DOMINANTLY SUBMISSIVE | JIKOOK [OG]

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His Own Purposes

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Author's POV

The next morning came fast for everyone in the palace, court ladies walked here and there, maids rushed to clean the floor and prepare for the occasion, and people from nowhere continually entered the opened gate. They were all thrilled. Everyone except the certain crown prince who couldn't wait for the ceremony to end.

There he was, staring at himself in the mirror. It was odd... he still couldn't comprehend that he would get married today. Though he had prepared for this throughout his whole life, he still felt strange to see the bright red robe on his body. He traced the fabric, feeling the soft surface and the properly sewn embroidery before taking a deep breath.

Letting it out, Jeongguk looked away from the mirror and walked toward the window on the right. Out of many rooms, this was the best choice to make. The window's view displayed the whole Goryeo and the palace's entrance. He watched the residents walking past the opening rushingly, eyes all bright and keen to see around.

They looked so happy...

His mind again went back to the yet-to-be crisis that was silently killing him. He knows his mother already advised him not to be worried about it but how can he not? Seeing the people, he would put a stake in his heart just to protect them. He may be arrogant but his love for his people was absolutely pure and wanted nothing but the best of them.

Talking about it, it occurred to him how the King seemed to be unphased and his decision was made without considering the civilians. Wouldn't the ruler care? Even a little bit? After all, he was the one who founded Goryeo. He fought face to face with death just like Jeongguk, hence it explains why he deeply cared about the future of the country.

It was bizarre and Jeongguk really couldn't wrap his head around this one.

A sudden knock filled the room, catching the crown prince's attention. He took a deep breath as he once more glanced at the entrance and memorized their condition in his head. He intended to make those smiles remain. No, even if he ties the knot with Jimin, he won't ever give up on the throne. Not even the slightest. Surely, the older doesn't want the power but so does everyone else until they get a taste of it and are greedy for more.

And to him, Jimin was just like the others.

"Your Grace, the gathering anticipates your arrival... The proceedings will soon be initiated."

Jeongguk took that cue to leave as the door opened wide for him. Without wasting more time, he walked towards the Sajeongjeon Hall with court lady Oh and her maids behind. By the time he arrived, he noticed that every strong household was there and wearing their official attire while the King and The Queen wore completely white with a hint of Gold. He glanced over at his father with a cold gaze, seeing the older man spare him a small smile. He shrugged the affection and noted to himself later to ask what was going on.

Because as far as he is concerned, he knows his father was a cunning man. Every decision made must bring him benefits in return. He wasn't evil, per se. But definitely wasn't a saint either.

"Presenting the crown prince, Jeon Jeongguk."

With the announcement, he moved to his place, standing in front of the King, and positioned himself to face towards the left as the hall bowed down in silence. "The solemn occasion of a matrimonial ceremony unites Jeon Jeongguk, the designated heir to the throne, and Park Jimin, the oldest descendant of the Park family, before us today." His heart dropped upon hearing the herald declaration. He would never admit it but he caught himself being more nervous than he actually thought. Though he hid it well, it didn't go well inside.