Chapter 8

The temple was full of people, and therefore, did not have enough oxygen, tiring the assembled guests greatly. The women shook their fans nervously in front of their faces, complained of the stuffiness and begged to go outside, while the men pretended not to notice anything of the sort and respectfully whispered to each other when the couple finally appeared at the entrance and brought with them fresh, cool air from the street where the lucky gendarmes walked with carriages.

Dresses and fans stopped rustling; sabers no longer touched one another from shouldering. After a heavy rain, the sleepy sun decided to look into the temple shutters to find out what was going on inside. And so, everything inside shone so bright now! Gilded icons sparkled, making it difficult to see everything well; cups and platforms all lit up and flashed. The figures of the monks, who were already standing at the entrance, have become even friendlier and kinder. Even their robes have ceased to inspire fear, as usual, of something royal-looking.

Heonui, when the proud, flustered groom took her from the best man, took him by the arm and could not hold back tears. The ladies groaned happily. The monk, nimble and young, immediately having exchanged words with a plump, old, long-bearded friend, now comely for everyone, began to pray.

The guests sang and meditated; many prayers some knew by heart, others knew them differently, but everybody sincerely has been shaking their heads. At the moments of such sacred rites, whether marriage or mourning, everyone had their darkness gone out, and either it did not return later, or it waited outside the temple doors.

The monk, having finished with the blessing and now turned to face the young people, wished them peace.

Wang Tae's eyes flashed.

"You are mine," he mouthed to Heonui, and she shyly lowered her gaze.

And so she was.

This ceremony was celebrated neither more nor less than five days. And how many people have gathered! All the nobility from the neighborhood and foreign, who at once forgot their dislike for Wang Tae and his fame as a madman, flocked to all the marble halls of the palace to taste food on the platform, talk, get acquainted and dance cotillions. And the common people were given a place to have fun — all the small towers and the large hall were given for celebration to the rest of the guests, who were of lower rank or even had no rank at all. In these days, just the rookery was empty, unable to endure the incessant laughter and the sounds of music.

It would seem that everyone was happy. But especially the newlyweds. Even on the fifth day, Heonui and Wang Tae happily chatted at the festive table, planning to join the next quadrille. Suddenly, the music stopped. The people whispered and parted in a wave from the exit. Wang Han entered the celebration hall with a calm, measured step.

"The prince!" heard from everywhere.

"Oh, expect trouble!" exclaimed Court lady Vivien, seizing the hand of Alexandra, a blond, modest young lady from her large retinue.

"It is none other than pyeha. But did he set off abroad on some important business?" asked one of the crowd, dressed for the occasion.

"He came to make a scandal, so, sir!" Wo Gye Te nodded, surrounded, as always, by his courtiers and whispering nobles.

"Oh, poor Heonui! What will happen now?" whispered the stunned Oh Sa Yan, fanning herself even more strongly, foreseeing the bad.

"He has arrived!" exclaimed Mimi, making her way closer to the newlyweds.

But Wang Han did not look to be in the mood to ruin the party. Slowly, bowing politely to the honoured guests, he approached the table where Wang Tae and his now wife were sitting, and said:

"Dear brother, I apologize for missing the most important part of the wedding, but let me congratulate you on your wife and join the celebration. I am glad for your well-being and happy union." His voice was direct and calm, his tone as even as the blade of a dagger, but his eyes flashed almost imperceptibly.

Wang Tae's face twisted in disbelief. He noticed with what pain Wang Han looked for a moment at the worried Heonui, who was expecting a scandal, and, grinning, said, pronouncing every word with arrogant satisfaction:

"Welcome to the feast, my brother Wang Han. I am glad that you did not leave in emotions but are ready to accept the decision of Heonui's heart with dignity. I—"

"Please, Your Royal Highness!" Heonui exclaimed and jumped up, afraid of her husband's speeches and what all this might lead to. "Join us! Drink and eat with us, you were missed so much! Where is the music? What silence is this? Continue, dear guests! Dance and celebrate our happiness!" She gasped. "Mimi! Bring the glasses!"

Mimi, with trembling hands herself, lowered her into a chair and gave her some water.

"We continue, our precious guests!" exclaimed Wang Tae. "I am getting married today, am I not? Why is the friend with toasts silent? Am I to entertain the guests myself? Well, listen!

Gently, the heart is burning,

The wind is blowing around the gate

I'll be drunk and woozy

Because I am marrying today! Hey-hey!"

The relaxed guests burst out laughing, some with nervous, some with joyful laughter from the sudden, but magically defusing the atmosphere of the ditty. The musicians took up their instruments again, and music flowed, the sound of which was incited by Wang Tae, clapping and cheering the assembled humbly returning to the dance.

"Heonui…" came from somewhere mournfully from the back of the hall.

Mari, having returned to reality, listened, stunned. Seeing that Wang Tae was far away from her, she turned to the Prince, who was sitting next to her, and carefully examined his face.

"Your Royal Highness, did you hear that?"

"What?" he raised sad eyes to her, and Heonui fell silent. She couldn't bear to have him around; she knew how much he suffered from her heartfelt decision to be with Wang Tae.

"I am so happy for you, Your Royal Highness. Thank you for being here."

"Please, you may call me Wang Han," he reminded. "Let us drink to your happiness, dear Heonui!" He handed the woman a glass.

"Wang Han," Heonui corrected herself, trying in vain to regain her regular breathing. "Th-thank you!"

He smiled. He was here for her. He couldn't leave. Mimi rose from her chair and began to pour the wine.

"Where is my glass? Why do I drink with strangers?" exclaimed Wang Tae, who came up to the table again. He looked really magnificent and solemn, in the best attire, combed and perfumed. Heads were turned to him. "Or was everything finished without me?"

"Here, dear Wang Tae, have a drink," Heonui, frowning, handed the wine to the groom.

"Do not pout, my love! Do not pout, my brother! Nobody pout!" Wang Tae laughed as he drained his drink. "Are we family or not?"

"Heonui…" she heard again.

"Who is this?"

The woman looked around. And then, she realized that she was alone.

Alone… On a cold, dark street... In only one nightgown that was fluttering from the breath of the cold wind….