Moonflower

Chapter 49: I Do

Jina awoke to sunlight streaming through the window overhead. Today those rays were kinder than they'd been yesterday. Her skull was now free of its throbbing. As she cracked her eyes open hesitantly, she found herself smiling. She stretched and realized her arms were surrounded by a soft bed on all sides. Then she remembered.

This was her new bed. Not the tiny pad she'd slept on in the servant's quarters. This bed was big enough for two. And later today she'd be sharing it with her husband. She swallowed. She was to marry Jungkook in a few hours.

She was terrified.

And fascinated by the boy. Who called himself a man.

A knock sounded on her door. She climbed from bed and crossed the room.

"Who's there?"

"Jina? It's Moonflower."

Jina eagerly opened the door to welcome her queen. Beaming, she smiled up at her new friend. And mistress.

"Your Royal Highness, what can I do for you?"

"I don't think I'll ever get used to that title," the new queen murmured. Then she smiled prettily at her servant girl. "It's not what you can do for me. It's what I can do for you. My dear girl! Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, I am."

"Well enough to speak your vows?" Moonflower asked hesitantly.

She knew Jina didn't wish to marry Jungkook.

"I suppose," Jina grumbled.

Moonflower's face broke into a wide grin. "Excellent! Don't worry, dear. This will all work out. You'll see. If my sweet Yoongi and I could overcome our hurdles, you and Jungkook can overcome yours."

Jina was not anywhere near convinced of that.

"Jina, I want to help you prepare for your wedding. I've found a beautiful hanbok for you to wear. And I'm going to have my hairdresser fix your hair. I'd like you to come to my chambers. We'll prepare you for the wedding there. In a few hours, you and Jungkook will marry in our sitting room. Then you'll come back here to enjoy your wedding night." Moonflower made sure her face was bland.

To enjoy her wedding night. With Jungkook.

Fat chance.

Now she was trembling. The thought of him touching her intimately was almost too much for her. He wasn't the man she'd once believed him to be. What would he do to her when they were finally alone in that bed again? When he had every right to do as he pleased with her?

Moonflower could feel her tension, but Jina's facial expression was closed to her. The queen reached out a hand towards her friend.

"Come. It'll be all right. You'll see," she whispered as Jina clasped her hand and allowed herself to be pulled toward the royal chambers.

—

Jina and Jungkook married at noon and afterward enjoyed the finest meal either of them had ever eaten. Moonflower had even ordered the royal chef to craft a beautiful wedding cake for them. Jina stood staring down at it for several minutes when it first appeared in the sitting room.

Jungkook joined her a moment later. Drawn by the look on her face. A great vulnerability was lighting up her countenance. Her expression hovered between awe and humility. He crept up behind her and bent to whisper into her ear.

"What is it, Jina?"

She turned to gaze up at him. "Never in my entire life did I dream of having a wedding cake such as this. It's fit for a queen! I've never even seen a cake this beautiful. Look at the intricate designs! Someone spent a long time crafting this cake. For you and me," her voice was full of wonder. "What did we ever do to deserve such a gift?"