ꜱᴏɴ ᴀᴍᴏᴜʀ ᴍᴀʀɪɴ ✧seongjoong✧

Chapter 7

Seonghwa stood at the altar, his mind a blur of disjointed memories. How had time slipped by so quickly? Hadn't his wedding to Samara been set for two weeks later? Yet, he was, standing at the altar with the ceremony about to commence. His mother had stormed into his room the previous day, declaring with urgent finality that the wedding would take place immediately.

His gaze wandered over the opulent surroundings—the grand hall adorned with shimmering coral, the guests assembled in their finest attire, and the ornate decorations that seemed to mock his inner turmoil. He felt a strange disconnect, as if he were an observer in his own life, watching the events unfold without truly being a part of them.

His heart ached with confusion and an inexplicable sense of loss. He couldn't remember why, but something inside him felt incomplete like a piece of his soul was missing. The image of a ship, a crew, and a pirate captain with piercing eyes flitted through his mind, but the memories were hazy and fragmented, just out of reach.

Samara stood beside him, radiant and composed, yet her eyes betrayed a flicker of concern as she glanced at him. She knew this wasn't what he truly wanted, but they were bound by duty and tradition. Seonghwa forced a smile, knowing that in just two days he would be named heir of the kingdom and ascend as the new king. It was all too sudden, a whirlwind of expectations and responsibilities crashing down upon him.

Samara knew the truth she had chosen to hide, the truth which lay hidden inside Seonghwa's heart. The pirate captain and the crew were long forgotten. She glanced at Seonghwa, seeing the faint traces of confusion and longing that occasionally clouded his eyes. He didn't remember Hongjoong or the time spent on the pirate ship, but she did. She had seen the way he looked at the captain, a look she had never received from him. 

But she accepted it. She hadn't come to this kingdom to be a little damsel pining for her husband's love. She came here to be a queen and to rule. Samara had always known that her role was not to be the object of Seonghwa's affection, but to stand beside him as a partner in leadership, to guide their people and maintain the strength of their kingdom.

As the vows concluded and the priest declared them husband and wife, Seonghwa turned to face Samara. The weight of their duty pressed upon him, but for a moment, he found solace in his bride's calm and determined gaze.

Seonghwa smiled softly at Samara, a smile that carried a mix of resignation and determination. He leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a gentle, chaste kiss. The hall erupted in applause, the sound echoing through the grand space as their subjects celebrated the union of their future king and queen.

As they parted, Seonghwa whispered, "We'll make this work, Samara."

Samara nodded, her eyes reflecting a blend of resolve and understanding. "We will, Seonghwa. Together."

The king stood up, his regal presence commanding the attention of everyone in the hall. With a voice that carried the weight of his authority and the warmth of a father's blessing, he addressed the newlyweds.

"You have my blessings," he began, his eyes shining with pride and hope. "But there is one more tradition to fulfill. You must go up to the shore tonight and seek the blessings of the moon goddess. It is a rite of passage for all rulers, a blessing that will ensure your reign is prosperous and just."

Seonghwa and Samara exchanged a glance, understanding the importance of this ancient tradition. The moon goddess was revered among their people, and her blessings were considered essential for any new ruler.