Past Promises

Formal Visit

We met again for the wedding but after the ceremony ended, we separated again. We didn't share the room as the auspicious date had yet been determined – only after the date had been decided then we could share the same room, same bed.

Few days after the wedding, Court Lady Song told me to be ready for Formal Visit to the King and the Queen together with the Crown Prince – as  husband and wife.

I felt a little anxious, I didn't feel like a married person these few days as I didn't even have my husband beside me but this visit meant I am definitely someone's wife.

The next day, as I was getting ready for the visit, a eunuch came and told that the Crown Prince was waiting for me. I hurriedly readied myself as I didn't want him to wait for long.

I stepped out from my chamber and saw the Crown Prince was standing under the sun while a eunuch held a parasol shaded the Prince from the sunlight.

"Eunuch Han, you don't have to hold the parasol, the sun is not that bright anyway," the Prince told Eunuch Han.

"No, Your Highness, I don't want your skin gets dark," the Prince shook his head at  Eunuch Han's replied. He smiled and I thought that for a second he was glowing. My face felt hot.

"Your Highness, why is your face so red? Are you having a fever?" Court Lady Song said and the Crown Prince looked at us when he heard the court lady talked.

"No, it's just the sun," I said, flustered. I went to greet the Crown Prince.

"Your Highness, I'm sorry to make you wait," I kept my eyes low so that I was only looking at the Dragon emblems on his robe. I was suddenly feeling embarrassed that I couldn't look at his face.

"It's alright," he said short and then lead the way to the Queen's Residence.

The meeting went shorter than I thought as the King had official affairs to attend and the Queen seemed not interested to have a long conversation with the two of us. Therefore, we were now on our back to our residences.

"Do you have any important matters to attend today?" The Crown Prince asked.

I looked at Court Lady Song and she shook her head.

"I think I'll have an idle day, Your Highness," I said, while looking upfront.

"Then, will you care to have a walk with me?"

I nodded and said, "It's my pleasure, Your Highness."

We walked until in front of the South Gate then the Prince dismissed everyone but Eunuch Han was reluctant but got dragged away later by Court Lady Song.

"He was a little bit protective," the Prince said, he meant Eunuch Han.

"I can see that," I smiled as Eunuch Han struggled to get away but it seemed that Court Lady Song was stronger than him.