A large meal of roast pig and various vegetables lay demolished on trestle tables in the courtyard. The warriors spoke in friendly tones, swilling makkeoli and telling ridiculous stories. Choi Young, Eun Soo, and Gi Ha sat at the head table, hearing Choi Young's recounting of his trip.
"So, it was a false alarm?" Eun Soo asked from her seat next to her fiance.
"It would appear so," Choi Young responded with a shrug. "I rode through the encampment and even spoke to the Khan. He assured me they were only taking advantage of the excellent hunting near Onsu Lake."
Gi Ha arched a brow at his friend over his cup of makkeoli. "And you believed him? You aren't usually so gullible."
The General stiffened and Eun Soo put a restraining hand on his thigh under the table. "There was no evidence that they are preparing to invade Goryeo," he said with narrowed eyes.
"That you saw," Gi Ha pointed out imperiously.
Eun Soo shook her head in disgust. "Are you sure you guys are friends?"
Gi Ha took another long pull of his cup. "Eui Seon, I have questions about heaven."
She nodded eagerly, glad the men weren't sniping at each other anymore. "What do you want to know?"
"Are all the women as beautiful as you?" The mercenary asked with a wicked smile.
Choi Young slammed his fist on the table and began to rise but Eun Soo's hand pinched his thigh and he slowly sat back down. Gi Ha grinned, clearly enjoying getting a rise out of Choi Young.
Eun Soo, deciding to not take Gi Ha's bait, just looked up at her fiance. "I don't know. You were in heaven. What do you think, my love?"
The General's dark eyes met hers. "I don't remember other women in heaven. There was only you."
Her mouth went dry and her heart began to pound. Suddenly, she ached to be in his arms, safe and protected, loved and cherished. Her body felt strangely hot all over and her dress felt heavy and stuffy. Choi Young reached out a hand and cupped her face.
Gi Ha cleared his throat. "Um, I'm still here."
Never breaking eye contact with Eun Soo, Choi Young replied. "Shut up."
Without a second thought, Choi Young stood up and hoisted Eun Soo into his arms. He strode past all of the speechless warriors, up the stairs, and into his room. The door closed with a serious bang.
******
As soon as the door shut, their lips met furiously. He put her down slowly, reluctantly, allowing her curves to slide down his length. Their hands roamed over each others' bodies, memorizing every sloping hollow or hard plane.
A knock sounded at the door and Choi Young cursed loudly. He gave her another hard kiss and stalked to the door.
"What?!" He shouted, flinging open the door.
Court Lady Choi stood on the other side, her small eyes hard as flint. "Do not use that tone with me, Choi Young." She strode past him and shook her head at Eun Soo's kiss-swollen lips. "Pack your things. I refuse to allow you to stay in a man's quarters until you are married."
Eun Soo's ardor cooled quickly under the frightening gaze of the old woman. "But-"
"It is the will of the Queen!" Lady Choi snapped, eyeballing a furious Choi Young. "You may have her back when you are wed before the king, understand?"
With an apologetic glance at Choi Young, Eun Soo gathered up her belongings in a blanket and headed for the door. Before she crossed the threshold, Choi Young grabbed her and placed a rough, possessive kiss on her lips.
Lady Choi glared at her nephew and led a recalcitrant Eun Soo away.
*****
"And what kind of flowers shall we prepare?" Queen In Deok asked with a smile, taking a sip of her cooling tea.
Eun Soo shrugged grumpily and crossed her arms. It had been nearly two days since she'd been forcefully removed from Choi Young's room and she was still peeved at the Queen. "I don't know. You choose."
The Queen put her teacup down and grasped her friend's hands. "Please don't be mad at me! I just wanted some time with you so we could plan your wedding and chat." She gave Eun Soo a petulant look. "Since you've return from the Heaven's Gate, you've spent all of your time with Choi Young."
With a heavy sigh, Eun Soo squeezed the Queen's hands. She did feel a bit childish for how she had acted after returning to the palace-and for how she was acting now. The wedding was set to take place in one month. After that, she'd have the rest of her life with Choi Young. "You're right. I'm sorry. Let's make this wedding fantastic!"
*****
Eun Soo tossed and turned in her new bed. Moonlight streamed through the windows, illuminating her spacious room that was only a few doors down from the Queen's chamber. It held a table, chairs, a narrow bed, and a wardrobe full of beautiful dresses.
I could do worse, she thought, staring at the peaked ceiling.
A noise made her start. She sat up quickly, peering into the shadows that hung around her room. Slowly sliding out of her bed, she picked up a small mallet she used to pulverize herbs. Creeping towards the door, she saw something move out of the corner of her eye.
She took a deep breath to scream but a hand clamped over her mouth. She swung wildly behind her with the mallet and heard a curse when the weapon found flesh.
"Eui Seon!" Came a harsh whisper.
She froze. "Choi Young?"
Her fiance slowly turned her until they faced each other. His dark eyes sparkled with mischief and she smacked him hard on the arm. "I can't believe you scared me like that! Why don't you announce yourself next time?"
He put his fingers to her lips as a guard walked by outside. She glared at him for another second before pushing him onto her bed and climbing onto his lap. "I've missed you so much! You aunt sucks."
"Sucks?" He murmured, running his hands through her silky hair.
"Not good," she replied with a groan, enjoying the sensuous feel of his fingers massaging her scalp.
"Ah," he said, twisting her around and capturing her lips.
They kissed and talked, petted and caressed until the sky began to change. She eventually fell asleep in his arms and he reluctantly placed her back in her bed.
"Goodnight, my love," he whispered, slipping out the door.
****
"How's Choi Young?" The queen asked Lady Choi over tea.
The distinguished old woman shook her head. "Not well. He's grouchy, grumpy, and quick to temper." She took another sip of her tea. "There's still three weeks until the wedding, but I fear that Choi Young will destroy something before the week is done!"
The queen nodded absently. "So, what Choi Young needs is a distraction. I think I have an idea."
"Unless it involves fighting or Eui Seon, it won't do any good."
A sly smile spread across the queen's face. "My idea involves both."
****
Choi Young stomped up to the small crowd of Wu Dal Chi warriors. "What are you doing? Why aren't you training? Or sleeping? Or…something!"
The warriors straightened quickly and bowed. They had gotten used to this new extra-crabby Choi Young and were no longer cowering in fear whenever he was near.
Deok Man thrust a piece of parchment at the General. "We were discussing the tournament."
"Tournament?" Choi Young frowned, perusing the announcement. It said that a tournament would be held in the king's honor in ten days. The best warrior from each of the sixteen provinces and one king's champion would be allowed to enter the event. The prize would be one hundred gold pieces.
"General!" Dae Man called, sliding to a halt in front of Choi Young. "The king has summoned you."
Choi Young grunted in acknowledgment, pushed the parchment into Dae Man's hands, and stalked towards the palace.
He entered the hall and bowed low before his king. "You wished to see me, your majesty?"
"Yes," the king smiled. "Have you heard about the tournament I am holding?"
"I have, your majesty."
The king's smile grew. "Then you will understand if I ask you to act as the king's champion during this tournament."
He hated these kinds of ridiculous events, where warriors were made to prance before nobility like trained dogs. Not to mention, it was such a waste of his abilities.
Oh well, he thought. I'll just throw the first competition so I can sit back and relax for the rest of the boring tournament.
Inside, Choi Young sighed, but on the outside, he inclined his head regally. "Of course, your majesty. I would be honored."
****
The day of the tournament was sunny and pleasantly warm. The Wu Dal Chi courtyard had been set up with long tables and tents for the royalty and nobility, and tiered grandstands had been constructed for the common folk. The whole palace was buzzing with excitement.
By mid-morning, the stands and tables were full save for the high table, which was reserved for the king and queen. Sixteen muscular, dangerous-looking men stood in a straight line before the high table. Choi Young, clad in silver and black, slouched at the end of the line, looking more petulant than dangerous.
Drums sounded and the competitors straightened to attention. The king and queen strode hand-in-hand at the head of the procession followed by Lady Choi and-
Gasps rolled through the spectators and murmurs of approval sounded throughout the warriors as Eun Soo stepped up to her place next to the queen. Choi Young's mouth dropped open at the sight of his fiance wearing a frothy sky blue gown with a belt stitched intricately with sparkling silver thread. Her hair was half up in a delicate twist and the rest flirted around her shoulders in loose curls.
"This was worth the trip just to see her!" said the warrior next to Choi Young. The other warriors grunted in agreement and Choi Young had to clench is fists to keep from killing every one of them.
"Welcome all," began the king, as the buzz died down. "Let us pay tribute to the great kingdom of Goryeo with a display of the skills of our finest warriors. As you are aware, the winner of today's tournament will be awarded one hundred gold pieces. And," he gestured towards Eun Soo, "be awarded an even more precious prize."
All eyes zoomed back to Eun Soo, who was looking at the king as if he'd just told her to strip in front of everyone.
The king's gaze landed briefly on the General before flicking away. "The winner will be awarded a private dinner with the Heaven's Doctor."