Red String (Series #1) \\ Ateez ✔

xi. devilish

The woman named Luna cleared her throat as she opened the large curtains, recalling the information whilst gazing at the moon.

"Kim Jangmi. I'm disheartened to tell you that she lived a discrete life I cannot simply dig into but for so I know, she lived with a young man and a young woman."

He raised a hand, stopping her from babbling. "All you need to do is observe her, a single hint nor sign of betrayal. Inform me ahead." He paused for one moment before he slowly slid his thumb across his neck, a menacing gesture. "And her head will be mine."

The woman is about to scoff, but not when the doors suddenly sweep open. Grabbing both of their attention.

Seeing a familiar blonde-haired entering the room Seonghwa eased as the man lowered his head in respect while cupping his fist.

"Speak, Yunho."

The said man reported; "Wooyoung and Jongho were both drunk and suddenly started fighting-"

"A serious fight? Or between friends?" Luna interrupted.

"I'm not sure. It looked serious and not at the same time?" Yunho creased his brows as he faced the scowling man.

Seonghwa stifled an amused smirk, not surprised as if this was already a common habit. "What did they fight about this time?"

"A squirrel." Yunho stiffly announced, covering his amused smile with a slight cough. But Luna audibly snorted.

"A squirrel?" Seonghwa raised a questioning brow towards him.

"Both of them are drunk and they happen to see a squirrel. Jongho said the squirrel was graceful and Wooyoung said it was ugly, both of them started attacking each other's manhood. And ah, I think you should go there quickly. Jongho is already crawling on the ground."

Seonghwa pinched the space between his brows, obviously frustrated with dealing with those foolish morons.

"The smartest idiots ever, and you mentioned you wanted Wooyoung to be the next king of the kingdom?" Luna chimed in. "The kingdom will possibly fall in all pieces for the stupidest reasons!"

JANGMI

"You're going to marry who?!"

"Calm down! You have just recovered." I quickly hushed down the tensed Chaehwa.

"How did you expect me to act nonchalant when you are about to indulge yourself with one of the most dangerous men ever known! Needless to say, the infamous Park Seonghwa!" Chaehwa ranted and Yeosang immediately rubbed circles around her back, attempting to calm her.

"Chaehwa let me explain! I agreed to serve the first-ranking concubine but I didn't expect her first request to make me-!"

"Jangmi, you're so ridiculous." Chaehwa pinched the bridge of her nose. "Why would you even agree to become the concubine's pet!"

"Because..." I timidly looked down at my fingers. "I wanted connections."

"Is the connection worth it if the Second Prince kills you?" Chaehwa retorted, her glare sharp with concern. I couldn't blame her anger; my well-being meant a lot to her.

But deep down, I couldn't help but wonder: is this Park Seonghwa truly as dangerous as they say?

I've heard countless stories about him, but I've never once felt afraid. I wanted to witness his ruthlessness firsthand, to truly understand why his name strikes fear into the hearts of so many.

I wanna see the way he was portrayed with my own eyes, then maybe, I'll tremble too when I hear his name.

"Don't worry, Chae," I reassured her, attempting to ease her concerns. "If I fail to cure him or if I succeed, Lady Nari promised us great rewards. And once it's all over, I'll divorce him. She even mentioned that both of you can stay here rent-free! We can benefit from so many things, and I can collect favours while we're here. Isn't that a good thing?"

I rambled on, trying to emphasize the benefits of my agreement to become the Second Prince's wife. But Chaehwa remained silent, her expression unreadable while Yeosang shot me meaningful glances.

"I'm sorry for acting recklessly," I continued, my voice tinged with remorse. "I swear it won't happen again."

But before I could say more, Chaehwa cut me off with a hushed tone. "Okay, okay. What's done is done."

She levelled a stern gaze at me, her eyes narrowing. "You're a grown woman. Just be smart with your decisions and don't put yourself in harm's way. Are you with me?"

"Yes, I'm with you," I replied, unable to conceal the hint of sarcasm in my voice.

After a moment of silence, Chaehwa spoke up again, her tone laced with irony and her usual brightness returning. "Congratulations on your marriage. When's the wedding?"

And the moment I gave a response to hes question, I could take note of the evident disbelief that etched across their faces.

"The wedding is today, actually."

..

"I, Jangmi wholeheartedly accept the King's decree, and thanks for his magnanimity for this blessing."

The Eunuch rolls the scroll before handing it into my outstretched hands.

My body was draped in the finest golden silk, intricately embroidered with a fierce red-orange phoenix breathing fire. My jade skin looked elegant, and although my face was veiled, it did little to hide my charm. This lavish treatment, the luxurious clothes, and the opulent lifestyle were all new to me, but I knew I would have to adapt to this new world eventually.

I was then instructed to enter the extravagant carriage to continue the procession of the ceremony. The carriage would lead the parade towards the Royal Palace, marking the moment I would come face to face with the infamous man almost everyone in the kingdom feared.

As I settled into the plush seat of the carriage, I scowled. The carriage was completely sealed off, with no natural light entering, save for a small lantern that cast a dim glow. I tilted my head to get a better look at the man seated across from me.

A wave of nostalgia washed over me as I studied him. He was dressed in expensive linen and black trousers, and I could see his eyes scanning me from head to toe, scrutinizing me as if I were his prey.

Yet, I wasn't afraid to return his gaze.

I shamelessly leaned on my seat and drank every feature this man had. His luscious plump lips were beckoning, and his long nose and fierce black eyes were an exquisite sight. Heck, even the word exquisite cannot give justice to what am I seeing.

How can someone so beautiful and beckoning, be dangerous?

Such a great pity.

Needless to say... He looked astonishing, with the dim lamp concealing the right side of his face and his slightly ruffled hair made him look like a man, engraved by the heavens themselves.

"You surely have enough courage to stare back at me."

My heart leapt when his deep, masculine voice spoke out. It's not because of him catching me red-handed, but how his voice pulled a string in my heart. It's so comforting... And familiar?

"Yes, this soon-to-be wife of yours surely has the courage." I nonchalantly responded as if agitating the infamous man was a piece of cake.

..