That’s good then, I need to prepare for your return and your wedding. Have you set a date?”

“No.”

“Let your mom know when you do. She’s been begging to head to China to see you.”

“I miss her too. The wedding will have to be in Korea. Naturally, I will need to come home at some point.”

“Ok, tell your sister to call when you talk to her next.”

“Ok.” I agree before releasing the call.

“You ready?” Jongsu asks me.

“Yea. I will call the others later. I am hungry.”

Walking into the restaurant, Kurtis stands greeting me with a smile. He’s so handsome, I am really not surprised the Admiral is his dad. Such good genes. Both his sons are gorgeous. However, Lee Han must favor his mother whereas Kurtis seems to be a mix between the two.

I don’t know why I never noticed the resemblance before.

Now that I think about it, I never saw the Admiral and Kurtis in the same place before. Kurtis and Han Lee both have Dark brown hair but the Admiral’s hair is black. The Admiral also keeps his hair long like Chief Kwan but his sons keep theirs cropped short on the side. Kurtis has slightly tanned skin where Admirals is pale. It’s no wonder no one put it together. Still, though, Lee Han and Kurtis both have the same serious eyes as the Admiral and his height.

I sit in the offered chair and watch as Kurtis returns to the seat across from me.

“I ordered for you, I hope that’s ok.”

“I’m not picky so it’s fine. Sorry, I took so long.”

“It’s ok, I had something to do anyway. Did you get the sand out of your hair?”

“I think so, wish I had some maids here since you left me to fend for myself.”

“I can help you after dinner, I promise I don’t have anything else to do.” He laughs.

“As long as you take responsibility. It’s your fault it’s in there in the first place.” I accuse.

“Oh? You weren’t an active part in the festivities?”

“You initiated it. I am just a pure innocent maiden.” I answer primly. His laugh is so deep and makes my stomach do somersaults.

“Well forgive me for taking advantage.”

“You are forgiven.” The waiter arrives and places the dishes in front of us. He ordered garlic mussels, Mei-fun, and Roasted Duck. It all smelled delicious.

“These are a few of my favorites. If you don’t like them we can order something else.”

“It’s fine.” I wave him off and begin filling my plate before eating. It’s so delicious. We sit in comfortable silence while we eat. Once finished, I sip the wine and he orders dessert to go.

“To go?”

“You seem to have questions. It may be best to ask those in the privacy of your room.”

“You could tell?”

“You bite your lip when you’re thinking.”

“Oh.” I catch myself chewing on my lip and purse them to resist the urge to do it again. He chuckles again and then grabs the bag the waiter brings before offering me his arm and we head upstairs.