- Jun Joonwoo -
I stood before my father, the former king, in the grand throne room of our palace. His eyes, worn with age and experience, looked at me with a serious expression.
"Joonwoo, my son," he said, his voice low and commanding. "I have received an invitation from the Chinese king, requesting your presence at his wedding celebration."
I bowed my head, showing respect. "Yes, Father. I am aware of the invitation."
My father's eyes narrowed. "I want you to attend this wedding, Joonwoo. It is a matter of great importance, not just for our kingdom, but for the balance of power in the region."
I felt a surge of unease. I knew that the Chinese king's wedding would be a gathering of powerful leaders from all over Asia, including some of our sworn enemies.
"Father, I-" I began, but he cut me off.
"I know your concerns, Joonwoo. But this is not a request, it is a command. You will attend this wedding, and you will represent our kingdom with honor and dignity."
I bowed my head again, knowing that I had no choice but to obey. "Yes, Father. I will attend the wedding."
My father's expression softened slightly. "I know I can count on you, Joonwoo. Be careful, and do not let your guard down. There will be those who seek to do us harm, even in a time of celebration."
I nodded, feeling a sense of determination. I would attend this wedding, and I would make sure that our kingdom's interests were protected.
After having a conversation with my father i come in my chamber.
I strode into my chambers, my mind focused on the task at hand: preparing for my departure to the Chinese king's wedding. My mother, the queen, followed close behind, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
"Joonwoo, I've been thinking," she said, her voice light and teasing. "Perhaps this wedding is the perfect opportunity for you to find a suitable bride. You're not getting any younger, after all."
I ignored her, knowing that she was trying to bait me into a conversation about marriage and love. But I had no time for such frivolities. I am the King of Bukhan, and my duty is to protect and strengthen our kingdom, not to indulge in romantic entanglements.
"Mother, I don't have time for this," I said curtly, grabbing my sword and scabbard from the rack on the wall. "I have a wedding to attend, and I need to make sure that our kingdom's interests are represented."
My mother chuckled, a knowing glint in her eye. "Ah, Joonwoo, you're as cold as ice, just like your father used to say. But one day, you'll meet someone who will thaw that frozen heart of yours."
I turned to her, my expression unyielding. "I doubt it, Mother. I am the Coldest Man, after all. And I will not be swayed by sentimental weakness."
My mother's smile faltered for a moment, but then she laughed again, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Very well, Joonwoo. I'll leave you to your preparations. But don't forget, even the coldest of men can fall prey to love."
I nodded curtly, dismissing her words. I had no time for love, and I would not be swayed by such foolishness. My duty is to my kingdom, and I would not falter.
I meet my parents in the grand throne room, bowing deeply to show my respect. My father, the former king, looks at me with a serious expression, while my mother, the queen, smiles warmly.
"Joonwoo, be careful on your journey to China," my father says, his voice firm. "The Chinese king's wedding will be a gathering of powerful leaders, and there will be those who seek to do us harm."
I nod, my mind focused on the task ahead. "I will be careful, Father. I will represent our kingdom with honor and dignity."
My mother steps forward, her eyes shining with tears. "Joonwoo come back to us safely," she says, her voice trembling.
I bow again, feeling a surge of love and respect for my parents. "I will, Mother. I promise."
With that, I turn and leave the throne room, making my way to the palace gates. My horse is waiting for me, saddled and ready to go. I mount up, feeling a sense of excitement and trepidation. I am off to China, to attend the wedding of the Chinese king and to represent our kingdom in the intricate dance of international politics.
As I ride away from the palace, I can feel my parents' eyes on me, watching me go. I know that they are proud of me, and that they have faith in my ability to represent our kingdom. I am determined to make them proud, to show the world what it means to be the King of Bukhan.
As I, King Joonwoo of Bukhan, departed my palace, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. I was headed to China to attend the wedding of the Chinese king, a gesture of goodwill and diplomacy. But I knew that this gathering would also bring together some of my sworn enemies, including the king of North India, Uday Singh Rajpoot.
I had heard that his daughter, the princess, would be in attendance. Rumors swirled about her beauty and intelligence, but I knew better than to let my guard down. The Rajpoots were notorious for their cunning and ruthlessness.
As I rode my horse through the winding streets of our kingdom, I couldn't help but think about the potential dangers that lay ahead. My generals had assured me that our spies had infiltrated the wedding party, and that we would have eyes and ears on the ground. But I knew that even with the best intelligence, things could still go wrong.
I made a mental note to be cautious, to watch my back, and to keep my wits about me. This wedding might be a celebration of unity and friendship, but I knew that in the world of politics and power, alliances were forged and broken with ease.
With a deep breath, I steeled myself for what lay ahead. I would attend this wedding, I would play the part of the gracious guest, but I would never let my guard down. Not even for a moment.
After 9 long hours of riding, I finally arrive at the Chinese kingdom, weary but relieved. As I dismount my horse, I'm greeted by the Chinese king himself, who approaches me with a warm smile.
"Welcome, King Joonwoo of Bukhan," he says, his voice dripping with hospitality. "It's an honor to finally meet you in person. I trust your journey was uneventful?"
I bow deeply, showing my respect for the Chinese king. "The journey was long, but uneventful, thank you for asking," I reply. "I'm grateful for your warm welcome. Your kingdom is even more beautiful than I imagined."
The Chinese king chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm glad you like it," he says. "Please, come, let us proceed to the palace. The wedding ceremony is about to begin, and I wouldn't want you to miss it."
I nod, following the Chinese king as he leads me through the winding streets of his kingdom. We're surrounded by lavish decorations and colorful lanterns, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of incense and the sound of laughter and music.
As we approach the palace, I can feel the excitement building up inside me. I'm about to witness a historic event, one that will strengthen the bonds between our kingdoms and forge new alliances. And who knows, maybe I'll even catch a glimpse of the mysterious Princess of North India, who's rumored to be attending the wedding.
As I stroll through the palace, I catch snippets of conversation from the guests. They're all abuzz about the Princess of North India, praising her beauty and charm. I overhear someone say that she's "a vision of loveliness" and another describe her as "a gem beyond compare".
I can't help but feel a pang of curiosity. Who is this woman who has captured the attention of so many? I recall my mother telling me that poets have written odes to her beauty, and I'm intrigued.
It's ironic, I think to myself, that I'm so curious about the daughter of my enemy, the King of North India. Uday Singh Rajpoot and I have been rivals for years, vying for power and influence in the region. But despite our differences, I find myself drawn to the idea of meeting his daughter.
For the first time in my life, I feel a spark of curiosity about a woman. I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm eager to see her for myself. Will she live up to the hype? I'll have to wait and see.
As I continue my stroll through the palace, I notice that even some of the older kings, who are already married, can't help but praise the Princess of North India's beauty. They speak of her in hushed tones, their eyes gleaming with admiration.
One of them, a portly king with a thick gray beard, leans over to me and whispers, "Ah, King Joonwoo, you simply must see the Princess of North India for yourself. She's a true gem, a beauty beyond compare. I've never seen anyone like her, not even in my youth."
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued by the king's words. It's clear that the Princess of North India has made a significant impression on him, despite his advanced age and married status.
Another king, a tall, thin man with a stern expression, nods in agreement. "Yes, King Joonwoo, you would do well to meet the Princess of North India. She's a true delight, a shining star in a world of dull, mundane women."
I listen to their praise, my curiosity growing with each passing moment. Who is this woman, and what is it about her that inspires such devotion in these men? I'm determined to find out.