Chapter Text
Becoming King at the young age of 18 wasn’t what anyone expected. The people didn’t expect to lose their current monarch so suddenly, either. With only one heir and direct family member left, there was no choice but for Choi Jongho to ascend his deceased father’s throne. The country was in a time of relative peace when he fell into his new role. He’d been training his whole life for it, after all. Yet when the time came, he had felt lost and wholly unprepared. To suddenly rule an entire kingdom overnight, Jongho had been overwhelmed. Throughout the next coming years, he worked hard and tirelessly to become the kind of King his people needed. He was a benevolent King, doing what he could to make sure the peace remained and his people were taken care of. There were times when it was difficult. Times of famine where he directed food and money from the capital to help the poorer regions. The people praised his generosity and lauded his name. Jongho didn’t do it for the glory, he simply wanted his people to thrive.
When threats came against his Kingdom and his people, Jongho ruled with an iron fist. He didn’t tolerate those who wanted to harm everyone under his leadership. Kingdoms who saw a young King and thought it meant a weak country, were sorely mistaken when Jongho’s army would come against them. They followed his command as resolutely as they did his father’s before the previous King’s untimely death. The people trusted their King and felt safe, even with such a young leader on the throne.
Not everyone agreed with his choices, some tried to manipulate his young mind. Attempted to create new laws that served the higher class. Jongho tried his best to stay on top of them but wasn’t able to do it alone. A King’s power was incredible, but not absolute. He had to walk a fine line with the older members of his council. The men who had been there since before his father’s ascension. Old men rarely changed their minds. Especially in the nobility. There was an order to things, and Jongho couldn’t just replace them at his will. Officials were often elected as a way to counter the King and give him advice. If he didn’t have their support, Jongho wouldn’t be able to do the things he planned. Even if he butted heads with the older men, he did his best to at least hear them out on public affairs.
Thankfully, Kim Hongjoong, a young scholar and incredibly intelligent man, remained at Jongho’s side. Tutoring him and teaching him of his Kingdom’s history. He instructed him on how certain laws could affect different regions of his Kingdom. He taught Jongho about the neighboring Kingdoms and why keeping their allyship was important for the health and safety of their own. Hongjoong became Jongho’s most trusted confidant much to the chagrin of his older council members. Alongside Hongjoong, Jongho had a few others with whom he trusted his life and Kingdom.
Park Seonghwa, Captain of his personal guard, always saw to his protection. Even as a beloved King, Jongho sometimes found his life threatened. There were always those who wished to usurp the throne, or who wanted more from the King than he gave them. Some nobility didn’t agree with helping the poor and those they deemed unworthy. Other nations felt threatened by a nearby prospering kingdom. Whatever the reasons, Seonghwa made sure to always have an eye on his young king. Only a few years older, himself, Seonghwa was the pride of the Imperial Guard. His skill with a sword was unmatched. He’d trained from a very young age, since he could even lift a sword. His natural talent was only honed and grown by endless training and practice.
Following behind him were a powerful duo. Choi San, Jongho’s cousin, had come to the palace when he was just a boy. The two had grown up and were educated together so that San could some day support Jongho in his kinghood. But San craved more than simple knowledge. So when he became of age, he trained as a guard where his childhood friend, Jung Wooyoung later joined him. Throughout their training and practices, the two became inseparable once more, just like they had been as children. But more so than that, they were a powerful force and fiercely protective. It was incredibly rare for Jongho to be seen without at least one of the three guards around him. Despite having several others as part of his personal guard as well.
The soldiers about the palace made up the rest of his security and did well under their own captains. Seonghwa sometimes watched their trainings and approved certain ones to work within the palace and others who would serve better as part of the Imperial army. Chosen to protect their people and their borders. Both positions were highly sought after and many men joined each year.
At the moment, all three personal guards stood around the room as Jongho listened to his council drone on and on about all the mundane things going on around the Kingdom. Listed complaints from the nobility and how certain projects were progressing. Jongho had been up late studying historical texts even after Hongjoong had dismissed him from his lessons. The late hour led to a short sleep and Jongho just didn’t have it in him to pay full attention to the old men grumbling around him. Jongho sat upon his throne, wholly uncomfortable. His red robes draped about his body with a gold emblem across his front. One hand supported his head as he watched the men argue over something insignificant. Sometimes, Jongho was convinced they would argue just for the sake of raising their voices. Out of the corner of his eye, Jongho noticed Mingi, his personal attendant, attempting to hide a yawn behind his large sleeve. He’d stayed up late with Jongho as well and often woke before he did. Mingi made sure that Jongho always looked his best and was dressed appropriately for the day. But more than that, Mingi had become a close friend. Someone Jongho felt he could tell anything to and it would remain between the two of them.
“…jesty. Your Majesty?” A hoarse voice called his name and Jongho lifted his head.
“What is it, Gukgong Jaegeun?” Jongho lifted his head and looked at the man who’d spoken. He was one of the more outspoken members who often challenged the throne, citing ancient law and bending them to his will. Two others nodded their heads behind him as he moved to the center of the room to better address their King.
“We were inquiring as to your intentions of naming your Queen, Your Majesty.” Jaegeun bowed his head, hands held together in front of himself in respect. “It has been five years since your ascension. It is beyond time, my lord.”
Jongho sighed. The question had been raised countless times. As it was right now, the Kingdom was without an heir of sacred bone aside from San, who constantly refused to accept the title. He was content to remain as he was. Hongjoong was seated nearby at a small desk. A cushion on the floor underneath his legs as he sorted through stacks. Jongho noticed him stand and carry the stack of papers toward him.
“We have prepared many wonderful options for Your Majesty.” Jaegeun continued and gestured for Hongjoong to hand the stack over to Jongho, who spread the pages out on the table in front of his throne. “All are beneficial allyships with our own kingdom. A marriage to any of these families would strengthen and grow your power, Your Majesty.”
Jongho looked over the papers prepared for him. Hongjoong stood beside him and answered any soft-spoken questions he had. Neither of them had met any of these candidates, but Jongho had met many of the ruling members of the families. His brow arched when he noticed one was from a royal family of a Kingdom to the south of them. It was of similar size to Jongho’s own. Trade with the Kingdom had been good over the years and a marriage should help strengthen and benefit the poor people in that region, should the kingdoms combine their powers.
Jaegeun waited for Jongho to finish perusing the files and look up before he spoke again. “My suggestion, Your Majesty, if I may. Would be to accept King Kang Jintae’s proposal of a unification. Having another royal as your Queen would heighten your status and show your abilities to the surrounding Kingdoms. Having another solidified ally would help deter those who are attempting to encroach upon your lands.”
Jongho listened to the man thoughtfully. None of the candidates really stuck out to him. Though he didn’t see any images of them, it was difficult to send perfect likenesses on parchment. But the descriptions of each were enough for Jongho to know if he would enjoy the company of each candidate. Most were daughters of dukes or barons who loved to have tea and sew together with their friends. They were described as obedient and quiet. Jongho didn’t want a wife only for decoration. The one proposed by King Jintae was the most intriguing by far. It was said she liked to read books and expand her knowledge, but was quiet and unobtrusive. She enjoyed the gardens and quiet walks, but was also known to have a wit-filled tongue. She was nothing like the others offered to him. It was almost as if the King had taken notice of Jongho’s friends and offered a princess that would mix in well with them. Jongho wasn’t sure if choosing the candidate suggested by Jaegeun was the wisest move, but something pulled him toward that particular princess. Her name wasn’t listed, as was common, most princesses were kept private until their marriage. His fingers hovered over the page as he thought a few minutes more.
Choosing a Queen, His Queen, wasn’t something that Jongho took lightly. It was very common for arranged marriages to be made among the nobility, and especially among the royal houses. One simply didn’t marry just for love. It was all a political game. But that didn’t mean that Jongho wasn’t eager to find himself a good companion. Or at the very least, someone who wouldn’t resent him for taking her from her home Kingdom and living in his for the rest of her life.
“Send word of interest for King Jintae, then.” Jongho waved his hand and Hongjoong gathered the other papers away, leaving behind Jongho’s chosen one. The young King straightened his shoulders and laid his hand flat on the page. He couldn’t shake the feeling that this person was meant to come to him. And making this decision without a name or image, only solidified to him that he had become intrigued by the Princess’s preferences alone.
Jaegeun barely managed to hold back his satisfied smile and bowed his head. “Of course, Your Majesty. A wise choice.” Jongho dismissed the council and stood up from his throne. All twelve men bowed their heads to him as he left, followed by his three guards, Hongjoong, and Mingi.
Jongho’s red robes swirled about his legs as he walked away from the throne room and down one of the exterior walkways toward his own chambers. He was often tired out by the weekly meeting and wanted the chance to relax in his own space. The thought of naming a Queen was still heavy on his mind. Even though he had interest in the one from the Southern Kingdom, he still wasn’t exactly thrilled with marrying someone he hadn’t met. Yet, his father and mother had met on their wedding day and love blossomed between them. It was a beautiful story that Jongho loved to hear. Especially after his mother died from illness when he was only eight years old. His father had mourned her loss but remained a good and benevolent King and father, telling Jongho stories about the beautiful woman who had been his mother. He hoped his own marriage would be something like that. Even if it took a little while, he wanted a companion who could at least be his friend.
Jongho stepped into is personal bedchambers and relaxed as the doors closed. Mingi and Hongjoong had followed him, as well as his three guards. His shoulders relaxed and Jongho let out a long breath, finally able to drop the kingly persona he had to wear among the others, lest the council try something or claim he wasn’t fit for his throne. They had tried before and Jongho had to prove his worth at only 19. Mingi moved in front of him and unknotted the ties that held Jongho’s official robes in place. He then slipped it off his shoulders, leaving him in his white undergarments. He hung the robes in their place as Hongjoong sat at the small table nearby. He was going over the papers about the Southern royal who would likely become Jongho’s Queen.
While Hongjoong set himself up at the small table he often used in Jongho’s personal chambers, the King allowed Mingi to dress him in a dark blue robe. It was a lighter material, easier to move in than the heavy, official Imperial attire.
“I’m amazed you made a decision like this, Your Majesty.” Hongjoong commented. His fingers tracing the words and looking for anything that could lead to darker discoveries. “These words seem vague yet overshared as at the same time.”
Jongho shrugged and sat down across the low table, one hand resting on his upright knee. “I don’t know how to explain it but, I just got the feeling that I should pick this one. They stood out…they seem different than all the others.”
Hongjoong nodded, his brows knit together in concentration. “Still, it worries me that Jaegeun is the one who recommended the Princess of the Southern Kingdom. I wonder if he has ulterior motives, yet I haven’t heard of any connections to the South for him.”
“He just wants me married with a Queen to fulfill my duties as King.” Jongho rolled his eyes and tapped his finger on the table. “I only wish I could see her face first. Though I know that won’t determine whether I still choose her or not, I would like to be able to recognize her.”
“There is still the option to, Your Majesty.” Mingi spoke up as he knelt down near the table as well.
Jongho shook his head. “Once she comes here to the palace, it would dishonor her to send her away.” He frowned in concentration as he thought about it. Jongho was still young, only 24 years. He’d been King for a little over five years already and still didn’t have the desire to rush into a marriage, nor gather concubines as all the Kings before him. He understood the need for them, of course. Should his Queen not give birth to a male heir, one of his concubines surely would. Yet Jongho didn’t wish to rush into things like that.
Hongjoong agreed with that sentiment. “I have to admit, I expected you to reject him again. What changed your mind?” He asked, the papers now in two stacks as he read over all of them one by one. As a scholar and Jongho’s most trusted advisor, Hongjoong often assisted him in making decisions by giving advice or his opinion on matters. Jongho’s word ultimately was most important and binding, but he valued Hongjoong’s input.
Jongho leaned his head into his hand and sighed. “I’m not sure. Maybe it’ll just get the council off my back. And the people need something good to celebrate as well. I know it has made the country nervous to go this long without a Queen. Perhaps, it will ease their worries.”
“You are a good King.” Seonghwa spoke for the first time since they entered the room. Wooyoung and San stood near the door and spoke quietly to each other while the others talked.
Jongho waved his hand in embarrassment and looked at his most skilled guard. Seonghwa’s talents were unparalleled when it came to his duties and Jongho was always appreciative of it. That, and having his presence nearby was a comfort. Being King could be a lonely affair. So many rigid rules and expectations to follow. Knowing who to trust could be quite difficult. Jongho counted himself lucky to have the five of them in the room with him. He’d grown with San and Hongjoong in the palace walls. Seonghwa showed up the moment he was of age and trained with the rest of the palace guards, soon earning his place beside the young King. Mingi was the son of his father’s personal attendant, so Jongho had been familiar with him throughout their childhood. Wooyoung was a friend of San’s from his home village. San would spend half the year in the palace with his cousin while his father assisted the King. And the other half, was spent at home with his mother. Wooyoung followed San to the palace when he chose to reject his right to the throne and became a guard for Jongho instead. Now both stayed year-round within the palace or followed Jongho when he chose to leave it. The only one missing at the moment was the palace doctor. Talented, young, and insultingly tall, just like Mingi, Jeong Yunho started as an apprentice to the previous Queen’s doctor. Later, after her death, he continued his training and earned his place as the palace doctor when Jongho took the throne.
A young court and an old council. The generationally separated groups butt heads often, but Jongho was glad to have them both. Even if several of the older men had self-serving tendencies. The two differing sides of opinion were valuable when making decisions that would affect the rest of the Kingdom. Yet dealing with the council was slowly becoming more tedious as the years went by. Jongho hoped that by naming a Queen, it would settle some of the doubts and pressure. He also recognized that the Princess he had chosen may not wish to join his kingdom. Yet the way their world worked; marriages were rarely for love within the royalty. Jongho’s parents had been a miracle. He planned to be a decent husband. One his Queen could at least be friends with. He would give her the best life he could in exchange for becoming his Queen.
“Your Majesty?” A knock came at the door and Jongho scowled, recognizing the voice as another of his guards. Being disturbed while in his chambers meant someone had come unannounced. San and Wooyoung straightened back into their proper posture. Seonghwa, never left his, rigid as ever. Mingi scooted himself back from the table. Jongho hated that his friends couldn’t act casually when others were around, but he understood the reason.
“What is it?” Jongho called out from where he sat.
“Gukgong Jaegeun wishes to speak with Your Majesty.” The guard replied.
Hongjoong shook his head with a quiet click of his tongue. He set his stack of papers back together on the table and laid Jongho’s choice in front of the King. “Let him in.” Jongho called out after he resituated himself, having taken in a deep breath to maintain his calm, stoic expression.
Wooyoung and San opened each of the double doors and stood to the side as the council member walked inside. Jaegeun bowed to Jongho out of respect, with his hands held to his waist. When Jongho called him forward with a flick of his wrist, the man walked closer but kept a small distance between them. “Your Majesty, I’ve come to speak with you about the Southern Kingdom’s Princess.”
Jongho had an inclination that this must be his reason for coming. He tilted his head back but didn’t stand, which forced Jaegeun to his knees to continue the conversation politely. The man brushed the fabric of his robes to clear wrinkles away before he looked up at the King.
“Your Majesty, I am pleased to see you’ve chosen such a worthy candidate to be your bride. The Southern Kingdom will make an excellent ally for you.” The old man seemed to hesitate a moment before he continued. “They do have a few strange customs that you should be aware of before the princess arrives.”
Jongho arched one brow and glanced toward Hongjoong. “There was nothing in the documents about this.” He replied tersely and looked at the offending council member. “What customs would those be?”
“Ah, it isn’t bad, Your Majesty.” Jaegeun bowed his head quickly then looked back up. “It is something the royal family practices. Firstly, when a woman is to be wed, she remains covered by her veils for 40 days after the wedding. They believe it a symbol of purity, even in marriage, and believe that it will bring good fortune to the union.”
“Forty days? I will not view my bride for well over a month’s time?” Jongho asked incredulously. He wasn’t a vain or shallow man, but knew the curiosity of knowing what his Queen looked like would be difficult to keep at bay. Such a strange custom.
“I have not heard of such things, Gukgong Jaegeun.” Hongjoong spoke up after a moment and watched the other man.
“The Southern Kingdom is a bit cautious with their royal customs. For fear of enemies exploiting them. We all know the Queen is quite valuable. Should she be defiled, it would reflect poorly on the King.”
Jongho scowled at that. It was such a shallow way of thinking. He was well aware of the violence some Kings used against their own wives. Yet once selected by the King, a woman could not deny him, under punishment of death. Jongho would never do such a thing unless a person truly deserved it. And it made his blood boil that another Kingdom treated its women more like objects. He knew it would be difficult, but he hoped to make things at least a little better. Perhaps it was good that he’d chosen this Princess as his Queen. To get her away from the tyranny of the male leadership in her own Kingdom and family.
“There is also the matter of contracts through the marriage. This is a sample of the one you will sign upon your union night.” Jaegeun produced another folded paper from his sleeve and laid it on the table. Jongho nodded and Hongjoong reached for the paper and unfolded it. His brows furrowed as he read over the words then leaned to whisper into Jongho’s ear. Jaegeun watched the interaction carefully.
“This contract has a few odd stipulations. Should fatal harm befall the Queen, all contracts are to remain binding.” Jongho read aloud and tilted his head. “It was my understanding that once a political marriage was performed, the allyship would be binding regardless.”
“There is more to it, Your Majesty.” Hongjoong placed his finger on the page and slid it toward Jongho so he could see it clearly. “Within the first year, a monetary payment would be demanded, should the Queen lose her life.”
Jongho frowned. Something felt off about the whole thing. “Is it to pay retribution to the Princess’s family?”
“I believe it is, Your Majesty. The Southern Kingdom has suffered losses of their Princesses before. King Taejoon lost three of his daughters to violent Kings in his attempts to create allyships with other kingdoms. Since then, a century later, the Southern Kingdom has demanded retribution should a princess lose her life unjustly within the first year of her marriage. They haven’t lost another one since.” Jaegeun explained.
Jongho sighed and looked to Hongjoong. Everything from the strange royal customs to the contracts didn’t seem quite right. But then again, each Kingdom was different in their politics. It was why tensions sometimes ran high, even amongst allies. Perhaps it wasn’t the best decision to make. But something in Jongho’s gut kept him from retracting his choice. He didn’t know why. Perhaps fate was pushing him in a certain direction for a reason. Regardless of knowing the risks. That, coupled with Jaegeun’s interest in the proposal, and Jongho knew there was more to the story.
“Hongjoong, prepare the letter requesting the Southern Princess to come to the palace within three weeks’ time. And inform the court to begin preparations for the Wedding Ceremony. Once the Princess has arrived, I wish to give a week before we are wed.” Jongho spoke with a strong voice, showing no room for argument. He knew Hongjoong had many complaints about the current situation, namely about the strange customs and contract. But Jongho firmly believed he’d made the correct choice.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Hongjoong gathered the pages all together and stood up. He held them to his chest and gave Jongho a cautious side-eye before he bowed and left the room.
“Your Majesty, this will be wonderful news. The Kingdom will rejoice in welcoming their new Queen.” Jaegeun smiled, pleased to hear the order given. He’d been prepared with many arguments to convince the King to maintain his choice. Yet he’d been pleasantly surprised when Jongho agreed.
Jongho merely hummed in response and closed his eyes. “I’ve grown tired and would like to rest now. See yourself out, Gukgong Jaegeun.” Jongho dismissed him. The older man frowned a little but quickly wiped it away when Jongho’s eyes opened again.
“Of course, Your Majesty. Thank you for your time.” Jaegeun scrambled up to his feet and bowed quickly before he left the King’s chambers.
“That…was interesting.” Mingi commented once the doors had closed and San and Wooyoung stood in front of them again.
“Your Majesty, are you certain this marriage will not endanger you?” Seonghwa asked from behind the King. Anyone else wouldn’t have picked up on it, but Jongho could tell from the very subtle change in his tone, that Seonghwa was worried.
“I cannot be certain. But my heart tells me I must do it. There is something odd here, and I feel that by marrying this Princess, we may start to unravel the mystery. We are a larger Kingdom, with better resources and army. I do not fear an infiltration. But I will remain cautious once the Queen arrives.” Jongho replied. He spread his fingers out on the desk where the paper with the proposal had been. Hongjoong had taken it with him to make sure the letter of Proposal was correct. Wooyoung and San moved closer after a few moments.
“What do you think Jaegeun has to gain from this union?” San asked with an arched brown and arms folded over his chest.
“I haven’t figured that out yet. I don’t know of any relations to the Southern Kingdom, but I have had the feeling that Jaegeun has been up to something behind my back. Perhaps, this will give the opportunity for me to find out.” Jongho looked toward San, grateful for his cousin’s attentiveness.
“Due to the strange contract, I feel it would be wise to assign trusted guards to your Queen once she arrives.” Seonghwa commented after a moment. “It is possible they truly wish to protect her, but it also gives the opportunity for monetary gain at her sacrifice.”
Jongho frowned again. He’d thought of that and hoped it wouldn’t be the case. “It is a strange stipulation. Luckily, this palace is quite safe. No assassin has made it passed the walls in years. And those that did before that, were quickly stopped.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.” Seonghwa replied.
Jongho sighed. He wished each of them would call him by name. But he knew it would be difficult to keep the two separate. Jongho was their King first and foremost. But he valued their friendships more than their loyalty to duty. Every now and then he got his wish, when it was late at night and being disturbed was far less likely. Sometimes, Jongho just wanted to feel normal. Having become King at such a young age, he didn’t have much time to live life and explore possibilities. Nor to travel like some Crown Princes did before they took their thrones. He only knew the palace walls and surrounding cities.
Perhaps having his new Queen would change a few things for Jongho. A wife could call her husband by name within the walls of privacy. It was rare for Jongho to hear his own name since his parents had passed. He found himself craving those two simple syllables. Alongside those hopes, he had many thoughts about what might change for him. Not much in his day-to-day life, that much was certain. A Queen lived in her own building, apart from the King. Her presence could be requested, or Jongho could simply go to visit her instead. Jongho planned to give her access to the libraries and other buildings as well once he knew she could be trusted. He didn’t want to confine her to just one part of the palace. The gardens and walkways were all beautiful. The palace itself was quite large and hours could be spent walking about its grounds. He wanted his Queen to have the chance to live in the space just like he did.
The beautiful pond in the center courtyard fed into smaller streams that filtered throughout the grounds. Bridges made of deep red-painted wood would span across them to keep wandering guests from getting wet. The walkways were kept clear of debris and well taken care of. Lush plants littered the areas between buildings, keeping the atmosphere calm and nourishing to one’s mind. Each building had its purpose, marked by gold lettering above the doors. The King’s palace was the largest. Adorned with brilliant markings and embellishments in black and gold to accent the deep red architecture. Green panels between red posts on each wall made the palace vibrant and easy to identify. Surrounded by high, white stone walls, the palace and its grounds was a safe place for Jongho and his court.
The councilmen, most of which lived in their own regions, had rooms in which they stayed when they were visiting the palace. Kept separate from the King’s palace to maintain his privacy and separation of their status. Unlike the kings before him, Jongho had his personal staff close by at all times. Hongjoong preferred to live in the guest rooms nearest the library where he spent most of his free time. Mingi lived only a room away so that he could attend to Jongho on a moment’s notice. Seonghwa’s quarters were on the other side, close enough to hear should the King find himself in danger. Though, it hadn’t happened in years, Seonghwa was always prepared. San and Wooyoung stayed near Hongjoong, close enough to the garden and to the King’s palace. Yunho often lived near his work room. He had a bedroom in the King’s palace, but rarely used it as he could be found asleep at his desk, or on a bedroll near it. Always working to enhance his healing tonics to fight illness that sometimes overtook the poorer villages. Yunho was a highly sought after doctor, but he refused to leave the palace except for short trips to assist and train village healers.
Jongho sighed and let himself flop onto his back on the floor. Mingi didn’t even flinch, used to his best friend’s antics. He thought it was good to let Jongho let go and just be himself. It was difficult to be King, and the moments like this made it bearable. “You realize you’ll be a married man in a month, Jongho?”
The King’s eyes widened and he turned over to look at his friend. More surprised by his name than the statement. It took a couple of seconds for Mingi’s words to sink in and his cheeks turned the smallest hint of pink. “It won’t change much…” Jongho rolled back onto his back and stared up at the ornate details on the ceiling of his bed chamber. It was large enough to hold his bed, a table where he often took meals. Two bookshelves of various books. Between those was the stand on which his red robes were displayed when not in use. A writing desk to one side, and several comfortable seating areas. The room was massive and Jongho often felt lonely when there on his own. Luckily, his friends kept him company quite often.
“It may change a lot. You’ll have responsibilities that you didn’t have before. Even if the two of you end up disliking each other. You have to attend her at least every now and then to avoid speculation amongst the people. Not to mention gaining an heir.”
Jongho coughed awkwardly and cleared his throat. “There is still time for an heir.” His cheeks felt hot at Mingi’s implication. He knew that couples consummated their marriage that same night, but with the strange customs the Southern Kingdom’s royal family had, he wondered if that would even be possible. Jongho covered his face with one arm. The white cotton sleeve that poked out of his dark blue robes covered his features completely.
Mingi’s amused chuckle only made Jongho’s face burn hotter and he did his best to ignore his best friend. He breathed deeply to calm his heart at the thought. Jongho had never had much interest in such things and suddenly, he was going to have to face it. At least, with the custom of 40 days, Jongho felt he had more time. Mingi quietly worked on sewing a small seam closed in a new robe for Jongho. He’d taken a liking to preparing clothes and Jongho happily supplied him with everything he needed.
“A Queen….my Queen.” Jongho let out a low breath and stared back up at the ceiling. It wasn’t quite real yet, but Jongho was certain that the moment he met her, it would all click into place. Perhaps the feeling he had when selecting his Queen would make more sense. He only hoped the Princess wouldn’t hate him for his choice.