𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚'𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗙𝗘 (CURRENTLY EDITING)

7장: The Wedding (Edited)

The sun cast a golden hue over Geunjeongjeon Palace, its rays streaming down on intricately carved pillars and rooftops painted with the vibrant colors of royalty.

Red silk banners fluttered in the breeze, gold tassels swayed gently, and the entire palace grounds buzzed with energy. The grand court had been transformed into a breathtaking venue for the royal wedding-a sight to behold, full of opulence and grace.

Yet beneath the shimmering surface of this regal display lay emotions far more complex.

All around, the nobles and ministers beamed with anticipation, whispering praises for the blessing this marriage would bring.

Commoners pressed behind palace gates just for a glimpse of the bride, whom many called the flower of the capital. And yet, amidst the grandeur and celebration, two souls stood weighed down by the invisible chains of duty.

A slow, solemn procession began.

Min Yewon, the daughter of the Right State Councilor, walked forward with the measured grace expected of a future Crown Princess. She was draped in layers of hanbok-the softest silk in shades of crimson and jade, embroidered with golden phoenixes symbolizing her new role.

Her hair was coiled into a ceremonial bun, adorned with glittering ornaments that shimmered with every step she took. But behind the elegance, her face betrayed no joy. Her eyes, though steady, brimmed with sorrow, and her lips pressed into a firm, unreadable line.

Behind her followed a line of court ladies, eunuchs, and senior officials, their faces solemn with the weight of tradition. But Yewon felt none of their reverence.

Every step toward the waiting palanquin felt like a step further from her true self. Her heart ached for someone who could no longer be hers. The air smelled of incense and flowers, but to her, it felt suffocating.

As she reached the palanquin, Yewon hesitated ever so slightly. Her hands trembled for a heartbeat before she masked it behind perfect poise.

She was about to step in when a familiar hand gently touched her cheek. Her mother.

Lady Min looked at her daughter with trembling eyes, masking her heartbreak with a soft smile. "Yewon-na," she whispered, voice low enough so only her daughter could hear. "Please, be strong-for yourself, for us. Life in the palace is full of shadows, but don't let them see your fear. Do not bend, do not break. You are our pride... our light. We will always be with you, even from afar."

Yewon blinked away the tears that threatened to spill. She leaned into her mother's embrace, savoring that last moment of warmth and safety before stepping into the unknown. "I'll try, Eomeoni. I'll try my best."

With a final breath, she entered the palanquin, leaving behind the freedom of her old life.

---

The ceremony was a blur-a flurry of bows, vows, and chants. The Crown Prince stood across from her, resplendent in his formal robes, every inch the heir to the throne.

But behind the calm facade, his expression was distant, almost cold. Their eyes met only once during the ritual, and in that fleeting glance, Yewon saw her reflection: silent resignation.

They recited the marriage vows, drank the ceremonial wine, and offered bows to the heavens and ancestors. Everything unfolded perfectly-at least, on the surface.

But inside, both hearts were breaking under the weight of expectations they had never asked for.

The feast that followed was filled with music, dancing, and laughter. Courtiers offered their congratulations, the Dowager Queen nodded approvingly, and the King beamed with pride. But Yewon barely tasted the food before her. Every smile she offered was a mask. Every polite nod was a shield.

Night fell.

The wedding chamber was adorned with embroidered curtains, red candles, and fragrant flowers. The atmosphere was meant to be romantic and auspicious-but to Yewon, it was a cage draped in velvet.

She sat alone on the embroidered bedding, her back straight, her hands folded delicately over her lap. Her ceremonial attire had been changed into a softer robe, though still heavy with ornate detail.

Her hair had been let down partially, cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of midnight silk. Her heart raced wildly beneath her chest.

What happens now? she wondered.

The room was silent except for the faint crackling of candles. Shadows danced on the walls, echoing her turmoil. She breathed deeply, steadying herself with all the strength she could muster. I must not cry. I must not break. I am no longer Min Yewon. I am now the Crown Princess of Joseon.

Just then, a voice called out from outside the chamber. "The Crown Prince has arrived."

Her breath hitched.

The doors opened slowly, and he entered.
Clad in his dark ceremonial robes, the Crown Prince was a vision of stoic nobility. His features were sharp, unreadable, his eyes as calm as still water. He stood still for a moment, gazing at her-not with love, but with a quiet sadness and then... anger.

Yewon stood to greet him, bowing with the grace that had been drilled into her from childhood. He returned the bow, his expression remaining impassive. The silence between them stretched endlessly.

Neither wanted this union. And yet, here they were-bound by law, by duty, by the decisions of their families.