Chapter 24: The Morning After
As any travel-worn person who had a kidnap attempt and hasn't slept for nearly three days would do, Han Aeng woke with a series of tired yawns. Nestled in the comfort of a soft bed, she snuggled her head into the pillow, hugging the blanket tightly around herself.
"Wait outside."
"But it will be late, Your Highness."
Startled, she sat up straight.
The maids, blissfully unaware of the previous night's events, giggled at Han Aeng's sudden movement. Fueled by the closed doors and the prince's command for them to wait outside they had misinterpreted the situation. Their wild speculation conjured up scenarios far more scandalous than the reality.
"Then… your servants will wait outside."
I ended up sleeping like a dead pig. Oh, my neck.
Han Aeng, still half-asleep and groggy, got out of bed and stretched her fatigued body.
She was the type of person who had a strict morning routine but was also the type of person whose brain didn't function properly after sleeping well. So she didn't think too far when she stripped off the heavy red wedding clothes and stared at her new set with a tilted head.
Half asleep, Han Aeng dressed herself up and mused over the difference in clothing fashion between Jeontu's and Shangwei.
Compared to Jeontu's puffy hanboks, Shangwei's hanfu were much more relaxed, consisting of three outer pieces; a top, a skirt, and a jacket. The skirts weren't puffy but rather slid off the body. Instead of sitting over the skirt, the hanfu's top went inside the skirt; and was separated by a delicate waistband. The jacket's sleeves also weren't fitting but relatively wide with enough space to stuff a baby inside.
In that sense, Shangwei's clothing was more form-fitting than Jeontu's, but she liked the new dress style. It was beautiful. The only issue was that she had no clue how to wear it properly, and she could only blame herself for not paying attention when the old woman tried to teach her how to dress.
Heavens only knows how horrible she was at tying together a few strings. But in her defence, there needed to be fewer ties and more instruction on how and where to secure them. Besides, Nanny Na helped her change, so there was no real reason to dress in complicated clothes by herself.
At the same time, Long Dahai stood nearby, a subtle smile playing on his lips as he gently kneaded the back of his neck - he had fulfilled his promise to guard Han Aeng throughout the night.
Now that Han Aeng was in the process of fiddling with the strings, he couldn't fathom how she managed to complicate such a simple task.
In all honesty, he found her slight confusion endearing, the broad grin creeping across Long Dahai's face betraying his sense of amusement.
He couldn't explain, but when she stepped out of the sedan, there was an undeniably attractive air around his bride that seemed to command respect, her movement holding a particular royal touch. He admired that, but watching her fight against the fabric, he couldn't help but question if that halo was simply his nerves playing tricks with his mind.
Now that she isn't wearing all the heavy clothing, she looks much smaller than before.
Long Dahai's grin suddenly dropped. His momentary amusement quickly turned into embarrassment, realizing he was unintentionally invading her privacy. He hastily turned away, his face burning crimson.
On the other hand, groaning in frustration, Han Aeng headed out to get help from the maids.
As she reached for the door, Long Dahai's hand came from behind her, propping the doors in place.
Her eyes grew wide as she turned around to face his chest. Startled by the close proximity, she dragged her face up.
Their eyes locked.
It was the first time Han Aeng had actually seen her husband. Last night she didn't register his face in the darkness; today, she simply glossed over the fact that she was married and didn't bother looking for him!
The first thing Han Aeng noted was how strikingly mesmerizing his eyes were. A particular shade of brown that's a mixture of honey and freshly tossed soil. Like the cedar tree trunk holding the nobility and majesty of its leaves every season, they looked reliable. His eyes were captivating in the sense they held an unspoken sense of comfort, warmth, and stability.
However, her fascination was short-lived. Her fatigue and recent ordeal reminded her that he had appeared out of nowhere, it had to shock her. She only thought to herself that it wasn't easy being a wanted target; all these kidnappings meant a man simply standing behind her was enough to surprise her. Such a life wasn't easy, and it certainly didn't allow for complacency.
Long Dahai quickly created space between them, "Apologies, Benwang didn't mean to scare you. Last night..." he briefly stopped speaking. What she didn't know couldn't hurt her. "It would be nice if we left together."
There were too many eyes around, and Long Dahai didn't know if Luo Li managed to complete the task he gave. Considering the public nature of their wedding and the absence of proof of consummation, the least he could do was show others that they were on good terms.
Han Aeng quickly muttered, "Of course."
Long Dahai inspected her. She managed to wear her hanfu, but the loose string around her waist bothered him. Wanting to help her, he reached out to her but halted mid-action. The thought of being close to her had suddenly rendered him bashful to offer help.
Was he always this reserved?
Han Aeng noticed his gaze and suddenly grew self-conscious, squirming at his inspection. "Ahaha."
Long Dahai cleared his throat, figuring she would ask if she needed help - oh, how horribly wrong he was. "Shall we?"
Han Aeng nodded, hugging herself tighter in the likelihood that the unsuccessfully tied robes would fall.
Long Dahai partially opened the door, his frame effectively blocking her from the servant's view.
For a moment, he stood unmoved.
"... Your Highness?"
Abruptly he turned around, shutting the door behind him.
Han Aeng stepped back, shrinking into herself.
Long Dahai took off his coat and gently draped it over her shoulder, slowly explaining himself. "The clothes can be a little complicated."
"Oh. Thank you…"
Feeling proud, he stepped out with her trailing behind him.
The young couples' state once again unknowingly fueled the romantic interpretations of the maids and eunuchs who greeted them.
Their faces were burning up with their imaginations. They -not so innocently- concluded that Han Aeng's flustered appearance and the suspicious coat draped on her shoulders were to hide their prince's relentless dotings.
They couldn't be blamed for piecing one and two together: newlyweds, the first night, too tired to wake up, the two shadows by the doors a few moments ago, loose robes. Heaven only knows how swoon-worthy that hand to the door when she was about to leave was.
Han Aeng picked up on the odd air around the servants. She discreetly took a peek at her husband, who seemed completely oblivious to the speculations surrounding them, and followed his lead of playing aloof.
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