Afterlife || (OT7 X Reader) ✓

15: Marriage Proposal

1362 AD

"Where are we going?" Haeguk asked Yeji who looked at her nervously before waking forward. Haeguk frowned in confusion but followed her steps to the stoned path until her eyes landed on the huge palace.

She recognized this from her history books and even visited once with Jungkook during their school trips. "Isn't that the king's palace?" She asked but Yeji just kept walking, entering the central hall of the Manwolde.

She walked inside and her eyes widened to see Hyeri standing among many noble individuals. Haeguk still didn't meet her family in this world but Jungkook did mention how Hyeri, her half-sister despises her existence along with Taehyun. 

She noticed the old man sitting on the throne and the two elderly women clad in gold sitting on either side of him. Hyeri was sitting on the side along with other well-dressed noblewomen and the other side was occupied by noblemen. Taehyun was among them who passed her a wide smile.

Haeguk returned the smile but noticed Yeji walking out of the space but instead of following her, she looked in the front to see the back of a man wearing black and violet hanbok standing in the middle of the hall.

She felt familiar.

She walked over to Yeji and stood there silently beside her when the old king stood up from his throne and bowed slightly. "Since my entire family is present here. I welcome you to Kaesong as the King of this empire. All hail the great ruler of the Goryeo dynasty, Emperor Kim Taehyung." The old man declared and Haeguk's eyes widened to hear the name and she recalled him from the university.

"The same Kim Taehyung from the University!" She yelled and the whole room silenced at her sudden screech. All the eyes turned to glance at her and she gasped when Taehyung turned to look at her as well. A smirk laced upon his features and her eyes widened even more when she recognized him from the night where he saved her from the fire.

"Princess! Show your respect!" The King of Kaesong and her supposed father roared. Taehyung's eyes darkened and the smile faltered at the king's harsh tone for her. He turned back and smiled at the king nonetheless. He took a deep bow, his head touching the floor which earned loud gasps at the mighty ruler of Goryeo bowing in front of the King of Kaesong. 

"What are you doing, Your Highness?"

Taehyung lifted his head up but still didn't look into King's eyes, hanging his stare low as a form of showing respect as he said, "Please propose an engagement to the Youngest Princess of Kaesong on my behalf." 

No sound echoed in the hall and everyone stood in their places in shock. But Lady Miyeon suddenly stood up from her seat and looked at her daughter. Haeguk was frowning at his words but turned around and noticed everyone's eyes was now on her. She knitted her brows and looked at Yeji. "I didn't even say anything. What happened?" She whispered and Yeji blinked several times but the King of Kaesong, Taemoo interrupted.

"Well, Your Highness. Well-" He turned around to glance at Queen Yoora and then at Lady Miyeon. "They cannot get married!" Queen Yoora exclaimed and Taehyung's eyes finally met hers as he stood up, staring at her darkly. Yoora immediately bowed her head but Lady Miyeon said, "Please take back your proposal." She turned at Taehyung who tilted his head at her but chuckled bitterly, rising up on his feet.

"Queen and Lady Miyeon, are you dissatisfied with me?" Taehyung questioned while Yeji explained to Haeguk about the proposal that she is the youngest princess of Kaesong and she passed a look of horror in Taehyung's direction. Taemoo stood in front of Taehyung and bowed his head immediately. 

"Of course not, Your Highness. They have nothing against the great ruler of the East. You are a hero!" He said and Lady Miyeon stood beside him, looking at Taehyung who sucked in a breath. "You are a hero, Your Highness. You are too good for my daughter, Haeguk." Miyeon said and Haeguk felt sour at her words.