The morning was unusually leisurely. Princess Kyeong'ui, accompanied by Gahngyun Hyeok, had ventured to Hyeondahm Waterfall, north of the encampment, for a painting excursion. It was a fitting activity for their supposed sightseeing tour. Hyeok, touched that Kyeong'ui had remembered his earlier suggestion, was unaware that it was Hongyoo's idea, not the princess's, to invite him. Hongyoo, usually a constant presence by Kyeong'ui's side, had remained at the camp, giving Hyeok a rare opportunity to be alone with the princess.

Kyeong'ui had been wary of Hyeok's usual frivolous behavior, but he surprised her by focusing solely on his painting. He meticulously prepared his ink, grinding the inkstick with a practiced hand, and once he began painting, he barely spoke, only glancing up at her occasionally. Kyeong'ui, wanting to avoid disturbing him, had her guards stand a distance away and settled down to watch him work. His movements were surprisingly graceful and precise, a stark contrast to his usual impulsive nature. She had always considered him a warrior, his build and demeanor suggesting a man more suited to the battlefield than the artist's chamber. But now, watching him wield the brush with such focus and control, she wondered if he might be better suited to a life of art than one of war. Perhaps, she mused, if he could always be this calm and composed, their marriage might not be so unbearable after all.

As Hyeok painted, Kyeong'ui's gaze drifted towards the waterfall, its cascading waters crashing against the black cliffs below. The cliffs, towering and imposing, were as dark and solid as pine soot ink. The cool water, after briefly pooling in a deep, sapphire-blue basin, flowed into the sea, its jade-green hues a stark contrast to the dark depths. The beauty of the scene filled her with a sense of wonder. If not for the hostile glares of the islanders, she would have gladly spent a year here, immersing herself in the changing seasons, capturing the island's beauty in her own paintings.

Time passed, and Hyeok continued to paint, his focus unwavering. Kyeong'ui, growing restless, finally spoke.

"I've never seen you so focused," she remarked.

Hyeok straightened, a smile spreading across his face. "I wanted to create something worthy of your time, Your Highness," he replied.

"You seem to genuinely enjoy painting," Kyeong'ui observed.

Hyeok dipped his brush in the inkstone, a playful glint in his eyes. "I've always preferred this to wielding a sword," he admitted. "My parents, however, had other plans."

Perhaps he would have been a different person, more thoughtful and introspective, if he had become an artist. Being born the second son of a warrior family might have been his misfortune. She thought of his brother, Gahngyun Yeol, his personality a stark contrast to Hyeok's.

"Your brother was more obedient, I imagine," she remarked.

"Of course," Hyeok replied with a chuckle.

Kyeong'ui chuckled and moved closer, her gaze fixed on the painting.

"I thought you were painting the waterfall," she remarked, her eyes widening in surprise.

Instead of the waterfall, Hyeok had spent the morning meticulously capturing Kyeong'ui's likeness on paper. The portrait, rendered in ink with delicate brushstrokes, depicted her in profile, her chin slightly raised, her gaze fixed on some distant point. It was undeniably her, yet somehow more beautiful. Kyeong'ui felt a strange flutter in her chest as she realized this was how he saw her.

"The princess is far more captivating than any waterfall," Hyeok explained, a playful smile on his lips.

Kyeong'ui's smile faltered. "Must you resort to such blatant flattery?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of annoyance.

Hyeok leaned closer, his eyes meeting hers. "Flattery is the foundation of courtship," he said. "Does it displease you?"

"It's hardly subtle," Kyeong'ui retorted.

"I'm eager to please you," Hyeok sighed dramatically. "But you're a difficult woman to impress."

His words, though playful, stung. Does he think it is easy to win the affections of a princess? She regretted engaging in conversation with him; I should have let him continue painting in silence. But she couldn't afford to alienate him, not after making such an effort to mend their relationship.

"Your skill is impressive, nonetheless," she conceded, her gaze returning to the portrait. "It's like looking in a mirror."

Hyeok beamed. "Surely that's not all I'll receive for my efforts," he teased.

"Do you have something specific in mind?" Kyeong'ui asked.

Hyeok glanced at the guards standing some distance away, then leaned closer, his intentions clear. Kyeong'ui instantly regretted her question.

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"I was hoping for something a bit more... intimate," he murmured.

Kyeong'ui stiffened, her body tensing. Hyeok, sensing her hesitation, seized the opportunity. He reached out and gently took her hand, his touch sending shivers down her spine. Should I slap him? Push him away? Her eyes darted around, her confusion and indecision evident. Hyeok, misinterpreting her hesitation, pressed his advantage.

"I am your betrothed, Your Highness," he reminded her, his voice soft and persuasive. "I am the one who will fill your arms with lovely royal children. I've been yearning for you since we left Sunyahng. Will you continue to keep me at arm's length?"

Kyeong'ui's mind raced as she watched Hyeok's childish display of affection. She had been cold and distant towards him, that much was true. But a strained relationship with her betrothed could prove problematic. Even the Crown Prince and his wife, despite their genuine affection for each other, had faced challenges when they failed to produce an heir for several years. Kyeong'ui pushed aside the urge to push him away, reminding herself of the harsh realities of their world. Everyone lives like this, she thought. Even my parents endured a loveless marriage, a union of convenience, to produce heirs and secure their power. I am no different.

She turned to face him, her gaze meeting his. Hyeok, misinterpreting her acquiescence, leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a hungry kiss. He had been yearning for her, and his desperation fueled his passion. He showered her with kisses, his hands exploring her body, his touch leaving a trail of fire wherever it lingered. Kyeong'ui, overwhelmed by the unfamiliar intimacy, finally caught his wrist.

"Please, let go of my hand?" Hyeok asked.

"If you can show some restraint."

"Haven't I been patient enough?"

Kyeong'ui didn't reply, her grip firm. Hyeok, sensing her reluctance, loosened his hold, and she finally released him. His hand moved to her hair, gently stroking the silken strands.

"I know you need my brother more than you need me," he murmured, his voice low and intimate. "And you need our family more than you need him."

Kyeong'ui's eyes narrowed. "Is that a threat?" she asked.

Hyeok feigned innocence, his face contorted in mock surprise. "Why would you interpret my offer of assistance as a threat?" he whined. "You wound me."

Kyeong'ui scoffed. "Assistance that comes with a demand is not assistance; it's a trade. And while I'm not opposed to trades, I am curious how you intend to persuade your brother and your parents, considering they practically disowned you for your reckless behavior."

Hyeok shrugged. "I haven't figured that out yet," he admitted. "But what parent can resist their child's pleas? Though I must confess, I'm a bit disappointed that you haven't even given me a chance. You've shown more kindness to those Wian remnants than to your own betrothed."

Kyeong'ui's eyes narrowed at the mention of the Myeonghyeons. "Why are you whining like a child?" she asked sharply.

"Can a man in love be anything but childish?" Hyeok countered.

Kyeong'ui chuckled. "You claimed to be capable of love," she teased. "Now you claim to be in love. What progress you've made."

She gently pushed him away, ignoring his disappointed expression as she straightened her clothes.

"Are the Myeonghyeon siblings coming today?" Hyeok asked.

"They are," Kyeong'ui confirmed.

Hyeok's face twisted into a scowl. "I don't like them," he muttered. "Especially him."

“Him?”

“Yes, him.”

"Why not?"

"I don't trust men who look like sissy pimps."

Hyeok's face twisted into a scowl at the mention of Myeonghyeon Ryang. Kyeong'ui, amused by his childish jealousy, couldn't resist teasing him.

"To be precise," she said, "he's not just like sissy pimps. He is one."

"Please, Your Highness," Hyeok pleaded, "you must be careful. I understand you need to form alliances, but the Myeonghyeons are different. Mahnry is expendable, a piece to be used and discarded. But the Myeonghyeons... their lineage, their history... it carries too much weight. Imagine the uproar if you bring them back to Sunyahng. What would the court officials say?"

"Including your family?" Kyeong'ui asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Hyeok's jaw tightened.

"You said you would handle your family," Kyeong'ui reminded him.

"I-I did," Hyeok stammered.

"I've explained why their lineage is valuable to me. Haven't I?"

"I'm just concerned for you, Your Highness," Hyeok insisted. "Why else would I question your decisions?"

"Jealousy, perhaps?" Kyeong'ui suggested, her eyes narrowed playfully.

"Why would I be jealous of that... that outdated Wian remnant?" Hyeok scoffed.

"He's young, handsome, and unmarried," Kyeong'ui pointed out. "Wouldn't you agree?"

Hyeok chuckled. "'A man shouldn't be so pretty."

Kyeong'ui, however, remained unconvinced. She couldn't see his concerns as anything more than childish jealousy.

"Do you have any affection for me at all?" Hyeok finally asked, frustrated by her dismissive attitude.

Kyeong'ui hesitated. The silence stretched, and Hyeok's shoulders slumped.

"Perhaps," she said, her voice carefully neutral, "it will grow in time."

She made to rise from her seat, but Hyeok reached out and pulled her into his arms.

"I will win your heart before we return to Sunyahng," he vowed, his voice a low murmur against her ear. "I will be patient, I will be obedient. I will even betray my family if that's what it takes. Just don't shut me out."

"Thank you for your enthusiasm," Kyeong'ui replied flatly.

Hyeok smiled. "When we finally share our first night," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear, "I'll show you pleasures you've never dreamed of. I eagerly await that night."

He gently kissed her earlobe.