A King's Ransom

by Shawn Bailey

  “They’re in love,” Jung-Woo announced.

  “Since when?”

  “Since the first time they met,” the prince answered. “Everyone in the family just loves Andrew.”

  “Very funny,” Edward said. “Andy is my favorite cousin. You guys better be good to him.”

  “He is going to be the royal consort of the youngest crowned prince in Korea. He shall be treated like a king.”

  They eventually left the base and ended up at another hotel. Edward didn’t think it was wise to stay at the other one since Celestine still knew where it was and they still weren’t sure they could trust him. They took a plane back to Seoul, Korea the next day.

  Chapter Eighteen

  “You better take care of him,” Andy said to Ra as Dazed stood in the terminal waiting for Andrew and Tory’s people to leave.

  “I will,” Ra Day said. “Just hurry back. I can only tolerate him so long.”

  Ae-Jong hit Ra on the arm. “I need a sparring partner for later on at the dojo. You’ll do just nicely.”

  Chika and Hanako laughed and teased Ra.

  “I wish I could take you with me, but you have a big CD release coming up, and you’re going to be very busy.”

  “Don’t fall in love with some red-headed idiot while you’re gone,” Ae-Jong said to Andy.

  Noel playfully bumped into Ae-Jong. “I heard that.”

  Ae-Jong giggled.

  “Try not to get your ass kidnapped again while he’s gone,” Tomahiko said in passing.

  “Same to you, pretty boy. It’s Noel’s turn, anyway.”

  “I heard that,” Noel said from his seat where he’d plopped down next to Edward.

  “Don’t kiss anyone while I’m gone,” Andy said as Cheng, Deming, and Fai arrived.

  Fai smiled smugly at Andrew and then went off to board their private jet with their pilot.

  “Same to you, buddy, except maybe your mom,” Ae-Jong said to him. “I can’t wait to meet her and the rest of the family.”

  “Ra is going to work on getting you guys’ passports updated and apply for visas while I’m gone. Edward is looking forward to you guys performing at his wedding.”

  “It’s the least I can do for him risking his life flying that plane to save me.”

  “I helped,” Andy said.

  “I would kiss you, but we’re in public,” Ae-Jong said.

  “Make sure you don’t go anywhere without security. Even though Rozi Masvingo is now on the no-fly list, that won’t stop Contee, Kashmi, or King Bello from attempting to take you out of this country either.”

  “I won’t. I’ll keep security around us even at work.”

  “And no plane trips to Hong Kong. If you must talk to Cheng, use the phone. And…”

  “Yeah, I know, no trips to Shanghai either,” Ae-Jong finished for him.

  Andrew had been allowed to sleep in Ae-Jong’s wing for a couple of nights to make sure Ae-Jong got some decent sleep. He went back to his place yesterday to pack. Andrew had found a tenant for his Manhattan apartment, and he was going to New York to pack it up next. Ae-Jong wished he could go with him to see Andrew’s place. His manager promised to do a video home tour and put it on YouTube for him to see.

  Andrew’s flight was announced. Ae-Jong hugged him and then Andy bowed to him, Chika, Hanako, and Ra. “See you guys when I return.”

  Andy would be spending Thanksgiving in Boston with his family this year. Noel and Edward, too, but he promised to be back in Seoul in time for Christmas. Noel’s wedding was planned for June. Tory promised not to send them on tour until after that. Until then they had to remain behind to write and record some songs and spend some time with their fandom.

  They watched the Americans leave. Tory led the way talking with Adam Montgomery. Luke Austin and Tomahiko Akiyama were next. Edward Green and Noel Charles walked away together casually talking. Akira Maki and Daisuke Abe followed them.

  Ae-Jong fought to hold back the tears as Andrew walked away. Then Andrew ran back, picked Ae-Jong up and swung him around in a bear hug. “I love you, Jongie, and I’ll see you soon.”

  “I love you, too, Andrew Green. I’ll be waiting.”

  Andrew put him down and went to board his plane. He waved, and the four royals bowed respectfully to their manager.

  They watched through the window as the plane taxied the field, then took off.

  “Come on, troublemakers. It’s time to leave,” Ra said to Ae-Jong, Hanako and Chika.

  Ae-Jong couldn’t wait until Andy returned so they could begin their six-year courtship and have the time of their lives before Ae-Jong became king of South Korea.

  They bowed and then followed Ra out of the airport. Ji-Hu drove them back to the palace. Security followed.

  THE END

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