Mi-Suk was standing next to the Third Prince, her heart beating fast beneath the layers of her red and gold hanbok. She felt the guests' curious and judgmental gazes, as if each one was waiting to witness a spectacle or a tragedy.
Among the Guests:
Guest 1: (whispering) They say the Third Prince is a mysterious man. No one knows where his personal guards came from or even how he secured his position in the court.
Guest 2: (nodding) That's true. I've heard stories that he possesses supernatural powers. They say he once survived deadly poisons.
Guest 3: (with disdain) Or maybe he's just smarter than most. Intelligence can seem like magic to fools.
The murmurs grew louder but quickly faded when the master of ceremonies initiated the celebration.
The Ceremony:
Mi-Suk felt the weight of every gaze as she and the Third Prince walked toward the altar. Hyeon, the Third Prince, maintained perfect posture, his expression calm and unreadable, as if the rumors surrounding him were nothing but insignificant whispers.
Upon arrival, they positioned themselves before the priest. The solemn words of the ritual echoed through the grand hall, but to Mi-Suk, each word felt heavier than the last.
Priest: (solemnly) Today, before the heavens and the imperial court, we unite these two souls.
Hyeon turned to Mi-Suk, his expression gentle, yet his eyes remained as enigmatic as ever. When it was his turn to speak, he slightly inclined his head toward her, his voice low and firm.
Hyeon: I vow to protect you, Mi-Suk, with my life if necessary.
Mi-Suk met his gaze, trying to decipher the meaning behind his words. His tone was serious, almost too solemn, as if he were truly prepared to sacrifice something great.
Mi-Suk: (sincerely) I vow to be your loyal wife and do my best to fulfill my duties.
As their vows concluded, the priest blessed them, and the hall erupted in polite applause. Mi-Suk tried to take a deep breath, but the weight of her new reality still pressed against her chest.
Musicians played traditional instruments, and exquisite dishes were served by impeccably dressed attendants. Now officially the wife of the Third Prince, Mi-Suk tried to blend in with the guests, but the whispers around her were hard to ignore.
Guest 3: (whispering to a friend) Did you see how nervous she is? Does she even know what she's gotten herself into?
Guest 4: (with a disdainful look) They say she married the Third Prince just for wealth and power.
Mi-Suk bit her lip, feeling the sting of their words spread across her skin. She knew people would always judge her choices, but she couldn't help feeling affected by them.
Hyeon noticed her unease and approached her with a glass of wine in hand, his face maintaining the same composed expression.
Hyeon: (softly) Don't concern yourself with what others say, Mi-Suk.
Mi-Suk looked at him, surprised by the unexpected kindness in his words.
Hyeon: (continuing) What matters is that we are together now, and we will face any challenge that comes our way.
For a moment, Mi-Suk felt a fleeting sense of relief.
Mi-Suk: (grateful) Thank you, Your Highness. Your words bring me comfort.
Hyeon inclined his head slightly, offering an almost imperceptible smile before stepping away to speak with other guests.
As Mi-Suk struggled to maintain appearances, the whispers around her persisted.
Guest 5: (whispering) Was she forced into this marriage? Or does she truly believe she can handle the Third Prince?
Guest 6: (murmuring) It doesn't matter. He always has a plan. No one survives by his side by chance.
Mi-Suk clenched her hands at the words but kept her composure. To her, what mattered most was the greater purpose of her marriage: saving her mother.
The Balcony
Later, as the festivities continued in the grand hall, Mi-Suk found a moment of solitude on the palace balcony. The night breeze gently swayed her tied-up hair as she gazed at the starry sky, trying to organize her thoughts.
Hyeon joined her shortly after, his footsteps so silent that she almost startled.
Hyeon: (calmly) Lost in thought, my wife?
Mi-Suk turned to him, surprised by his closeness.
Mi-Suk: (hesitant) Just… reflecting.
Hyeon tilted his head slightly, watching her as if trying to decipher every hidden thought in her mind.
Hyeon: (softly) I know this is difficult for you. But I promise that, regardless of the rumors and circumstances, I will do everything I can to ensure you find peace here.
Mi-Suk studied his face for a moment, trying to discern if there was sincerity behind his words.
Mi-Suk: (in a low tone) Thank you, Hyeon. I hope you can keep that promise.
Hyeon took a step closer, holding her gaze.
Hyeon: (quietly) I always keep my promises.
The celebration was nearing its end. The soft melody of the instruments still echoed through the Grand Hall, but the vibrant energy from earlier in the night had transformed into something more subdued. Outside, on the imperial palace balcony, Mi-Suk and the Third Prince, Hyeon, stood side by side, gazing at the night sky. The crescent moon shone like a solitary jewel, surrounded by scattered stars.
The light breeze swayed the hanging paper lanterns, casting dancing shadows on the intricately carved marble walls. Mi-Suk pulled the fabric of her hanbok tighter around herself, trying to fend off the creeping cold of the night.
Hyeon, standing just a few steps away, seemed relaxed, but something in his posture hinted at an underlying tension. He kept his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze fixed on the horizon as if searching for answers.
Mi-Suk: (whispering, hesitant) Hyeon… why did you agree to this arranged marriage?
Hyeon turned to look at her slowly. For a moment, his eyes seemed as dark as the sky, but there was an enigmatic glimmer within them.
Hyeon: (gently) Just call me Hyeon. Formality isn't necessary here, Mi-Suk.
Mi-Suk blinked, surprised by his response. Saying his name without the title felt more intimate, more human.
Mi-Suk: (almost murmuring) Hyeon… then why did you accept?
Hyeon sighed, turning his gaze back to the moon. He seemed to be choosing his words carefully.
Hyeon: (in a low tone) My dear, this marriage was forced upon both of us. But there were reasons I did not oppose it… reasons beyond what you can imagine.
Mi-Suk: (tilting her head, curious) What reasons?
Hyeon turned to face her, his expression serious but without hostility.
Hyeon: (holding her gaze) I am much more than the title I bear, Mi-Suk. There are secrets… things the Empire must never know. Things that, if revealed, could shake the very foundations of this kingdom.
A shiver ran down Mi-Suk's spine. His words carried a weight she could not ignore.
Mi-Suk: (worried, taking a step back) You're scaring me, Hyeon.
Hyeon: (gently, stepping closer) That was never my intention. I know this is difficult to accept, but for now, I ask that you trust me. When the time is right, I will share everything with you.
Mi-Suk: (lowering her gaze, uncertain) And if… I can't wait for that time?