A/N: Thank you all for your reviews. I am flattered. hope you follow till the end

Have fun reading

-AG

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Chapter 7:

Our relationship has improved a lot since our last courting; she snuggles closer to me while sleeping, she confidently touching me, and I do the same. It's slow but completely worth it. We started holding hands and taking a walk very often. We talk about useless things like horses, flowers, etc., I am learning new things about and time flies whenever I am with her. Very soon, I am going to confess to her my feelings. Also, I need to control my temper around her. I got angry when Wook hurt her; I still cannot understand that guy; he was protective of her when she was living under his care, but now she is my wife; I cannot fathom why he throws dirty looks me. He was the first one among the other Princes to welcome me with his open arms when I came back home for good. Another day, I was jealous of Crown Prince as my wife was running her hands on him. I can understand that she was treating him. A few days back, I lost control, and she broke her chopstick when she founded that I banned Jung from entering our household because he was getting close to her. Even though she assures me that she likes me, I am still worried that she will wake up and realize that I am not the one for her and abandon me like everyone else. Thanks to Baek Ah and his wooing tips, I arranged a musical trope to play it for us; I gifted her dresses, flowers, and jewelry while she showers me with attention despite her busy schedule.

A few days back, she started working with Lady/Concubine Oh to run Damiwon; even though she is tired and hungry, she would still wait for me so that we could share a meal every day. Today, all the Princes are excused from royal duties as we are all celebrating the 10th Prince's birthday. I didn't want to go because everyone will be there, but the event is held at Damiwon. I will see my wife; I know she will kill me if I try to interfere with her work. I know that because we lost a beautiful ceramic pot the other day. It was a gift from the astronomer for our wedding. On the way to Damiwon, I was greeted by familiar figures, General Park and his daughter, Soon Deok. While I was in Shinju, he took me under his care taught me martial arts, he was like a father to me, and of course, Soon Deok is my sister. I invited them to the household for dinner. General Park was happy that I got married and wanted to see my wife. Soon Deok was happy that finally, she could have a girl-friend, being raised in a General household without a mother surrounded by men. I can say that I understand how she feels. I will be happy if my sister and my wife could be best friends. We parted ways; they headed to greet the king while I went to Damiwon.

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I wasn't invited to the 10th Prince's party; Anyways I have prepared a gift for him. If the plot is trying to fight me by bringing up the scenario, I don't want my husband to be humiliated again. It took me a lot of effort to boost his self-confidence. He speaks freely with me. If my guess is right, he will use this party as an excuse to visit me first. I know he is itching to be by my side; I cannot blame him. He is worried that I will disappear; no matter whatever I say or do, he is still not convinced. I am so worried and anxious about today. Please, god, let this day be different from the then original plot. My thoughts were disturbed by a knock on the door; it was him. As the day goes by, he looks more handsome. I went and greeted him with a hug. He hugged me back tightly.

"I missed you," I mumbled under my breath.

"I did too" we broke our embrace. Our relationship has advanced from holding hands to hugging level. He is successfully courting me; he buys gifts and spends some time with me. Though I am occupied with my work, I make sure that I share a meal a day with him.

"Can we go home early today?" he asked.

"Don't you have a party to attend now? I asked him

"though I am invited, I am not expected to attend. Also, I want to spend some time with you. It's been a long since we sat down and talked". I hate to agree with him. Unlike modern days you don't have weekends to spend with family or loved ones. Being a royal is a full-time job without any perks. I want him to attend the party to spend some time with his brother, but if fate has an evil plan to bring up the original plot, my best course action is to avoid it.

"Okay, let's go home. Since today is 10th Prince's birthday, I am leaving early." He brightened up when I agreed. He reached for my hand and interlocked our fingers. I smiled at the small action, "Let's go." He was talking about his day when I was preparing to leave by packing up the office. "I saw my old teacher, General Park. I guess he is planning to get settled in the capital. "Oh really, lets him and his family for dinner this week," I suggested. I know about General Park, as an affectionate father who wanted revenge for his daughter's death. That action or decision made Hae Soo realize his love and trust for his Prince in the original plot. "Really? I will ask him. I guess his daughter, Soon-Deok, will also be happy to see you". I smiled and reached his hands. "Yes, I would love to meet your teacher. I want to hear all the naughty things you did when you were a kid". He laughed. It very rare for him to smile or laugh. "I should have guessed your intentions." We started walking the exit; unfortunately, we had to cross the party venue. I was hoping to pass by without catching anyone's eye, but luck has never been on my side in a situation like this.

"Hae Soo" It was the 13th Prince who caught us and invited us in. I saw my husband. He is was irritated.

"Ah, you came," 3rd Prince sneered at us. I greeted everyone in the room; though I married 4th Prince, they are in the succession line, so they have higher status than me except Princess Yeon Hwa.

"Happy Birthday, your highness," I greeted the 10th prince. "My husband and I got you a gift for your birthday, but we forgot in my office. I will go and get it." My husband stepped in, "I will get it; you stay here." Shit. Things are going out of hand. A minute he steps out, 3rd prince will play his dirty tricks. I don't want it to happen before I could stop him or follow him. the 8th Prince stepped in. "Hae Soo, how is married life treating you?" I couldn't guess whether he was sarcastic or concerned. I hate this guy so much. I smiled. 'Yes, everything is good" before he could ask another question, my husband was right beside me with arms around my hips. I could feel that his possessive side is showing before they both rip each other apart. I took the gift from his hands and walked towards 10th Prince. "I heard from 13th Prince that you like to play with fun toys. These are new products". Please accept without any tantrums." I don't want toys, 'I want something else'" he pushed my gift aside. I sighed and hated myself; I should have instigated a make-out session in my office rather than returning home. There is no time for crying over spilled milk.

"I guess whatever you want, Hae Soo will get for you. If she can't 4th brother will get it" it was Princess Yeon Hwa who stepped into the conversation. I hate that woman who is cornering my husband and me into submission. "yes, what's it you want, your highness." "I want to see 4th brother's face without a mask", he asked. I seriously want to hit him so severely. Other Prince's except the 3rd and 8th Prince stepped in to admonish the 10th Prince, "you said you would do whatever you want" he pointed his finger at me. I wish I could snap his finger into two. I opened my argument, but my husband beat me first, "If that's what you want," he started untying his mask. I sighed; I seriously don't want to do it. Should I give a reassuring smile or cry for his pain.

I stood there without any expression staring ahead when he removed his mask. After few seconds, he started fleeing as expected. Once again, before I could run after him, the 8th Prince stepped in. "That's the real face of the beast that you have married; he will hurt you. Please leave him and come to my side; I will protect you" I am so disgusted by his action. "He is brother, your family, your blood. If you are willing to throw him to the wolf, what would happen to me?. Like I said earlier, he is my husband, and I don't need any protection from him" I walked past him. I searched for him around the perimeter before heading home. I didn't knock on the door to his chambers; I opened the door. I saw him standing in the room with his back facing me. I gave him a back hug, and we stood like that few minutes before he freed my hands from him and faced me; I didn't let him open his mouth; I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him. He was shocked but started kissing me back. I was getting dizzy from hormones overflowing, my leg grew weak, he lifted me and laid me on his bed, but we didn't stop kissing. I broke the kiss, my hands reached for his mask, he caught my hand which screamed don't do it, but I escaped his grasp, I removed his mask. He still a handsome guy, "You are still my husband, don't hide yourself from me" I smiled at him, I started kissing his forehead, starting tracing my lips over his scars, "How can you bear to see my face, am I not repulsive?". "No, you idiot, you look more handsome and I love you" I hugged him; I don't want him to see my face; I am embarrassed to say it out loud.

He hugged me back tightly," I love you, Hae Soo. Don't ever leave me" I knew words would be enough to assure him; I craned my neck to kiss me, he met me halfway and kissed me. I welcomed his tongue. Our kissing session was getting intense; I could feel his hard-on on my thighs; I rubbed my hands on his biceps which gave him indication to move forward; he broke the kiss and started kissing my neck. He found my sensitive spot; my brain was getting fuzzier, he was licking, biting, sucking, and kissing my neck. I couldn't stop myself from moaning. My hands went to his hair and his nape. I had him trapped between my legs, and his erection was against my sensitive core. After giving me a hickey, he started leaving butterfly kisses on my face while his hands moved from my hips to my breast; he was kneading my breast. I couldn't stop myself from pushing my torso against him. he slowly started undressing me. As he removed my top, I was left with a skirt and undergarments covering my breast. He started kissing my shoulders and slowly unwrapping my breast, but we were interrupted sudden growling sound from my stomach.

I regret not eating lunch. He sighed and laid next to me; immediately, I hugged him, and as usual, he kissed my head. We laid there in each other arms till my stomach made noise once again. He got up to call the servants to bring in the food. I dressed up when he came wearing a mask followed by servants bringing in our food. I smiled at him; while having dinner, we sat close to each other. Unlike other days, we kind of miss each other body heat. We didn't continue the session again, as I fell asleep on his arms immediately after dinner.

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She loves me despite seeing my bare face; she loves me and doesn't find me repulsive. I don't know what I did to receive love from such an innocent girl, looking at her sleeping peacefully in my arms. I love her; the feeling started gradually when we got close and slowly started learning about each other. I was elated that I couldn't sleep, ending up staring at her face the entire night. The next day, I kissed her as soon as she woke up; we kissed for good 10 minutes before we had to get ready for the ready. During breakfast, we had an audience, the 10th Prince and the 13th Prince were there; the 10th Prince went on his knees to apologize for the previous day's actions. My mood was good, so I forgave him immediately. I am kind of thankful; if it weren't for his odd request, my wife and I wouldn't have confessed our feeling to each other. As days passed by, we grew closer and stronger. She insists on removing my mask whenever we go to bed. Initially, I was scared of other people seeing my face insulting me. I know the scar is not my fault or my weakness, but I don't want her to be embarrassed being associated with me. Since we don't have servants or guards within our premises, I was okay with her request. I have invited my mentor and his daughter for dinner along with Prince Baek Ah.

As soon as Soon-Deok entered the dining room, she was trying to sneak an attack on me. She tries to attack stealthily by fails. I caught her on time.

"Not bad, Deokie, but you are slow" she gave an annoyed look on her face. She was about to retaliate but stopped by her father.

"Dookie, his wife, would feel bad if you cover him with bruises," she sighed.

"Welcome, General Park and Miss Soon Deok," my wife greeted them. My mentor is uncomfortable in the presence of other women except for his family. Deokie and I shared a sneaking smirk. Deokie pushed her father aside to greet my wife went to hug.

"Stop, she is mine. Find another person to hug" I caught her dress by the neck.

We all sat down for dinner; Deokie sat on the other side of my wife while pushing Baek Ah's side. He gave her an annoying glance but didn't want to throw fit in front of General or Deokie, who is stronger than him.

I used to run away from Kang household to my mentor stay there till I am discovered. Kang's hate general, but they cannot do anything to him. I grew up with Deokie, we are like siblings, but I was still an outsider. I used to earn for affection that General shares with his daughter. He always addresses me with the title, but Deokie is different. As soon as we sat down, we started fighting for the meat. After some time, we realized we were stared at by my wife and Baek Ah and General, who was indifferent to our usual behavior.

"Sorry, we are always like this," I apologized. My wife laughed. That's the sound I can never get tired of hearing. " It's okay; you don't have to apologize, your highness. Go ahead". She placed more meat on my rice bowl and did the same, too Deokie. My sister blushed at my wife's behavior. "Thank you, Lady Hae." My wife smiled. "Lady Park, don't feel shy. You can call me sister-in-law as I have married your brother" my sister's face brightened, "yes, sister, you can call me Soon Deok or Deokie. Lady Park is my mother," she said smiling brightly at my wife. "Okay, in return, you have to tell me stories about my husband" they made a deal. Deokie loves to gossip, but she was bullied and never welcomed by other noble ladies because of her built and her interests in martial arts. The conversation floated around with Deokie and me sometimes fighting with Baek Ah. General was staying silent, observing with a slight smile on his face, which I noticed.

It was an enjoyable gathering for the first time in my life. I am surrounded by people who genuinely care about me and felt something different that makes my heart alight at the same time excited. Maybe this is what called happiness?. If it is, I don't want to lose it, and I want to cherish all her smiles and laughter eternally.

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

-AG