이무기의 복 (Mourning Bride)

2. Wedding Night

TW: Smut towards the end of the chapter, painful sex, some blood.

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The night was chilly, so San shivered in his thin clothes with fewer layers by the time Seonghwa and he arrived at the king's quarters. Seonghwa opened the door to the main palace with the same grand gesture as before, one that stretched his shoulders and had his clothes flare around him from the gust of air he summoned. Intimidated, San followed him into the corridor. To the left, light shone through the rice paper covering the doors. The warm orange glow reminded San of the fires humans sometimes created in the forest to keep themselves warm during the night. They cooked meat and laughed while sitting around those. San had always found it intriguing to watch.

Elegant paper lanterns showed them the path and danced on Seonghwa's hair as he led San down the corridor. He halted next to a door as subtle as the others and bowed politely.

"For tonight, worry not about your regal duties. I will guide you through them starting in the morning." The shaman's voice was smooth like silk as it caressed San's skin. The dragon guessed some spirits must have blessed Seonghwa with an otherworldly beauty, for his refinement was unlike any human San had met.

San bowed back before Seonghwa introduced him loudly to the person inhabiting the chamber behind the door. The king's voice called for him to enter.

Seonghwa shut the door behind him after San nervously made his way in. His claws fumbled with each other under his sleeves as he drew closer.

King Hongjoong had changed into casual day clothes as well. His blue robe was decorated with silver patterns, and his white pants and socks softened the intimidation of his regal look. His long, black hair was hidden under yet another crown and a hairpin that showed his status. A blue ribbon dangled from the hairdo and brushed his shoulders.

On the table in front of him, an array of dishes had gathered. Meat and rice were joined by radish, bean sprouts, kimchi, and cooked eggs. Some items were for dessert, like the sweet rice cakes and the fruit. The amount was plentiful, though the meat wasn't too heavy, given the late hour and their upcoming duties.

Hongjoong beckoned San to sit. While San knelt in a mirror of the king, Hongjoong poured them drinks. Once the cups clicked on the table, Hongjoong allowed his sleeves to cover his hands once more as he folded them in front of his stomach. Hesitantly, San kept his back straight when the king bowed before him.

"Amiable dragon king. Now that we are in the privacy of my chambers, I shall convey my oath to you personally rather than to the royal scriptures. I thank you for your grace of being by the side of my kingdom. I shall treasure and welcome your might. Anything you may ask for shall be provided."

A rush of power filled San that had him hiding behind his hair. Other than Hongjoong, he wore only half of it tied back.

When the king rose, it was San's time to bow.

"I promise my blessings to be granted upon your land if I deem it worthy to receive them. Until the night of the ritual, I may gaze upon you and your people favourably and make a just judgment about your reward."

San rose. He noticed Hongjoong's gaze on the rivulets of white hair that had cascaded over his shoulders with the bow. Enthralled, as if he were gazing upon the light of a star trapped within San's hair, the king nodded.

"Then let us drink in favour of a fruitful marriage." Hongjoong handed San his cup with both hands and San handed Hongjoong his back in a similar fashion.

San was aware he didn't need to be as courteous as he was. While he gained wisdom and maturity from this ritual, it was the king asking for his favour rather than the other way around. San's elders had taught him dignity and virtue, and in such, they had advised a polite mannerism towards the king. Other imoogis swore to themselves never to become the slave of a human king, but San didn't find Hongjoong too appalling. His eyes were intelligent but didn't hold the unmistakable glint of greed. San already saw his qualities as an excellent king.