Love & War
"Everything is fair in love and war."
Ch-4
As Y/N stirred from her slumber, she found herself enveloped in the gentle glow of morning light cascading through the windows of her opulent chamber. A soft knock at the door heralded the arrival of the palace servants.
"Your highness, your bath is prepared. Allow us to escort you," the head maid announced with a bow, her tone a blend of deference and eagerness to assist.
Politely declining their aid, Y/N asserted her desire for privacy during her morning ablutions. With a nod of understanding, the servants respectfully withdrew, leaving her to attend to herself.
Emerging from her bath, Y/N donned the elegant hanbok laid out for her, the soft hues of silk accentuating her regal bearing. She made her way to the breakfast table, where the royal family awaited her presence.
"Good morning, Y/N. Did you sleep well?" the king inquired warmly, his paternal concern evident in his voice.
"Yes, Your Highness," Y/N replied with a respectful bow, before he kindly encouraged her to address him as "uncle."
Seated among her newfound family, Y/N exchanged greetings with each member, their welcoming smiles putting her at ease. As introductions were made, she listened attentively, committing each name to memory, feeling a sense of kinship beginning to bloom within her.
"Hi," Y/N shyly greeted Yeji, the princess of the kingdom, who returned her greeting with a warm smile.
"Let me introduce the family," the king announced, and Y/N's attention shifted to him.
"My name is In-Youp. The empress and your aunt's name is Ho-Yeon, the princess and your cousin's name is Yeji, the crown prince and your cousin's name is Hyunjin. Yeji and Hyunjin are twins, and Hyunjin is the older one," the king explained.
"Thank you," Y/N murmured earnestly, her heart warmed by the acceptance and kindness extended to her by her uncle, aunt, and cousins.
"Hi," Y/N greeted softly, her voice tinged with shyness.
"You don't need to be shy, my dear," reassured Queen Ho-Yeon with a warm smile, her words carrying a comforting embrace.
"Indeed! We're genuinely amiable, and we'll endeavor to ensure your comfort," chimed in Hyunjin, exuding sincerity in his pledge.
Y/N smiled with genuine gratitude, her heart touched by their warmth and hospitality.
Seonghwa finally summoned the courage to approach Yeosang. "Yeosang, we need to have a discussion," he stated formally, as he entered his friend's office with a determined demeanor.
"Ah, Hyung, I have news to share," Yeosang greeted with a touch of enthusiasm. "The young lady has arrived in Goguryeo today. You are slated to marry her within a few days."
Seonghwa's countenance tightened at the news. "Indeed, however, I must respectfully decline," he responded firmly.
Yeosang appeared puzzled by Seonghwa's assertion. "What do you mean?" he inquired.
"I am not inclined to acquiesce to societal expectations and enter into a marriage solely for the sake of it. Whether now, tomorrow, or in the foreseeable future, I maintain my stance against marriage. I find contentment in my singlehood and wish to avoid any additional obligations," Seonghwa elaborated, his tone unwavering.
"I understand your perspective, Hyung. However, the directive comes from the king himself," Yeosang explained, attempting to mitigate the tension.
"While I appreciate the gravity of the situation, I implore you to advocate for an alternative arrangement with the king," Seonghwa urged, his resolve unyielding.
Their exchange led them to the chambers of the king. "Your Majesty, Seonghwa expresses strong opposition to the prospect of marriage," Yeosang conveyed formally.
Seonghwa bowed respectfully before the king, adhering to the protocol. "Your Majesty, I harbor sincere reservations regarding this union. I do not believe myself capable of forming the bonds necessary for a successful marriage," he stated with utmost deference.
The king, displaying paternal wisdom, sought to reassure Seonghwa. "I once shared your sentiments, Seonghwa. However, fate had other plans, and I found love in unexpected places. I have faith that you, too, will find happiness in due time."
Seonghwa remained steadfast in his stance. "Respectfully, Your Majesty, I must assert that I am not suited for such an endeavor," he insisted.
Undeterred by Seonghwa's resistance, the king issued his decree with authority. "It is a royal decree. You shall proceed with the marriage, not in two weeks, but in three days' time. An emissary shall be dispatched to the House of Gladiolus to secure your measurements."
Seonghwa bowed once more, acknowledging the king's command with a heavy heart. "Yes, Your Majesty," he responded solemnly, before taking his leave.
"I need to inform Y/N now," the king sighed wearily, feeling the weight of the impending revelation. "I'll go and draft a message to Prince Jisung," Yeosang offered, excusing himself from the room with a sense of urgency.
Alone in the garden, the king approached Y/N and Yeji, who were engrossed in conversation. "Y/N?" the king called out gently, drawing her attention.
"Yes, uncle?" Y/N responded, turning her gaze toward him.
"I must impart some news to you, my dear," the king began, his tone grave. "As you were informed of the planned marriage in two weeks, there has been a change of plans. Your wedding will now take place in three days."
Y/N's eyes widened in surprise, while Yeji looked equally taken aback by the abrupt alteration. "Why?" Yeji interjected, seeking clarification.
"I understand this may come as a shock, but unforeseen circumstances have arisen, which I am unable to divulge," the king explained, his expression troubled.
Yeji, sensing the gravity of the situation, motioned for her father to join her privately. "Is this about the general's refusal?" she inquired softly, her intuition guiding her.
The king nodded in affirmation, acknowledging Yeji's astuteness. With a silent understanding passing between them, Yeji resolved to support her cousin in navigating the unexpected turn of events.
"Well, Ms. Y/N, let us proceed and prepare for your impending nuptials," Yeji declared with a reassuring smile, extending her hand to accompany Y/N.
With a mixture of apprehension and determination, Y/N followed Yeji, accepting the reality of her altered fate as they departed to make the necessary arrangements.
CH 5>>
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