The king's personal troops, the Shadow Legion, operated in secrecy, their existence unknown to most. The king had dispatched a high-ranking officer from this elite force to assist Kyeong'ui with her preparations, ensuring she had the necessary weapons and supplies for her journey. Hongyoo, sensing the intrusion of outsiders into the usually quiet chambers, grew increasingly anxious. But Kyeong'ui, consumed by the task before her, remained oblivious to his concerns. She moved with a newfound energy, her days filled with a flurry of activity. Hongyoo, struggling to find a moment alone with her, finally seized an opportunity.

"Your Highness," he said cautiously, "Young Master Gahngyun is expected to arrive soon."

Kyeong'ui, her gaze fixed on the documents before her, replied without turning. "Greet him in my stead."

"He is your betrothed, Your Highness," he persuaded. "It would be prudent to welcome him personally."

Kyeong'ui straightened, setting aside the scrolls and exhaling a long breath. The image of her betrothed, Gahngyun Hyeok, came to mind easily. He was a handsome man, his features defined, his bearing that of a seasoned warrior. But despite his outward appeal, Kyeong'ui felt no connection to him.

"I dislike him," she said.

"You barely know him, Your Highness," Hongyoo said. "Perhaps you dislike his demeanor. But with time, you might find him agreeable."

His attempt at persuasion fell flat.

"I simply dislike him," Kyeong'ui said again.

"Is it him you dislike, or the marriage itself?" Hongyoo asked.

"Must you question everything?"

Hongyoo, sensing her displeasure, yielded. "I'll greet him, then," he said with a bow, retreating from her study.

Gahngyun Hyeok arrived at Kyeong'ui's palace before the sun reached its zenith. Hongyoo greeted him at the main gate, his imposing figure easily recognizable from afar. Hyeok, dressed in the fine attire befitting a noble family, strode towards the gate with an air of confidence. Before he could cross the threshold, Hongyoo bowed respectfully. Hyeok, however, offered no greeting, his voice sharp as he demanded,

"Where is the princess?"

Though his abruptness was jarring, Hongyoo maintained a polite smile as he gestured towards the inner chambers. "She's been working in her study all morning. Follow me."

The door to the study stood ajar. Through the gap, Hyeok caught a glimpse of Kyeong'ui, her Iridescent-black robes shimmering. He paused at the entrance, his gaze sweeping over her. She sat at her desk, a scroll unfurled before her. A delicate brush, held in her slender fingers, danced across the paper, leaving a trail of ink in its wake. Hyeok approached, his footsteps silent.

Kyeong'ui, sensing his presence, spoke without looking up. "We meet again. Was it after the selection that we last met? Or is this our second encounter?"

Her sudden greeting startled him, but Hyeok quickly recovered his composure. "I've seen you many times, Your Highness."

"You have?" Kyeong'ui finally looked up. Hyeok was a tall man, forcing her to tilt her head back slightly to meet his eyes.

"You weren't always confined to the palace walls," he replied with a smile.

Kyeong'ui searched her memories, but found no recollection of him. Yet, her ventures outside the palace were limited. She could easily guess where he might have seen her.

"Were you studying at the Sanctuary*?" she asked.

Hyeok chuckled. "As a member of a noble house, preparing for court, I couldn't neglect my studies at the Sanctuary. I saw you there often, though you wouldn't remember me."

"I see," Kyeong'ui replied neutrally.

Kyeong'ui offered a curt reply, then returned her attention to the documents, the silence in the room growing heavy. Hongyoo, observing from a distance, shifted uncomfortably. He watched as their eyes met, then quickly darted away, the tension between them palpable. Hyeok, unable to bear the silence any longer, spoke again, his voice a hesitant whisper.

"You are even more radiant up close."

Kyeong'ui cringed inwardly. His words, though clearly meant as a compliment, were so honeyed, so utterly inappropriate, that she could barely stomach them. And yet, Hyeok seemed oblivious to her discomfort. She let out a long sigh, setting down her brush and turning to face him.

"When Father first offered to assign me an escort," she began, "I insisted on bringing you. Why do you think that was?"

Hyeok forced a smile, his gaze faltering under her intense scrutiny. "I'm not sure I want to know the answer to that."

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"I didn't want prying eyes following me," Kyeong'ui stated. "I..."

"I understand," Hyeok interrupted. "Don't worry, Your Highness."

Kyeong'ui met his gaze, noting the hurt in his eyes, but she pressed on. "There were no other motives. Do not misinterpret my intentions."

Her harsh tone and dismissive attitude made Hyeok flinch. But he quickly recovered, his confidence returning as he leaned closer.

"You may not realize this," he began, "but I was the only one who volunteered for this union. The others were forced by their families, terrified of defying the king's command. They were less than enthusiastic."

"Forced?" The word grated on her nerves.

Hyeok, though sensing her displeasure, continued. "You know how the king is. Not many families would welcome such a union."

"Is it wise to speak so freely in my presence?" Kyeong'ui asked.

Kyeong'ui's smile faltered, a flicker of unease in her eyes. Hyeok, however, remained unfazed, his own smile widening.

"Why would I need to be wary of my future wife?" he asked, his tone lighthearted.

"Then why did you volunteer?" Kyeong'ui asked. "Are you some outcast your family discarded?"

Hyeok chuckled. "My parents weren't thrilled with my decision, so I suppose I am somewhat of an outcast now. But I was captivated by your beauty, Your Highness. Forgive my bluntness, but the image of you has lingered in my mind ever since our first encounter. There are no ulterior motives, I assure you."

Kyeong'ui tilted her head, a curious expression on her face. "Your confession is unusual," she said. "But I understand your intentions. Very well, we'll see how this unfolds."

As she turned away, Hyeok reached out and gently grasped her hand, his lips pressing against her skin. Kyeong'ui froze, startled by the unexpected intimacy.

"I'll take that as a sign of encouragement," Hyeok said softly, releasing her hand.

Kyeong'ui pulled her hand back. "Prepare yourself for the journey," she said coldly. "I didn't summon you for idle chatter. Hongyoo, see to his needs."

With that, she exited the study, leaving Hyeok and Hongyoo alone.

Hongyoo approached, offering a belated greeting.

"Royal Attendant Hongyoo," he introduced himself.

Hyeok finally looked at him, his gaze assessing. Hongyoo was a bit taller than Kyeong'ui, with a youthful face that hinted at a hidden maturity. His features were delicate, his eyes downturned, giving him a gentle appearance. A heavy ring adorned his left hand. Hyeok, sensing no threat from the unassuming figure, quickly relaxed, his demeanor shifting from the cautious formality he had displayed in Kyeong'ui's presence.

"How long have you served the princess?" he asked.

"Over ten years," Hongyoo replied.

Hyeok gestured towards the door Kyeong'ui had exited through. "Is she always so cold?"

Hongyoo chuckled softly. "She's not known for her warmth."

Hyeok’s head tilted. "I've heard tales of the king's favorite, a playful and charming princess. She seems quite different from what I expected."

A soft chuckle escaped Hongyoo's lips. "Does a royal truly need to resort to such tactics to earn their father's favor? It's merely idle gossip."

Though his words were polite, a subtle barb lay hidden beneath the surface. Hyeok, sensing the slight, narrowed his eyes. Hongyoo met his gaze, a playful smirk on his face.

"Feel free to confess your regret," he offered. "I'll gladly play the role of a discreet observer, for the sake of your marital harmony."

Hyeok scoffed. "All women are the same."

Hongyoo's smile faltered, his amusement momentarily forgotten. He quickly recovered his composure, his voice regaining its usual smoothness.

"Young Master," he began, "allow me to offer some advice, born from years of experience. I suggest you abandon that notion."

Hyeok's laughter echoed through the room. "We'll see about that."

"I'm not yet convinced you're worthy of serving us," he continued, "but I appreciate your offer of prudence. I'll hold you to that. Now, bring me some water."

With a confident grin, Hyeok strode out of the room. Hongyoo's lips curled into a subtle sneer as he watched him go, his eyes cold and calculating.

The preparations for departure spanned two tireless days and nights. Kyeong'ui spent her days reviewing documents and her nights overseeing the loading of the warships, the harbor bustling with activity. Rumors of the expedition spread through the palace, but Kyeong'ui's preparations outpaced the court officials' gossip. Any objections would have to wait until she was gone, the whispers and doubts left behind in Sunyahng.

On the third day after the Crimson Star's appearance, the fleet was ready to depart. The royal family gathered at the harbor to see Kyeong'ui off, their numbers less than the curious onlookers who lined the shore. Kyeongyul embraced his sister.

"Return safely," he said, his hand resting gently on her back.

"I will, brother," Kyeong'ui replied. "Take care."

Kyeongshin approached, his greeting stiff and formal. "The princess consort apologizes for her absence. She is still recovering and unable to attend."

"I understand," Kyeong'ui replied with a curt nod.

She turned to her mother, bowing her head respectfully. "I'll be back soon, Mother."

The queen stepped forward, her grip tight on Kyeong'ui's hand. "Be cautious," she said.

"Don't worry, Mother," Kyeong'ui reassured her with a bright smile. "I won't disappoint you."

But the queen's expression remained grim. "You already have," she said coldly.

Kyeong'ui flinched, her smile faltering. The queen released her hand, her touch a dismissal. Kyeong'ui, her heart pounding, turned to her father, forcing a cheerful smile.

"I'm ready to depart, Father."

"May you succeed in your mission," the king replied with a nod.

Kyeong'ui bowed deeply, then turned and walked towards the waiting ship.

As she boarded, the sound of conch horns filled the air. The gangplanks were raised, the anchors lifted. The black flag of the royal family unfurled atop the mast. Drums pounded a steady rhythm, and the oarsmen began their rhythmic strokes. The five warships glided across the waters of the Sun River, the river soon merging with the vast expanse of the sea. Black sails unfurled, catching the wind, propelling the fleet southward.

*The Sanctuary: Officially known as the Royal Institutes Quarter, this special district is located east of the royal palace and houses the kingdom's royal research and educational institutions. Due to its unique legal status and restricted access, it is nicknamed "The Sanctuary."