A SMALL MATTER OF MARRIAGE (*THE REUNION* FAITH FAN FIC) CONTINUED
As promissed, updating this fanfic. Parts 4 and 5, following immediately "Return Home".
If you are reading, let me know, not sure how many are interested. Thanks and enjoy.
PART IV
Taking it in, Eun Soo looked around the room. Everything seemed to stay in its place.
"I kept your things in case you wanted them."
"Thank you." She catalogued her belongings in her mind, nothing was missing, everything was in perfect order and well kept. He never gave up, he was ready.
Without saying anything, she came up to the man, worriedly waiting for her response, and hugged him from behind.
"You,
you never stopped waiting, did you?" with the flat of her hand, she
could feel his heartbeat under the layers of clothing. She kissed his
back in gratitude. "Shh, don't move. I like this. You back is wide and strong, it's safe and warm."
He shaped his arms around hers, following the curves perfectly. "I will never let you go, ever!" he proclaimed.
"I know," not a doubt in her mind.
Turning around they merged into a hug, holding onto the comfort of each others bodies.
"Imja, the Queen left something for you. When you are ready, you can check it."
"What is it?"
"A dowry chest. For the wedding. She was very excited and could not wait for you to return to do the ceremony."
"I have not met them yet, our king and queen. Do you think they are upset?"
"Of course not, silly. They understand we need time," he smiled at her, warming her with his expressive eyes.
"Can you set up an audience for me?"
"I'll send a word."
Royal Conspiracy (part 1)
The word about High Doctor's return reached the palace on a day's notice. Choong-Sook personally informed the king, making sure that meeting was discrete.
"Your Majesty, she is back. The High Doctor is back! I saw her with my own eyes. The General brought her back and they will be taking some time
off… that's what the General requested to convey to you."
"Very well, I think it's cause for celebration," the king gave a satisfied smile. "How does she look? Is she in good health?"
"She appeared to be healthy. We had dinner together and she was in good spirits. You Majesty, if I may?"
"Speak freely"
"How are we going to handle this situation?"
"What do you mean?"
"Last time the High Doctor's life was in danger, we almost lost her and she disappeared for 5 years. Is it wise that her return is known?"
"My thoughts exactly. I will make sure that her identify is not revealed. She will live like a regular citizen under my protection. I will extend her the option of working at the clinic, but I can not keep her title if she were to stay safe."
"Give me your orders, Your Majesty."
"You take care of all the military personnel, I will deal with the people in the palace."
The ministers were gathered, loud whispers and worried looks kept the tension rising in the room.
"I appreciate you all coming on such a short notice," the king greeted them.
"How many of you remember a person called The High Doctor?"
Most of the cabinet was familiar with Eun Soo, there were a few newly appointed ministers who never met her. The king thanked them for their time and sent them away.
"The group of people standing before me…" he measured them with his eye, thinking about putting big enough fear into their hearts to make sure
their memories are wiped off permanently. "All of you will be responsible for enforcing a new decree I'm instituting immediately, starting with yourself. If anyone under you, including your lowest slave fails to comply, your heads will roll first."
"Under the penalty of death, anyone ever mentioning the title High Doctor, will be tried for High Treason. No person can ever be addressed as High Doctor. Even if you believe you see someone who looks like the one used to be called the High Doctor, shut your eyes and go on your way. Do not approach that person."
Behind the closed doors the decree about the High Doctor was announced. Her name is to be stricken from the annals, the description of her likeness - erased. The king made it his mission to give Eun Soo and the general a clean slate to start their lives together as a couple.
PART V
Conspiracy (Part 2)
Eun Soo was walking in the gardens. It was a bit strange not to have any guards accompany her, not to look over her shoulder for any uninvited visitors. Last time she talked to a friendly stranger, he ended up poisoning her… She saw a couple of warrior maidens stroll in the distance, she waved at them excitedly, but as they caught a site of her, they averted their eyes and rushed away in the opposite direction.
What is going on?
Eun Soo was on her way to the Queen's part of the palace. She missed the young queen, who became like a sister to her. She was also anticipating
to see Lady Choi, who now was her only relative on the Choi Young's side. Every person she saw, greeted her in a way they would greet a mere
passerby, nobody seemed to recognize her.
I did not change that much, she pouted, was I that insignificant to be so easily forgotten?
The time she was away, Eun Soo got used to being alone. She led a low profile existence, trying to leave very little footprint in the world and doing just enough to survive to get back. At times she thought herself a shadow, leading days in a melancholic solitude. It gave her time to reflect on the relationships and connections she made in Guryeo. All the people here were so real and dear to her heart. She felt like she was about to meet her old friends for a long awaited reunion. Eun Soo was still much more quieter and reserved than her previous bubbly self after having lived through unimaginable isolation and desolateness. However, with each passing day, she was feeling a little bit more like her old sprightly self. Woodalchi were more than considered and attentive, she was always met with the biggest smiles and cheerful greetings. That's why this silent treatment from the others on the palace grounds really hurt her feelings.
Eun Soo entered the palace and was asked to wait to be announced by a young courtier. "Who are you? Is the Queen expecting you? How did you get through the guards?"
"My name is Yoo Eun Soo. Tell her the High Doctor has come".
"Shh", the girl's face was transformed by fear, her eyes widened and she quickly covered Eun Soo's mouth with her hand. "You will be executed if
you say it. Those words H. D," she only used the initial letters, "are outlawed. The decree just came out a week ago. There is this rumor that the king had a secret meeting with the cabinet of ministers and after that we were all informed. It is so mysterious… By the way, where did you come from that you have not heard?"
Flabbergasted Eun Soo was rapidly blinking, still with her mouth covered by the girl's hand.
"Oh, sorry", the girl apologized. "I'm really sorry, we were warned under the threat of high treason." A glimpse of a dangerous thought reflected in her eyes, "Wait a minute, you called yourself the High Doctor. Why are you using this title?"
How come I'm the last one to know? "I thought that the Queen was informed about my visit. I'm the wife of General Choi Young."
"Yes, madam", the girl looked worried, "I hope your husband will forgive my behavior."
"My husband does not need to find out. Thank you for trying to protect me. If he knew, he would have been grateful. I just arrived to the palace,
so I have not heard the news yet. I am sure we will see more of each other in the future."
A familiar voice called "Doctor, is it you?" the aunt was on her way. "Leave us," she glared at the courtier and quickly assessing her nervous reaction, she added "and keep your mouth shut!"
She awkwardly hugged Eun Soo, who wrapped her arms tightly around the woman's back. "Hello Aunt, can I call you aunt now?"
Lady Choi still uncomfortable about physical contact or any form of affection for that matter, allowed the hug to last a bit longer for the sake of her nephew's wife. "Here, here", she heavily petted Eun Soo's back. "I'm so glad you back!"
Eun Soo hugged her even tighter.
"Welcome to the family, Eun Soo-shi."
Eun Soo already had tears in her eyes, she was very sentimental lately.
"Come, the Queen waited since morning, she really missed having you around."
If you are reading, let me know, not sure how many are interested. Thanks and enjoy.
PART IV
Taking it in, Eun Soo looked around the room. Everything seemed to stay in its place.
"I kept your things in case you wanted them."
"Thank you." She catalogued her belongings in her mind, nothing was missing, everything was in perfect order and well kept. He never gave up, he was ready.
Without saying anything, she came up to the man, worriedly waiting for her response, and hugged him from behind.
"You,
you never stopped waiting, did you?" with the flat of her hand, she
could feel his heartbeat under the layers of clothing. She kissed his
back in gratitude. "Shh, don't move. I like this. You back is wide and strong, it's safe and warm."
He shaped his arms around hers, following the curves perfectly. "I will never let you go, ever!" he proclaimed.
"I know," not a doubt in her mind.
Turning around they merged into a hug, holding onto the comfort of each others bodies.
"Imja, the Queen left something for you. When you are ready, you can check it."
"What is it?"
"A dowry chest. For the wedding. She was very excited and could not wait for you to return to do the ceremony."
"I have not met them yet, our king and queen. Do you think they are upset?"
"Of course not, silly. They understand we need time," he smiled at her, warming her with his expressive eyes.
"Can you set up an audience for me?"
"I'll send a word."
Royal Conspiracy (part 1)
The word about High Doctor's return reached the palace on a day's notice. Choong-Sook personally informed the king, making sure that meeting was discrete.
"Your Majesty, she is back. The High Doctor is back! I saw her with my own eyes. The General brought her back and they will be taking some time
off… that's what the General requested to convey to you."
"Very well, I think it's cause for celebration," the king gave a satisfied smile. "How does she look? Is she in good health?"
"She appeared to be healthy. We had dinner together and she was in good spirits. You Majesty, if I may?"
"Speak freely"
"How are we going to handle this situation?"
"What do you mean?"
"Last time the High Doctor's life was in danger, we almost lost her and she disappeared for 5 years. Is it wise that her return is known?"
"My thoughts exactly. I will make sure that her identify is not revealed. She will live like a regular citizen under my protection. I will extend her the option of working at the clinic, but I can not keep her title if she were to stay safe."
"Give me your orders, Your Majesty."
"You take care of all the military personnel, I will deal with the people in the palace."
The ministers were gathered, loud whispers and worried looks kept the tension rising in the room.
"I appreciate you all coming on such a short notice," the king greeted them.
"How many of you remember a person called The High Doctor?"
Most of the cabinet was familiar with Eun Soo, there were a few newly appointed ministers who never met her. The king thanked them for their time and sent them away.
"The group of people standing before me…" he measured them with his eye, thinking about putting big enough fear into their hearts to make sure
their memories are wiped off permanently. "All of you will be responsible for enforcing a new decree I'm instituting immediately, starting with yourself. If anyone under you, including your lowest slave fails to comply, your heads will roll first."
"Under the penalty of death, anyone ever mentioning the title High Doctor, will be tried for High Treason. No person can ever be addressed as High Doctor. Even if you believe you see someone who looks like the one used to be called the High Doctor, shut your eyes and go on your way. Do not approach that person."
Behind the closed doors the decree about the High Doctor was announced. Her name is to be stricken from the annals, the description of her likeness - erased. The king made it his mission to give Eun Soo and the general a clean slate to start their lives together as a couple.
PART V
Conspiracy (Part 2)
Eun Soo was walking in the gardens. It was a bit strange not to have any guards accompany her, not to look over her shoulder for any uninvited visitors. Last time she talked to a friendly stranger, he ended up poisoning her… She saw a couple of warrior maidens stroll in the distance, she waved at them excitedly, but as they caught a site of her, they averted their eyes and rushed away in the opposite direction.
What is going on?
Eun Soo was on her way to the Queen's part of the palace. She missed the young queen, who became like a sister to her. She was also anticipating
to see Lady Choi, who now was her only relative on the Choi Young's side. Every person she saw, greeted her in a way they would greet a mere
passerby, nobody seemed to recognize her.
I did not change that much, she pouted, was I that insignificant to be so easily forgotten?
The time she was away, Eun Soo got used to being alone. She led a low profile existence, trying to leave very little footprint in the world and doing just enough to survive to get back. At times she thought herself a shadow, leading days in a melancholic solitude. It gave her time to reflect on the relationships and connections she made in Guryeo. All the people here were so real and dear to her heart. She felt like she was about to meet her old friends for a long awaited reunion. Eun Soo was still much more quieter and reserved than her previous bubbly self after having lived through unimaginable isolation and desolateness. However, with each passing day, she was feeling a little bit more like her old sprightly self. Woodalchi were more than considered and attentive, she was always met with the biggest smiles and cheerful greetings. That's why this silent treatment from the others on the palace grounds really hurt her feelings.
Eun Soo entered the palace and was asked to wait to be announced by a young courtier. "Who are you? Is the Queen expecting you? How did you get through the guards?"
"My name is Yoo Eun Soo. Tell her the High Doctor has come".
"Shh", the girl's face was transformed by fear, her eyes widened and she quickly covered Eun Soo's mouth with her hand. "You will be executed if
you say it. Those words H. D," she only used the initial letters, "are outlawed. The decree just came out a week ago. There is this rumor that the king had a secret meeting with the cabinet of ministers and after that we were all informed. It is so mysterious… By the way, where did you come from that you have not heard?"
Flabbergasted Eun Soo was rapidly blinking, still with her mouth covered by the girl's hand.
"Oh, sorry", the girl apologized. "I'm really sorry, we were warned under the threat of high treason." A glimpse of a dangerous thought reflected in her eyes, "Wait a minute, you called yourself the High Doctor. Why are you using this title?"
How come I'm the last one to know? "I thought that the Queen was informed about my visit. I'm the wife of General Choi Young."
"Yes, madam", the girl looked worried, "I hope your husband will forgive my behavior."
"My husband does not need to find out. Thank you for trying to protect me. If he knew, he would have been grateful. I just arrived to the palace,
so I have not heard the news yet. I am sure we will see more of each other in the future."
A familiar voice called "Doctor, is it you?" the aunt was on her way. "Leave us," she glared at the courtier and quickly assessing her nervous reaction, she added "and keep your mouth shut!"
She awkwardly hugged Eun Soo, who wrapped her arms tightly around the woman's back. "Hello Aunt, can I call you aunt now?"
Lady Choi still uncomfortable about physical contact or any form of affection for that matter, allowed the hug to last a bit longer for the sake of her nephew's wife. "Here, here", she heavily petted Eun Soo's back. "I'm so glad you back!"
Eun Soo hugged her even tighter.
"Welcome to the family, Eun Soo-shi."
Eun Soo already had tears in her eyes, she was very sentimental lately.
"Come, the Queen waited since morning, she really missed having you around."