Chapter 10 is a mess but here it is anyway...
Thanks for your support and all your comment ;D
Wang Jung had returned from wars for the King's marriage as the Head of the Yoo Clan. Although, the idea didn't please Wang Yo, Soo had the permission to spend time with the Grand General before the ceremony. They sat comfortably in one of the Damiwon's Pavilion, enjoying tea and snacks.
"I always missed your tea the most." confessed Jung, sadness took over his young feature.
"Hey, what about the person who serves you that tea?" Soo asked playfully.
Wang Jung brightened a bit, "Of course, I missed you too."
Hae Soo knew of his feelings, like she knew for Wang Eun's ones years ago. Alas, he and 10th Prince were only her friends. They were precious to her but just not romantically.
"Hyung-nim didn't force you- he didn't threaten you, did he?" inquired 14th Prince, gulping nervously his tea. He saw her warm smile.
"Truth to be told, things just happened... We didn't mean to hurt anyone... I had a thought for King Hyejong but he was already dying and Pyeha didn't have a hand in the poisoning. My heart still hurts whenever I think of the late King... but I cannot live in the past nor should I fear the future. Things changed. I'm happy as I am now." Hae Soo explained, hand on her chest.
"I understand. If you're happy then I am too." Jung relaxed and smiled more widely. "You have my full support, Soo-nui. May Heavens bless your marriage."
"Thank you very much, Jung-nim." smiled Soo.
After some time, 14th Prince excused himself and went to the Throne Hall, in order to have an audience with his brother. Soo left Damiwon's grounds and found herself at the same spot, where she and Wang So last saw each other. She had been wandering aimlessly. She wasn't sad or regretful, it was more something akin to nostalgia.
Are you still looking upon me, Oh Sanggung? I took cautious steps and now here I am, soon-to-be Consort of King Jeongjong. Would you believe me, Oh Sanggung?, Hae Soo mused.
"Soo-yah." whispered a voice, so faint, she almost wished it was the wind. Slowly, turning her body to see if it wasn't an hallucination, she got a blast from the past. Wang So was standing there, in his full prince regalia, face tensed.
"4th Prince?!" she murmured, hand in her chest. What was he doing here? Why now? She saw him take steps towards her and she lifted her hand up in despair.
"Please, don't come closer!" Hae Soo implored, making him halt.
"Soo-yah... will you really marry him?" asked So, almost painfully. "Shall I get you out the Palace now?"
"That won't be necessary, Wangja-nim." a faint smile grazed her lips. "For I will wed the King."
To say, Wang So didn't expect this was an understatement. He hoped for the rumors to be false. He just couldn't believe it at first for he knew his brother Yo could be a royal bastard. He had indeed feared the worst, perhaps some hanging threat above Soo's head? That would explain this ridiculous marriage however, once in Songak everybody kept telling him that Lady Soo had been indeed reluctant at first but as of now, she was entirely fine with the idea. Truth was, King Jeongjong was adamant that he will have Hae Soo as his Consort. Period.
"Why Him? Of all people?" So raised his voice, frustration taking over.
"I-I... tried to tell you back there, in Gilsangsa." Soo said, she saw him nod. "I know how His Majesty treats others, he will never be a good man, of that I am fully aware. But believe me or not, I don't even try to change him because towards me, he is different... he cares a lot-"
"Care? Wang Yo only cares about himself!" So interrupted her, incredulous. "He's ruthless and cruel!"
Hae Soo sighed, there was so much blood between both men that the gap was impossible to fill. "His Majesty is different with me, that is the most important." replied the young woman.
"Did you ever love me?" demanded Wang So, approaching Soo with quick steps. The latter backed away immediately. The prince halted seeing her teary eyes.
"How can you ask me that? You were the one who went away, deciding to stop our relationship. There was no news for over 2 years. Shall I have waited for you forever?" asked faintly Hae Soo.
"The King sent me away! He took us apart, Soo-yah!" shouted Wang So.
"His Majesty isn't the only one at fault. You can also blame my lack of trust in you."
"So you're saying you trust him completely?"
Hae Soo felt her heart tighten, "I do. I cannot explain the reasons but I do trust His Majesty."
"But I don't." said Wang So, "I came here to make an appeal. You have a scar on your body..."
The young woman's eyes softened, "Oh 4th Prince... Even if your appeal is approved, it doesn't matter for I will stay by the King's side anyway."
"You-you really have feelings for him?" So demanded.
As Soo's tears rolled down along her cheeks, she managed to smile, "I do love him."
One moment she saw the 4th prince coming toward her and reaching for her cheek and the next, her vision was blurred by a large back. Dressed in his golden Imperial regalia Wang Yo had shielded her.
It had never occurred to Wang Yo, that Hae Soo and Wang So could meet each other today. Last time he checked, she was with the Grand General in Damiwon. Then, why was she there by the pond facing the Dog-wolf? From afar, he couldn't make out their conversation but it seemed that the young woman was crying. It angered Yo immediately as he quickened his pace to arrive on spot.
There he had punched his brother's jaw making the latter falter backward. Blocking Soo's view, the King then reached out for her hand behind his back and entwined theirs fingers. He was right, she was weeping. He felt her free hand and forehead rest on his tense back, she was trying to hold him down. His glare fully returned upon his brother.
"Don't you dare touch her!" Wang Yo growled.
"She is my person!" snarled back the 4th prince, both men were exuding menacing aura.
"Are you begging me to kill you?" the King threatened as he was about to launch at So. If not for Soo's grip on his garment or her crushing hand clenching around his, Yo would have broken the Dog-wolf's neck by now. His cursed brother had just the gall to call Soo, his person?! Today was really a blessed day indeed, the King mirthlessly thought.
"Pyeha, please?!" implored weakly the former Court Lady.
"Why should I spare him?" spat Wang Yo.
Soo gripped his robes even more tightly, "Please, don't harm your brother. I beg of you."
The outcome didn't look good for Wang So. Indeed, they were in the Palace grounds, any harm done toward His Majesty would be branded as treason. Many Eunuchs and Court Ladies were gathering not too far away from their spot. Wang Jung with Royal Guards in tow also approached silently.
Soo had no choice but to save Wang So, one last time and so she back-hugged Yo tightly, "Pyeha, whatever happens, I will stay by your side. I made my choice and even now I'm still choosing you." she stated.
After her surprise attack, Wang Yo relaxed gradually, although his murderous gaze still rested on his younger brother. Wang So blanched at Soo's confession. The scene taking place in front of him seemed surreal but reluctantly he had to let the truth sink in. Hae Soo had chosen his brother.
The young woman released the King and stepped aside, looking at So she bowed with deep respect. "Please don't fight the King anymore. May you stay healthy Wangja-nim." And then, she was escorted back to her quarters by her Court Ladies. Farewell, 4th prince, she thought in her heart.
It was the most painful thing to do for So, looking at Soo's retreating back and being unable to do something to prevent it. Hae Soo was actually happy with her situation. She didn't need his help at all for she just moved on with her life.
"Your mistake was to part with her." Yo smiled cruelly.
Wang So roared. "Whose fault is it?"
Seeing how wrecked the Dog-wolf was, the King twisted the knife in the wound even more. "Heavens grant her to me the day I seized the throne. Soo is my person and I will definitely marry her."
By the time she was back in her quarters, Hae Soo had completely calmed down. She looked at her traditional golden and red wedding garment hanging on the wooden screen.
"His Majesty has arrived!" Soo heard Park Sangseon shout outside the room. Wang Yo entered in her chamber as handsome and menacing as ever. Upon seeing the King's foul mood, all the servants in Soo's chamber just scurried away. Yo heard Soo chuckle discreetly. He seized her by the waist.
"You." he started, trying to keep his voice even, "You are not allowed to leave me." They stared at each other, Hae Soo sighed deeply.
"You are not allowed to go anywhere" the King added. Yo had almost forgot the sense of losing until he met Soo. She made him worried. Was she aware that he almost went berserk when he just saw her with Wang So? The only fact that this encounter with the Dog-wolf hadn't ended in bloodbath was indeed a miracle.
Hae Soo noticed his internal conflict, she could see his insecurities through his eyes. She knew that he cared enough to say those harsh words. She wasn't his toy like in the past. She wasn't his hostage either. She was his soon-to-be Consort. The title, itself, proved the King's feelings for her.
"It wasn't exactly the words I wanted to hear." Soo replied in a mild tone. There was a challenge in her big brown eyes, she needed something in exchange for her loyalty, for her love, for the sacrifice she was going to make.
"I care for you, Soo-ah." he confessed at last. The kiss surprised him, she never initiated their kiss even though she fully participated afterwards. He smirked against her mouth and deepened the kiss. She quickly felt hot and overwhelmed. When he released her, she was like a red peony in full bloom. A pretty peony, but red nonetheless.
As Yo untied her bun, freeing her long black hair...Soo saw his familiar smirk...
As promised, So's urgent appeal was discussed in Court. Heads of all the powerful families in Goryeo were present leaving no chance for the 4th Prince's appeal to break through the King's decision to take Hae Soo as Consort. Indeed, Wang Yo had succeeded in rallying to him Elites of Songak and every Clan of Goryeo, save the Kang Clan of Shunju which Wang So was from. Beside, thanks to Soo's act of bravery in protecting the Queen, no one could really oppose the King's decree, because it felt like a well-deserved reward for a woman who risked her life for the Royal Family.
"At last, you will be a married woman tomorrow."
"I beg your pardon if I'm not as eager as you are, Hwanghu."
Soo and the Queen were strolling in the Inner Garden.
Munseong smiled at the younger woman's reaction, "I warned you about His Majesty's stubbornness... your chance of escaping was null from the start."
"Hwanghu!" protested a blushing Soo, "You don't have to say it aloud like that. I know I've been caught..."
The Queen burst out laughing as Soo felt even more dejected. The good mood wore off when both women crossed path with Princess Yeon Hwa. The latter was exiting the Royal Throne Hall.
"Greetings Hwanghu!" said Yeon Hwa in feigned respect, then tilting her head toward Soo, "Greetings... Your Grace!"
Munseong acknowledged the Princess with a nod as Soo bowed.
"I'm glad to be able to announce the news myself." declared Yeon Hwa to the women however her challenging gaze rested on Soo. "I'm going to wed So Orabeoni."
The Queen had expected a strong reaction from Soo but the latter only smiled and said, "Congratulations Princess. 4th Prince is good man, please take good care of him. He deserves to be happy."
Munseong admired Soo even more as she added, "Congratulations Princess. I surmise that marrying Wang So is better catch than to be sent away in a foreign country."
Yeon Hwa seemed taken aback for a brief moment before smirking, "Hwanghu, you should know that the King isn't as magnanimous as he seems to be."
"Indeed, he isn't, that's why you should heed my warning... don't do unnecessary things anymore or you will be crushed, you and all your bloodline." informed the Queen, and with a cold smirk she added, "You should know that His Majesty and I aren't forgiving people."
Yeon Hwa's smirk disappeared as she excused herself and left Munseong and Soo alone. Both women resumed their walk but Soo couldn't help but stare in awe at the Queen.
"I cannot believe it, you're so ruthless..." confessed Hae Soo. "Like husband, like wife."
Munseong chuckled, "Did you just notice that you're the only good-hearted person here?"
"You are scary people." grimaced the former court lady.
"Welcome in the family, Soo-ah!" the Queen smiled sweetly as Soo nodded, uneasy.
After a ridiculous long moment of preparation, Soo dressed in golden and red regalia was waiting anxiously in her room. Her head felt heavy with the huge wig and several golden hairpins on it. Then two court ladies stepped into her chamber and put a light red veil on her. Helping Soo to get on her feet, the court ladies escorted her to the ceremony Hall.
Staring off at the Royal Throne hall's doors, Soo took a deep breath before hearing Park Sangseon shout, "Lady Cheongjunamwon of the Hae Clan has arrived."
Then the heavy double door opened wide, letting the bride notice that the Hall was packed. Hands jointed under her very long sleeves, Soo walked down the aisle, she remarked 13th Prince and Woo Hee's presence, smiling reassuringly at them she kept walking. To her right, she noted that Wang Jung and Wang Wook were standing side by side and nodded at her approach. At the end of the aisle, Queen Munseong stood there, smiling proudly as Soo swiftly grimaced back at her. Munseong had to stifle her laugh as she watched Soo and Wang Yo face each other. Court ladies came to unveil Soo and the latter could finally take a good look at her soon-to-be husband. Wang Yo was richly dressed, his ceremonial black garment made him look more imposing than ever. The golden dragon embroidered on his black regalia just proved his status. As usual, Yo looked straight into her eyes making Hae Soo blush instantly. Through his gaze, she could see his possessiveness and more importantly the genuine feelings he had for her.
After the double tied knot over the wild goose and the drinking alcohol exchanged over a bowl of water, Soo officially became King Jeongjong's Consort.
-Third year of King Jeongjong's reign-
"Should you really go to war again?" asked Soo with anxiety.
"Hearing your concerned voice makes me happy. I feel like I'm invincible." jested Jung. They were in the Damiwon's Pavilion as she helped him put his armor on.
"How could you be so happy?" she remarked with a grimace, "Anyway, do not get injured on the battlefield... or I will make sure to go with my stick and drag you all the way back home."
"Are you that proud for saving my life back then that you still need to boast about it?" he retorted playfully.
"Right, I'm proud to say that I've once saved the Grand General's life." Soo smugly answered, more seriously she added, "please, do not die on me Jung-nim."
They both grew silent. "Don't worry too much, I will definitely come back to you safely." Jung assured her. He then took her in his arms, basking in her warmth he breathed in her scent one last time. Wang Jung let go of Soo reluctantly.
"His Majesty has arrived!" announced the Head Eunuch. The doors slid open and Wang Yo entered in the room. His eyes immediately narrowed as jealousy still nagged at him whenever his younger brother was around.
"Greetings to the King!" bowed Jung. Soo only smiled sweetly.
"I see that you are ready to go." the King said evenly.
"Indeed, Pyeha." noted Wang Jung.
"Don't act brashly! Stay safe, it's an order." Yo advised.
"I shall obey, Pyeha." replied 14th prince with a deep voice. With one last glance at Soo, Jung left the room.
And then the king advanced towards Hae Soo but she made no move until he was inches apart.
"You are my Consort now, why did you have to help him get dressed? It's a servant's duty." Yo scolded, tilting his head.
"I still attend to you-"
The King warned, "It's off-topic."
"I wanted to properly see him off." Soo replied with a faint smirk of her own, "Jung-nim is my favorite brother-in-law after all."
"You should know that I didn't send the Grand General into exile for your sake" informed Wang Yo.
"And I am still grateful for your benevolence, Pyeha." replied his Consort, she heard the king growl.
"You should refrain yourself from meeting Jung-ie." Yo demanded.
Soo frowned, "You are too possessive, Pyeha."
The king reached out for her left hand, he entwined their fingers as he drew closer.
"Shall I punish you for your insolence?" he whispered, looking at her growing smile. Wasting no time, he captured her lips and kissed her senselessly. He felt her arms tightened around him, her cheeks took on a redder shade. Out of breath, they pulled out of their kiss.
"I am all yours." Soo assured, putting the King's worry to rest.
"Don't ever forget that." Yo smirked.
"Your Majesty, 4th Prince wishes to meet her Grace." Park Sangseon informed them behind the closed doors.
After tough negotiations, the King allowed Soo to meet his brother. Alone. They were in the gazebo, overhanging their special spot in the Palace garden. Sadness was written all over So's unscarred face.
"Thank you for all the things you have done for me-" Soo thanked him as she returned his hairpin. Wang So noticed the jade hairpin in shape of Phoenix which rested in her bun.
"I should be the one saying that. You've changed my life, Soo-yah. How can you expect me to accept that you're his wife now?" So retorted with a pained expression, clutching his returned gift.
"The same way that I accepted that you're Princess Yeon Hwa's husband. I am sorry Wangja-nim but you must forget about me. Our intertwined Fate has ended years ago. It's nobody's fault." Consort Soo explained.
He suddenly reached out and took her in his arms, "I will respect your choice but don't ask me to forget you." said Wang So, releasing her he left the gazebo without a backward glance. Hae Soo breathed out in relief.
Please, forgive me if you spot any error... lack of sleep is bothersome (T.T)
My story is coming to an end soon...