Bora briefly held his hand, her eyes reflecting mutual understanding.
Bora: (nodding) "Save Lady Mi-Suk from this terrible fate, Si-U."
Si-U: (with determination) "You can count on me."
As Si-U walked away, the gentle breeze carried the sound of fountains and rustling leaves, but for Bora, the garden felt quieter. She looked up at the blue sky, murmuring to herself.
Bora: (softly) "I hope we find a solution… before it's too late."
She turned her attention back to the flowers, but her mind lingered on Si-U's words.
Mi-Suk stood near an arched window, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched the hem of her dazzling hanbok. The fabric, embroidered with delicate patterns of golden dragons and lotus flowers, weighed heavily on her, much like the responsibility she bore.
The sound of firm footsteps echoed through the hall, drawing her attention. She turned to see the Third Prince, Hyeon, entering confidently. He wore a royal black tunic adorned with silver details, his enigmatic eyes seeming to assess her. When he smiled, the gesture was polite, but there was something in his eyes Mi-Suk couldn't decipher.
Hyeon: (with a friendly smile) "Mi-Suk, you look beautiful."
Mi-Suk: (nervously, trying to smile) "Thank you, Your Highness."
Hyeon walked to the center of the hall, observing the luxurious surroundings with ease, as if he were the center of the universe.
Hyeon: (lightly) "Everything is prepared for our union, Mi-Suk. I'm certain we'll make an impeccable couple."
Mi-Suk swallowed hard, feeling the pressure mount. She forced a smile, though her heart raced.
Mi-Suk: (in a low voice) "Yes, Your Highness. I am grateful for your kindness."
Hyeon stepped closer, his movements calculated yet unhurried. He seemed to analyze every detail of her expression.
Hyeon: (softening his tone) "You don't need to be nervous, my future wife. Our union will benefit both realms."
Mi-Suk averted her gaze, avoiding the intensity of his eyes.
Mi-Suk: (hesitant) "I… I understand, Your Highness."
Noticing her hesitation, Hyeon tilted his head slightly, his expression growing more serious.
Hyeon: (with calculated concern) "Is something wrong, my dear? Don't worry—I promise you'll have a comfortable life by my side."
Mi-Suk took a deep breath, summoning her courage. The weight of the situation felt crushing, but she knew she couldn't ignore her feelings.
Mi-Suk: (trembling slightly) "Actually, Your Highness, there's something I'd like to discuss before the marriage is consummated."
Hyeon raised an eyebrow, intrigued. He gestured for her to continue, his curiosity apparent.
Hyeon: (gently) "Oh, really? Don't hesitate to speak, my future wife. I'm here to listen."
Mi-Suk looked at him, searching for a hint of sincerity in his enigmatic face.
Mi-Suk: (lowering her head) "I… I am not ready to consummate our marriage."
Hyeon was silent for a moment, and Mi-Suk felt her heart race even faster. To her surprise, he didn't seem angry. Instead, he gave a slight nod, the smile returning to his lips.
Hyeon: (calmly) "Don't worry about that, Mi-Suk. We can wait as long as necessary."
Mi-Suk looked up at him, surprised by his response.
Mi-Suk: (relieved) "Thank you, Your Highness."
Hyeon took a step back, adjusting the sleeves of his tunic as he spoke.
Hyeon: (reassuringly) "Mi-Suk, I know this marriage wasn't your choice, just as it wasn't mine. But I promise to do my best to make it easier for you."
His words sounded sincere, but Mi-Suk still felt an underlying tension, as if there was more to his intentions.
Mi-Suk: (attempting to smile) "I appreciate your understanding, Your Highness."
Hyeon inclined his head slightly, keeping his smile.
Hyeon: (in a gentle tone) "You are my wife now, Mi-Suk. You can call me Hyeon. There's no need for such formality between us."
Mi-Suk hesitated but nodded her head.
Mi-Suk: (softly) "All right… Hyeon."
Hyeon turned and walked toward the center of the hall, where other members of the court waited for him. Mi-Suk remained behind, watching his silhouette as her thoughts raced.
Mi-Suk: (thinking) "He seems so kind… but there's something he's not saying. Why did he agree to this marriage? What is he hiding?"
On the other side of the hall, Hyeon stopped and glanced over his shoulder, capturing Mi-Suk's gaze. For a brief moment, it seemed as though he could read all her thoughts, but he soon looked away, greeting the other guests with a flawless smile.
Si-U approached Mi-Suk as the Third Prince greeted other guests.
Si-U: (in a low voice) "Mi-Suk, we need to talk."
Mi-Suk: (nervously, glancing around) "Si-U, we shouldn't be speaking like this… especially here."
Her eyes scanned the room quickly, searching for curious glances. The last thing she wanted was to draw unwanted attention.
Si-U: (seriously) "I know this isn't the ideal place, but what's about to happen is more dangerous than you realize. I can't just ignore it."
Mi-Suk hesitated, but the seriousness on Si-U's face compelled her to listen. She stepped slightly to the side, trying to appear casual as they spoke.
Mi-Suk: (in a whisper) "You don't understand, Si-U. If I refuse this marriage now, the consequences will be terrible. I could be killed… and worse, I wouldn't get the flower my mother needs to be healed."
Si-U: (clenching his fists) "I've already spoken to Bora. She told me everything. I can bring the flower for your mother, Mi-Suk. You don't have to sacrifice yourself like this."
His words brought tears to Mi-Suk's eyes. She looked away, fighting the emotions threatening to overwhelm her.
Mi-Suk: (with a trembling voice) "Thank you, Si-U. Thank you so much for saving my mother. But for me… there's no turning back."
A tear rolled down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away.
Mi-Suk: (in a whisper) "I'm doomed to this marriage."
Si-U frowned, his heart heavy as he saw the pain in her eyes.
Si-U: (in a firm tone) "Mi-Suk, you can't condemn yourself to a life with this… this psychopath. There must be another way. Tell me how I can help."
Mi-Suk: (sighing deeply) "Si-U, I know you want to help, and I appreciate it more than you know. But there's nothing you can do. I accepted this fate because it's the only way to protect the people I love."
Si-U leaned slightly forward, trying to find a trace of hope in her gaze.
Si-U: (determined) "Mi-Suk, there's always a way out. We can't let fear control our lives. I'm willing to risk everything to find a solution."
Mi-Suk looked up, meeting Si-U's eyes. He seemed sincere, but she knew he didn't fully understand the real danger surrounding them.
Mi-Suk: (with sadness) "You don't understand, Si-U. He's ruthless. If I back out now, not just me, but everyone around me will be punished."
Si-U: (shaking his head) "We can't let him win. There must be something we can do."
Mi-Suk: (with a sad smile) "Please understand, Si-U. I can't risk everyone's lives for an impulsive act. I need to go through with this, at least for now."
Si-U took a deep breath, frustrated but unwilling to give up.
Si-U: (firmly) "Mi-Suk, I promise I'll find a way to help. You're not alone in this."
Mi-Suk nodded silently, though the weight on her heart felt heavier than ever.
As Si-U walked away, he glanced back briefly, watching Mi-Suk force a smile for the guests greeting her. A lump formed in his throat as he realized the sacrifice she was making.
Si-U: (thinking) "I need to act quickly. I can't leave her to face this alone. No matter what, I'll save her."
The sound of music and guests' laughter contrasted with the invisible tension hanging in the air. As the Third Prince returned to Mi-Suk, Si-U slipped away among the crowd, already planning his next move.
Mi-Suk: (thinking) "Maybe there's no escape for me… but if my mother is saved, then it will have been worth it."
Despite the grandeur, an invisible tension loomed, fueled by whispers and furtive glances throughout the hall.