A/N: Have fun reading

-AG

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Chapter 6:

First thing after breakfast, she took me to visit my father, The King. It was a tradition to visit the in-laws after the wedding to greet and thank them for the wedding. I am surprised that she is following it. The King was surprised to see us in pair; to our surprise, even Crown Prince was present in the court. The King was sincerely happy and asked her to care of me. I was surprised, the King's masked slip and I could see my father.

After that thanking the King, she asked me to take her to visit my dear mother. I was reluctant, but she insisted that we should. She is stubborn; I can bear any insult thrown at me, but anyone tries to harm her. I cannot promise the consequences.

"Inform the Queen that Hae Soo from Hae Clan is here to greet her. Don't mention the 4th prince to her," she commanded the court lady.

The Queen invited us in; we were greeted by my siblings' presence, drinking tea with my mother. It looks like this meeting is a regular affair. The people in the room were surprised to see together, except for my little brother, who was beaming at my wife.

She asked me to get out. Immediately Jung told my mother about our marriage.

'You married him, don't tell me that I didn't warn you about him,' Queen told my wife.

My wife didn't care, "We are here to greet the Queen as newlyweds and seek blessings, Your Highness."

"Why would you greet me? I am not his mother," she said with my distaste on her face.

"The King is the country's father, and the Queen is the mother of the country. Since our families are very far away, we taught we should come and seek your blessings" then she turned to me. "Your highness, This is why we should have gone to meet Queen Hwangbo. She would have blessed us and gifted us with wedding gifts." Jealously is my mother's favorite color. She immediately asked us to sit down and serve us tea. Once we are done, The Queen asked my wife to see her whenever she needs. She was happy to play the role of the nation's mother and doesn't want to lose her position or her reputation to Queen HwangBo.

Our next stop was Lady Hae's tomb; I prepared two horses for our trip.

"Let's take one. I can't ride them on my own" my wife shared something personal about her. I love my wife, but I don't know anything about her. Her favorite food, flowers, and color. I helped her to mount the horse first, and I followed her next. We were riding slowly to the tomb. Our bodies were in close contact with each other; she was getting stiff every time we brushed against each other while riding. We reached the tomb; my wife had prepared Lady Hae's favorite food.

We knelt to pay our respect. I was about to stand up give my wife some space, but she held me down, pleading me with her eyes to stay.

"I miss you, sister. I was scared when I first came here, but you never let me out of your sight, showered me with love and affection. You always encouraged my decisions; you were always proud of my achievement. I don't remember my parents, but I remember you and your words of comfort. It sometimes made to forget that I am an orphan; you told me that you would protect me till the end, and you did. I know that you will be worried about me. I am here to tell you not to worry about me." She turned and smiled at me. "there is someone I want you to meet; you know him as well. This person here with me is my husband. He promised that he would protect me as you did. I trust him with my life, so rest now, sister, for I am now in good hands."

"I love you, Hae Myung Hee, my sister. I will never forget your love for me too."

The journey back home was comfortable; I felt excited that she introduced me as her husband to her cousin. I wasn't this excited when she did the same with my mother. I started having a conversation with her. "When did you move into Lady Hae's care?" she sighed and leaned on me; I gripped her hips on the one hand and the leash on the other. She started narrating the story about her parents and their death, meeting Lady Hae, moving to Lady Hae's care, her education, interest, and fun stories with Lady Hae during her childhood. I enjoyed talking with her. She was a curious girl, but why she hasn't questioned my childhood or my scar?. I asked her, "Aren't you interested in knowing more about my childhood?". She stiffened. She spoke up silently, "I didn't ask about your childhood because I heard that it wasn't pleasant and it will remind you of the bad past and memories. I do not want you to be sad. I want you to be happy and carefree whenever you are with me. Also, I like you no matter what. Don't ever think of telling me bad stories to push me away; I won't go anywhere." I chuckled, thinking, I don't know what I did to deserve a girl like her as my wife. "Well, not all stories are bad and sad, I had a lot of fun too" that piqued her interest, "Really?". I smiled at her curious enlarged eyes, "Want to hear about it?" she nodded excitingly. I told her the fun times I had in the palace with Crown Prince and Yo. She laughed contently with the stories. Her breath evened out; she was silent, she resting her head on my neck, and her breath tickling my neck. Since it was dark, it took some time to reach the city. She woke up to the sound of boisterous city life; within few minutes, we reached palace grounds. My brother, the 8th Prince, was waiting for us in the stable; my wife groaned on seeing him.

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I saw 8th Prince waiting for us in the stables, and I groaned loudly. I had a wonderful day today; I don't want him to dampen it. I woke up today in his arms; he looked even more beautiful and peaceful while sleeping. I didn't have the heart to wake him from his peaceful slumber, but I did anyway. Our youngest brothers-in-law disturbed our peaceful breakfast and came charging into our room to demand answers to the question. After sorting them out, I took my husband to visit, greet and receive blessings from his parents. I started with the King, he was happy that I was following traditions and blessed us. I know that my mother-in-law wouldn't entertain or acknowledge us. So, I had to trick her into seeing us and received the blessing from her as well. Initially, My husband tried talking me out of it when he heard about my plan to visit his biological mother; I was stubborn and put my foot down. This was why I didn't share my plan earlier; I know if he tried, he could talk me out of anything. I told him that I wanted to pay respect to my sister, Myung Hee, while he prepared the horse. I picked up Myung Hee's favorite food that I asked the palace maid to prepare it. The ride to the burial ground was uncomfortable; his chest was rubbing me on my back. It took so much effort not to moan, the wind was still cold, and I had to stop myself enjoying his warmth as we both might get uncomfortable.

I paid respect to Myung Hee and thanked her from my bottom of the heart for taking care of Hae Soo and me. I introduced her to my husband; It was a joyful occasion introducing your partner to your family. I didn't want to ruin it by crying.

The ride back home was much relaxed; he asked about my childhood; at that point, I realized that he knows about me, whereas I know everything about him, thanks to the novel. The conversation took a U-Turn when he asked me why I haven't shown any interest in his childhood. What can I say that I already know everything that I need to know, so for the first time in my wedding life, I started thinking like Hae soo, how would she answer that question? I answered the question, which seems passable, and he didn't question it or didn't bother to explain his horrible childhood. I don't think I can bear to hear from his mouth. I cried for months thinking how much he endured while reading the novel. Then he told me that he had a fun childhood; I never heard about it even in the novel; I was really interested. He told me about when he was staying palace and playing around with Crown Prince and 3rd Prince. I laughed heartily on hearing about how naughty my husband was when he was a kid. His voice was soothing before I realized it; I fell asleep in his arms, enjoying his body warmth, only to be woken up by city noise and lights.

Now, I stand in front of the 8th Prince. 8th Prince turned towards my husband, 'Could you please excuse us? I want to talk with Hae Soo in private?". My husband was about to retort. I stopped and nodded at him. My husband disappeared into the stables,

"How are you, Hae Soo? Did he force you or hurt you?" My patience was wearing very thin. How dare he accuse my husband of doing something like that. I know he killed people, but he never raised a hand to the woman. "I am fine, Your Highness. My husband takes care of me very well. Please refrain from asking questions that could hurt my husband's reputation". 8th Prince was shocked, he stepped near and put his hands on my shoulders "Are you really alright?, Is he threatening you?. Don't worry, Soo-yah, I will talk with the King to dissolve your marriage with that beast. I will protect you from him." I had enough this stalker prince must be put into place right now. I broke free his arms, which was hurting my shoulder. "Your Highness, My husband, never harmed me, and he never will. I am happily married to him. You don't have any right or authority to dissolve my marriage because I consented to my marriage. Now, please go away and stop your foolish assumptions". I turned at walked away from him. That bastard, how dare he assume things. What does he think of me, a delicate flower that needs protection? I can take care of myself very well and as if my husband could hurt me. I was fuming in anger when I reached our residence. There was no one in sight. I saw a dinner table set in his room. I headed to mine to change the clothes realized that my clothes are in his room. I went back to his room to change into nightclothes; as I was stripping, the room door opened with a force. It was like a déjà vu; my husband charged at me like a bull, took notice of my bruised shoulder. Yes, bruised thanks to stalker prince. Hae Soo has a pale complexion, and her skin gets bruised when slight pressure is applied. His face turned murderous. I know he won't listen when he is angry. I did only one thing that could make him relax, a kiss. I kissed him, he was shocked, and he started kissing me ferociously; I cannot stop moaning, and he broke the kiss and started kissing my face, neck, my bruised shoulder and attacked my neck while his hands were trying to undress me. I caught his arms before I could lose myself in his sweet, addicting soft lips. "What are you doing?" I asked him. He gave that look that says, you know what I am doing. I sat up and dressed up. I turned towards him and told him, "You would have to court me before you try to do whatever you were planning to do."

"what? Why?"

"Because I say so, I am a woman who likes to be courted and wooed. Since we got married first, I would like to experience things like courting, proposal, and engagement." He scoffed at my request.

"Besides, I would like to know what kind of guy you are. After today, I know that my husband is not a broody or cold person." He smirked.

"What will you do? if I don't agree". I gave him my evil smile. "Since we haven't consummated our marriage, I can divorce you and marry someone else who does these things for me, but now I will start by sleeping alone.' I got up, suddenly, he pulled me down and started attacking my lips, also murmuring 'mine.' I sighed. Men. I kissed him back. Our snogging session ended when my stomach grumbled, and he finally let me go. "Stay with me tonight; I promise you that I won't do anything." Tsk, he didn't need to ask me as I intended to that anyway. I nodded in agreement. We had our dinner together silently and went to bed early.

From the next day, onwards he started resuming his palace/royal duties. I will wait for him to come back so we can share a meal. I will ask about his day, and he will ask about mine. I didn't do anything other than reading my novel plotline and started reading books on politics. The laws implemented so far in Goryeo. One day, he asked me to join him for tea in the Damiwon that afternoon. I gladly accepted his offer.

I was bored, so I dressed up went early to wait for him. There were no court ladies to be seen in sight. Suddenly I heard yelling and screaming. My curiosity got better of me; I saw Crown prince screaming, ordering court ladies to bring cold water. Instantly, I knew what was going on; I had to interfere; I stepped up and asked the court ladies to bring warm water instead of cold. That irritated the crown prince, and he was charging towards to attack me. I immediately started reciting his symptoms that got his interest. He trusted me enough to allow me to treat him. I got correct hers, unlike Hae Soo did and helped him out before I could apply the paste on I pushed aside by the hear court lady, Lady Oh, King's lover, concubine and head of Damiwon. I fell only to be lifted by my husband. They were shocked to see the 4th Prince there, worried that he might snitch to the court about the Crown Prince's illness. "Let her do it, brother. She knows what she is doing, and I am willing to take responsibility for her." I was shocked to hear him support me. I thought he would chastise me. He smiled and nodded at me, asking me to continue my treatment. Soon, the Crown prince felt better. 'I will send the herbs for your tea through my husband, Your highness. No one can suspect anything.' I smiled at the Crown Prince.

He replied, 'My brother is fortunate to have you as his wife' I blushed at his comment. We were dismissed by the Crown Prince, who wanted to rest. I saw Lady Oh; I apologized. "I know I had no business to interfere, but I knew how to treat it; I cannot let anyone suffer like that. My husband owes his life to him, and he is my husband's brother and Crown Prince of the nation. I am sorry, but I won't promise you that I will never do it again" she smiled at me. "Lady Hae, if you are interested would you mind helping me run this place," she asked. Oh crap, what did I do now? I was supposed to be banned from this place, not be accepted. Things will go wrong if I accept, but I don't have a valid reason not to accept. I hesitated, 'I need some time to think and discuss it with my husband.' She nodded in agreement, 'Take your time, Lady Hae; I hope to hear a positive response.' I walked back to my husband, who was waiting for me near the pool on the other end. He took my hands as soon as I reached him. He guided me towards the lotus pond, where he had prepared a small picnic for me. The blanket was spread out, and there was food on the blanket. The sun was setting; it was gorgeous and romantic. My heart swelled to know that he did everything for me. He could have forced me into his bed or divorced me, but he was willing to take it slow and making an effort to fulfill my stupid request.

"you do know that you don't have this for me," I said to him, leaning my head on his shoulder. "I know, but I want. " I smiled at his response. Though I was happy, I can't stop that ominous feeling about the offer in Damiwon. He asked me a question that disturbed my thoughts, "why do you like me?". I smiled warn "I can be myself when I am with you. I am not this innocent, naïve girl that everyone thinks I am. I can voice my thoughts honestly because I know that you would never think bad of me".

"Then, tell me, what's disturbing you right now?" that cunning jerk. "Lady Oh wants me to work along with her to manage Damiwon."

'This is disturbing you because?"

"I know it's a good offer; I can occupy myself with work and learn about the new herbs and help people" I paused, and I hugged his neck. "I am scared; what if I make a mistake by giving wrong treatment or poison someone. I don't want to lose you". The chances of abovesaid things happening are very likely. Today is a perfect example that grave things in the novel are acting out. It's like the plot is trying to fight me. I thought I escaped Damiwon by marrying the 4th Prince, but now, it's back. My husband might get killed because of me. "You don't have to do anything like treating people; you can negotiate with Lady Oh so that you can learn about herbs and manage stock" I looked at him. "You won't lose me, Soo-yah. You are the one for me. I will never abandon you, and I will protect you. Also, the girl that I married will never run away from a fight". I kissed him. "I take it, today's courting was a success," he teases me. "Shut up and Kiss me," I replied. "As my lady commands," he kissed me gently.

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A/N: Thank you for reading. Please leave your thoughts in review section. Critics are highly encouraged

-AG