Meeting His Family

A week later, the King's family arrived, and Queen Asora stood amidst the vibrant petals of the cherry blossom field, she had been invited by King Tae-Han to meet his family in this enchanting location, a place of significance to their kingdom. 

The Queen Mother, Hye-Jin, stood at the edge of the cherry blossom field, her eyes scanning the horizon with anticipation. She had heard tales of the Jamaican Queen's beauty, and she craved to see if the rumors were true.

Soon, she saw her son and Queen Asora emerge from the grove of cherry blossom trees, her presence exuding elegance and grace as they walked under the cherry blossom trees. Her caramel skin glowed in the gentle sunlight, radiating warmth and vitality. Hye-Jin couldn't help but be amazed by the Foreign Queen's stunning features, the way her eyes sparkled with intelligence and kindness, and the bright aura that surrounded her.

The wind rustled through Asora's long braids that cascaded down her back in a mesmerizing display. Despite the foreign hairdo, Hye-Jin marveled at the length and lustrous texture of her hair, it added to Asora's natural beauty.

"Queen Asora," Hye-Jin said steadily trying to keep her composure. "You are truly a vision of beauty."

Asora's heart skipped a beat as she curtsied with grace. "Why thank you Queen Mother Hye-Jin, it is an honor to meet you," Asora spoke, her voice filled with sincerity. "And to all of you, members of the royal family, I am grateful for this opportunity to be here with you today."

Queen Dowager Hye-Jin smiled warmly. "Queen Asora, the pleasure is ours. We have heard of your wisdom and compassion, and we welcome you into our family and our hearts."

It was now Tae-Han's little sister, Princess Saerom's turn to greet Asora, and the Queen knew she would be very close to the young girl, she was filled with so much genuine warmth and it was contagious. The family continued their stroll through the blossom field, engaging in lively conversations and exchanging stories.

As the day went on they shared a simple yet sumptuous meal beneath a blossoming tree, savoring the flavors and relishing in the joyous atmosphere. Asora couldn't help but feel like she had found a sense of home she hadn't experienced in a while.

As the sun began its descent, Queen Dowager Hye-Jin took Asora's hand in hers. "Queen Asora, our kingdoms may have been united by politics, but today, as we stand here surrounded by the beauty of this blossoming field, I see a union of hearts. We are grateful to have you as our daughter."

Asora's eyes filled with tears of gratitude. "Thank you, Queen Mother Hye-Jin. I am honored to be a part of this family."

Hye-Jin interrupted gently, "And Queen Asora, call me Omma, okay? There is no need to be so proper in private." Asora nodded with happiness. "Oh, and I have been longing to know more about your family. When may we have the honor of meeting them? If you are this kind and beautiful I can only imagine your parents."

"Yeah," Tae-Han's little sister said cheerily. "I would like to meet my in-laws."

Asora's expression faltered for a moment, reflecting a mixture of pain and longing. She took a deep breath, "Qu-, I mean Omma, I must tell you a secret that has not yet been said. My family... they are... no longer with me in this world."

King Tae-Han, his mother, and his little sister's eyes widened in surprise. Hye-Jin's heart sank with empathy for Asora's loss. Quickly, she pulled Asora in for a hug, joined by the Saerom. "I am deeply sorry for your pain and loss, Asora. Please forgive my ignorance."

Asora managed a small, appreciative smile. "There is nothing to forgive. It is a part of my past, a chapter that has shaped me. My parents and siblings were taken from me in a tragic accident many years ago."

Hye-Jin's voice softened, her empathy shining through. "I cannot imagine the depth of your loss. But please know, Asora, that in this kingdom, you have found another family besides your own people. We will support and cherish you as our own."

Asora's eyes met Hye-Jin's, gratitude and vulnerability intermingling. "Thank you. Your words bring comfort to my heart."

The former Queen, the new Queen, and the princess sat together, their conversation transitioning from the topic of family to one of shared resilience and hope. Asora shared stories of her journey and the mentors who had guided her, while Hye-Jin spoke of the challenges she had faced as a queen and the strength she had discovered within herself.

As the afternoon sun cast a warm glow upon the room, the two queens and the princess found solace and strength in each other's company. They discovered a bond that transcended mere titles, a connection forged by shared experiences.

At that moment, Hye-Jin realized that she had not only gained a daughter-in-law in Queen Asora but also a kindred spirit, someone with whom she could share the joys and sorrows of ruling a kingdom.

As the conversation drew to a close, Hye-Jin and Saerom rose gracefully from the blanket they sat on. Each extended a hand to Asora to help her up too.

"Asora, you have shown incredible strength and resilience," Hye-Jin spoke with genuine admiration. "Know that I am here for you, as a mother and a friend. We will face the challenges ahead together, and I will always be here to support you."

"And I am happy to call you my sister, too. Now I have someone to confide in," Princess Saerom giggled.

After their heartfelt conversation, they all walked to the entrance of the palace, while King Tae-Han held the blanket and picnic basket. Quietly, he waved down a guard to come to take the stuff so he could keep up with the ladies.

"By sister-in-law," Saerom waved, and quietly she walked away to the palace diagonal to them, where the royal family of both nations would stay.

"Queen Asora, I must bid you goodbye for now," Hye-Jin said, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity. "But before I leave, there is something I must say."

Asora looked at her with anticipation, curious about the Queen Mother's final words.

Hye-Jin turned her gaze towards King Tae-Han, who had been waiting patiently nearby. She approached him and placed a hand on his arm, her eyes reflecting a mix of affection and seriousness.

"Tae-Han, my son," Hye-Jin spoke with an unwavering tone. "This woman here is a precious soul, and it is your duty to treat her with the utmost kindness and respect."

Tae-Han's eyes widened in surprise, and then he sheepishly nodded his head, understanding the weight of his mother's words.

"I hear your words, Mother," Tae-Han replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "I will do everything in my power to ensure Asora's happiness and well-being."

A smile tugged at the corners of Hye-Jin's lips, a rare display of approval and pride. She took a step closer to her son, her voice now softer but no less resolute.

"A strong and prosperous kingdom is built upon the foundation of love, compassion, and understanding," Hye-Jin said, her eyes searching his. "Lead with your heart, my son, and let Asora be your guiding light."

Tae-Han's shoulders straightened, and he reached out and clasped his mother's hand, a silent promise passing between them.

"Thank you, Mother," Tae-Han said, his voice filled with gratitude.

The King's mother looked to her new daughter, "Together, you will create a legacy that will endure."

Asora's eyes filled with tears of gratitude, her voice filled with emotion. "Your acceptance and encouragement mean more to me than words can express."

With a final embrace and a tender kiss on Asora's cheek, Queen Mother Hye-Jin took her leave, her footsteps fading away in the distance. Asora watched her go, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.

"I'll walk you to your quarters," The King said catching the Queen's attention. 

"Okay," She smiled.

As King Tae-Han accompanied Queen Asora, a question weighed heavily on his mind. They had spent several weeks together, getting to know each other and building a foundation for their future as a married couple. Yet, there was one significant piece of information that had eluded him: the passing of Asora's parents.

As they turned down the final hallway to her quarters, Tae-Han gently held Asora's hand, his eyes searching hers with a mixture of curiosity and concern. He spoke in a gentle tone, wanting to approach the topic with sensitivity.

"Asora" Tae-Han began, his voice deep but warm. "I have been meaning to ask you something. In all the time we have spent together, why did you not mention the passing of your parents?"

Asora's expression softened, her eyes reflecting a mixture of sorrow and vulnerability.

"It is not easy for me to speak of my parents' passing even though it was years ago," she confessed, her voice tinged with sadness. "Their loss is a wound that still feels fresh. I also wanted our time together and our nations union to be filled with joy and hope, free from my silent burden of grief."

Tae-Han's grip tightened slightly, a gesture of support and protectiveness. "I understand, Asora," he replied softly. "Grief is a deeply personal journey, and I respect your decision to shield me from your pain. But please remember, we are to be married soon, and sharing both joy and sorrow is a part of our commitment to each other."

Asora looked into Tae-Han's eyes, appreciating his empathy and genuine concern. She knew he was right - as husband and wife, they would face life's challenges together.

"You are right, Tae-Han," She said. "I will try my best to confide in you more. My parents' passing is a part of who I am, and by sharing it with you, I guess it allows you to truly know me."

Tae-Han's eyes softened, and he brushed a gentle hand against her cheek, a gesture of comfort and reassurance.

"Asora, I want to be there for you in every way," He expressed. "When you are ready, I am here to listen, to offer solace, and to walk beside you through the healing process."

Tears escaped Asora's eyes, a mixture of grief and relief. She leaned into Tae-Han's touch, "Thank you, Tae-Han," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

 Tae-Han wanted to press a tender kiss on her forehead, but then he decided against it, instead, he looked at her as she kept her eyes closed in his hand, "May I hold you?" 

Without even second-guessing, Asora nodded her head in agreement, in fact, she hugged him first and the King had to control his giddiness. "Thank you for allowing me to hold you." And he carefully wrapped his arms around her waist pulling their bodies together, and with a content sigh Asora snuggled into the King's chest. The King smiled and closed his eyes enjoying this moment, he wanted moments like these every day.