Part 16: https://kpopnlockit.tumblr.com/post/691167643968929792/royal-counsel-part-16
Part 18: Coming soon!
The ceremony would be quick and presided over by a priest. As far as you knew, Vixx was not a very religious country but even they viewed marriage as a union before God. That sentiment apparently extended to engagements as well. The ladies-in-waiting had delivered you straight to the path that divided the rows upon rows of filled seats. At the end of the aisle was a gilded platform that had been specially made for the occasion. It was raised a half-meter above the ground so that the entire audience could see. An arch would frame you as you stood up there, the arch having been draped with purple chiffon and outfitted with white roses to create a picturesque scene. Two artists had been hired to capture the moment on large canvases. Even the weather was cooperating. It was fairly cloudy but there was no threat of rain, and a gentle breeze cooled the rising heat of the day.
You had focused on the stage when you arrived, but it did not take long to hear the tinkle of the guests’ finery as they turned to look at you. The buzz of conversation died hurriedly as they realized that the event was starting. You did not allow yourself time to study them because you knew all you would find was judgment. There would be talk of your dress, of your hair, of your face, of anything and everything that could be critiqued. The gossip would come no matter what you did so there was no point in wasting your energy on witnessing it in real-time.
The sound of violins interrupted your thoughts. You could not see where the music was coming from, but the sound of harps and flutes could be heard adding to the ethereal ambience that was being carefully crafted. To add to the image, the servants of the manor were outfitted uniformly in lavender livery. They stood in neat lines on both ends of each row of seats, making sure that their polished shoes did not touch the royal purple aisle runner that was meant for you and your promised to walk down. The manor had to have hired outside help for the occasion, as there were far more butlers available to attend to the nobles than you had ever seen in the castle. The ladies-in-waiting curtseyed and followed a path around the guests that had been marked with a generous scattering of white rose petals to their designated chairs off to the side of the stage.
King Ravi had been somewhere nearby. As soon as you were deposited, he appeared at your elbow with N, Leo, Hyuk, and another man you did not recognize tailing him. The mystery man was tall, just like the other men and had a very distinguishing nose. All of them were outfitted in Vixx colors of aubergine and gold. However, each suit was different, with Leo’s being of a military bearing and N’s being plainer and befitting of a scholar. It was clear that the choice was deliberate to show pride in Vixx and simultaneously display their positions within the royal court. The man you did not recognize clapped King Ravi on the shoulder before leading the men down another footpath that mirrored the lady’s maids to their chairs on the opposite side of the stage.
You took a long look at your fiancè. He wore a traditional Vixx robe with a plum torso and white sleeves to match his white trousers. A beautiful mulberry and gold embroidered sash across the waist denoted his royal status and a patch over his left shoulder highlighted his military honors. The most surprising piece of his ensemble was a red tie that kept his robe closed. It matched the crimson in your gown. You had expected him to only be in Vixx colors. You would have to overanalyze the meaning of that later. In total, it was a simple but elegant outfit that did not require jewels or additional adornments to display King Ravi’s pride in Vixx and its short history.
King Ravi did not have anything in his body language that showed nervousness. He wore a facade of happy serenity. He turned to you and offered his arm. He smiled as he said, “You are exceptionally beautiful today.”
You did not know if you wanted to roll your eyes or blush. “You are more handsome than usual today as well,” you replied. And it was true.
He always looked regal in his national hue but combined with neatly styled hair and lightly rouged lips, he seemed to glow in the glimpses of sunlight that peeked through the clouds. You took his elbow and straightened. You needed to exude some of his easy confidence, let alone feel it.
Spectators gawked as you took your time walking toward the dais. Like King Ravi, you gazed ahead and refused to let your line of vision wander. It was not only for your peace of mind, but also to remind those who questioned your legitimacy of their own positions. Most would not be able to be in the same room as you once you were queen. Their presence at the engagement was to add to the scale and perceived grandeur of the event. Many of the attendees would usually only be invited to local balls and functions hosted by the nobles of their respective kingdoms. To be invited to a foreign King’s celebration was a show of power and excess. Vixx would be seen as a country that could afford to house and cater to irrelevant earls and counts. Vixx would also be considered humble and hospitable for doing the same.
As you had noted before, the ceremony was quick, taking just over ten minutes. During the proceedings, King Ravi did not once look away from you. Though you could pretend to be as stately as a monarch, having a staring contest with one of the most powerful men in the world while promising matrimony in the near future proved to be difficult. You very much wanted to squirm under his gaze or break eye contact just for a moment of reprieve. That could not be done without repercussion so you both maintained vaguely agreeable smirks. Internally, you wanted to awkwardly giggle at the ridiculousness of the situation. The only reason you did not was because of the seriousness of the situation. And just like that, the whole fiasco was over and King Ravi took your hand and led you back to the castle.
You did not actually go back inside but he instead took you to one of the open tents set up to the right of the rows of chairs. Some of the tents had been set up with food and drink and others had been outfitted with lounging furniture over thick carpeting. The most ornate tent housed two identical white thrones. In that tent, King Ravi ushered you to take a seat before sitting himself.
Once the guests were given leave to roam, they did so. A line of attendees formed, all of them wishing to give you greetings and congratulations. You plastered on a genteel smile and murmured your thanks and shook hands and received curtsies and bows. The line never seemed to end but you continued to nod affably alongside King Ravi. You could not recall a single face you had seen. You were sure that you had greeted at least a few people you had personally known, but through the flood of brightly colored clothes and painted skin, you could not recognize them. The receiving line took an estimated two hours. During which, you charaded as a polite and sweet future royal. Undoubtedly, everyone knew that you were no such thing, but no one dared to slight you.
There were about thirty minutes of reprieve between the end of the cocktail hour and the beginning of the reception. You were able to get through half a glass of lemonade before you were prompted to go to your chambers and change into your second dress. You were glad to go. The volume of social interaction had been overwhelming. Minah and a small entourage of ladies-in-waiting escorted you. The house was startlingly quiet after having been in the ruckus outside. With only the sound of footsteps echoing in your ear, you realized that you had not spoken to King Ravi at all after the ceremony. You likely would not be able to exchange words for the rest of the night. You were not sure if you were disappointed or not.
The second gown was less revealing than the first but was far more striking. It had a proper ball gown silhouette with a touch of scandal in the sleeves, or lack thereof. The bodice was completely strapless. Over the top was a sheer shirt with long sleeves to add the illusion of modesty. Buttons in a straight row went all the way up to the throat of the mesh shirt. A ribbon tied into a small bow separated the waterfall of fabric flowing to the floor from everything above the waist. The thing that set the dress apart from all others was that it was dyed a deep blood red. To contrast with the dark tint, the gauze over your arms and chest was stark white. Your hair was pulled back into an immaculate chignon. This time, large diamonds studded your ears and encircled your wrists. It was so bold that you would command attention by virtue of walking by.
All eyes were on you when you walked into the ballroom. Your entrance was announced which did not help. You kept your chin high and your shoulders rolled back as you made your way through the crowd. No one attempted to approach you. King Ravi was easy to locate as he was a spot of red in a sea of amethyst. Just like in Exo, his clothing was designed to complement yours. He wore a white shirt tucked into white pants and an open cherry-dyed sheer robe over it all. The robe was once again fashioned in the traditional style of Vixx, embroidered with red roses. The collar and sleeves were lined with the same ribbon at your midsection. It was a smart move to transition from Vixx purple to matching completely with you. It sent the message that before the ceremony he was King of Vixx. Now he was a claimed man with a partner that was his equal. The spot of cardinal on his ceremonial robe now made more sense, as it showed that he was including a fleck of you in his attire. A sign of thoughtfulness, of what could be construed as love. You appreciated the powerplay in the small and subliminal undertones to everything. It would help paint the picture you both wanted. Two very different people now united to create a nation more powerful than the world had seen in centuries.
King Ravi motioned to meet him in the middle of the room. Your skin crawled with the attention being directed at you by everyone else. You did not open your mouth to greet him first, which in any other situation would be incredibly rude. However, you had a plan. You had not discussed it with him previously so you did not know if he would play along, but you were banking on it. You paused and made sure to look him in the eye. He quirked an eyebrow before his mouth settled into a small grin as he approached. He understood what you were doing. He did not falter in his prowl towards you. He only stopped when he was within an arm’s distance. He took your hand and pressed a gentle kiss to your knuckles.
Though you had wanted him to greet you first, you had not expected the chivalrous gesture. You could not hide the way your lips parted in surprise. You rapidly overcompensated with a wide smile and commented, “You look quite handsome in red.”
“Not as stunning as you though,” he replied in a tone equal part sultry and teasing.
You beamed though you really wanted to return with a smart quip but that would not be ladylike. He took your hand in his and turned towards the spectators.
He addressed the guests in a voice so loud, it must have come from the depths of his gut, “Friends, thank you for being here today to celebrate this joyous occasion.”
You stood still, the portrait of a happy girl betrothed to Prince Charming.
King Ravi glanced at you, before continuing on, “Please celebrate with us. Enjoy the food, drink, and dancing.”
At that, the miniature orchestra in the corner began to play. A cheery song was chosen, concealing the lack of applause after King Ravi’s speech. There were plenty of people not pleased by your arrangement. There were also many who had not developed an opinion yet. When they approached you one on one, they were on their best behavior. However, there was power in groups. They had conspired not to clap and King Ravi had predicted as much. By not allowing ample time for people to even try to applaud, he had enacted his own countermeasure. Very few would pick up on the silence.
You would have to tread lightly. You were in a den of snakes. You smiled wickedly. It was good to feel at home.
Part 15: https://kpopnlockit.tumblr.com/post/687984614623592448/royal-counsel-chapter-15
Part 17: https://kpopnlockit.tumblr.com/post/705375614759256064/royal-counsel-part-17
The day of reckoning came sooner than expected. The palace was buzzing with activity. Even Minah could not contain herself. She and one of the Princess’ lady’s maids had come to your room shortly after the sun had risen bearing hot water for washing. You were promptly plucked from your bed and dropped into a beauty routine that could have only ascended from the depths of hell. You asked for breakfast at some point and were allowed a cup of tea and a single biscuit. Anything more and there would be fear of your corset not being able to be tightened to the risk of breaking a rib. As such, your stomach grumbled loudly as your hair was lathered with something oily and floral smelling.
It was a trying time, but you made it out alive. You did not immediately don the gown. Firstly, you did not want to damage the dress in the hours still left until the ceremony. Secondly, no one was to see the frock until right before you were presented to King Ravi. With so many people everywhere, the chance of someone accidentally catching a glimpse was too high. Instead, you wore a simple day gown. It was Vixx purple and fashioned in the popular style of a fitted bodice with loose sleeves and skirts. The plan was to allow the corset to squeeze your internal organs until they were pushed up into your ribcage and periodically tighten it further throughout the day, leaving you with a waist a fraction of the normal size.
There was no day that you cursed women’s fashion more. Where were the eras where a well-fed lady was prized? It did not matter too much though. Once you caught sight of the numerous guests milling about in their finery, you lost your appetite. People were everywhere and the usual quiet of the mansion could not be found at all, not even in your chambers. Voices could be heard in the hallways and through the glass of the windows.
Entertainment had also been set up for the guests. Horses had been borrowed from local merchants and lesser nobles for carriage and saddle rides. A field about two kilometers away had been fitted with archery targets and the throne room had been converted into a theater with puppet shows and a theater troupe performing short plays. The music and art room had been stocked with an abundance of supplies. Food and drink could be found all over on small tables around almost every corner. A luncheon would be held in the garden just after midday for anyone that wanted a larger meal and to socialize. You would not be in attendance and nor would King Ravi. It would show that you were occupied with more pressing matters. As to what those were, the guests could imagine and theorize to their heart's content. The Princess would be there to extend noble politeness and pomp.
You did not mind missing out. You knew that you would not get a reprieve from people later on in the day. You would have to enjoy your solitude while it lasted. No doubt everyone and anyone would be seeking to introduce themselves and get in the good graces of Vixx’s future queen. You could already hear the false flattery ringing in your ears. You would have to smile and nod and bite your tongue. There was also the high likelihood that there would be plenty of women coveting your position and thinking that they still had a chance at stealing it from you. Little did they know that they had no chance at all. At least, that would be the case if King Ravi had anything to do with it.
In the meantime, you tried to make up for the lost time and crawled back into bed. The maids had gone to prepare something or another, so you had some time to truly be alone with your thoughts. You quickly discovered that laying down made it harder to breathe. How women wore waist cinchers daily was beyond your understanding. You did your best to get some rest. You closed your eyes and tried not to think about what was to come.
You had resolved yourself to becoming Vixx’s Queen but it was one thing to say it and another to feel yourself getting closer to that goal step by step. You still had a lot to learn about the country and you could not say that you had the people’s best interest at heart. However, you could. You could learn and grow to love the citizens. You could earn your place at the top. You could deserve it. You could make the most of this life you had been given. You could make decisions and enact real change. You would not have to claw your way into being heard. You would not have to worry about being condescended to because you were a woman.
King Leeteuk’s lifeless eyes flashed through your mind. It had not been an opportunity of chance. If your homeland was going to be wiped off the map, you supposed there were worse fates to have succumbed to. The coast you had grown up on was left untouched. Most of Suju was. Only the capitol had been razed. You were grateful for that. Your parents were probably okay but you had not checked. They could be used as leverage. You did not want to put them at risk and you absolutely did not want anyone to use them as a way to threaten you.
However, you could have really used your mother at a time like this. You could imagine her with a hibiscus tucker behind her ear, the picture of soft feminine grace. You had never been like her though. Your father tried his best to make you into her likeness, but he could never get it quite right. She did not push you like your father did. When you came home with bruised knees and hid candles so you could read the thick ancient tomes that the bookseller at the market could not get rid of so you just gave them to you for free, she pretended not to notice. When your father pressured you to wear skirts and learn to cook, she looked the other way and let you sleep late when you had stayed up reading. She would sew up hand-me-down dresses into shorts so you could rough and tumble as much as you desired.
You imagined your parents never expected you to actually get married. You, yourself, had never thought it possible. Your intent was to work until a ripe old age and then live the last of your days back on the coast you were raised on. The sea breeze and slow lifestyle would send you to the afterlife peacefully. Now, that had become a distant dream. You would not have your father walk you down the aisle. There would be no mother of the bride to fuss over inconsequential details. You were starkly aware of just how alone you were.
Your father had wanted you to make a good housewife. Not even matrimony could work miracles such as that. This union would not be easy as long as you made fresh meals and maintained a clean home. No, this marriage would be forged in and maintained by blood. There would be international conflicts to incite and then resolve. There would be many sleepless nights and difficult mornings. There would likely be attempts on your life. Nothing would be easy. However, that was something you had grown accustomed to. You would simply need to adapt to it as you always did. You would thrive in the face of adversity and smile while doing it. You exhaled loudly. Your life would never be easy.
You must have dozed off at some point because the next thing you knew, Minah was waking you. Several ladies were hovering near the bed, awaiting you. They appeared like an army in their lavender livery. It was time for the true grooming to begin. Your hair was combed over and over again until it fell in a smooth glossy sheet down your back. From there, it was twisted and knotted into a thick pile on the top of your head. Pins bejeweled with rubies and scarlet ribbons were weaved into the tangle and you wondered how many people it would take to remove them all. Pastes and powders were mixed and dabbed and brushed across your face artfully. You could tell that the women working on you were skilled as they only required a single stroke to lay down the cosmetics to their satisfaction. You assumed that a child’s doll felt something like you did just then.
After about two hours, your army of maidens allowed you to stand and observe their work in the mirror. Your legs and back were stiff from sitting as still as possible, so you appeared like a drunkard meandering towards the corner of the room. When you finally got there, you did not recognize yourself in the looking glass. The girl staring back at you was pretty, a word never used to describe you. Your eyelashes and eyebrows were darkened and your lips and cheeks were reddened. Garnets as large as robin eggs hung from your throat and ears. You looked like a woman, something you were very unfamiliar with.
“It is time for the dress,” Minah announced.
You looked back at her and saw that she was pushing a dress form across the rug. On it was the completed gown. Though you had tried on the mock dress and the actual garment when it was only half done, the sight of it had you awestruck. It was a simple design with a bolt of white fabric flowing each shoulder and the crimson waist sash securing the whole thing. The shoulder panels were connected to your gold necklace, gravity doing the work of holding them to your body. It looked like a costume from ancient times and was quite the statement. The colors said enough on their own, but the style told the world that despite Vixx being a young country, they were to be seen as one of the greats.
Regardless of the message though, you had to admit it suited you. It only took Minah to help you get it on. It was very comfortable and lighter than you imagined an engagement gown to be. The neckline and back were daring, which you minded a bit but it was too late to do anything about it now. You would have to put on your bravest face and pretend to have the confidence befitting a queen-consort. You sighed quietly to yourself as you slid on your silk slippers. The soles of the shoes were thin pieces of leather and you suspected that was intentional to deter you from trying to run.
“You are beautiful,” Minah breathed, taking in the whole image of her handiwork.
You could not help the flush that darkened your cheeks even further. You supposed that you would have to grow accustomed to compliments about your appearance. “Thank you,” you replied.
Minah beamed, happy that you accepted the appreciation instead of fighting her on it as usual. “Are you ready?” she asked.
You were not. You were not sure you would ever be. Yet, you heard yourself say, “Yes.”
The sun took longer to set in summer. The gilded hour that preceded it was beautiful in its own way. It was hazy and thick and cast everything it touched in gold like King Midas. That moment passed in a blink of an eye. The sunset was more careful, more decisive in who it let its light paint. It coated the clouds in a soft pink and pastel and as it deepened, purples scattered across the dimming sky as if it were a footman announcing the nightfall to a crowd of onlookers. You were pleased to read by an open window, letting the warm breeze float over your skin and the barrage of colors illuminate the yellowed pages of your obscure tales. Only when the sun had nothing left to give did you light a candle. Often you would continue to read a bit more before retiring, but sometimes you let nature tell you it was time for bed. There was beauty in the night but that which was fleeting seemed to mesmerize in a way that could only be described as a spell cast with the most innocent of magics.
You had a small balcony that you sparingly used. There were two not so pleasant wasps that tended to occupy the space and you were not often in a sharing mood. Today it had been particularly humid and mist created a gradient in the sky that you could not ignore. It was warm out but you still wore a jacket to protect any exposed skin from dangerous insects. You braved the balcony and leaned against the dusty neglected wooden railing. There, the sunset was undiluted and vibrant. The smell of moisture was heavy in the air. It was a lovely summer evening. No, “lovely” could not begin to describe the moment. It was so much more.
The light was dimming when you felt someone watching you. You followed the strange feeling to a terrace on the building next door. There was a young man leaning on the railing much like you were. The only difference was that he rested his head on the palm of his hand and was gazing in your direction instead of up at the heavens. He did not look away when your eyes met his. You startled at his brazenness and hurriedly averted your gaze. He could not have been looking at you. You must have been mistaken. You glanced back and he was still watching you. He wore a faint smile and though you should have been unnerved, you were not. His face was open and friendly and somehow you knew that he too, had simply come out to enjoy the scenery. You had not planned to share the view but you supposed that you could offer some semblance of graciousness to a kindred spirit. You gave him a warbly smile.
At that, his smirk faltered and he seemed to suddenly cough, having to cover his mouth and turn away to recover. That gave you a chance to really examine him. He appeared to be about your age and was dressed simply in a shirt still tucked into his trousers. His hair had been waxed but was now slightly tousled out of its once neat style. Even with the night rapidly coming upon you, you could make out that he was relatively handsome. Perhaps not in a conventional way, but he was attractive in the way that people who knew who they were are. His eyes flitted back to yours. He pressed his lips together sheepishly before flashing you a grin. He had an endearing dimple on his cheek.
You gave him a tight smile in return and set your sights back on the last of the sunset. Navy had already become the prominent pigment between the layers of ozone above. Somehow, your little encounter had not broken the spell. The magic was too strong. When you snuck another peek at the other veranda the man was no longer there. You too, went back inside and went to bed.
The following day, it rained relentlessly. The gloom dyed the world gray. The only way you knew that the sun was out at all was that it was slightly brighter than it had been at night. You needed candles to even see well enough to make a cup of tea. After work, you sat by the window with a blanket and a book in your lap. It was a cozy kind of day, the ideal type of Autumn day despite the season being months away. The weather held its own mystical quality completely different from the prior day’s bewitchment. However, it was still very much enjoyable. You slept unusually well that night. Probably too well.
You were incredibly late from oversleeping. You barely had enough time to brush your hair let alone dress properly. You were sure that when you got a chance to look at yourself, there would be more than a few buttons misaligned on your blouse. You ran out of the house like a bat out of hell and promptly crashed into some poor pedestrian on the sidewalk. You bounced off the other person as if you had gone careening into a brick wall. Thankfully your purse had been slung over your shoulder or it would have gone flying. A hand flung out and grabbed your arm. The grip was hard enough to bruise but it kept you upright. Falling backwards into the pavement would have caused a lot more damage than the catch.
Once your balance had been righted, you loudly and breathlessly apologized, “I am so sorry!”
Only when you took a firm step out of the way were you released from your hold. When you looked up, you realized you had run directly into the chest of the man next door. Recognition flashed across his face and you could physically feel the level of awkwardness rising. You searched the area to ensure none of his belongings were on the ground. After confirming that there were no items in need of retrieving, you asked in a calmer tone, “Are you alright?”
The man looked dumbfounded for a moment before answering, “I am alright.” His hair was neat and tidy and he was wearing a vest over his shirt. He was the image of orderly chivalry.
You apologized again and excused yourself in a rush. You ran all the way to the shop but were still late.
To make up for your tardiness, you stayed later and made sure to be extra productive. As such, by the time you trudged home, the sun had already dipped just less than halfway below the horizon. You gandered at the row of apartments lining the street and saw him waving at you. As you waved back, he leaned over the balcony to call out to you.
“Are you just getting home?” he inquired.
“Yes,” you replied. Then you added, “I am sorry for earlier.”
“I am quite alright. Were you late to work?”
“Yes,” you responded guiltily.
“Well, I wish you an uneventful evening.”
“Thank you,” you said and waved goodbye.
That night, you washed and tried to catch the last bit of the sunset. This time you did not hesitate to step outside, wasps be damned. You looked to your right and he was there. His vest from the morning was gone and his hair was back to being a charming mess. He grinned widely and you returned the gesture.
“I was not expecting to see you out here tonight,” he commented.
You tilted your head slightly and said, “I could not resist.” After the words were out of your mouth, you realized all the ways they could be misconstrued. You gulped and pointedly returned your attention to the sky.
“Me either,” you heard faintly.
You smiled despite yourself. Sunsets were most certainly magical.
He was beautiful. You would hardly use that word to describe anyone else. Not even yourself. But he was unequivocally beautiful. You hadn’t liked when he had shorn his hair. There hadn’t been anything left to run your hands through. It had finally grown back though, and you couldn’t have been more pleased. You took a lock and rubbed it between your fingers. In that instant, you were happy and your heart was full as he laid his head in your lap.
The moment was fleeting and you knew that. You tried to sear the peaceful image of him into your brain. Time would pass and he would be off again. Gone for months as he traveled to promote his latest album. While you understood, it didn’t make it easier. He was chasing his dreams and succeeding. You tried to be enthused for him but it was difficult.
In all truth, you shouldn’t have even been fretting over those things. You were only supposed to be friends. Friends with benefits, yes, but only friends and never anything more serious. It was supposed to be a shallow relationship, with no expectations and the understanding that you could only take what was offered and nothing more. It had been fine at first, each of you extending comfort when able and enjoyable conversation. You were satisfied with that. And then he had shown you how kind he was. That was when your boundaries faltered. Or should you say your heart?
You had fallen. It hadn’t been planned or intentional. The arrangement had worked out well initially. Dates you had called them. And perhaps they were. Reasonably priced meals with equally reasonably priced bottles of soju or mugs of beer that ended in one of your apartments. His height was often hard to conceal but he did well with baseball caps and a bit of stubble that always left your face red and irritated. But it was always worthwhile to toss his hat across the room as you ran your fingernails across his scalp. He never failed to bend down and teasingly plant a kiss on your lips. He was chaste at first, like an inexperienced boy. That would usually last all of two minutes before it became a battle for dominance. The winner was whoever was most frustrated.
The problem came afterwards. It was the arms slung over bare waists, cheeks pressed to chests, and waking up tangled in limbs and blankets. Those silent specks of tenderness did you in. If only he wouldn’t have offered you such intimacy. But he did, and perhaps that made him a better man. All of it meant for you though, was a broken heart. You kept your feelings to yourself for just that reason. You hoped that if you waited long enough, your crush would pass.
Just then, he turned his head and looked up at you. You removed your hands from his hair and smiled. He returned the gesture with a groggy smile of his own. Your heart gave a hard twist in your chest and you willed it not to show on your face.
“Dinner?” he asked in a rasp.
You glanced at the clock. “It’s closer to breakfast than dinner,” you replied.
“Brinner?” he asked sheepishly.
“Brinner,” you agreed.
Maybe someday he would travel less for work. Maybe someday he would look at you the way you looked at him. Maybe someday you would drum up the courage to tell him. There were a lot of maybes but right now he wanted you. It may not have been the way you wanted to be wanted by him but it was enough. The brief seconds that you had him to yourself were enough. At least you told yourself that.
Today is very sad day in the history of the U.S. While I have very strong emotions about what was decided today, I do not want to stew with negativity. I hope some of my writing may be able to cheer someone up.
Part 14: Cake and Didlo : Royal Counsel (Part 14) (tumblr.com)
Part 16:
Part 15: https://kpopnlockit.tumblr.com/post/687984614623592448/royal-counsel-chapter-15
Part 17: Coming soon!
The day of reckoning cam
It was the day of your weekly dinner with King Ravi. The previous evening you had taken your supper in your room and had gone right back to sleep. You had met with Leo at noon and worked with him on more celebration planning. Though, this time you were aware of how much you were handling and limited your responsibilities, leaving Leo with the bulk of management. You did not feel guilty however, as there were not too many items left to decide upon. There were some minor things left of course, but they were of little consequence, such as the types of cherry juices to serve between the rounds of wine and champagne and the scents of incense for the hallways and powder room. You tried not to invest too much energy in pestering him with questions like you usually did.
By evening, you were not nearly as ragged as you had been the day prior. Minah twisted your hair into a plait that fell over your shoulder and weaved jeweled pins at your temples. You selected an emerald green gown made of satin for the meal. The dress was more casual than Minah would have liked, as it did not have a fitted bodice or lacey details that were in fashion. Instead, a simple ribbon cinched in the waist and everywhere else the fabric hung loosely. The neckline dipped low enough to be considered scandalous but the long sleeves and floor-length balanced it out. It was not a far cry from a dressing robe but you did not care. You wanted to be comfortable and it was always dimly lit in King Ravi’s chambers, so it did not matter much.
N no longer escorted you. You knew the way and he had more pressing matters to attend to. Alone, you made your way down the halls and stopped to knock at the beautiful door. Just a moment later, King Ravi greeted you. It bewildered you that an attendant did not answer as usual, but you kept your expression neutral. Instead of immediately welcoming you in, he paused and stared for a long moment. A feeling of self-consciousness came over you and you resisted the urge to cross your arms over your chest to shield yourself from scrutiny. You could not tell why he was looking at you so intently. Perhaps Minah had been right and the dress was too informal and he thought it inappropriate.
He cleared his throat and finally ushered you in. You missed the tinge of red staining the tops of his ears. You were surprised to find the table already set with wine and small plates of fruit. There were no servants to be found as you glanced around. The whole situation was odd. He came behind you and pulled your chair out for you. You took a seat and he pushed you in before taking his place opposite you.
“Are we alone?” you asked tentatively.
“Yes, for a few minutes. I asked for some privacy before the main course was served,” he responded and reached for his glass.
If you had not known better, you would have said that he looked nervous as he settled his eyes on anywhere else but on you. “I assume you have something to tell me?” you asked curiously.
“Yes, well, I wanted to discuss the engagement.” He washed a large gulp of wine down with a handful of berries.
You stiffened and eyed your cup, feeling that you may need it for the conversation. Knowing that your tolerance was still weak, you opted to pick at strawberries and grapes first. You waited for him to continue.
King Ravi hesitated, thinking before speaking. The expected air of confidence was replaced with awkwardness and that made you concerned.
“During the festivities, physical contact will be expected,” he began.
Yours eyes flicked to his. That much was to be assumed. Hand-holding, embraces, and possibly a kiss here or there would likely be needed to fool other nations into believing that the impending union was solid and unshakable. Any inkling of doubt in the nature of your relationship would prove to be an opportunity for those seeking power to wedge their way in.
You had not given it much thought, but King Ravi had never touched you other than on that evening in Exo. He had wiped away your tears and held your arms. There had been a warm sentiment behind the gesture but it was nothing more than a friend would do for another. The engagement would require more. You had no issue with that though. However, he appeared to be embarrassed by even discussing it. You did not know if you should be pleased or annoyed. “Is there a problem with that?” you questioned.
“No,” he replied too quickly, the worry that he offended you clear in his expression.
“Are you concerned about it?” you inquired lightly and popped a blueberry into your mouth. You were restraining yourself from outright teasing him.
“Slightly,” he admitted and took another gulp of wine.
“I am not,” you proclaimed mildly and also had a sip of your drink. You glanced at him over the rim of the glass.
It was evident that you were unbothered much to King Ravi’s chagrin.
“I fear I do not share your certainty,” he sighed.
“Am I so difficult that you cannot even pretend to like me?” You tried to keep the jeering lilt from your tone. You knew you were treading treacherously but you could not refrain.
At that, King Ravi’s eyes widened to the point of comedy. It was soon replaced by a look of leashed anger and you saw that you had gone too far. You were not sure what about the comment inspired such ire but his mouth set into a hard line and you hurriedly intercepted.
“If that is not the case, then it should not be an insurmountable feat.” Your words were sharper than intended, making you look like you were irritated by the insinuation, but it did what was intended. The rage faded from his face.
“Indeed,” he agreed quietly.
“How are your acting skills?” you queried, all thought of jokes long gone.
“Fine, I suppose.”
“You shall be expected to take the lead. However, I fancy myself good at theater. I shall play along nicely.”
“Is that so?” he remarked with a smirk.
“Indeed,” you echoed. “I am not afraid of the casual touches of a respectable fiance,” you added, leaving no room for interpretation.
“You truly wish to become queen?”
“I do. Though, I cannot lie and say I do not hesitate at times.”
“Are you ready?”
“That does not matter. Ready or not, the time has come.”
“Indeed.”
Just as he spoke, a knock sounded at the door. “Enter,” King Ravi called.
A butler entered carrying a tray. The conversation died as the man pushed aside the fruit and put down a main course of butter-roasted white fish topped with a herbaceous green sauce. The smell made your mouth water and you realized how hungry you were. The man bowed and left swiftly.
As customary, you waited for the King to begin before you even touched your silverware. When he made no move to do so, you let a small sigh escape. King Ravi followed your line of sight to your plate. He quickly ate a forkful of his entree. The move was obviously for your sake and you were grateful. You did not hesitate to eat.
The conversation did not stray back to the topic of your relationship with King Ravi. Instead, he reviewed the various statuses of negotiations with different countries. Relations with Exo and Shinee were great as always, but a new trade route was in process with G-Idle and discussions for a scientific research partnership was being forged with Mamamoo. The fact that he trusted you with such information did not go unnoticed. You appreciated it and knew it would help you both put on a united front.
King Ravi went on to describe what different members of the delegation parties looked like and what their personalities were like. Being able to recognize them and address them properly would go a long way on establishing your place as a functional queen-consort. Some of them you already knew from your past life and that fed your confidence. It was nice to think that there would be familiar faces in the crowd. However, this time you would not be seeking to plead them for asylum.
Though you would not relish the attention, being surrounded by and mingling with foreign dignitaries was something you were accustomed to. Being able to remotely act as an advisor pleased you. You would have to be more feminine and polite than previously, but you did not mind as much as you had once thought you would. There was no lack of understanding of what your position would be. You would need to be the picture of beauty and grace and also a cutthroat ruthless leader.
When the time came, you knew King Ravi would stand strong and swallow his nerves. He would have to. It was his idea after all.
1-Shall I compare thee to a summer's Day?Thou art more lovely and more temperate 2-If Music Be the Food of Love, Play On. 3-If Love Be Rough With you, Be Rough With Love🥀🥀.So Mr Leo Taekwoon Can You Hear My Soul Speak. Because Of The Very Instant That I Saw You, Mmm..Did My Heart Fly Fly At Your Service Mr Taekwoon 🥀🥀🥀I Believe And Will Believe In You Forever Because You Are Amazing My Perfume Love.🙈🙈🙈From Your Fan Girl.💋💋💋💋.
Hello, hi, how are you? I wasn't sure if this was a request or not, but did I turn into a short story anyways? Absolutely. Is the premise silly? Of course. Am I also melting in the summer heat? Yes. xoxo Admin O
It was hot. Scorchingly hot. And so humid that as soon as you opened the front door, it felt like you had hit a brick wall of oppressive heat. Unfortunately for you, the post office was not open on Sundays and closed before the end of your shift on weekdays. As gross as it was out, you had no choice but to venture out there to send your former roommate a small care package.
It had been about a month since she moved out to attend her Residency program. You had grown close and it was a loss. You could still comfortably afford the two bedroom apartment without her now that you were working from home full-time. However, the newfound sense of loneliness was far harder to manage. You still hadn’t gotten used to eating meals made for one and not having to share the TV remote during primetime. In order to fill in the void, you had gone to the nearest big box store and blown your weekly snack budget on the chocolates and candies she enjoyed, packed them in a repurposed Amazon box, and now needed to ship the damn thing to her.
You grumbled to yourself as you applied sunscreen to your chin. Spring had come and gone in the matter of two weeks and then the weather had moved straight into Satan’s belly button. Global warming was a hoax though, right? It only took the few steps down to the sidewalk to break a sweat. By the time the post office was visible, your pants were sticking uncomfortably to your thighs. You silently swore that the next care package would wait until at least Autumn.
If the walk to the post office was difficult, then the trek back home was downright miserable. You had to wipe droplets from your forehead with the back of your hand. There was a tiny coffee shop on your route and though you usually made it a point not to indulge in purchasing premade coffee because it was almost always a ripoff, today would be an exception. A bell chimed as you entered the store and you were greeted by a blast of cold dry air conditioned air. You almost dropped to your knees in praise.
Skulking up to the register, you tried to minimize your apparent disgustingness by pushing your hair back and discretely sopping up any evident moisture from your neck with the collar of your shirt. The girl behind the counter didn’t seem to notice or maybe didn’t even care that you were a half-melted popsicle darkening her doorstep. You got yourself the largest cold brew they offered and stuck a couple dollar bills into the tip jar for the staff being kind enough to not acknowledge the mess you were.
You stood back and hovered nearby to wait for your order. In the meantime, you took in how cute the small cafe was. It was obviously designed to be aesthetic. Some of the walls had been made more interesting with the addition of peel-and-stick crumbly red brick and there was no shortage of succulents absolutely everywhere. You couldn’t tell if they were real or not, but their clay pots seemed authentic enough. The menu hung behind the large bean roaster that took up a good portion of the shop and there was a chalkboard with the menu items written in beautiful calligraphy. The lighting consisted entirely of Edison bulbs hanging from the ceiling by black cables and the few tables and chairs in the place were stained to look like dark cherrywood. It would be the ideal place for a good, and possibly spooky, book. But that was for another time.
“Shall I compare thee to a Summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate,” a barista called.
There was a beat of silence and then came a snort followed by uproarious laughter. The ruckus emanated from a group of tall model-type boys seated in the back corner. The barista called out the line again and one of the boys stood.
To be fair, it was a clever prank and none of the staff seemed to mind. They didn’t even bat an eye and you figured it probably happened all the time. The barista set the to-go cup down in the pick-up area and went back to making more drinks. The boy, actually now that you observed more closely, the man, seemed more perturbed than anyone else. His ears and neck had reddened quickly. His friends were still chuckling, one with a large nose was wiping away tears.
The man seemed loath to claim the latte. Each movement he made was laced with pain and you wondered if you had looked like that as you liquified outside. You tried not to be too conspicuous but you couldn’t help but stare. He, much like his torturers, were all overtly handsome. His hair was dark and fell into his equally dusky eyes. His eyes dipped in the inner corners giving him a harsh demeanor that was only softened by the roundness of his cheeks. He wore a plain white tee with blue jeans and accessorized with multiple rings and bracelets. If he was actually a model you wouldn’t be surprised.
He covered the lower half of his face with a large hand in embarrassment and finally retrieved the coffee. He glanced your way and you hurriedly averted your eyes. A swell of heat rose within you, warming your cooling skin.
“Hey! Summer’s day!” the buffest of his companions yelled.
The man sighed loudly and your attention snapped back to him. His eyes were still trained on you so you glancing back introduced unexpected eye contact.
The barista called your name without the flair of a sonnet. You ripped your eyes away from the man and rushed to grab your cold brew. It was a struggle not to turn their way one last time before you made an escape. You desperately wanted to sneak in one final glimpse at the beautiful stranger but thought better of it.
Part 13: Cake and Didlo : Royal Counsel (Part 13) (tumblr.com)
Part 15: Cake and Didlo : Royal Counsel (Chapter 15) (tumblr.com)
White and red. The colors of purity and blood, fitting for a prisoner of war turned bride. Also, fitting for a newly minted queen of a ravenous empire. Those were the colors that King Ravi had chosen for you. The seamstress had come by as entrusted and she brought with her a heavy trunk with her that required the assistance from two of the castle’s footmen. The trunk was stuffed with all sorts of fabrics in the prescribed shades. Her assistant hauled armfuls of catalogs and patterns with her. The meeting took place in the Princess’ chambers as the Princess also needed a new dress for the occasion and had an ample receiving room built into her quarters. It made the most sense to hold the encounter there. Several ladies-in-waiting stood silently alongside Minah as they lined a wall. She fit right in with her purple livery. Her manners were impeccable as usual but somehow, the sight discomforted you. As if the girl you knew was a finely crafted illusion and this might be her true demeanor.
The seamstress set herself up on the coffee table and began hanging sample gowns on a rolling rack. It seemed like a magic trick, the way she continuously pulled garment after garment out of her bottomless box. You watched the unfamiliar display in fascination from your seat besides the Princess on a firm sofa that you were sure was intended to keep your posture immaculate.
The assistant and the ladies-in-waiting moved to lift and spread the loose fabrics draped on the table across the Princess’ lap so she could inspect them. You watched on in enchantment as she simultaneously thumbed through a booklet of designs and judged the swaths laid out before her. She was clearly in her element. Minah also blended in seamlessly with the sea of women. Only you were obviously out of place, not saying a thing and observing like an outsider. They effortlessly threw around terms you had never heard of and you could only infer that they were referring to the construction of the frocks. The Princess expertly described the way she wanted her gown to look and fit. It was to be aubergine-colored with a tight-fitting bodice and a skirt puffy with tulle and covered with taffeta. You could imagine it, girlish and would give off the impression that she was younger than she actually was. It was of course strategic, as the attention had to be deflected from her in case anyone were to consider her a viable marriage candidate.
Reminiscing, you thought back to your counselor robes. Counselor robes were standard-issue in Suju, as most of the men were similar in stature and it was more cost-effective to have them mass-produced. The royal tailor would take them in or let them out if customization was needed. You would go down to his dark quarters in the basement of the palace after you were done with your meetings for the day. You never understood his lack of windows as one would think an abundance of lighting would be preferable for needlework. The lanterns were always lit when he made time to see you. Your appointments were always scheduled right before the sunset, the optimal time for supper. He would take your measurements and sigh as your stomach grumbled. He did not hide that you were an inconvenience for him, your breasts and hips not neatly fitting into the straight lines of the robes. It would take a month for the attire to be ready and if any additional adjustments were needed, you would have to schedule another miserable appointment. Your daily clothes were ready-made, purchased from storefronts off of mannequins. They were plain practical peasant-wear, undyed linen and wool to run errands in. Never had you contemplated having a dress made for you from scratch. For the Princess though, this was business as usual.
It was a snap back to reality when a roll of velvet was laid over your shoulder. Minah was checking if the burgundy matched your complexion. Once they moved on from the Princess, there was an apparent change in the atmosphere. There would be no tulle or feminine colors. There would be no voluminous skirts. You were to be bold and breathtaking and your gown would need to reflect that. Form-fitting and elegant, with far more skin showing than the Princess was the aim. There was talk that the burgundy was too drab. The consensus seems to be pure crimson with accents of stark white. A suit of mainly white was to be saved for the actual wedding. Meters and meters of silk flowed like the glasses of champagne being served. The rough texture of scraps of lace passed through your fingers as you were handed them. You gave a quick comment and then they were taken from you. Opinions flooded you from all sides and you quickly became overwhelmed. They took miniscule headshakes to mean no, though in actuality, you were just bewildered as they discussed what was proper versus what would be fitting for such a grand occasion. You felt lightheaded just from listening to the ladies discuss the pros and cons of various styles. Someone suggested having two, or even three, dresses to be changed into at various points throughout the day. Necklines, sleeves, and hems were decided on with minimal input from you. It was settled that you were to have two dresses, one for the ceremony and another for the evening festivities. Satin and thin sheets of muslin were the popular vote textiles that flattered you. You gladly let those with expertise take the lead and stayed silent throughout the entire fitting.
Sir Leo had been interesting to say the least. He was as tall and intimidating in build as N and King Ravi. Though, his personality was completely different from anyone you had ever met before. He looked different as well, with cat-like eyes and a small face. He was decidedly handsome, as were all the men you had seen in Vixx, but he stood with an easy grace instead of like a hunter in wait like the King or N. He made no unnecessary movements and only spoke when spoken to. His voice was so gentle that you almost could not believe that he was a commander. The only thing that convinced you that you were meeting with the correct person was the stoic ice etched into his gaze. It told you of the unspeakable horrors the battlefield had burned into his head. You rapidly learned that if you wanted the meeting to be beneficial in any way, you needed to prompt him with questions and probe for more information.
As anticipated, the engagement was to be a large affair with hundreds of people invited, if not almost a thousand. It was to be held outdoors, in the plains beyond the palace gardens to accommodate the audience. All of the rooms in the castle were to be occupied and the inns in the city were all rented out by King Ravi to house the guests that could not be accommodated within the manor. You flipped through the leather-bound notebook Leo had let you borrow. It contained all of his planning, immortalized in his neat handwriting. It was well-organized and bookmarked for ease. The costs calculated in the margins had you doing a double take. You were sure that you had misread. However, you had not and the estimate for the flowers alone was more than you could earn in a year as a royal advisor in Suju. You supposed the exorbitant price of the event should have been expected. Vixx had to put on a show for the rest of the world, and a good one at that.
Lord Hyuk seemed to be the exact opposite of Leo. He was bright and boisterous with a semi-permanent smile plastered on his attractive face. He was the tallest of the bunch, with the top of his head nearly scraping the top of the doorways as he led you through gallery hallways leading to the pleasure rooms of the mansion. He reviewed the history of the various portraits and landscapes that lined the walls. Busts and vases were also lectured upon. He needed no encouragement to speak. He rattled on and it was sometimes a struggle to stay attentive as he explained why the piece of art was important. He guided you to the music room and a crafting room where a half-finished knitted mitten lay forgotten on a table. You wished that you had brought a pen and paper with you on the excursion as he sprinkled some useful tidbits throughout his monologue. You learned a red rose was the national flower of Vixx. That made you flush as you recalled the glass ornament you had gifted King Ravi. It explained his reaction. Additionally, music was incredibly important to the country. There was a song for just about every occasion you could consider. Small things like that were what you wished Hyuk would explain. That was the knowledge you needed.
He answered your questions, though the point he was trying to make sometimes got lost in his wordiness. Throughout your meeting, you wondered how he got along with Leo. How all of them coexisted intrigued you. It was an interesting combination for a royal court and you had not even met all of them. It was a provocative choice to mix such different personalities. However, it did suit King Ravi to have a wide berth of opinions. It was wise to consider all possible avenues.
By the end of the week, you were exhausted. There was so much to absorb and you were a poor sponge. You took your conversations with Leo and Hyuk seriously and tried to memorize the pertinent history of Vixx. The sheer volume of it all gave you a fearsome headache though.
Surprisingly, all the learning and meetings kept your overthinking to a minimum. You did not have time to. You barely had time to consider your feelings around the party as you helped plan it. Leo had taken to asking your judgment on things and that hurriedly evolved to you taking on the oversight of certain projects, such as picking the tableware sets for dinner and the plates for the hors d'oeuvres to be served between the engagement and the reception. There were too many details to attend to. There were still candles, cakes, tablecloths, and so much more to decide upon.
By the time your dance lessons with King Ravi arrived, you were mentally fatigued enough to go limp in his arms. The disconnect between your brain and body made it impossible to even be stiff. It made it much easier for him to lead you and it only took him a moment to notice it.
“Have you been well?” he asked, as you watched his feet, trying your best to avoid them.
You looked up at him. You wore your weariness in the lines of your face and the grayness of your skin. “I am well, just tired,” you answered.
“Have you not been sleeping?”
“I have been sleeping. I have also been assisting with the preparations.”
He moved you back and forth in a slow and simple waltz and said, “Leo and Hyuk did not inform me.”
“Oh,” you replied soulessly, not having the energy to over-contemplate the implications of his court withholding information from him. In all likeliness, they needed the extra set of hands and were too preoccupied to tell him.
King Ravi halted his motions and held you in place. His eyes searched yours before he spoke. “Is it too much for you?”
Momentarily, you were confused. Was he talking about the party or was he referring to the whole charade? “No, it is not too much. There is much to learn as everything comes together.”
“Are you certain?” he questioned.
His concern was real and palpable. You nodded. And it was true. You did not mind the tremendous effort so long as you were gaining knowledge and there were rewards to be had at the end.
A palm came to rest against your cheek and you startled. It was a barely perceptible flinch but you knew he saw it. As if in response, he hardened his grip and firmly cupped your face. Your eyes widened and you couldn’t stop the way you blinked rapidly, as if trying to clear a hallucination. The sudden intimacy was surprising. His thumb ran across your skin as he assessed your condition.
Catching on to his appraisal, you reaffirmed, “I am alright.” You voice was more wobbly than you would have liked, but the statement did the trick. He released your face. though he still kept his skeptical gaze trained on you with immense focus. The determination in your stare back at him did not waver. You did wish you were able to conceal how he had shaken you better, but he would have seen through it regardless.
Once he was satisfied with his evaluation, he took a step back. You suspected that he expected you to crumple to the ground in an exhausted heap. Without warning, he announced that the lesson was over. It took a long second before his words processed through the mush slopping around in your cranium. You wanted to grit your teeth and demand to continue but you knew he was right. You were in sore need of rest. You nodded and in defeat, made your way towards the door.
As you laid your hand on the knob, he spoke again, “You take to it like a fish to water.”
You knew he could not be discussing your dancing. Turning back, you waited to hear the rest.
“I knew I had chosen well. You were born for this.”
Quizzically, you glanced at him.
“You were born for greatness. You were born to be Queen.”
It was probably your fatigue, but you could not contain your hysterical laughter. It was as if he were serving you with two-line pep talks. He had to have known that you were born a peasant and therefore, not born to be much.
It was his turn to stare at you in confusion. “You do not believe me,” he stated more than asked.
“No,” you answered with a wry smile, “I do not.”
“Why?”
“I was born from nothing. I am not naturally good at much. I worked my way up by forcing myself to be exceptional, so please excuse me when I do not believe you when you say I was destined to be great.”
King Ravi smiled wistfully, “You see yourself only through your own eyes.”
You hesitated for a moment, wanting to know what he meant. After a short internal battle, you thought better of it and bid your farewells before heading to your wing.
On your walk back you considered King Ravi’s words. It was obvious that he was trying to commend you. However, in your grumpiness, you discounted him completely. You would have to apologize for your rudeness.
You did not dwell on it much further once you shut your bedroom door behind you. You had intended to take a short rest but Minah had to shake you awake for dinner.
Part 12: https://kpopnlockit.tumblr.com/post/670237196666765312/royal-counsel-part-12
Part 14: Cake and Didlo : Royal Counsel (Part 14) (tumblr.com)
You wanted to be you again. Just a few months ago, you would have been able to stand tall and proud and there would be no question of the conviction behind your words. Things were different now and you were no longer that woman. For all your fear of dying, you had not realized that you had already died. Or rather, your life as you knew it had expired. You had not discerned that, and therefore, had not mourned. There had not been time to do so. You still had no time to do so. You were very much reminded of that as you tried to avoid stomping on King Ravi’s feet.
As promised, two days after your dinner N had sought you out and brought you to King Ravi’s study. It happened to be right next door to the library, rather than the small one in his personal chambers. Much like the library, the room was dim, with heavy browns being the primary color scheme. Though dark, it exuded a sense of warmth. He sat in a plush red chair whose frame was made of wrought metal behind a beautiful cherry wood desk. The work surface was partially obscured by stacks of paperwork. The study was far more decorated than the King’s quarters but had a similar sense of earthiness. The wall to the left consisted of cherry wood shelves that housed leather bound books and some historical artifacts tastefully scattered throughout. The wall to the right was mostly covered by a sepia-toned world map. King Ravi’s desk was towards the back wall, with the posterior of his chair facing french doors that undoubtedly led to a balcony. The doors were framed by camel-colored muslin curtains.
The desk faced the middle of the room. It was massive, probably the largest you had ever seen. You wondered how they had gotten it through the doorway into the study. More than likely, they built the behemoth right where it stood. There was a small grouping of neutral-toned chairs and a sofa that rested on a large rug that appeared to have patterns hailing from G-Idle. The rest of the room was devoid of furniture.
King Ravi looked up as you entered. He wore a plain black robe and his hair was mildly disheveled, as if he had been running his hand through it. He set down his pen and leaned back in his seat. A sliver of his chest was exposed by the action and you could not help but look away. The way he was backlit by the sunlight and his casualness gave him an approachable level of handsomeness that was hard to ignore.
“Good afternoon,” he greeted you first.
“Good afternoon, Ravi,” you replied and compelled yourself to look him in the eye. You hoped that he would not notice that your face had reddened ever so slightly.
He nodded at N who still hovered in the doorway. At the gesture, N took his leave and shut the door behind him.
You stood awkwardly between the door and the seating area, acutely aware of the fact that there was no food to focus on in this setting. All of your attention had to center on him and nothing else.
He stood and adjusted the tie around his waist. Your eyes followed him as he made his way towards you. He paused in front of you. He bowed and extended his hand. Never had a man asked you to dance and you had not been expecting King Ravi to go through the motions during practice. Again, you thought back to the days when you would have never been put in such a situation. That life of yours had died along with the sovereignty of your nation.
You placed your hand in his. His hand was large, warm, and slightly rough. As it clasped around yours, it swallowed your poor boney fingers. He smirked as he led you to the open space in the room. You wore trousers as you were wont to do but you knew moving in a ballgown would be much more difficult. You had wanted to be able to see your feet so that you could avoid stepping on King Ravi’s. You tensed as he placed his other hand on your hip. Hesitantly, you rested your free hand on his shoulder. Being so close reminded you how tall he was.
A faint smell of his cologne wafted over you along with the comforting feeling of his body heat. He smelled like a mix of amber, moss, and jasmine. You wondered if everyone could feel the virility rolling off of him when they breached his personal space. It certainly was having an effect on you that was both worrisome and heady. There was a frightening impulse to lean in and rest your head where it assuredly did not belong. What had come over you?
King Ravi removed his hand from your waist to tip your chin so you were looking up at his face before returning to his previous posture. Your eyes widened in horror and you were sure you had been caught thinking and feeling inappropriate things towards your captor and patron. He smiled down at you like a cat that had just gotten it’s cream and the weight of dread fell from your chest into the pit of your belly. You clenched your jaw and willed yourself to calm down. He was very much enjoying your discomfort. You tried to take deeper breaths through your nose. The effort was wasted. Your muscles would not obey.
Without hesitation, he pulled you flush against him. It took a beat, but your blood pressure catapulted and you were sure you were on the verge of a stroke. You heard him chuckle in your ear.
“Relax, I will guide you,” King Ravi said, his gravelly baritone reverberating throughout your torso.
Living life in a man’s role had shaped your mindset. Everything you did had to be done as a man would. A show of femininity would have you belittled and your position threatened. In King Ravi’s embrace, you were very much reminded that you were a woman. He made you feel small and weak just by the way he held your hand in his.
Though there was no music, he began. You had never danced in public, but many years ago you had taken lessons in preparation for your career within the palace. You were taught to dance as a woman and for that reason, you avoided dancing at all costs. Any emphasis on being a lady was off limits.
While you were not terrible, you were not great either. Unlike swordsmanship or horseback riding, you did not excel at dancing. It was a source of shame in all aspects for you. Your skills were passable and that would be enough for as much as you evaded dancing, people also averted dancing with you. To dance with a lady that paraded around in pants and fancied herself a man’s place in the royal court would debase any respectable noble.
King Ravi made it seem easy. It was not surprising that he was good you supposed. For most of his life he had been training to have absolute control of his body. The muscle memory translated beautifully to waltzing around. He glided as if it were second nature and you haplessly trailed stiffly after him.
He chuckled as you looked down, still trying to avoid his feet. His hand again found your chin and gently nudged it up. He met your eyes evenly.
“Do not look down. It will only make it worse.”
You nodded slightly and continued to sway along with the silent rhythm. You wanted to do well, but you simply could not. You had successfully hid your two left feet in Suju but there was no concealing it here. You would need all the help that King Ravi would offer.
As much as you wanted the tenseness of your body to loosen, it openly did not obey. Suddenly, you were no longer touching the floor. Using the leverage of being chest to chest, King Ravi lifted you so that you had no choice but to relinquish control. The rigidity of your muscles did not dispel. Despite that, your legs swung uselessly about.
King Ravi had no issues with the effort. You were merely a rag doll. He seemed to enjoy the stun on your face and grinned with all of his teeth showing. It made him look younger and far less threatening. You understood why he didn’t do it often.
You were simultaneously mortified and awed. You were so bad at dancing that he had to pick you up and maneuver you so that you were a suitable partner. His strength was always a wonder to behold. It was easy to forget he was a seasoned warrior King when he was sitting behind a desk scratching away at papers with a pen.
The shock wore off as soon as he set you back down. You took a shaky step backwards when you made contact with the ground. He did not let you escape though. He still held you fixedly. He laughed and embarrassment painted your face red.
“We have much work ahead of us,” he teased.
There were no words that would relieve you of your humiliation. You pressed your lips together in a hard line. King Ravi’s expression softened.
“I meant no offense,” he added with a hint of edge to his voice.
“I understand. It is alright. You are not wrong,” you responded.
You returned to your place less than a breadth away from him. You tried to minimize the way you gulped as you tightly gripped his hand and shoulder. You needed to curb your emotions and actually attempt to get practice.
He smiled again but it did not reach his eyes. You could not decipher the emotions behind the glance. Was he amused? Was he annoyed?
Like nothing ever happened, he gingerly pushed you to begin the steps again. Perhaps you were a smidge more supple in your movements but you still struggled. However, he was patient. With his well-timed prods and pulls, you gradually fell in time with him. You forced yourself to continue staring at his face though you could not quite make yourself maintain eye contact. He was no longer smirking but he kept a neutral expression.
“Friendship,” echoed in your mind. Friend, fiancè, woman. All things that you were now that you had not been in the past. All things that you had to learn to become.
Studying his face, you could see that there was a boyish honesty written in his features. Though he had hidden things from you, he had not lied. You just needed to know what questions to ask and you knew he would tell you all. He had not hurt you even though he had every opportunity to, though it was a constant threat. You could count on him to keep his promises. You had resolved to use this chance to try your hand at holding power. The key to that would be friendship.
“Did it need to be me?” you asked.
The sudden inquiry startled King Ravi. He did not stop the waltz but you could see surprise followed by confusion cross his face.
“Was there no one else?” you elaborated.
His eyes moved side to side, reading you as if he were trying to read a book. He must have not seen an insidious plot behind the question because after a moment he said, “No. It could be no other.”
“Why?”
“No one could compare. You are not a placeholder. You are real.”
“Real?”
“The real queen of Vixx.”
“What do you mean?”
He paused and contemplated what he wanted to say next. He twirled you, vying for more time to think. “A tool you surely are, but you are also an equal,” he explained as he wrapped his arm around your waist, securing you to him again. “I could think of no other to stand with me and build a nation than the woman who held up a failing country by herself.”
“I did not,” you quickly retorted.
“Humble, are we not?” he fired back.
“I am not,” you replied with less harshness this time.
He cleared his throat softly and glanced away, showing his mild perturbation with the conversation. “I know with certainty that it had to be you when I saw your face.”
He let his words linger. You did not know if it was intentional or not.
“There was no hiding your desperation to live or the light behind your eyes. You were destined for more,” he clarified.
“You saw my desire to live and knew that it would fuel my desire for power?”
He turned his head back to you. “No, I saw your talent and potential being wasted. No, rather, I saw what you could become, what you could make Vixx.”
It was your turn to look away from him. “The me…I need to become,” you said more to yourself than to him.
Your eyes found his again. A small smile graced his lips.
“The you that you will become,” he affirmed.
He looked happy and somewhere deep inside you were too but somehow you could not bring yourself to smile.
Part 11: https://kpopnlockit.tumblr.com/post/655648680378073088/royal-counsel-part-11
Part 13: https://kpopnlockit.tumblr.com/post/672949916151250944/royal-counsel-part-13
There were some perks to being the live-in fiance to a King. His wealth was also yours to an extent. Once you were officially married, access to Vixx’s royal finances would be increased and it was a wonder that they already trusted you so much. However, you supposed that was because they could behead you at the smallest show of treason.
Your meeting with the Princess had been productive. You had extracted a few good tidbits from her. Combining King Ravi’s money with your new knowledge, you sat down for your weekly dinner feeling like you were wearing armor.
The King’s personal chambers were still dim, but there were more sconces lit as you made your way down the hallway to the dining table. The smell of damp earth tinged the air, but it was not unpleasant. It gave the quarters a sense of familiarity that was welcomed. He had sent another dress, simple and eggplant-colored. The long hem dragged along the granite floors, but you did not worry about it getting dirty. The halls were so well maintained that you could lick them and not be worried about falling ill. You sat in the chair a butler pulled out for you. You exchanged pleasantries with King Ravi as decorum dictated.
“Hello,” he greeted as your chair was pushed in closer to the table by the butler. The man disappeared as soon as you were settled.
“Good evening Ravi,” you returned, straightening your spine and rolling your shoulders back. It was a show of false comfort and dignity that you knew he could see right through. Pretense was everything though.
“Have you been well?” he inquired.
Compared to the first dinner, you did not feel as nervous under his gaze and you considered that a small win. The urge to run had mostly gone. However, the worry that you would say something you should not was still present. You would just need to stay on your toes and actually keep your mouth shut this time.
“I have been, thank you. How have you been?” you responded, a small tight polite smile plastered on your face. You tried to maintain a respectable level of eye contact but it was difficult. His eyes held yours and you could feel the power dynamic clearly.
King Ravi seemed mildly surprised at your change in demeanor but did not look displeased. “I have been well. It seems as though you are adjusting to life in Vixx.”
“Yes, I think reality has finally sunk in,” you replied, your confidence waning slightly and the familiar dread sitting like a stone in your belly, waiting to grow into a boulder. You had been armed with wisdom but in actual conversation, it was not becoming very useful. He was guiding the conversation and you had no choice but to follow. You rested your palms on your lap, both to keep them dry and to keep you from fidgeting. Keeping your body language from betraying you was your focus. You needed to channel the strength you had honed over the past few weeks. You now had leverage and you had to grit your teeth and seize the opportunity to utilize it when the moment presented itself.
The first course was brought in by the same butler as earlier. Perfect white porcelain seemed to gleam against the dark wood of the table. Before you registered what the food was, you first noticed that your bowl was significantly smaller than King Ravi’s. You did not know if that was a decision made from practicality or thoughtfulness. Either way, you appreciated the sentiment. Dinner started with a transparent broth soup. No bread and wine tonight. Not that you missed it. You wondered if your small stomach had been a factor in the reduction of courses. As swiftly as the butler had entered, he was gone.
“How was your day?” King Ravi asked casually, seeming like he posed this question to you often.
The small-talk query took you somewhat off-guard. There was no concealing the split-second look of bewilderment, but you hurriedly fixed your face into an expression of pleasant calm. “It was as usual. I spent a lot of time in your library,” you answered.
Without missing a beat, he inquired, “Did you read anything interesting?”
At that, you could not help but raise an eyebrow. Was he trying to check if you were snooping where you should not have been? Or were you really playing house and charading as a loving couple right then?
King Ravi peered at you expectantly as he sipped from his spoon. Yes, you were supposed to seriously humor him.
“No, not particularly. I just read some history books. How was your day?” you conceded and also began to eat.
King Ravi genuinely smiled. “My day went well. I oversaw the cavalry unit’s training,” he offered.
It was odd, pretending like you were a normal couple having dinner and telling each other about your days. It was a completely unique experience for you, but you went along with it. “Were they doing well?”
There was a brief pause. You looked up from your bowl and saw a marginally befuddled King Ravi. He quickly rearranged his face into a visage of impassivity. He had not anticipated you to readily continue the charade. “They were. How has your health been?” he asked, still slurping his broth.
“It has been better. I think I am slowly recuperating,” you replied with candor.
“That is reassuring,” he commented, watching intently as you ate.
You pinched your thigh under the table again, just as you had the week before. He had a way about him that made you want to go along with whatever he said. It was far too easy to get swept up in his charm and charisma. Those were the qualities that made him a good leader. You needed to keep your wits about you.
It was still a struggle maintaining eye contact with King Ravi. You knew he was intentionally making it arduous to stand on a level field with him. Identifying was very different from overcoming. You forced yourself to keep looking until he returned his gaze to his food. Apprehension made your insides flip-flop. You tried to not let it show as you returned, “How has your health been?”
He chuckled, “My health has yet to be a concern.” The words seemed mocking considering how long it had taken you to no longer appear emaciated. However, you know he intended no harm.
You bitback a retort about how nice it must be to feel that way. The next menu item was a salad made of leafy greens with raw onions, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of crumbled cheese as a garnish. Again, your plate was dwarfed by King Ravi’s. Not that you minded. You doubted that you could stomach as much as him even if you were at your peak physical condition.
“How do you find the castle?” King Ravi asked.
You did not know what he was trying to discover with that question. Did he give the staff orders to treat you a certain way? Was he trying to compare his home to King Leeteuk’s? “The castle is...agreeable,” you responded.
“Is there anything you wish to change?”
“Not that I can think of.” You had your own room, your own attendant, unrestricted access to a King’s personal library, and a private audience with him once a week. It was more than your status within King Leeteuk’s court afforded. Though, you had been taking almost every meal alone in your room. In Suju, you either ate with the other counselors or at a local pub. You had not put much thought into it but loneliness pricked at the edge of your heart like a misplaced pin. Brushing the feeling aside, you added, “I want for nothing.”
King Ravi tilted his head to the side, “Is there nothing at all?” He intentionally chewed slowly, allowing you time to think.
“No,” you chirped, much less truthfully this time.
“Alright,” he said and finally swallowed.
A glass of wine would have been very much appreciated but there was only water to be found in the vicinity. Your pocket weighed heavily in the skirts of your dress. You traced over the lump hidden away with your fingertips. The nervousness in your belly expanded like a ball of snow being rolled in a field.
He must have sensed your hesitation as he ordered, “Say it.”
He probably thought that you wanted something but it was the exact opposite. You had been trying to find the right timing but an organic opening had not presented itself. You gripped the smooth trinket in your fist and untangled it from the layers of fabric.
Heat bloomed in your cheeks as you rolled the object over in your hand beneath the table. The confidence you had earlier was shaken. Now you agonized if had done something inappropriate or had gotten him a useless object. You clenched your jaw and willed your hand not to tremble as you placed it between you and the King.
A ruby red glass rose gleamed at him in the candle light. It was handmade. You had commissioned it from a local artisan after seeing his work in an art book amongst the shelves of tomes you combed through in the study. Minah had asked one of the maids to put the request in while in the city running errands. It had not been very expensive so King Ravi would have not noticed you using some of your allowance to buy it.
It was unforeseen. That much was clear from his countenance. Confusion was evident in his droopy eyes and his lips were parted in a silent question. He had been waiting for you to tell him that you wanted to travel into town or learn swordsmanship from one of his knights. The last thing he was prepared for was for you to offer him a gift.
“This is…?” he asked as he found his voice.
“I heard you like roses,” you mumbled quieter than you would have liked. In your head you had pictured this moment very differently. You wanted to speak with authority and show him that you had done your research on him. However, the reality was that you were unsure. His reaction told you that he may have been displeased.
He reached over and picked up the bauble. You wanted to look away as he examined it but defied the urge. It had been beautifully crafted. The glossy paint had been sealed within the glass and every ridge had been polished to a silky sheen. Each petal was folded at the edges like a real flower. You were proud of the finished product but now you realized you had given a King a chunk of glass when he already sat on a throne of precious gems.
“Thank you,” he said after a moment, his tone sentimental and sincere.
“You are welcome,” you muttered, your cheeks tingling as blood pooled there. You dug your nails into your palm, willing yourself to get it together.
The next dish was served. It was no surprise that it was meat. The Princess herself had told you that it was your favorite food. It made sense that a ruthless imperialist had carnivorous tastes. Your porkchop was about half the size of the one served to King Ravi. Both were smothered in a plum sauce. A side of asparagus accompanied it. He wasted no time cutting into the entree. Now that your portions were smaller, your eating pace was more equivalent.
A short silence followed as you ate. The sensation of shame had not yet left your face. The heat of embarrassment still burned hot. The lack of conversation did not help either. It allowed you time to stew in your thoughts and regret your decision. It did seem he was genuinely thankful for the trinket. Though, that did not stop you from wanting to melt and seep into the cracks in the floor.
Halfway through his plate, King Ravi announced, “In two weeks were will be hosting our engagement party.” He glanced at you to gauge your reaction.
Your surprise only showed in the way your chewing slowed. You actively tried to keep your expression neutral. The time had come. You knew it was inevitable but it still caught you off guard. Two weeks did not seem like enough time to prepare.
“The dressmaker will be coming in three days to make you a gown,” he added.
“Oh,” was all you could say.
“N and Leo are managing the preparations. Your only responsibilities will be for yourself. Do you know how to dance?”
“A little. I know how to get by,” you replied.
“I have time in two days. We will practice then,” he said.
As much as you wanted to resist, to say that was unnecessary, you knew that you and King Ravi were going to be the center of attention. You could not afford to embarrass yourself or him.
“We will continue to have dinner once a week while the estate gets ready.”
“Alright,” you acknowledged.
“Are you nervous about it?” he asked.
The question was unexpected. “Yes,” you answered honestly. Having all eyes on you was not something you looked forward to. Though it was not completely unfamiliar as the novelty of a female in a royal court often brought about unwanted attention, you preferred to be unnoticed in the back.
“I will support you,” he claimed between bites.
You did want to admit it, but his words did provide a bit of comfort. As long as you remained loyal, you would have the world’s most powerful leader holding you up. That was not something you would have predicted a mere two months previous. The prospects of a very public engagement with all types of royalty in attendance was stressful to say the least. You would have to play hostess and entertain, which was not your forte. At parties, you had become one with the wall and let King Leeteuk and his band of extroverted counselors chat and charm. You would socialize for a brief while and network. However, after that, you would head home and enjoy the solitude. This time, there would be no escape.
“Hyuk will meet with you in four days to go over any questions you may have and review Vixx customs with you.”
He had mentioned Leo and Hyuk. From what you knew, they were both young nobles. Leo was the commander of King Ravi’s personal knightage but had previously been the commander of the imperial army. Hyuk was the Royal Secretary. It made sense that Sir Hyuk would be tutoring you in culture but you did not understand why a knight was helping to plan a party.
“Will Sir N be preoccupied?”
“He will be managing the guests. Leo will be taking care of the preparation of the castle.”
That told you that Leo was as trusted as N by King Ravi. Now that you had thought about it, you had not noticed any counselors other than N. Perhaps Leo was knowledgeable about parties and that was why he was selected for the role. Vixx was still an infant country and the royal court was not yet developed. There was barely any aristocracy to speak of.
“Would you like to oversee Leo’s process?” King Ravi asked. “It is expected that event planning will be your responsibility in the future.”
It was only logical that the Queen would host events within the imperial castle. Though it was understandable, it still struck a cord of fear within you. Had it been a question of politics or a plan of fortifying the castle’s protection, you would not hesitate. Planning such important events were outside your scope of expertise though. In Suju, while you had lent your knowledge to the royal event planner, King Leeteuk had retained an employee whose sole purpose was crafting events that aimed to have a lasting impression. You would need to learn how to do the same and fast.
blakekathryn
kianamaiart
theartofmadeline
