# Choi Yeonjun

The drums resonate throughout the palace. Incense fills the air. I am dressed in red, standing before the altar.

The Grand Minister raises his voice:

—Your Majesty demonstrates loyalty to the empire today. This marriage will bring peace and honor to the Mandate of Heaven. A king must choose duty over his feelings.

The words fall like a sentence.

Beside me, the future queen leans in and whispers:

"You don't have to pretend with me. I know your heart belongs to someone else... but I also have a role to play."

She doesn't sound angry. She sounds resigned.

I clench my fists inside my sleeves. I think about Beomgyu. About his voice. About the last time I saw him walking away, escorted by guards.

The minister speaks again:

—Bow down to the sky and seal your union.

I bow.

The crowd applauds when they announce:

—The marriage is sealed!

Everyone is celebrating.

The empire is at peace.

I don't.

The drums resonate throughout the palace. Incense fills the air. I am dressed in red, standing before the altar.

The Grand Minister raises his voice:

—Your Majesty demonstrates loyalty to the empire today. This marriage will bring peace and honor to the Mandate of Heaven. A king must choose duty over his feelings.

The words fall like a sentence.

Beside me, the future queen leans in and whispers:

"You don't have to pretend with me. I know your heart belongs to someone else... but I also have a role to play."

She doesn't sound angry. She sounds resigned.

I clench my fists inside my sleeves. I think about Beomgyu. About his voice. About the last time I saw him walking away, escorted by guards.

The minister speaks again:

—Bow down to the sky and seal your union.

I bow.

The crowd applauds when they announce:

—The marriage is sealed!

Everyone is celebrating.

The empire is at peace.

I don't.