Co-Authored with Nanu107.

I was planning to wait, but decided to spare you the anticipation for the wedding ceremony. So in honor of the New Years, I'm posting the first installment for the wedding day.

Enjoy, Happy New Year.

Chapter 19

The wedding

Part one (Morning)

The Queen had the girls, taking care of Eun Soo, wake her up real early. A bath was drawn for her, with warm waters infused with the essence of the most expensive oils from the Queen's own collection. Flower petals like a luxurious carpet covered the surface. Still sleepy, the bride sank inside the bath and allowed the women to care for her: washing her hair and body with sweet almond oil preparation and massaging her tense shoulders. Wearing a soft bathrobe afterwards, Eun Soo was placed on soft pillows and her long tresses were combed tenderly: if there were any knots she didn't feel it, they were very careful with her, reverently so even. Her hair was dried by two maidens, while the third one massaged Eun Soo's face and neck, putting something aromatic and moisturizing on the tips of her fingers. A pleasant tingling sensation followed the wave of warmth and then the skin was cooled by the soft cloth saturated in herbal liquid. She thanked them for all the things they have done, as she was so relaxed she forgot the time or where she was, it was the best spa day she's had in years.

A specially created dress was brought out. It was done to her specifications, as described once to the Queen by Choi Young – v neck, figure hugging silhouette and sleeveless. It was made from the finest silk, the color was not exactly white, more creamy, matching Eun Soo's complexion completely. Still relaxing after the spa, Eun Soo did not realize at first what kind dress it was. They helped her put it on, and only after the silk caressed her skin, hugging her curves seamlessly, she gasped in surprise, in awe at the skill of the royal seamstress. She did not think it was possible to make such a dress without trying it on her at least once. She did not realize that she had a couple of fittings for various items, only they were needed for the seamstress to make this perfect creation.

"Lady Yoo, there is another layer."

"Of course, there is. There is always another layer. The more important the ceremony is, the more layers there are."

The next layer was made out of translucent, gauze-like fabric, which gently filtered the light in, its shape mimicked Eun Soo's contours and although her wedding dress did not shine in all its beauty, the shape and the color was seen through, yet providing a necessary layer of modesty for her bare arms.

"The Queen wanted you to know that although she would like to fulfill all of your wishes, the high status of this wedding requires a certain level of social grace. That's why the cover is required to be warn by the bride."

To keep with the tradition of the bride wearing red, various adorations in red hues were added to her costume – gorgeous golden earrings with red stones were placed in her ears and a matching necklace strung around her neck.

"What about the hair?" Wondered Eun Soo; she imagined that she would have to wear it up with pins and heavy decorations, which she despised after having to endure them on a couple of occasions.

As if to answer her concern, a wreath of various types of mums and chrysanthemums, yellow and white, with a few white rose buds sprinkled in between was delivered. The two maidens, who were serving her today, carefully placed it on her head, crowing her auburn hair, which lay in free flowing waves down to her shoulders. After the oil treatment, her hair was smooth, shiny and silky, not a sign of freeze.

"My lady" and the maidens held multiple mirrors for her to look at herself. They had to line themselves so that she could see her reflection from head to toe, with one of the girls squatting near the floor. Although they did not have a full height mirror, they were inventive, she had to give them that.

At last the bride stood before this unique mirror assortment and her eyes filled with tears as she realized that she wanted this more than she ever thought possible. She sniffled and almost cried, but stopped herself, she could not go with red eyes! This was a defining moment – why was she so hesitant before? The thought of her parents made her eyes swell with tears that could not be stopped. She motioned for a handkerchief and drying the salty drops that just would not stop coming, she asked her parents for forgiveness. "Mom, Dad, I wish you would be here. I know that I left you for a man, but you always wanted me to find that one person who could make me happy. He just turned out to be from the past. I promise: he makes me happy every day and he will in the future. If not for him, I would not be standing here today, ready to walk down the aisle, getting married."

"You are dazzling, madam, don't cry," said the maiden to Eun Soo, smiling. Eun Soo had to steel her nerves for a second, closing her eyes as the women mentioned, "The Queen has made sure that nothing will disturb the bride, so don't cry."

"What a beautiful bride!" she heard a familiar voice. Lady Choi looked her over with a discerning eye and dropping the cold pretence, she allowed her stern face soften by a sweet smile. "That punk sure is a lucky one."

"Thank you, aunt."

"How are you doing?" she was uncharacteristically soft and caring, but Eun Soo took what was given without questions.

"I think I'm nervous. How's the groom? He won't get cold feet, will he?"

"I do not know if his feet are cold, I believe he is wearing socks, he should be fine."

Eun Soo laughed brightly. "I know, his feet are always warm."

She was marrying the man sent from heavens to her, could this be true? Was she really finally getting married?

In his room Choi Young had just finished putting on the robes sent the night before by the Queen and sighed. The coat was black, soft and well proportioned; usually the seamstress had troubles with his height, but she got the measure right for this one. The leather bordering the outfit was dark contrasting with the white folds underneath.

He could not sleep, tossing and turning, he was so nervous with anticipation, his body refused to be tired. He got up at dawn, and went for a quick ride to calm his nerves; upon return, he practiced the energy balancing martial arts exercise and made a few guys engage with him in a sparring session. After that, he poured a few buckets of icy cold water on himself to wash the shine of sweat after the workout. He proceeded to take a bath, using the aromatic stone, Eun Soo called "soap", to thoroughly cleanse himself and washed his hair. The day barely started for others, but he has done already many things.

Finishing the last step in his grooming preparations, he combed his hair, refusing the help of the royal eunuchs sent for the task. Finally, he gathered the small box delivered by the Assistant General; it was the first time he'd sent such a request to the forgers. Their curious questioning about his use for the items was incredibly vexing. The queen had to step in and make the request absolute: no one was to wonder or even tell what the items were, but Choi Young was confident that they were perfect.

He opened the little lid, inspected the jewels and closed it, of course they were.

"General," Choong Seok, entered the room; as per request of the King the man wore his gala uniform. "We are ready to escort you to the gardens."

Choi Young sighed, his nerves wrecking his very bones, and looked up at the man. "Did you ever think this would occur? To me?"

The Assistant General smiled, "It was bound to happen, one day or another sir." Choi Young nodded, and handed the box to him.

"I was told you must carry these."

"Me? Why me?"

"As best man, or whatever." And patting the man's shoulder, Choi Young walked out of the room.