A SMALL MATTER OF MARRIAGE CONTINUED (*THE REUNION* FAITH FAN FIC)
Hello everybody. I have decided to post all the parts that are completed so far in one shot. I will be taking vacation for a few days and although I might still be writing and posting, I thought it might be fun for those who like to read my story to have a few chapters ready.
(disclaimer - if you are reading ff.net, then you have already seen this, if not - enjoy)
Leave me a comment or two, if you read, curious to know what you guys are thinking. Deyhra and I are working on the wedding day chapter. Will be posting it once it ready.
Happy and healthy upcoming New Year!
“But why are you taking all of that away?!” Screamed Eun Soo, watching the soldiers quietly lift her things up and out the door, she had been sorting through the laundry when this madness started; the maidens announced she was to move without questions to the Queen’s residence, and just had the men lift and take everything away. Her clean clothes falling all over the place as she attempted to stop them. “No, not that! That’s a gift from the Queen!” She cried as the dowry chest was lifted from its secure corner and taken out the door.
When Choi Young arrived at the short hallway, the man carrying the chest stopped, and he could see Eun Soo dangling from the man’s back, attempting with futile efforts, to stop him. The two of them stopped and stared at the General, who sighed and told the man to carry on.
Surprised to the point of disbelief, Eun Soo released her grip and followed her husband, who dragged her back to the room.
“Where are they taking all my stuff? Why did you let them take all of my stuff?!” She said loudly, fighting him; none of the movers returned, aware that they might witness a fight if they did, and Choi Young was grateful for it.
“The Queen has issued an order; Lady Eun Soo from the house of Yoo, is to come to live to her residence, immediately.”
“What?”
“As you will be wooed by Commanding General Young, from the house of Choi, you are to remain with her until she sees fit your wedding date.”
“I thought the date was already settled.”
“It is.” And he dropped his sword over his desk, looking and feeling as desperate as she looked. Eun Soo swallowed hard and watched the anger he felt dance on his features. “The Queen just wants to ensure the gossip about you is stopped before the wedding.”
As usual, Eun Soo was the last one to learn the plans the world had with her. Defeated, she dropped to a sitting position over their bed, and Choi Young watched as her features fell from worry and confusion to sadness. He took in a deep breath, and moved to sit beside her. “Imja.”
“I don’t want to part from you,” she dropped against his shoulder, holding tightly onto him. The wait for her return had been long and sad for both of them, and now they wouldn’t be able to be together? The Queen was just too cruel.
“I’ll tell the Queen I don’t agree. She probably does not understand.”
“You cannot, Imja. It’s too late. It was a royal decree.”
“Why???”
“Although I hate the idea, the Queen knows what she is doing. There is nobody more invested in our wedding than her, so she must have a pretty good reason for such a bold move.”
“Will you be able to visit me? If I do go, will you?”
“Not without the Queen’s approval.”
She groaned and shook her head against his shoulder. “I don’t want to go. Don’t let me go!” Her hands tightened, breaking Choi Young’s heart. He wanted to keep her next to him, to protect her for the rest of their days in his embrace; he wanted to hide her from the world so no one could harm her, yet let her be free and join him willingly… It pained his soul the words that forced out of his lips, hands holding her.
“Imja, you will be safe there.”
“I don’t care, you won’t be there! I want you close.”
He held her closely, kissing the top of her hair. Choi Young had feared this: the sudden separation would cause this pain for the both of them. Only to be married in the end? Why was it they had to suffer so much to be together? “If I promise to visit daily, will you go quietly?”
“Didn’t you say I have no other choice? Sometimes I really miss the freedom of democracy and free will.”
Choi Young let this pass; it was her usual reaction to anything that had her follow arbitrary rules of Goryeo society, which did not make much sense to her. Unfortunately, they made sense to him. “Our hands are tied in this matter for now, Imja. I promise to visit, and if I can I will be by your side when you call out to me.”
She looked up at him, pouting.
“There’s always a way, Imja. I know this palace better than most of the servants. Maybe I can sneak in during the night and do indescribable things to you.”
She finally laughed, and cleaned the bit of tears falling down the side of her eyes, “You might enjoy them, too.”
He kissed her then, soothing away her fear and pain, and cleaned her teary eyes with his thumbs. Then he kissed each of her cheeks and rose to look at her; Eun Soo was still clinging tightly to him.
“What?”
“Can we…? Before I leave?” She asked, softly, innocently. How did she manage to do that? Ignite his passion with such an innocent glance?
“The door is open.”
“I don’t care.”
“Imja, we are safeguarding your dignity, don’t mess it up. At least let me close the door.”
“So what is the favorite of the queen supposed to do?” Eun Soo asked Lady Choi, as they walked to the Queen’s chamber.
The woman sighed, “Nothing out of the ordinary: you will take walks with her, accompany to important dates; engage in tea making, weaving, cross stitching, reading, praying, and whatever the Queen wishes to do.”
“Oh, goodie. All of my favorite things!” She said, sarcasm not hidden. “She was getting too much like that fool of her husband”, thought Lady Choi, who pierced her with a scolding look; Eun Soo turned her eyes away and looked down at the robes she wore. The silk pink and white outfit made her look fat, and she had complained to her maid about it, but there was very little she could do. She was like a doll the Queen had ordered to dress up, so she had to wear these clothes. Normally, Eun Soo would not be so obedient, but she had a plan. If she were to pretend to go along with the Queen’s absurd scheme, then she could slowly turn things into her favor and convince the Queen to cancel the order. They were pledged sisters, after all.
The door to the Queen’s chamber was opened, and she entered, smiling at her pledged younger sister. The woman had her hair loose, showing her beige colored robes she stood to welcome Eun Soo. She was very homey and looked quite comfortable. “You have arrived, and safely. Come in, I want to show you something.” How come she could wear such simple garments when Eun Soo was layered like a silk cabbage? “Do you like your room?”
“I do, Your Highness, it is so big!”
“I made sure you would be comfortable through your stay; it won’t be long.”
“Your Highness, forgive me for been rude, but I must ask you as to your reasons for separating me so abruptly from my husband.”
“Bear the separation as best as you can, my favorite lady, for it won’t be long. Less than two weeks.”
Since Eun Soo already had a plan, she plastered a smile on her face and ask innocently, “Are you doing this because of the gossip? Gossip has already spread, and they will continue to talk whether I live here or at home next to my husband”. She meaningfully emphasized “next to my husband”.
The Queen gently smiling just looked at her, “Remember something we discussed when I began preparing your wedding; before the wedding the couple is kept from seeing each other. Although I will allow an exception for you, I want you to be as far away from his touch as possible; to create the anticipation expected in the wedding.”
So I will be able to at least see him. Eun Soo frowned at her. So this was for her wedding? Falling quiet, Eun Soo battled with herself. She wanted to stick to the plan, but started to feel angry and she felt her blood boiling… “You Majesty,” she got up now staring down the Queen, “permit me to speak my mind. I am resenting you a little right now.”
“What?” Far from angry, the queen was amused.
“Separating me from my lawful husband, it’s cruel. If you were to be taken out of your lover’s embrace like that, would you resent a person who did that? You know better than anyone how much time we had to spend away from each other. We don’t need the separation to know how we feel. We have done that time and time again.”
Lady Choi glared at Eun Soo, but the Queen motioned for the woman to exit.
“Unnie,” she said now in complete privacy. “Are you and the general already living like a husband and wife?” and she blushed.
“We are married, you husband issued a decree!”
“Unnie, I may not have much experience, but I have been married a little longer. No matter how much passion you have for each other it tends to wane with time. Taking a break is the healthiest thing you can do for your marriage. Look at it as a way to make you long for him so much that you would wish the ceremony come sooner. I’m pretty sure, he will feel the same. Love and physical attraction need to be handled with care.”
Eun Soo sat down, thinking about the wise little queen. Theoretically, she was right, but in her case, neither her, nor Choi Young needed to reignite their passion. They had plenty to go around.
“My husband and I, we cannot be together every time we please, there are rules that we have to follow as a royal couple. The wait only makes us wish for each other more and the reunion is so much more sweeter,” she shared the most intimate details of her life with her sister, shyly keeping her eyes to the ground.
Eun Soo could not be angry with her. She appreciated where she was coming from and especially to learn about the woman behind the queen’s title.
“You are right, but all the couples are different. You found a way that works for you, but we have a way that works for us. I assure you, we will miss each other even if we spend all the time together without separation.”
“You are a lucky woman,” concluded the queen. “But the two weeks is the shortest I can do for you. The general’s post makes him a center of attention. You still have to consider his position and the influence. Although as a woman I sympathize, as a Queen, I have to act in the best interest for the country.”
“I HAVE to live around here for two weeks?! You weren’t kidding?” Eun Soo hit her forehead against the table, groaning and whining.
The queen only smiled at her, apologetically. “I will try to make your stay here as pleasant as possible. You will see, the time will fly and next thing you know, you will be joining hands at the ceremony.”
“Then what about these ridiculous clothes?”
ldquo;Oh, those? I wanted to see how the pink played with your hair, but I must admit it’s not as dramatic as I expected.”
That was too much, and Eun Soo took a deep breath, counting in Spanish till ten (and she did not even know Spanish!).
“Here,” Said the queen finally handing her a thick paper.
“What is this?”
“A wedding invitation. I didn’t want it to be too ostentatious, for you two have not the pompous quality, but I wanted it to be simple and delicate to match the bride and groom; what do you think?”
Eun Soo looked down at the simple calligraphy and the well written words and smiled.
“It’s gorgeous. What does it say?”
“Oh yes, you don’t know how to read Chinese yet.”
Choi Young sat on the bed, his long legs resting over the soft covers and arms crossed over his chest. Night had fallen, and while at this hour he might have been asleep, right now he was wide awake and annoyed. He couldn’t sleep, as a matter of fact it’s been three whole days, and nights, since Imja departed this room with her body, her fragrance, and his ability to simply lie down and fall sleep. Time was moving slowly for him; Choi Young kept his promise (as always) and visited her daily, taking quiet walks through the gardens, unable to touch her, because the chaperones always watching them wouldn’t allow it. He’d complained of course, they had been declared married by the King why couldn’t he touch his wife… It proved better not to touch her to avoid the bickering of the Queen and Lady Choi.
There was so much tension dangling between them that Choi Young could not sleep with the thoughts of Imja attacking his mind.
He got up and sighed, reaching for the carafe of water, realizing it was empty; ah yes, Imja was the one to take care of such things. Annoyed even further, Choi Young lifted the item and walked with loud stumps towards the small well outside, the night was fresh; the windy afternoon leading to a night of stillness and the cold insuring no one was around. Still only in his sleeping garments, the man lifted the small bucket of water from the well and dunked the carafe in, filling it with the cold liquid.
A huff and some grunting made him stop and turn, expecting some sort of attack; but the view that greeted him was a sight for sore eyes; there was Eun Soo dropping a bucket of water, hair wild and unkempt; she also wore sleeping clothes and looked at tired as he felt. She was unaware of him, filling her own carafe of water and talking quietly to herself, which made him smile. “Imja?” he asked not quite believing she was there; confused eyes lifted and upon finding him widened.
“Honey?” Oh, he missed the endearment from heavens. She dropped her carafe and squealed hurrying towards and hugging him. “It’s you, I’m not dreaming!”
He held her, taking in her scent and the love she showered him with. Finally their lips met. There was no question of what needed to happen, this separation was draining them of energy and they had to recharge in order to survive while apart. She moaned, somehow he managed to push them into the darkness of a small corner, and they continued to kiss. “I’ve missed you.”
“I too. Imja, I missed you.” She let out a soft moan, and allowed his lips to dip into her neck, nuzzling the skin, almost biting the softness giving into him.
He stopped himself before it was too late, “They will notice, they can’t find out we met”. But to mark her as his, in any way… right now seemed to be his lifeline.
“Tonight we can… please, please love me.”
Choi Young hated to listen to her beg, so he turned, “Not here.”
“But we can’t go to the barracks, and my room is… well kept.” He nodded, and took her hand; dragging her through the shadows so they wouldn’t be seen. “Honey?” She whispered, as if they were about to do high treason… he ducked and they entered a narrow long unlit cove, but the moonlight was enough to help them find their way.
“It’s a wine cellar; since this part of the barracks will be expanded everything is empty. I can go out and fin…” She pulled him down, kissing him hard.. “some bedding.”
“I don’t want bedding, I want you.” She murmured hotly, against his lips, making him nod and reach out to her; allowing his intrusion, moving his hands expertly over the robe she wore, he found her gown. “It’s new,” she explained, as he stared amazed at the silk covering her. It was a soft peach color, and her body was highlighted by the soft tones, the material clinging to her curves. He took off his own robe, revealing his naked torso, making her gasp and reach out to touch him, and covered the long wooden shelf with the cloth, lifting and sitting Eun Soo over it. It was perfect; his hips could easily slide in between her spread thighs. They kissed again, and his hands found her breasts through the material, her nipples hard and expecting the touches, making her moan softly. “Oh, I’m ready, please…”
He was ready too, painfully so.
“Are you sure we can tonight?”
“Yes, it’s fine; I’ve been keeping count,” she murmured, hotly dropping kisses over his chest. The silk was already dangling from her hips, her lower torso and hips exposed, and he simply undid the ribbon holding his trousers and his heat was released. The woman wrapped her legs around him, bringing him closer, and as they kissed (to prevent her moans from calling attention) he sank into her, fully. He shuddered, hands holding her waist as her hands wrapped around his back, holding him close.
Their kiss melted and soon they required breathing, so they separated; her body tightened around him, and he groaned against her hair. “Imja,” He said softly, making the woman moan.
“I miss you.”
“I wanted this, I needed you.”
“Choi Young-ssi.” He moved, withdrawing and pushing in, making her moan softly. He continued trying his best to control himself, withdrawing after each thrust, to prolong their pleasure, but it only made her want him more, pushing toward him, pulling him in with her tightening muscles, asking “harder”… “more”… “deeper”… She was moaning so loudly he had to use a hand to cover her mouth, but she pushed him away wanting the freedom to express her need.
“Please,” and he covered her mouth with his lips, muffling her, with both of their groans now echoing within each other, igniting them even more.
He felt an enormous burst of heat released and she shook, screaming out into him. The shelf finally gave in and one end of it collapsed, making him hold her tight, while she was completely attached to him, with her legs wrapped around. They both felt another quake and he barely stood, needing to have her slide off him, which upset them both. He tried to dress her, while she could still feel his heat inside her, not wanting cover it with clothes.
“Wait” she pulled herself closer to him. He understood and lifted her again into the same position, so that they can still fill each even not all the way inside.
This closeness brought on another arousal. Surprised, at how quickly he recovered, he looked at her.
“Yes,” she nodded readily. He entered her again, now with her standing, slightly lifting her off the ground and propping her against the wall. She was already completely open for him and this time they did not last long, their passion too frustrated to allow them anything beyond this shortened pleasure, but the sensation was quite fulfilling. The only difficult part was actually parting from each other. He kissed her soundly, promising something unspoken as he did so, and fixed her clothes as best as he could. He then put the shelf up again, eliminating the evidence of their presence. “Are you alright?”
“I feel perfect, but I’m starting to grow sad.”
“Me too.”
“Have you been sleeping and eating well?” He shook his head, making her reach out to envelope him again. “The Queen is confident the preparations will be done soon; I want to sleep by you, every night.”
He nodded, feeling the same way.
“Will you be alright? You didn’t want to do this…”
“Who said I did not, I just did not want to stir trouble. To be with you I would do anything, I would travel through time again, if needed,” he chuckled, kissing her.
“I should get back,” she said.
“Yes, the sentry will blow the alarm at any moment and if I’m not there…”
“You won’t get any breakfast. Let’s go.”
“Imja,” he said, pulling at her, kissing her deeply; enjoying the way she responded. “So you remember me.”
“Daejan, I can’t get you out of my mind, there is no way I won’t remember you.”
The next morning Eun Soo walked into the Queen's chamber smiling brightly, her sour mood was gone and her face was glowing; she greeted the Queen and set down the sheets of paper, delivered that morning for her to help with the invitations for the wedding. Eun Soo thought that wedding preparations were complex at her time, but in Goryeo the complexity had a whole other level to it.
Having a wedding was extremely troublesome and she was appreciative of the Queen, who singlehandedly took a role of the 10 family members for the preparations. No matter how excited she tried to be, her lack of family continuously reminded Eun Soo of what she left behind, yet the idea of marrying and entering a family was making her heart flutter with hope.
"Favorite.” It had been hard to understand the soft nickname the Queen now used for her, but the royal had assured Eun Soo that as soon as the wedding took place it would be taken out and replaced with their usual ‘pledged sister’. “You seem happy today."
"My mood is greatly improved yes!"
"Has the General sent you a letter?" Because he was not allowed to even visit her room. Eun Soo made a face, as if surprised with the question.
"How would I even read it? But you could say he did." The queen smiled blissfully unaware of how deeply Choi Young had reached into Eun Soo the night before, and offered her to sit.
"I'm happy you do not resent me anymore then." And they both smiled. "Ready to select flowers?"
"What of the invitations?"
"We'll get them done in time, Lady Choi has offered to help. We can have breakfast while in the gardens; and the gardeners will be presenting the flowers for the arrangements."
"Can't we just have chrysanthemums? I don't really..."
"I want the most beautiful white blooms, not measly yellow flowers..."
"They are not measly! For us they hold a special meaning!" Defended Eun Soo with more enthusiasm than she ever demonstrated; Eun Soo realized her mistake at the astonished face the woman made, and quickly apologized. “It’s just that I feel energetic today,” she said, laughing dimly, looking down at her thighs, which still trembled at the thought of last night.
“You are aiming for something very simple, are you not? Is there any flower, beyond chrysanthemums you would like to have in your wedding?”
“If I wanted something more traditional, I would probably say calla lilies, or better yet, roses.” And Eun Soo halted, were there even flowers like those in Goryeo? Roses were a more probable choice. “How about white and red roses? There don’t have to be a lot of them, just enough for the bouquet and probably a crown for my head.”
They made their way, escorted by a dozen or so maidens and Lady Choi, towards the gardens, and once in one of the many pagodas, were offered breakfast. Eun Soo wasn’t really paying attention to the food; she was too busy looking around the gardens, wondering if by mere coincidence they would see the General or any of the Woodalchi. But soon enough the gardeners made their appearance, dragging with them a few carts, filled with assorted flowers. Eun Soo did not even know some of those species existed! The Queen was busy. As each flower was presented, one by one, she would touch them, look at each intently and separate the ones she liked aside.
“Sister,” she said softly to Eun Soo, “your thoughts would be really of help.”
“Right.”
“There will be a bit of people, important at that; so the court cannot say they were not invited to the General’s wedding.”
“Aha,” Eun Soo glanced over a colorful flower pile, past the queen, who was facing her, and out into the garden, still hoping to catch a glimpse of her lover. “They are all very lovely, I already told you I want something very simple and private.”
“If that is what you want, that is what you’ll get.”
Eun Soo was about to ask what she meant, but her eyes caught a glimpse of gray and blue, making her stand up to take a better look; indeed there he was. The Commanding General was too busy walking quickly down the path that led to the hallways of the palace, talking hurriedly to the Assistant General, both of them were serious and deep in conversation. She was about to cry out for him, but then he turned, his eyes setting on her; he stopped talking, stood looking her way and with a gallant smile gave a bow, a quick real loving smile, and continued his path.
Eun Soo’s heart fluttered, settling peacefully after she got what she needed, and she missed completely what the Queen had said.
“Sorry?” She asked, embarrassed; she was acting like a fifteen year old.
“Why did you get up? Are you already bored?”
“No, no, Your Majesty”
“I want to know if you remember about the temple close by…”
“Ah, yes, I do. Why?”
“I have prepared a small holiday, so we will spend some time there. We leave in four days.”
“Until when?”
“The day of the wedding of course.”
Things got better and better, didn’t they?
Sitting inside the large room, while the monks continued with their chants and whatever else it was they were doing, Eun Soo sighed; everybody around them has been most obliging and caring. Their prayers should have eased her heart, but she was not a Buddhist. She grew up in a Christian household and she imagined a priest officiating her wedding, probably, after scolding her for living in sin. No, maybe the priest wasn’t such a good idea after all. The Buddhists with their enlightenment might be more accepting and understanding.
“Favorite, are you having fun?”
This did not fit Eun Soo’s definition of FUN.
“Majesty, will you forgive my frankness?”
“Of course. Tell me.”
“I miss my husband! So if this is supposed to be relaxing, I don’t feel relaxed in the least. What might help to ease my mind…” and she wondered if the proper and innocent Queen would go for a mini bachelorette party, as much as it can be done at the temple.
“My favorite sister,” the queen laughed, liking the sound of that, “it is for you, not for me that I’m doing all this. Tell me what you need and if this is in my power, I will make it happen.”
“Well…”
An hour later they were feasting on alcohol, like it was food and Eun Soo taught the Queen how to make and drink “bombs”. The Queen amazed, indulged to her delight, completely drunk now, she seemed like a regular girl just having fun with a friend at a bar. Their inhibitions gone they started to talk about subjects that usually were not talked about.
“But you know, girlfriend, I really envy you. Your husband is such a good artist. He probably paints you all the time.”
“Oh, but your warrior husband looks so commanding in his armor. He is so tall.”
“And your husband is so sweet.”
“And yours is so devoted.”
“At least your husband is always there,” Eun Soo sighed. Content, she had reached the right amount of alcohol in her system, but a little more wouldn’t hurt. “I really like your husband.”
"What do you mean you like my husband?" Asked the Queen, sounding slightly offended.
Eun Soo quickly corrected. “It's not that I like him like that; he is a very dependable man, a man who is there when you need him! Not like mine who goes with the Frontal Breakthrough and disappears for weeks and weeks!"
*******
“Chona.”
“General.”
The two men sat across each other at the table filled with food and drinks. The room for some reason seemed a lot larger and emptier than usual, although it was not the first time they shared a meal together in here.
“So…”
“Yes?”
“Don’t you love it?” There was a nervous cough, none looking at each other.
“Aha, a break.”
“Just us.”
“No women to deal with.”
“Mmm.”
“All alone.”
“Completely.”
“I’m all alone!” the king attempted to produce a cheerful smile to demonstrate excitement about his newly found freedom from the clutches of his wife.
“Yes, you are,” said Choi Young, affirmatively.
“I’m all alone!” the king’s tone now reflecting a surprise and realization that he was indeed left by his wife in favor of a “girls only weekend getaway” - whatever the hack it was!
“Imagine how I feel, I have been like that for a second week already!” complained Choi Young, downing the tea like it was the strongest alcohol.
“How can you live? Oh forget it! I’m all alone,” finally, king was miserable. He looked quite pitiful: a small man with a commanding royal gown, he needed to keep his posture straight to look taller. He had to remember this at all times. But at this moment, he seemed even smaller and quite broken.
“Me too, just the two of us.” Sighed deeply Choi Young who had the ability to manage his feelings easier, than his royal friend.
“Should we make the best out of it?”
“What should we do?”
This left them thinking really hard for a while. None of them had any idea how they should use this rare opportunity. Other men would probably be already planning something naughty or secretive, but these two fools in love, were truly lost without their women.
“An archery competition?” Choi Young sounded very unconvincing, raising one brow as a question mark.
“Great idea!” the king lit up. “You organize it then, I have not seen a fine archery display in a while.”
“All right”, Choi Young was glad to have something to act on, organizing a competition was just the right kind of diversion to shorten the wait. And now having a proper plan, they both filled their plates with food and cups with drinks, enjoying the meal.
********
The makeshift bachelorette party continued at the most unlikely of all places, the Buddhist temple. After two “whirlwinds” (Eun Soo’s signature creation) the queen was giggling to herself, like a little girl. Eun Soo was attempting to write something in Chinese, failing miserably and ripped another large piece of paper to pieces, angry. “This is why! I can’t write Chinese, and when I finally get at least one character right the rest doesn’t make sense.” The Queen laughed at her. “Or I drop the ink well all over the paper.” And she hiccupped, offering another drink to the Queen, who nodded.
“Unnie, just give me that. I’ll write it.”
“Alright, I’ll get the drinks done.” And she handed the messy brush to the Queen, standing to search for more rice wine. “But you know it’s funny; do you think he’ll answer a love letter?”
“It’s the General, everything is possible.” The Queen hiccupped, and biting her tongue from too much diligence, she slowly crafted a wonderful love letter.
“What does it say?” Asked Eun Soo, as the queen traced the delicate patterns, it was amazing how her hand stayed steady and writing was perfect even while she was drunk. Eun Soo sat by the woman, drinks in hand, and set the cups down, looking at the ink drying.
“General, sometimes I want to scream my love to you, but the words get stuck in my throat.”
“How do you know that!?” Asked Eun Soo, making the queen hush her to silence.
“Hence my heart screams out for you: Save me!” And she squealed in delight, taking the drink and downing it quickly. “Now you sign.”
“But I don’t know any Chinese. No, that’s not true, I know how to write ‘wonton’ and ‘soup’.”
“Just write as you do in heaven.” And Eun Soo downed her drink, took the brush and wrote her name on the paper, below the characters the Queen has written. She set her hands over the side of the paper, not realizing that it was slightly ripped, and when she pulled at the paper to blow it dry it was divided in two. The Queen snorted, something so un-lady like and un-probable from her, and covered her mouth to avoid spilling her drink.
“Oh! But if we send them together he won’t notice.”
“No I don’t think so.” So the letter was folded, the address written and while the girls giggled, given to a delivery boy and sent over to the Woodalchi general.
********
"Prepare the grounds for an archery competition, have the bows and arrows ready and bring out the King's hunting bows," commanded Choi Young, walking through the barracks, followed by a small crowd of excited men, all wanting to compete. As he walked up the stairs the crowd thinned, all busy with preparations, and by the time he opened the door only Choong Seok was following.
"Sir, why an archery competition?"
"I don't know, it was the first thing that came to mind."
"I see. To ease away the weekend?"
"Yes, to ease away the two week descent into hell." And the man dropped on bed face down, instead of archery competition he should have asked for a vacation time to sleep till the day of the wedding.
The boys went all out to prepare for this competition; they even hired some musicians and the food was prepared for the honorable spectators. So when the King arrived and was offered a seat, food and drinks were quickly brought out; there were some regular army archers ready to shoot, along with a couple of Suribang boys. Representing the Woodalchi was Choi Young, and one other guy, who was particularly skilled in archery. Choi Young was currently fixing his bow as the places were sorted for the shooters.
The letter arrived after the third round, when the soldier regulars were reduced to two, one of the Suribangs remained in the lead, followed by Choi Young and the Woodalchi who had the same amounts of points. Choi Young’s attention was not there and every time he looked at the target, the black dots transformed into Eun Soo’s eyes, calling out to him, and the noise of the crowd transformed into the Eun Soo’s moans still echoing in his ears from that night of unexpected pleasure in the cellar. It was his time to shoot, but the warrior failing to concentrate, lowered his bow and closed his eyes, inhaling.
The delivery boy fell on the entrance, then gathered himself up and ran towards the general, bowing quickly and handing him the paper he carried.
Choi Young opened the letter carelessly; he froze for a second, and lifting up his bow he aimed. He shot 10 arrows in a row rapidly, each consecutive one splitting the other one in half, of course, the first one hitting the bull's eye. The collective weight of the arrows made the stand collapse. Everybody watched in awe at first quietly, than getting up and applauding. The target falling down led to some chaos among the organizers and they rushed to it, making a fuss. Choi Young turned around and leaving his bow on the ground, ran, while the King just sat there open mouthed, completely baffled.
The Assistant General was the first to react, “I guess it was something important.”
(disclaimer - if you are reading ff.net, then you have already seen this, if not - enjoy)
Leave me a comment or two, if you read, curious to know what you guys are thinking. Deyhra and I are working on the wedding day chapter. Will be posting it once it ready.
Happy and healthy upcoming New Year!
“But why are you taking all of that away?!” Screamed Eun Soo, watching the soldiers quietly lift her things up and out the door, she had been sorting through the laundry when this madness started; the maidens announced she was to move without questions to the Queen’s residence, and just had the men lift and take everything away. Her clean clothes falling all over the place as she attempted to stop them. “No, not that! That’s a gift from the Queen!” She cried as the dowry chest was lifted from its secure corner and taken out the door.
When Choi Young arrived at the short hallway, the man carrying the chest stopped, and he could see Eun Soo dangling from the man’s back, attempting with futile efforts, to stop him. The two of them stopped and stared at the General, who sighed and told the man to carry on.
Surprised to the point of disbelief, Eun Soo released her grip and followed her husband, who dragged her back to the room.
“Where are they taking all my stuff? Why did you let them take all of my stuff?!” She said loudly, fighting him; none of the movers returned, aware that they might witness a fight if they did, and Choi Young was grateful for it.
“The Queen has issued an order; Lady Eun Soo from the house of Yoo, is to come to live to her residence, immediately.”
“What?”
“As you will be wooed by Commanding General Young, from the house of Choi, you are to remain with her until she sees fit your wedding date.”
“I thought the date was already settled.”
“It is.” And he dropped his sword over his desk, looking and feeling as desperate as she looked. Eun Soo swallowed hard and watched the anger he felt dance on his features. “The Queen just wants to ensure the gossip about you is stopped before the wedding.”
As usual, Eun Soo was the last one to learn the plans the world had with her. Defeated, she dropped to a sitting position over their bed, and Choi Young watched as her features fell from worry and confusion to sadness. He took in a deep breath, and moved to sit beside her. “Imja.”
“I don’t want to part from you,” she dropped against his shoulder, holding tightly onto him. The wait for her return had been long and sad for both of them, and now they wouldn’t be able to be together? The Queen was just too cruel.
“I’ll tell the Queen I don’t agree. She probably does not understand.”
“You cannot, Imja. It’s too late. It was a royal decree.”
“Why???”
“Although I hate the idea, the Queen knows what she is doing. There is nobody more invested in our wedding than her, so she must have a pretty good reason for such a bold move.”
“Will you be able to visit me? If I do go, will you?”
“Not without the Queen’s approval.”
She groaned and shook her head against his shoulder. “I don’t want to go. Don’t let me go!” Her hands tightened, breaking Choi Young’s heart. He wanted to keep her next to him, to protect her for the rest of their days in his embrace; he wanted to hide her from the world so no one could harm her, yet let her be free and join him willingly… It pained his soul the words that forced out of his lips, hands holding her.
“Imja, you will be safe there.”
“I don’t care, you won’t be there! I want you close.”
He held her closely, kissing the top of her hair. Choi Young had feared this: the sudden separation would cause this pain for the both of them. Only to be married in the end? Why was it they had to suffer so much to be together? “If I promise to visit daily, will you go quietly?”
“Didn’t you say I have no other choice? Sometimes I really miss the freedom of democracy and free will.”
Choi Young let this pass; it was her usual reaction to anything that had her follow arbitrary rules of Goryeo society, which did not make much sense to her. Unfortunately, they made sense to him. “Our hands are tied in this matter for now, Imja. I promise to visit, and if I can I will be by your side when you call out to me.”
She looked up at him, pouting.
“There’s always a way, Imja. I know this palace better than most of the servants. Maybe I can sneak in during the night and do indescribable things to you.”
She finally laughed, and cleaned the bit of tears falling down the side of her eyes, “You might enjoy them, too.”
He kissed her then, soothing away her fear and pain, and cleaned her teary eyes with his thumbs. Then he kissed each of her cheeks and rose to look at her; Eun Soo was still clinging tightly to him.
“What?”
“Can we…? Before I leave?” She asked, softly, innocently. How did she manage to do that? Ignite his passion with such an innocent glance?
“The door is open.”
“I don’t care.”
“Imja, we are safeguarding your dignity, don’t mess it up. At least let me close the door.”
“So what is the favorite of the queen supposed to do?” Eun Soo asked Lady Choi, as they walked to the Queen’s chamber.
The woman sighed, “Nothing out of the ordinary: you will take walks with her, accompany to important dates; engage in tea making, weaving, cross stitching, reading, praying, and whatever the Queen wishes to do.”
“Oh, goodie. All of my favorite things!” She said, sarcasm not hidden. “She was getting too much like that fool of her husband”, thought Lady Choi, who pierced her with a scolding look; Eun Soo turned her eyes away and looked down at the robes she wore. The silk pink and white outfit made her look fat, and she had complained to her maid about it, but there was very little she could do. She was like a doll the Queen had ordered to dress up, so she had to wear these clothes. Normally, Eun Soo would not be so obedient, but she had a plan. If she were to pretend to go along with the Queen’s absurd scheme, then she could slowly turn things into her favor and convince the Queen to cancel the order. They were pledged sisters, after all.
The door to the Queen’s chamber was opened, and she entered, smiling at her pledged younger sister. The woman had her hair loose, showing her beige colored robes she stood to welcome Eun Soo. She was very homey and looked quite comfortable. “You have arrived, and safely. Come in, I want to show you something.” How come she could wear such simple garments when Eun Soo was layered like a silk cabbage? “Do you like your room?”
“I do, Your Highness, it is so big!”
“I made sure you would be comfortable through your stay; it won’t be long.”
“Your Highness, forgive me for been rude, but I must ask you as to your reasons for separating me so abruptly from my husband.”
“Bear the separation as best as you can, my favorite lady, for it won’t be long. Less than two weeks.”
Since Eun Soo already had a plan, she plastered a smile on her face and ask innocently, “Are you doing this because of the gossip? Gossip has already spread, and they will continue to talk whether I live here or at home next to my husband”. She meaningfully emphasized “next to my husband”.
The Queen gently smiling just looked at her, “Remember something we discussed when I began preparing your wedding; before the wedding the couple is kept from seeing each other. Although I will allow an exception for you, I want you to be as far away from his touch as possible; to create the anticipation expected in the wedding.”
So I will be able to at least see him. Eun Soo frowned at her. So this was for her wedding? Falling quiet, Eun Soo battled with herself. She wanted to stick to the plan, but started to feel angry and she felt her blood boiling… “You Majesty,” she got up now staring down the Queen, “permit me to speak my mind. I am resenting you a little right now.”
“What?” Far from angry, the queen was amused.
“Separating me from my lawful husband, it’s cruel. If you were to be taken out of your lover’s embrace like that, would you resent a person who did that? You know better than anyone how much time we had to spend away from each other. We don’t need the separation to know how we feel. We have done that time and time again.”
Lady Choi glared at Eun Soo, but the Queen motioned for the woman to exit.
“Unnie,” she said now in complete privacy. “Are you and the general already living like a husband and wife?” and she blushed.
“We are married, you husband issued a decree!”
“Unnie, I may not have much experience, but I have been married a little longer. No matter how much passion you have for each other it tends to wane with time. Taking a break is the healthiest thing you can do for your marriage. Look at it as a way to make you long for him so much that you would wish the ceremony come sooner. I’m pretty sure, he will feel the same. Love and physical attraction need to be handled with care.”
Eun Soo sat down, thinking about the wise little queen. Theoretically, she was right, but in her case, neither her, nor Choi Young needed to reignite their passion. They had plenty to go around.
“My husband and I, we cannot be together every time we please, there are rules that we have to follow as a royal couple. The wait only makes us wish for each other more and the reunion is so much more sweeter,” she shared the most intimate details of her life with her sister, shyly keeping her eyes to the ground.
Eun Soo could not be angry with her. She appreciated where she was coming from and especially to learn about the woman behind the queen’s title.
“You are right, but all the couples are different. You found a way that works for you, but we have a way that works for us. I assure you, we will miss each other even if we spend all the time together without separation.”
“You are a lucky woman,” concluded the queen. “But the two weeks is the shortest I can do for you. The general’s post makes him a center of attention. You still have to consider his position and the influence. Although as a woman I sympathize, as a Queen, I have to act in the best interest for the country.”
“I HAVE to live around here for two weeks?! You weren’t kidding?” Eun Soo hit her forehead against the table, groaning and whining.
The queen only smiled at her, apologetically. “I will try to make your stay here as pleasant as possible. You will see, the time will fly and next thing you know, you will be joining hands at the ceremony.”
“Then what about these ridiculous clothes?”
ldquo;Oh, those? I wanted to see how the pink played with your hair, but I must admit it’s not as dramatic as I expected.”
That was too much, and Eun Soo took a deep breath, counting in Spanish till ten (and she did not even know Spanish!).
“Here,” Said the queen finally handing her a thick paper.
“What is this?”
“A wedding invitation. I didn’t want it to be too ostentatious, for you two have not the pompous quality, but I wanted it to be simple and delicate to match the bride and groom; what do you think?”
Eun Soo looked down at the simple calligraphy and the well written words and smiled.
“It’s gorgeous. What does it say?”
“Oh yes, you don’t know how to read Chinese yet.”
Choi Young sat on the bed, his long legs resting over the soft covers and arms crossed over his chest. Night had fallen, and while at this hour he might have been asleep, right now he was wide awake and annoyed. He couldn’t sleep, as a matter of fact it’s been three whole days, and nights, since Imja departed this room with her body, her fragrance, and his ability to simply lie down and fall sleep. Time was moving slowly for him; Choi Young kept his promise (as always) and visited her daily, taking quiet walks through the gardens, unable to touch her, because the chaperones always watching them wouldn’t allow it. He’d complained of course, they had been declared married by the King why couldn’t he touch his wife… It proved better not to touch her to avoid the bickering of the Queen and Lady Choi.
There was so much tension dangling between them that Choi Young could not sleep with the thoughts of Imja attacking his mind.
He got up and sighed, reaching for the carafe of water, realizing it was empty; ah yes, Imja was the one to take care of such things. Annoyed even further, Choi Young lifted the item and walked with loud stumps towards the small well outside, the night was fresh; the windy afternoon leading to a night of stillness and the cold insuring no one was around. Still only in his sleeping garments, the man lifted the small bucket of water from the well and dunked the carafe in, filling it with the cold liquid.
A huff and some grunting made him stop and turn, expecting some sort of attack; but the view that greeted him was a sight for sore eyes; there was Eun Soo dropping a bucket of water, hair wild and unkempt; she also wore sleeping clothes and looked at tired as he felt. She was unaware of him, filling her own carafe of water and talking quietly to herself, which made him smile. “Imja?” he asked not quite believing she was there; confused eyes lifted and upon finding him widened.
“Honey?” Oh, he missed the endearment from heavens. She dropped her carafe and squealed hurrying towards and hugging him. “It’s you, I’m not dreaming!”
He held her, taking in her scent and the love she showered him with. Finally their lips met. There was no question of what needed to happen, this separation was draining them of energy and they had to recharge in order to survive while apart. She moaned, somehow he managed to push them into the darkness of a small corner, and they continued to kiss. “I’ve missed you.”
“I too. Imja, I missed you.” She let out a soft moan, and allowed his lips to dip into her neck, nuzzling the skin, almost biting the softness giving into him.
He stopped himself before it was too late, “They will notice, they can’t find out we met”. But to mark her as his, in any way… right now seemed to be his lifeline.
“Tonight we can… please, please love me.”
Choi Young hated to listen to her beg, so he turned, “Not here.”
“But we can’t go to the barracks, and my room is… well kept.” He nodded, and took her hand; dragging her through the shadows so they wouldn’t be seen. “Honey?” She whispered, as if they were about to do high treason… he ducked and they entered a narrow long unlit cove, but the moonlight was enough to help them find their way.
“It’s a wine cellar; since this part of the barracks will be expanded everything is empty. I can go out and fin…” She pulled him down, kissing him hard.. “some bedding.”
“I don’t want bedding, I want you.” She murmured hotly, against his lips, making him nod and reach out to her; allowing his intrusion, moving his hands expertly over the robe she wore, he found her gown. “It’s new,” she explained, as he stared amazed at the silk covering her. It was a soft peach color, and her body was highlighted by the soft tones, the material clinging to her curves. He took off his own robe, revealing his naked torso, making her gasp and reach out to touch him, and covered the long wooden shelf with the cloth, lifting and sitting Eun Soo over it. It was perfect; his hips could easily slide in between her spread thighs. They kissed again, and his hands found her breasts through the material, her nipples hard and expecting the touches, making her moan softly. “Oh, I’m ready, please…”
He was ready too, painfully so.
“Are you sure we can tonight?”
“Yes, it’s fine; I’ve been keeping count,” she murmured, hotly dropping kisses over his chest. The silk was already dangling from her hips, her lower torso and hips exposed, and he simply undid the ribbon holding his trousers and his heat was released. The woman wrapped her legs around him, bringing him closer, and as they kissed (to prevent her moans from calling attention) he sank into her, fully. He shuddered, hands holding her waist as her hands wrapped around his back, holding him close.
Their kiss melted and soon they required breathing, so they separated; her body tightened around him, and he groaned against her hair. “Imja,” He said softly, making the woman moan.
“I miss you.”
“I wanted this, I needed you.”
“Choi Young-ssi.” He moved, withdrawing and pushing in, making her moan softly. He continued trying his best to control himself, withdrawing after each thrust, to prolong their pleasure, but it only made her want him more, pushing toward him, pulling him in with her tightening muscles, asking “harder”… “more”… “deeper”… She was moaning so loudly he had to use a hand to cover her mouth, but she pushed him away wanting the freedom to express her need.
“Please,” and he covered her mouth with his lips, muffling her, with both of their groans now echoing within each other, igniting them even more.
He felt an enormous burst of heat released and she shook, screaming out into him. The shelf finally gave in and one end of it collapsed, making him hold her tight, while she was completely attached to him, with her legs wrapped around. They both felt another quake and he barely stood, needing to have her slide off him, which upset them both. He tried to dress her, while she could still feel his heat inside her, not wanting cover it with clothes.
“Wait” she pulled herself closer to him. He understood and lifted her again into the same position, so that they can still fill each even not all the way inside.
This closeness brought on another arousal. Surprised, at how quickly he recovered, he looked at her.
“Yes,” she nodded readily. He entered her again, now with her standing, slightly lifting her off the ground and propping her against the wall. She was already completely open for him and this time they did not last long, their passion too frustrated to allow them anything beyond this shortened pleasure, but the sensation was quite fulfilling. The only difficult part was actually parting from each other. He kissed her soundly, promising something unspoken as he did so, and fixed her clothes as best as he could. He then put the shelf up again, eliminating the evidence of their presence. “Are you alright?”
“I feel perfect, but I’m starting to grow sad.”
“Me too.”
“Have you been sleeping and eating well?” He shook his head, making her reach out to envelope him again. “The Queen is confident the preparations will be done soon; I want to sleep by you, every night.”
He nodded, feeling the same way.
“Will you be alright? You didn’t want to do this…”
“Who said I did not, I just did not want to stir trouble. To be with you I would do anything, I would travel through time again, if needed,” he chuckled, kissing her.
“I should get back,” she said.
“Yes, the sentry will blow the alarm at any moment and if I’m not there…”
“You won’t get any breakfast. Let’s go.”
“Imja,” he said, pulling at her, kissing her deeply; enjoying the way she responded. “So you remember me.”
“Daejan, I can’t get you out of my mind, there is no way I won’t remember you.”
The next morning Eun Soo walked into the Queen's chamber smiling brightly, her sour mood was gone and her face was glowing; she greeted the Queen and set down the sheets of paper, delivered that morning for her to help with the invitations for the wedding. Eun Soo thought that wedding preparations were complex at her time, but in Goryeo the complexity had a whole other level to it.
Having a wedding was extremely troublesome and she was appreciative of the Queen, who singlehandedly took a role of the 10 family members for the preparations. No matter how excited she tried to be, her lack of family continuously reminded Eun Soo of what she left behind, yet the idea of marrying and entering a family was making her heart flutter with hope.
"Favorite.” It had been hard to understand the soft nickname the Queen now used for her, but the royal had assured Eun Soo that as soon as the wedding took place it would be taken out and replaced with their usual ‘pledged sister’. “You seem happy today."
"My mood is greatly improved yes!"
"Has the General sent you a letter?" Because he was not allowed to even visit her room. Eun Soo made a face, as if surprised with the question.
"How would I even read it? But you could say he did." The queen smiled blissfully unaware of how deeply Choi Young had reached into Eun Soo the night before, and offered her to sit.
"I'm happy you do not resent me anymore then." And they both smiled. "Ready to select flowers?"
"What of the invitations?"
"We'll get them done in time, Lady Choi has offered to help. We can have breakfast while in the gardens; and the gardeners will be presenting the flowers for the arrangements."
"Can't we just have chrysanthemums? I don't really..."
"I want the most beautiful white blooms, not measly yellow flowers..."
"They are not measly! For us they hold a special meaning!" Defended Eun Soo with more enthusiasm than she ever demonstrated; Eun Soo realized her mistake at the astonished face the woman made, and quickly apologized. “It’s just that I feel energetic today,” she said, laughing dimly, looking down at her thighs, which still trembled at the thought of last night.
“You are aiming for something very simple, are you not? Is there any flower, beyond chrysanthemums you would like to have in your wedding?”
“If I wanted something more traditional, I would probably say calla lilies, or better yet, roses.” And Eun Soo halted, were there even flowers like those in Goryeo? Roses were a more probable choice. “How about white and red roses? There don’t have to be a lot of them, just enough for the bouquet and probably a crown for my head.”
They made their way, escorted by a dozen or so maidens and Lady Choi, towards the gardens, and once in one of the many pagodas, were offered breakfast. Eun Soo wasn’t really paying attention to the food; she was too busy looking around the gardens, wondering if by mere coincidence they would see the General or any of the Woodalchi. But soon enough the gardeners made their appearance, dragging with them a few carts, filled with assorted flowers. Eun Soo did not even know some of those species existed! The Queen was busy. As each flower was presented, one by one, she would touch them, look at each intently and separate the ones she liked aside.
“Sister,” she said softly to Eun Soo, “your thoughts would be really of help.”
“Right.”
“There will be a bit of people, important at that; so the court cannot say they were not invited to the General’s wedding.”
“Aha,” Eun Soo glanced over a colorful flower pile, past the queen, who was facing her, and out into the garden, still hoping to catch a glimpse of her lover. “They are all very lovely, I already told you I want something very simple and private.”
“If that is what you want, that is what you’ll get.”
Eun Soo was about to ask what she meant, but her eyes caught a glimpse of gray and blue, making her stand up to take a better look; indeed there he was. The Commanding General was too busy walking quickly down the path that led to the hallways of the palace, talking hurriedly to the Assistant General, both of them were serious and deep in conversation. She was about to cry out for him, but then he turned, his eyes setting on her; he stopped talking, stood looking her way and with a gallant smile gave a bow, a quick real loving smile, and continued his path.
Eun Soo’s heart fluttered, settling peacefully after she got what she needed, and she missed completely what the Queen had said.
“Sorry?” She asked, embarrassed; she was acting like a fifteen year old.
“Why did you get up? Are you already bored?”
“No, no, Your Majesty”
“I want to know if you remember about the temple close by…”
“Ah, yes, I do. Why?”
“I have prepared a small holiday, so we will spend some time there. We leave in four days.”
“Until when?”
“The day of the wedding of course.”
Things got better and better, didn’t they?
Sitting inside the large room, while the monks continued with their chants and whatever else it was they were doing, Eun Soo sighed; everybody around them has been most obliging and caring. Their prayers should have eased her heart, but she was not a Buddhist. She grew up in a Christian household and she imagined a priest officiating her wedding, probably, after scolding her for living in sin. No, maybe the priest wasn’t such a good idea after all. The Buddhists with their enlightenment might be more accepting and understanding.
“Favorite, are you having fun?”
This did not fit Eun Soo’s definition of FUN.
“Majesty, will you forgive my frankness?”
“Of course. Tell me.”
“I miss my husband! So if this is supposed to be relaxing, I don’t feel relaxed in the least. What might help to ease my mind…” and she wondered if the proper and innocent Queen would go for a mini bachelorette party, as much as it can be done at the temple.
“My favorite sister,” the queen laughed, liking the sound of that, “it is for you, not for me that I’m doing all this. Tell me what you need and if this is in my power, I will make it happen.”
“Well…”
An hour later they were feasting on alcohol, like it was food and Eun Soo taught the Queen how to make and drink “bombs”. The Queen amazed, indulged to her delight, completely drunk now, she seemed like a regular girl just having fun with a friend at a bar. Their inhibitions gone they started to talk about subjects that usually were not talked about.
“But you know, girlfriend, I really envy you. Your husband is such a good artist. He probably paints you all the time.”
“Oh, but your warrior husband looks so commanding in his armor. He is so tall.”
“And your husband is so sweet.”
“And yours is so devoted.”
“At least your husband is always there,” Eun Soo sighed. Content, she had reached the right amount of alcohol in her system, but a little more wouldn’t hurt. “I really like your husband.”
"What do you mean you like my husband?" Asked the Queen, sounding slightly offended.
Eun Soo quickly corrected. “It's not that I like him like that; he is a very dependable man, a man who is there when you need him! Not like mine who goes with the Frontal Breakthrough and disappears for weeks and weeks!"
*******
“Chona.”
“General.”
The two men sat across each other at the table filled with food and drinks. The room for some reason seemed a lot larger and emptier than usual, although it was not the first time they shared a meal together in here.
“So…”
“Yes?”
“Don’t you love it?” There was a nervous cough, none looking at each other.
“Aha, a break.”
“Just us.”
“No women to deal with.”
“Mmm.”
“All alone.”
“Completely.”
“I’m all alone!” the king attempted to produce a cheerful smile to demonstrate excitement about his newly found freedom from the clutches of his wife.
“Yes, you are,” said Choi Young, affirmatively.
“I’m all alone!” the king’s tone now reflecting a surprise and realization that he was indeed left by his wife in favor of a “girls only weekend getaway” - whatever the hack it was!
“Imagine how I feel, I have been like that for a second week already!” complained Choi Young, downing the tea like it was the strongest alcohol.
“How can you live? Oh forget it! I’m all alone,” finally, king was miserable. He looked quite pitiful: a small man with a commanding royal gown, he needed to keep his posture straight to look taller. He had to remember this at all times. But at this moment, he seemed even smaller and quite broken.
“Me too, just the two of us.” Sighed deeply Choi Young who had the ability to manage his feelings easier, than his royal friend.
“Should we make the best out of it?”
“What should we do?”
This left them thinking really hard for a while. None of them had any idea how they should use this rare opportunity. Other men would probably be already planning something naughty or secretive, but these two fools in love, were truly lost without their women.
“An archery competition?” Choi Young sounded very unconvincing, raising one brow as a question mark.
“Great idea!” the king lit up. “You organize it then, I have not seen a fine archery display in a while.”
“All right”, Choi Young was glad to have something to act on, organizing a competition was just the right kind of diversion to shorten the wait. And now having a proper plan, they both filled their plates with food and cups with drinks, enjoying the meal.
********
The makeshift bachelorette party continued at the most unlikely of all places, the Buddhist temple. After two “whirlwinds” (Eun Soo’s signature creation) the queen was giggling to herself, like a little girl. Eun Soo was attempting to write something in Chinese, failing miserably and ripped another large piece of paper to pieces, angry. “This is why! I can’t write Chinese, and when I finally get at least one character right the rest doesn’t make sense.” The Queen laughed at her. “Or I drop the ink well all over the paper.” And she hiccupped, offering another drink to the Queen, who nodded.
“Unnie, just give me that. I’ll write it.”
“Alright, I’ll get the drinks done.” And she handed the messy brush to the Queen, standing to search for more rice wine. “But you know it’s funny; do you think he’ll answer a love letter?”
“It’s the General, everything is possible.” The Queen hiccupped, and biting her tongue from too much diligence, she slowly crafted a wonderful love letter.
“What does it say?” Asked Eun Soo, as the queen traced the delicate patterns, it was amazing how her hand stayed steady and writing was perfect even while she was drunk. Eun Soo sat by the woman, drinks in hand, and set the cups down, looking at the ink drying.
“General, sometimes I want to scream my love to you, but the words get stuck in my throat.”
“How do you know that!?” Asked Eun Soo, making the queen hush her to silence.
“Hence my heart screams out for you: Save me!” And she squealed in delight, taking the drink and downing it quickly. “Now you sign.”
“But I don’t know any Chinese. No, that’s not true, I know how to write ‘wonton’ and ‘soup’.”
“Just write as you do in heaven.” And Eun Soo downed her drink, took the brush and wrote her name on the paper, below the characters the Queen has written. She set her hands over the side of the paper, not realizing that it was slightly ripped, and when she pulled at the paper to blow it dry it was divided in two. The Queen snorted, something so un-lady like and un-probable from her, and covered her mouth to avoid spilling her drink.
“Oh! But if we send them together he won’t notice.”
“No I don’t think so.” So the letter was folded, the address written and while the girls giggled, given to a delivery boy and sent over to the Woodalchi general.
********
"Prepare the grounds for an archery competition, have the bows and arrows ready and bring out the King's hunting bows," commanded Choi Young, walking through the barracks, followed by a small crowd of excited men, all wanting to compete. As he walked up the stairs the crowd thinned, all busy with preparations, and by the time he opened the door only Choong Seok was following.
"Sir, why an archery competition?"
"I don't know, it was the first thing that came to mind."
"I see. To ease away the weekend?"
"Yes, to ease away the two week descent into hell." And the man dropped on bed face down, instead of archery competition he should have asked for a vacation time to sleep till the day of the wedding.
The boys went all out to prepare for this competition; they even hired some musicians and the food was prepared for the honorable spectators. So when the King arrived and was offered a seat, food and drinks were quickly brought out; there were some regular army archers ready to shoot, along with a couple of Suribang boys. Representing the Woodalchi was Choi Young, and one other guy, who was particularly skilled in archery. Choi Young was currently fixing his bow as the places were sorted for the shooters.
The letter arrived after the third round, when the soldier regulars were reduced to two, one of the Suribangs remained in the lead, followed by Choi Young and the Woodalchi who had the same amounts of points. Choi Young’s attention was not there and every time he looked at the target, the black dots transformed into Eun Soo’s eyes, calling out to him, and the noise of the crowd transformed into the Eun Soo’s moans still echoing in his ears from that night of unexpected pleasure in the cellar. It was his time to shoot, but the warrior failing to concentrate, lowered his bow and closed his eyes, inhaling.
The delivery boy fell on the entrance, then gathered himself up and ran towards the general, bowing quickly and handing him the paper he carried.
Choi Young opened the letter carelessly; he froze for a second, and lifting up his bow he aimed. He shot 10 arrows in a row rapidly, each consecutive one splitting the other one in half, of course, the first one hitting the bull's eye. The collective weight of the arrows made the stand collapse. Everybody watched in awe at first quietly, than getting up and applauding. The target falling down led to some chaos among the organizers and they rushed to it, making a fuss. Choi Young turned around and leaving his bow on the ground, ran, while the King just sat there open mouthed, completely baffled.
The Assistant General was the first to react, “I guess it was something important.”