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Chapter 8: Revelation

The rest of the voyage was uneventful. I had managed to convince Lord Ryeok to give me a private room by telling him how passionate Chan-Yung and I had become.

“I fear we will not be able to wait for the wedding night to consummate our match,” I stated.

“I see. Of course, that would be very inappropriate. I’ll have a private room prepared for you at once.” Lord Ryeok declared. Surely, I was in my room that very night. I managed to avoid social events by feigning sickness. Thanks to Chan-Yung scaring me to the point of vomiting, I was able to convince all that I was too ill to be around them. That lasted for about four days before Lord Ryeok insisted I come to dinner. I showed up in a more comfortable dress, something loose enough to not press on my stomach, and sat next to Chan-Yung as though nothing had transpired the night before. I could feel his eyes on me throughout the meal, but all weariness and fear I had for him had been replaced by a seething hatred I planned to express in subtle ways.

“My Lord, this steak is rather delicious. Here, try some.” I said offering him a piece. His eyes widened with shock, but he took the bite cautiously.

“Yes. It is rather good tonight.” His smirk indicated that he was not fooled by my rouse and my smile in return showed that I did not care. I avoided being alone with him by never being around if he came to call on me. I became rather friendly with Ha-Rae and even took tea with her in her room. We strolled along the ship together, played cards, and even tried on a few of each other's dresses. She was obsessed with playing with my hair and used all kinds of oils and potions to get my curls to lay straight. My stubborn curls would be back to normal the next day.

Chan-Il seemed to avoid me as much as I avoided his brother and that was fine with me. I had managed to remember my atrocious behavior at dinner that drove Chan-Yung to act the way he did. The fact that Lord Ryeok bought that I loved Chan-Yung was a mystery, but I had a feeling he suspected another emotion for his youngest son. Still, I planned to work my way into the favor of as many high-ranking officials as possible to keep Chan-Yung at bay. If my moves were constantly being watched, surely he would lighten up his abuse towards me.

“We will be in Gwandeong by early light, Miss,” Lyra says while brushing my hair. I look out of the window and see nothing but an endless twilight-lit sea. The possibility of other lands existing somewhere in that darkness baffles me.

“What is it like there?” I ask.

“Hmm…well, I was not born there myself. My family moved there after the great flood of Layne. Lord Ryeok was kind enough to let our people settle on the outskirts of his city and even give the younger people jobs to support their families. But from what I have seen of the city, it is beautiful. There are technologies I had never seen in my home and the people dress well. Of course, like most places, it has flaws. Many poor people are begging on the streets, thieves lurk in the dark corners, and prostitution is a problem in the slums. Still, there are organizations formed to help the less fortunate. I’m sure as the new Lady Choi you will oversee a majority of these ventures.” Lyra fits my hair into the bonnet and helps me remove my robe.

“Lady Choi? Who is that?” Lyra pauses as she puts my robe away and looks at me.

“Why, that’s you, My Lady. Did you not know that your new last name will be Choi?” She asks confused.

“I thought my last name would be Ryeok,” I reply equally confused.

“Oh my,” Lyra chews on her lip, a nervous gesture I have come to notice. She slowly hangs my robe up and seems to contemplate what to say next.

“Lyra,” I say when the silence stretches too long.

She sighs and finally closes the wardrobe, “Lord Ryeok is not the young master’s father by blood. They were born of Ha-Rae and her first mate. Lord Ryeok has yet to adopt them if Ha-Rae has his child someday. However, as he gets older, he is slowly losing hope in that prospect.” She turns the covers back and I slip into the bed.

“Then why marry one of them off if they have no legal claim to the Clan?” I press.

“I cannot say, Miss. I can only speculate that Lord Ryeok wishes to have a powerful ally by his side if the other Clans attempt a coup. Your family, namely your father, is considered one of the Ancient Clans. Their war strategies and ability to change multiple times at will are coveted skills among the other Nations. It would be foolish to not want that ability to be incorporated into your bloodline.” Lyra sits on the edge of the bed and stares off into the distance deep in thought. I pull my knees to my chest and allow my mind to wander.

“I don’t understand any of this,” I say finally.

Lyra chuckles softly and gets to her feet, “I’m sure their intentions for you will come to light once you are officially married. I am just a servant, so I cannot speculate on the plans of the higher-ups. Just know I will be there for you if things get rough. At least, as much as I can be.” She clicks off the lamp and heads for the door. Before she leaves, something clicks in my head.

“Lyra, you said you were born in Layne?” I ask.

She looks back at me and I see a small smile on her face, “Yes.”

“Layne is known to be the land of sorcerers. Lyra, are you…” The question hangs in the air and Lyra’s smile broadens a bit.

“As I said, Miss, I’ll help you any way I can.” She walks out of the room and the door closes behind her. She had not touched it as she left.