The Prince

Heavy Crown

The following day after Onew's arrival was the beginning of his tutoring day. He would spent the whole day in his room or in the practice room to study about local custom and habits. He learned how to walk, eat, properly introduced himself, and rows and rows of another obligation, that his head was started to spun around.

The Emperor and Yunho was keeping their promise to keep their distance away from him, so he actually was enjoying himself during those times.

And what more enjoyable was, the meals are getting more nutritious although it was still limited. Strange thing was that he started to have a stomach cramps every now and then, one which can make him stop all of his movements. Everybody seems to be understanding and let him rest everytime he felt uncomfortable. It must be due to long term malnourished state, he thought.

Days are counting rapidly, and just before Onew could appreciate his days on that Empire, it was already two days before his coronation as an Empress.

It was a peaceful afternoon after the commotion of all the tutoring and lessons, he sat tiredly on the bench outside his place. There was still a time before his next lesson, and he treasured that spare moment so much.

It wasn't that bad, actually. That place was quite and serene, giving him time to be by himself. It was a long time ago since he was allowed to be alone, without being chased or threatened.

But being alone means that he could reminisce that day when he lost everything he held dear, and it ate his heart out.

"Abeoji, hyung, how are you? have you rest well? have you eat well? i'm fine, if you ever ask for me..my dreams filled with our memories, but i'm fine. In a few days, i will be married..so don't worry, your son will be alright. I'll be waiting for the day when you will gladly accept me back."

A lone tears were falling into his rosy cheek as he whispered to an empty air. How he wished he could go back in time to save his family. He would be glad to give himself to his enemy if it means he could save them. But it never happened, and never will.

"Prince, we need you to do the fitting. If you pleased, we will be waiting for you inside."

That was the sign for him to leave the place, so he did, reluctantly. There was no way he could prevent what's coming, he'd better face it bravely.
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Then the dawn of the fated day was coming to him like a tidal wave, he couldn't sleep a second the night before and now he felt so nauseatous that he throw up all the little food he had for dinner.

Rows of maids were circling him to make him perfect for the coronation. He was made to wear a very heavy attire of an Empress, an overflowing red gown and a heavy headpiece. He didn't understand why a bride should wear such a heavy attire because right now he felt light headed from the burden on his head.

He was waiting inside his palace for the coming of his groom as tradition indicated, and he was very anxious that he needed to be supported by the maids.

As soon as the rising sun, the envoys of the groom had arrived to bring the 'good news' and a very elaborate offering for the bride. Jewels, furnitures, rare foods, golds, to a very rare breed of horses were amongst the offering. He felt like he was being bought with all those offerings.

A moment later the announcer was declaring that the groom had arrived, and Onew's heart was going to burst from pain. It was like someone had stab him in the heart with invisible sword.

His glassy eyes were glancing at the red veil in front of him, knowing that in any second the groom will come for him.

And they did. The Emperor and his brother, clad in grand wedding attire, opened the red veil that indicates the ceremony was about to begin.