Faith 신의 - One Shots

10. 속하는 Belonging (shokan'nin)

Eun-Soo didn't expect the nervousness she felt in the pit of her stomach when she saw the Palace for the first time since her abrupt departure. For her it had only been one year, for the King and Queen of Goryeo it had been four years. In four years many things could happen. Loyalties could shift, friendships spoiled, a love abandoned.

No, she thought, sliding Choi Young a side long glance as he rode by her side. Love was not abandoned, love was nurtured, taken care of and kept safe and she had thanked the Heavens and all deities she could think of for that. For sending her a man with a steadfast heart, who had simply believed she would find a way back to him.

Choi Young looked over to her, found her staring at him with those huge beautiful eyes, and for a moment he could not believe his luck. She was back, she was safe, and she loved him still. Reining his horse, he brought it closer along side her own and reached out his hand to touch her cheek. Like a kitten seeking a human's touch, she rubbed her face against his calloused hand and made him smile.

"We will be in the palace soon," he said and Eun-Soo nodded. She could already see the huge doors of the Palace entrance in front of them, their horses only a few more paces away from it. With a surprised gasp, she felt herself being hauled over to Choi Young's side, felt him shift in his saddle as she was nestled in front of him, kept safe from falling off when a strong arm clamped around her middle to keep her close to his chest and he placed a sound kiss on her lips.

"Choi-ssi," she whispered, shocked that he would show his affection to her so openly for not only the Woodalchi but the Palace soldiers and peasants around them to see. He grinned down at her as he urged his horse forward.

"I cannot give you a palanquin or a sedan to ride in as you enter the palace, so let me do the honour of bringing my wife back to where she belongs," He said, his mouth close to her ear as he pulled her flush against his chest and rested his chin on her shoulder. She relaxed against him, her hands resting on his arm that held her close and safe.

"I do not need any of these trappings, Young-ah," she said, shifting slightly, so she could peer into his face. "For all I care, I have been your pledged wife for over five years now."

That made him smile and with a quick kiss on the corner of her mouth, he urged the horse on as they crossed the threshold of the main gate.

---

"Cho-na, Woodalchi General Choi Young has arrived back at the palace and requests to see you," Do Chi announced and bowed.

"So early? He has been away only for a few days," King Gongmin replied and looked up from the parchment scroll where he was sketching the beginnings of a landscape.

"Apparently he has returned with his wife," Do Chi informed and Gongmin jumped to his feet, his chair falling over with a loud crash behind him.

"The High Doctor? She is back?" the King asked and abandoned the brush he had held in his hands and it fell forgotten onto the table. "Inform the queen immediately!"

With his Courtly robes rustling, Gongmin rushed forward and into the audience hall, several eunuchs and Woodalchi soldiers rushing forward to keep up with their king.

When the king arrived, the hall was empty, so he straightened his robes and heard the arrival of the Queen behind him. His wife moved forward, worry and joy both warring on her face, as she touched his arm inquiringly.

"Is it true? Choi Young-ssi brought back High Doctor?"

"It seems so. He indeed returned with a woman, but I cannot confirm if it is High Doctor or not," Gongmin replied and smiled at his wife. Nogook returned it warmly and seeking his hand through the folds of her long sleeves, she nodded confidently.