Words: 2,575
Uploaded: 06.10.18
Edited and Reuploaded: 05/22/21
As The Water... - John Williams
In the days following the arrival of the Nifelheim embassy, the council had not come any closer to having a solution. Nothing provided the same level of security as a marriage did to bring a stable peace between the two kingdoms.
The constant tension and pressure of the embassy waiting on our offer had put me in a sullen mood that had managed to find its way into every aspect of my life.
I refused to have Orion visit me until the matters were settled, unable to relax under the pressures of the situation. I snapped at my court ladies in the evenings for the slightest thing, and even Ravus, who I had taken to speaking with when out in the gardens occasionally, had commented on my crumbling exterior.
The veiled threat of his words from the first night still turned in my mind, emphasised by my own experience with the destruction of Tenebrae, only made me more certain of there being a single solution for our problem.
I looked at the first and second princesses, who were attempting to create a trade agreement that would salvage the peace, noticing the heavy lines that were settling into their faces.
Gyeong-Hui was of course much older, the first princess being the mother of Myung-Hee, and my own grandmother by adoption, but the women was looking much older than her age, while Se-Hyeon also looked older than her young age of thirty-four years.
I waited for a pause in the conversation, making up my mind as to what I had to do.
"As you know, I've been speaking with the High Commander occasionally. He mentioned something that really stuck out to me", I started, pausing to make sure I had the attention of both princesses.
"We were discussing the invasion of Tenebrae, and he told me 'let us hope that your council and our embassy can come to a suitable agreement so that history does not repeat itself in Goryeo'. He may not be aware of it, but I was there and saw the massacre and fire that the empire rained upon queen Sylva and her people. I know just how much weight those words carry and how they can easily be a threat. I would be a fool if I didn't."
The princesses remained silent, shocked by my words.
I continued on, "Goryeo has nothing of significant value to the empire aside from the islands that consider themselves under the council's sovereignty. We are so greatly cut off from the outside world in terms of technology, that there is nothing to gain from us other than our land." I looked around the table, taking a moment to gather my courage.
"They came to us with an offer we couldn't accept due to our customs, something I'm sure they were not ignorant to since many depart from the country each year due to marrying outside our borders, and they know we have nothing to offer, putting us in a precarious situation—submit to the rule of the empire, or die trying to resist."
Gyeong-Hui stared critically at me, "And you are certain of this?"
I nodded once, looking into her dark eyes, "Nifelheim will not risk the chance of us coming to the aid of Lucis, not when they can have us under their thumb, through means of violence or the threat of it."
"What do we do then? Watch our kingdom burn to the ground and it's people slaughtered by magitek? Have our centuries old heritage stripped from us and be ruled by a mad man?" Se-Hyeon questioned, looking to the first princess for guidance. The older woman only shook her head faintly, just as uncertain as the younger.
I took a deep breath, letting my words roll around in my head before speaking.
"I invoke the Right of Myeongje in the circumstance of Goryeo being on the brink of war. I will accept the original offer of peace through marriage on behalf of the council."
My words shocked the princesses once again, however they came to their senses much sooner, loudly protesting.
"Soo-Min! Invoking the Right of Myeongje is no simple matter!" Gyeong-Hui said in an attempt to chastise me, staring across the table in disapproval.
"Not only that, you'd be sacrificing your own future and Eun-Byeol's position with one decision. This isn't something you can take lightly." Se-Hyeon added, her brow pinching as she frowned at me.
"It was not my first choice but it's all I have that won't put the country under direct control of the empire. The Right allows for traditions and laws to be void under certain situations, allowing for us to accept their offer while also giving us the opportunity to create terms and conditions for the agreement." I took a breath before continuing, "I understand that if we proceed with this course of action, I will be the one marrying the high commander since we have grown too familiar for the third princess to take my place. I'm willing to do this for the good of my home. And with invoking the right, Eun would be able to keep her position as third princess and rule through me as it voids the law of abandoning title and clan."
"You've truly thought this all through, haven't you? You'll be a hostage, masquerading as a wife if you marry the high commander." the first princess questioned with a sad look entering her eyes.
"Ever since I first spoke with the high commander the night of their arrival. I have had plenty of time to consider and think on things, and this is the only solution where we are able to formulate terms that will benefit us." I replied, putting on a smile that was surely closer to a grimace.
"Then I suggest we begin working on these terms and speak with your mother on the matter, as her approval is needed for you to marry as soon as possible." Se-Hyeon finalized, calling for a handmaid to seek out Myung-Hee and bring an inkwell, paper and a pen to the council room.
The council and embassy met formally the next day, the council chamber deathly silent as both groups settled in. Chae-Ryung placed the notes from the day before in front of Gyeong-Hui, the senior court lady stepping back into line with the others, eyes downcast and expression grim.
"Well, let's not delay any further, your highnesses. Have you come to a decision on how the negotiations for peace will proceed?" chancellor Izunia questioned, looking very much like the cat who had caught the canary with his sickening smirk.
"Indeed we have. On behalf of the kingdom of Goryeo and its citizens, Third Princess Eun-Byeol has invoked the Right of Myeongje, and accepts the marriage proposal that was presented earlier." the first princess stated, her words causing all three men to stiffen and the smirk to drop off Ardyn's face.
"Do excuse my ignorance on the ways of your culture, but as you stated before, I thought it was impossible for the Third Princess and I to wed, and for her to retain all titles in order to make the union a successful symbol of the peace?" Ravus asked, his mismatched eyes seeking out my dark gaze.
"It is only used in great times of need, but the Right of Myeongje allows me to be exempt from the laws of the country. I will be able to continue ruling on the council and retain my place in Goryean society despite living apart from the others while being married." I explained calmly, trying to convey with my eyes that I was content with this decision.
Ardyn's expression went blank for a moment before his face lit up with a smile, far too cheerful to be genuine.
"Splendid! I'm pleased to hear that everything will turn out smoothly. I shall let the emperor know at once about the upcoming nupitals!" the chancellor exclaimed, making to stand from his chair before Se-Hyeon interrupted.
"Chancellor Izunia, please remain in your seat. There are a few things that need to be discussed in regards to the marriage." the second princess said coldly, her voice a stark contrast to the extravagant tone of the chancellor as he settled into his seat.
"As per the laws of Goryeo, no female child that may come of this union may inherit the princess' position unless elected by the clans, but any child is eligible to be heir to the house of Nox Fleuret. The high commander cannot attempt to influence his wife in council based decisions, but she may consult for his opinion if she wishes. As the guardian of Third Princess Eun-Byeol, I consent to her marrying Ravus Nox Fleuret, but due to her not being of age for another year, I request that the marriage remain unconsummated until she is of at least eighteen years of age and that she decides when she shall enter the marriage bed. A court lady would remain present with her to not only ensure that this guideline is followed but also ease her transition into Tenebrae." Gyeong-Hui read, her eyes flickering to and from the sheets of paper before her, gauging the embassy's reactions as she went through the list of terms.
Ardyn's mouth was set in a harsh line, as he certainly hadn't been expecting any sort of conditions to be laid out. The man narrowed his golden gaze as he moved his stare from the first princess to me, analyzing my face before turning to Ravus.
"These terms seem agreeable. Shall we proceed forward with the union?" He questioned, facing the blonde but directing the question to all in the room.
"We shall consult our high priestess on an appropriate date for the ceremony so you may inform the emperor." Gyeong-Hui confirmed, nodding her head slightly before standing, dismissing the table with the gesture.
"High Commander, if you would come with myself and the Third Princess? You need to be present for the priestess to pick an appropriate date." Se-Hyeon said across the table, catching the former prince's attention and receiving a jerk of a nod in response.
The garden temple was quiet and calming, but I could feel the tension radiating from Ravus as we silently followed Se-Hyeon to the high priestess' quarters.
Se-Hyeon went into the high priestess' room, the pair of us filing in after her and settling in front of the small desk.
"I hear there is to be a royal wedding." the wizened priestess asked, directing her murky gaze towards Ravus and I.
I bowed my head respectfully, replying softly, "Yes, holy mother. We've come to ask the Tide Mother to anoint what day we shall wed."
The blonde nodded stiffly in agreement, his eyes focused on the wooden surface of the desk.
"Very well, I shall consult the waters. Pray to the Astrals so they may hear and grant what you wish." the tiny priestess said, shuffling over to a small alter located behind her.
I closed my eyes and cleared my mind, waiting for her to approach us with the date. I sat silently between the second princess and my husband-to-be, hearing every shift they made as the high priestess hummed and prayed at the alter.
I only opened my brown eyes once I heard the faint 'ah-ha' of the priestess and her bare feet padding back over to the desk.
"The Tide Mother has blessed you with a day two weeks hence. Congratulations, your highness." the high priestess announced bowing to both Ravus and I before offering another bow to the second princess.
We all nodded in return, Se-Hyeon leading us back out of the high priestess' quarters and out of the temple.
"I will inform the first princess and the embassy of the date the high priestess has given. I will see you both for the evening meal." the second princess said as we reached the water gardens, nodding politely to both Ravus and I before heading towards the palace.
I watched her go, only turning when I felt the high commander's gaze on me.
"Why did you invoke the Right and agree to the offer?" the blonde asked, cutting straight to the chase.
I smiled faintly, walking towards one of the garden pools, fully aware that he would follow.
"I did it because my duty to the people comes before my wants and desires. If I can keep Goryeo free of war by marrying someone who I find agreeable, I have no issue with this arrangement as long as the terms are abided. I don't want my homeland to become a massacre." I stated bluntly, looking down into the water.
Ravus' reflection appeared on the surface behind me, his eyes meeting mine in the pond. I turned to face him, staring into those mismatched eyes of blue and purple.
"I shall try to be a worthy husband for you." he swore, putting a light smile on my face.
"I only ask that you be kind and treat me as an equal. That you respect me, nothing more." I murmured, continuing to smile as I turned to walk through the gardens.
I sat at the vanity combing out my hair after my evening bath that night, trying to relax from the day's excitement. After the date had been given to the chancellor, the council had allowed the news to be spread to the court and common folk. Cheers for the upcoming peace were only overshadowed by the excitement of the wedding.
I was lost in staring at my own reflection as I combed my hair when a furious knocking came from the entrance to the apartments. I quickly shuffled to the door, opening it to reveal an angry Orion.
The older man pushed past me, entering the apartments and making his way to the bed chambers. I silently closed the door, following him at a much slower pace as sadness sat heavy in my heart.
"When were you going to tell me when you were marrying that Nif attack dog?" he demanded, staring angrily from across the room.
"It was only decided on today. I had no way of contacting you beforehand." I reasoned, watching as his facade slowly crumbled.
"So you're just gonna marry him? Even though you aren't the princess? Even though I love you?" Orion asked, each question sounding more desperate than the last.
Tears began escaping down my cheeks, my voice becoming a whisper as the words got caught in my throat.
"I'm sorry."
The pain finally bled through his defences, his body slumping under my gaze. I watched him with a sorrowful expression, his feet dragging as he walked towards me.
Orion put his hand in his pocket, retrieving a beautiful hairpin made of silver and white stones. He smiled sadly at the object, holding it up between us.
"This was gonna be my engagement gift to you, when I finally got the courage to ask you to marry me down the line." he weighed it in his hand as tears welled in my eyes again, "Now it's a wedding gift."
He pushed the hair pin into my hand, giving a weak imitation of a smile.
Despite the pain it would cause us both later, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, and kissed him. The response was instant, a desperate need to have one last moment of what could have been before the illusion shattered forever.
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