Before reading this chapter read prologue first.

Wedding day-

Wedding Korean traditional hanbok inspiration from Pinterest.

I didn't listened to his warning, Uncle Cho warned me about not backing away from the wedding. I am still giving him information and secret whereabouts of Crown prince, it seems as if he is planning to something big on wedding day or maybe upcoming day.

I was inside a Chamber given by my cousin sister The Queen Cho,  and in here the Royal maids are dressing me for Royal wedding. My mother is also present here and her face is radiating for the first time i have seen in years.

The grand palace was adorned with vibrant decorations, echoing the royal splendor of a bygone era. Cherry blossoms framed the entrance, their delicate petals fluttering in the gentle breeze, while traditional Korean lanterns cast a warm glow over the courtyard. The air was filled with the soft strains of *gugak*, traditional Korean music, setting the scene for a wedding that would unite two prominent families.

Crown Prince Lee Chang stood at the altar, resplendent in his intricate hanbok, a traditional Korean garment. The golden embroidery shimmered under the soft light, but his expression was far from the joy expected of a groom on his wedding day. His features were taut with anger, a storm brewing behind his eyes as he awaited the arrival of his bride, Cho Dani.

Dani entered the courtyard, a vision in her elegant hanbok, her attire echoing the rich history and tradition of Korea. Her head was adorned with a delicate jokduri, a ceremonial coronet, and her norigae dangled gracefully from her sash, adding a touch of color to her attire. Despite the grandeur, her heart was heavy with the knowledge of Lee Chang's reluctance to marry her.

As the officiant began the "paebaek" ceremony, where the couple would bow to their elders and offer them gifts,

Lee Chang's demeanor remained cold. His movements were precise but lacked warmth, a stark contrast to Dani's graceful gestures. The tension between them was palpable, a silent battle of wills playing out beneath the watchful eyes of their families and guests.

As they approached the hapgeunrye, the ritual of sharing a drink from the same cup to symbolize their union, Lee Chang hesitated. His jaw clenched, he glanced at Dani, his gaze filled with unresolved anger and frustration.

Lee chang -You know why we're here, This marriage... it's nothing but a political alliance.

he whispered, his voice barely audible over the music.

Dani met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a mixture of sadness and determination. Dani- I know, but we can choose to make it more than that.

she replied softly, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. She wanted to ask him about the letter but afraid if her uncle hears their conversation.

The ceremony continued, each step a reminder of their duty and the expectations placed upon  them.

The couple turned to face their guests. Despite the unresolved tension between them, they presented a united front, their expressions carefully composed as they fulfilled their roles.

As the evening progressed, Lee Chang's anger seemed to dissipate, replaced by a reluctant acceptance of his fate. The path ahead was uncertain, fraught with challenges and the weight of their families' expectations.

In the heart of the palace, amidst the echoes of tradition and the whispers of the past, Lee Chang and Cho Dani stood together, their lives entwined by a destiny not of their choosing, but one they would navigate together.

                                    ♧

Dani POV-

On the first wedding night, the bride might change into a more comfortable version of the hanbok, known as the saekdong jeogori, which features multicolored stripes on the sleeves. This garment maintains the traditional style while allowing the bride more comfort and ease.

But i wasn't a normal bride, i am   forced bride and so was he. I choose to wear what i am always wearing at night time.

My mother bought this beautiful hanbok for me and i just took it with me to this Royal Palace because i wanted to feel her warmth and presence with me.

Back to conversation in her inner mind.

Dani- Perfect couple we are na , forced husband and forced wife pressured by families. But do i have anyone beside my Mother or Eunji.

Eunji- You called for  me, Her Highness?

She asked as she stepped into my .... no his or maybe our Chamber.

Dani- Please not you too, like what has changed, i am still the same Cho Dani-

Enuji bowed to me - No not Cho Dani but Crown Princess Lee Chang Dani.

She corrected me.

I was mentally cringing  and tried to bite my fist.

Dani- Please always us girls have to change everything after marriage but not Boys huh?

I asked her like she holds the answers to all my questions but she just sat up by folding her feet beneath her Thighs  and

tilted her head while looking at me like a curious Cat.

Eunji- I am afraid i don't understand what are you saying Her Highness.

Ohnnnn.. she is getting on my nerves now.

I pulled out a small knife, i have hidden it,  inside my Hanbok for my safety, and pointed it to her neck area.

At first she didn't react much making me raise my eyebrows at her.

wow she didn't even  flinch but then *THUD*

Yes she fainted probably her reacting  timing is slow.

*Knock knock*

Royal maid-

IS EVERYTHING FINE INSIDE HER ROYAL HIGHNESS.

After hiding my knief again inside my dress, I started  spinkling some water on Eunji face- Yes the situation is under control.

Royal maid- What??? Oh His Royal Highness, you're early. Wait let me announce your presence.

Huh he is here, didn't he read my letter?

I thought.

Eunji was coming to her senses- Where am i?

She was asking while opening her eyes, still in daze.

Dani- Wake up,  His Royal Highness is here, Get up and leave.

Eunji coughed a little and then leaned towards the floor- But didn't you asked for me?

As I stood there, the weight of my attire pressing uncomfortably against me, I couldn't help but recall the moment I had requested her assistance. The royal maids, in their meticulous attention to detail, had laced me into a Sokgot—an ancient undergarment—far too tightly. It felt as though the fabric was woven with the intent to squeeze the very breath from my lungs.

In that moment of discomfort, I had called for her help, hoping she could offer some relief by replacing it with something more forgiving.

I stepped towards the( wooden door for clothes) Hanok, she followed me there as His Royal Highness stepped inside the Room.

The room was silent, save for the soft rustling of fabric, but now, as I stood at the door, my heart skipped a beat. He was there, his presence unexpected and unannounced. His eyes met mine, a mix of surprise and understanding flickering within them. I felt a flush of embarrassment rise to my cheeks, aware of the vulnerability of my situation.

Lee chang- Is everything alright?

he asked, his voice gentle yet filled with genuine concern.

I hesitated for a moment, caught between the desire to maintain my dignity and the pressing need for assistance.

Finally, I nodded, allowing a small, grateful smile to surface.

Dani- Yes, it's just... this attir.

I admitted, gesturing vaguely to the constricting garment.

Lee chang- Ah, the burdens of royal attire

He nodded, while taunting me or is he being sarcastic.

As I moved past him, I felt a sense of gratitude for his understanding and discretion. The encounter, though brief, was a reminder of the unexpected moments of connection that could arise even in the most formal of settings. It was a small but significant gesture, one that eased the tension of the moment and allowed me to breathe a little easier.

But it was not easy for me to breathe here in Royal Palace,  no never.

Lee chang- You can leave the two of us now.

He said rudely to eunji, poor her she bowed to him and quietly took the exit.

I tightened my hold on my knief.

Dani- Sometimes you can be kind, it doesn't take much effort and time.

I told him while throwing daggers at him  through my eyes.

Lee chang raised his eyebrows

- Someone is feisty tonight huh!

Now he is casually walking towards me like a predator seizing up his prey.

His  height is probably around 6 or 6.2 feet, if my guessing game is strong, maybe tonight i will break my neck to match his  death stare. I will win this starring competition for sure.

Dani- Crown Prince, i thought you were against this marriage, so why this formality or is it your participation in playing the perfect Royal couple roleplay?

I am kind of shy and introvert person but Tonight i want to be straight forward with him to hit all his nerves.

When he was just three inches away from me, he stopped his movements and slightly bent down to whisper in my ear with his intimidating voice.

Lee Chang- Roleplay might just be your style after all. I saw you days ago, handing out clothes to the homeless, trying to gain more votes or perhaps sympathy to become their new queen. Now, I see how the Haewon Cho clan plays its dirty politics—manipulating the innocent and buying off the rich and power-hungry ministers."

His words dripped with disdain, each sentence a pointed accusation meant to undermine my intentions. The venom in his tone was unmistakable, aiming to unravel the façade he believed I was hiding behind.

Dani- You think you know me, but you're only seeing what you want to see.

I replied, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions his accusations stirred within me.I met his gaze, determined not to let his words rattle me.

Lee Chang's expression was unreadable, a mask of skepticism and curiosity. He didn't seem convinced, yet there was a flicker of something more a challenge, perhaps, waiting to be accepted.

Our eyes remained locked, an unspoken battle of wills playing out in the charged silence. The tension in the air was palpable, a testament to the clash of ideals and intentions that defined our interactions. In that moment, I realized that his words, though sharp and accusatory, were an invitation to prove him wrong, to show him that not everything is as it seems in the world of politics and power.

*knock knock*

Royal head maid entered our room and just then we maintained our distances facing the opposite direction.

Royal head maid- I have prepared special drinks for you His Royal Highness, please make sure to finish this and it will be pleasant if Her highness too, help his Royal highness.

She gestures me through her dominating and Sharpe glance to serve him right and give this country it's next heir.

But you  bit-- my plan is different i will flee away from here with my mother tomorrow and no one can stop me. I was internally laughing like a manic.

I gave her one nasty stare as she was exiting the room and went towards the table to serve him drink.

Lee chang- i hope no poison is in it.

He asked while carefully examining the drink in his hand.

Dani- I don't have access to the Royal  kitchen for now but in in future i will make sure to prepare one for you with my Everlasting Love.

I give him my cheerful gummy smile.

He stared at me for few seconds and then drank it and asked me to fill his cup   with some more.

Lee chang- You know nasty and sarcastic replies runs in your bloodline.

He said after finishing his drink  and started to loose his hanbok slightly.

Dani-  When i was 6 years old, i was sent far away from my family towards east side.

I was sad thinking about the old memories.

Lee chang - Why?

He asked as he slide off his upper wear, while fanning himself. (Hanbok robe or idk what they're called).

Dani- I was send off to prepare myself  to enter battlefield--

Lee chang halted his actions - Battlefield but why.

He asked me, oh no did i just blew my cover off.

Dani- Yes Battlefield, i was medic, i know medicine and herbs ha ha ha, here drink some more.

I said trying to change the topic but he had other intentions.

Lee Chang's curious gaze lingered on me as he moved from his seat to sit beside me. The lower half of his hanbok was the only fabric he wore, leaving his upper body bare and exposed. He has lean chest and tone stomack. His muscle is bulky and strong, i feel like he can crush my in wrestling match.

I couldn't help but feel my heart race, my breath growing heavier with each passing second.

As he reached for my hand, my hanbok sleeve slipped off my shoulder, revealing my bare skin to his intense gaze. His eyes traced the curve of my shoulder with an intensity that both thrilled and unnerved me.

He leaned closer, his breath brushing against my neck as he planted feather-light kisses along my skin.

A shiver ran down my spine, and I instinctively tightened my grip on the knife in my hand, a tangible reminder of the precariousness of the moment. There was a vulnerability in our proximity, an intimacy that seemed both dangerous and mesmerizing.

His touch was gentle, yet it carried an unspoken promise that danced between us, an uncharted territory of emotions and desires.

Dani- Your Highness i think you are drunk, let's get you to bed now.

I said as i tried to push him off me but his hold was stronger on me.

Suddenly, he pulled me by my waist, drawing me halfway up. His face nestled between my shoulder blades and collarbone, a position that felt both intimate and protective.

He didn't turn me completely towards him, leaving me facing the front, yet I could feel the warmth of his presence enveloping me.

The world around us seemed to pause, and I was acutely aware of the rise and fall of his breath against my skin. It was a moment suspended in time, where words were unnecessary and the silence spoke volumes. The unexpected embrace carried a weight of unspoken emotions, a silent communication that transcended the physical connection.

I stirred slighty to push him off but he gripped me more towards him.

Dani- Let go Your  Royal Highness.

I whispered to him.

Lee chang - No... umhhhh your skin is so soft let me touch you... ahmnnn...umhh.

He was moaning while kissing me, very unexpected behavior of him after encountering him in the past.

Something is fishy.

I turned his face towards me and looked into his eyes, they were not focused but looked like dark water in the night time inside Haunting Forest.

Now he stared kissing my plam. Now that's it enough. I was not in the mood of romancing him, i swiftly pulled out my dagger and pressed it towards his chin.

Dani- One more kiss and i will end your life here.

I threatened him but he gave me puppy eyes.

I looked towards the Cup, he was drinking from. I pushed him off me harshly.

Dani- Come back to your sense lee Chang, Are you Insane!!!

I shouted at him.

He just grinned at him- i love how you said my name.

He is totally drunk.

I sniff his cup, ohh so this was the reason of his  shameful behavior. Someone added toxic herbs which will increase his sex drive. I bet my Uncle is behind all this.

Now i can't even ask him about the letter now, he must have hidden some of his loyal followers to spy on us tonight.

Okay tomorrow morning i will have this talk with him.

Fin.

Thankyou for patiently waiting for this story. I will try to update it once a week.