Minzy felt well rested by the next day. She was up early as she walked out of the room to find Seunghyun had fallen asleep by the fire pit. Sighing to herself she went to grab a blanket to cover him. Placing the blanket over him, she smiled as she sat next to him. He looked so exhausted as if he hadn't slept for many nights. She figured it was a strenuous thing to prepare for the ritual and sighed as she brushed the stray hairs away from his face. Watching as he crinkled his nose at her touch, she couldn't help but giggle. He seemed different when he slept, she thought as she sat gazing down at him. He didn't have that look of arrogance, nor that stupid smug look he wore so often than not. Instead, he seemed to resemble that of a young boy. A young chubby boy that was scared so long ago as he pressed his lips tightly together as he continued to sleep.Intrigued by his sleeping state, she leaned closer to him and lightly began to trace her fingers along his face. His face was something she had to get used to seeing every day, so she figured why not take this chance to learn it. First starting along his strong jawline, up to his strong cheek bones, honestly everything about him seemed strong. Grinning to herself, she found herself cupping his face and liking how it fit into her hands. Subconsciously she let the pads of her thumbs brush against his lips. Smoothing them out gently, she grinned as he relaxed against her touch. They were surprisingly soft and it triggered the thought of when she had kissed him during the ceremony. Remembering how he reacted to her kiss, she could have sworn he was shy. Seunghyun one of the greatest warriors of her time was shy from a kiss had her thinking that there had to be more to him than he let on. The thought made her smile as she leaned forward and lightly brushed her lips against his, watching as he stayed sleeping.

Quietly tip toeing back to the bedroom, she found herself staring out the large window. Flinging her legs through and letting them dangle out the window, she figured this was okay to do, seeing she was technically not out of the house. Leaning her head upon the window frame, she sat staring at the vast sea of green. The luscious tall trees and flowers beckoned to her. Practicing restraint, she inhaled the fresh air and closed her eyes to let her imagination run wild. 

"You look as though you are a trapped little bird," a deep voice boomed. 

Snapping her eyes open, she was startled to see a tall rugged man standing before her. He looked as though he had been there for a while, but how long she couldn't tell as she sat staring at him. "I'm not thank you," she simply responded as she retreated back into the house. Standing at the window she nodded, "Have a good day." 

"You as well," he nodded back as he stood a moment longer before taking his leave. 

Minzy stood watching as the rugged man walked down a path leading into the forest. When the stranger was out of sight, she turned to move back into the house and find Seunghyun still fast asleep. Sighing softly, she laid next to him wondering when he would wake. Staring at him like an impatient child waiting on their parent's approval, she hoped he could sense her need to be outside. She wanted so desperately to be out in nature and explore what the North had to offer. But being the good wife that she was intending to be she figured it was best to wait. Wait because she was no longer a woman on her own, but a woman set out to becoming a good wife to Seunghyun. Seunghyun who had saved at least twice in the past couple of days. Why she was counting, she couldn't understand herself, but she was making a lot of mental notes when it came to him. Besides being a good wife, she also heard about the North. The way of living, culture, and traditions were different. Different was the only way she could get her father to explain to her before she was whisked away by her mother. Not knowing how different things would be, she hoped that different meant a good different.

Minzy cuddled further into the warmth that wrapped around her, she couldn't figure the smell but it smelt nice against her. Inhaling deeply, she sighed as it smelt that of fresh fallen rain. "Minzy," her name was called to bring her out of her deep slumber. "Minzy," her name was called again. The voice sounded gentle, as it coaxed towards reality. Mumbling into the warm blanket, she felt too comfortable to move or full wake. "If you wanted to cuddle up with me you should have just asked," she heard a familiar voice say. 

Coming to, she looked up to see Seunghyun looking down at her. At first, she was a little confused at what was happening and suddenly she began to orient herself back to reality. Noticing that she had wrapped herself with Seunghyun under the blanket and somehow entangled herself with him had her in initial shock. He looked at her with amusement before giving her that smug look that made her cringe. Rolling away, she pulled the blanket with her to cover herself. Jumping up onto her feet, she gave him a shrug as if not to give him the satisfaction that he was embarassing her. "I would like to be shown around the Northern islands." 

Watching as he yond and sat up, he stretched his arms, "I thought you would have given yourself a tour by now." 

"Oh, so you're telling me that I could have gone out without you," she grinned as she got ready to turn and leave. 

"I never said that. I just thought you would have got into some trouble by now," he shrugged. 

"So what are you saying," she asked awaiting permission to be set loose. 

"Go put on a nice outfit and I will take you out," he said as he got up onto his feet. "I will show you around." 

"Perfect," she clapped her hands together as she jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly. "Thank you!"

Seunghyun coughed as he easily caught her, "You're welcome?" 

The way he said it had her gazing up at him. He seemed to not know how to react to her being in his arms. "What? Are you questioning if you should take me out or that I'm in your arms?" 

"I'm questioning if I should just take you into the room and have my way with you," he replied with a smirk. 

It was her turn to be confused as she faultered at the thought of what he was saying. "Umm...I think I'll just go get ready?" 

Her response made him laugh as she quickly moved to retreat back to the room, "Hurry up before I come in there." Quickly moving into the room, she began to feel her face as she felt her cheeks warm. Fanning herself, she moved about quickly tossing on an outfit before Seunghyun could make good on his words. 

"I'm ready," she breathed as she adjusted the dress she picked out. Minzy didn't understand why he stood frowning, "What?" 

"Are you trying to seduce the men of this village? Did you forget that you're already spoken for," he sighed. 

"I don't understand. Is this dress too revealing?" 

Nodding Seunghyun approached her and brushed the back of his hand up against her thigh and then along her collar bone. His touch made her stomach do flips as she crossed her arms over her chest and awaited his assessment. "You're right, you are dressed modest. I just...don't want any man to look at you. I want them to see you as my wife and respect you as such." His words made her spine tingle. It was truly endearing to hear and see how concerned and protective he was of her. "I guess it can't be helped. I'll just kill anyone that tries to say or do anything to you." 

"Seunghyun," she gasped. "Must that be your answer for everything? I gave you my word that I would stay loyal to you, so even if someone were to try anything I will stay true to my promise to you." 

"I knew I made the right choice in battling for you," he said confidently.

Minzy couldn't help but wonder why, but before she could question him further he was moving out the door. Taking quick strides to follow behind him, she was startled when she ran into him. Gazing up, he held his arm out to her and gave her an expected look to take it. Without a word, she loosely linked her arm with his as she was led out to the village. It was breath taking to say the least with how much luscious green plants grew in these parts of the island. All the greenery surrounded them as he pointed out various plants that she had never seen or heard of before in her life. Fascinated by the beautiful scenery she didn't notice the curious eyes glancing their way. Walking into the main part of the village, Minzy was impressed to see the various shops set up outside of each house hold. Each family seemed to have something different to sell as only their house hold was allowed to do so, whether it be jewlery, clothing, household items, or certain types of food it was all very organized.

Seunghyun noticed a few of his friends lifting a couple of heavy logs, releasing Minzy's hand he nodded for her to continue looking around and that he would come and find her. Grateful for the chance to look around on her own, she nodded and grinned as she watched Seunghyun rush off to help his friend lift the log. Turning her attention back to the shops, she slowly walked around until one shop in particular pulled her in. It was the most simple and could have been unnoticed by many, but not her. Stepping closer, she noticed dried herbs hanging all around with powders and small jars adorning the table. Fascinated to see the herbs and what she figured medicine jars, she was curious as to what the Northern people used to heal their people. 

"Hello," Minzy greeted the old woman with a smile. "What do you have here?" 

"The herbs and medicines of the northern part of the island miss. You must be new around these parts," the old woman smiled as she extended her hand out to her. 

Minzy gladly accepted her hand and kissed the top of it before placing her forehead on top of it out of respect of being an elderly woman, "Nice to meet you. I am ma'am. I moved here a few days ago. I am the new wife of Seunghyun."  

"Such a beautiful young woman you are," the old woman nodded. 

"I am nothing compared to your beautiful talent and knowledge of herbs and healing," Minzy smiled sweetly. 

The old woman chuckled at the flattery, "Seunghyun must have taught you such flattery."

Shaking her head offended, Minzy couldn't help but frown, "No ma'am, I'm speaking nothing but the truth. Your work is amazing." 

"I like you," the old woman winked at her causing them both to laugh. 

"I like you too," Minzy smiled brightly. She felt very comfortable with the old woman, she reminded her of her dear grandmother. It brought a comforting sense of home and hoped that maybe this old woman could become a dear friend. "You remind me so much of my own grandmother." 

"Then she must be wonderful," the old woman teased.

Minzy nodded with a grin, "She is very wonderful indeed." 

Seunghyun approached the two women and grinned as Minzy subconsciously slipped her arm onto his, "I see you've met my grandmother." 

"You're..." glancing from Seunghyun to the old woman she was in shock. "You're his grandmother?" 

"Yes my granddaughter. I am your new grandmother," the old woman smiled knowingly. 

Minzy quickly moved around the stand that stood in between them and bowed down onto her knees with deep respect, "Grandmother please forgive me for I did not know. I should of greeted you with much respect." 

"Rise my child, it was I who so rudely with held who I was," his grandmother confessed as Minzy arose with her head still bowing forward. "I wanted to see what kind of young woman you really were." 

"And what do you think of her Grandmother," Seunghyun asked as he linked their fingers together. 

"I'd like to teach you the ways of herbs and the healing plants dear. I feel as though we will be great companions," Grandmother said with a hint of adoration. 

Minzy quickly shot her gaze up with a big smile, "I'd love that." 

"Great, we'll talk more on this some other time. For now I want my grandson to show you around. Also I need you to please tend to my grandson's healing wounds again. I heard you dressed them and I am eternally grateful that you saved his life," Grandmother said as she handed Minzy a few jars and herbs. "Place the medicine onto the healing wounds and then dress them with the herbs before he sleeps," Grandmother instructed as she embraced Minzy and kissed her forehead. 

"I will. Thank you Grandmother for the honor and blessing to learn from you," Minzy bowed again before she walked away with Seunghyun. "Your grandmother is amazing." 

"I'm glad you think so," Seunghyun said smugly. 

Scoffing at his reaction, she elbowed his side, "Have a little humility."

"What? I can't take pride in having an amazing Grandmother," he said as a matter of fact. 

"True," she agreed simply as they walked up a winding path. The quiet air was comfortable as Minzy enjoyed seeing the new views that surrounded them. The higher up they walked, the more curious Minzy grew. The path became more rough and had a higher incline. Pushing herself up the path, she was suddenly stopped in her tracks. 

"Wait," Seunghyun stopped. Gazing down at her confused face he grinned, "Do you trust me?" 

"Honestly...I'm not sure," she confessed with a giggle at his sour expression. "But if you were to ask me to trust you, I will." 

"Loyal to the end," he smiled with pride that had her matching his. "Close your eyes and don't open them until I say to." 

"Okay," she replied unsure what was about to happen as she closed her eyes. Standing in place, she was grateful to have him hold her hand and take the lead. Clutching onto the items Grandmother had given her earlier she wanted to keep the items intact to fulfill her task later on. Taking each step with a a leap of faith, she was grateful for Seunghyun's assistance. The walk started out slow, as she clutched tightly on his hand and tried to follow his lead. 

"I'm going to have to carry you for this part," he instructed before he easily scooped her in his arms. Leaning into his embrace, she listened quietly and could hear a soft trickle of water as if it was falling rain. Yet, she felt nothing. No rain, just the feel of Seunghyun's strong arms holding her. "I'm going to place you back on the ground. Keep your eyes closed," he said as he gently placed her on the ground and moved away from her. 

"Seunghyun," she called out nervous to no longer have him guiding her to where ever he was taking them. 

"Open your eyes," he called out to her from what sounded like a little ways. Opening her eyes, Minzy's mouth fell open as she stared out in disbelief. The scene was beautiful as she watched Seunghyun stand against the rock wall that had water falling from it and pooling below him and down a path. "It's my escape," he told her as he let his fall on him. "Come," he waved at her to join him. Reluctently placing the items she held onto a nearby rock, she stepped forward and accepted his hand. Letting him lead her under the cool water with him she let out a sigh of relief. Giggling at the cool running water that splashed against her body, she squealed as he splashed her with more water. Mimicking his actions, she scooped water in her palms and tossed it at him causing them both to laugh. Soon enough the splashes turned into some kind of water fight. A water fight that escalated as Seunghyun rushed up to her and tackled her down into the pool of water. This action had them both soaking wet and laughing whole heartedly. Paddling over to her, Seunghyun cornered her against the rock wall and stared deep into her eyes. The laughter subsided as he turned to lay his back against the cool wall next to her as they quietly stared at the beautiful nature scene before them. Taking advantage of the moment, Minzy sighed as she leaned her head onto his shoulder. Feeling the way Seunghyun had leaned into her, she gazed up and grinned as he brushed the stray hairs away from her face. His gentle touch had her grin spreading up into a grateful smile. He in turn flashed a dazzling smile.

"What are you smiling at," she chuckled.

"You," he simply said as he easily took her into his arms and sat her across his lap facing him. Keeping his hands at her small waist, he leaned his forehead upon hers, "Don't look at me like that unless you want me to take advantage of you." 

Gasping at his flirting words, she draped her arms over his broad shoulders and smirked, "What if I want you to take advantage of me?" Her words had him gasping as she leaned into him, pressing her chest against his strong one. "I could take advantage of you right here, right now," she whispered against his lips. 

"But you wouldn't," he countered as he moved her off of him. Standing on his feet, he extended his hand out to her with a stern look, "And I would never take advantage of my wife." Helping her out of the water, he frowned, "We should probably get going. We have other things to prepare for like meeting my siblings and friends."

Startled and a little put off at his abrupt actions, she didn't take his hand and instead helped herself up. Minzy couldn't figure out this man she had to call husband. He was playful and teasing in one moment, then cold and distant in another. Grabbing the items from Grandmother, she quietly followed behind him back to what she assumed was home. The walk felt more intense and awkward from when they first had ventured this path. It became so awkward, at least for her that she found herself stopping before the village came in sight. "Seunghyun," Minzy said as she stopped in her tracks. Hearing him hum, she knew she had brought him out of some deep thoughts he seemed to be going through, "Did I do something wrong?" 

"Why would you think that," he frowned. 

She shrugged as she felt the chill of the cool air, "I just feel like you can't make up your mind about me."

"What do you mean," he asked, but she could tell he was trying to play like he didn't know. 

Removing her hand from his grasp, she sighed, "I want to be loyal to you but if you shut me out it will be harder for me to do so." 

"So what are you saying? You no longer want to be loyal to me," he asked in offense. 

Shaking her head, she reached out to take his hand to watch him flinch away, "This is what I'm saying. You move away from me when I try to open up to you." 

Shaking his head, Seunghyun tried to walk away, but she couldn't just let him leave. She had let him leave her in the past when they were young, but now was different. She was sworn to be his and vice versa. If they were going to be life partners, she wanted their relationship to start off as open as possible. Chasing after him, she stood in his way and held her hand out to stop him. Watching as he stopped when she placed her hand onto his chest she stared him straight in the eyes. "Seughyun, don't you dare walk away from me. I am your wife now. You can't ask me to trust you, when you can't trust me in return."

He understood where she was coming from, but he found it hard to explain. Sighing, he shrugged, "I was taught to think and speak without emotion...I am a man of the North. My father and brother led a rebellion." His words had her nodding, confirming that she had known those things about him. "I had to swear my life to becoming someone I never imagined becoming, a protector of the peace treaty. It's been hard becoming a man before I was ready to do so. Taking the lead role in my family and pushing myself past my limits to be this protector. All of those things I had suffered and continue to suffer because that's the life the Gods have chosen for me." Minzy could hear the torment in his voice as if crying for help. "The hardships I face has become a part of me, something I've grown to know as a way of life. Then...then there's you." He sighed loudly as if a weight was about to be lifted off of his shoulders. "Through all the torture and misfortune there was you. You stayed the consistent person in my life. Though all the bad, you never changed. You've always been the same girl that stood up for me when no one would. It's one of the many things I admire about you." Touched by his words, she reached out to take his hand and see him flinch again, "Don't...don't do that." Afraid to have misread his intentions, he shook his head. "I told you that I've grown to know nothing but hardships and misfortune, right? Well when it comes to you it's like none of that matters. When you look at me or touch me I cannot help to be overwhelmed by many emotions that are childish. I can't think clearly when you're around me." He paused as he thought about what he should say next.

"What childish emotions do I make you feel," she softly asked.

He chuckled sadly as he continued, "You make me feel hope. Hope that you're still that best friend from the three strong hold that saved me so long ago from the group of punk kids. Then I see you as the young lady that saved me from becoming self centered. Surprising me with that mean attack, that I shouldn't under estimate my opponent, even if the opponent is female. And now...I see you as the young woman that has saved me of becoming my father and older brother dead in the the cold ground. So you see, I don't know how to treat you. Do I treat you like my best friend, the girl I had a crush on, or the young woman who deserves better than someone who is always in need of saving." Hanging his head in shame he frowned, "You're always saving me. Something I was also taught as the duty of a man to a woman a savior. But how can I save someone when they're too busy saving me," he confessed. 

Minzy felt touched that she affected him so deeply. She didn't know she could cause such torment in him with how high and mighty he always seemed to act. Moving towards him again, she reached out and took his flinching hand and intertwined their fingers. Bringing up their connecting hands, she kissed the back of his hand as she gazed up at him with a smile, "I promise your secret is safe with me. Don't ever be afraid to tell me how you really feel. No matter how clouded your mind feels, you can always depend on me to help clear your mind." Craddling their hand against her, she smiled, "Plus I don't mind saving you. You can be the protector of the peace treaty and I can be the protector of your heart. As your best friend. As your crush and most importantly as your woman." Biting the corner of her lip, she winked at him, "I will forever stay loyal to you Seunghyun." 

Seunghyun utilized his free hand to caress her cheek. Giving her a loving smile, he bent down and kissed the top of her forehead, "Thank you Minzy." Walking hand in hand, the two felt at peace with each other as they made their way into their home.

"I see the little bird was freed from its cage," the stranger from earlier that day reappeared blocking their path.

"Good evening sir..."

"Minzy do you know this man," Seunghyun asked in a panic as he clutched tightly onto her hand.

The rugged man chuckled as he shook his head, "We only met briefly Seunghyun. Relax, she has no idea who I am." 

"Why are you here? What is it that you want," Seunghyun asked through clenched teeth.

The rugged man's chuckle grew darker, "Is that the way you treat your uncle?" 

Seunghyun stepped forward, pulling Minzy behind him as if using his body as a shield, "You became dead to me when you let my parents and brother die." 

"They knew the risk they were taking in leading the rebellion. So don't try to put the blame on me boy," the rugged man growled. "If it bothers you so that I lived and they lived then take my life," the rugged man pulled out a blade and pushed it against Seunghyun's neck. "Take my life if you want. Take it," he roared as he picked Seunghyun up to slam him against a nearby tree trunk all the while keeping the blade at Seunghyun's neck. 

Minzy quickly scanned the rugged man's body and noticed another blade hanging on the side of his armour, bull rushing the pair. She snatched the blade from the rugged man's side and climbed onto his back to push the the blade against the rugged man's throat. "Let him go," she growled as she gazed over at Seunghyun struggling against the other blade that was being held against him. 

"I see this little bird is a fiesty one," the rugged man chuckled. "You picked a good one Seunghyun." 

Pressing the blade further into the stranger's throat, she could see the blood starting to trickle out, "I will not repeat myself." After a few moments of quiet struggling, Seunghyun was finally released. Watching as he moved out of the rugged man's grasp, she jumped off of the stranger's back and threw the blade into the tree a ways from them. "If you threaten my husband again, let there not be any misunderstanding I will kill you." 

"You're a different type of breed," the man smirked as he wiped at the blood from his neck. "I like you, welcome to the family." 

Shaking her head at such an odd welcoming, she held her hand out expectantly towards Seunghyun. Allowing him to guide her away, the two walked the rest of the way in silence until they entered their home. "Minzy do you have a death wish," Seunghyun asked.

"No," she frowned until she smelt the declious aroma.To their surprise, Grandmother had food prepared and brought over for them to feast upon for the night. "I wanted to keep my promise to you and save you. But I do wish to fill our bellies tonight," she smiled as she took a seat next to the glorious meal prepared for them.

Seunghyun took a seat reluctantly across from her, "Fine. Let us fill our bellies then." 

The pair ate to their heart's content and then some at least Seunghyun did. Minzy for still being a fat boy and joined in saying that she too would become fat with him. The two laughed the night away and enjoyed each other's company as they cleaned up afterward. 

After all that was said and done, Minzy turned to saunter off to the bedroom. "Good night Minzy," Seunghyun called after her as he took a seat next to the fire pit. 

"Are you not exhausted," Minzy asked as she turned and yond. 

Seunghyun chuckled when he too began to yon, "I am." 

"Then come to bed," she nodded. 

"You want me to come to bed with you," he eyed her suspiciously. 

She scoffed as she nodded, "Yes, there are two beds in our room after all." 

"You have a point," he nodded in understanding. "Only if you feel comfortable with it." 

"It's your room too. I would be a horrible wife if I let you sleep by the fire pit again when you've done no wrong," she shrugged.

He smiled as he made his way towards her, "And what of your father? Did he do a lot of wrong?" 

"He learned to love sleeping next to the fire pit," she joked making them both laugh as they turned to head towards the bedroom.

"Well I'm glad I'm in your good grace tonight. I do feel completely exhausted," he sighed as he jumped onto the smaller bed. Minzy laughed seeing his form fitting tightly in the bed. "Good night." 

"Why are you sleeping there? Try the other bed. It will probably feel more comfortable," she said as she nudged him. Rolling out of the bed, he hopped into the other bed and it seemed to fit better but it was still a little tight. Frowning, she didn't like to see him scrunched up. "Will you put the beds together?"

"What," he mumbled as he turned to look at her.

"Can you put the beds side by side? I would like more space," she said knowing he would probably protest if it were for his sake. 

"If you wanted to share a bed, you just have to ask," he teased as he moved the beds together. Plopping onto the bed, he spread himself in the middle with a victorious smile. 

"Move over, I have to tend to your healing wounds anyways" she shoved at his side before reaching over and grabbing the content and doing exactly what she was told. Ignoring Seunghyun's plea to let him do it, she placed the medicine followed by the dried herbs. Admiring her work, she cleaned up after herself and laid next to him. Snuggling into a comfortable position, she lay looking out at the night sky. The sky looked beautiful with the full moon and twinkling stars lighting it softly. She was grateful they were able to clear the air today.

"Minzy," Seunghyun breathed as he turned to face her back side. "Are you awake?"

"Yeah," she sighed as she turned to face him. He looked very handsome with the way the moon light radiated off his form. 

"Do you still love Seungri," he asked with concern. 

Thinking on his words, she honestly hadn't thought about Seungri until now. Ever since she had left with Seunghyun she hadn't once wondered about him. "Will you tell me why you fought for me?" 

"I told you I would," he smirked. "Did you think I was lying?" 

She shrugged as she nestled her hands under her head, "Honestly I thought you did it in spite of me. Like I was some kind of sick joke to you." 

"I never hated you," he chuckled at the thought. 

She grunted as she thought back to most of their interactions, "I know that now. But back then, it felt like you hated me." 

"I'm sorry if you ever felt that way, because I never hated you. I honestly wanted to see you and Seungri first thing when I came back to my studies. But what was I to say? I was ashamed and embarassed of all the problems my family had caused. I didn't want everyone judging both you and Seungri as well when you guys had nothing to do with what my family chose to do," he confessed. "It didn't help that when I did see you guys together it felt like my presence wasn't missed. That it was never the three and only just you two. Not to mention the way you were always gawking at him. Oh Seungri," he said in a high pitch tone as if to mock her crush on Seungri. 

She giggled as she thought about it, Seungri seemed to be at the center of all of their arguements. "Are you saying that you were jealous of me spending time with Seungri? Did you forget he was your best friend too?" 

"Yeah I know he was my friend too, but as smart as he was he was sure dumb not to see how much you liked him," he scoffed. "I couldn't understand why he didn't see it and how amazing you were. Then I found myself wondering why I didn't see just how amazing you could be for me," he grinned. "My friends tried to convince me other wise, but I didn't listen. I put my money where my mouth was and boy did I get a surprise when you almost broke my hand and had me choking to death. It was in that moment I knew I would fight just as hard for you when the time came." Laughing at his crazy thoughts, he frowned, "But even if I planned to fight for your hand, Seungri was still in the picture. When your father vouched for Seungri, it was hard to swallow. I knew that it would be hard for you to leave him and your home behind." 

She laughed as she sat up staring at him, "Does it seem like I'm having a hard time being here?" 

"No, but I'm not sure if you're just trying to keep your promise to me or if you have other motives," he shrugged. 

"I am a little offended and a little confused at why you are thinking this? Am I doing something that is concerning to you," she asked. 

He huffed out in frustration as he sat up next to her, "Yes and no. It's hard to explain." 

Taking his hand in hers, she intertwined their fingers and couldn't help but notice how comfortable it was starting to feel to do this with him. "Just try," she encouraged him. 

"You say you can't figure me out. Well I most certainly can't seem to figure you out. I trust that you will keep your word and all. It's the thoughts of seeing how broken up you seemed when Seungri didn't choose you and just seeing how you always acted around him in general I just...I just don't know if I could ever amount to him. I won't ever get that broken look or have you act the way you do when you're around him. But then you do and say things that go beyond keeping your promise to me that have me thinking that you're planning on breaking it." 

"What am I doing or saying to make you doubt my loyalty," she pressed him further, if she was going to be spending her life with him she wanted to make sure there were no misunderstandings. 

"When you hold my hand," he started as he pulled away from her grasp. "Are you trying to get me to confess my sins to you?"

She laughed at his notion and held her hands up, "Sorry continue." 

"What's so funny," he frowned in seriousness.

Shaking her head, she nodded for him to continue, "What else?" 

Sighing he continued to list off his concerns, "When you try to seduce me it's quite convincing, that I lose all common sense."

"Okay now that's funny," she burst into laughter. "I have not been trying to seduce you." 

He scoffed in disbelief, "Yes you have. It's like you're trying to tempt me when I know you don't really want me. I know you want Seungri and it kills me to think that I can't amount to him in your eyes." 

All humor seemed to fly out the window as his words stung with venom. They sounded bitter and cold to the touch as she thought on his words. "Well I can tell you that you're right in the sense that you will never amount to Seungri..." Her words had him pushing himself off of the bed. But she was quick to drape herself onto his back side to stop him. "Wait..." Feeling him relax in her grasp, she held her arms around his shoulders and leaned upon him for support in fear that he would leave before she could further explain. "You will never amount to Seungri because you will never be Seungri. You are Seunghyun. You are in a league of your own. Though I can admit that I don't know you as well as I did Seungri since you left back when we were children. But I want to get to know you. I want to know you for you and compare you to anyone else." She paused as she thought on the ritual, "Honestly it hurt that I wasn't picked by Seungri, but it wasn't as embarassing as it was to be the last one left and it felt as though you got me as a joke..." 

"But I won you fair and square," he turned in her grasp to look at her. 

"But I didn't know that until later when my father tried to console me," she confessed with a small smile. "Hearing how you fought for my honor and in turn spared Seungri along with my father's life was nothing short of a miracle. You didn't have to, but you did." Cupping his face in her small hands, she stared with gratitude. "Not only have you spared my loved ones, you've shown me more respect and loyalty than expected." 

Placing his hands onto hers, he couldn't help but smile at her with the way she was staring back at him, "A woman is to be respected and cherished, especially the woman who you're meant to be spending the rest of your life with." 

Minzy didn't know what had come over her as she moved to press her lips against his. Boldly, taking his soft lips against her very own, she kissed him in the moment of heated passion. Pulling away enough to whisper against his warm lips a soft thank you. In return, she felt him crash his lips against his. His kiss was hard and passionate as his fingers ran the length of her body. The trail of his finger tips had set her body on fire as she hummed subconsciously in approval. Falling back into the comfort of the bed, she liked the way he hovered over her in a possesive manner. Ghosting her hands along his chest, she could see the fire burning deep in his eyes too. Those golden specks in his eyes were melting her against him "Seunghyun?"

"Minzy," he gaze softened at the mention of her name as if asking for permission. Smiling, she bit the corner of her lip and yanked him down to have his lips crash against hers once more. Kissing him with a newly found passion, she was thrilled to be starting this journey with her childhood best friend, annoying teenaged enemy, and now loyal partner for life. 

Awaking at the first rays of light, Minzy blushed as she wrapped the blanket against her body and gazed over at her sleeping husband. They had sealed their promise last night and it was nothing short of amazing. Biting down on her lower lip, she gazed over to his and thought just how soft they felt against her. Moving against him, she gently pressed her lips against his. Kissing his lips, until she felt his moving against hers. "Good morning," he mumbled in between their sweet kisses. 

"Morning," she giggled as she peppered kisses down onto his jawline. 

"I could get used to waking up like this," he mumbled as he pulled her into his strong embrace. 

Gazing up at him, Minzy couldn't agree more. "Seunghyun. Seunghyun," a voice boomed. The pair stopped to gaze in the direction of where Seunghyun was being called. Scrambling to their feet, the pair were surprised to be met with Seunghyun's uncle standing with a group of men. "Good morning little bird. Sorry to wake you from your beauty sleep," his uncle and the group laughed. 

"What do you want," Seunghyun cut in as he stood tall, taking Minzy's hand in his. 

His uncle spread his arms and smirked, "I've come to free the little bird from its cage and to take back what's mine." Minzy gazed over to Seunghyun unsure of what the uncle meant. "Seunghyun didn't tell you little bird? He is supposed to be our fierce leader here in the North. Leading us in truth and light, while banishing some of us to the outlands." 

"You all are traitors! Undeserving of what the North has to offer. Now leave at once or your sentence will be worse than what I granted you," Seunghyun said unflinching. 

"Why don't you make us," his uncle mocked. 

"Go," Seunghyun replied.

But his uncle stayed his ground, "No, I want that little bird of yours as well." 

Minzy clenched her fists as she walked up to Seunghyun's uncle. Seeing how he towered over her, she stood just as fierce. Sizing him up, she could sense Seunghyun following behind. "What did you say," she growled through clenched teeth.

"I told you she was different," Seunghyun's uncle called over his shoulder causing the other men the laugh and nod. 

"My husband told you all to leave," she gazed over at the crowd of men before looking back at the uncle. 

The uncle looked at her with a dark expression as he leaned down towards her, "I told you I want..." Minzy reached for both blades on either sides of him and sliced at his inner thighs and criss-crossing them to slice deep through the uncle's neck. 

All the men stepped back in confusion that a young woman would be so vicious, it was so foreign and unheard of. Letting the uncle fall to the ground, clutching his neck as he bled out, she turned her focus back at the other men with bloodied blades in hand. "Now, my husband has granted you all nothing but kindness. Please accept his once in a life time offer." Not knowing how to respond, the men looked at each other before taking their leave. Seunghyun gently took the blades from her hands and tossed them away. Gazing down at her he frowned. "What," she pouted at him.

"I should be upset with you. But that was really hot. I'm proud that you're my wife," he shook his head as he brought her hands up and kissed them. Giggling at his odd confession, she intertwined their hands and leaned up to press her lips against his. It was a nice feeling to belong to him she thought. Gazing into his eyes, they had her melting against him. She was loyal to him and excited to embark a new with him. "Now who is the one doing the killing," he breathed against her lips. His teasing had her groaning as she stayed pecking at his lips. 

"I'm just trying to learn your way of living," she said as she pulled away just enough to look him in the eyes. 

Lifting her by the waist, she easily wrapped her legs around his waist and smiled, "The North looks good on you, my Northern woman." 

Smiling brightly at him, she leaned her forehead against his as she let her fingers lock loosely behind his neck, "Whatever you say leader of the North." 

He sighed deeply as he rolled his eyes, "Sorry I didn't tell you. I just...they awarded me that when I got back and I'm not sure I want it..."

Cupping his face in her small hands to hush him, she grinned, "It's a great honor. That means the people trust you to lead them down the right path. So don't be afraid and take courage. Keep the faith..." 

"And all will be made right," he replied as he nodded. 

All that the leaders and elders had hoped for came forth after Seunghyun came into power in the North. Seunghyun's leadership took the islands by a storm, as he shared his vision of unity and peace with everyone he came in contact with. Seunghyun expressed that his vision was inspired by his lovely wife Minzy, who took stride in his vision to lead the women of the islands.The two had become legends in their time as they became the prime examples of keeping the faith and all will be made right.

Author's Notes:

Welp that's all folks! I took a little longer to post this one because I kept altering this chapter. Endings just get me sometimes, ya know? Anywho, thank you all for your lovely encouraging comments and taking the time out to read my fic. Hope yall have a good day! Happy July!