황실의 사랑 이야기 (Hwangsil-ui Sarang Iyagi) - The Imperial Love Story

Chapter - 62

Two days had passed since the news of the forced marriage between Yongbok and the princess of the neighboring kingdom, Shin Ryujin, had sent shockwaves through the palace. However, Ryujin had yet to arrive, her journey delayed by an unforeseen accident. On the way to the kingdom, she had been injured during a mishap with her carriage. Hurt and disoriented, Ryujin decided to travel in disguise, her face hidden beneath a cloth as she sought shelter.

As fate would have it, she stumbled upon a small, humble house belonging to a girl named Yeji. Not recognizing Ryujin's royal identity due to the disguise, Yeji welcomed the stranger into her home with warmth and care. Yeji's kindness extended beyond providing food and shelter—she nursed Ryujin back to health with a gentle touch and reassuring words. Despite the simplicity of Yeji's home, it radiated a warmth and comfort that Ryujin had not experienced in a long time.

During her time at the house, Ryujin couldn't help but notice Yeji's kind heart and generous spirit. She found herself drawn to the girl who had so selflessly helped a stranger. Every small gesture—whether it was tending to Ryujin's injuries or offering quiet conversation—made Ryujin's heart swell with admiration. And soon, that admiration began to blossom into something deeper.

Yet, Ryujin remained silent about her true feelings. She didn't want to burden Yeji, especially since she was already conflicted about the arranged marriage. Besides, how could she confess her feelings when her identity as a princess remained hidden?

A few days later, Yeji's brothers returned home. In-Yeop and Riki, concerned about their brother Hyunjin, had been keeping a close watch on him since his confinement. They were both surprised to see an unfamiliar guest in their home but greeted Ryujin politely, unaware of her true identity.

Hyunjin, who had spent days locked in his room, barely spoke, his sadness weighing heavily on the entire family. But when he stepped out of his room to meet the guest, there was a brief moment of curiosity. Ryujin couldn't help but feel drawn to the quiet, broken man, though it was Yeji who remained on her mind.

Despite their lack of knowledge about who she really was, In-Yeop, Riki, and Hyunjin treated Ryujin with respect, admiring the way she and Yeji had quickly formed a bond. Ryujin, too, felt an odd sense of peace in their home—a contrast to the royal life she had always known.

But soon, reality would come crashing back. As much as Ryujin enjoyed her time with Yeji and her brothers, she knew she couldn't stay hidden forever. The arranged marriage loomed over her head like a dark cloud. How could she return to the palace and marry someone she didn't love—especially when her heart had already begun to belong to someone else?

The day had finally arrived when Ryujin could no longer delay her fate. With a heavy heart, she arrived at the grand palace, leaving behind the simple comforts of Yeji's home. Despite her reluctance, she knew she couldn't escape the arranged marriage forever. As she stepped out of the royal carriage, Ryujin was greeted by the king's courtiers and advisors, who quickly surrounded her with formality and tradition. They bowed deeply and welcomed her with rehearsed words before the royal servants led her inside the palace.

The palace's vast halls felt cold and distant compared to the warmth she had found in Yeji's humble home. As she was ushered through the opulent corridors, Ryujin's thoughts lingered on the past few days—on the girl who had nursed her back to health, the unspoken connection she felt, and the weight of her current reality.

Finally, she arrived at the throne room. Inside, the king and queen awaited her, their faces bright with welcoming smiles. The queen, in particular, looked pleased as she stepped forward to greet Ryujin. Her words were gracious, "Welcome, Princess Ryujin. It is an honor to have you here. We trust your journey was safe, despite the delay."

Ryujin bowed respectfully, her eyes quickly scanning the room. Beside the king and queen stood two men—one of them was Yongbok. Dressed in his formal attire, he looked handsome, though there was something unmistakable in his expression: hesitation. Next to him stood Minho, his older brother, who gave her a polite nod.

The queen, eager to move things along, smiled warmly at Yongbok and said, "Yongbok, do greet the princess properly."

Yongbok shifted uncomfortably but obeyed. He stepped forward, his movements stiff, and with a brief glance at Ryujin, he hesitantly took her hand in his. She could feel the reluctance in his touch, his fingers barely brushing against hers before he leaned down to place a gentle kiss on her hand.

Ryujin's eyes met his as he lifted his head, and in that brief moment, she saw the truth in his expression—he was just as trapped as she was. His hesitation wasn't mere shyness; it was the same unwillingness that plagued her heart. As his lips brushed her hand, she sensed the weight of the burden he carried. This was not a union either of them wanted.

The queen's voice broke the brief silence. "You two will make a wonderful match. Our kingdoms will prosper together with this alliance." Her words were filled with satisfaction, but Ryujin could hear the political undertone beneath them.

Standing there, with Yongbok at her side, Ryujin's mind raced. Could he be forced into this marriage as well? Was there someone else he cared for, just as she cared for Yeji? The thought unsettled her even more. How could she go through with this when they were both unwilling participants in a marriage arranged for power and prestige?

As the ceremony preparations continued, Ryujin's heart grew heavier. She glanced at Yongbok again, silently wondering if they both shared the same quiet desperation to escape.