The Crown Prince Evil Consort

Chapter 19 Never Get What You Wish For

After departing from that part of the palace, princess Chul Yun Hee led them to the training grounds. Song Jae and Lee Cha were taken aback by the intense training session before them.

The knights-in-training were shirtless, their upper bodies glistening with sweat.

"Princess, let's leave now," Song Jae urged, her face flushing. "It's not proper for us to be here. If rumors spread about us witnessing the knights' partial undress, our reputations could suffer."

Although Song Jae had grown accustomed to seeing shirtless men in her previous life, she recognized that this world operated under different social norms.

Determined to avoid raising suspicions, she refrained from drawing attention to herself. After all, the real Song Jae would never be caught gazing at shirtless men, and she couldn't risk compromising her new identity.

Lee Cha, unusually outspoken, nodded. "Rumors can ruin reputations, your jighness. Your imperial connections shield you, but Song Jae and I are exposed to the whims of gossip."

Princess Chul Yun Hee nodded understandingly. "Very well, let's depart. I wouldn't want either of you to face unnecessary scrutiny."

"If anyone sees us, we can simply say I was searching for my brother, the crown prince," she continued.

At the mention of the crown prince's name, song jae's expression darkened. She still seethed about the unauthorized kiss he had stolen.

Just then, a cold voice echoed from behind. "And what malicious rumors are you spreading about me behind my back?"

Song Jae's heart skipped a beat as She didn't need to turn around to know who stood behind her. The saying "you never get what you wish for" now made sense.

Seeing princess Chul Yun Hee and Lee Cha already facing and greeting the crown prince, Song Jae realized she could no longer ignore him without offering a proper greeting.

To avoid accusations of disrespecting the royal family, she composed herself and turned to face him.

As she turned, the crown prince's deep voice sent shivers down her spine, leaving her skin dotted with goosebumps.

"Greetings, your highness," Song Jae said, bowing deeply. "The little dragon's ten thousand years."

The crown prince's eyes narrowed slightly. "Prime minister Song's daughter and Duke Lee's daughter.

I see you're acquainted with my sister."Yes your highness, Song Jae replied!

"Your new study partners, I presume?" Prince Chul Kwan asked, his tone laced with pretended nonchalance, though he had been present when the arrangement himself.

"Yes, brother," she confirmed, her eyes sparkling.

"Don't be intimidated," she reassured Song Jae and Lee Cha. "My brother just has a naturally stern expression that can easily frighten children."

The crown prince's eyes narrowed, his gaze teasing. "Do you want me to assign extra training as punishment, princess?" His deep voice sent shivers down her spine.

Princess Chul Yun Hee's grin faltered for a moment before she recovered. "Brother, come on, I was only jesting!"

The crown prince's devilish smile grew wider, and princess Chul Yun Hee couldn't help but feel amused.

"How could anyone fear this handsome face of yours?"

she asked, her voice dripping with teasing laughter, hearing no response from her brother, princess Chul Yun-Hee's smiled faltered, replaced by an awkward giggle.

As Chul Kwan watched his sister laugh awkwardly, he felt confused as to why she was laughing.

"Alright, you girls may take your leave now," he said. "Miss Song, may I have a word with you?"

Princess Chul Yun Hee swiftly grasped Lee Cha's arm, sensing her brother's desire for a private conversation.

"Let's give them some space," she whispered, and they stepped aside.

She couldn't help but wonder why her brother, notorious for his disdain towards women, sought a private conversation with Song Jae, especially given their recent acquaintance.

Unbeknownst to the princess, her brother's distaste for female proximity was rooted in a rare skin sensitivity, causing reactions to even casual touch.

As Lee Cha gazed at the crown prince, the air seemed to chill, and her skin crawled with an unsettling sensation, as if a thousand ants marched beneath her skin.

When Lee Cha heard that crown prince Chul Kwan wanted to speak with Song Jae alone, she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.

Song Jae possessed a remarkable ability to put people at ease, effortlessly forming connections – as evident in her rapid bond with the princess, who seemed like a lifelong friend after just a day.

Despite her envy, Lee Cha acknowledged her own trepidation around the crown prince.

The whispers about his intimidating nature weren't exaggerated, and she doubted she could converse with him without trembling.

So, she felt secretly relieved to escape his presence.

Throughout the kingdom, it was common knowledge that crown prince Chul Kwan harbored a deep disdain for women and possessed a ruthless streak.

His reputation preceded him, with whispers of his ability to take a life without hesitation.

The infamous incident involving lady Cha, daughter of the marquis, served as a stark reminder of his merciless nature.

After she inadvertently touched his sleeve, he publicly humiliated her, casting her out of a restaurant.

The aftermath saw lady Cha retreat from society for an entire year, her reputation tarnished.

As Song Jae stood beside Chul Kwan, she felt torn between curiosity and apprehension regarding the crown prince's sudden interest in speaking with her.

Her heart sanked at the possibility that he was here to settle the score with her regarding the slap from that day; a month had passed since the incident.

She couldn't believe that prince Chul Kwan was being so petty.

Meanwhile, Song Jae also marveled at her own bravery in slapping him, yet simultaneously questioned her sanity.

After all, no one had ever dared slap the crown prince before, yet she had – and miraculously, she remained unscathed.

Given their limited interactions, Song Jae's curiosity was piqued. "If I may ask, your highness, the crown prince," she ventured, "what occasioned this private audience?"

Chul Kwan's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'm heading to the border soon.

Do try not to miss me too terribly." His words were accompanied by an intimate gesture, his hands enveloping hers as if sharing a tender farewell.

Song Jae's face warmed as she hastily pulled her hands free. Song Jae breathed a silent sigh of relief upon hearing the Crown prince's impending departure for the border.

His absence would spare her awkward encounters during future palace visits for classes. However, she wisely kept this thought hidden, lest he reconsider his departure or take further liberties.

"With that, I wish you a safe and successful journey, Your Highness," Song Jae said, her words laced with courtesy.

"May your travels be uneventful and your return swift."

Though Chul Kwan's expression betrayed no emotion,

Chul Kwan's piercing gaze seemed to see through her facade, detecting the genuine relief that underpinned her polite words.

Though Song Jae attempted to mask her emotions, her shining eyes revealed her genuine relief.

Not knowing she was already discovered, Chul Kwan seized the opportunity to provoke her.

"Your words wish me well, Song Jae," he said, his tone playful, "but your eyes tell a different story. Are you certain you desire my safe return?"

Song Jae's cheeks burned as she fought to maintain her poise. It was infuriating how effortlessly he discerned her thoughts.

What reason did she have to miss him? Their acquaintance was fleeting, considering of mere formalities.

Their history consisted of merely three encounters: the first when he was injured, the second when he kissed her without warning, and now, their third meeting.

Given their limited and tumultuous interactions, how could he possibly expect her to miss him?

Their relationship was devoid of warmth, with barely enough time to foster acquaintance, let alone affection.