They reached the palace in six days. The six longest days of Choi Young's life. Spending every night sleeping next to a deliciously warm and soft Eun Soo-without more than a few heated kisses-had pushed him to the brink of madness. Even just watching the play of sunlight on her mahogany hair was making him painfully aware of his manhood.
This wedding better happen sooner rather than later.
He escorted his travel-weary fiance to his room and ordered his men to prepare a bath for her.
"I'm going to check in with the palace guard. I'll return shortly."
She gave him a blinding smile and proceeded to mill about the room, checking her various pots of herbs and potions. "Okay. See you later."
He frowned, hating to leave her alone. "Please don't leave this room until I return."
"Why?" She asked, bending over a cylindrical pot. "I thought all of the threats against me were gone."
"True, but there could be other threats that we are not aware of." He took a deep breath and unconsciously fingered the hilt of his sword. "I just don't like you being unprotected."
She threw him a wry look. "And being surrounded by the Wu Dal Chi is being unprotected?"
He frowned. She had a point there. "I just-"
"Captain. The guard is assembled," called a warrior from outside.
"Just go," chided Eun Soo. "I'll be here taking a bath. Not getting into any trouble."
Your nickname should be trouble, he thought, but he just gave her a last look and left.
****
His meeting with the guard took longer than usual. Many men had been killed during the recent battles with Gi Cheol and his siblings. The guard were currently recruiting new members and setting up training schedules. And with many untried warriors in Wu Dal Chi, the palace's defenses would be weak for the next few months.
He immediately thought of Eun Soo, dismissed the guard, and rushed towards the Wu Dal Chi compound.
If anything has happened to her…
The thought nearly crippled him as he sprinted up the steps to his quarters.
"Eui Seon-" He shouted as he burst through the door.
He stopped dead in his tracks, unable to move.
His fiance, completely nude, reclined in a large copper tub set in the middle of the room. She blinked at him coquettishly and ran a hand through her wet hair. "What's up?"
Like a dying fish, his mouth moved but no sound came out. His eyes were riveted to the blurry image of her pale white breasts just below the surface. He finally regained his senses and turned around.
"Sorry, to…ah…bother you. I just…I was…"
The temptress just smiled. "Do you want to join me?"
All of the blood from his head rushed to his loins. He felt like passing out. "J-join you?"
"Well, maybe that's not a good idea. I've been in here a long time. I'm becoming a prune!" She sighed. "But this tub does have really tall sides…can you help me get out?"
Choi Young swallowed hard. "Sure."
He placed his sword on its rack and walked to the tub with his eyes averted. A large white cloth sat on a table and he picked it up, holding it in two hands like a shield.
Eun Soo faced him and rose slowly from the water like a nymph. Water cascaded in rivulets down her breasts, belly, and thighs. Choi Young knew he wouldn't trade the sight for all of the riches in the world.
He stepped forward and wrapped her in the cloth while lifting her free of the tub. His hands refused to leave their perches on either side of her narrow waist. With a wicked glimmer in her eye, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a kiss.
Their tongues dueled and danced while their hands roamed the planes of each other's body. Choi Young backed her against a support pole and molded her damp curves against his frame. The cloth slipped from his hands and pooled on the floor. She whimpered as his hands found her naked ass and began to slide over her soft skin.
Footsteps came from outside and Choi Young reacted instantly by whirling Eun Soo away from the pole, using his own body to block any sight of her from the door.
"Captain!" Dae Man called, striding into the room. "The king wants to see you-"
The young warrior froze, taking in the bath, the cloth on the floor, and Choi Young's broad back against the support pole.
"If you ever come in here without permission again," Choi Young roared, "I will separate your head from your body! Understand?"
Dae Man yelped a "yes, sir!" and ran from the room.
Eun Soo giggled against his chest. "That poor boy."
"Poor boy! He's lucky I don't tie him upside down and use him as a punching bag." Choi Young scoffed, finally relaxing a little.
She looked up at him through her lashes with languorous eyes and he once again lost all thought. God, she was beautiful.
"You should go see the king, my love," she purred, tracing a path along his cheek with her finger.
He caught her hand in his and raised it to his lips. "You will be the death of me, woman."
****
The king greeted Choi Young warmly and bade him to sit. Choi Young recounted the tale of the last two weeks, including Gi Cheol's death, the closing of the doorway, and Eun Soo agreeing to stay in this world. He then spoke about the royal guard and the issue of the palace security.
After their business was concluded, he rose from his chair and bowed low to the king. "Your majesty, I wish to request a favor from you."
The king blinked and sat up straighter. "A favor? Please ask."
Choi Young focused on the far wall and took a deep breath to settle his nerves. "I wish to marry Eui Seon. She also wishes this."
He waited, heart pounding, in the uncomfortable silence.
"But, Captain," the king began. "Wu Dal Chi cannot marry. It is the law."
Stomach sinking, Choi Young nodded. "I understand, your majesty. I will resign as soon as the palace guard as properly trained."
He nearly jumped when the king laughed. "Resign? You aren't going anywhere, Captain."
"But, your majesty-"
The king got up and approached Choi Young. "You are an admirable captain, a fierce warrior, and one of my most trusted advisers. You have stood by me, even when I erred, through these first months of my reign." He placed a hand on the Captain's shoulder. "I want you by my side."
"And," the king continued, "since I Wu Dal Chi warrior cannot marry, I will have to remove you from the Wu Dal Chi."
Choi Young started and his mouth dropped open in shock. "Your majesty-"
"I will have to place you above the Wu Dal Chi." The king motioned to a nearby clerk. "Write this down. From today's date henceforth, I bestow the title of General on former Captain of the Wu Dal Chi, Choi Young."
