kwanisms

[kwanisms]

*nervous laughter*

my drafts keep growing…

[kwanisms]

Hunt for the Library 01 — p.seonghwa

Seonghwa never wanted to leave the comfort of the city but his fiancée was adamant about this excursion. She wanted to find the famed Library of Illusion. He should have convinced her to forget it. He had a bad feeling about the expedition but nothing could have prepared him for what they would end up finding deep in the forests of the Carpathian Mountains. businessman!Seonghwa × heiress!Reader 

«« previous || library of illusion m.list || taglist || next »» ❑ WORDCOUNT — 29.9k (total: 55810. don't ask. idk anymore) ❑ WARNINGS — adult dialogue, female reader, historical period setting (think Victorian era but make it fantasy), sexual content (18+ mdni) mentions of: food & alcohol consumption, major & minor character deaths (heed this warning, I’m serious. This part is pretty dark), medical issues, prescription drug use, animal attack, blood, viscera, etc., religious practices; see smut warnings under the cut! ❑ CONTENT — angst, slight fluff, smut; fantasy, horror, supernatural, biblical & demonic themes, historical setting, established relationship; non idol au, Victorian au, demon au, vampire au ❑ NOTES — I said I was going to write a backstory for Hongjoong AND Seonghwa, so here’s the latter's! This goes into what MC discovered in the Restricted Section after reading about the priests. Just like Hongjoong’s, this is kind of lengthy so it's been split into two parts. Do not ignore the warnings in this, they are there for a reason. Thank you so much for reading and as always, this is a work of fiction and all characters are not reflective of their respective irl counterparts. for entertainment purposes only. 

MINORS WILL BE BLACKLISTED & BLOCKED. AGELESS BLOGS WILL BE BLOCKED. 

❑ SMUT WARNINGS  — scene 1: unprotected sex (don’t do), grinding, slight dirty talk, fingering (f receiving), oral (f receiving), piv sex, finger sucking, use of pet names (hers: sweetheart, my love, blossom, my petal/petal, etc.; his: Hwa, baby, etc.), and that should be all here! — scene 2: oral (f receiving), fingering (f receiving), handjob (m receiving), dirty talk, use of pet names (darling, Blossom), and that is all there is in this scene. — scene 3: mild stripping (lol), unprotected sex (wrap it), oral (m receiving, f receiving), mild face fucking (f receiving), deepthroating, fingering (f receiving), piv sex, first time penetration, dirty talk, cum inside, use of pet names (hers: Blossom, sweetheart, baby, petal, darling, love, princess; his: Hwa, baby), and that’s all here!

Train stations had never been one of Seonghwa’s favorite places to visit. They were busy, loud, and often filthy but he knew they were necessary for long distance travel. He would just have to get over the shrill blasting of the train whistles and the whine of the steam engines as he followed you towards the first class compartments. 

He glanced behind him at his valet, Alfred, before looking ahead to where you were walking with your own lady’s maid, Charlotte. The station around him was crowded, save for the small gap between the edge of the platform and the throngs of people waiting to board and go through inspection.

“It’s this one right here, sir,” Alfred said, gesturing to the compartment as he came to a stop. 

Seonghwa looked up as the door opened, he gestured for you to go before him, waiting patiently as you and Charlotte climbed the steps up to the compartment. Seonghwa followed, Alfred following as they boarded the train.

The train was starting to fill up as you led the way to your assigned rooms. They weren’t too far back in the compartment. You checked the tickets once more, looking up at the room numbers before stopping to turn and look back at Seonghwa.

“It’s this one,” you said softly as Charlotte opened one of the doors and you peered inside. Alfred squeezed past Seonghwa to help Charlotte with the few smaller bags brought onto the train. The larger luggage had already been hauled on board while you and Seonghwa went through inspection. You sat down by the window, looking out onto the platform as Seonghwa sat across from you.

Once the bags had been properly stowed away, Charlotte leant down, whispering something to you Seonghwa couldn’t hear. You shook your head, waving your hand simply. “Would you like me to get you anything, sir?” Seonghwa glanced up before shaking his head no.

He turned to look at you, taking in your focused expression. The door shut with a soft click as Charlotte took her seat beside you. Alfred, no doubt, went to find the facilities so when the time came, he wouldn’t have to ask or check. Seonghwa watched as Charlotte fidgeted in her seat, looking around the compartment at everything except him or you for that matter.

Seonghwa glanced at you again, noticing the way you watched the people outside the window with intense scrutiny. He wondered what was going on in that head of yours, attempting to hide a smile and failing. He cleared his throat, turning to Charlotte. “Could you get Y/N something to drink?” he asked kindly.

Thankful for something to do, Charlotte nodded and jumped up, opening the door before disappearing past the window as the door shut with another soft click. You let out a sigh as Seonghwa turned back to face you.

“What is it?” he asked, now that you were alone. You turned to look at him, a look of shock as you realized you were now alone in the compartment together. “Where did—”

“Facilities and tea,” Seonghwa answered simply. “What were you looking at?” he asked, turning to look out the window. You shook your head, settling back in your seat as you laced your fingers together, placing your hands on your lap.

Seonghwa smiled as he watched you, studying your movements. “What’s wrong?” he asked, brow furrowing when he noticed your slightly worried expression. You looked up, your look of concern fading instantly. “Nothing,” you answered. “Nothing’s wrong.”

Seonghwa leaned forward, taking your hands and pulling them apart. “We don’t have to do this,” he reminded you. “We can just go back, get married, and then start our lives. We don’t have to go through with this,” he added. You smiled, giving his hands a gentle squeeze.

“I know,” you replied. “But it’s going to be fun!” you added, a wave of excitement coursing through you. It was infectious. Your excitement for adventure and thirst for knowledge. It was one of your many qualities Seonghwa found extremely endearing.

But despite the excitement that seemed to roll off you at the prospect of adventure and exploration, there was a lurking feeling of dread inside him. He wanted so many times to call off this trip. To let the tickets go to waste. He’d tried in vain to get you to reconsider. He’d even suggested you take the train ride but stay in the city rather than go on this backpacking adventure.

The trip had been a gift from your father and had been announced at your engagement party.

[The sound of a fork tapping against a glass rang out over the dinner table, the tinkling sound drawing the attention of everyone in attendance as your father stood, at one end of the table. 

“I’d like to start by thanking everyone for coming to this special celebration,” he started, holding his champagne glass as more were filled around the table. “My darling daughter,” he continued, smiling down at where you sat in the middle of the table across from Seonghwa. “Is getting married.”

Applause rang out around the table as the guests cooed and awed, making you smile bashfully.

“To a fine, young gentleman who I have no doubts will make her happy,” your father continued. “Seonghwa, who comes from a wonderful family, is an upstanding man who has made a name for himself not only in the business circle but also in matters of the heart. Y/N has made it clear she is head over heels in love with you and I couldn’t be happier that my daughter has made such a perfect match.”

He raised his glass as the rest of the guests picked up theirs. “To Y/N and Seonghwa, we wish you every happiness!” your father cheered. 

“To Y/N and Seonghwa!”

After dinner, the party started, the live quartet your father had hired playing in the corner of the room on a raised platform as couples took to the floor to dance. You refrained from dancing, instead talking with your father’s guests, showing off the ring, and talking about wedding preparations.

Seonghwa on the other hand had few conversations and kept them short as he walked around the ballroom opposite you, keeping his eyes on his soon-to-be bride as he walked around. He nodded politely, thanking guests when they congratulated him but his goal was not to be ensnared in meaningless conversation but instead to ensnare you.

As your paths crossed, he stepped in front of you, blocking your path as the first dance ended. Wordlessly, he held out his hand for you to take, raising an eyebrow as a lopsided grin spread. You couldn’t help the smile that spread across your face as you placed your hand in his palm and allowed him to guide you to the dance floor.

“Having fun?” he asked softly as you moved about. “Not nearly as much as my parents are,” you replied, peering over his shoulder where your parents were telling a very animated story though you couldn’t be certain of the subject.

“Are you?” you asked, looking back at him. Seonghwa grimaced. “To tell you the truth,” he started. “I’ve never really enjoyed parties like this. The dancing, the music, the people,” he continued, spinning you. “It’s never really appealed to me.”

You smiled up at him. “One of the many things I admire about you,” you said softly. “You don’t like being in the spotlight.” Seonghwa chuckled. “No,” he shook his head. “I really don’t. You don’t mind it, though,” he added. You shrugged. “I don’t mind it, seeing as I’m the only girl in my family, I tend to get a lot of attention.”

Seonghwa smiled as he pulled you slightly closer. “If you want to throw parties after we’re married,” he started. “I won’t mind. But please do not expect me to attend for longer than necessary.” You shook your head. “I would much rather go out to a party than host one,” you explained. “That way when we’re tired, we can just leave.”

Seonghwa let out a laugh, startling a few of the nearby guests. “I would much rather spend time at home with you anyway,” you said softly. Seonghwa’s eyes met yours and you felt your cheeks start to grow warm before looking away. You felt his knuckle under your chin, tilting your head back to look at him. “Don’t hide,” he said softly. “Always look at me.”

The song ended and the crowd applauded. Through it all, Seonghwa could see your father making his way over to the two of you. “I have a surprise for you,” he said in a low tone. “Come,” he added, gesturing. You kept a tight hold on Seonghwa, linking your arms with his as you followed your father out of the ballroom and through the house to the study.

Once inside and the door was shut, your father turned, beaming at the two of you. “Wow,” he exclaimed. “You do really make a handsome pair,” he said. “You said you had something for us?” you asked, which Seonghwa was thankful for. “I do!” your father said, clapping his hands together and moving to his desk.

You watched as he opened one of the drawers and pulled out a large green envelope. He undid the fastener and pulled out a sheet as he walked around the desk to stand before you again. He held out the sheet of paper which Seonghwa hesitantly took.

Reading over it, Seonghwa was confused so he handed the page to you, allowing you to read it. “The Library of Illusion Expedition?” you said softly, reading the title at the top before you looked up at your father. “They’ve found it?” you asked, your voice quivering.

Your father nodded. “There’s an expedition that’s said to have discovered the location of it and I know how much you loved the tales and lore as a child. I’ve managed to secure a team to take the two of you deep into the Carpathian Mountains of Romania to visit the location,” he said with a smile.

Seonghwa could feel your excitement rolling off you but deep in his gut, all he could feel was uncertainty, dread, fear. He couldn’t place why exactly, but going on this trip felt like it might be the end of something. He didn’t want to go but he knew how much this meant to you.

“What’s the itinerary?” he asked, keeping his voice calm and even.

“You depart next Tuesday from Charing Cross and take a train to Dover. From there, a ferry will take you to Calais where you will catch a train to Paris and board the Orient Express,” he explained. Your eyes lit up as you looked up from the paper. “The Orient Express?” you asked before looking at Seonghwa. “The Orient Express?!”

Your father nodded, smiling. “The very one. It takes a little over three days to travel from Paris to Istanbul on the train but you will be exiting the train before that. You’ll meet the expedition team in Paris on Tuesday night and depart on the Orient Express the following morning.”

“This is the trip of a lifetime,” you said, rushing to your father to hug him. “Thank you so much, Papa!” You turned to look at Seonghwa, positively beaming at him. “Isn’t this exciting?” you asked. Seonghwa knew he couldn’t break your spirit in front of your father and would have to just talk to you in private about it. He forced a smile. “It is,” he said with a nod.

“Indeed, a trip of a lifetime.”]

Seonghwa looked out the window as the train started to roll. He pulled his watch out to check the time. ‘Seven am,’ he thought as he read the time before closing the cap over the face and returning the watch to his pocket. “Right on time,” he whispered.

The train pulled out of the station, gaining momentum and speed as Charlotte fixed your tea before offering some to Seonghwa who declined. He wasn’t in the mood for tea. As the day wore on, Seonghwa spent the time going over some of the current deals for his business. He was in the market to expand and looking over options.

You had started to occupy the time with reading. Seonghwa glanced at the cover and read the title. “The Picture of Dorian Gray?” he asked, causing you to look up. You nodded slowly. “What sort of book is it?” he asked as Alfred put away the portfolio for the last company.

“It’s… philosophical,” you said, hesitating. “Oh?” Seonghwa asked as Alfred opened another portfolio, placing it on the tray in front of him. “What’s it about?” he asked, glancing down but still listening as you spoke. 

“It’s about a man named Dorian Gray. His friend, who is a painter and is infatuated with Dorian’s beauty, paints a portrait of him. When the main character realizes beauty will fade in time, he wants to sell his soul to stay young and attractive forever,” you replied.

Seonghwa glanced up at the book before looking at you. “Is he a vampire?” he jokingly asked. You shook your head, chuckling. “No,” you replied. “He sells his soul to… something,” you say. “Instead of aging, the portrait ages.”

Seonghwa stared at you for a moment. “Is it good?” he asked, noticing you were about three quarters of the way into the book. You nodded, looking down at the pages. “It’s really good,” you answered. “Who’s the author?” Seonghwa asked.

He looked up to find you watching him with a curious look. “What?” he asked. “If it’s a good read, I’d like to have a copy picked up when we return.” You smiled and shut the book before handing it over. “I’ve read it already,” you said as you leaned forward. “Multiple times.”

Seonghwa hesitantly took the book from you, inspecting the cover. “Thank you,” he said as you settled back into your seat while Charlotte perused through your bag. “I think there’s one of those Sherlock Holmes books in here,” she said softly. “It’s alright, Lottie,” you said, patting her arm.

“I’ll just watch the scenery.”

The train ride to Dover was long but by nearly ten in the morning, the train pulled into the station. Seonghwa had finished going over the portfolios, having separated the prospects from the ones he definitely didn’t want. There was a short ride from the station to the ferry and as soon as you arrived and went through inspection, you were allowed to board the boat, your luggage being stowed and you were shown to a private room.

Seonghwa had started the novel, reading the first few pages and being immediately drawn in. There was more to the story than you had previously let on. The ride by ferry only took a few hours and soon, you were disembarking, getting into yet another carriage. Seonghwa’s attention was focused entirely on the book, reading it and absorbing the contents as you sat across from him while Charlotte and Alfred made sure your luggage was accounted for and secured. You gently nudged his shoe with your foot.

Seonghwa looked up from the book as you looked at him before holding out your hand. Uncertain what you were silently asking for, Seonghwa took your hand anyway and let out a chuckle as you pulled him forward, sitting up and leaning in. “We’re in public,” he said softly as you reached up, cupping his cheek. “I don’t really care,” you whispered before leaning in, pressing your lips to his.

Before Seonghwa could fully appreciate the gesture, you pulled away as footsteps announced the arrival of Charlotte and Alfred at the carriage door. They both climbed in and the carriage set off as you settled back in your seat, Seonghwa in his.

The carriage arrived in no time at the Calais train station and per the itinerary, you boarded the train bound for Paris. You chose to sit next to Seonghwa this time, ignoring the raised brow look of Alfred as he took a seat beside Charlotte who sat opposite you beside the window with a knowing smile on her face.

You chose to sit next to Seonghwa so you could lean against him, finding comfort in the warmth emanating from his body as he silently read your book, eyes scanning the page before turning to the next one. It was quiet in the compartment until a conductor came by to announce that a late lunch was being served.

Seonghwa looked at you and you nodded, prompting him to mark his place in the novel and shut it. “I think we’ll join,” he said simply. Charlotte and Alfred accompanied the both of you to the dining car, taking one of the tables in the back corner. You sat across from Seonghwa, next to the window. You liked watching the scenery change as you got closer and closer to Paris.

For lunch, there were a few options. You chose something light, knowing you would get dinner in Paris. As you waited for your meals, you glanced at Seonghwa. “How do you like the novel?” you asked, trying to keep the conversation light as well.

“You were right,” he said, turning his head to look at you after having stared out the window for so long. “It’s very good.” You nodded understandingly, picking up the wine glass in front of you. “What do you think of the main character?”

Seonghwa watched as you took a sip before realizing you were waiting for an answer. “Of Dorian?” he asked. He lowered his eyes to his own glass. “I think he’s… lost.” You looked up at him, watching his fingers drum lightly on the table as he seemed lost in thought.

“He’s seemed to have lost himself to this ideal of beauty, doing things that no one should do and he’s doing them simply because he can,” he continued. You let out a hum as you mulled over his words. “That’s one way of looking at it, I suppose,” you answered. Seonghwa let out a light laugh as he looked up to meet your gaze. “How would you describe him?” he asked.

You leaned forward, resting your chin on your hands, lacing your fingers together. “He’s depraved for sure but I think that depravity comes from somewhere deep within him,” you said softly. “Like he was always depraved, he just decided to let it all out since nothing would happen to him anyway.”

Seonghwa nodded as he processed your words. “Would you do it?” he asked suddenly, making you look up at him. “If you could sell your soul and anything that happened to you happened to a portrait of you, would you do the same thing he did? Go absolutely mad?”

You laughed heartily at his question before shaking your head. “No,” you answered. “I would make better use of my time,” you added. “I might pursue more academic or scientific endeavors. I wouldn’t visit opium dens, or take part in such debauchery.”

Seonghwa watched as you turned, eyes lighting up as your meals arrived at the table at long last. He thanked the server as they set his plate down before him before looking at you, catching your gaze. “I would. Only if a little,” he said with a smirk.

Your eyes widened but you were unable to inquire further as you immediately dug into your lunch.

After finishing the delicious meal, you returned to the compartment and sat between your fiance and the window while he read some more from the book. Alfred was reading from a small book , Charlotte working on an embroidery piece when you felt the urge to use the restroom. You sat up, prompting Seonghwa to look up from the book.

“I need to use the facilities,” you announced softly. Charlotte made to get up but you dismissed her with a wave and polite smile. “I won’t be long,” you added as you opened the door, stepping out into the hall and shutting it again.

You headed down the hall, passing door after door, some with the shades up and some with them down as you made your way to the back of the train car. You were thankful the women’s stall was empty and immediately stepped in, closing and locking the door before starting to gather your skirts.

It wasn’t extremely difficult normally to do this on your own but in such a small confined space, it was definitely proving to be much more difficult. You somehow managed and flushed the toilet before moving to wash your hands. Once cleaned and dry, you moved to open the door and ran into a man as you tried to exit.

“Oh!” you said, stumbling backwards. He gave you a warm smile but the gesture did not reach his eyes; eyes that were now starting to travel, roaming up and down your figure. “I am so sorry,” you said breathlessly. “My apologies.”

You tried to side step him but he blocked your path. “A young lady like you should not be running about, unattended,” he said. His words sounded concerned but his tone was anything other than that. You swallowed thickly. “I’m not unattended,” you replied. “I was just using the facilities. My attendants are in my compartment.”

You tried once more to move past but instead of stepping in front of you, you felt him grab your upper arm very tightly, causing you to wince and let out a small gasp of pain. “Unhand me,” you said, attempting to pull away but he was much stronger.

“Do you have any idea how easy it would be to drag you into an empty compartment?” he asked, his voice dangerously low as he leaned in to whisper in your ear. “I could cover your mouth, lock the door, and shut the shades and no one would be any wiser.” You opened your mouth to respond but a voice cut through.

“If you do not take your hand off my fiancee right now, I’ll show you how easy it would be to kick you from the back of a moving train.”

The man holding your arm turned and you felt relief wash over you at the sight of Seonghwa standing in the hallway behind the man. “We’re talking here,” the man started. Seonghwa took a single step forward. “Did you not hear me?” he asked, tilting his head slowly. “I said take your hand off my fiancee.”

The man looked down at you and pulled his hand back as if he’d been burned. You took that opportunity to stomp on his toes, hard, as you pushed past him and immediately grabbed Seonghwa’s arm. You tried to turn him and lead him away but instead he stared at the man until he finally slunk away.

You looked up at Seonghwa as he blinked and then looked down at you, his expression softened. “Are you alright?” he asked, taking your chin in his hand and checking to make sure you had no marks. “I’m alright,” you answered. “That was something,” you added, looking to the empty hall and back. “It was nothing,” Seonghwa answered as you started back down the hall to your compartment. “On the contrary,” you said as you stopped, turning to look at him.

“It was extremely attractive. You’re so… seductive when you’re mad.”

The rest of the train ride passed without incident and soon, the train was pulling into the station in Paris. You disembarked, following Charlotte to the carriage with Seonghwa in tow while Alfred made sure your luggage was collected promptly.

After securing all the bags, the carriage took you to a nearby hotel where you would be staying the night before boarding the Orient Express in the morning. You checked into the hotel and were shown to a large suite with two rooms where you could change before dinner.

At the hotel, on the ground floor, was a restaurant where you would be dining. The atmosphere was cozy but chic with small round tables covered in white table cloths. This was the first time you would be dining with Seonghwa without either of your attendants and it suddenly felt much more… intimate.

The maitre d’ was a tall, well dressed man who smiled as he spoke in French and showed you to your table. You thanked him as Seonghwa moved to pull out your chair for you, leaving both you and the maitre d’ speechless. Once Seonghwa sat down, he wasted no time in ordering a bottle of wine, something sweet because he knew your pallet by this point.

Afterwards, the server came to explain the specials and the menu. There were quite a few options to choose from but you ended up choosing the chicken entree while Seonghwa opted for the lamb. You both picked an appetizer to share and the server was gone, leaving you alone.

“This is the first time we’ve been out in public without our valets,” Seonghwa said as he lifted his glass of wine, swirling it gently. You hummed in response, staring at him, watching as he took a sip of the wine. “How is it?” you asked. He smiled as he looked at you. “Delicious,” he answered, setting the glass down. “Very sweet.”

You picked up your own glass and took a sip, savoring the sweetness. There was a tart bite to it as well that you equally enjoyed. “And when we leave the inn in the village outside Sinaia, we’ll be on our own as well,” you reminded him. Seonghwa looked up at you, a darkness to his eyes you’d never seen before.

Well, not never, but very rarely.

“How will we survive?” he joked, breaking the tension.

Your conversation continued, chatting about a few different things. Seonghwa was almost finished with the first half of the book so you continued to ask him about his thoughts until your food arrived.

Everything on your plates was made to perfection, seasoned perfectly and beyond your expectations. As dinner wound down, Alfred arrived. The bill was paid and Seonghwa helped you up as his valet walked over.

“You’re meant to meet the rest of the expedition team, sir,” Alfred said under his breath. Seonghwa nodded. “Where are they?” Seonghwa asked. “At the pub across the street,” Alfred replied. You glanced between them as Seonghwa frowned. “Very well. Could you please escort Y/N back to the room and —”

“No,” you said firmly. “I’m part of this expedition, I want to meet the people my father hired.” Seonghwa gave you a look, brows raised before he conceded. “As you wish,” he said, gesturing for Alfred to lead the way.

Stopping to grab your coats, you followed the two men to the hotel lobby door and out onto the busy street. Crossing the street proved to be much more difficult than you had expected but you managed to make it, pulling your coat tighter around you as Alfred opened the door to what you assumed was the pub.

Seonghwa carefully guided you in, keeping you close as you entered. Alfred took the lead, heading towards the bar. It wasn’t at all what you were picturing. You had expected it to be loud, full of rowdy drunk people and while it was loud, it was mainly due to the quartet playing on a small stage where a very beautiful woman in a red dress was singing.

You turned away as Seonghwa took your arm, guiding you to where a group of men were sitting. “Alfred!” one of the men shouted, clearly excited to see Seonghwa’s valet. “Come to join us for a round?” Alfred offered a polite smile before he declined. 

“I’ve come to introduce Mr. Park,” he said, gesturing to Seonghwa. “And Miss Y/L/N.” One of the other men snorted as he raised his glass to drink his beer. “Who cares?” he said, receiving a smack to the back of the head from the man who had spoken first. He coughed as he choked on his beer, earning a laugh from another man. 

“Ahh pay him no mind, ma’am,” the man who smacked the other. “Charley doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut.” You forced a smile. “Especially when he sees a pretty woman,” a sultry voice from beside you said. You turned in time to see the woman who had been on stage walking past you as she joined the group.

Alfred cleared his throat before speaking. “Miss Y/L/N’s father is the one funding this expedition,” he explained. A murmur went around the table with Charley apologizing.

“So,” you started. “What are your names?”

The man who had hit Charley upside the back of the head sat up. He was a younger bright-eyed fellow. “Thom,” he said immediately. “The name’s Thom. This is Charlie,” he pointed to Charley who nodded his head. “Everett, Enoch, and Adelaide,” he continued, pointing to each person until he got to the woman who had been singing. 

“You can call me Della,” she said as two more women appeared with trays of shots and set them down. “This is Sophronia,” Thom said, gesturing at the blonde who lightly hit his shoulder. “I told you I hate being called that!” she whined before looking up ato give you a smile. “Sophie is just fine,” she added. 

“And I’m Euphemia,” the other woman, one with short brown curls said. “Effie is fine,” she added with a smile. “Y/N,” you replied in an attempt to introduce yourself. “Oh you have such a pretty name!” Della squealed as she sat next to Thom. “Thank you,” you said, cheeks growing warm.

“And who is this tall, handsome man?” Della asked, walking around you to Seonghwa, and leaning against the table to fix him with a very seductive smile. “Mr. Park—” Alfred started, only for Seonghwa to interrupt. “Seonghwa Park,” he answered. “Y/N is my fiancee,” he added, which made Della perk up.

“My apologies,” she said, moving back around to sit next to an Asian man sitting on the end. “And this,” Everett started, pointing at the man. “Is our ninja, Hiro.”

The man made a move to hit him but just laughed it off. “Hiro Tadasaki,” he said, standing up and bowing. Seonghwa returned the bow. “Konbanwa,” you said, also bowing. Hiro looked surprised but pleasantly so as he sat back down. “Join us,” Effie said excitedly. 

You smiled apologetically. “I’m afraid I must decline,” you said softly. “I don’t really drink. Just wine with dinner and champagne on special occasions.” Effie nodded in understanding as the guys grabbed for the shots. 

“Moderation is good,” Della said as she picked up her glass. “Not that any of these idiots would understand,” she added, making you laugh and sending a wink your way as she sipped her cocktail.

“I’ll stay,” Seonghwa said suddenly, taking you and the table by surprise. He turned to Alfred. “Please escort Y/N back to the suite,” Seonghwa said as he removed his coat, hanging off the back of one of the chairs. You glanced at Alfred before gently taking his hand.

“Are you sure about this? I don’t think I could sleep knowing you aren’t in the next room.” Seonghwa gave you a reassuring smile. “I won’t stay long. I just need to relay some information and then I’ll be back to the hotel room. I promise.”

You nodded as he took a seat and Alfred held out his hand, gesturing towards the exit. You allowed him to lead you back outside, across the street and into the hotel. The lift ride up to the third floor was uneventful and soon you were approaching the door to the suite.

“I shall return to Master Park,” Alfred said as you opened the door. “I will see to it that he leaves at an appropriate time,” he added. You gave him a small relieved smile. “Thank you Alfred,” you said softly.

He turned and walked back to the elevator as you shut the door and walked into the room where Charlotte was working on her embroidery. “Miss?” she said as she stood up. “Could I get some tea, Lottie?” you asked to which she nodded and moved the door as you sat down.

Some time passed and she returned, shutting the door and walking over. “Would you like to get out of your dinner dress?” she asked, prompting you to look up at her. “Oh, yes,” you said, getting to your feet and walking into the room you would be sharing with Charlotte for the night. 

She helped you out of your dress and put on your nightgown. You pulled on your dressing gown and headed back out into the living area of the suite to wait for the tea to arrive. It did so only several minutes later and Charlotte prepared it for you.

“It’s bedtime, Miss,” Charlotte announced in a soft voice, taking your empty cup that had been in your hand. “I think I’m going to stay up until they return,” you said, stifling a yawn. Charlotte nodded, giving you a small curtsy. “May I be excused to go to bed?” You nodded silently, resting your head in your hand as Charlotte bid you goodnight.

You had no idea how much time passed or when you fell asleep but you woke to the sound of the door being fiddled with and then the sound of someone attempting to unlock the door. You stood up carefully as the door opened and Seonghwa came in, half carrying Alfred.

“Oh my goodness,” you said as you started forward. Seonghwa shut the door with a laugh before guiding Alfred over to the couch and letting the man plop down, a laugh escaping him as well.

You looked down at Alfred and up at your fiance as he removed his coat and crossed the room to hang it up. “Are you drunk?” you asked, narrowing your eyes. Seonghwa turned to look at you. “Drunk?” he repeated.

“No,” he added as he walked over. “No, no, no.” He stopped to look down at Alfred. “But I think he is,” he added, attempting to stifle his laughter as he rounded the couch, taking your hand. “And I am only slightly drunk. Tipsy, I think is what they called it,” he continued, bringing your hand up to his face, pressing a kiss to the back. 

“You look pretty,” he said, holding your arm out and taking a step back to look you over with a look of adoration. “I’m in my dressing gown,” you said with a laugh as he made you spin before pulling you closer, his hands moving towards your waist.

“Dressing gown?” he said with a scoff. “That won’t do.” He leaned in, pressing a kiss to your cheek. “How are you going to sleep in that?” he asked, his hands sliding to your hips. “How are you going to sleep in any of this?” he whispered, fingers toying with the silky material of your gowns.

“Should just sleep naked,” he continued. You giggled as he kissed your neck. “Seonghwa,” you whispered, glancing over to where Alfred lay on the couch. “Anyone could see,” you added. He pulled back to look at you, taking your face in his hands.

“Then let’s change the scenery,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to your lips. Your hands moved to his chest, feeling him through the material as he parted your lips with his, his tongue slipping into your mouth. It wasn’t like Seonghwa had never kissed you like this before.

It just wasn’t a regular occurrence. You whimpered into the kiss as his hands slid down to your neck, one continuing down your back to pull you against him. “Seonghwa,” you whispered as he broke the kiss, leaving a trail of them down the other side of your neck.

“Hmm?” he hummed as his kisses continued further still. “Shouldn’t we leave this until the wedding night?” you whispered, voice shaking. He pulled back to look up at you. “If that’s what you want,” he started, caressing your cheek gently. “Then of course.”

“But,” he continued. “We could always just take this to my room.” You felt excitement and fear bubble in your stomach. On one hand, you wanted to do just that but on the other, you felt like it was wrong. You’d been told all your life that premarital sex was wrong and sex should only be between a husband and wife.

“I think we should take a step back,” you whispered. Seonghwa sighed but smiled at you all the same. “Of course, sweetheart,” he said, taking your face in his hands once more and kissing the tip of your nose before kissing you on the lips. “I’ll let Alfred sleep it off out here,” he added as he walked you to your door. 

“I’ll see you in the morning,” he said, leaning against the door frame as you opened the door and turned to him. “Goodnight, Seonghwa,” you said softly. He cupped your cheek, leaning in to kiss you. “Goodnight, petal,” he said softly. He stepped backwards before turning to walk back to his room.

“Hwa?” you called out as he reached the middle of the room and turned to look at you. “I love you,” you said softly. A smile spread across his face. “I love you too, Blossom.”

The following morning, you awoke when Charlotte gently shook you, telling you breakfast was going to be delivered to the room. She moved to open the curtains, letting light into the room as you sat up, stretching and yawning.

“Is Seonghwa awake?” you asked as Charlotte came to your side of the bed and set a pair of house slippers on the floor for you to put on. “Mr. Park got up early,” she told you. “He went for a jog and came back to shower. He’s sitting in the common area, reading over the itinerary.”

You inhaled deeply before letting out a sigh and rolling your neck before pulling back the covers and scooting to the edge of the mattress. “He was up awfully early for someone who was half drunk last night,” you murmured. Charlotte looked up as she slid one of the slippers onto your feet.

“Drunk?” she asked. You looked down as she grabbed the second slipper. “I was sitting in the common room after you left. I must have dozed off but I heard the door open and Seonghwa came in with Alfred who was particularly…” you trailed off, wondering if you should continue your train of thought.

“Sloshed?” Charlotte asked, raising a brow. Your lips spread into a smirk before you forced it away. “Very,” you answered. Charlotte held back a smile as she finished and stood, moving to your trunk and opening it as you stood, grabbing your dressing gown.

“Which one would you like to wear today, ma’am?” Charlotte asked, looking up as you approached. “I think the black skirt with the white blouse,” you answered. “With the black and gold belt.” Charlotte smiled and started to pull out the articles of clothing you mentioned. 

“Would you like the matching coat, miss?” You nodded as you moved to the vanity, watching Charlotte set the clothes aside in the reflection of the oval mirror before walking over to where you sat. “Could you do light makeup today, please,” you said as you looked at her through the reflection. “We’re traveling all day today and I really don’t want to overdo it.” Charlotte gave you a smile and nodded as she opened the small cosmetic bag and got to work.

Once finishing your makeup and hair, Charlotte helped you into your blouse and skirt before helping you put on your boots over your stockings. She grabbed your jacket and handed it to you before moving to pack away your things as you headed out into the common area where Seonghwa was standing by the window, using the natural light to read over a sheet of paper. He looked up as you entered, smiling at you.

“Good morning,” you said as you walked over to sit at the table, making sure to drape your jacket over the back of your seat. Seonghwa folded the paper and tucked it back into an envelope, handing it to Alfred and asking him to put it back in his luggage for safekeeping. You thanked the kitchen staff as they set a plate on the table before you and moved to pour tea into your cup.

“Morning, blossom,” Seonghwa said as he moved around the table, leaning down to press a kiss to your cheek before moving to take his seat. “How did you sleep?” he asked, settling into his chair as the server finished pouring your tea. She moved to pour some for Seonghwa but he dismissed her politely, asking instead for coffee.

“I slept alright,” you answered as you picked up the small ceramic creamer and poured a small amount of cream into your tea before picking up the spoon in the sugar dish and added it to your tea as well, stirring it with your own tea spoon. You looked up at Seonghwa and noticed that despite his late night revelry, he looked well rested.

“I should be asking you that,” you continued, drawing his attention. “Hmm?” he hummed, as he picked up the newspaper brought with breakfast. “Why is that?” he asked.You took a sip of your tea as the server finished setting Seonghwa’s plate before him. “You came in so late last night,” you noted as you set your tea down and grabbed your knife, dipping the tip into the butter spread.

Seonghwa let out a soft chuckle as he looked back down at the paper. “It wasn’t that late,” he replied. “But I went straight to bed after you,” he continued. “Slept very well, in fact.” He glanced up at you. “Until Alfredo woke me,” he added as his valet returned to the room, carrying Seonghwa’s coat. He set the coat down and walked over to the table. “I will fetch the bellhop and have your luggage taken down to the carriages,” he announced.

You looked up from spreading jam on your croissant before looking at Seonghwa. “Carriages? As in more than one?” you asked. Seonghwa looked up at you before turning to Alfred. “Thank you, Alfred,” he said before turning back to you. Alfred walked to the door, following the service cart out and leaving you and your fiance alone.

“For whatever reason,” Seonghwa started as he folded the paper and set it down. “We’re taking two carriages to the Gare de l’Est,” he continued, picking up his coffee and taking a sip before making a face and setting it back down. “Would you pass me the cream? I don’t know why I always expect the coffee to taste anything but bitter,” he added as you nodded, picking up the creamer and moving it closer.

“Why are we taking two carriages?” you wondered aloud. “We took one from the train to the ferry and then from the ferry to the train in Calais.” Seonghwa shook his head as he poured some of the white cream into his cup before picking up a teaspoon and stirring it. “I don’t know why,” he explained. “But the hotel service sent for two. Perhaps it is because we aren’t married yet.” You settled back in your seat, picking at your food.

“I suppose,” you murmured. Seonghwa took another sip of coffee after stirring in some sugar to go with the cream. “Besides,” he said as he set the cup down and glanced up at you. “I don’t think I could sit in such close, confined quarters with you and keep my hands to myself.”

Your eyes widened as you quickly turned to make sure Charlotte was still in your room, behind closed doors packing your things before turning back to Seonghwa. “Keep your voice down!” you whispered, trying to fight the smile that wanted to overtake your face. Seonghwa gave you a smirk as he started into his own breakfast.

“You can’t fault me for having these urges,” he said softly. “Not when you look so enticing every day.” Your cheeks grew warm as you looked down at your food, avoiding his gaze. “Look at me,” he said softly. You looked up at him, cheeks burning even more as you met his gaze. “I mean it when I say that once we are married, I have no intention of keeping separate rooms,” he continued.

“That’s not proper,” you whispered. Seonghwa tilted his head with a confident smile. “I don’t care what’s proper,” he added. “When we’re married, you’ll be my wife and I your husband. Unless you absolutely want to, we’re not sleeping in separate beds. My parents never slept in separate beds,” he stated. “Rules be damned, I’m sleeping with my wife.” You let out a giggle, cutting it short as the door behind you opened and Charlotte appeared.

“I’ve packed your things, Miss,” she said in a soft voice. “Thank you, Lottie,” you said, keeping your eyes on your fiance as he stared at you. Seonghwa held your gaze until the door to the hall opened and Alfred returned with two bellhops. “All the luggage from both bedrooms,” Alfred instructed. “Are Miss Y/L/N’s things packed?” he asked Charlotte who nodded enthusiastically.

“Take them down to the carriages waiting outside, please,” Alfred added as the bellhops nodded and headed into the two bedrooms. You continued eating as they carried the items out of the rooms and from the suite. Seonghwa had resumed reading the paper and you busied yourself with your croissant and tea.

Once the rooms had been cleared and breakfast consumed, the service cart returned to clear the table while Charlotte helped you into your coat while Seonghwa finished reading, thanking the service attendant and stood up, taking his coat from Alfred and pulling it on himself. You walked towards the door, Charlotte in tow and exited only after Seonghwa gestured for you to.

The hall was alive with activity as patrons were checking out of their rooms, luggage piled onto carts to be taken down to the lobby. You stood beside Seonghwa as you waited for one of the lifts which arrived promptly. Once inside, you stood quietly as the lift lowered down, stopping at the lobby to let you out.

The grand lobby was also buzzing with chatter and a frenzy of staff zoomed around as patrons checked out and some lounged around, no doubt waiting for carriages to take them to their destinations. Outside the hotel was a much different atmosphere than it had been the night before. The street was lit by the rising sun, light hitting the cobblestone roads at an angle.

Two black carriages, pulled by beautiful black stallions, stood waiting for you to board. Seonghwa stopped by the first one as the footman opened the door. “Your carriage,” Seonghwa said with an amused smile on his face, making you want to roll your eyes. You took the hand he offered and stepped up onto the carriage step and inside.

Charlotte followed, also assisted by your fiance. You leaned into the window after the door shut. “I wish you didn’t have to ride separately,” you said softly, making him smile. “I’ll see you at the station,” he replied, giving you a wink before he turned and made his way to the second carriage. You sat back in your seat across from Charlotte with a huff.

Amused by your small fit, Charlotte leaned forward, patting your hand. “Soon you’ll be married and it won’t matter anymore,” she said softly. You gave her a small smile, nodding, before you looked out the window. After a few moments, the carriage lurched forward, the sound of hooves clopping against the cobblestone rang out as you were on your way.

The ride to the Gare de l’Est station wasn’t long, thankfully, and soon you were pulling up to the entrance. The carriage door opened and you climbed out, thanking the footman who helped you down as men immediately started to unload your luggage. 

Seonghwa joined you as you looked up at the station while Afred instructed the attendants on where to put the luggage. Your eyes traveled over the stone facade of the building, admiring the architecture and details. “Shall we?” you heard Seonghwa ask from beside you, taking your attention away from the building. Nodding, you took the arm he offered and walked forward into the station.

You were prompt and on time to go through inspection and check-in. Once through, you were directed to a place to wait for the boarding process to begin. You took a seat at a small bistro table, Seonghwa sitting across from you while Charlotte sat next to you and Alfred went to oversee the luggage and make sure it made it to the correct rooms.

“There he is!” a voice called, making you look up to see the team you had met yesterday walking towards your table. Seonghwa smiled, standing up as you watched him interact with the group. Thom turned to look at you, giving you a small bow of the head. “Miss,” he greeted you. “Your fiance can certainly hold his own when it comes to shots,” he said, pointing at Seonghwa who tried to dismiss his compliments.

You forced a polite smile at the man before glancing at Seonghwa. You looked away as he caught your eye and busied yourself with the small menu on the table while the group chatted with your fiance. You tuned out what they were saying as you stared intently at the menu but not really reading it. You just wanted something to look at.

“Are you alright, miss?” Charlotte asked, placing a hand on your shoulder, a hint of concern in her voice. “Yes, Lottie,” you said a little more forcefully than you intended. You placed your hand over hers in a silent apology. “I’m fine,” you added.

“Blossom?” Seonghwa’s voice asked as he took a seat beside you. “Everything alright?” You nodded, not looking up as the group continued to chatter amongst each other. “We’re going to get a couple drinks at the bar,” Charley announced, making Seonghwa look up. “Care to join us?” Seonghwa glanced back at you but you didn’t look up to meet his gaze.

You half expected him to accept but when he declined, citing maybe on the train, you felt both a bit surprised but also extremely relieved. Charley followed the group and you let out a sigh. Seonghwa asked Charlotte to go ask for something for you to drink and once you were alone, Seonghwa tilted your head back to look at him.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked, eyes searching your face. “We don’t have to do this,” he reminded you once more. “We can turn around and go back home.” You shook your head. “I want to do this,” you replied. “I want to go on this trip.” Seonghwa studied your face for a moment before conceding. “As you wish,” he said softly, dropping his hand as Charlotte returned with a glass of water.

Time ticked by as you waited. About ten minutes before you were due to start boarding, Alfred returned, a look of frustration on his face. “We have a problem,” he said in a low voice meant only for Seonghwa to hear but you heard it, too. “A problem?” you asked, looking up. Seonghwa told you to wait a moment as he got up and walked with Alfred, who led him over to a short, official looking man with a conductor’s coat and hat.

The three of them spoke quickly in a hushed tone but you were too far from them to pick up on what they were saying, even if they spoke in normal voices. Seonghwa looked positively furious at what the conductor was saying and after a few back and forths with the man, Seonghwa conceded and returned with Alfred.

You looked at him as he sat back down, muttering under his breath. “What’s wrong?” you asked, glancing from him to Alfred and back. “There’s been a mix up with the rooms on the train,” Alfred explained. “They’ve mistakenly assumed you were a married couple and given away one of the rooms to a contessa.”

You stared in disbelief at him. “What?” you asked softly. “I am terribly sorry,” Alfred said, bowing his head. “This is outrageous,” Seonghwa said, clearly upset with the situation. You placed a hand over his. “It’s going to be alright,” you said softly. “You and Charlotte still have your bunks, correct?” you asked, looking up at Alfredo who nodded.

“Of course,” he replied. We are next door to one another,” Alfred answered. You turned to Seonghwa. “Unless someone doesn’t show up, we’ll just have to grin and bear it,” you said reassuringly. “It’s going to be fine. What’s the worst that can happen?”

Half an hour later, you were escorted to the train and once on board, Charlotte and Alfred were shown to their rooms while you and your fiance were shown to your private room by one of the conductors. You thanked him as Seonghwa looked around the room. “Will you be requiring anything?” the conductor asked Seonghwa who didn’t answer. You turned and smiled.

“No, thank you,” you replied. The conductor nodded and headed back down the hall, shutting the door in the process. “See?” you said softly. “It’s not so bad. We’re going to be married soon anyway, so what does it matter?” you asked, moving to turn Seonghwa to face you.

“It matters because I don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” he said softly. “Last night we —” 

He was interrupted by a knock and reluctantly turned to face the door. “Come in,” he said in a calm tone despite the panicked voice he’d just had when speaking to you. The food opened and Alfred peered in. “Is everything to your liking?” he asked. Seonghwa nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “If you could just give us a moment?” Alfred nodded, stepping out and shutting the door.

“We’ll discuss this later,” he said softly, stopping only when you gently grabbed his hand and pulled him back towards you. “We will be fine,” you reminded him. “I know what almost happened last night and we’ll just have to exercise restraint,” you said softly, cupping his cheek. “I know we can do that.”

Seonghwa nodded wordlessly, his expression a mix between frustration and solemnity. You leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. “We’ll be fine,” you repeated.

The rest of the train filled up quickly and as the conductor said, it was a full train. You had opted to stay in your compartment while Seonghwa went to speak to Alfred about your schedules while on board the train. You had retrieved one of your books from your luggage and were in the process of reading when Seonghwa returned, closing the door and taking a seat beside you on the couch.

You could tell he was upset about something, marking the page you were on and setting the book on the table between your end of the couch and the small partition between the couch and the bedroom area. “What’s wrong?” you asked, turning to look at him. Seonghwa glanced at you, arms crossed over his chest and looking every bit of a sullen child.

“It’s nothing,” he said, turning to stare out the window across from where you both sat. After a moment of silence, you sighed, reaching over and grabbing his arm. You tugged gently, trying to pull him closer. Seonghwa looked at you, giving you a look of confusion before you gestured for him to lay down. He hesitated before finally giving in, lying on his back, resting his head on your lap.

“If you don’t want to talk about it, I won’t ask,” you said in a gentle tone, running your fingers through his soft hair as you spoke. “But I want you to forget about it or at the very least put it at the back of your mind and just be here, in this moment.” Seonghwa stared up at you as you combed through his hair. He conceded, shutting his eyes and letting out a sigh.

You sat like that in silence for a while before he finally spoke.

“I’m sorry,” he finally said quietly. “For what?” you asked, continuing to stroke his hair, looking down at him with a deep fondness in your heart. Your fondness for him had only grown since he first opened up to you when he was courting you after you had turned him down out of fear.

It was true in the beginning that you had been very apprehensive about Seonghwa. He’d pursued you with a tenacity that scared you initially. You feared he was only interested in you for your looks and social standing but you learned that while his physical attraction to you was true, he’d heard about your interests and your hobbies and wanted to know more.

He proved himself to be interested in getting to know your mind and heart and that had been the final push you needed to accept his attempts to court you. Your parents had always wanted you to make a good match but they also wanted you to be happy with your choice. They were never going to force you to marry a man you didn’t or couldn’t love.

“For all of this,��� he said, waving his hand around the cabin. Your brows knitted together. “It’s not your fault,” you reminded him, smoothing his hair down. “The staff just assumed we were married already. It’s really not a problem. It’ll just help us prepare for sharing a bed when we are married.” Seonghwa’s eyes opened and he looked up at you.

“I suppose you’re right,” he said as he looked up at you with the same fondness you felt in your chest. “Since I don’t plan on keeping separate beds once we’re married,” he added as he sat up and turned to face you. “I suppose we can use this trip to help us prepare for married life.” You nodded, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek. Instead of letting you pull away, Seonghwa pulled you back in for a kiss.

He let out a groan of frustration when there was a knock on the door. “What is it?” he asked loudly as you fought the urge to smile at his annoyance. The door opened and one of the conductors looked into the room. “Lunch is being served, sir,” he announced. “Thank you,” Seonghwa said, dismissing the conductor and turning back to you. “Would you like to join the dining car or would you prefer to take lunch in your private cabin?”

Seonghwa gave you a look before turning. “In here would be best,” he answered. “Then please look over the menu and make a decision. I will send a server to come get your orders soon.” The conductor shut the door and left you and your fiance alone once more. Seonghwa got up from the couch and grabbed the small menu that sat on the table.

You watched as his eyes narrowed as he read over it. “Anything good?” you asked as he read the options to himself. He stared a little longer before handing it to you. You took it from him, reading over the menu. “Some chicken and beef options and… fish?” you said, sounding mildly surprised. You looked up at him. “On a train?” you asked before chuckling.

Seonghwa snorted. “I don’t know if I would trust the fish,” he added. You chuckled to yourself as you read the menu once more. “Let’s just order something simple for lunch and then for dinner, we can always get something more—”

“Complex?” Seonghwa asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Precisely,” you said, looking up at him. “You choose,” Seonghwa said as he took his seat beside you with a sigh. “I’m not particular.”

You ended up choosing a salad, the beef bourguignon with boiled potatoes, and small chocolate mousse cups for dessert. After ordering, you resumed your book while waiting, Seonghwa resumed laying on the couch with his head resting in your lap as you read quietly.

“What are you reading?” he finally asked. “Sherlock Holmes,” you answered as you turned the page. “Which one?” You glanced down at him. “A Study in Scarlet,” you answered, looking back up at the page. “Haven’t you read that one?” Seonghwa asked, watching your face as you read. “Mhmm,” you hummed. “Many times,” you added.

“Would you read some to me?” he asked, making you look away from the page again. “You want me to read to you?” you asked, feeling slightly amused at the idea of reading to your soon-to-be husband. “Yes, please,” he replied, shutting his eyes as he rested. You took a deep breath and looked back up to the page. “Very well,” you answered.

“‘I  had neither kith nor kin in England, and was therefore as free as air—or as free as an income of eleven shillings and sixpence a day will permit a man to be,’” you read from the page. “‘Under such circumstances, I naturally gravitated to London, that great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers of the Empire are irresistibly drained.”

You continued to read the opening of Watson’s account of his first interaction with the Detective until there was a knock at the door, indicating the food had arrived. You marked the page and shut it as Seonghwa sighed and sat up. “Will we always continue to be interrupted?” he asked softly as he ran his fingers through his hair before getting up and answering the door.

Lunch had arrived and as you took your seat, you were grateful for the small reprieve. Seonghwa sat across from you as the staff set the table and served the dishes. You thanked them, picking up your salad fork and digging in, feeling particularly ravenous. It had been a while since your early breakfast. Seonghwa took amusement at your eagerness to consume your food.

“Hungry?” he asked, his voice mirroring his expression. “Very,” you replied. “Aren’t you?” Seonghwa looked up from the table, giving you a look you recognized. It was one he’d given you twice before: once when you’d shown up to a social party wearing a very figure flattering green dress and again last night when he returned to the suite slightly intoxicated. You could guess what that expression meant.

“Oh I am,” he replied before looking back down at his food. “But not entirely for beef bourguignon.”

Your cheeks burned as you turned your attention back to your food, finishing your salad so you could get the main portion of your meal. Seonghwa had fallen silent as he ate so you felt the need to fill the silence. “Would you like me to resume reading after lunch?” You noticed the smile that appeared on his face before he looked up and looked at you with that same look as before.

“If it pleases you to do so,” he said softly. “Then it pleases me.”

The statement was so simple and yet so much was said with those few words. Seonghwa had never once put his own pleasure or wants before yours. He only proceeded with the proposal after he had discussed it and marriage in length with you. He wanted to make sure that whatever you both did, that you were the happiest. He had often said he would give up everything for you though you saw no need for him to go to such lengths. All you wanted in life was your books and him.

That’s all you needed.

When lunch concluded and the table cleared, Seonghwa was about to return to the couch but instead, you removed your shoes and moved to the bed, settling over the covers against the pillows and patted the bed beside you. He hesitated only for a moment before joining you, removing his shoes before crawling onto the bed and settling down against the pillows beside you.

You resumed reading, reading the entirety of chapters one through four before glancing over at Seonghwa, finding him fast asleep. With a smile, you marked the page and shut the book softly before setting it on the bedside table and turning to face your fiance only to find he had woken up.

“Why’d you stop?” he asked softly. You reached out, brushing his hair out of his eyes. “I thought you were asleep,” you replied. “No,” he said, clearing his throat. “Just had my eyes closed.” You smiled and scooted closer, pressing a kiss to his lips. “If you’re tired, you should sleep.” Seonghwa grumbled. “I’m not tired.”

You giggled as his arms encircled you, pulling you against him as he rested his head against your chest. “But maybe a nap wouldn’t be such a bad idea.” You laughed again as he nuzzled against you. “Or maybe you could wake me up?” he asked, looking up at you. “How would I do that?” you asked, letting out a squeak as he rolled you onto your back, hovering over you.

His hips slotted between your thighs, pressing your skirt against you as he looked down at your face, studying it carefully. “S-Seonghwa,” you whispered, cheeks burning under his heated gaze. He leaned in, lips inches from yours as he stared into your eyes. “Do you want me to stop?” he whispered.

You shook your head, staring back up at him with wide and curious but excited eyes. Seonghwa closed the distance, pressing his lips to yours. The moment he kissed you, a moan sounded from the back of your throat. Seonghwa swallowed it eagerly, rolling his hips and pressing into you.

Your hands moved to his shoulders and he pulled back to look at you. “Are you alright?” he asked softly. You nodded. “I’m fine,” you said, voice shaking. “This is just new to me.” Seonghwa’s expression softened. “I know we’re meant to wait until we’re married,” he started, leaning down to kiss you softly, leaving a trail of light kisses across your cheek until his lips were next to your ear.

“But I really want to undress you and take you right here.”

Your stomach fluttered, the feeling of butterflies erupting tickling you at his admission. It was the same feeling you got when he kissed you for the very first time or when he got down on one knee and proposed to you right after the two of you had gotten caught in the rain. 

You had been on a walk and it was a dreary day but you still hadn’t expected the skies to open and rain to come pouring down. Alfred and Charlotte had been following behind and when the rain started, they took shelter while you and Seonghwa had taken shelter further down under a small overhang. Laughter escaped the two of you as you stood staring at one another, completely drenched.

Seonghwa had pulled you in, kissing you and not caring who saw before he told you that he loved you and got down on one knee to propose. It was completely impromptu. He didn’t even have the ring on him. Instead there had been an entire dinner planned where he was going to ask you in front of all your family and friends but instead, he did it right there. You, of course, had said yes without hesitation.

The same feeling you had then in your stomach had you giving into him as he kissed your neck, one of his hands sliding down the outside of your thigh to grab the hem of your skirt and start dragging it up. You let out a gasp as you felt his fingers against your skin. “If you want me to stop,” he whispered against your skin. “Just tell me,” he added. “And I will.”

You shook your head, grabbing his hand and guiding it up your thigh. “Don’t stop touching me,” you whispered, fingers curling into his dark locks. “I want you—”

A series of knocks at the door made Seonghwa sit up, a look of pure anger on his face. “I am getting really sick of this,” he grumbled as he got off the bed and walked over to the door while you sat up, pulling your skirt down. He pulled open the door, about to tell off whoever had knocked when he noticed Charlotte standing there with a small case in her hands.

“Apologies Mr. Park,” she said softly. “But I need to give Miss Y/N her medication.” Seonghwa sighed and stood back as you moved to the foot of the bed. Charlotte came in, an apologetic look on her face. “I’m real sorry, Miss,” she started as she moved to where you sat. “It’s quite alright, Lottie,” you replied. “You have instructions. I know.”

Lottie set the case down and moved to pour a glass of water before returning to you. “And when I’m not around, one of you is going to have to remember to do this,” she added as you nodded. “How does your head feel?” Charlotte asked as Seonghwa moved to watch her. She was right. One of the two of you was going to have to remember to do this for future reference. “It’s not too bad,” you said softly. “At this point, it’s preemptive.” Charlotte frowned as she opened a small pouch in the case and pulled out a little white pill. 

“The doctor’s orders were clear,” Charlotte said as she handed the pill to you, holding the glass of water. “Once a day and one more if the headache persists.” You nodded as you put the pill on your tongue and took the glass from her, gulping down enough to swallow the pill whole. You made a gagging noise as you handed the water back. “I hate taking pills.” Charlotte pushed the water back. “Drink all of it. And if the headache comes back, send for me,” she added, turning her head to look at Seonghwa.

As she packed up the case, Seonghwa stopped her. “You can leave it,” he said. “Just in case it comes while you’re asleep. We can handle it ourselves.” Charlotte looked from him to you and back. “It’s fine, Lottie,” you said as you finished your water. “Just leave the case here.”

Charlotte nodded and headed for the door, thanking Seonghwa when he opened it. Once it was shut, Seonghwa turned to look at you as you got up, setting your water glass on the table. He walked over, one arm encircling your back as he reached up to cup your cheek. “Will we ever have an uninterrupted moment?” he muttered as his thumb moved, brushing over your bottom lip. 

“If things keep going the way they have been,” you started, voice barely above a whisper. “Then I fear the answer is a resounding no.” Seonghwa sighed, leaning in as his hand slid down to the side of your neck. Before he could press his lips against yours, there was yet another knock at the door. He fought the urge to groan. As he tried turning away, you stopped him, pulling him back to you. 

“Don’t,” you said softly. “Just ignore it.” He chuckled, pressing a short kiss to your lips. The small intimate gesture left you wanting more as he pulled back. “It could be important,” he said softly. “It could also just be Alfred or Charlotte bothering us,” you retorted, making him laugh softly. “It could also be the wait staff coming to ask if we will be joining the rest of the train for dinner,” he countered.

“Would you say that constitutes an emergency?” you asked, one of your hands sliding down his chest, skimming over his stomach. Just as your fingertips reached the waistband of his pants, he grabbed your wrist and another series of knocks rang out, followed by the familiar voice of Alfred. Seonghwa pressed a kiss to your forehead before letting go of your hand and turning to answer the door.

“Sorry to disrupt sir,” Alfred started. “But the staff have asked if you and Miss Y/L/N will be joining the dining car for dinner or if you will be dining in your car instead.” Seonghwa turned to look back at you for a brief moment before he turned back to Alfred. “You can tell them we will join the dining car,” he answered. Your stomach sank slightly in disappointment. “Would you kindly send for Charlotte?” Seonghwa asked. “She can help Y/N dress for dinner.”

You moved towards the bed and sat on the edge as Seonghwa shut the door and turned to face you. “I was hoping you might tell him that we wanted to dine in here,” you said softly as he approached you, a tone of disappointment in your voice. He knelt in front of you, smiling up at you. “We’ll go play society for a couple hours and then come back here tonight and it’ll just be us,” he explained as he took your hand, thumb playing with the ring on your finger.

“Just a couple hours out in public and then we can come back here and you can have me all to yourself,” he added. “Besides,” he said standing up as there was another knock on the door, presumably Charlotte, come to help you dress. “We should probably get to know the rest of the expedition crew before we’re meant to spend days on end with just them in the forest.”

You forced a smile as he let go of your hand and walked to open the door for Charlotte before he turned to look at you. “Yeah,” you said with a heavy sigh, feeling a sense of dread in the pit of your stomach for the night to come, knowing it probably wasn’t going to end as well as your fiance predicted.

Dinner was a much more grand affair than lunch had been. There were bottles of wine, being opened left and right, an array of appetizers being served and the main courses were simply mouthwatering. You had selected a dish with duck that was served with a porcini mushroom risotto. Everything you ate was delicious. 

Your table consisted of you, Seonghwa, Alfred, and Charlotte. Once the meal had been finished, Thom had invited Alfred and Seonghwa to join them for drinks and despite your hopes that Seonghwa would not agree, he did and you sat with Charlotte, poking at your dessert, a small ramekin of creme brulee. 

Charlotte watched your mood sour and darken as time passed and when one of the servers came by a fourth time to ask if you were finished with your dessert, she took the initiative and had them clear the table and take away the dessert before you stabbed your fork through the ceramic.

“Would you like some coffee, miss?” Charlotte asked softly, her voice barely audible over the raucous laughter coming from several tables down. You could see the members of the crew were laughing at something someone said and while what you were sure they said was quite humorous indeed, the sight of your fiance sitting with them left a bad taste in your mouth and without the creme brulee to combat it, you were ready to return to your suite.

“No, Lottie,” you answered, setting your fork down at last and turning your gaze away from the scene as you forced a smile. “I think I’m ready to retire for the evening.” Charlotte glanced over to the table before looking back at you. “Are you sure you don’t want to let Mr. Park know—” You waved your hand, dismissing her question before she even finished it.

“I’m sure he’ll find his way back to our room at some point in the night at which point, I will most certainly be asleep,” you answered, grabbing the white cloth napkin that rested atop your lap and threw it down onto the table as Charlotte stood up, helping you up as well. Without sparing a second glance, you turned away from the crew and your fiance and started to walk back towards the passenger compartments, Charlotte on your heel.

Unbeknownst to you, Seonghwa noticed the movement out of the corner of his eye and turned to see you and Charlotte getting up and walking out the back of the dining compartment but his attention was quickly diverted back to the conversation at hand.

“What about you, Al?” Charley asked, taking a large swig of his drink and looking at Alfred. “Surely, you’ve seen combat. Probably even killed a few men.” Seonghwa glanced at his valet who shook his head. “I’m not at liberty to say, I’m afraid,” he said as he fought the urge to smirk. The table erupted into laughter again as more alcohol was poured into shot glasses.

“And what about you?” Everett asked, catching Seonghwa’s attention. “Combat?” Seonghwa asked. He shook his head. “No,” he answered. “I’ve never been in war,” he added. Charley snorted. “Why would you even ask that, Ev?” he asked. “This fairy has probably never even thrown a punch in his life.” Seonghwa felt a slight burn of anger. He picked up the glass before him, downing the alcohol in one go.

“If you really feel that way, let’s prove your theory,” Seonghwa snapped, drawing the attention of everyone seated at the tables. Alfred’s humorous demeanor shifted instantly as his valet role kicked in. “I don’t think that is wise, Master Park,” he said in a low tone. Seonghwa stood up, removing his jacket and draping it over the back of his chair. “Nonsense, Alfred,” Seonghwa answered as he undid the cuffs of his sleeves and started to roll them back.

Charley looked around at the rest of the group, both dumbfounded and perhaps even a little put off by Seonghwa’s sudden surge of confidence. “I… But—” Charley stammered as he looked around for help. Seonghwa waited for the man to move. “Shall I take this as a sign of your capitulation?” he asked. Charley looked up at him. “What?” he asked, looking bewildered.

Seonghwa sighed. “Are you yielding before we even start?” Charley stood up quickly before stumbling into Everett who caught him. “Oi, don’t do it Charley. You’re fuckin’ knackered. Just apologize to the man before he knocks you out.” Charley protested as he ripped his own jacket off and threw it down, looking up to face Seonghwa. Alfred got to his feet but Seonghwa held up a hand to stop him.

“This is between Charley and I,” Seonghwa said as he stood before the very drunk man. While Everett was trying to make Charley back down, the others were encouraging him to step up to the challenge. “Clearly Everett is the only one with sense,” Seonghwa said to himself as he raised his hands up in an open position. Charley shook Everett off who sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, annoyed with his friend’s behavior. “No cry when I bruise that pretty face,” Charley said as he raised his fists.

Seonghwa smirked as he waited for Charley to strike. “I’ll be a gentleman and offer to replace any teeth I knock out,” he retorted, enjoying the look of shock on not only Charley’s face but also on the others. Seonghwa may not look like much to those who didn’t know him but he spent a greater portion of his youth learning martial arts and joining underground fighting rings. He knew a thing or two about fighting.

And soon, he’d prove it to those around him.

Upon returning to your room, Charlotte helped you undress and get ready for bed. Once you were in your nightgown, you got into the bed, grabbing your book to read for a while before you finally laid down and slept. You wanted something to keep your mind of how you thought earlier. Once you’d had time to process it, you felt rather silly that you were acting so… jealous.

You knew that with where you were going and what you were about to do, it was vital to establish a relationship of sorts with the people you would be spending a lot of time with but while Seonghwa was a natural at speaking to people, you on the other hand had a harder time opening up to people. With social events back in London, it was easier because most of the people you interacted with were people you’d known almost your entire life.

Seonghwa was the first stranger you met as an adult and opening up to him had been quite difficult for you not just because of your fears about his sincerity but because of your anti-social nature. It made you feel insecure in some ways that he was able to strike up a conversation with just about anyone while you were stuck scrambling to even greet yourself.

It was one of the reasons you enjoyed reading so much. You got to meet new people without ever having said a word. You got to know them as they went on an adventure and sailed the seas, solved crimes, or traveled to a mystical realm. Characters in a book were much easier than a group of strangers on a train.

As you continued to read the second part of Holmes’ crime solving with Watson, you heard the door handle jiggle and looked up as the door opened and your fiance came in, shutting the door with a sigh. He tossed his jacket onto the couch as he moved through the cabin before he looked up and noticed you sitting there, book in hand and bedside lamp on.

“Oh,” he said softly as he went to remove his shoes. “I didn’t realize you were still awake,” he continued as he started to undress. Your eyes widened and you looked away, clearing your throat. Seonghwa looked up to notice you were looking down, face buried in your book. “Would you like me to change somewhere else?” he asked, an amused tone in his voice.

You looked up at him, the dim, golden glow of your bedside lamp illuminating him more now. Your eyes widened, a soft gasp escaping you as your eyes lingered on the cut in his bottom lip. You immediately threw A Study in Scarlet aside and scrambled up, crawling across the bed until you were in front of him. Seonghwa watched you with a bewildered look as you took his face in your hands.

“What happened to you?” you asked, beginning to inspect the rest of his face for marks. He tried to pull away, letting out a chuckle. “I’m alright,” he said as he grabbed your wrists. “Really,” he added as he held your wrists together and stared into your eyes. “You should see the other guy,” he joked.

Seonghwa let go of you and started to finish undressing, sitting on the edge of the bed in front of you. “What happened?” you demanded as you sat back on your heels and watched him. “Oh, you know. Men being men. One of the guys said I most likely didn’t know how to throw a punch, not realizing I spent a great amount of time during my youth taking martial arts.” You stared at him as he removed his socks, letting them fall to the floor.

Your expression went from shocked to anger to pain. You balled your hand into a fist and hit his shoulder. It wasn’t very hard but it wasn’t a light hit either. “Ah! Why are you hitting me?” he asked, sounding slightly alarmed but also amused as you hit him again. “You’re an idiot, Seonghwa Park!” you said, fighting back tears.

He turned around, catching your hands before they made contact again. “Sweetheart,” he said calmly as you struggled against his hold. “I’m fine,” he reminded you. “It isn’t that serious!” he continued but you weren’t having it. You struggled against him, making small grunts of effort. Seonghwa finally threw all of his weight into it, pushing you back onto the mattress and pinning your hands down on either side of your head as he hovered over you.

“Y/N, stop it,” he said in a commanding tone you’d never heard before but it sent a wave of arousal throughout your body and immediately, you submitted to him, staring up at him with wide but curious eyes, heat forming in your cheeks and other parts of your body as well.

The movement had caused the hem of your nightgown to ride up as well as the force at which he flipped you back, made it rise above your knee, sliding up your thighs. You felt extremely exposed because at any moment, he could pull back and see your lack of undergarments. Silence filled the space as time passed. Seconds ticked by, punctuated only by the sound of your shallow breathing.

Seonghwa stared down at you, eyes flickering between yours and your lips. Without hesitation, he closed the distance, pressing his lips to yours. You let out a small whimper as you felt his thigh press into you, pressing the soft fabric of your nightgown against your core. He pulled back to look into your eyes. “Have I ever told you how absolutely beautiful you are like this?” he asked, moving one of his hands to cup your cheek, the pad of his thumb brushing over your heated skin.

“No makeup, no dresses, just you,” he continued, pressing a kiss to your cheek. He released your other hand as one of his slid down past the outside of your thigh to your knee and pulled your leg up around his waist as he settled his hips between your thighs. “Hwa,” you whined as he started kissing down the side of your neck. “So.” kiss. “Fucking.” kiss. “Beautiful.”

Your chest rose and fell with each labored breath as he continued to kiss down to your collar, reaching the neckline of your nightgown before looking up to meet your gaze. “Hwa,” you started, letting out  a gasp followed by a moan as he rolled his hips against you, grinding into your already soaked center. 

“You’re drunk,” you tried to continue. “I'm not drunk, Y/N,” he answered, pulling back to look at you. “I drank, yes. But I'm not drunk.” You stared back at him, cheeks heating up as he devoured you with his eyes. “Then why are you—” you started.

“Because I want you,” he interjected. “I want you so bad and each time we've been interrupted has felt like a punch to my stomach. I want everything,” he continued, lips ghosting over yours. “I want to hold you down while I make you mine.”

“I want to taste you,” he continued, eyes dipping to look at your parted lips as he rolled his hips again, grinding his hardening cock against you, the fabric of his pants giving you the smallest amount of friction. You let out a small whimper as you felt his breath against your ear. 

“I want to be inside you.”

You let out a gasp, whispering his name as he kissed down the side of your neck once more, mouth ghosting over the material of your dress as he traveled further and further. He glanced up, meeting your gaze with a mischievous smirk as he pushed your skirt back and parted your knees.

Instinctively you tried to cover yourself up but Seonghwa wouldn’t let you, letting out an impatient grunt. Your cheeks burned as his gaze lowered until his eyes met the place between your thighs, lips parting as he exhaled slowly. You watched as the tip of his tongue peeked out, wetting his lips before he glanced back up at you. “If you want me to stop,” he said in a steady voice. “Just say so,” he added.

“I will not do anything that you don’t want me to. I want your full consent to touch you,” he continued. Your eyes flickered from his face to his hands resting atop your knees. Slowly, you pushed yourself up, propping your body up on one elbow as you reached for one of his hands.

Once you had it in yours, you slid both your hands down the inside of your thigh until his fingers brushed against your wet folds. You let out a shaky gasp at the feeling, keeping your eyes locked on his face as he watched your hand guide his. 

“I want you to touch me,” you whispered, drawing your fiance’s gaze away from your glistening sex. “I want you to taste me,” you continued, moving your hand up his arm as you sat up further. Your hand ghosted over the bulge in his pants, testing the waters and gauging his reaction before firmly pressing your hand against him. 

His eyes fluttered shut as you very slowly, almost torturously so, massaged him. Seonghwa managed to force his eyes open and looked up, meeting your gaze. With his attention on you once again, you delivered what you felt was the killing blow. “I want you inside me.”

Seonghwa let out a growl, lurching forward as he pinned you back against the bed, capturing your lips in a heated kiss as his hand snaked between your bodies, finding your folds and pressing the pads of his fingers past them, working up and down, finding the sensitive bundle of nerves with ease.

You were no stranger to pleasure and had often taken care of it yourself but this was the first time anyone else had ever touched you so intimately. Seonghwa had never spoken about his sexual prowess before because it didn’t matter what he’d done in the past before meeting you but based on the expert way his fingers circled your clit and dipped down to tease your slit gave you the idea that he definitely had some idea of what he was doing.

As he pulled back, he slid a finger into your warmth, enjoying the way your brows furrowed in pleasure, a small gasp escaping your lips, breath hot against his skin as you lost yourself in the feeling. He moved slowly, pumping a single finger in and out of you, watching the change in your expression go from uncertainty to ecstasy. He murmured an apology when you winced, whimpering as he added a second finger and curled them both into the soft spot inside you.

He enjoyed the way you mewled, back arching off the bed as he continued to stimulate that same spot over and over, and the way your thighs started to shake as he drew you closer and closer to your climax. Before you could tumblr over the edge, he pulled away, withdrawing his fingers from your cunt despite your whines of protest. 

Resisting the urge to chuckle, Seonghwa lowered himself, settling on the mattress with his head between your thighs. Licking his lips, he spread your folds, taking in the mess between your legs before giving your clit a very slow, deliberate lick, making your body jump. He was quick to hold you down by the hips as his mouth devoured you. He switched between light sucking and flicking his tongue, making your legs shake as you threw your head back against the sheets.

“Oh merciful heavens,” you gasped, letting out a moan as he flattened his tongue, moving it expertly against your clit. You were wrong yet again from your assumptions: he knew very well what he was doing. He was definitely more than practiced at this. The slight jealousy you felt at the thought of him being intimate with anyone else died as your orgasm drew closer and closer.

One of your hands flew down to grasp his hair while the other dug into the sheets, gripping them tightly as the wave of your climax washed over you, sending ripples of pleasure throughout your body, legs shaking as they tried to close around your fiance’s head. Seonghwa was much stronger than he looked, stronger than you gave him credit for, as he held your legs open while he helped you ride out your high.

Heat, white hot and intense, radiated throughout your body as wave after wave of bliss rolled over you, each one less strong as the one before until you were pulling at Seonghwa’s hair, urging him to stop as you trembled and shook, your body jerking with each pass of his tongue over your swollen and overly sensitive clit. He finally pulled away, lips coated with your essence as he looked up and met your gaze.

You weakly pushed yourself up enough to grab the front of his shirt, pulling him up. A chuckle left his lips as he followed your movements, crawling up over you, allowing you to pull him into a kiss. The taste of yourself on his lips and tongue had you moaning into his mouth as your hands moved, fumbling with his pants. Seonghwa’s own hands grabbed yours, stopping you as he pulled away.

“What are you doing?” he whispered as you tried to free your hands, determined to get his pants off him. “I want you,” you replied, pulling your hands from his and trying once more to undress him. Seonghwa chuckled against your lips as he grabbed your wrists, pinning your hands to the bed. “Do you even know what that means?” he asked, lips brushing against yours.

You nodded eagerly. “Yes,” you answered. “I want you to make love to me.” Seonghwa let out a groan, pressing a long, languid kiss to your lips. “I would love nothing more than to do just that, my love,” he said softly. “But I think this is enough for tonight.” You whined in protest, grabbing his shirt as he tried to pull back. “Please, Seonghwa,” you begged, tightening your thighs around his waist as your fingers curled into the placket of his shirt, trying to pull him down into a kiss.

Once again, you underestimated his strength as he didn’t even move, smiling down at your feeble attempt to pull him to you. He would love to let you seduce him, but tonight was not that night. “No, sweetheart,” he murmured, at least giving in and kissing you. “No more tonight. I would really like to take my time with you,” he continued. “It’s getting late and we’re on a schedule,” he added as he wrapped his hands around yours and pulled them from his shirt.

“When we get back after this trip, I promise I will spend hours, days even if that’s what you want, making love to you. We won’t even leave the bed. I’ll make love to you in the morning, at lunch, at dinner, and all throughout the night,” he continued between kisses. “But we have to get through this trip first.”

You whined into his mouth. “This is the only time we’ll be alone until we wed,” you reminded him. Seonghwa chuckled, nuzzling your nose with his before pressing another kiss to your lips. “Is that really so bad?” he asked softly. “Waiting until we’re married?” You pouted up at him. “I want you now,” you retorted. Seonghwa chuckled again. “Patience, blossom,” he whispered.

“But Hwa,” you whined again, using a nickname you knew made him pliant. Whenever you used it, you usually got what you wanted. “Oh blossom,” he said with an amused tone. “That won’t work on me.” You pouted again, tightening your thighs around his waist as you wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him down to whisper in his ear. “But I’m so wet. I bet you’d slide right in.”

You heard Seonghwa groan, burying his face into your neck. “Please, Hwa? Please?” you whimpered, moving your hips to grind against his cock which was still hard in his pants. “If you keep doing that, I’m not going to be able to stop,” Seonghwa groaned, his voice muffled by your skin as you continued to grind against him, the mess between your thighs no doubt smearing against the material of his pants.

You felt him start to move, matching your pace and meeting your movements. One of his hands moved down to grab your ass, fingers digging into the plush skin of your backside as he started to take control, grinding against you. “Hwa, please, baby, please.” You felt him groan into your shoulder. “If you keep that up,” he said as he lifted his head. “I won’t hold back. I’ll rip that pretty little nightgown off you and take you right here.”

He said it as a threat but in reality, that’s exactly what you wanted. You could feel his cock through his pants and you wanted to feel it inside of you. You want to feel full of nothing but him as he claimed you for himself and ruined all other men, not that you would ever be with anyone else. You wanted him to get possessive, take your virtue, love you with his words and body.

You needed it.

Seonghwa let out a shaky moan as he continued to rut against you. With great difficulty, you managed to snake your hands between your bodies and start to undo his pants. Seonghwa’s hips slowed as he pulled back to look at you. “Sweetheart,” he started. “If we start this, I don’t think I can stop.” You nodded, trying to pull his pants down past his hips. “I know,” you whispered, taking advantage of his lapse in focus to roll both of you over so you were now on top of him.

You pulled his pants down past his hips with ease, freeing his cock which bounced up, settling against his abdomen. With his pants half removed, you sat back, taking in the sight of him lying before you. Quickly, Seonghwa sat up, grabbing your hand and guided you to straddle his lap.

“Before you take it inside you,” he said breathlessly as he laid back and started to pull your nightgown up, holding the hem up. “Just sit down. I want you to feel it.” He gently pushed you down onto his lap, the underside of his cock pressing between your folds and meeting your slit. “Here,” he said softly, grabbing your hips and moving them forwards and backwards, making your wet pussy slide against the shaft of his cock, coating it in your arousal.

It was much different than his fingers or his tongue. For one, his cock was much thicker, and for two, it was hotter, radiating heat as it throbbed and twitched under you. Seonghwa’s head fell back against the pillows, Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed thickly, groaning while you grinded against him.

You rested your hands on his chest, leaning over slightly as you moved, letting out a gasp when you felt your clit rub against the underside of his cock. You let out a shuddering breath as you moved, guided by his weak grasp and his words of praise. You could tell he was getting close, the chest rising and falling as he struggled to breathe evenly. “Oh, fuck,” he hissed as he bucked his hips, making you cry out.

“I can’t,” he gasped. “I’m close.” You sped up, your wet pussy gliding messily over his cock. “I need to be inside you,” he said suddenly as you chased your high with a whine. “Come here,” he instructed, reaching up to grab the back of your neck and pull you down so your chest was flush against his. His hand snaked between your bodies as he took himself in his hand, stroking a few times before he guided the head of his cock to your slit and pushed the tip into you.

The stretch stung but you couldn’t stop the moan that flowed out of you as he pushed your hips down, sheathing himself inside you in one slow motion, letting out a trembling breath, followed by a moan as he bottomed out. “Oh, God,” he gasped, eyes fluttering shut. “Feels so good.” You moaned, walls clenching around him. “S-Seonghwa,” you whimpered as the pain of the sting gave way to a dull ache.

“What is it, my petal?” he asked softly, kissing your cheek, lips, jaw, whatever he could reach. “Please make love to me,” you begged. Seonghwa moaned as you tried to start moving but he stilled you as you winced. “You need time to adjust, my love,” he said softly. “This is much different. Just be patient.” 

You rested against him, laying your head on his chest as your walls contracted around him repeatedly. “That’s it, love,” he said softly as he stroked your back, the fluttering of your walls lessening as your body slowly accommodated the intrusion.

When Seonghwa felt that you were fully adjusted to the feeling of his cock filling your walls, he pulled your hips up before he gave you a slow, tentative thrust, testing your limits. His cock slid back into you with ease, forcing out a moan from the back of your throat. He gave you another before he rolled you onto your back, his cock slipping into you further.

With one hand he carefully and slowly pulled your nightgown up and until he had tugged the garment off you and tossed it aside before kicking his pants off and removing his own shirt. Once you were both completely naked, he grabbed your thigh, pushing it up and spreading your legs even more to allow himself to slot between your legs, his cock throbbing inside you.

“I’m gonna take it slow,” he whispered, cupping your cheek, thumb brushing over your bottom lip. He pressed slightly, silently asking for entrance and you granted it, parting your lips and taking his thumb in your mouth, sucking on it as he started to thrust into you slowly. You moaned, his thumb pressing against your tongue as he increased his speed. The room filled with the sound of his skin against yours, drowned out only by the sound of your moans of pleasure.

There was another sound that accompanied it. A knocking sound. It must have been the sound of the bed against the wall but then you remembered you were on a train and the bed was built in. There was no way nor nothing for the bed to knock into except the wall of the train it was fixed to.

Another series of knocks rang out and you awoke with a start.

The shades were still closed from when you had drawn them last night before bed. You could see a minute amount of morning light peeking through at the bottom and you groaned, letting your head fall back against the pillows. You felt an arm tighten around your midsection, making your eyes snap open. You looked over your shoulder at your fiance who was fast asleep but slowly waking up from the knocking that you just realized was coming from the door.

You carefully pulled the sheets back, removing Seonghwa’s arm as you climbed out of the bed, grabbing your dressing gown and pulling it on over your nightgown that was on your body and not on the floor, confirming further that you had been dreaming and that the entire exchange last night had been one, intense dream. You tied the sash and reached the door, unlocking and opening it to find yourself face to face with Alfred. “Morning, Miss,” he greeted.

Light filtering in from the windows in the compartment hall blinded you for a moment and you blinked trying to adjust to the change. “What time is it?” you asked, raising a hand to shield your eyes. “It’s just past eight twenty two in the morning,” Alfred answered. “Would you like me to send for breakfast?” 

It took you a moment to register what Alfred had said and you nodded once you processed the words. “Yes please. I haven’t had a chance to look over the menu,” you admitted. “We’ve only just woken up.” Alfred nodded. “Not to worry, Miss,” he replied. “Shall I have Miss Charlotte choose for you?” You nodded. “Yes please, thank you Alfred,” you answered. He gave you a small bow of the head before he turned and walked down the compartment towards the dining car.

You shut the door, blinking away the bright light as your eyes started to adjust to the darkness of the room once more. You walked back over to the bed and sighed, taking a seat on the edge of the mattress. You heard a soft groan and the sheets behind you rustled before the bed shifted. You looked up in the dim light peeking through from under the shades to see Seonghwa had gotten up. He walked into the rest of the suite, stopping to open the furthest shade halfway and let some light into the room.

Seonghwa returned to the bed, leaning down as he placed a hand on your neck, pressing a kiss to your cheek. “Morning, sweetheart,” he said softly before moving to pull out his clothes for the day. You looked away as he started to dress, noticing that he wore his pajama pants but he had not worn the matching shirt and was therefore shirtless. You wondered if he had put on the shirt to sleep but in the middle of the night gotten too hot and removed it.

Either way, you kept your eyes turned away as he dressed. He chuckled when he noticed you avoiding his direction. “Could you send for Charlotte when you’re finished,” you finally asked, still not looking up at him. Seonghwa let out a huff that sounded an awful lot like a laugh. “You know I can help you,” he said softly as he finished buttoning his shirt and grabbed his waistcoat.

“We’re not married,” you reminded him. Seonghwa sent a glance your way as he did the buttons before he turned and walked towards where you sat, leaning over, forcing you backwards, managing to catch yourself on your elbows as he hovered over you, eyes looking between yours and studying your face. “Why would we need to be married for me to help you dress?” he asked softly.

Your cheeks burned as you stammered, struggling for the right words.

It- w-would be improper. Inappropriate,” you said, your voice quiet. A smirk started to form on your fiance’s face. “And why exactly would it be inappropriate?” he asked and you couldn’t believe it. He was acting so weird. “Because we haven’t… you haven’t… we…” Your words failed each time you tried to answer, your rambling only made Seonghwa’s smirk grow wider.

“You don’t remember what happened last night, do you?” he asked, inspecting your face. Your heart stopped as you stared back at him. “N-no?” you asked. Seonghwa tilted his head curiously. “I was the one that drank, why don’t you remember anything?” he asked. You stared at him, eyes wide. “Wh-what do you remember?” you asked.

He leaned in closer, lips inches from yours. “I remember my head between your thighs and you making the most exquisite sounds,” he mumbled, his lips ghosting over yours. “Wh-what?” you asked, leaning back to look up at him. “You really don’t remember that?” he asked, a look of concern crossing his face. “I came back from the dining car, you noticed my split lip,” he said and your eyes traveled down to the small cut in his bottom lip which looked a bit better in the daylight.

“Then you kept hitting me, I stopped you, there was kissing, I told you I wanted you, and you asked me to touch you,” he said, repeating the things that had happened at the beginning of your dream. ‘Was it not a dream then?’ You stared at him, a look of mild horror on your face. “You really don’t remember?” he asked, sounding disappointed. You shook your head. “No, I do,” you clarified. “I just thought it was a dream…”

Seonghwa tilted his head, leaning down to catch your gaze as you looked down at your nightgown. “Why would you think it was a dream?” he asked, tilting your head back to look up at him. “Did we… do anything else?” you asked, gulping quietly. Seonghwa chuckled, pressing a kiss to your lips before standing up straight. “No,” he answered. “You wanted to,” he added, looking at you as he finished dressing. “Wanted it really bad but I said no. Promised to treat you as you deserve when we return to London.”

You tore your gaze from him. “When did I fall asleep?” you asked, looking back up as he moved to your trunk. “Just after I told you to be patient. You were almost incoherent,” he added. “Let’s get your day started,” he said as he opened the trunk lid and lifted one of the trays. “How do you feel about charcoal?” he asked, turning to look at you. 

You stared inquisitively at him as he showed you one of the traveling suits Charlotte had packed for you. “Charcoal is fine,” you replied. Seonghwa set it aside and closed the trunk. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s get you washed up.”

After washing and pulling on your tea gown, breakfast arrived and you ate in silence while Seonghwa thanked the service staff and joined you. He kept his eyes on you, watching you eat. As you finished, Seonghwa was tempted to pick you up the moment the staff finished clearing the table and carry you back to bed. Last night, he had proven to himself that he couldn’t not resist you for much longer. 

Not when you begged him oh so sweetly to make you his. He had said that it would have to wait until you both returned to London, but truth be told, Seonghwa wasn’t sure if he could wait that long. Now that he’s had a taste, he wanted all of you. It was going to be a long couple of days in such close proximity to you.

An hour later you were buttoning up your jacket when there was a knock at the door. Seonghwa answered it and Charlotte looked surprised to see you were dressed. Your fiance let her in and she walked over quickly as he shut the door and returned to your side. “You should have sent for me,” Charlotte whispered as Seonghwa helped you with the buttons on your sleeves. “It’s fine, Lottie,” you answered, picking up your gloves.

“Seonghwa helped me.”

At this Charlotte looked positively appalled. “He’s not your husband yet, Miss Y/N,” she whispered, her eyes widening. “Did he do anything… untoward to y—?” Seonghwa, who had just pulled on his jacket, cleared his throat, causing you to look past your lady’s maid at him and her to turn abruptly and look at him. “What goes on in the privacy of this bedroom is between Y/N and I,” Seonghwa said, giving Charlotte a stern look.

“I understand that, Mr. Park, but Miss Y/N is—”

“My wife-to-be,” Seonghwa interjected.

“But she’s not yet your wife. You shouldn’t be…” her words failed her as Seonghwa’s gaze turned steely. “Charlotte,” you said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “It’s fine. Seonghwa is going to be my husband as soon as we return to London. The engagement isn’t going anywhere,” you explained.

“But it’s not proper, Miss!” Charlotte replied. A frown overtook your features. “When have I ever been overly proper, Lottie?” you asked, raising a brow. She stared at you, nibbling on her bottom lip. “Please just focus on attending to me. What happens behind that door is between Seonghwa and I. If we’re going to be sharing a bed in a few weeks as a married couple, why would it be such a problem if we share a bed now?” Charlotte muttered something under her breath.

Whatever she said, Seonghwa didn’t hear but you did. “I don’t care,” you snapped. “You know I don’t share the same faith as you, Lottie. I never have. Seonghwa and I are committed to one another and that isn’t going to change. If we want to start acting as a married couple, we are entitled to do so. I don’t need anyone, lest not you, judging me. Keep it up and you’ll find yourself facing unemployment.”

Charlotte gave a small curtesy. “Sorry, ma’am. Will you be requiring anything else?” You shook your head. “No,” you replied. “That will be all.” Charlotte bowed her head again and moved towards the door, giving the same bow to Seonghwa before she opened the door and left. Your fiance turned to look at you with raised brows. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you go off like that before,” he said with a chuckle as you moved to join him near the door, grabbing your book from the table.

“Shall we?” you asked, looking up at him. Seonghwa nodded, offering his arm which you took as he opened the door and led you out into the hallway of the compartment. Outside the windows you could see you were surrounded by snow capped mountains, rushing through the countryside.

You spent most of the day in one of the many observation cars. You read while Seonghwa kept you company, enjoying the scenery. Some of the crew appeared, sitting with you and chatting with Seonghwa. You got a good look at Charley and could see that Seonghwa had been right.

Charley had it a lot worse than your fiance did.

Lunch time you took your meals in the dining car before retiring to your private rooms to relax before dinner came. As last night, you joined the dining car but this time, Seonghwa didn’t join the others for drinks. Instead, he accompanied you back to the cabin, dismissing Alfred and Charlotte early so he could have plenty of alone time with you.

The urge to touch each other was strong but you both managed to keep your hands to yourselves for the rest of the night and into the morning. When Seonghwa woke you up the following morning, he informed you that he’d already ordered breakfast to be served in the room as he traced his fingertips along your arm, tickling you. He woke you up with kisses until there was a knock at the door, signaling your food had arrived. He also decided the two of you would stay in your cabin for the day and lunch, only appearing for dinner.

He asked you to read the rest of A Study in Scarlet to him which you followed with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. By the time dinner rolled around, you had been lounging with each other all day and Seonghwa didn’t see the need to join the rest of the passengers. Instead, he sent word for your dinner to be served in your cabin.

“‘But they were in the well,”’ Alice said to the Dormouse, not choosing to notice this last remark,” you read as Seonghwa watched your face, leaning against the pillows beside you. You chose to ignore his stare, a smirk forming on his face as you continued.

“‘Of course they were,’” said the Dormouse; “‘—well in.’” You felt Seonghwa’s hand slide up your stomach, stopping to rest just under your bust. A shiver went up your spine but you didn’t want to give in so easily. “This answer so confused poor Alice, that she let the Dormouse go on for some time without interrupting it,” you continued to read from the page.

Seonghwa’s hand appeared, gently grasping the book and pulling it from you. “What’re you doing?” you asked as he shut the book and set it aside, rolling onto you and settling between your thighs. “Seonghwa, what are you doing?” you asked again as he kissed your cheek, peppering kisses all over your face before taking you in a searing, passionate kiss.

You moaned into it as his hand slid down the outside of your thigh, grabbing the hem of your skirt and pulling it up slowly. “H-hwa?” you whimpered as his lips left a wet trail of kisses down the side of your neck. He pulled back, reaching up to undo the front of your wrapper. “Don’t worry,” he said softly. 

“I just want another taste,” he added as he started pushing the material aside, exposing your collar to his kisses. You combed your fingers through his hair as he kissed his way down your body, thankful at your lack of corset. You let out a moan as he pushed your thighs apart, also thankful for the invention of split drawers. One less layer he would have to remove.

It was impressive, and slightly embarrassing, how quickly he was able to bring you to the brink of orgasm with just his tongue. After making you cum twice, he kissed his way back up to your lips, slotting himself between your legs, rolling his hips against yours and grinding his cock against you. “Do you think this is a dream too?” he whispered. You shook your head, moaning loudly as he continued to rut against you. “Good,” he retorted, reaching down to slide his hand between your bodies, fingers toying with your slit. As he pushed two fingers into you, he froze when your own hand slipped into his pants and made contact with his hard cock.

“What’re you doing?” he asked through a groan as your fingers wrapped around the shaft of his cock. “You’ve made me feel good multiple times,” you explained as you started to stroke him. “Let me return the favor.” Seonghwa let out a choked groan as you continued to jerk him off. “Since you won’t fuck me.” The moment the words left your lips, Seonghwa let out a strangled groaning sound before you felt his hand clamp over your mouth.

“Where did you learn such filthy language?” he asked. “Did someone teach you that?” You shook your head, eyes wide, but your hand never faltered. Seonghwa’s eyes fluttered shut as he gave in to your touch, bucking his hips to match your pace. “Shit,” he hissed, curling his fingers inside you, making you mewl. “Keep going,” he whispered. “Just like that, darling.”

You tried to focus on his pleasure which he made hard every time he curled his fingers inside you or his thumb brushed over your clit. He was lost in his own pleasure but he didn’t want you to miss out, even if his hand stilled from time to time as you sent him hurtling towards the edge. “Please tell me you’re close,” he moaned, burying his face in your chest.

“Mhm,” you whimpered, speeding up your movements as he bucked into your hand, hips chasing his high as he continued to pump his fingers in and out of you. “That’s it,” you heard him groan as your walls tightened around his fingers. “Let go. I’m there too, Blossom,” he whispered. 

He pressed his thumb against your clit and that was the final push you needed to go over the edge, taking him with you with a loud moan as he continued to thrust into your hand until you felt something warm and sticky coat your skin. You both continued to massage and stroke each other to help the other come down until Seonghwa finally collapsed on top of you before rolling off. 

You withdrew your hand from his pants and inspected the white substance as he quickly got up and headed to the private en suite to grab a small hand towel which he then dipped into some water and returned, taking your wrist and cleaning your hand. “What is that?” you asked curiously as he wiped the white fluid away. “Semen,” he answered truthfully. He glanced at your confused expression.

“How much has your mother prepared you for your conjugal duties?” he asked as he took the cloth, folding it so the semen was trapped inside and carefully wiped your folds. “Not much,” you answered as he finished and helped you close your wrapper. He got up and dropped the towel in the hamper before undoing his pants and pulling them off to put on his pajama pants and undoing his shirt to pull on his nightshirt.

He returned to the bed, laying back against the pillows and beckoned you to join him, letting you settle into his arms before he started speaking. “What has your mother told you?” he asked. “Just that when we’re married, I have to do my duty to give you children.” Seonghwa nodded as he took one of your hands, lacing his fingers with yours. “Did she tell you how?”

You turned your head to look at him. “Just that I will have to lay with you a lot until I find out I’m pregnant. I know intercourse is involved,” you added, noticing the look on his face. “I’m not that helpless. “Well, that is correct but there’s more to it than just being physically intimate. What I cleaned off your hand just now,” he said, holding the hand in question up.

“Was semen, right?” you asked. Seonghwa nodded. “What is that exactly?” you asked. “It’s a relatively newer concept but in your body, you have these tiny little eggs,” he said, reaching down and gently poking your side. “And inside mine, I have these tiny little things called sperm.” You looked up at him as he explained how the two are essential to fertilization and that for you to get pregnant, he has to deposit sperm into your body and then it has to fertilize an egg.

“It’s still not fully understood,” he said softly, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “But that is the basics.” You tilted your head back to look at him. “So when we have intercourse, how does it get inside me?” you asked. Seonghwa chuckled, cupping your cheek. “I think you know, blossom,” he said softly. You stared up at him, the fresh memory of the semen on your hand and your cheeks burned. “Will you explain it to me anyway?” you asked, leaning into him further.

He continued to explain in detail what you had already surmised, taking great enjoyment in your reactions. Dinner was served not long after and after eating, you resumed reading to Seonghwa while he went over some details of a business proposal. You finished chapter eleven when you yawned, drawing your fiance’s attention. “I think it’s bedtime,” he said, removing his eyeglasses and closing the folder.

You looked up at him as he set his glasses aside and reached over, grabbing your book, shutting it, and setting it aside. “You need to put on your nightgown,” he added. You whined, stretching as he smiled, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you into him. “Our last night sharing a bed,” he whispered. “How do you want to commemorate it?” you asked, looking up at him.

Seonghwa chuckled, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “How do you want to commemorate it?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. You rolled into him, hiding your face in his chest. “I think I actually just want to sleep,” you murmured. Seonghwa laughed, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “Then sleep it is,” he answered. “You still need to put on your nightgown though.”

The following morning, Seonghwa let you sleep in as he got up and dressed for the day. Once he was dressed and breakfast ordered, he walked over to your side of the bed and sat down, leaning over to press a soft kiss to your cheek before he caressed your skin gently. Your brows furrowed in your sleep and he resisted the urge to laugh at how cute you looked.

“Y/N,” he said softly, caressing your cheek once more. “It’s time to get up, sweetheart.” You murmured in your sleep, attempting to turn away from him. Seonghwa stopped you, turning you back carefully. “Y/N, darling, it’s time to get up,” he said a little louder, gently shaking you. Your eyes fluttered open and in the dim light peeking through the window from under the shades, meeting Seonghwa’s.

He smiled sweetly as your eyes met and you mimicked the same expression. “Morning, Blossom,” he said leaning down, pulling the blanket from your face and pressing a kiss to your lips. “Breakfast should be here soon. It’s our last day on the train,” he continued. “We should probably go out and play society so Charlotte and Alfred can pack up our things.”

You frowned, pouting as you looked up at him. “Do we have to?” you whined as Seonghwa smiled at you. “Yes, I’m afraid we do, darling,” he answered. “But first things first,” he added as he sat back up. “Breakfast.” As if on cue, there was a knock at the door and Seonghwa got up to answer it. He stood back as the staff set the trays on the table while your fiance thanked and dismissed them.

Once the door was shut, he walked over to the table, lifting a lid on one of the trays before picking it up by the handles and walking over as you sat up, leaning against the pillows. “I can get up,” you protested as he sat down, setting the tray on his side of the bed. “Take your time, Blossom,” he said cupping your chin and leaning in to place a kiss on your lips.

He got up and headed towards the table. “Aren’t you going to eat?” you asked, looking up at him. He smiled, turning his head to meet your gaze. “I’ve already eaten,” he replied. “I wanted you to sleep in. Enjoy your breakfast, I’m going to speak to Alfred.” He walked the short distance to the door and opened it. “I’ll be back, Blossom,” he said before stepping out and shutting the door.

You looked down at the tray, stomach making a small growling sound. There were two fried eggs, a few sausages, back bacon, pan seared tomatoes and mushrooms, beans, two fried cuts of blood sausage, and one slice of fried bread. A proper full breakfast. 

You got up, moving to the table to fix yourself some tea, adding cream and sugar to the cup. As you started back, you saw a small glass of juice and grabbed it. You took your time eating, enjoying a bit of everything on your plate. It wasn’t often that you had a full breakfast, especially at home where the cook was prone to experimenting with various cuisines.

Knowing it would be a while since you got to enjoy such a meal, you made sure to savor it all, especially the beans and tomatoes. As you were finishing your meal, there was a knock at the door. “Come in,” you called, hoping it was Seonghwa but Charlotte appeared when the door opened. “Morning, Miss,” Charlotte said as she shut the door, setting a hot kettle on the table, and moved to open the rest of the shades.

“Have you finished eating?” Charlotte asked, moving towards the bed as you nodded, sipping at your tea. She looked down and let out a whistle. “You must have been hungry,” she noted to which you nodded. “I didn’t realize I was so hungry,” you answered as she started to clean up. “Finish your tea, then wash up, and we’ll get you dressed,” Charlotte said with a smile as she started to clean up.

“Would you like to wear the purple travel suit today, ma’am?” Charlotte asked, turning to look at you. With your nod of approval, Charlotte opened the trunk and pulled out the purple dress and matching accessories. She set it out for you, returning the tray to the trunk. “Mr. Park was up early,” she noted as she walked over, taking your now empty tea cup.

“Yes,” you responded, swinging your legs over the edge of the bed and getting to your feet. You moved over to the wash basin where Charlotte poured some of the hot water into a pitcher for you to start washing. You scrubbed thoroughly your arms, legs, chest, face, adding soap to get really clean before wiping yourself down. You had washed your hair yesterday so you saw no reason to do so again.

Once you were finished with your routine, adding powder to your skin and brushing your teeth, Charlotte helped you dress into your undergarments, lacing up your corset snugly. You then put on the next layers, buttoning up your corset cover while Charlotte buttoned the first of your petticoats into place. After another two petticoats were added, she helped you into your traveling suit.

Once you were dressed, shoes buttoned and gloves on, you thanked Charlotte and exited the suite while Charlotte started cleaning and packing up your things. With your book in hand, you headed for the lounge car, passing through sleeper car four to reach the first class lounge. You had expected your fiance to be there but didn’t see him anywhere. Not feeling brave enough to go searching for him, you picked a seat near a window and sat down, opening your book and resuming your reading.

You weren’t sure how much time passed but some time later, someone sat across from you. Glancing up you saw it was a young girl with blonde hair, braided into twin tails. She wore a dark blue dress, the hem reaching just past her knees. She was young, very young. You looked around at the other passengers before turning back to her. She stared at you with bright blue eyes.

The way she was staring at you was starting to unsettle you. There was no expression on her face. You were about to speak when you heard a woman’s voice. “Marta!” You glanced up as an equally blonde woman in a dark green dress came forward, grabbing the girl’s hand. She muttered an apology and all but dragged the child away as she headed for the door that led to the first class saloon.

You watched them disappear before returning to your book to finish the final chapter. When you did, you finally decided to get up, intent on finding your fiance. You tucked your book under your arm and headed for the next door. Inside the first class bar car, you saw many of the first class passengers but Seonghwa was nowhere in sight.

You dreaded searching more of the train but you were getting antsy and wanted to see him. Gathering your courage, you passed through the third class sleeper cars and staff car where you ended up in the bar car that was meant for everyone on board. It was much louder in here than it had been in the saloon car. You noticed several of the team members sitting at the bar along with—

“Tell us another one, Park,” Thom said as he lifted his glass to his lips.

Your fiance was nestled between the crew, sipping from a short crystal glass with an amber liquid in it. Anger started in your stomach. He’d gotten up early, eaten breakfast, and left you alone to come out here to what? Play society with these people? As the anger in your stomach started to rise, you felt a gentle hand on your arm.

You turned to find the three other women of the crew were standing. Adelaide had already taken a seat leaving you standing with Euphemia and Sophronia. “Join us,” Euphemia said, a kind smile on her face. You glanced back at the bar, noticing your fiance chatting animatedly before you turned back to them and nodded wordlessly. You sat across from Adelaide as Euphemia took the seat beside her and Sophronia sat next to you.

“So, Y/N is it?” Adelaide asked as she pulled a small silver case from her bag and opened it, revealing several hand rolled cigarettes. She pulled one out, grabbing a silver lighter but Euphemia stopped her. “Not everyone likes it when you smoke around them, Della,” she said in a low voice. Adelaide looked up and sighed, putting her cigarette back in its case and snapping it shut.

Sophronia cleared her throat as a server came by to take your drink orders. “Absinthe,” Adelaide said as she put her case and lighter back in her clutch. “A martini,” Sophronia said, looking across her to Euphemia. “I’ll take a Jack Rose,” Euphemia said before the three looked at you. You felt put on the spot and froze. “I uh…” you looked around at them staring at you expectantly.

“She doesn’t drink,” a familiar voice said, coming from behind you. The server nodded and walked over to the bar to put in the orders. You turned in your seat to find your fiance standing there, hands in his pockets as he smiled down at you. “For a while I thought you had gone back to sleep,” he said softly as he grabbed a chair from one of the tables behind yours and pulled it up, sitting down.

“I was in the lounge,” you said softly, not looking back at him. “I didn’t see you in there,” he said, leaning in to whisper in your ear. “I was reading after Charlotte helped me dress,” you replied just as quietly. You felt your fiance’s hand on your waist just out of sight of the women sitting across from you. “I’m sorry I didn’t stay to help instead,” he said softly. “But I figured I’d come out here and get to know the rest of the team a little more.”

You locked eyes with Adelaide as the server returned, setting their drink orders down. Before he could walk away, you called out to him. “I’m sorry,” you said softly. “Could I actually get something?” The server nodded with a smile. “What can I get for you?” he asked. “A Bijou, please.” A small smirk appeared on Adelaide’s face as the server nodded and turned to speak to the bartender.

“What are you doing?” Seonghwa asked softly. “I’m nervous as hell,” you replied. “I need to calm down. And besides,” you continued. “It’s one drink. What’s the worst that can happen?”

When the train arrived in Sinaia, Romania, you were glad to finally disembark and be back on stable land again. The staff unloaded your belongings, piling them onto the back of one of the many stagecoaches that waited to take you to your destination. You were glad to be sharing a coach once again with Seonghwa while the rest of the team split up accordingly.

Charlotte sat across from you while your fiance and his valet stood outside, talking to Hiro and Everett while the luggage was packed on. “Hey, Y/N,” a voice said and you looked up, looking out the window beside you. Adelaide was looking up at you, a cigarette between her fingers. “Could I ask you something?” she asked, exhaling a cloud of smoke. You nodded wordlessly as Charlotte looked from you to the blonde woman and back.

“What did your fiance mean when he said you don’t drink?” she asked curiously. You chuckled and shook your head. “I normally don’t drink,” you replied. “I’m really not supposed to,” you added. “Makes the medication less effective.” Adelaide’s expression shifted from curiosity to alarm. “Medication?” she asked, her voice mimicking her face. “For wha—”

“Adelaide, come on! We’re ready to go!” Thom called from a few coaches down. Adelaide dropped her cigarette on the cobblestone and stamped it out with the toe of her boot. “Alright, alright, keep your pants on!” Adelaide called back to him before looking up at you. “We’ll talk about this later, yeah?”

As Adelaide walked away, the door to the stagecoach opened and Seonghwa climbed in, followed by Alfred. The door shut and one by one, the coaches pulled away from the Sinaia station. You peered out the window, looking at the mountains that rose above the village and the vast forest that sat at the base, a new kind of excitement taking over as you were one step closer.

You pulled back and turned to Seonghwa, practically bouncing in your seat. It was finally hitting you that you were about to look for the Library of Illusion and hopefully with the help of the team, actually find it.

The ride out of the town was smooth and as soon as you left the limits, the ground turned into a dirt road. You tried to busy yourself with another book but all of the books you had brought, you had read before and knew almost entirely by heart. Their contents were not enough to mask your excitement and anxiety as you left Sinaia behind and headed for the small town where you would meet your guide.

Around lunch time, the stage coaches stopped at a small house where a couple lived and served hot meals for travelers. There you feasted on a delicious meat and white bean stew and thick slices of fresh bread. You lost count on how many bowls you had but it was amazing and when you climbed back into the stagecoach, you were full and ready for a nap.

The ride to the village was going to take the rest of the day and you were supposed to arrive just after sunset. You ended up sleeping off your lunch by resting your head on Seonghwa’s shoulder. You woke with a start as the stagecoach rocked, hearing the driver call out to the horses in Romanian. Seonghwa was fully awake, looking outside the window as if lost in thought.

“What is it?” you asked, startling him. “I didn’t realize you were awake,” he admitted softly. You looked across at your attendants. Charlotte was asleep, her head resting against the side of the seat and Alfred was also asleep, his head tilted back as he snored softly. “Have you been awake this whole time?” you asked. Seonghwa nodded. “We’re almost there,” he said, looking back out the window.

You glanced out your window and noticed you had entered the forest, driving on a very wide dirt path cut through the trees. “How can you tell?” you asked, turning back to look at Seonghwa. “The sun is setting,” he explained. “And we’re supposed to be there just after sunset.” You sighed, trying to stretch your arms and legs but there wasn’t much room to stretch with Charlotte sitting across from you.

“Do you need to stop and get out?” Seonghwa asked, turning towards you, a look of concern on his face. You shook your head. “No. I’ll be fine.” He watched as you settled back into your seat. “May I ask you something?” he said after a few moments of silence. You turned to him expectantly. He hesitated before clearing his throat. “Do we really have to do this?” he asked softly.

Your smile fell as you looked back at him. “I know this was a gift from your father but it just feels…” he trailed off, looking out the window as silence filled the coach, save for Alfred’s gentle snoring. “What is it?” you asked softly. “Why are you so against this?” Seonghwa clicked his tongue before shaking his head. “Nothing,” he finally said. He turned, giving you a smile.

“Forget I said anything.”

You tried to forget it but as hard as you tried, you couldn’t. You didn’t understand why Seonghwa was so against this trip. You also could place your finger on what was wrong. It wasn’t like he was acting scared. More… apprehensive, though you still couldn’t tell what his reasoning for that was.

The rest of the ride was mainly in silence and as you got further and further into the forest, the sun descended behind the mountains, casting a deep, dark shadow over the land. Seonghwa gently took your hand and you found comfort in his touch just as you were sure he found comfort in yours.

As the sky grew darker and darker still, you finally reached the edge of a small village partially surrounded by a meter tall wooden fort. You were welcomed in by the gatekeeper and directed to the inn where you would spend the night. Charlotte and Alfred had been woken up when the coaches stopped at the gate and were now twisting about in their seats to peer out the window as the line of coaches headed for the inn.

One by one, they reached the inn and stopped. Alfred was the first out of your coach, Seonghwa following. You went next, taking your fiance’s hand and stepping down onto the step and then onto the ground. You looked around in the dim light radiating from behind the mountain as well as the few oil lamps that lit the pathway through the village.

You joined the rest of the crew as the owner of the inn came out. The last coach had a small staff of attendants, no doubt hired by your father. They climbed out and set to work unloading all the luggage and trunks, matching them up to their owners in small piles. You took Seonghwa’s arm as he offered it and started towards the inn door.

Thom had already introduced the team and when you and your fiance strolled up, Thom introduced your fiance as well but you noticed that he didn’t say your name. “Ah, Mr. Park,” the proprietor said in a thick accent. “It is good to meet you,” he added with a bow. “Thank you, this is my—” Seonghwa started to introduce you but was cut off. “Mrs. Park, wonderful to meet you as well,” the innkeeper said, giving you another deep bow as he had to Seonghwa.

“Thank you for your patronage,” the innkeeper started, looking around at everyone. “If you will follow me, I will show you to your rooms.” Seonghwa glanced at Thom who gestured for Seonghwa to go first so the two of you followed the innkeeper through the front door.

Just inside the door was a moderately sized vestibule with various hooks, boots, and a few random pieces of equipment ranging from riding crops to what looked to be gardening tools. There was a door to the left that was shut. In front of you was another door, this one propped open. Through this door was the main area of the inn and it was loud.

To your right were tables full of patrons who were eating, drinking, cheering, and some even singing. At the back wall behind the tables was a massive hearth with a huge fire roaring and providing ample warmth. Standing in the corner on a small wooden platform was a string quartet but rather than the music you were used to at the balls and soirees back in London, the music was much more upbeat, faster even. In front of the platform was a small area cleared of tables and chairs where a few couples were dancing to the lively music.

On the left side of the entrance was a bar that spanned a large part of the width of the building. Behind it were a few barmaids and a bartender who were busy filling large quantities of mugs with golden and dark brown liquids. Across from the door you entered was a massive wooden staircase. Next to it, in a small bump out in the wall was a large wooden box on its side. It looked like a crude elevator.

The innkeeper led you to the stairs. “I put you on the first floor,” he said as he started up the steps. “The elevator is for luggage only.” You followed Seonghwa, using the railing of the stairs to climb until you reached a long hallway. “There are six rooms on this floor,” he continued, pulling out a set of keys from his pocket and pulling one of the keys off. He started to unlock the door. “You have five of them.”

He opened the door and stepped in. “This is one of the men’s rooms,” he explained. Charley, Everett and Thom walked in. “I will have your luggage brought up here, write your names on this and hang it outside on the hook,” he explained, pointing at a small slate. “The staff will match your luggage with your rooms. He handed the key over to Thom. “You will return the key to me tomorrow morning before you leave. I will make sure no one comes in to touch your things.” Thom thanked him and took the key.

The innkeeper showed the next room, unlocking it with another key which he handed to Hiro. “This is the other room for the men,” he explained. The next room was for Sophronia, Adelaide, and Euphemia. The next room, the fourth one, was made up for Charlotte and Alfred and consisted of two smaller rooms with a small hall between their doors.

“And this one,” the innkeeper said, unlocking and opening the last door at the end of the hall. It was a little bit larger than the others and had a massive four poster bed against the outside wall with two windows on either side. Against the inside wall was a fireplace with a fire already crackling. “Couples who pass through on their honeymoon use this room,” he explained. “Since you are married, you share a room.” You expected Seonghwa to speak up, to say something but instead, he simply thanked the innkeeper, taking the key from him when offered.

“Once you are ready, come downstairs and get some supper. I have a private dining room set up for you and your friends,” the innkeeper said as he walked to the door and shut it, leaving you and Seonghwa alone. You turned to him, a laugh escaping you. He joined you in your humor and the two of you devolved into hysterical laughter. “Why does everyone assume we’re already married?” you asked as you sat on the edge of the bed. “I don’t know,” Seonghwa said as he wiped a tear from his eye.

“I’m not going to complain,” he added as he walked over. “Are you hungry?” he asked. You nodded, taking his hand when he offered it. “Let’s go see what’s for dinner then, shall we?”

Out in the hall, Seonghwa locked the door and you joined the rest of the crew, heading down to the ground level. Alfred stopped Seonghwa, pulling him aside to speak to him in a hushed tone as Charlotte joined you and you filled her in on the room arrangements. She offered to speak to the innkeeper on your behalf but you shook your head, telling her it was fine.

Seonghwa joined you moments later and despite your inquiry, he shook it off and led you towards a door where the innkeeper was standing, beaming widely at you. “This is the private dining hall,” he said, gesturing into the room. Inside there was a table that seated at least 12. There were baskets of fresh bread already on the table and opposite from where you entered was another doorway.

“We will bring your dinner to you,” the innkeeper said as you moved to take a seat, settling next to Euphemia who gave you a kind smile. Seonghwa under normal circumstances would have sat across from you but he could sense your apprehension and instead sat on the other side of you. Once the table was full, several of the inn staff started bringing in plates of food and tall mugs of ale. You opted for wine which they thankfully had.

“So,” Euphemia said part of the way through the meal, catching your attention. “Are you married already or does the staff of every establishment think you are?” she asked, trying to break the ice with a joke which thankfully did make you chuckle. “I guess they think we’re already married,” you replied. “But you really aren’t?” she asked to which you shook your head. “Not yet,” you answered. “The wedding is in a couple months.” Euphemia smiled but on the other side of her, Adelaide spoke up.

“And you’re actually looking forward to it?” she asked, not bothering to keep her voice down. You felt Seonghwa stiffen next to you and raise his eyes, as did everyone around the table, now completely focused on your conversation. You cleared your throat. “I actually am,” you replied. “I’ve wanted to get married since I was young.” Adelaide let out a bitter laugh.

“Indoctrinated from a young age, made to believe your only purpose is getting married and popping out kids,” she said, shaking her head. You felt an anger settling in the pit of your stomach but pushed it down. “I’m not,” you replied. “Sure, it’s something that is preached to us when we’re young but I actually want to get married and start a family. I don’t see it as my duty but as a life I’m choosing to have.”

The entire table had their eyes on you at this point. “Before I met Seonghwa, I thought I may never get married. Most of the men attempting to court me were either much too old or very… superficial,” you continued. “I wanted something more than just a smart match that gave me security. I wanted love. Before I met Seonghwa, I had given up on the idea of love. Sure, my parents had a marriage full of love but not everyone is so lucky. But then I met him and he changed everything. He showed me that it was possible to have it and has shown me nothing but love since he asked me to marry him.”

You felt him take your hand gently. You turned to look at Adelaide. “I’m sorry for whatever has happened to you that makes you think that marriage is the worst possible thing that can happen to a woman but it’s not. There are much worse fates.”

There was a murmur of agreement and everyone went back to their food, chatting softly while the music and loud chatter outside the room continued on. Seonghwa gave your hand a gentle squeeze before he went back to his meal. Afterwards, the men gathered and asked Seonghwa if he wanted to join him but he declined. You had Charlotte ask for a bath to be drawn in your room so you could bathe fully before your trip into the forest began.

As you started for the stairs, you felt a hand on your arm stop you and turned to find Adelaide.

“I wanted to apologize,” she said softly. “I didn’t realize you had something special with your fella.” You smiled softly. “I do,” you replied. “He’s probably one of the best men I know,” you added. “He comes from a well to do family but he’s also wealthy in his own right. He makes smart business decisions not just for expanding his business but so he can take care of his workers.”

Adelaide gave you a look of shock. “He’s very progressive when it comes to labor laws and wants what’s best for the people who work for him. That’s why he pays fair wages and refuses to let children work in the dangerous parts of the factories. He has regular inspections to make sure the equipment is working properly and listens when the workers complain about something. He’s a great listener,” you continued, smiling fondly as you spoke about your fiance.

“That’s rare,” Adelaide said softly. “He sounds like a real keeper,” she added. You nodded, giggling when she lightly nudged you. “Oh!” she said quickly. “What were you saying earlier? Before we left the station?” she asked. “Oh, about my medication?” you asked, smiling when she nodded, looking concerned. “I have frequent headaches and I have to take medication to relieve them,” you explained. Adelaide’s look of concern diminished as a look of understanding came over her.

“Oh,” she replied. “That makes sense, I suppose.”

You bid her goodnight and headed upstairs to your room where a large tub sat full of steaming hot water. Seonghwa was nowhere to be seen. Charlotte smiled as she set a robe on a chair beside the tub. “I asked Mr. Park to step out while you get undressed,” she explained, moving to help you get ready for the bath. “I have your soaps and oils,” she continued as she helped you with your jacket and removed it, setting it aside. “And as requested, I packed your most comfortable clothes into a rucksack,” she explained as you unbuttoned your petticoats, one by one.

“Did you pack my morning corset?” you asked to which she nodded. “We’ll have to pack this one as well,” Charlotte said but you stopped her. “I can’t take the corsets, Lottie,” you said softly. “It wouldn’t be practical for me to be traipsing around the forest in a corset. I’m not even going to be wearing dresses.” Charlotte looked appalled as you sat down once your corset had been removed.

You removed your shoes and stockings and looked up. “Could you please send for some tea?” you asked softly. I’ll take it after my bath.” Charlotte nodded and gave you a small curtsey before heading to the door and shutting it behind her so you could finish stripping before climbing into the tub. You let out a sigh of bliss as you submerged your body in the hot water, eyes sliding shut as you relaxed, sitting back against the high back of the tub.

You heard the door open and shut and sighed. “Charlotte, I said I’ll take tea after my bath,” you called as footsteps headed towards you slowly, stopping behind you. “I’m sure she’ll be back with it,” Seonghwa’s voice said and you looked up quickly. “Hwa!” you said, cheeks burning as you tried to cover yourself in the water. He chuckled and moved to the side of the tub to kneel. “Relax, sweetheart,” he said softly, reaching out to take your chin gently in his hand.

“I’ve already seen most of it,” he reminded you, making your cheeks burn even more. “I wish I had known you wanted to take a bath, I would have asked for it and then we could have taken one together. Saved on hot water,” he said with a wink, as he let his fingers dip past the surface.

“You could still get in,” you said softly, not looking up at him. His eyes had a look in them. That look. You jumped when there was a knock on the door. Seonghwa got up and walked over to answer it. “Oh, Mr. Park,” Charlotte said, sounding surprised. “Is Miss Y/N still in the bath?”

“She is,” your fiance answered. “I have her tea,” Charlotte announced. “Perfect,” Seonghwa replied. “I’ll take it.” A moment of silence was followed by the sound of china clinking softly as Charlotte no doubt handed the tray to Seonghwa. “Thank you, Charlotte,” he said. “I’ll help Y/N out of the tub when she’s ready,” he continued. “Could you finish packing her bag for the trip into the forest. She has a very practical wardrobe picked out. And please make sure to remove the corsets, she won’t be able to wear them except for the morning one.”

“Oh and one last thing,” he said. “Please pack her books. I’m sure she’ll want to read when we stop to make camp.” You heard the door shut and footsteps of Seonghwa approaching. He passed the tub, setting the tray on the table and turned to look at you. “You still want me to join you?” he asked. You peeked over the edge of the tub at him, eyes scanning up and down his body before you nodded.

He started to walk forward but you shook your head, making him stop in his tracks. “Undress over there,” you said softly. “Give me a show.” Seonghwa let out a laugh. “A show?” he asked as he started to undo his tie. “Am I getting paid?” he asked as he pulled the now strip of material from his collar and dropped it onto the floor. You shrugged, giggling as he started to undo the buttons of his waistcoat.

“If you put on a good show,” you answered, giggling again as he hesitated, tilting his head and giving you a heated stare before he continued. Once the waistcoat was undone, he shrugged it off, adding it to the floor. He pulled down the straps of his suspenders, letting them fall to the sides of his thighs as he started to unbutton his shirt. Your eyes followed his hands as they moved down.

Once the shirt was mostly undone, his hands moved to his pants but you stopped him again. “Come here,” you said, your tone much more seductive than you knew possible. Seonghwa didn’t hesitate, instead he walked over to the side of the tub. You sat up, moving your hands to the front of his trousers. “What are you doing, Blossom?” he asked as you undid the button at the front of his pants, looking up at him through your lashes.

“Returning the favor.”

Seonghwa tried to speak but you were quick to tug his pants down, freeing his cock which had started to harden. Without hesitation, you took it in your hand, stroking slowly as you looked up at him. Seonghwa let out a hissed curse, eyes fluttering shut as your hand moved, working his cock and bringing him to his full length.

“F-fuck,” he hissed, his hips starting to thrust into your hand as you sped up. You looked up, taking in the view of his head thrown back as you stroked him. Testing the waters, so to speak, you opened your mouth, taking the head of his cock past your lips. Immediately, Seonghwa swore loudly, hips bucking forward but he was quick to pull you back so he didn’t hurt you.

“You can’t just do that, Blossom,” he gasped. “Warn me next time, alright?” He stroked your cheek gently before he let go and stood back up straight. You nodded, looking up at him. Taking a steadying breath, you resumed your earlier motions, stroking his shaft slowly, watching the way his eyes fluttered shut as he gave in to pleasure.

Keeping your eyes on his face you took the tip of his cock back into your mouth, Seonghwa letting out a low moan. You focused on your breathing as you tried to take more of him in your mouth. Every time you pulled back, you noticed his hips moved forward, chasing the feeling of your mouth around him. It was an entirely new experience for you but you wanted to do for him what he’d done for you a few times now. 

You wanted to make him feel good.

Your jaw was starting to ache but you tried to power through it. “Oh fuck,” Seonghwa hissed, thrusting slowly into your mouth as your head bobbed to meet his movements. “Just like that, sweetheart. Keep going,” he whispered. The only sound in the room other than the crackling of the fire was the sound of your wet mouth.

You felt his hand move to the back of your head. “Just a little further,” he groaned, coaxing you to take more of his cock into your mouth which you were happy to oblige. Your lips and chin were wet with your own spit and it was starting to drip down onto your chest but you couldn’t be bothered. Not when your fiance was making some of the most erotic sounds you’d ever heard.

His hips thrusted a little harder, making the head of his cock hit the back of your throat. You let out a muffled gag but instead of letting him pull back, you grabbed his hips, holding him still as you repeated the action, gagging again. It didn’t bother you as much as you thought it would, after all, even brushing your teeth made you gag but this was somehow different.

You pulled back enough to take a deep breath in through your nose before taking him deep into your mouth until he hit the back but instead of stopping there, you pressed forward, allowing the head of his cock into your throat. Seonghwa let out a strained moan as your throat flexed, squeezing around the tip. You stayed there despite your lungs starting to beg for air. You swallowed experimentally and Seonghwa lost his composure, carefully attempting to pull you back but he was too late.

He came with a low deep moan, his release spilling into your mouth and down the back of your throat. You tried to swallow what you could, brows furrowing at the salty taste. Seonghwa carefully pulled back, his cock falling from your mouth and starting to grow soft. He didn’t bother tucking himself back into his pants, instead, he dropped to his knees, grabbing you by the back of the head and pulled you into a messy kiss.

Your bath sat forgotten as he pulled back and grabbed the towel on the chair to wipe your face and chest before he threw it to the floor and took your hand, guiding you to stand up before he helped you out. Once your feet were on the floor, he very hastily dried you off before guiding you over to the bed, making you sit down as he finished stripping his clothes from his body.

He moved you to the middle of the bed as he climbed onto the mattress, making you lay back as he hovered over you, pressing soft kisses to your chest and collar before taking you into another deep kiss. One of his hands moved up to your neck as he parted your lips with his, allowing his tongue to slip into your mouth. You whined against his lips.

Pleasuring him earlier had sent an aching heat to your cunt and you were in desperate need of some relief. One thing you were starting to like about this new side you were learning of your fiance was that he seemed to be in tune to what your body wanted. Sensing what you wanted, Seonghwa let his hand slide down to your chest, cupping your breast, his palm hot against your skin.

He kneaded, massaging gently and slowly as he kissed his way down the side of your neck until he was level with your other breast, tongue darting out to lap cautiously at your nipple. You let out a sigh, carding your fingers through his hair as he wrapped his lips around it. His hand slid from your chest, moving down your stomach, drawing closer and closer to your wet folds.

You glanced down at him, finding his eyes shut as he focused on teasing your pert nipple with his tongue. You felt his fingers press into you, thumb grazing over your clit and making you gasp, hips bucking involuntarily into his touch. You felt him smile against your skin as his fingers traveled further, finding your slit and pressing into you slowly, stretching your hole.

Your thighs parted further to give him more access. It occurred to you that you were more exposed to him now than you ever had been. He’d always touched, kissed, and pleasured you with your nightgown on. Your cheeks grew warm as this realization hit you. It was quickly squashed as his fingers started to move, pumping in and out of you, slowly at first but starting to gain momentum quickly.

“Seonghwa,” you whimpered, hips moving against his hand, begging for more. “Please,” you whined. “I need you.” Seonghwa chuckled against your skin before lifting his head. “Patience, Blossom,” he said softly. “We have all night.” He kissed down your chest and stomach, removing his fingers from your heat as he settled on the bed, head hovering above your sex.

He glanced up at you before lowering his head, planting soft, wet kisses along the inside of your thigh. You whined, rolling your hips up for his touch. He shook his head before sinking his teeth very quickly into the plush flesh of your inner thigh, making you gasp. As quickly as he’d done it, he was kissing back down the inside of your thigh, skipping over the place you wanted his mouth the most to kiss the inside of the opposite thigh. You whine for him again, combing your fingers through his hair.

“Please, baby, please,” you begged. Seonghwa chuckled again, kissing back down towards your cunt. As he drew level, he looked up to meet your gaze, giving you a smirk as he lowered his mouth, tongue slipping out to meet your clit. He wasn’t forgiving or slow with his movements, instead going right into flicking the sensitive nub with the tip of his tongue.

You gasped, head falling back against the pillows as he licked and sucked like he was starved. Your back arched off the mattress as he moved his head, tongue massaging and drawing circles around your clit. “Ah-! F-fuck,” you hissed. It wasn’t considered proper to curse but if your fiance was fine with cursing when you had his cock down your throat, you figured it would be fine for you to curse when he was making you feel this good.

You felt his tongue prod at your hole momentarily before it returned to your sensitive clit. “Feels s-so good,” you whispered breathily. Seonghwa hummed in response, the resulting vibrations making you moan loudly. Your hips started to move on their own, grinding against your fiance’s tongue but he paid no mind. Instead, he let you, holding his head in place so you could find your own rhythm and pleasure.

He only let it last for a few moments before he pinned your hips down, going back to his own pace, flattening his tongue against you and shaking his head. It wasn’t unlike the way he’d done this before and he clearly had a few tricks still left to show you but you couldn’t think about that when he sucked on your clit and everything happened at once. Your thighs squeezed around his head as you came, back arching off the bed with a moan as he coaxed you through your orgasm.

Your body shuddered, an intense heat, white and blinding, spreading throughout your limbs as stars clouded your vision. Your climax was strong and while it felt familiar, it had never been as potent as this. Seonghwa’s movements never faltered as he continued to guide you through it, lapping at your clit until you breathlessly begged him to stop, weakly pulling at his dark tresses.

He finally lifted his head, wiping his lips and chin with the back of his hand as he crawled over you, pressing sporadic kisses up your stomach and chest until his lips met yours in a soft, languid kiss that was nothing but tongue. You tasted yourself on his tongue and it was much like when you had swallowed his seed earlier.

You felt something hard prodding at your thigh and without looking you knew it was his cock. He’d grown hard while eating you out and now it stood at attention and ready. “Hwa,” you whined as he broke the kiss to nuzzle against your cheek. “I want you,” you whispered. “I know, sweetheart,” he replied just as softly. “I need you,” you reiterated.

Seonghwa nodded as he sighed, his hot breath fanning over your skin. “I know, baby,” he answered. “I said we would wait until our return to London,” he started, pulling back to look into your eyes. “But if I’m being honest, I don’t think I can wait that long.” You shook your head. “Then don’t,” you said softly, reaching up to cup his cheek. “I want to feel you inside me.”

Seonghwa leaned in, pressing his lips to yours. “Alright,” he murmured. “I’ll go slow.” You nodded as he took himself in his hand, giving a few strokes before you felt the tip of his head press against your wet folds, sliding up and down to gather your arousal. He spread as much of it as he could. You watched as he let a drop of spit fall from his mouth onto his cock which he then also spread.

He looked up, meeting your gaze once more. “Are you ready?” he asked, to which you nodded. “Yes,” you answered. “Please. I want you to make love to me.” Seonghwa let out a chuckle, leaning in to press a chaste kiss against your lips in contrast to his cock about to enter you. “You don’t need to beg anymore, petal,” he said softly. “Though I do like how you sound when you do.”

You opened your mouth to respond to him but a moan slipped out instead as he pressed into you, the head of his cock sliding into you and stretching your walls. Seonghwa paused, a look of concern on his beautiful face. “Blossom? Are you all right?” he asked softly. You nodded. “Yes, I’m fine,” you answered, brushing his hair back and smiling at him. He studied your face briefly before pushing further into you.

The head of his cock hadn’t provided much pain but as he slowly filled you, the sting you had felt the first time he fingered you had returned. You let out a sharp gasp, grabbing his bicep. Immediately, he stilled, watching your face as you winced. “Do you want me to stop?” he asked, pressing a couple soft kisses to your lips and cheek. “Just give me a moment. It’s new. It feels… different.”

Seonghwa obliged, letting your body adjust to the intrusion of his cock. He kissed your face, offering sweet words of praise as you slowly relaxed. “That’s it, darling,” he whispered as he felt the squeeze of your walls lessen. “Just relax and let me in,” he added as he slid further, pushing deeper into you than he’d ever been. You let out a sigh, forcing your body to go lax as his hips finally stopped.

It still stung but you could feel it was starting to be replaced with an ache as the pain ebbed away slowly. Seonghwa waited, letting you adjust more as he kept kissing you, giving you encouraging words. “That’s it. Good girl. You’re doing so well, sweetheart.”

His words made your heart flutter with appreciation. You’d never felt like that when you were praised but most of the praise you had received in your life had been about your looks, never about accomplishments or how you behaved. It was odd but you enjoyed it greatly. The next words out of Seonghwa’s mouth had the same feeling bubbling in your chest but also made your walls squeeze around him.

“Look at you. Taking my cock so well.”

You were taken by surprise and unable to formulate a proper response. Seonghwa didn’t seem to notice your stunned silence as he took that moment to pull out slightly before giving you a tentative thrust. Your confoundment dissipated immediately, a moan leaving your lips. Taking your response as the go ahead, Seonghwa quickly set a steady pace, thrusting into you without being too rough.

“Talk to me, blossom,” he said breathlessly. “Are you okay?”

You nodded fervently, moans increasing in pitch and volume as he sped up. You let out a particularly loud one and Seonghwa shushed you, covering your mouth gently. “You’re going to get us in trouble,” he said softly. Your cheeks burned as he reminded you that the others could potentially hear you. “As much as I would love to hear those beautiful sounds, you’re going to have to keep quiet.”

You nodded, nibbling on your bottom lip as you tried to keep your voice down. Small whimpers and moans sounded from the back of your throat with each thrust. Seonghwa let out a strained groan, burying his face in your neck. You could feel his hips slow slightly. “What’s wrong?” you asked, breathlessly. “I don’t know how much longer I can last,” he replied, hips stilling as he tried to stave off his orgasm.

You ran your fingers through his hair, your heart beating against your chest. “I have an idea,” Seonghwa murmured, lifting his head. You felt him slip out of you, leaving you feeling empty and clenching around nothing. “Here,” he said softly, gently rolling you over onto your stomach. “What’re you doing?” you asked, resting on your forearms as you peered over your shoulder.

You felt his hands part your legs, spreading your thighs apart. “Raise your hips for me, love,” Seonghwa said, reaching over you and grabbing one of the pillows. You did as he asked, lifting your hips off the mattress. You felt Seonghwa slip the pillow, now folded in half, under you. Once he did, you rested against the pillow. “What’s this for?” you asked, tugging lightly at the pillow case.

You felt Seonghwa lean over you, pressing light kisses along your spine and up to your shoulder, his body pressing against yours. You could feel his cock rubbing against your cunt as he teased your neck with a couple kisses before whispering into your ear. “Something to keep your hips up,” he said softly. “Why?” you asked. Seonghwa chuckled, his hot breath hitting your skin.

You felt the head of his cock slide back into you unrestrained and you moaned into the sheets as he bottomed out. “Still want me to answer that?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. You shook your head quickly as he thrust into you from behind, setting a slow but steady pace with languid thrusts. Each rock inside you had your toes curling, muffled moans disappearing into the sheets.

The pace started to pick up and the only sounds you could hear was the wet sound of his cock entering you, the sound of his skin against yours and his low, restrained moans. “Fucking hell,” you heard him curse under his breath. “You’re so tight.” Your walls clenched around him, like a warm tight hug, sucking him back in each time he tried to pull back.

“Is,” you gasped, choking back a moan as you raised your head. “Is that good?”

Seonghwa let out a breathy laugh. “Yes,” he replied simply. “It is.”

Your attempts to bite back were cut short when he gave you a hard thrust, pounding into you. You were unable to shield your face in time and let out a loud cry of pleasure before muffling your sounds with the linens. “Oh to hell with it,” Seonghwa cursed. You felt his hand cup your throat, pulling your head up. “Don’t hold back,” he whispered in your ear, slamming into you now. “Let me hear you. I don’t care who else hears us now,” he groaned. “I want to hear that beautiful cry again.”

Without the sheets to muffle your sounds, unrestrained and wanton moans left your lips, intermingled with cries of pleasure that bordered almost on screams. There was no doubt in your mind that everyone on the floor, let alone maybe the whole inn, could hear you and knew exactly what you were doing. Your thoughts didn’t focus on the embarrassment or shame for long as your mind cleared, giving way to the pleasure your fiance was giving you.

“Wait, wait,” Seonghwa groaned, pulling out of you suddenly, making you whine in protest but he was quick to roll you over, lifting your hips and placing the pillow back under you, raising your hips off the mattress once more. He quickly pushed back into you, grabbing your hips and resuming the same, unrelenting pace as before. 

Your fingers dug into the sheets, trying to hold onto something as your fiance pounded into you. Each thrust had you crying out in bliss. Your mind was full of nothing but the euphoria that was flowing through your body. Your hips moved to match his pace and he groaned, hips stilling for a moment. “Fuck, oh fuck,” Seonghwa gasped, leaning over you. “I won’t last much longer,” he moaned. 

You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him down so you were chest to chest. “Don’t stop,” you moaned. “Please.” Seonghwa groaned into your neck, hips moving fervently as he muttered praise into your skin. “I’m going to cum,” you heard him gasp. He tried to pull away but your grip on him tightened, thighs squeezing around his waist and arms tightening.

“Blossom, I need to pull out or I’ll—”

“Do it,” you interjected. “Cum inside me.”

Seonghwa’s response was delayed as he processed your words. He let out a groan, cock thrusting into you harshly as you felt it twitch. It was like when he came in your hand. His cock was hot, throbbing, and you felt the first surge of his release spill inside your walls. His cock continued to twitch as he came, releasing everything into you in short bursts, his hips thrusting a few times more before he finally stilled, pushing his cock as far into you as he could with a shaky moan.

Your own orgasm washed over you as he came undone, walls fluttering around him as you moaned, his name sounding like a mantra you were fine with saying for the rest of your life. Seonghwa collapsed on top of you, head resting on your chest as he tried to catch his breath. You were just as winded as he was, trembling under him as you both came down from your respective climaxes.

You lay like that for a while, uncertain of how much time had passed by. You became aware of something warm and sticky squeezing out of you and you finally had to rouse your fiance.

“Seonghwa?” you asked, your voice slightly hoarse. “Hmm?” he mumbled. “Something is warm and wet,” you announced. He pulled back, sitting back and looking down between your legs. “Oh, that’s gonna be a mess,” he said, quickly getting up and grabbing one of the towels Charlotte had brought in for your bath. He returned to the bed, climbing onto the mattress and started wiping your skin, cleaning it of whatever mess he had mentioned.

You lay there, watching him and taking in how truly beautiful he was. His golden skin with a thin layer of sweat, his messy black hair as he pushed it back from his face and focused with brows furrowed on cleaning your sex. Once he was satisfied you were clean, he tossed the towel aside and crawled over you, pressing feather light kisses up your stomach, chest, and to your lips. 

“We should probably get cleaned up,” you finally said as your breathing was starting to return to normal. Seonghwa hummed in response as he pulled the pillow out from under you, tossing it to the floor and pulling back the sheets, maneuvering around you until he had the covers pulled down.

“We’re really dirty now,” you said as he pulled the covers up over the both of you and he settled into the bed next to you. “Mhm,” he answered, pulling you against him, not caring about your nudity or the sweat on either of your bodies. “We really should clean up,” you murmured again. Seonghwa nodded, placing kisses to your lips. “Okay, Blossom,” he said, hiding you tightly.

“Whatever you want, my princess.”

©️ kwanisms 2018 - 2025 | all written and artistic works on this blog are protected under copyright. reposts, continuations, and translations of my works are not permitted. All graphics made by me.

[kwanisms]

Hunt for the Library 01 — p.seonghwa

Seonghwa never wanted to leave the comfort of the city but his fiancée was adamant about this excursion. She wanted to find the famed Library of Illusion. He should have convinced her to forget it. He had a bad feeling about the expedition but nothing could have prepared him for what they would end up finding deep in the forests of the Carpathian Mountains. businessman!Seonghwa × heiress!Reader 

«« previous || library of illusion m.list || taglist || next »» ❑ WORDCOUNT — 29.9k (total: 55810. don't ask. idk anymore) ❑ WARNINGS — adult dialogue, female reader, historical period setting (think Victorian era but make it fantasy), sexual content (18+ mdni) mentions of: food & alcohol consumption, major & minor character deaths (heed this warning, I’m serious. This part is pretty dark), medical issues, prescription drug use, animal attack, blood, viscera, etc., religious practices; see smut warnings under the cut! ❑ CONTENT — angst, slight fluff, smut; fantasy, horror, supernatural, biblical & demonic themes, historical setting, established relationship; non idol au, Victorian au, demon au, vampire au ❑ NOTES — I said I was going to write a backstory for Hongjoong AND Seonghwa, so here’s the latter's! This goes into what MC discovered in the Restricted Section after reading about the priests. Just like Hongjoong’s, this is kind of lengthy so it's been split into two parts. Do not ignore the warnings in this, they are there for a reason. Thank you so much for reading and as always, this is a work of fiction and all characters are not reflective of their respective irl counterparts. for entertainment purposes only. 

MINORS WILL BE BLACKLISTED & BLOCKED. AGELESS BLOGS WILL BE BLOCKED. 

❑ SMUT WARNINGS  — scene 1: unprotected sex (don’t do), grinding, slight dirty talk, fingering (f receiving), oral (f receiving), piv sex, finger sucking, use of pet names (hers: sweetheart, my love, blossom, my petal/petal, etc.; his: Hwa, baby, etc.), and that should be all here! — scene 2: oral (f receiving), fingering (f receiving), handjob (m receiving), dirty talk, use of pet names (darling, Blossom), and that is all there is in this scene. — scene 3: mild stripping (lol), unprotected sex (wrap it), oral (m receiving, f receiving), mild face fucking (f receiving), deepthroating, fingering (f receiving), piv sex, first time penetration, dirty talk, cum inside, use of pet names (hers: Blossom, sweetheart, baby, petal, darling, love, princess; his: Hwa, baby), and that’s all here!

Train stations had never been one of Seonghwa’s favorite places to visit. They were busy, loud, and often filthy but he knew they were necessary for long distance travel. He would just have to get over the shrill blasting of the train whistles and the whine of the steam engines as he followed you towards the first class compartments. 

He glanced behind him at his valet, Alfred, before looking ahead to where you were walking with your own lady’s maid, Charlotte. The station around him was crowded, save for the small gap between the edge of the platform and the throngs of people waiting to board and go through inspection.

“It’s this one right here, sir,” Alfred said, gesturing to the compartment as he came to a stop. 

Seonghwa looked up as the door opened, he gestured for you to go before him, waiting patiently as you and Charlotte climbed the steps up to the compartment. Seonghwa followed, Alfred following as they boarded the train.

The train was starting to fill up as you led the way to your assigned rooms. They weren’t too far back in the compartment. You checked the tickets once more, looking up at the room numbers before stopping to turn and look back at Seonghwa.

“It’s this one,” you said softly as Charlotte opened one of the doors and you peered inside. Alfred squeezed past Seonghwa to help Charlotte with the few smaller bags brought onto the train. The larger luggage had already been hauled on board while you and Seonghwa went through inspection. You sat down by the window, looking out onto the platform as Seonghwa sat across from you.

Once the bags had been properly stowed away, Charlotte leant down, whispering something to you Seonghwa couldn’t hear. You shook your head, waving your hand simply. “Would you like me to get you anything, sir?” Seonghwa glanced up before shaking his head no.

He turned to look at you, taking in your focused expression. The door shut with a soft click as Charlotte took her seat beside you. Alfred, no doubt, went to find the facilities so when the time came, he wouldn’t have to ask or check. Seonghwa watched as Charlotte fidgeted in her seat, looking around the compartment at everything except him or you for that matter.

Seonghwa glanced at you again, noticing the way you watched the people outside the window with intense scrutiny. He wondered what was going on in that head of yours, attempting to hide a smile and failing. He cleared his throat, turning to Charlotte. “Could you get Y/N something to drink?” he asked kindly.

Thankful for something to do, Charlotte nodded and jumped up, opening the door before disappearing past the window as the door shut with another soft click. You let out a sigh as Seonghwa turned back to face you.

“What is it?” he asked, now that you were alone. You turned to look at him, a look of shock as you realized you were now alone in the compartment together. “Where did—”

“Facilities and tea,” Seonghwa answered simply. “What were you looking at?” he asked, turning to look out the window. You shook your head, settling back in your seat as you laced your fingers together, placing your hands on your lap.

Seonghwa smiled as he watched you, studying your movements. “What’s wrong?” he asked, brow furrowing when he noticed your slightly worried expression. You looked up, your look of concern fading instantly. “Nothing,” you answered. “Nothing’s wrong.”

Seonghwa leaned forward, taking your hands and pulling them apart. “We don’t have to do this,” he reminded you. “We can just go back, get married, and then start our lives. We don’t have to go through with this,” he added. You smiled, giving his hands a gentle squeeze.

“I know,” you replied. “But it’s going to be fun!” you added, a wave of excitement coursing through you. It was infectious. Your excitement for adventure and thirst for knowledge. It was one of your many qualities Seonghwa found extremely endearing.

But despite the excitement that seemed to roll off you at the prospect of adventure and exploration, there was a lurking feeling of dread inside him. He wanted so many times to call off this trip. To let the tickets go to waste. He’d tried in vain to get you to reconsider. He’d even suggested you take the train ride but stay in the city rather than go on this backpacking adventure.

The trip had been a gift from your father and had been announced at your engagement party.

[The sound of a fork tapping against a glass rang out over the dinner table, the tinkling sound drawing the attention of everyone in attendance as your father stood, at one end of the table. 

“I’d like to start by thanking everyone for coming to this special celebration,” he started, holding his champagne glass as more were filled around the table. “My darling daughter,” he continued, smiling down at where you sat in the middle of the table across from Seonghwa. “Is getting married.”

Applause rang out around the table as the guests cooed and awed, making you smile bashfully.

“To a fine, young gentleman who I have no doubts will make her happy,” your father continued. “Seonghwa, who comes from a wonderful family, is an upstanding man who has made a name for himself not only in the business circle but also in matters of the heart. Y/N has made it clear she is head over heels in love with you and I couldn’t be happier that my daughter has made such a perfect match.”

He raised his glass as the rest of the guests picked up theirs. “To Y/N and Seonghwa, we wish you every happiness!” your father cheered. 

“To Y/N and Seonghwa!”

After dinner, the party started, the live quartet your father had hired playing in the corner of the room on a raised platform as couples took to the floor to dance. You refrained from dancing, instead talking with your father’s guests, showing off the ring, and talking about wedding preparations.

Seonghwa on the other hand had few conversations and kept them short as he walked around the ballroom opposite you, keeping his eyes on his soon-to-be bride as he walked around. He nodded politely, thanking guests when they congratulated him but his goal was not to be ensnared in meaningless conversation but instead to ensnare you.

As your paths crossed, he stepped in front of you, blocking your path as the first dance ended. Wordlessly, he held out his hand for you to take, raising an eyebrow as a lopsided grin spread. You couldn’t help the smile that spread across your face as you placed your hand in his palm and allowed him to guide you to the dance floor.

“Having fun?” he asked softly as you moved about. “Not nearly as much as my parents are,” you replied, peering over his shoulder where your parents were telling a very animated story though you couldn’t be certain of the subject.

“Are you?” you asked, looking back at him. Seonghwa grimaced. “To tell you the truth,” he started. “I’ve never really enjoyed parties like this. The dancing, the music, the people,” he continued, spinning you. “It’s never really appealed to me.”

You smiled up at him. “One of the many things I admire about you,” you said softly. “You don’t like being in the spotlight.” Seonghwa chuckled. “No,” he shook his head. “I really don’t. You don’t mind it, though,” he added. You shrugged. “I don’t mind it, seeing as I’m the only girl in my family, I tend to get a lot of attention.”

Seonghwa smiled as he pulled you slightly closer. “If you want to throw parties after we’re married,” he started. “I won’t mind. But please do not expect me to attend for longer than necessary.” You shook your head. “I would much rather go out to a party than host one,” you explained. “That way when we’re tired, we can just leave.”

Seonghwa let out a laugh, startling a few of the nearby guests. “I would much rather spend time at home with you anyway,” you said softly. Seonghwa’s eyes met yours and you felt your cheeks start to grow warm before looking away. You felt his knuckle under your chin, tilting your head back to look at him. “Don’t hide,” he said softly. “Always look at me.”

The song ended and the crowd applauded. Through it all, Seonghwa could see your father making his way over to the two of you. “I have a surprise for you,” he said in a low tone. “Come,” he added, gesturing. You kept a tight hold on Seonghwa, linking your arms with his as you followed your father out of the ballroom and through the house to the study.

Once inside and the door was shut, your father turned, beaming at the two of you. “Wow,” he exclaimed. “You do really make a handsome pair,” he said. “You said you had something for us?” you asked, which Seonghwa was thankful for. “I do!” your father said, clapping his hands together and moving to his desk.

You watched as he opened one of the drawers and pulled out a large green envelope. He undid the fastener and pulled out a sheet as he walked around the desk to stand before you again. He held out the sheet of paper which Seonghwa hesitantly took.

Reading over it, Seonghwa was confused so he handed the page to you, allowing you to read it. “The Library of Illusion Expedition?” you said softly, reading the title at the top before you looked up at your father. “They’ve found it?” you asked, your voice quivering.

Your father nodded. “There’s an expedition that’s said to have discovered the location of it and I know how much you loved the tales and lore as a child. I’ve managed to secure a team to take the two of you deep into the Carpathian Mountains of Romania to visit the location,” he said with a smile.

Seonghwa could feel your excitement rolling off you but deep in his gut, all he could feel was uncertainty, dread, fear. He couldn’t place why exactly, but going on this trip felt like it might be the end of something. He didn’t want to go but he knew how much this meant to you.

“What’s the itinerary?” he asked, keeping his voice calm and even.

“You depart next Tuesday from Charing Cross and take a train to Dover. From there, a ferry will take you to Calais where you will catch a train to Paris and board the Orient Express,” he explained. Your eyes lit up as you looked up from the paper. “The Orient Express?” you asked before looking at Seonghwa. “The Orient Express?!”

Your father nodded, smiling. “The very one. It takes a little over three days to travel from Paris to Istanbul on the train but you will be exiting the train before that. You’ll meet the expedition team in Paris on Tuesday night and depart on the Orient Express the following morning.”

“This is the trip of a lifetime,” you said, rushing to your father to hug him. “Thank you so much, Papa!” You turned to look at Seonghwa, positively beaming at him. “Isn’t this exciting?” you asked. Seonghwa knew he couldn’t break your spirit in front of your father and would have to just talk to you in private about it. He forced a smile. “It is,” he said with a nod.

“Indeed, a trip of a lifetime.”]

Seonghwa looked out the window as the train started to roll. He pulled his watch out to check the time. ‘Seven am,’ he thought as he read the time before closing the cap over the face and returning the watch to his pocket. “Right on time,” he whispered.

The train pulled out of the station, gaining momentum and speed as Charlotte fixed your tea before offering some to Seonghwa who declined. He wasn’t in the mood for tea. As the day wore on, Seonghwa spent the time going over some of the current deals for his business. He was in the market to expand and looking over options.

You had started to occupy the time with reading. Seonghwa glanced at the cover and read the title. “The Picture of Dorian Gray?” he asked, causing you to look up. You nodded slowly. “What sort of book is it?” he asked as Alfred put away the portfolio for the last company.

“It’s… philosophical,” you said, hesitating. “Oh?” Seonghwa asked as Alfred opened another portfolio, placing it on the tray in front of him. “What’s it about?” he asked, glancing down but still listening as you spoke. 

“It’s about a man named Dorian Gray. His friend, who is a painter and is infatuated with Dorian’s beauty, paints a portrait of him. When the main character realizes beauty will fade in time, he wants to sell his soul to stay young and attractive forever,” you replied.

Seonghwa glanced up at the book before looking at you. “Is he a vampire?” he jokingly asked. You shook your head, chuckling. “No,” you replied. “He sells his soul to… something,” you say. “Instead of aging, the portrait ages.”

Seonghwa stared at you for a moment. “Is it good?” he asked, noticing you were about three quarters of the way into the book. You nodded, looking down at the pages. “It’s really good,” you answered. “Who’s the author?” Seonghwa asked.

He looked up to find you watching him with a curious look. “What?” he asked. “If it’s a good read, I’d like to have a copy picked up when we return.” You smiled and shut the book before handing it over. “I’ve read it already,” you said as you leaned forward. “Multiple times.”

Seonghwa hesitantly took the book from you, inspecting the cover. “Thank you,” he said as you settled back into your seat while Charlotte perused through your bag. “I think there’s one of those Sherlock Holmes books in here,” she said softly. “It’s alright, Lottie,” you said, patting her arm.

“I’ll just watch the scenery.”

The train ride to Dover was long but by nearly ten in the morning, the train pulled into the station. Seonghwa had finished going over the portfolios, having separated the prospects from the ones he definitely didn’t want. There was a short ride from the station to the ferry and as soon as you arrived and went through inspection, you were allowed to board the boat, your luggage being stowed and you were shown to a private room.

Seonghwa had started the novel, reading the first few pages and being immediately drawn in. There was more to the story than you had previously let on. The ride by ferry only took a few hours and soon, you were disembarking, getting into yet another carriage. Seonghwa’s attention was focused entirely on the book, reading it and absorbing the contents as you sat across from him while Charlotte and Alfred made sure your luggage was accounted for and secured. You gently nudged his shoe with your foot.

Seonghwa looked up from the book as you looked at him before holding out your hand. Uncertain what you were silently asking for, Seonghwa took your hand anyway and let out a chuckle as you pulled him forward, sitting up and leaning in. “We’re in public,” he said softly as you reached up, cupping his cheek. “I don’t really care,” you whispered before leaning in, pressing your lips to his.

Before Seonghwa could fully appreciate the gesture, you pulled away as footsteps announced the arrival of Charlotte and Alfred at the carriage door. They both climbed in and the carriage set off as you settled back in your seat, Seonghwa in his.

The carriage arrived in no time at the Calais train station and per the itinerary, you boarded the train bound for Paris. You chose to sit next to Seonghwa this time, ignoring the raised brow look of Alfred as he took a seat beside Charlotte who sat opposite you beside the window with a knowing smile on her face.

You chose to sit next to Seonghwa so you could lean against him, finding comfort in the warmth emanating from his body as he silently read your book, eyes scanning the page before turning to the next one. It was quiet in the compartment until a conductor came by to announce that a late lunch was being served.

Seonghwa looked at you and you nodded, prompting him to mark his place in the novel and shut it. “I think we’ll join,” he said simply. Charlotte and Alfred accompanied the both of you to the dining car, taking one of the tables in the back corner. You sat across from Seonghwa, next to the window. You liked watching the scenery change as you got closer and closer to Paris.

For lunch, there were a few options. You chose something light, knowing you would get dinner in Paris. As you waited for your meals, you glanced at Seonghwa. “How do you like the novel?” you asked, trying to keep the conversation light as well.

“You were right,” he said, turning his head to look at you after having stared out the window for so long. “It’s very good.” You nodded understandingly, picking up the wine glass in front of you. “What do you think of the main character?”

Seonghwa watched as you took a sip before realizing you were waiting for an answer. “Of Dorian?” he asked. He lowered his eyes to his own glass. “I think he’s… lost.” You looked up at him, watching his fingers drum lightly on the table as he seemed lost in thought.

“He’s seemed to have lost himself to this ideal of beauty, doing things that no one should do and he’s doing them simply because he can,” he continued. You let out a hum as you mulled over his words. “That’s one way of looking at it, I suppose,” you answered. Seonghwa let out a light laugh as he looked up to meet your gaze. “How would you describe him?” he asked.

You leaned forward, resting your chin on your hands, lacing your fingers together. “He’s depraved for sure but I think that depravity comes from somewhere deep within him,” you said softly. “Like he was always depraved, he just decided to let it all out since nothing would happen to him anyway.”

Seonghwa nodded as he processed your words. “Would you do it?” he asked suddenly, making you look up at him. “If you could sell your soul and anything that happened to you happened to a portrait of you, would you do the same thing he did? Go absolutely mad?”

You laughed heartily at his question before shaking your head. “No,” you answered. “I would make better use of my time,” you added. “I might pursue more academic or scientific endeavors. I wouldn’t visit opium dens, or take part in such debauchery.”

Seonghwa watched as you turned, eyes lighting up as your meals arrived at the table at long last. He thanked the server as they set his plate down before him before looking at you, catching your gaze. “I would. Only if a little,” he said with a smirk.

Your eyes widened but you were unable to inquire further as you immediately dug into your lunch.

After finishing the delicious meal, you returned to the compartment and sat between your fiance and the window while he read some more from the book. Alfred was reading from a small book , Charlotte working on an embroidery piece when you felt the urge to use the restroom. You sat up, prompting Seonghwa to look up from the book.

“I need to use the facilities,” you announced softly. Charlotte made to get up but you dismissed her with a wave and polite smile. “I won’t be long,” you added as you opened the door, stepping out into the hall and shutting it again.

You headed down the hall, passing door after door, some with the shades up and some with them down as you made your way to the back of the train car. You were thankful the women’s stall was empty and immediately stepped in, closing and locking the door before starting to gather your skirts.

It wasn’t extremely difficult normally to do this on your own but in such a small confined space, it was definitely proving to be much more difficult. You somehow managed and flushed the toilet before moving to wash your hands. Once cleaned and dry, you moved to open the door and ran into a man as you tried to exit.

“Oh!” you said, stumbling backwards. He gave you a warm smile but the gesture did not reach his eyes; eyes that were now starting to travel, roaming up and down your figure. “I am so sorry,” you said breathlessly. “My apologies.”

You tried to side step him but he blocked your path. “A young lady like you should not be running about, unattended,” he said. His words sounded concerned but his tone was anything other than that. You swallowed thickly. “I’m not unattended,” you replied. “I was just using the facilities. My attendants are in my compartment.”

You tried once more to move past but instead of stepping in front of you, you felt him grab your upper arm very tightly, causing you to wince and let out a small gasp of pain. “Unhand me,” you said, attempting to pull away but he was much stronger.

“Do you have any idea how easy it would be to drag you into an empty compartment?” he asked, his voice dangerously low as he leaned in to whisper in your ear. “I could cover your mouth, lock the door, and shut the shades and no one would be any wiser.” You opened your mouth to respond but a voice cut through.

“If you do not take your hand off my fiancee right now, I’ll show you how easy it would be to kick you from the back of a moving train.”

The man holding your arm turned and you felt relief wash over you at the sight of Seonghwa standing in the hallway behind the man. “We’re talking here,” the man started. Seonghwa took a single step forward. “Did you not hear me?” he asked, tilting his head slowly. “I said take your hand off my fiancee.”

The man looked down at you and pulled his hand back as if he’d been burned. You took that opportunity to stomp on his toes, hard, as you pushed past him and immediately grabbed Seonghwa’s arm. You tried to turn him and lead him away but instead he stared at the man until he finally slunk away.

You looked up at Seonghwa as he blinked and then looked down at you, his expression softened. “Are you alright?” he asked, taking your chin in his hand and checking to make sure you had no marks. “I’m alright,” you answered. “That was something,” you added, looking to the empty hall and back. “It was nothing,” Seonghwa answered as you started back down the hall to your compartment. “On the contrary,” you said as you stopped, turning to look at him.

“It was extremely attractive. You’re so… seductive when you’re mad.”

The rest of the train ride passed without incident and soon, the train was pulling into the station in Paris. You disembarked, following Charlotte to the carriage with Seonghwa in tow while Alfred made sure your luggage was collected promptly.

After securing all the bags, the carriage took you to a nearby hotel where you would be staying the night before boarding the Orient Express in the morning. You checked into the hotel and were shown to a large suite with two rooms where you could change before dinner.

At the hotel, on the ground floor, was a restaurant where you would be dining. The atmosphere was cozy but chic with small round tables covered in white table cloths. This was the first time you would be dining with Seonghwa without either of your attendants and it suddenly felt much more… intimate.

The maitre d’ was a tall, well dressed man who smiled as he spoke in French and showed you to your table. You thanked him as Seonghwa moved to pull out your chair for you, leaving both you and the maitre d’ speechless. Once Seonghwa sat down, he wasted no time in ordering a bottle of wine, something sweet because he knew your pallet by this point.

Afterwards, the server came to explain the specials and the menu. There were quite a few options to choose from but you ended up choosing the chicken entree while Seonghwa opted for the lamb. You both picked an appetizer to share and the server was gone, leaving you alone.

“This is the first time we’ve been out in public without our valets,” Seonghwa said as he lifted his glass of wine, swirling it gently. You hummed in response, staring at him, watching as he took a sip of the wine. “How is it?” you asked. He smiled as he looked at you. “Delicious,” he answered, setting the glass down. “Very sweet.”

You picked up your own glass and took a sip, savoring the sweetness. There was a tart bite to it as well that you equally enjoyed. “And when we leave the inn in the village outside Sinaia, we’ll be on our own as well,” you reminded him. Seonghwa looked up at you, a darkness to his eyes you’d never seen before.

Well, not never, but very rarely.

“How will we survive?” he joked, breaking the tension.

Your conversation continued, chatting about a few different things. Seonghwa was almost finished with the first half of the book so you continued to ask him about his thoughts until your food arrived.

Everything on your plates was made to perfection, seasoned perfectly and beyond your expectations. As dinner wound down, Alfred arrived. The bill was paid and Seonghwa helped you up as his valet walked over.

“You’re meant to meet the rest of the expedition team, sir,” Alfred said under his breath. Seonghwa nodded. “Where are they?” Seonghwa asked. “At the pub across the street,” Alfred replied. You glanced between them as Seonghwa frowned. “Very well. Could you please escort Y/N back to the room and —”

“No,” you said firmly. “I’m part of this expedition, I want to meet the people my father hired.” Seonghwa gave you a look, brows raised before he conceded. “As you wish,” he said, gesturing for Alfred to lead the way.

Stopping to grab your coats, you followed the two men to the hotel lobby door and out onto the busy street. Crossing the street proved to be much more difficult than you had expected but you managed to make it, pulling your coat tighter around you as Alfred opened the door to what you assumed was the pub.

Seonghwa carefully guided you in, keeping you close as you entered. Alfred took the lead, heading towards the bar. It wasn’t at all what you were picturing. You had expected it to be loud, full of rowdy drunk people and while it was loud, it was mainly due to the quartet playing on a small stage where a very beautiful woman in a red dress was singing.

You turned away as Seonghwa took your arm, guiding you to where a group of men were sitting. “Alfred!” one of the men shouted, clearly excited to see Seonghwa’s valet. “Come to join us for a round?” Alfred offered a polite smile before he declined. 

“I’ve come to introduce Mr. Park,” he said, gesturing to Seonghwa. “And Miss Y/L/N.” One of the other men snorted as he raised his glass to drink his beer. “Who cares?” he said, receiving a smack to the back of the head from the man who had spoken first. He coughed as he choked on his beer, earning a laugh from another man. 

“Ahh pay him no mind, ma’am,” the man who smacked the other. “Charley doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut.” You forced a smile. “Especially when he sees a pretty woman,” a sultry voice from beside you said. You turned in time to see the woman who had been on stage walking past you as she joined the group.

Alfred cleared his throat before speaking. “Miss Y/L/N’s father is the one funding this expedition,” he explained. A murmur went around the table with Charley apologizing.

“So,” you started. “What are your names?”

The man who had hit Charley upside the back of the head sat up. He was a younger bright-eyed fellow. “Thom,” he said immediately. “The name’s Thom. This is Charlie,” he pointed to Charley who nodded his head. “Everett, Enoch, and Adelaide,” he continued, pointing to each person until he got to the woman who had been singing. 

“You can call me Della,” she said as two more women appeared with trays of shots and set them down. “This is Sophronia,” Thom said, gesturing at the blonde who lightly hit his shoulder. “I told you I hate being called that!” she whined before looking up ato give you a smile. “Sophie is just fine,” she added. 

“And I’m Euphemia,” the other woman, one with short brown curls said. “Effie is fine,” she added with a smile. “Y/N,” you replied in an attempt to introduce yourself. “Oh you have such a pretty name!” Della squealed as she sat next to Thom. “Thank you,” you said, cheeks growing warm.

“And who is this tall, handsome man?” Della asked, walking around you to Seonghwa, and leaning against the table to fix him with a very seductive smile. “Mr. Park—” Alfred started, only for Seonghwa to interrupt. “Seonghwa Park,” he answered. “Y/N is my fiancee,” he added, which made Della perk up.

“My apologies,” she said, moving back around to sit next to an Asian man sitting on the end. “And this,” Everett started, pointing at the man. “Is our ninja, Hiro.”

The man made a move to hit him but just laughed it off. “Hiro Tadasaki,” he said, standing up and bowing. Seonghwa returned the bow. “Konbanwa,” you said, also bowing. Hiro looked surprised but pleasantly so as he sat back down. “Join us,” Effie said excitedly. 

You smiled apologetically. “I’m afraid I must decline,” you said softly. “I don’t really drink. Just wine with dinner and champagne on special occasions.” Effie nodded in understanding as the guys grabbed for the shots. 

“Moderation is good,” Della said as she picked up her glass. “Not that any of these idiots would understand,” she added, making you laugh and sending a wink your way as she sipped her cocktail.

“I’ll stay,” Seonghwa said suddenly, taking you and the table by surprise. He turned to Alfred. “Please escort Y/N back to the suite,” Seonghwa said as he removed his coat, hanging off the back of one of the chairs. You glanced at Alfred before gently taking his hand.

“Are you sure about this? I don’t think I could sleep knowing you aren’t in the next room.” Seonghwa gave you a reassuring smile. “I won’t stay long. I just need to relay some information and then I’ll be back to the hotel room. I promise.”

You nodded as he took a seat and Alfred held out his hand, gesturing towards the exit. You allowed him to lead you back outside, across the street and into the hotel. The lift ride up to the third floor was uneventful and soon you were approaching the door to the suite.

“I shall return to Master Park,” Alfred said as you opened the door. “I will see to it that he leaves at an appropriate time,” he added. You gave him a small relieved smile. “Thank you Alfred,” you said softly.

He turned and walked back to the elevator as you shut the door and walked into the room where Charlotte was working on her embroidery. “Miss?” she said as she stood up. “Could I get some tea, Lottie?” you asked to which she nodded and moved the door as you sat down.

Some time passed and she returned, shutting the door and walking over. “Would you like to get out of your dinner dress?” she asked, prompting you to look up at her. “Oh, yes,” you said, getting to your feet and walking into the room you would be sharing with Charlotte for the night. 

She helped you out of your dress and put on your nightgown. You pulled on your dressing gown and headed back out into the living area of the suite to wait for the tea to arrive. It did so only several minutes later and Charlotte prepared it for you.

“It’s bedtime, Miss,” Charlotte announced in a soft voice, taking your empty cup that had been in your hand. “I think I’m going to stay up until they return,” you said, stifling a yawn. Charlotte nodded, giving you a small curtsy. “May I be excused to go to bed?” You nodded silently, resting your head in your hand as Charlotte bid you goodnight.

You had no idea how much time passed or when you fell asleep but you woke to the sound of the door being fiddled with and then the sound of someone attempting to unlock the door. You stood up carefully as the door opened and Seonghwa came in, half carrying Alfred.

“Oh my goodness,” you said as you started forward. Seonghwa shut the door with a laugh before guiding Alfred over to the couch and letting the man plop down, a laugh escaping him as well.

You looked down at Alfred and up at your fiance as he removed his coat and crossed the room to hang it up. “Are you drunk?” you asked, narrowing your eyes. Seonghwa turned to look at you. “Drunk?” he repeated.

“No,” he added as he walked over. “No, no, no.” He stopped to look down at Alfred. “But I think he is,” he added, attempting to stifle his laughter as he rounded the couch, taking your hand. “And I am only slightly drunk. Tipsy, I think is what they called it,” he continued, bringing your hand up to his face, pressing a kiss to the back. 

“You look pretty,” he said, holding your arm out and taking a step back to look you over with a look of adoration. “I’m in my dressing gown,” you said with a laugh as he made you spin before pulling you closer, his hands moving towards your waist.

“Dressing gown?” he said with a scoff. “That won’t do.” He leaned in, pressing a kiss to your cheek. “How are you going to sleep in that?” he asked, his hands sliding to your hips. “How are you going to sleep in any of this?” he whispered, fingers toying with the silky material of your gowns.

“Should just sleep naked,” he continued. You giggled as he kissed your neck. “Seonghwa,” you whispered, glancing over to where Alfred lay on the couch. “Anyone could see,” you added. He pulled back to look at you, taking your face in his hands.

“Then let’s change the scenery,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to your lips. Your hands moved to his chest, feeling him through the material as he parted your lips with his, his tongue slipping into your mouth. It wasn’t like Seonghwa had never kissed you like this before.

It just wasn’t a regular occurrence. You whimpered into the kiss as his hands slid down to your neck, one continuing down your back to pull you against him. “Seonghwa,” you whispered as he broke the kiss, leaving a trail of them down the other side of your neck.

“Hmm?” he hummed as his kisses continued further still. “Shouldn’t we leave this until the wedding night?” you whispered, voice shaking. He pulled back to look up at you. “If that’s what you want,” he started, caressing your cheek gently. “Then of course.”

“But,” he continued. “We could always just take this to my room.” You felt excitement and fear bubble in your stomach. On one hand, you wanted to do just that but on the other, you felt like it was wrong. You’d been told all your life that premarital sex was wrong and sex should only be between a husband and wife.

“I think we should take a step back,” you whispered. Seonghwa sighed but smiled at you all the same. “Of course, sweetheart,” he said, taking your face in his hands once more and kissing the tip of your nose before kissing you on the lips. “I’ll let Alfred sleep it off out here,” he added as he walked you to your door. 

“I’ll see you in the morning,” he said, leaning against the door frame as you opened the door and turned to him. “Goodnight, Seonghwa,” you said softly. He cupped your cheek, leaning in to kiss you. “Goodnight, petal,” he said softly. He stepped backwards before turning to walk back to his room.

“Hwa?” you called out as he reached the middle of the room and turned to look at you. “I love you,” you said softly. A smile spread across his face. “I love you too, Blossom.”

The following morning, you awoke when Charlotte gently shook you, telling you breakfast was going to be delivered to the room. She moved to open the curtains, letting light into the room as you sat up, stretching and yawning.

“Is Seonghwa awake?” you asked as Charlotte came to your side of the bed and set a pair of house slippers on the floor for you to put on. “Mr. Park got up early,” she told you. “He went for a jog and came back to shower. He’s sitting in the common area, reading over the itinerary.”

You inhaled deeply before letting out a sigh and rolling your neck before pulling back the covers and scooting to the edge of the mattress. “He was up awfully early for someone who was half drunk last night,” you murmured. Charlotte looked up as she slid one of the slippers onto your feet.

“Drunk?” she asked. You looked down as she grabbed the second slipper. “I was sitting in the common room after you left. I must have dozed off but I heard the door open and Seonghwa came in with Alfred who was particularly…” you trailed off, wondering if you should continue your train of thought.

“Sloshed?” Charlotte asked, raising a brow. Your lips spread into a smirk before you forced it away. “Very,” you answered. Charlotte held back a smile as she finished and stood, moving to your trunk and opening it as you stood, grabbing your dressing gown.

“Which one would you like to wear today, ma’am?” Charlotte asked, looking up as you approached. “I think the black skirt with the white blouse,” you answered. “With the black and gold belt.” Charlotte smiled and started to pull out the articles of clothing you mentioned. 

“Would you like the matching coat, miss?” You nodded as you moved to the vanity, watching Charlotte set the clothes aside in the reflection of the oval mirror before walking over to where you sat. “Could you do light makeup today, please,” you said as you looked at her through the reflection. “We’re traveling all day today and I really don’t want to overdo it.” Charlotte gave you a smile and nodded as she opened the small cosmetic bag and got to work.

Once finishing your makeup and hair, Charlotte helped you into your blouse and skirt before helping you put on your boots over your stockings. She grabbed your jacket and handed it to you before moving to pack away your things as you headed out into the common area where Seonghwa was standing by the window, using the natural light to read over a sheet of paper. He looked up as you entered, smiling at you.

“Good morning,” you said as you walked over to sit at the table, making sure to drape your jacket over the back of your seat. Seonghwa folded the paper and tucked it back into an envelope, handing it to Alfred and asking him to put it back in his luggage for safekeeping. You thanked the kitchen staff as they set a plate on the table before you and moved to pour tea into your cup.

“Morning, blossom,” Seonghwa said as he moved around the table, leaning down to press a kiss to your cheek before moving to take his seat. “How did you sleep?” he asked, settling into his chair as the server finished pouring your tea. She moved to pour some for Seonghwa but he dismissed her politely, asking instead for coffee.

“I slept alright,” you answered as you picked up the small ceramic creamer and poured a small amount of cream into your tea before picking up the spoon in the sugar dish and added it to your tea as well, stirring it with your own tea spoon. You looked up at Seonghwa and noticed that despite his late night revelry, he looked well rested.

“I should be asking you that,” you continued, drawing his attention. “Hmm?” he hummed, as he picked up the newspaper brought with breakfast. “Why is that?” he asked.You took a sip of your tea as the server finished setting Seonghwa’s plate before him. “You came in so late last night,” you noted as you set your tea down and grabbed your knife, dipping the tip into the butter spread.

Seonghwa let out a soft chuckle as he looked back down at the paper. “It wasn’t that late,” he replied. “But I went straight to bed after you,” he continued. “Slept very well, in fact.” He glanced up at you. “Until Alfredo woke me,” he added as his valet returned to the room, carrying Seonghwa’s coat. He set the coat down and walked over to the table. “I will fetch the bellhop and have your luggage taken down to the carriages,” he announced.

You looked up from spreading jam on your croissant before looking at Seonghwa. “Carriages? As in more than one?” you asked. Seonghwa looked up at you before turning to Alfred. “Thank you, Alfred,” he said before turning back to you. Alfred walked to the door, following the service cart out and leaving you and your fiance alone.

“For whatever reason,” Seonghwa started as he folded the paper and set it down. “We’re taking two carriages to the Gare de l’Est,” he continued, picking up his coffee and taking a sip before making a face and setting it back down. “Would you pass me the cream? I don’t know why I always expect the coffee to taste anything but bitter,” he added as you nodded, picking up the creamer and moving it closer.

“Why are we taking two carriages?” you wondered aloud. “We took one from the train to the ferry and then from the ferry to the train in Calais.” Seonghwa shook his head as he poured some of the white cream into his cup before picking up a teaspoon and stirring it. “I don’t know why,” he explained. “But the hotel service sent for two. Perhaps it is because we aren’t married yet.” You settled back in your seat, picking at your food.

“I suppose,” you murmured. Seonghwa took another sip of coffee after stirring in some sugar to go with the cream. “Besides,” he said as he set the cup down and glanced up at you. “I don’t think I could sit in such close, confined quarters with you and keep my hands to myself.”

Your eyes widened as you quickly turned to make sure Charlotte was still in your room, behind closed doors packing your things before turning back to Seonghwa. “Keep your voice down!” you whispered, trying to fight the smile that wanted to overtake your face. Seonghwa gave you a smirk as he started into his own breakfast.

“You can’t fault me for having these urges,” he said softly. “Not when you look so enticing every day.” Your cheeks grew warm as you looked down at your food, avoiding his gaze. “Look at me,” he said softly. You looked up at him, cheeks burning even more as you met his gaze. “I mean it when I say that once we are married, I have no intention of keeping separate rooms,” he continued.

“That’s not proper,” you whispered. Seonghwa tilted his head with a confident smile. “I don’t care what’s proper,” he added. “When we’re married, you’ll be my wife and I your husband. Unless you absolutely want to, we’re not sleeping in separate beds. My parents never slept in separate beds,” he stated. “Rules be damned, I’m sleeping with my wife.” You let out a giggle, cutting it short as the door behind you opened and Charlotte appeared.

“I’ve packed your things, Miss,” she said in a soft voice. “Thank you, Lottie,” you said, keeping your eyes on your fiance as he stared at you. Seonghwa held your gaze until the door to the hall opened and Alfred returned with two bellhops. “All the luggage from both bedrooms,” Alfred instructed. “Are Miss Y/L/N’s things packed?” he asked Charlotte who nodded enthusiastically.

“Take them down to the carriages waiting outside, please,” Alfred added as the bellhops nodded and headed into the two bedrooms. You continued eating as they carried the items out of the rooms and from the suite. Seonghwa had resumed reading the paper and you busied yourself with your croissant and tea.

Once the rooms had been cleared and breakfast consumed, the service cart returned to clear the table while Charlotte helped you into your coat while Seonghwa finished reading, thanking the service attendant and stood up, taking his coat from Alfred and pulling it on himself. You walked towards the door, Charlotte in tow and exited only after Seonghwa gestured for you to.

The hall was alive with activity as patrons were checking out of their rooms, luggage piled onto carts to be taken down to the lobby. You stood beside Seonghwa as you waited for one of the lifts which arrived promptly. Once inside, you stood quietly as the lift lowered down, stopping at the lobby to let you out.

The grand lobby was also buzzing with chatter and a frenzy of staff zoomed around as patrons checked out and some lounged around, no doubt waiting for carriages to take them to their destinations. Outside the hotel was a much different atmosphere than it had been the night before. The street was lit by the rising sun, light hitting the cobblestone roads at an angle.

Two black carriages, pulled by beautiful black stallions, stood waiting for you to board. Seonghwa stopped by the first one as the footman opened the door. “Your carriage,” Seonghwa said with an amused smile on his face, making you want to roll your eyes. You took the hand he offered and stepped up onto the carriage step and inside.

Charlotte followed, also assisted by your fiance. You leaned into the window after the door shut. “I wish you didn’t have to ride separately,” you said softly, making him smile. “I’ll see you at the station,” he replied, giving you a wink before he turned and made his way to the second carriage. You sat back in your seat across from Charlotte with a huff.

Amused by your small fit, Charlotte leaned forward, patting your hand. “Soon you’ll be married and it won’t matter anymore,” she said softly. You gave her a small smile, nodding, before you looked out the window. After a few moments, the carriage lurched forward, the sound of hooves clopping against the cobblestone rang out as you were on your way.

The ride to the Gare de l’Est station wasn’t long, thankfully, and soon you were pulling up to the entrance. The carriage door opened and you climbed out, thanking the footman who helped you down as men immediately started to unload your luggage. 

Seonghwa joined you as you looked up at the station while Afred instructed the attendants on where to put the luggage. Your eyes traveled over the stone facade of the building, admiring the architecture and details. “Shall we?” you heard Seonghwa ask from beside you, taking your attention away from the building. Nodding, you took the arm he offered and walked forward into the station.

You were prompt and on time to go through inspection and check-in. Once through, you were directed to a place to wait for the boarding process to begin. You took a seat at a small bistro table, Seonghwa sitting across from you while Charlotte sat next to you and Alfred went to oversee the luggage and make sure it made it to the correct rooms.

“There he is!” a voice called, making you look up to see the team you had met yesterday walking towards your table. Seonghwa smiled, standing up as you watched him interact with the group. Thom turned to look at you, giving you a small bow of the head. “Miss,” he greeted you. “Your fiance can certainly hold his own when it comes to shots,” he said, pointing at Seonghwa who tried to dismiss his compliments.

You forced a polite smile at the man before glancing at Seonghwa. You looked away as he caught your eye and busied yourself with the small menu on the table while the group chatted with your fiance. You tuned out what they were saying as you stared intently at the menu but not really reading it. You just wanted something to look at.

“Are you alright, miss?” Charlotte asked, placing a hand on your shoulder, a hint of concern in her voice. “Yes, Lottie,” you said a little more forcefully than you intended. You placed your hand over hers in a silent apology. “I’m fine,” you added.

“Blossom?” Seonghwa’s voice asked as he took a seat beside you. “Everything alright?” You nodded, not looking up as the group continued to chatter amongst each other. “We’re going to get a couple drinks at the bar,” Charley announced, making Seonghwa look up. “Care to join us?” Seonghwa glanced back at you but you didn’t look up to meet his gaze.

You half expected him to accept but when he declined, citing maybe on the train, you felt both a bit surprised but also extremely relieved. Charley followed the group and you let out a sigh. Seonghwa asked Charlotte to go ask for something for you to drink and once you were alone, Seonghwa tilted your head back to look at him.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked, eyes searching your face. “We don’t have to do this,” he reminded you once more. “We can turn around and go back home.” You shook your head. “I want to do this,” you replied. “I want to go on this trip.” Seonghwa studied your face for a moment before conceding. “As you wish,” he said softly, dropping his hand as Charlotte returned with a glass of water.

Time ticked by as you waited. About ten minutes before you were due to start boarding, Alfred returned, a look of frustration on his face. “We have a problem,” he said in a low voice meant only for Seonghwa to hear but you heard it, too. “A problem?” you asked, looking up. Seonghwa told you to wait a moment as he got up and walked with Alfred, who led him over to a short, official looking man with a conductor’s coat and hat.

The three of them spoke quickly in a hushed tone but you were too far from them to pick up on what they were saying, even if they spoke in normal voices. Seonghwa looked positively furious at what the conductor was saying and after a few back and forths with the man, Seonghwa conceded and returned with Alfred.

You looked at him as he sat back down, muttering under his breath. “What’s wrong?” you asked, glancing from him to Alfred and back. “There’s been a mix up with the rooms on the train,” Alfred explained. “They’ve mistakenly assumed you were a married couple and given away one of the rooms to a contessa.”

You stared in disbelief at him. “What?” you asked softly. “I am terribly sorry,” Alfred said, bowing his head. “This is outrageous,” Seonghwa said, clearly upset with the situation. You placed a hand over his. “It’s going to be alright,” you said softly. “You and Charlotte still have your bunks, correct?” you asked, looking up at Alfredo who nodded.

“Of course,” he replied. We are next door to one another,” Alfred answered. You turned to Seonghwa. “Unless someone doesn’t show up, we’ll just have to grin and bear it,” you said reassuringly. “It’s going to be fine. What’s the worst that can happen?”

Half an hour later, you were escorted to the train and once on board, Charlotte and Alfred were shown to their rooms while you and your fiance were shown to your private room by one of the conductors. You thanked him as Seonghwa looked around the room. “Will you be requiring anything?” the conductor asked Seonghwa who didn’t answer. You turned and smiled.

“No, thank you,” you replied. The conductor nodded and headed back down the hall, shutting the door in the process. “See?” you said softly. “It’s not so bad. We’re going to be married soon anyway, so what does it matter?” you asked, moving to turn Seonghwa to face you.

“It matters because I don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” he said softly. “Last night we —” 

He was interrupted by a knock and reluctantly turned to face the door. “Come in,” he said in a calm tone despite the panicked voice he’d just had when speaking to you. The food opened and Alfred peered in. “Is everything to your liking?” he asked. Seonghwa nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “If you could just give us a moment?” Alfred nodded, stepping out and shutting the door.

“We’ll discuss this later,” he said softly, stopping only when you gently grabbed his hand and pulled him back towards you. “We will be fine,” you reminded him. “I know what almost happened last night and we’ll just have to exercise restraint,” you said softly, cupping his cheek. “I know we can do that.”

Seonghwa nodded wordlessly, his expression a mix between frustration and solemnity. You leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. “We’ll be fine,” you repeated.

The rest of the train filled up quickly and as the conductor said, it was a full train. You had opted to stay in your compartment while Seonghwa went to speak to Alfred about your schedules while on board the train. You had retrieved one of your books from your luggage and were in the process of reading when Seonghwa returned, closing the door and taking a seat beside you on the couch.

You could tell he was upset about something, marking the page you were on and setting the book on the table between your end of the couch and the small partition between the couch and the bedroom area. “What’s wrong?” you asked, turning to look at him. Seonghwa glanced at you, arms crossed over his chest and looking every bit of a sullen child.

“It’s nothing,” he said, turning to stare out the window across from where you both sat. After a moment of silence, you sighed, reaching over and grabbing his arm. You tugged gently, trying to pull him closer. Seonghwa looked at you, giving you a look of confusion before you gestured for him to lay down. He hesitated before finally giving in, lying on his back, resting his head on your lap.

“If you don’t want to talk about it, I won’t ask,” you said in a gentle tone, running your fingers through his soft hair as you spoke. “But I want you to forget about it or at the very least put it at the back of your mind and just be here, in this moment.” Seonghwa stared up at you as you combed through his hair. He conceded, shutting his eyes and letting out a sigh.

You sat like that in silence for a while before he finally spoke.

“I’m sorry,” he finally said quietly. “For what?” you asked, continuing to stroke his hair, looking down at him with a deep fondness in your heart. Your fondness for him had only grown since he first opened up to you when he was courting you after you had turned him down out of fear.

It was true in the beginning that you had been very apprehensive about Seonghwa. He’d pursued you with a tenacity that scared you initially. You feared he was only interested in you for your looks and social standing but you learned that while his physical attraction to you was true, he’d heard about your interests and your hobbies and wanted to know more.

He proved himself to be interested in getting to know your mind and heart and that had been the final push you needed to accept his attempts to court you. Your parents had always wanted you to make a good match but they also wanted you to be happy with your choice. They were never going to force you to marry a man you didn’t or couldn’t love.

“For all of this,” he said, waving his hand around the cabin. Your brows knitted together. “It’s not your fault,” you reminded him, smoothing his hair down. “The staff just assumed we were married already. It’s really not a problem. It’ll just help us prepare for sharing a bed when we are married.” Seonghwa’s eyes opened and he looked up at you.

“I suppose you’re right,” he said as he looked up at you with the same fondness you felt in your chest. “Since I don’t plan on keeping separate beds once we’re married,” he added as he sat up and turned to face you. “I suppose we can use this trip to help us prepare for married life.” You nodded, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek. Instead of letting you pull away, Seonghwa pulled you back in for a kiss.

He let out a groan of frustration when there was a knock on the door. “What is it?” he asked loudly as you fought the urge to smile at his annoyance. The door opened and one of the conductors looked into the room. “Lunch is being served, sir,” he announced. “Thank you,” Seonghwa said, dismissing the conductor and turning back to you. “Would you like to join the dining car or would you prefer to take lunch in your private cabin?”

Seonghwa gave you a look before turning. “In here would be best,” he answered. “Then please look over the menu and make a decision. I will send a server to come get your orders soon.” The conductor shut the door and left you and your fiance alone once more. Seonghwa got up from the couch and grabbed the small menu that sat on the table.

You watched as his eyes narrowed as he read over it. “Anything good?” you asked as he read the options to himself. He stared a little longer before handing it to you. You took it from him, reading over the menu. “Some chicken and beef options and… fish?” you said, sounding mildly surprised. You looked up at him. “On a train?” you asked before chuckling.

Seonghwa snorted. “I don’t know if I would trust the fish,” he added. You chuckled to yourself as you read the menu once more. “Let’s just order something simple for lunch and then for dinner, we can always get something more—”

“Complex?” Seonghwa asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Precisely,” you said, looking up at him. “You choose,” Seonghwa said as he took his seat beside you with a sigh. “I’m not particular.”

You ended up choosing a salad, the beef bourguignon with boiled potatoes, and small chocolate mousse cups for dessert. After ordering, you resumed your book while waiting, Seonghwa resumed laying on the couch with his head resting in your lap as you read quietly.

“What are you reading?” he finally asked. “Sherlock Holmes,” you answered as you turned the page. “Which one?” You glanced down at him. “A Study in Scarlet,” you answered, looking back up at the page. “Haven’t you read that one?” Seonghwa asked, watching your face as you read. “Mhmm,” you hummed. “Many times,” you added.

“Would you read some to me?” he asked, making you look away from the page again. “You want me to read to you?” you asked, feeling slightly amused at the idea of reading to your soon-to-be husband. “Yes, please,” he replied, shutting his eyes as he rested. You took a deep breath and looked back up to the page. “Very well,” you answered.

“‘I  had neither kith nor kin in England, and was therefore as free as air—or as free as an income of eleven shillings and sixpence a day will permit a man to be,’” you read from the page. “‘Under such circumstances, I naturally gravitated to London, that great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers of the Empire are irresistibly drained.”

You continued to read the opening of Watson’s account of his first interaction with the Detective until there was a knock at the door, indicating the food had arrived. You marked the page and shut it as Seonghwa sighed and sat up. “Will we always continue to be interrupted?” he asked softly as he ran his fingers through his hair before getting up and answering the door.

Lunch had arrived and as you took your seat, you were grateful for the small reprieve. Seonghwa sat across from you as the staff set the table and served the dishes. You thanked them, picking up your salad fork and digging in, feeling particularly ravenous. It had been a while since your early breakfast. Seonghwa took amusement at your eagerness to consume your food.

“Hungry?” he asked, his voice mirroring his expression. “Very,” you replied. “Aren’t you?” Seonghwa looked up from the table, giving you a look you recognized. It was one he’d given you twice before: once when you’d shown up to a social party wearing a very figure flattering green dress and again last night when he returned to the suite slightly intoxicated. You could guess what that expression meant.

“Oh I am,” he replied before looking back down at his food. “But not entirely for beef bourguignon.”

Your cheeks burned as you turned your attention back to your food, finishing your salad so you could get the main portion of your meal. Seonghwa had fallen silent as he ate so you felt the need to fill the silence. “Would you like me to resume reading after lunch?” You noticed the smile that appeared on his face before he looked up and looked at you with that same look as before.

“If it pleases you to do so,” he said softly. “Then it pleases me.”

The statement was so simple and yet so much was said with those few words. Seonghwa had never once put his own pleasure or wants before yours. He only proceeded with the proposal after he had discussed it and marriage in length with you. He wanted to make sure that whatever you both did, that you were the happiest. He had often said he would give up everything for you though you saw no need for him to go to such lengths. All you wanted in life was your books and him.

That’s all you needed.

When lunch concluded and the table cleared, Seonghwa was about to return to the couch but instead, you removed your shoes and moved to the bed, settling over the covers against the pillows and patted the bed beside you. He hesitated only for a moment before joining you, removing his shoes before crawling onto the bed and settling down against the pillows beside you.

You resumed reading, reading the entirety of chapters one through four before glancing over at Seonghwa, finding him fast asleep. With a smile, you marked the page and shut the book softly before setting it on the bedside table and turning to face your fiance only to find he had woken up.

“Why’d you stop?” he asked softly. You reached out, brushing his hair out of his eyes. “I thought you were asleep,” you replied. “No,” he said, clearing his throat. “Just had my eyes closed.” You smiled and scooted closer, pressing a kiss to his lips. “If you’re tired, you should sleep.” Seonghwa grumbled. “I’m not tired.”

You giggled as his arms encircled you, pulling you against him as he rested his head against your chest. “But maybe a nap wouldn’t be such a bad idea.” You laughed again as he nuzzled against you. “Or maybe you could wake me up?” he asked, looking up at you. “How would I do that?” you asked, letting out a squeak as he rolled you onto your back, hovering over you.

His hips slotted between your thighs, pressing your skirt against you as he looked down at your face, studying it carefully. “S-Seonghwa,” you whispered, cheeks burning under his heated gaze. He leaned in, lips inches from yours as he stared into your eyes. “Do you want me to stop?” he whispered.

You shook your head, staring back up at him with wide and curious but excited eyes. Seonghwa closed the distance, pressing his lips to yours. The moment he kissed you, a moan sounded from the back of your throat. Seonghwa swallowed it eagerly, rolling his hips and pressing into you.

Your hands moved to his shoulders and he pulled back to look at you. “Are you alright?” he asked softly. You nodded. “I’m fine,” you said, voice shaking. “This is just new to me.” Seonghwa’s expression softened. “I know we’re meant to wait until we’re married,” he started, leaning down to kiss you softly, leaving a trail of light kisses across your cheek until his lips were next to your ear.

“But I really want to undress you and take you right here.”

Your stomach fluttered, the feeling of butterflies erupting tickling you at his admission. It was the same feeling you got when he kissed you for the very first time or when he got down on one knee and proposed to you right after the two of you had gotten caught in the rain. 

You had been on a walk and it was a dreary day but you still hadn’t expected the skies to open and rain to come pouring down. Alfred and Charlotte had been following behind and when the rain started, they took shelter while you and Seonghwa had taken shelter further down under a small overhang. Laughter escaped the two of you as you stood staring at one another, completely drenched.

Seonghwa had pulled you in, kissing you and not caring who saw before he told you that he loved you and got down on one knee to propose. It was completely impromptu. He didn’t even have the ring on him. Instead there had been an entire dinner planned where he was going to ask you in front of all your family and friends but instead, he did it right there. You, of course, had said yes without hesitation.

The same feeling you had then in your stomach had you giving into him as he kissed your neck, one of his hands sliding down the outside of your thigh to grab the hem of your skirt and start dragging it up. You let out a gasp as you felt his fingers against your skin. “If you want me to stop,” he whispered against your skin. “Just tell me,” he added. “And I will.”

You shook your head, grabbing his hand and guiding it up your thigh. “Don’t stop touching me,” you whispered, fingers curling into his dark locks. “I want you—”

A series of knocks at the door made Seonghwa sit up, a look of pure anger on his face. “I am getting really sick of this,” he grumbled as he got off the bed and walked over to the door while you sat up, pulling your skirt down. He pulled open the door, about to tell off whoever had knocked when he noticed Charlotte standing there with a small case in her hands.

“Apologies Mr. Park,” she said softly. “But I need to give Miss Y/N her medication.” Seonghwa sighed and stood back as you moved to the foot of the bed. Charlotte came in, an apologetic look on her face. “I’m real sorry, Miss,” she started as she moved to where you sat. “It’s quite alright, Lottie,” you replied. “You have instructions. I know.”

Lottie set the case down and moved to pour a glass of water before returning to you. “And when I’m not around, one of you is going to have to remember to do this,” she added as you nodded. “How does your head feel?” Charlotte asked as Seonghwa moved to watch her. She was right. One of the two of you was going to have to remember to do this for future reference. “It’s not too bad,” you said softly. “At this point, it’s preemptive.” Charlotte frowned as she opened a small pouch in the case and pulled out a little white pill. 

“The doctor’s orders were clear,” Charlotte said as she handed the pill to you, holding the glass of water. “Once a day and one more if the headache persists.” You nodded as you put the pill on your tongue and took the glass from her, gulping down enough to swallow the pill whole. You made a gagging noise as you handed the water back. “I hate taking pills.” Charlotte pushed the water back. “Drink all of it. And if the headache comes back, send for me,” she added, turning her head to look at Seonghwa.

As she packed up the case, Seonghwa stopped her. “You can leave it,” he said. “Just in case it comes while you’re asleep. We can handle it ourselves.” Charlotte looked from him to you and back. “It’s fine, Lottie,” you said as you finished your water. “Just leave the case here.”

Charlotte nodded and headed for the door, thanking Seonghwa when he opened it. Once it was shut, Seonghwa turned to look at you as you got up, setting your water glass on the table. He walked over, one arm encircling your back as he reached up to cup your cheek. “Will we ever have an uninterrupted moment?” he muttered as his thumb moved, brushing over your bottom lip. 

“If things keep going the way they have been,” you started, voice barely above a whisper. “Then I fear the answer is a resounding no.” Seonghwa sighed, leaning in as his hand slid down to the side of your neck. Before he could press his lips against yours, there was yet another knock at the door. He fought the urge to groan. As he tried turning away, you stopped him, pulling him back to you. 

“Don’t,” you said softly. “Just ignore it.” He chuckled, pressing a short kiss to your lips. The small intimate gesture left you wanting more as he pulled back. “It could be important,” he said softly. “It could also just be Alfred or Charlotte bothering us,” you retorted, making him laugh softly. “It could also be the wait staff coming to ask if we will be joining the rest of the train for dinner,” he countered.

“Would you say that constitutes an emergency?” you asked, one of your hands sliding down his chest, skimming over his stomach. Just as your fingertips reached the waistband of his pants, he grabbed your wrist and another series of knocks rang out, followed by the familiar voice of Alfred. Seonghwa pressed a kiss to your forehead before letting go of your hand and turning to answer the door.

“Sorry to disrupt sir,” Alfred started. “But the staff have asked if you and Miss Y/L/N will be joining the dining car for dinner or if you will be dining in your car instead.” Seonghwa turned to look back at you for a brief moment before he turned back to Alfred. “You can tell them we will join the dining car,” he answered. Your stomach sank slightly in disappointment. “Would you kindly send for Charlotte?” Seonghwa asked. “She can help Y/N dress for dinner.”

You moved towards the bed and sat on the edge as Seonghwa shut the door and turned to face you. “I was hoping you might tell him that we wanted to dine in here,” you said softly as he approached you, a tone of disappointment in your voice. He knelt in front of you, smiling up at you. “We’ll go play society for a couple hours and then come back here tonight and it’ll just be us,” he explained as he took your hand, thumb playing with the ring on your finger.

“Just a couple hours out in public and then we can come back here and you can have me all to yourself,” he added. “Besides,” he said standing up as there was another knock on the door, presumably Charlotte, come to help you dress. “We should probably get to know the rest of the expedition crew before we’re meant to spend days on end with just them in the forest.”

You forced a smile as he let go of your hand and walked to open the door for Charlotte before he turned to look at you. “Yeah,” you said with a heavy sigh, feeling a sense of dread in the pit of your stomach for the night to come, knowing it probably wasn’t going to end as well as your fiance predicted.

Dinner was a much more grand affair than lunch had been. There were bottles of wine, being opened left and right, an array of appetizers being served and the main courses were simply mouthwatering. You had selected a dish with duck that was served with a porcini mushroom risotto. Everything you ate was delicious. 

Your table consisted of you, Seonghwa, Alfred, and Charlotte. Once the meal had been finished, Thom had invited Alfred and Seonghwa to join them for drinks and despite your hopes that Seonghwa would not agree, he did and you sat with Charlotte, poking at your dessert, a small ramekin of creme brulee. 

Charlotte watched your mood sour and darken as time passed and when one of the servers came by a fourth time to ask if you were finished with your dessert, she took the initiative and had them clear the table and take away the dessert before you stabbed your fork through the ceramic.

“Would you like some coffee, miss?” Charlotte asked softly, her voice barely audible over the raucous laughter coming from several tables down. You could see the members of the crew were laughing at something someone said and while what you were sure they said was quite humorous indeed, the sight of your fiance sitting with them left a bad taste in your mouth and without the creme brulee to combat it, you were ready to return to your suite.

“No, Lottie,” you answered, setting your fork down at last and turning your gaze away from the scene as you forced a smile. “I think I’m ready to retire for the evening.” Charlotte glanced over to the table before looking back at you. “Are you sure you don’t want to let Mr. Park know—” You waved your hand, dismissing her question before she even finished it.

“I’m sure he’ll find his way back to our room at some point in the night at which point, I will most certainly be asleep,” you answered, grabbing the white cloth napkin that rested atop your lap and threw it down onto the table as Charlotte stood up, helping you up as well. Without sparing a second glance, you turned away from the crew and your fiance and started to walk back towards the passenger compartments, Charlotte on your heel.

Unbeknownst to you, Seonghwa noticed the movement out of the corner of his eye and turned to see you and Charlotte getting up and walking out the back of the dining compartment but his attention was quickly diverted back to the conversation at hand.

“What about you, Al?” Charley asked, taking a large swig of his drink and looking at Alfred. “Surely, you’ve seen combat. Probably even killed a few men.” Seonghwa glanced at his valet who shook his head. “I’m not at liberty to say, I’m afraid,” he said as he fought the urge to smirk. The table erupted into laughter again as more alcohol was poured into shot glasses.

“And what about you?” Everett asked, catching Seonghwa’s attention. “Combat?” Seonghwa asked. He shook his head. “No,” he answered. “I’ve never been in war,” he added. Charley snorted. “Why would you even ask that, Ev?” he asked. “This fairy has probably never even thrown a punch in his life.” Seonghwa felt a slight burn of anger. He picked up the glass before him, downing the alcohol in one go.

“If you really feel that way, let’s prove your theory,” Seonghwa snapped, drawing the attention of everyone seated at the tables. Alfred’s humorous demeanor shifted instantly as his valet role kicked in. “I don’t think that is wise, Master Park,” he said in a low tone. Seonghwa stood up, removing his jacket and draping it over the back of his chair. “Nonsense, Alfred,” Seonghwa answered as he undid the cuffs of his sleeves and started to roll them back.

Charley looked around at the rest of the group, both dumbfounded and perhaps even a little put off by Seonghwa’s sudden surge of confidence. “I… But—” Charley stammered as he looked around for help. Seonghwa waited for the man to move. “Shall I take this as a sign of your capitulation?” he asked. Charley looked up at him. “What?” he asked, looking bewildered.

Seonghwa sighed. “Are you yielding before we even start?” Charley stood up quickly before stumbling into Everett who caught him. “Oi, don’t do it Charley. You’re fuckin’ knackered. Just apologize to the man before he knocks you out.” Charley protested as he ripped his own jacket off and threw it down, looking up to face Seonghwa. Alfred got to his feet but Seonghwa held up a hand to stop him.

“This is between Charley and I,” Seonghwa said as he stood before the very drunk man. While Everett was trying to make Charley back down, the others were encouraging him to step up to the challenge. “Clearly Everett is the only one with sense,” Seonghwa said to himself as he raised his hands up in an open position. Charley shook Everett off who sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, annoyed with his friend’s behavior. “No cry when I bruise that pretty face,” Charley said as he raised his fists.

Seonghwa smirked as he waited for Charley to strike. “I’ll be a gentleman and offer to replace any teeth I knock out,” he retorted, enjoying the look of shock on not only Charley’s face but also on the others. Seonghwa may not look like much to those who didn’t know him but he spent a greater portion of his youth learning martial arts and joining underground fighting rings. He knew a thing or two about fighting.

And soon, he’d prove it to those around him.

Upon returning to your room, Charlotte helped you undress and get ready for bed. Once you were in your nightgown, you got into the bed, grabbing your book to read for a while before you finally laid down and slept. You wanted something to keep your mind of how you thought earlier. Once you’d had time to process it, you felt rather silly that you were acting so… jealous.

You knew that with where you were going and what you were about to do, it was vital to establish a relationship of sorts with the people you would be spending a lot of time with but while Seonghwa was a natural at speaking to people, you on the other hand had a harder time opening up to people. With social events back in London, it was easier because most of the people you interacted with were people you’d known almost your entire life.

Seonghwa was the first stranger you met as an adult and opening up to him had been quite difficult for you not just because of your fears about his sincerity but because of your anti-social nature. It made you feel insecure in some ways that he was able to strike up a conversation with just about anyone while you were stuck scrambling to even greet yourself.

It was one of the reasons you enjoyed reading so much. You got to meet new people without ever having said a word. You got to know them as they went on an adventure and sailed the seas, solved crimes, or traveled to a mystical realm. Characters in a book were much easier than a group of strangers on a train.

As you continued to read the second part of Holmes’ crime solving with Watson, you heard the door handle jiggle and looked up as the door opened and your fiance came in, shutting the door with a sigh. He tossed his jacket onto the couch as he moved through the cabin before he looked up and noticed you sitting there, book in hand and bedside lamp on.

“Oh,” he said softly as he went to remove his shoes. “I didn’t realize you were still awake,” he continued as he started to undress. Your eyes widened and you looked away, clearing your throat. Seonghwa looked up to notice you were looking down, face buried in your book. “Would you like me to change somewhere else?” he asked, an amused tone in his voice.

You looked up at him, the dim, golden glow of your bedside lamp illuminating him more now. Your eyes widened, a soft gasp escaping you as your eyes lingered on the cut in his bottom lip. You immediately threw A Study in Scarlet aside and scrambled up, crawling across the bed until you were in front of him. Seonghwa watched you with a bewildered look as you took his face in your hands.

“What happened to you?” you asked, beginning to inspect the rest of his face for marks. He tried to pull away, letting out a chuckle. “I’m alright,” he said as he grabbed your wrists. “Really,” he added as he held your wrists together and stared into your eyes. “You should see the other guy,” he joked.

Seonghwa let go of you and started to finish undressing, sitting on the edge of the bed in front of you. “What happened?” you demanded as you sat back on your heels and watched him. “Oh, you know. Men being men. One of the guys said I most likely didn’t know how to throw a punch, not realizing I spent a great amount of time during my youth taking martial arts.” You stared at him as he removed his socks, letting them fall to the floor.

Your expression went from shocked to anger to pain. You balled your hand into a fist and hit his shoulder. It wasn’t very hard but it wasn’t a light hit either. “Ah! Why are you hitting me?” he asked, sounding slightly alarmed but also amused as you hit him again. “You’re an idiot, Seonghwa Park!” you said, fighting back tears.

He turned around, catching your hands before they made contact again. “Sweetheart,” he said calmly as you struggled against his hold. “I’m fine,” he reminded you. “It isn’t that serious!” he continued but you weren’t having it. You struggled against him, making small grunts of effort. Seonghwa finally threw all of his weight into it, pushing you back onto the mattress and pinning your hands down on either side of your head as he hovered over you.

“Y/N, stop it,” he said in a commanding tone you’d never heard before but it sent a wave of arousal throughout your body and immediately, you submitted to him, staring up at him with wide but curious eyes, heat forming in your cheeks and other parts of your body as well.

The movement had caused the hem of your nightgown to ride up as well as the force at which he flipped you back, made it rise above your knee, sliding up your thighs. You felt extremely exposed because at any moment, he could pull back and see your lack of undergarments. Silence filled the space as time passed. Seconds ticked by, punctuated only by the sound of your shallow breathing.

Seonghwa stared down at you, eyes flickering between yours and your lips. Without hesitation, he closed the distance, pressing his lips to yours. You let out a small whimper as you felt his thigh press into you, pressing the soft fabric of your nightgown against your core. He pulled back to look into your eyes. “Have I ever told you how absolutely beautiful you are like this?” he asked, moving one of his hands to cup your cheek, the pad of his thumb brushing over your heated skin.

“No makeup, no dresses, just you,” he continued, pressing a kiss to your cheek. He released your other hand as one of his slid down past the outside of your thigh to your knee and pulled your leg up around his waist as he settled his hips between your thighs. “Hwa,” you whined as he started kissing down the side of your neck. “So.” kiss. “Fucking.” kiss. “Beautiful.”

Your chest rose and fell with each labored breath as he continued to kiss down to your collar, reaching the neckline of your nightgown before looking up to meet your gaze. “Hwa,” you started, letting out  a gasp followed by a moan as he rolled his hips against you, grinding into your already soaked center. 

“You’re drunk,” you tried to continue. “I'm not drunk, Y/N,” he answered, pulling back to look at you. “I drank, yes. But I'm not drunk.” You stared back at him, cheeks heating up as he devoured you with his eyes. “Then why are you—” you started.

“Because I want you,” he interjected. “I want you so bad and each time we've been interrupted has felt like a punch to my stomach. I want everything,” he continued, lips ghosting over yours. “I want to hold you down while I make you mine.”

“I want to taste you,” he continued, eyes dipping to look at your parted lips as he rolled his hips again, grinding his hardening cock against you, the fabric of his pants giving you the smallest amount of friction. You let out a small whimper as you felt his breath against your ear. 

“I want to be inside you.”

You let out a gasp, whispering his name as he kissed down the side of your neck once more, mouth ghosting over the material of your dress as he traveled further and further. He glanced up, meeting your gaze with a mischievous smirk as he pushed your skirt back and parted your knees.

Instinctively you tried to cover yourself up but Seonghwa wouldn’t let you, letting out an impatient grunt. Your cheeks burned as his gaze lowered until his eyes met the place between your thighs, lips parting as he exhaled slowly. You watched as the tip of his tongue peeked out, wetting his lips before he glanced back up at you. “If you want me to stop,” he said in a steady voice. “Just say so,” he added.

“I will not do anything that you don’t want me to. I want your full consent to touch you,” he continued. Your eyes flickered from his face to his hands resting atop your knees. Slowly, you pushed yourself up, propping your body up on one elbow as you reached for one of his hands.

Once you had it in yours, you slid both your hands down the inside of your thigh until his fingers brushed against your wet folds. You let out a shaky gasp at the feeling, keeping your eyes locked on his face as he watched your hand guide his. 

“I want you to touch me,” you whispered, drawing your fiance’s gaze away from your glistening sex. “I want you to taste me,” you continued, moving your hand up his arm as you sat up further. Your hand ghosted over the bulge in his pants, testing the waters and gauging his reaction before firmly pressing your hand against him. 

His eyes fluttered shut as you very slowly, almost torturously so, massaged him. Seonghwa managed to force his eyes open and looked up, meeting your gaze. With his attention on you once again, you delivered what you felt was the killing blow. “I want you inside me.”

Seonghwa let out a growl, lurching forward as he pinned you back against the bed, capturing your lips in a heated kiss as his hand snaked between your bodies, finding your folds and pressing the pads of his fingers past them, working up and down, finding the sensitive bundle of nerves with ease.

You were no stranger to pleasure and had often taken care of it yourself but this was the first time anyone else had ever touched you so intimately. Seonghwa had never spoken about his sexual prowess before because it didn’t matter what he’d done in the past before meeting you but based on the expert way his fingers circled your clit and dipped down to tease your slit gave you the idea that he definitely had some idea of what he was doing.

As he pulled back, he slid a finger into your warmth, enjoying the way your brows furrowed in pleasure, a small gasp escaping your lips, breath hot against his skin as you lost yourself in the feeling. He moved slowly, pumping a single finger in and out of you, watching the change in your expression go from uncertainty to ecstasy. He murmured an apology when you winced, whimpering as he added a second finger and curled them both into the soft spot inside you.

He enjoyed the way you mewled, back arching off the bed as he continued to stimulate that same spot over and over, and the way your thighs started to shake as he drew you closer and closer to your climax. Before you could tumblr over the edge, he pulled away, withdrawing his fingers from your cunt despite your whines of protest. 

Resisting the urge to chuckle, Seonghwa lowered himself, settling on the mattress with his head between your thighs. Licking his lips, he spread your folds, taking in the mess between your legs before giving your clit a very slow, deliberate lick, making your body jump. He was quick to hold you down by the hips as his mouth devoured you. He switched between light sucking and flicking his tongue, making your legs shake as you threw your head back against the sheets.

“Oh merciful heavens,” you gasped, letting out a moan as he flattened his tongue, moving it expertly against your clit. You were wrong yet again from your assumptions: he knew very well what he was doing. He was definitely more than practiced at this. The slight jealousy you felt at the thought of him being intimate with anyone else died as your orgasm drew closer and closer.

One of your hands flew down to grasp his hair while the other dug into the sheets, gripping them tightly as the wave of your climax washed over you, sending ripples of pleasure throughout your body, legs shaking as they tried to close around your fiance’s head. Seonghwa was much stronger than he looked, stronger than you gave him credit for, as he held your legs open while he helped you ride out your high.

Heat, white hot and intense, radiated throughout your body as wave after wave of bliss rolled over you, each one less strong as the one before until you were pulling at Seonghwa’s hair, urging him to stop as you trembled and shook, your body jerking with each pass of his tongue over your swollen and overly sensitive clit. He finally pulled away, lips coated with your essence as he looked up and met your gaze.

You weakly pushed yourself up enough to grab the front of his shirt, pulling him up. A chuckle left his lips as he followed your movements, crawling up over you, allowing you to pull him into a kiss. The taste of yourself on his lips and tongue had you moaning into his mouth as your hands moved, fumbling with his pants. Seonghwa’s own hands grabbed yours, stopping you as he pulled away.

“What are you doing?” he whispered as you tried to free your hands, determined to get his pants off him. “I want you,” you replied, pulling your hands from his and trying once more to undress him. Seonghwa chuckled against your lips as he grabbed your wrists, pinning your hands to the bed. “Do you even know what that means?” he asked, lips brushing against yours.

You nodded eagerly. “Yes,” you answered. “I want you to make love to me.” Seonghwa let out a groan, pressing a long, languid kiss to your lips. “I would love nothing more than to do just that, my love,” he said softly. “But I think this is enough for tonight.” You whined in protest, grabbing his shirt as he tried to pull back. “Please, Seonghwa,” you begged, tightening your thighs around his waist as your fingers curled into the placket of his shirt, trying to pull him down into a kiss.

Once again, you underestimated his strength as he didn’t even move, smiling down at your feeble attempt to pull him to you. He would love to let you seduce him, but tonight was not that night. “No, sweetheart,” he murmured, at least giving in and kissing you. “No more tonight. I would really like to take my time with you,” he continued. “It’s getting late and we’re on a schedule,” he added as he wrapped his hands around yours and pulled them from his shirt.

“When we get back after this trip, I promise I will spend hours, days even if that’s what you want, making love to you. We won’t even leave the bed. I’ll make love to you in the morning, at lunch, at dinner, and all throughout the night,” he continued between kisses. “But we have to get through this trip first.”

You whined into his mouth. “This is the only time we’ll be alone until we wed,” you reminded him. Seonghwa chuckled, nuzzling your nose with his before pressing another kiss to your lips. “Is that really so bad?” he asked softly. “Waiting until we’re married?” You pouted up at him. “I want you now,” you retorted. Seonghwa chuckled again. “Patience, blossom,” he whispered.

“But Hwa,” you whined again, using a nickname you knew made him pliant. Whenever you used it, you usually got what you wanted. “Oh blossom,” he said with an amused tone. “That won’t work on me.” You pouted again, tightening your thighs around his waist as you wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him down to whisper in his ear. “But I’m so wet. I bet you’d slide right in.”

You heard Seonghwa groan, burying his face into your neck. “Please, Hwa? Please?” you whimpered, moving your hips to grind against his cock which was still hard in his pants. “If you keep doing that, I’m not going to be able to stop,” Seonghwa groaned, his voice muffled by your skin as you continued to grind against him, the mess between your thighs no doubt smearing against the material of his pants.

You felt him start to move, matching your pace and meeting your movements. One of his hands moved down to grab your ass, fingers digging into the plush skin of your backside as he started to take control, grinding against you. “Hwa, please, baby, please.” You felt him groan into your shoulder. “If you keep that up,” he said as he lifted his head. “I won’t hold back. I’ll rip that pretty little nightgown off you and take you right here.”

He said it as a threat but in reality, that’s exactly what you wanted. You could feel his cock through his pants and you wanted to feel it inside of you. You want to feel full of nothing but him as he claimed you for himself and ruined all other men, not that you would ever be with anyone else. You wanted him to get possessive, take your virtue, love you with his words and body.

You needed it.

Seonghwa let out a shaky moan as he continued to rut against you. With great difficulty, you managed to snake your hands between your bodies and start to undo his pants. Seonghwa’s hips slowed as he pulled back to look at you. “Sweetheart,” he started. “If we start this, I don’t think I can stop.” You nodded, trying to pull his pants down past his hips. “I know,” you whispered, taking advantage of his lapse in focus to roll both of you over so you were now on top of him.

You pulled his pants down past his hips with ease, freeing his cock which bounced up, settling against his abdomen. With his pants half removed, you sat back, taking in the sight of him lying before you. Quickly, Seonghwa sat up, grabbing your hand and guided you to straddle his lap.

“Before you take it inside you,” he said breathlessly as he laid back and started to pull your nightgown up, holding the hem up. “Just sit down. I want you to feel it.” He gently pushed you down onto his lap, the underside of his cock pressing between your folds and meeting your slit. “Here,” he said softly, grabbing your hips and moving them forwards and backwards, making your wet pussy slide against the shaft of his cock, coating it in your arousal.

It was much different than his fingers or his tongue. For one, his cock was much thicker, and for two, it was hotter, radiating heat as it throbbed and twitched under you. Seonghwa’s head fell back against the pillows, Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed thickly, groaning while you grinded against him.

You rested your hands on his chest, leaning over slightly as you moved, letting out a gasp when you felt your clit rub against the underside of his cock. You let out a shuddering breath as you moved, guided by his weak grasp and his words of praise. You could tell he was getting close, the chest rising and falling as he struggled to breathe evenly. “Oh, fuck,” he hissed as he bucked his hips, making you cry out.

“I can’t,” he gasped. “I’m close.” You sped up, your wet pussy gliding messily over his cock. “I need to be inside you,” he said suddenly as you chased your high with a whine. “Come here,” he instructed, reaching up to grab the back of your neck and pull you down so your chest was flush against his. His hand snaked between your bodies as he took himself in his hand, stroking a few times before he guided the head of his cock to your slit and pushed the tip into you.

The stretch stung but you couldn’t stop the moan that flowed out of you as he pushed your hips down, sheathing himself inside you in one slow motion, letting out a trembling breath, followed by a moan as he bottomed out. “Oh, God,” he gasped, eyes fluttering shut. “Feels so good.” You moaned, walls clenching around him. “S-Seonghwa,” you whimpered as the pain of the sting gave way to a dull ache.

“What is it, my petal?” he asked softly, kissing your cheek, lips, jaw, whatever he could reach. “Please make love to me,” you begged. Seonghwa moaned as you tried to start moving but he stilled you as you winced. “You need time to adjust, my love,” he said softly. “This is much different. Just be patient.” 

You rested against him, laying your head on his chest as your walls contracted around him repeatedly. “That’s it, love,” he said softly as he stroked your back, the fluttering of your walls lessening as your body slowly accommodated the intrusion.

When Seonghwa felt that you were fully adjusted to the feeling of his cock filling your walls, he pulled your hips up before he gave you a slow, tentative thrust, testing your limits. His cock slid back into you with ease, forcing out a moan from the back of your throat. He gave you another before he rolled you onto your back, his cock slipping into you further.

With one hand he carefully and slowly pulled your nightgown up and until he had tugged the garment off you and tossed it aside before kicking his pants off and removing his own shirt. Once you were both completely naked, he grabbed your thigh, pushing it up and spreading your legs even more to allow himself to slot between your legs, his cock throbbing inside you.

“I’m gonna take it slow,” he whispered, cupping your cheek, thumb brushing over your bottom lip. He pressed slightly, silently asking for entrance and you granted it, parting your lips and taking his thumb in your mouth, sucking on it as he started to thrust into you slowly. You moaned, his thumb pressing against your tongue as he increased his speed. The room filled with the sound of his skin against yours, drowned out only by the sound of your moans of pleasure.

There was another sound that accompanied it. A knocking sound. It must have been the sound of the bed against the wall but then you remembered you were on a train and the bed was built in. There was no way nor nothing for the bed to knock into except the wall of the train it was fixed to.

Another series of knocks rang out and you awoke with a start.

The shades were still closed from when you had drawn them last night before bed. You could see a minute amount of morning light peeking through at the bottom and you groaned, letting your head fall back against the pillows. You felt an arm tighten around your midsection, making your eyes snap open. You looked over your shoulder at your fiance who was fast asleep but slowly waking up from the knocking that you just realized was coming from the door.

You carefully pulled the sheets back, removing Seonghwa’s arm as you climbed out of the bed, grabbing your dressing gown and pulling it on over your nightgown that was on your body and not on the floor, confirming further that you had been dreaming and that the entire exchange last night had been one, intense dream. You tied the sash and reached the door, unlocking and opening it to find yourself face to face with Alfred. “Morning, Miss,” he greeted.

Light filtering in from the windows in the compartment hall blinded you for a moment and you blinked trying to adjust to the change. “What time is it?” you asked, raising a hand to shield your eyes. “It’s just past eight twenty two in the morning,” Alfred answered. “Would you like me to send for breakfast?” 

It took you a moment to register what Alfred had said and you nodded once you processed the words. “Yes please. I haven’t had a chance to look over the menu,” you admitted. “We’ve only just woken up.” Alfred nodded. “Not to worry, Miss,” he replied. “Shall I have Miss Charlotte choose for you?” You nodded. “Yes please, thank you Alfred,” you answered. He gave you a small bow of the head before he turned and walked down the compartment towards the dining car.

You shut the door, blinking away the bright light as your eyes started to adjust to the darkness of the room once more. You walked back over to the bed and sighed, taking a seat on the edge of the mattress. You heard a soft groan and the sheets behind you rustled before the bed shifted. You looked up in the dim light peeking through from under the shades to see Seonghwa had gotten up. He walked into the rest of the suite, stopping to open the furthest shade halfway and let some light into the room.

Seonghwa returned to the bed, leaning down as he placed a hand on your neck, pressing a kiss to your cheek. “Morning, sweetheart,” he said softly before moving to pull out his clothes for the day. You looked away as he started to dress, noticing that he wore his pajama pants but he had not worn the matching shirt and was therefore shirtless. You wondered if he had put on the shirt to sleep but in the middle of the night gotten too hot and removed it.

Either way, you kept your eyes turned away as he dressed. He chuckled when he noticed you avoiding his direction. “Could you send for Charlotte when you’re finished,” you finally asked, still not looking up at him. Seonghwa let out a huff that sounded an awful lot like a laugh. “You know I can help you,” he said softly as he finished buttoning his shirt and grabbed his waistcoat.

“We’re not married,” you reminded him. Seonghwa sent a glance your way as he did the buttons before he turned and walked towards where you sat, leaning over, forcing you backwards, managing to catch yourself on your elbows as he hovered over you, eyes looking between yours and studying your face. “Why would we need to be married for me to help you dress?” he asked softly.

Your cheeks burned as you stammered, struggling for the right words.

It- w-would be improper. Inappropriate,” you said, your voice quiet. A smirk started to form on your fiance’s face. “And why exactly would it be inappropriate?” he asked and you couldn’t believe it. He was acting so weird. “Because we haven’t… you haven’t… we…” Your words failed each time you tried to answer, your rambling only made Seonghwa’s smirk grow wider.

“You don’t remember what happened last night, do you?” he asked, inspecting your face. Your heart stopped as you stared back at him. “N-no?” you asked. Seonghwa tilted his head curiously. “I was the one that drank, why don’t you remember anything?” he asked. You stared at him, eyes wide. “Wh-what do you remember?” you asked.

He leaned in closer, lips inches from yours. “I remember my head between your thighs and you making the most exquisite sounds,” he mumbled, his lips ghosting over yours. “Wh-what?” you asked, leaning back to look up at him. “You really don’t remember that?” he asked, a look of concern crossing his face. “I came back from the dining car, you noticed my split lip,” he said and your eyes traveled down to the small cut in his bottom lip which looked a bit better in the daylight.

“Then you kept hitting me, I stopped you, there was kissing, I told you I wanted you, and you asked me to touch you,” he said, repeating the things that had happened at the beginning of your dream. ‘Was it not a dream then?’ You stared at him, a look of mild horror on your face. “You really don’t remember?” he asked, sounding disappointed. You shook your head. “No, I do,” you clarified. “I just thought it was a dream…”

Seonghwa tilted his head, leaning down to catch your gaze as you looked down at your nightgown. “Why would you think it was a dream?” he asked, tilting your head back to look up at him. “Did we… do anything else?” you asked, gulping quietly. Seonghwa chuckled, pressing a kiss to your lips before standing up straight. “No,” he answered. “You wanted to,” he added, looking at you as he finished dressing. “Wanted it really bad but I said no. Promised to treat you as you deserve when we return to London.”

You tore your gaze from him. “When did I fall asleep?” you asked, looking back up as he moved to your trunk. “Just after I told you to be patient. You were almost incoherent,” he added. “Let’s get your day started,” he said as he opened the trunk lid and lifted one of the trays. “How do you feel about charcoal?” he asked, turning to look at you. 

You stared inquisitively at him as he showed you one of the traveling suits Charlotte had packed for you. “Charcoal is fine,” you replied. Seonghwa set it aside and closed the trunk. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s get you washed up.”

After washing and pulling on your tea gown, breakfast arrived and you ate in silence while Seonghwa thanked the service staff and joined you. He kept his eyes on you, watching you eat. As you finished, Seonghwa was tempted to pick you up the moment the staff finished clearing the table and carry you back to bed. Last night, he had proven to himself that he couldn’t not resist you for much longer. 

Not when you begged him oh so sweetly to make you his. He had said that it would have to wait until you both returned to London, but truth be told, Seonghwa wasn’t sure if he could wait that long. Now that he’s had a taste, he wanted all of you. It was going to be a long couple of days in such close proximity to you.

An hour later you were buttoning up your jacket when there was a knock at the door. Seonghwa answered it and Charlotte looked surprised to see you were dressed. Your fiance let her in and she walked over quickly as he shut the door and returned to your side. “You should have sent for me,” Charlotte whispered as Seonghwa helped you with the buttons on your sleeves. “It’s fine, Lottie,” you answered, picking up your gloves.

“Seonghwa helped me.”

At this Charlotte looked positively appalled. “He’s not your husband yet, Miss Y/N,” she whispered, her eyes widening. “Did he do anything… untoward to y—?” Seonghwa, who had just pulled on his jacket, cleared his throat, causing you to look past your lady’s maid at him and her to turn abruptly and look at him. “What goes on in the privacy of this bedroom is between Y/N and I,” Seonghwa said, giving Charlotte a stern look.

“I understand that, Mr. Park, but Miss Y/N is—”

“My wife-to-be,” Seonghwa interjected.

“But she’s not yet your wife. You shouldn’t be…” her words failed her as Seonghwa’s gaze turned steely. “Charlotte,” you said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “It’s fine. Seonghwa is going to be my husband as soon as we return to London. The engagement isn’t going anywhere,” you explained.

“But it’s not proper, Miss!” Charlotte replied. A frown overtook your features. “When have I ever been overly proper, Lottie?” you asked, raising a brow. She stared at you, nibbling on her bottom lip. “Please just focus on attending to me. What happens behind that door is between Seonghwa and I. If we’re going to be sharing a bed in a few weeks as a married couple, why would it be such a problem if we share a bed now?” Charlotte muttered something under her breath.

Whatever she said, Seonghwa didn’t hear but you did. “I don’t care,” you snapped. “You know I don’t share the same faith as you, Lottie. I never have. Seonghwa and I are committed to one another and that isn’t going to change. If we want to start acting as a married couple, we are entitled to do so. I don’t need anyone, lest not you, judging me. Keep it up and you’ll find yourself facing unemployment.”

Charlotte gave a small curtesy. “Sorry, ma’am. Will you be requiring anything else?” You shook your head. “No,” you replied. “That will be all.” Charlotte bowed her head again and moved towards the door, giving the same bow to Seonghwa before she opened the door and left. Your fiance turned to look at you with raised brows. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you go off like that before,” he said with a chuckle as you moved to join him near the door, grabbing your book from the table.

“Shall we?” you asked, looking up at him. Seonghwa nodded, offering his arm which you took as he opened the door and led you out into the hallway of the compartment. Outside the windows you could see you were surrounded by snow capped mountains, rushing through the countryside.

You spent most of the day in one of the many observation cars. You read while Seonghwa kept you company, enjoying the scenery. Some of the crew appeared, sitting with you and chatting with Seonghwa. You got a good look at Charley and could see that Seonghwa had been right.

Charley had it a lot worse than your fiance did.

Lunch time you took your meals in the dining car before retiring to your private rooms to relax before dinner came. As last night, you joined the dining car but this time, Seonghwa didn’t join the others for drinks. Instead, he accompanied you back to the cabin, dismissing Alfred and Charlotte early so he could have plenty of alone time with you.

The urge to touch each other was strong but you both managed to keep your hands to yourselves for the rest of the night and into the morning. When Seonghwa woke you up the following morning, he informed you that he’d already ordered breakfast to be served in the room as he traced his fingertips along your arm, tickling you. He woke you up with kisses until there was a knock at the door, signaling your food had arrived. He also decided the two of you would stay in your cabin for the day and lunch, only appearing for dinner.

He asked you to read the rest of A Study in Scarlet to him which you followed with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. By the time dinner rolled around, you had been lounging with each other all day and Seonghwa didn’t see the need to join the rest of the passengers. Instead, he sent word for your dinner to be served in your cabin.

“‘But they were in the well,”’ Alice said to the Dormouse, not choosing to notice this last remark,” you read as Seonghwa watched your face, leaning against the pillows beside you. You chose to ignore his stare, a smirk forming on his face as you continued.

“‘Of course they were,’” said the Dormouse; “‘—well in.’” You felt Seonghwa’s hand slide up your stomach, stopping to rest just under your bust. A shiver went up your spine but you didn’t want to give in so easily. “This answer so confused poor Alice, that she let the Dormouse go on for some time without interrupting it,” you continued to read from the page.

Seonghwa’s hand appeared, gently grasping the book and pulling it from you. “What’re you doing?” you asked as he shut the book and set it aside, rolling onto you and settling between your thighs. “Seonghwa, what are you doing?” you asked again as he kissed your cheek, peppering kisses all over your face before taking you in a searing, passionate kiss.

You moaned into it as his hand slid down the outside of your thigh, grabbing the hem of your skirt and pulling it up slowly. “H-hwa?” you whimpered as his lips left a wet trail of kisses down the side of your neck. He pulled back, reaching up to undo the front of your wrapper. “Don’t worry,” he said softly. 

“I just want another taste,” he added as he started pushing the material aside, exposing your collar to his kisses. You combed your fingers through his hair as he kissed his way down your body, thankful at your lack of corset. You let out a moan as he pushed your thighs apart, also thankful for the invention of split drawers. One less layer he would have to remove.

It was impressive, and slightly embarrassing, how quickly he was able to bring you to the brink of orgasm with just his tongue. After making you cum twice, he kissed his way back up to your lips, slotting himself between your legs, rolling his hips against yours and grinding his cock against you. “Do you think this is a dream too?” he whispered. You shook your head, moaning loudly as he continued to rut against you. “Good,” he retorted, reaching down to slide his hand between your bodies, fingers toying with your slit. As he pushed two fingers into you, he froze when your own hand slipped into his pants and made contact with his hard cock.

“What’re you doing?” he asked through a groan as your fingers wrapped around the shaft of his cock. “You’ve made me feel good multiple times,” you explained as you started to stroke him. “Let me return the favor.” Seonghwa let out a choked groan as you continued to jerk him off. “Since you won’t fuck me.” The moment the words left your lips, Seonghwa let out a strangled groaning sound before you felt his hand clamp over your mouth.

“Where did you learn such filthy language?” he asked. “Did someone teach you that?” You shook your head, eyes wide, but your hand never faltered. Seonghwa’s eyes fluttered shut as he gave in to your touch, bucking his hips to match your pace. “Shit,” he hissed, curling his fingers inside you, making you mewl. “Keep going,” he whispered. “Just like that, darling.”

You tried to focus on his pleasure which he made hard every time he curled his fingers inside you or his thumb brushed over your clit. He was lost in his own pleasure but he didn’t want you to miss out, even if his hand stilled from time to time as you sent him hurtling towards the edge. “Please tell me you’re close,” he moaned, burying his face in your chest.

“Mhm,” you whimpered, speeding up your movements as he bucked into your hand, hips chasing his high as he continued to pump his fingers in and out of you. “That’s it,” you heard him groan as your walls tightened around his fingers. “Let go. I’m there too, Blossom,” he whispered. 

He pressed his thumb against your clit and that was the final push you needed to go over the edge, taking him with you with a loud moan as he continued to thrust into your hand until you felt something warm and sticky coat your skin. You both continued to massage and stroke each other to help the other come down until Seonghwa finally collapsed on top of you before rolling off. 

You withdrew your hand from his pants and inspected the white substance as he quickly got up and headed to the private en suite to grab a small hand towel which he then dipped into some water and returned, taking your wrist and cleaning your hand. “What is that?” you asked curiously as he wiped the white fluid away. “Semen,” he answered truthfully. He glanced at your confused expression.

“How much has your mother prepared you for your conjugal duties?” he asked as he took the cloth, folding it so the semen was trapped inside and carefully wiped your folds. “Not much,” you answered as he finished and helped you close your wrapper. He got up and dropped the towel in the hamper before undoing his pants and pulling them off to put on his pajama pants and undoing his shirt to pull on his nightshirt.

He returned to the bed, laying back against the pillows and beckoned you to join him, letting you settle into his arms before he started speaking. “What has your mother told you?” he asked. “Just that when we’re married, I have to do my duty to give you children.” Seonghwa nodded as he took one of your hands, lacing his fingers with yours. “Did she tell you how?”

You turned your head to look at him. “Just that I will have to lay with you a lot until I find out I’m pregnant. I know intercourse is involved,” you added, noticing the look on his face. “I’m not that helpless. “Well, that is correct but there’s more to it than just being physically intimate. What I cleaned off your hand just now,” he said, holding the hand in question up.

“Was semen, right?” you asked. Seonghwa nodded. “What is that exactly?” you asked. “It’s a relatively newer concept but in your body, you have these tiny little eggs,” he said, reaching down and gently poking your side. “And inside mine, I have these tiny little things called sperm.” You looked up at him as he explained how the two are essential to fertilization and that for you to get pregnant, he has to deposit sperm into your body and then it has to fertilize an egg.

“It’s still not fully understood,” he said softly, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “But that is the basics.” You tilted your head back to look at him. “So when we have intercourse, how does it get inside me?” you asked. Seonghwa chuckled, cupping your cheek. “I think you know, blossom,” he said softly. You stared up at him, the fresh memory of the semen on your hand and your cheeks burned. “Will you explain it to me anyway?” you asked, leaning into him further.

He continued to explain in detail what you had already surmised, taking great enjoyment in your reactions. Dinner was served not long after and after eating, you resumed reading to Seonghwa while he went over some details of a business proposal. You finished chapter eleven when you yawned, drawing your fiance’s attention. “I think it’s bedtime,” he said, removing his eyeglasses and closing the folder.

You looked up at him as he set his glasses aside and reached over, grabbing your book, shutting it, and setting it aside. “You need to put on your nightgown,” he added. You whined, stretching as he smiled, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you into him. “Our last night sharing a bed,” he whispered. “How do you want to commemorate it?” you asked, looking up at him.

Seonghwa chuckled, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “How do you want to commemorate it?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. You rolled into him, hiding your face in his chest. “I think I actually just want to sleep,” you murmured. Seonghwa laughed, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “Then sleep it is,” he answered. “You still need to put on your nightgown though.”

The following morning, Seonghwa let you sleep in as he got up and dressed for the day. Once he was dressed and breakfast ordered, he walked over to your side of the bed and sat down, leaning over to press a soft kiss to your cheek before he caressed your skin gently. Your brows furrowed in your sleep and he resisted the urge to laugh at how cute you looked.

“Y/N,” he said softly, caressing your cheek once more. “It’s time to get up, sweetheart.” You murmured in your sleep, attempting to turn away from him. Seonghwa stopped you, turning you back carefully. “Y/N, darling, it’s time to get up,” he said a little louder, gently shaking you. Your eyes fluttered open and in the dim light peeking through the window from under the shades, meeting Seonghwa’s.

He smiled sweetly as your eyes met and you mimicked the same expression. “Morning, Blossom,” he said leaning down, pulling the blanket from your face and pressing a kiss to your lips. “Breakfast should be here soon. It’s our last day on the train,” he continued. “We should probably go out and play society so Charlotte and Alfred can pack up our things.”

You frowned, pouting as you looked up at him. “Do we have to?” you whined as Seonghwa smiled at you. “Yes, I’m afraid we do, darling,” he answered. “But first things first,” he added as he sat back up. “Breakfast.” As if on cue, there was a knock at the door and Seonghwa got up to answer it. He stood back as the staff set the trays on the table while your fiance thanked and dismissed them.

Once the door was shut, he walked over to the table, lifting a lid on one of the trays before picking it up by the handles and walking over as you sat up, leaning against the pillows. “I can get up,” you protested as he sat down, setting the tray on his side of the bed. “Take your time, Blossom,” he said cupping your chin and leaning in to place a kiss on your lips.

He got up and headed towards the table. “Aren’t you going to eat?” you asked, looking up at him. He smiled, turning his head to meet your gaze. “I’ve already eaten,” he replied. “I wanted you to sleep in. Enjoy your breakfast, I’m going to speak to Alfred.” He walked the short distance to the door and opened it. “I’ll be back, Blossom,” he said before stepping out and shutting the door.

You looked down at the tray, stomach making a small growling sound. There were two fried eggs, a few sausages, back bacon, pan seared tomatoes and mushrooms, beans, two fried cuts of blood sausage, and one slice of fried bread. A proper full breakfast. 

You got up, moving to the table to fix yourself some tea, adding cream and sugar to the cup. As you started back, you saw a small glass of juice and grabbed it. You took your time eating, enjoying a bit of everything on your plate. It wasn’t often that you had a full breakfast, especially at home where the cook was prone to experimenting with various cuisines.

Knowing it would be a while since you got to enjoy such a meal, you made sure to savor it all, especially the beans and tomatoes. As you were finishing your meal, there was a knock at the door. “Come in,” you called, hoping it was Seonghwa but Charlotte appeared when the door opened. “Morning, Miss,” Charlotte said as she shut the door, setting a hot kettle on the table, and moved to open the rest of the shades.

“Have you finished eating?” Charlotte asked, moving towards the bed as you nodded, sipping at your tea. She looked down and let out a whistle. “You must have been hungry,” she noted to which you nodded. “I didn’t realize I was so hungry,” you answered as she started to clean up. “Finish your tea, then wash up, and we’ll get you dressed,” Charlotte said with a smile as she started to clean up.

“Would you like to wear the purple travel suit today, ma’am?” Charlotte asked, turning to look at you. With your nod of approval, Charlotte opened the trunk and pulled out the purple dress and matching accessories. She set it out for you, returning the tray to the trunk. “Mr. Park was up early,” she noted as she walked over, taking your now empty tea cup.

“Yes,” you responded, swinging your legs over the edge of the bed and getting to your feet. You moved over to the wash basin where Charlotte poured some of the hot water into a pitcher for you to start washing. You scrubbed thoroughly your arms, legs, chest, face, adding soap to get really clean before wiping yourself down. You had washed your hair yesterday so you saw no reason to do so again.

Once you were finished with your routine, adding powder to your skin and brushing your teeth, Charlotte helped you dress into your undergarments, lacing up your corset snugly. You then put on the next layers, buttoning up your corset cover while Charlotte buttoned the first of your petticoats into place. After another two petticoats were added, she helped you into your traveling suit.

Once you were dressed, shoes buttoned and gloves on, you thanked Charlotte and exited the suite while Charlotte started cleaning and packing up your things. With your book in hand, you headed for the lounge car, passing through sleeper car four to reach the first class lounge. You had expected your fiance to be there but didn’t see him anywhere. Not feeling brave enough to go searching for him, you picked a seat near a window and sat down, opening your book and resuming your reading.

You weren’t sure how much time passed but some time later, someone sat across from you. Glancing up you saw it was a young girl with blonde hair, braided into twin tails. She wore a dark blue dress, the hem reaching just past her knees. She was young, very young. You looked around at the other passengers before turning back to her. She stared at you with bright blue eyes.

The way she was staring at you was starting to unsettle you. There was no expression on her face. You were about to speak when you heard a woman’s voice. “Marta!” You glanced up as an equally blonde woman in a dark green dress came forward, grabbing the girl’s hand. She muttered an apology and all but dragged the child away as she headed for the door that led to the first class saloon.

You watched them disappear before returning to your book to finish the final chapter. When you did, you finally decided to get up, intent on finding your fiance. You tucked your book under your arm and headed for the next door. Inside the first class bar car, you saw many of the first class passengers but Seonghwa was nowhere in sight.

You dreaded searching more of the train but you were getting antsy and wanted to see him. Gathering your courage, you passed through the third class sleeper cars and staff car where you ended up in the bar car that was meant for everyone on board. It was much louder in here than it had been in the saloon car. You noticed several of the team members sitting at the bar along with—

“Tell us another one, Park,” Thom said as he lifted his glass to his lips.

Your fiance was nestled between the crew, sipping from a short crystal glass with an amber liquid in it. Anger started in your stomach. He’d gotten up early, eaten breakfast, and left you alone to come out here to what? Play society with these people? As the anger in your stomach started to rise, you felt a gentle hand on your arm.

You turned to find the three other women of the crew were standing. Adelaide had already taken a seat leaving you standing with Euphemia and Sophronia. “Join us,” Euphemia said, a kind smile on her face. You glanced back at the bar, noticing your fiance chatting animatedly before you turned back to them and nodded wordlessly. You sat across from Adelaide as Euphemia took the seat beside her and Sophronia sat next to you.

“So, Y/N is it?” Adelaide asked as she pulled a small silver case from her bag and opened it, revealing several hand rolled cigarettes. She pulled one out, grabbing a silver lighter but Euphemia stopped her. “Not everyone likes it when you smoke around them, Della,” she said in a low voice. Adelaide looked up and sighed, putting her cigarette back in its case and snapping it shut.

Sophronia cleared her throat as a server came by to take your drink orders. “Absinthe,” Adelaide said as she put her case and lighter back in her clutch. “A martini,” Sophronia said, looking across her to Euphemia. “I’ll take a Jack Rose,” Euphemia said before the three looked at you. You felt put on the spot and froze. “I uh…” you looked around at them staring at you expectantly.

“She doesn’t drink,” a familiar voice said, coming from behind you. The server nodded and walked over to the bar to put in the orders. You turned in your seat to find your fiance standing there, hands in his pockets as he smiled down at you. “For a while I thought you had gone back to sleep,” he said softly as he grabbed a chair from one of the tables behind yours and pulled it up, sitting down.

“I was in the lounge,” you said softly, not looking back at him. “I didn’t see you in there,” he said, leaning in to whisper in your ear. “I was reading after Charlotte helped me dress,” you replied just as quietly. You felt your fiance’s hand on your waist just out of sight of the women sitting across from you. “I’m sorry I didn’t stay to help instead,” he said softly. “But I figured I’d come out here and get to know the rest of the team a little more.”

You locked eyes with Adelaide as the server returned, setting their drink orders down. Before he could walk away, you called out to him. “I’m sorry,” you said softly. “Could I actually get something?” The server nodded with a smile. “What can I get for you?” he asked. “A Bijou, please.” A small smirk appeared on Adelaide’s face as the server nodded and turned to speak to the bartender.

“What are you doing?” Seonghwa asked softly. “I’m nervous as hell,” you replied. “I need to calm down. And besides,” you continued. “It’s one drink. What’s the worst that can happen?”

When the train arrived in Sinaia, Romania, you were glad to finally disembark and be back on stable land again. The staff unloaded your belongings, piling them onto the back of one of the many stagecoaches that waited to take you to your destination. You were glad to be sharing a coach once again with Seonghwa while the rest of the team split up accordingly.

Charlotte sat across from you while your fiance and his valet stood outside, talking to Hiro and Everett while the luggage was packed on. “Hey, Y/N,” a voice said and you looked up, looking out the window beside you. Adelaide was looking up at you, a cigarette between her fingers. “Could I ask you something?” she asked, exhaling a cloud of smoke. You nodded wordlessly as Charlotte looked from you to the blonde woman and back.

“What did your fiance mean when he said you don’t drink?” she asked curiously. You chuckled and shook your head. “I normally don’t drink,” you replied. “I’m really not supposed to,” you added. “Makes the medication less effective.” Adelaide’s expression shifted from curiosity to alarm. “Medication?” she asked, her voice mimicking her face. “For wha—”

“Adelaide, come on! We’re ready to go!” Thom called from a few coaches down. Adelaide dropped her cigarette on the cobblestone and stamped it out with the toe of her boot. “Alright, alright, keep your pants on!” Adelaide called back to him before looking up at you. “We’ll talk about this later, yeah?”

As Adelaide walked away, the door to the stagecoach opened and Seonghwa climbed in, followed by Alfred. The door shut and one by one, the coaches pulled away from the Sinaia station. You peered out the window, looking at the mountains that rose above the village and the vast forest that sat at the base, a new kind of excitement taking over as you were one step closer.

You pulled back and turned to Seonghwa, practically bouncing in your seat. It was finally hitting you that you were about to look for the Library of Illusion and hopefully with the help of the team, actually find it.

The ride out of the town was smooth and as soon as you left the limits, the ground turned into a dirt road. You tried to busy yourself with another book but all of the books you had brought, you had read before and knew almost entirely by heart. Their contents were not enough to mask your excitement and anxiety as you left Sinaia behind and headed for the small town where you would meet your guide.

Around lunch time, the stage coaches stopped at a small house where a couple lived and served hot meals for travelers. There you feasted on a delicious meat and white bean stew and thick slices of fresh bread. You lost count on how many bowls you had but it was amazing and when you climbed back into the stagecoach, you were full and ready for a nap.

The ride to the village was going to take the rest of the day and you were supposed to arrive just after sunset. You ended up sleeping off your lunch by resting your head on Seonghwa’s shoulder. You woke with a start as the stagecoach rocked, hearing the driver call out to the horses in Romanian. Seonghwa was fully awake, looking outside the window as if lost in thought.

“What is it?” you asked, startling him. “I didn’t realize you were awake,” he admitted softly. You looked across at your attendants. Charlotte was asleep, her head resting against the side of the seat and Alfred was also asleep, his head tilted back as he snored softly. “Have you been awake this whole time?” you asked. Seonghwa nodded. “We’re almost there,” he said, looking back out the window.

You glanced out your window and noticed you had entered the forest, driving on a very wide dirt path cut through the trees. “How can you tell?” you asked, turning back to look at Seonghwa. “The sun is setting,” he explained. “And we’re supposed to be there just after sunset.” You sighed, trying to stretch your arms and legs but there wasn’t much room to stretch with Charlotte sitting across from you.

“Do you need to stop and get out?” Seonghwa asked, turning towards you, a look of concern on his face. You shook your head. “No. I’ll be fine.” He watched as you settled back into your seat. “May I ask you something?” he said after a few moments of silence. You turned to him expectantly. He hesitated before clearing his throat. “Do we really have to do this?” he asked softly.

Your smile fell as you looked back at him. “I know this was a gift from your father but it just feels…” he trailed off, looking out the window as silence filled the coach, save for Alfred’s gentle snoring. “What is it?” you asked softly. “Why are you so against this?” Seonghwa clicked his tongue before shaking his head. “Nothing,” he finally said. He turned, giving you a smile.

“Forget I said anything.”

You tried to forget it but as hard as you tried, you couldn’t. You didn’t understand why Seonghwa was so against this trip. You also could place your finger on what was wrong. It wasn’t like he was acting scared. More… apprehensive, though you still couldn’t tell what his reasoning for that was.

The rest of the ride was mainly in silence and as you got further and further into the forest, the sun descended behind the mountains, casting a deep, dark shadow over the land. Seonghwa gently took your hand and you found comfort in his touch just as you were sure he found comfort in yours.

As the sky grew darker and darker still, you finally reached the edge of a small village partially surrounded by a meter tall wooden fort. You were welcomed in by the gatekeeper and directed to the inn where you would spend the night. Charlotte and Alfred had been woken up when the coaches stopped at the gate and were now twisting about in their seats to peer out the window as the line of coaches headed for the inn.

One by one, they reached the inn and stopped. Alfred was the first out of your coach, Seonghwa following. You went next, taking your fiance’s hand and stepping down onto the step and then onto the ground. You looked around in the dim light radiating from behind the mountain as well as the few oil lamps that lit the pathway through the village.

You joined the rest of the crew as the owner of the inn came out. The last coach had a small staff of attendants, no doubt hired by your father. They climbed out and set to work unloading all the luggage and trunks, matching them up to their owners in small piles. You took Seonghwa’s arm as he offered it and started towards the inn door.

Thom had already introduced the team and when you and your fiance strolled up, Thom introduced your fiance as well but you noticed that he didn’t say your name. “Ah, Mr. Park,” the proprietor said in a thick accent. “It is good to meet you,” he added with a bow. “Thank you, this is my—” Seonghwa started to introduce you but was cut off. “Mrs. Park, wonderful to meet you as well,” the innkeeper said, giving you another deep bow as he had to Seonghwa.

“Thank you for your patronage,” the innkeeper started, looking around at everyone. “If you will follow me, I will show you to your rooms.” Seonghwa glanced at Thom who gestured for Seonghwa to go first so the two of you followed the innkeeper through the front door.

Just inside the door was a moderately sized vestibule with various hooks, boots, and a few random pieces of equipment ranging from riding crops to what looked to be gardening tools. There was a door to the left that was shut. In front of you was another door, this one propped open. Through this door was the main area of the inn and it was loud.

To your right were tables full of patrons who were eating, drinking, cheering, and some even singing. At the back wall behind the tables was a massive hearth with a huge fire roaring and providing ample warmth. Standing in the corner on a small wooden platform was a string quartet but rather than the music you were used to at the balls and soirees back in London, the music was much more upbeat, faster even. In front of the platform was a small area cleared of tables and chairs where a few couples were dancing to the lively music.

On the left side of the entrance was a bar that spanned a large part of the width of the building. Behind it were a few barmaids and a bartender who were busy filling large quantities of mugs with golden and dark brown liquids. Across from the door you entered was a massive wooden staircase. Next to it, in a small bump out in the wall was a large wooden box on its side. It looked like a crude elevator.

The innkeeper led you to the stairs. “I put you on the first floor,” he said as he started up the steps. “The elevator is for luggage only.” You followed Seonghwa, using the railing of the stairs to climb until you reached a long hallway. “There are six rooms on this floor,” he continued, pulling out a set of keys from his pocket and pulling one of the keys off. He started to unlock the door. “You have five of them.”

He opened the door and stepped in. “This is one of the men’s rooms,” he explained. Charley, Everett and Thom walked in. “I will have your luggage brought up here, write your names on this and hang it outside on the hook,” he explained, pointing at a small slate. “The staff will match your luggage with your rooms. He handed the key over to Thom. “You will return the key to me tomorrow morning before you leave. I will make sure no one comes in to touch your things.” Thom thanked him and took the key.

The innkeeper showed the next room, unlocking it with another key which he handed to Hiro. “This is the other room for the men,” he explained. The next room was for Sophronia, Adelaide, and Euphemia. The next room, the fourth one, was made up for Charlotte and Alfred and consisted of two smaller rooms with a small hall between their doors.

“And this one,” the innkeeper said, unlocking and opening the last door at the end of the hall. It was a little bit larger than the others and had a massive four poster bed against the outside wall with two windows on either side. Against the inside wall was a fireplace with a fire already crackling. “Couples who pass through on their honeymoon use this room,” he explained. “Since you are married, you share a room.” You expected Seonghwa to speak up, to say something but instead, he simply thanked the innkeeper, taking the key from him when offered.

“Once you are ready, come downstairs and get some supper. I have a private dining room set up for you and your friends,” the innkeeper said as he walked to the door and shut it, leaving you and Seonghwa alone. You turned to him, a laugh escaping you. He joined you in your humor and the two of you devolved into hysterical laughter. “Why does everyone assume we’re already married?” you asked as you sat on the edge of the bed. “I don’t know,” Seonghwa said as he wiped a tear from his eye.

“I’m not going to complain,” he added as he walked over. “Are you hungry?” he asked. You nodded, taking his hand when he offered it. “Let’s go see what’s for dinner then, shall we?”

Out in the hall, Seonghwa locked the door and you joined the rest of the crew, heading down to the ground level. Alfred stopped Seonghwa, pulling him aside to speak to him in a hushed tone as Charlotte joined you and you filled her in on the room arrangements. She offered to speak to the innkeeper on your behalf but you shook your head, telling her it was fine.

Seonghwa joined you moments later and despite your inquiry, he shook it off and led you towards a door where the innkeeper was standing, beaming widely at you. “This is the private dining hall,” he said, gesturing into the room. Inside there was a table that seated at least 12. There were baskets of fresh bread already on the table and opposite from where you entered was another doorway.

“We will bring your dinner to you,” the innkeeper said as you moved to take a seat, settling next to Euphemia who gave you a kind smile. Seonghwa under normal circumstances would have sat across from you but he could sense your apprehension and instead sat on the other side of you. Once the table was full, several of the inn staff started bringing in plates of food and tall mugs of ale. You opted for wine which they thankfully had.

“So,” Euphemia said part of the way through the meal, catching your attention. “Are you married already or does the staff of every establishment think you are?” she asked, trying to break the ice with a joke which thankfully did make you chuckle. “I guess they think we’re already married,” you replied. “But you really aren’t?” she asked to which you shook your head. “Not yet,” you answered. “The wedding is in a couple months.” Euphemia smiled but on the other side of her, Adelaide spoke up.

“And you’re actually looking forward to it?” she asked, not bothering to keep her voice down. You felt Seonghwa stiffen next to you and raise his eyes, as did everyone around the table, now completely focused on your conversation. You cleared your throat. “I actually am,” you replied. “I’ve wanted to get married since I was young.” Adelaide let out a bitter laugh.

“Indoctrinated from a young age, made to believe your only purpose is getting married and popping out kids,” she said, shaking her head. You felt an anger settling in the pit of your stomach but pushed it down. “I’m not,” you replied. “Sure, it’s something that is preached to us when we’re young but I actually want to get married and start a family. I don’t see it as my duty but as a life I’m choosing to have.”

The entire table had their eyes on you at this point. “Before I met Seonghwa, I thought I may never get married. Most of the men attempting to court me were either much too old or very… superficial,” you continued. “I wanted something more than just a smart match that gave me security. I wanted love. Before I met Seonghwa, I had given up on the idea of love. Sure, my parents had a marriage full of love but not everyone is so lucky. But then I met him and he changed everything. He showed me that it was possible to have it and has shown me nothing but love since he asked me to marry him.”

You felt him take your hand gently. You turned to look at Adelaide. “I’m sorry for whatever has happened to you that makes you think that marriage is the worst possible thing that can happen to a woman but it’s not. There are much worse fates.”

There was a murmur of agreement and everyone went back to their food, chatting softly while the music and loud chatter outside the room continued on. Seonghwa gave your hand a gentle squeeze before he went back to his meal. Afterwards, the men gathered and asked Seonghwa if he wanted to join him but he declined. You had Charlotte ask for a bath to be drawn in your room so you could bathe fully before your trip into the forest began.

As you started for the stairs, you felt a hand on your arm stop you and turned to find Adelaide.

“I wanted to apologize,” she said softly. “I didn’t realize you had something special with your fella.” You smiled softly. “I do,” you replied. “He’s probably one of the best men I know,” you added. “He comes from a well to do family but he’s also wealthy in his own right. He makes smart business decisions not just for expanding his business but so he can take care of his workers.”

Adelaide gave you a look of shock. “He’s very progressive when it comes to labor laws and wants what’s best for the people who work for him. That’s why he pays fair wages and refuses to let children work in the dangerous parts of the factories. He has regular inspections to make sure the equipment is working properly and listens when the workers complain about something. He’s a great listener,” you continued, smiling fondly as you spoke about your fiance.

“That’s rare,” Adelaide said softly. “He sounds like a real keeper,” she added. You nodded, giggling when she lightly nudged you. “Oh!” she said quickly. “What were you saying earlier? Before we left the station?” she asked. “Oh, about my medication?” you asked, smiling when she nodded, looking concerned. “I have frequent headaches and I have to take medication to relieve them,” you explained. Adelaide’s look of concern diminished as a look of understanding came over her.

“Oh,” she replied. “That makes sense, I suppose.”

You bid her goodnight and headed upstairs to your room where a large tub sat full of steaming hot water. Seonghwa was nowhere to be seen. Charlotte smiled as she set a robe on a chair beside the tub. “I asked Mr. Park to step out while you get undressed,” she explained, moving to help you get ready for the bath. “I have your soaps and oils,” she continued as she helped you with your jacket and removed it, setting it aside. “And as requested, I packed your most comfortable clothes into a rucksack,” she explained as you unbuttoned your petticoats, one by one.

“Did you pack my morning corset?” you asked to which she nodded. “We’ll have to pack this one as well,” Charlotte said but you stopped her. “I can’t take the corsets, Lottie,” you said softly. “It wouldn’t be practical for me to be traipsing around the forest in a corset. I’m not even going to be wearing dresses.” Charlotte looked appalled as you sat down once your corset had been removed.

You removed your shoes and stockings and looked up. “Could you please send for some tea?” you asked softly. I’ll take it after my bath.” Charlotte nodded and gave you a small curtsey before heading to the door and shutting it behind her so you could finish stripping before climbing into the tub. You let out a sigh of bliss as you submerged your body in the hot water, eyes sliding shut as you relaxed, sitting back against the high back of the tub.

You heard the door open and shut and sighed. “Charlotte, I said I’ll take tea after my bath,” you called as footsteps headed towards you slowly, stopping behind you. “I’m sure she’ll be back with it,” Seonghwa’s voice said and you looked up quickly. “Hwa!” you said, cheeks burning as you tried to cover yourself in the water. He chuckled and moved to the side of the tub to kneel. “Relax, sweetheart,” he said softly, reaching out to take your chin gently in his hand.

“I’ve already seen most of it,” he reminded you, making your cheeks burn even more. “I wish I had known you wanted to take a bath, I would have asked for it and then we could have taken one together. Saved on hot water,” he said with a wink, as he let his fingers dip past the surface.

“You could still get in,” you said softly, not looking up at him. His eyes had a look in them. That look. You jumped when there was a knock on the door. Seonghwa got up and walked over to answer it. “Oh, Mr. Park,” Charlotte said, sounding surprised. “Is Miss Y/N still in the bath?”

“She is,” your fiance answered. “I have her tea,” Charlotte announced. “Perfect,” Seonghwa replied. “I’ll take it.” A moment of silence was followed by the sound of china clinking softly as Charlotte no doubt handed the tray to Seonghwa. “Thank you, Charlotte,” he said. “I’ll help Y/N out of the tub when she’s ready,” he continued. “Could you finish packing her bag for the trip into the forest. She has a very practical wardrobe picked out. And please make sure to remove the corsets, she won’t be able to wear them except for the morning one.”

“Oh and one last thing,” he said. “Please pack her books. I’m sure she’ll want to read when we stop to make camp.” You heard the door shut and footsteps of Seonghwa approaching. He passed the tub, setting the tray on the table and turned to look at you. “You still want me to join you?” he asked. You peeked over the edge of the tub at him, eyes scanning up and down his body before you nodded.

He started to walk forward but you shook your head, making him stop in his tracks. “Undress over there,” you said softly. “Give me a show.” Seonghwa let out a laugh. “A show?” he asked as he started to undo his tie. “Am I getting paid?” he asked as he pulled the now strip of material from his collar and dropped it onto the floor. You shrugged, giggling as he started to undo the buttons of his waistcoat.

“If you put on a good show,” you answered, giggling again as he hesitated, tilting his head and giving you a heated stare before he continued. Once the waistcoat was undone, he shrugged it off, adding it to the floor. He pulled down the straps of his suspenders, letting them fall to the sides of his thighs as he started to unbutton his shirt. Your eyes followed his hands as they moved down.

Once the shirt was mostly undone, his hands moved to his pants but you stopped him again. “Come here,” you said, your tone much more seductive than you knew possible. Seonghwa didn’t hesitate, instead he walked over to the side of the tub. You sat up, moving your hands to the front of his trousers. “What are you doing, Blossom?” he asked as you undid the button at the front of his pants, looking up at him through your lashes.

“Returning the favor.”

Seonghwa tried to speak but you were quick to tug his pants down, freeing his cock which had started to harden. Without hesitation, you took it in your hand, stroking slowly as you looked up at him. Seonghwa let out a hissed curse, eyes fluttering shut as your hand moved, working his cock and bringing him to his full length.

“F-fuck,” he hissed, his hips starting to thrust into your hand as you sped up. You looked up, taking in the view of his head thrown back as you stroked him. Testing the waters, so to speak, you opened your mouth, taking the head of his cock past your lips. Immediately, Seonghwa swore loudly, hips bucking forward but he was quick to pull you back so he didn’t hurt you.

“You can’t just do that, Blossom,” he gasped. “Warn me next time, alright?” He stroked your cheek gently before he let go and stood back up straight. You nodded, looking up at him. Taking a steadying breath, you resumed your earlier motions, stroking his shaft slowly, watching the way his eyes fluttered shut as he gave in to pleasure.

Keeping your eyes on his face you took the tip of his cock back into your mouth, Seonghwa letting out a low moan. You focused on your breathing as you tried to take more of him in your mouth. Every time you pulled back, you noticed his hips moved forward, chasing the feeling of your mouth around him. It was an entirely new experience for you but you wanted to do for him what he’d done for you a few times now. 

You wanted to make him feel good.

Your jaw was starting to ache but you tried to power through it. “Oh fuck,” Seonghwa hissed, thrusting slowly into your mouth as your head bobbed to meet his movements. “Just like that, sweetheart. Keep going,” he whispered. The only sound in the room other than the crackling of the fire was the sound of your wet mouth.

You felt his hand move to the back of your head. “Just a little further,” he groaned, coaxing you to take more of his cock into your mouth which you were happy to oblige. Your lips and chin were wet with your own spit and it was starting to drip down onto your chest but you couldn’t be bothered. Not when your fiance was making some of the most erotic sounds you’d ever heard.

His hips thrusted a little harder, making the head of his cock hit the back of your throat. You let out a muffled gag but instead of letting him pull back, you grabbed his hips, holding him still as you repeated the action, gagging again. It didn’t bother you as much as you thought it would, after all, even brushing your teeth made you gag but this was somehow different.

You pulled back enough to take a deep breath in through your nose before taking him deep into your mouth until he hit the back but instead of stopping there, you pressed forward, allowing the head of his cock into your throat. Seonghwa let out a strained moan as your throat flexed, squeezing around the tip. You stayed there despite your lungs starting to beg for air. You swallowed experimentally and Seonghwa lost his composure, carefully attempting to pull you back but he was too late.

He came with a low deep moan, his release spilling into your mouth and down the back of your throat. You tried to swallow what you could, brows furrowing at the salty taste. Seonghwa carefully pulled back, his cock falling from your mouth and starting to grow soft. He didn’t bother tucking himself back into his pants, instead, he dropped to his knees, grabbing you by the back of the head and pulled you into a messy kiss.

Your bath sat forgotten as he pulled back and grabbed the towel on the chair to wipe your face and chest before he threw it to the floor and took your hand, guiding you to stand up before he helped you out. Once your feet were on the floor, he very hastily dried you off before guiding you over to the bed, making you sit down as he finished stripping his clothes from his body.

He moved you to the middle of the bed as he climbed onto the mattress, making you lay back as he hovered over you, pressing soft kisses to your chest and collar before taking you into another deep kiss. One of his hands moved up to your neck as he parted your lips with his, allowing his tongue to slip into your mouth. You whined against his lips.

Pleasuring him earlier had sent an aching heat to your cunt and you were in desperate need of some relief. One thing you were starting to like about this new side you were learning of your fiance was that he seemed to be in tune to what your body wanted. Sensing what you wanted, Seonghwa let his hand slide down to your chest, cupping your breast, his palm hot against your skin.

He kneaded, massaging gently and slowly as he kissed his way down the side of your neck until he was level with your other breast, tongue darting out to lap cautiously at your nipple. You let out a sigh, carding your fingers through his hair as he wrapped his lips around it. His hand slid from your chest, moving down your stomach, drawing closer and closer to your wet folds.

You glanced down at him, finding his eyes shut as he focused on teasing your pert nipple with his tongue. You felt his fingers press into you, thumb grazing over your clit and making you gasp, hips bucking involuntarily into his touch. You felt him smile against your skin as his fingers traveled further, finding your slit and pressing into you slowly, stretching your hole.

Your thighs parted further to give him more access. It occurred to you that you were more exposed to him now than you ever had been. He’d always touched, kissed, and pleasured you with your nightgown on. Your cheeks grew warm as this realization hit you. It was quickly squashed as his fingers started to move, pumping in and out of you, slowly at first but starting to gain momentum quickly.

“Seonghwa,” you whimpered, hips moving against his hand, begging for more. “Please,” you whined. “I need you.” Seonghwa chuckled against your skin before lifting his head. “Patience, Blossom,” he said softly. “We have all night.” He kissed down your chest and stomach, removing his fingers from your heat as he settled on the bed, head hovering above your sex.

He glanced up at you before lowering his head, planting soft, wet kisses along the inside of your thigh. You whined, rolling your hips up for his touch. He shook his head before sinking his teeth very quickly into the plush flesh of your inner thigh, making you gasp. As quickly as he’d done it, he was kissing back down the inside of your thigh, skipping over the place you wanted his mouth the most to kiss the inside of the opposite thigh. You whine for him again, combing your fingers through his hair.

“Please, baby, please,” you begged. Seonghwa chuckled again, kissing back down towards your cunt. As he drew level, he looked up to meet your gaze, giving you a smirk as he lowered his mouth, tongue slipping out to meet your clit. He wasn’t forgiving or slow with his movements, instead going right into flicking the sensitive nub with the tip of his tongue.

You gasped, head falling back against the pillows as he licked and sucked like he was starved. Your back arched off the mattress as he moved his head, tongue massaging and drawing circles around your clit. “Ah-! F-fuck,” you hissed. It wasn’t considered proper to curse but if your fiance was fine with cursing when you had his cock down your throat, you figured it would be fine for you to curse when he was making you feel this good.

You felt his tongue prod at your hole momentarily before it returned to your sensitive clit. “Feels s-so good,” you whispered breathily. Seonghwa hummed in response, the resulting vibrations making you moan loudly. Your hips started to move on their own, grinding against your fiance’s tongue but he paid no mind. Instead, he let you, holding his head in place so you could find your own rhythm and pleasure.

He only let it last for a few moments before he pinned your hips down, going back to his own pace, flattening his tongue against you and shaking his head. It wasn’t unlike the way he’d done this before and he clearly had a few tricks still left to show you but you couldn’t think about that when he sucked on your clit and everything happened at once. Your thighs squeezed around his head as you came, back arching off the bed with a moan as he coaxed you through your orgasm.

Your body shuddered, an intense heat, white and blinding, spreading throughout your limbs as stars clouded your vision. Your climax was strong and while it felt familiar, it had never been as potent as this. Seonghwa’s movements never faltered as he continued to guide you through it, lapping at your clit until you breathlessly begged him to stop, weakly pulling at his dark tresses.

He finally lifted his head, wiping his lips and chin with the back of his hand as he crawled over you, pressing sporadic kisses up your stomach and chest until his lips met yours in a soft, languid kiss that was nothing but tongue. You tasted yourself on his tongue and it was much like when you had swallowed his seed earlier.

You felt something hard prodding at your thigh and without looking you knew it was his cock. He’d grown hard while eating you out and now it stood at attention and ready. “Hwa,” you whined as he broke the kiss to nuzzle against your cheek. “I want you,” you whispered. “I know, sweetheart,” he replied just as softly. “I need you,” you reiterated.

Seonghwa nodded as he sighed, his hot breath fanning over your skin. “I know, baby,” he answered. “I said we would wait until our return to London,” he started, pulling back to look into your eyes. “But if I’m being honest, I don’t think I can wait that long.” You shook your head. “Then don’t,” you said softly, reaching up to cup his cheek. “I want to feel you inside me.”

Seonghwa leaned in, pressing his lips to yours. “Alright,” he murmured. “I’ll go slow.” You nodded as he took himself in his hand, giving a few strokes before you felt the tip of his head press against your wet folds, sliding up and down to gather your arousal. He spread as much of it as he could. You watched as he let a drop of spit fall from his mouth onto his cock which he then also spread.

He looked up, meeting your gaze once more. “Are you ready?” he asked, to which you nodded. “Yes,” you answered. “Please. I want you to make love to me.” Seonghwa let out a chuckle, leaning in to press a chaste kiss against your lips in contrast to his cock about to enter you. “You don’t need to beg anymore, petal,” he said softly. “Though I do like how you sound when you do.”

You opened your mouth to respond to him but a moan slipped out instead as he pressed into you, the head of his cock sliding into you and stretching your walls. Seonghwa paused, a look of concern on his beautiful face. “Blossom? Are you all right?” he asked softly. You nodded. “Yes, I’m fine,” you answered, brushing his hair back and smiling at him. He studied your face briefly before pushing further into you.

The head of his cock hadn’t provided much pain but as he slowly filled you, the sting you had felt the first time he fingered you had returned. You let out a sharp gasp, grabbing his bicep. Immediately, he stilled, watching your face as you winced. “Do you want me to stop?” he asked, pressing a couple soft kisses to your lips and cheek. “Just give me a moment. It’s new. It feels… different.”

Seonghwa obliged, letting your body adjust to the intrusion of his cock. He kissed your face, offering sweet words of praise as you slowly relaxed. “That’s it, darling,” he whispered as he felt the squeeze of your walls lessen. “Just relax and let me in,” he added as he slid further, pushing deeper into you than he’d ever been. You let out a sigh, forcing your body to go lax as his hips finally stopped.

It still stung but you could feel it was starting to be replaced with an ache as the pain ebbed away slowly. Seonghwa waited, letting you adjust more as he kept kissing you, giving you encouraging words. “That’s it. Good girl. You’re doing so well, sweetheart.”

His words made your heart flutter with appreciation. You’d never felt like that when you were praised but most of the praise you had received in your life had been about your looks, never about accomplishments or how you behaved. It was odd but you enjoyed it greatly. The next words out of Seonghwa’s mouth had the same feeling bubbling in your chest but also made your walls squeeze around him.

“Look at you. Taking my cock so well.”

You were taken by surprise and unable to formulate a proper response. Seonghwa didn’t seem to notice your stunned silence as he took that moment to pull out slightly before giving you a tentative thrust. Your confoundment dissipated immediately, a moan leaving your lips. Taking your response as the go ahead, Seonghwa quickly set a steady pace, thrusting into you without being too rough.

“Talk to me, blossom,” he said breathlessly. “Are you okay?”

You nodded fervently, moans increasing in pitch and volume as he sped up. You let out a particularly loud one and Seonghwa shushed you, covering your mouth gently. “You’re going to get us in trouble,” he said softly. Your cheeks burned as he reminded you that the others could potentially hear you. “As much as I would love to hear those beautiful sounds, you’re going to have to keep quiet.”

You nodded, nibbling on your bottom lip as you tried to keep your voice down. Small whimpers and moans sounded from the back of your throat with each thrust. Seonghwa let out a strained groan, burying his face in your neck. You could feel his hips slow slightly. “What’s wrong?” you asked, breathlessly. “I don’t know how much longer I can last,” he replied, hips stilling as he tried to stave off his orgasm.

You ran your fingers through his hair, your heart beating against your chest. “I have an idea,” Seonghwa murmured, lifting his head. You felt him slip out of you, leaving you feeling empty and clenching around nothing. “Here,” he said softly, gently rolling you over onto your stomach. “What’re you doing?” you asked, resting on your forearms as you peered over your shoulder.

You felt his hands part your legs, spreading your thighs apart. “Raise your hips for me, love,” Seonghwa said, reaching over you and grabbing one of the pillows. You did as he asked, lifting your hips off the mattress. You felt Seonghwa slip the pillow, now folded in half, under you. Once he did, you rested against the pillow. “What’s this for?” you asked, tugging lightly at the pillow case.

You felt Seonghwa lean over you, pressing light kisses along your spine and up to your shoulder, his body pressing against yours. You could feel his cock rubbing against your cunt as he teased your neck with a couple kisses before whispering into your ear. “Something to keep your hips up,” he said softly. “Why?” you asked. Seonghwa chuckled, his hot breath hitting your skin.

You felt the head of his cock slide back into you unrestrained and you moaned into the sheets as he bottomed out. “Still want me to answer that?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. You shook your head quickly as he thrust into you from behind, setting a slow but steady pace with languid thrusts. Each rock inside you had your toes curling, muffled moans disappearing into the sheets.

The pace started to pick up and the only sounds you could hear was the wet sound of his cock entering you, the sound of his skin against yours and his low, restrained moans. “Fucking hell,” you heard him curse under his breath. “You’re so tight.” Your walls clenched around him, like a warm tight hug, sucking him back in each time he tried to pull back.

“Is,” you gasped, choking back a moan as you raised your head. “Is that good?”

Seonghwa let out a breathy laugh. “Yes,” he replied simply. “It is.”

Your attempts to bite back were cut short when he gave you a hard thrust, pounding into you. You were unable to shield your face in time and let out a loud cry of pleasure before muffling your sounds with the linens. “Oh to hell with it,” Seonghwa cursed. You felt his hand cup your throat, pulling your head up. “Don’t hold back,” he whispered in your ear, slamming into you now. “Let me hear you. I don’t care who else hears us now,” he groaned. “I want to hear that beautiful cry again.”

Without the sheets to muffle your sounds, unrestrained and wanton moans left your lips, intermingled with cries of pleasure that bordered almost on screams. There was no doubt in your mind that everyone on the floor, let alone maybe the whole inn, could hear you and knew exactly what you were doing. Your thoughts didn’t focus on the embarrassment or shame for long as your mind cleared, giving way to the pleasure your fiance was giving you.

“Wait, wait,” Seonghwa groaned, pulling out of you suddenly, making you whine in protest but he was quick to roll you over, lifting your hips and placing the pillow back under you, raising your hips off the mattress once more. He quickly pushed back into you, grabbing your hips and resuming the same, unrelenting pace as before. 

Your fingers dug into the sheets, trying to hold onto something as your fiance pounded into you. Each thrust had you crying out in bliss. Your mind was full of nothing but the euphoria that was flowing through your body. Your hips moved to match his pace and he groaned, hips stilling for a moment. “Fuck, oh fuck,” Seonghwa gasped, leaning over you. “I won’t last much longer,” he moaned. 

You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him down so you were chest to chest. “Don’t stop,” you moaned. “Please.” Seonghwa groaned into your neck, hips moving fervently as he muttered praise into your skin. “I’m going to cum,” you heard him gasp. He tried to pull away but your grip on him tightened, thighs squeezing around his waist and arms tightening.

“Blossom, I need to pull out or I’ll—”

“Do it,” you interjected. “Cum inside me.”

Seonghwa’s response was delayed as he processed your words. He let out a groan, cock thrusting into you harshly as you felt it twitch. It was like when he came in your hand. His cock was hot, throbbing, and you felt the first surge of his release spill inside your walls. His cock continued to twitch as he came, releasing everything into you in short bursts, his hips thrusting a few times more before he finally stilled, pushing his cock as far into you as he could with a shaky moan.

Your own orgasm washed over you as he came undone, walls fluttering around him as you moaned, his name sounding like a mantra you were fine with saying for the rest of your life. Seonghwa collapsed on top of you, head resting on your chest as he tried to catch his breath. You were just as winded as he was, trembling under him as you both came down from your respective climaxes.

You lay like that for a while, uncertain of how much time had passed by. You became aware of something warm and sticky squeezing out of you and you finally had to rouse your fiance.

“Seonghwa?” you asked, your voice slightly hoarse. “Hmm?” he mumbled. “Something is warm and wet,” you announced. He pulled back, sitting back and looking down between your legs. “Oh, that’s gonna be a mess,” he said, quickly getting up and grabbing one of the towels Charlotte had brought in for your bath. He returned to the bed, climbing onto the mattress and started wiping your skin, cleaning it of whatever mess he had mentioned.

You lay there, watching him and taking in how truly beautiful he was. His golden skin with a thin layer of sweat, his messy black hair as he pushed it back from his face and focused with brows furrowed on cleaning your sex. Once he was satisfied you were clean, he tossed the towel aside and crawled over you, pressing feather light kisses up your stomach, chest, and to your lips. 

“We should probably get cleaned up,” you finally said as your breathing was starting to return to normal. Seonghwa hummed in response as he pulled the pillow out from under you, tossing it to the floor and pulling back the sheets, maneuvering around you until he had the covers pulled down.

“We’re really dirty now,” you said as he pulled the covers up over the both of you and he settled into the bed next to you. “Mhm,” he answered, pulling you against him, not caring about your nudity or the sweat on either of your bodies. “We really should clean up,” you murmured again. Seonghwa nodded, placing kisses to your lips. “Okay, Blossom,” he said, hiding you tightly.

“Whatever you want, my princess.”

©️ kwanisms 2018 - 2025 | all written and artistic works on this blog are protected under copyright. reposts, continuations, and translations of my works are not permitted. All graphics made by me.

[kwanisms]

Hunt for the Library 01 — p.seonghwa

Seonghwa never wanted to leave the comfort of the city but his fiancée was adamant about this excursion. She wanted to find the famed Library of Illusion. He should have convinced her to forget it. He had a bad feeling about the expedition but nothing could have prepared him for what they would end up finding deep in the forests of the Carpathian Mountains. businessman!Seonghwa × heiress!Reader 

«« previous || library of illusion m.list || taglist || next »» ❑ WORDCOUNT — 29.9k (total: 55810. don't ask. idk anymore) ❑ WARNINGS — adult dialogue, female reader, historical period setting (think Victorian era but make it fantasy), sexual content (18+ mdni) mentions of: food & alcohol consumption, major & minor character deaths (heed this warning, I’m serious. This part is pretty dark), medical issues, prescription drug use, animal attack, blood, viscera, etc., religious practices; see smut warnings under the cut! ❑ CONTENT — angst, slight fluff, smut; fantasy, horror, supernatural, biblical & demonic themes, historical setting, established relationship; non idol au, Victorian au, demon au, vampire au ❑ NOTES — I said I was going to write a backstory for Hongjoong AND Seonghwa, so here’s the latter's! This goes into what MC discovered in the Restricted Section after reading about the priests. Just like Hongjoong’s, this is kind of lengthy so it's been split into two parts. Do not ignore the warnings in this, they are there for a reason. Thank you so much for reading and as always, this is a work of fiction and all characters are not reflective of their respective irl counterparts. for entertainment purposes only. 

MINORS WILL BE BLACKLISTED & BLOCKED. AGELESS BLOGS WILL BE BLOCKED. 

❑ SMUT WARNINGS  — scene 1: unprotected sex (don’t do), grinding, slight dirty talk, fingering (f receiving), oral (f receiving), piv sex, finger sucking, use of pet names (hers: sweetheart, my love, blossom, my petal/petal, etc.; his: Hwa, baby, etc.), and that should be all here! — scene 2: oral (f receiving), fingering (f receiving), handjob (m receiving), dirty talk, use of pet names (darling, Blossom), and that is all there is in this scene. — scene 3: mild stripping (lol), unprotected sex (wrap it), oral (m receiving, f receiving), mild face fucking (f receiving), deepthroating, fingering (f receiving), piv sex, first time penetration, dirty talk, cum inside, use of pet names (hers: Blossom, sweetheart, baby, petal, darling, love, princess; his: Hwa, baby), and that’s all here!

Train stations had never been one of Seonghwa’s favorite places to visit. They were busy, loud, and often filthy but he knew they were necessary for long distance travel. He would just have to get over the shrill blasting of the train whistles and the whine of the steam engines as he followed you towards the first class compartments. 

He glanced behind him at his valet, Alfred, before looking ahead to where you were walking with your own lady’s maid, Charlotte. The station around him was crowded, save for the small gap between the edge of the platform and the throngs of people waiting to board and go through inspection.

“It’s this one right here, sir,” Alfred said, gesturing to the compartment as he came to a stop. 

Seonghwa looked up as the door opened, he gestured for you to go before him, waiting patiently as you and Charlotte climbed the steps up to the compartment. Seonghwa followed, Alfred following as they boarded the train.

The train was starting to fill up as you led the way to your assigned rooms. They weren’t too far back in the compartment. You checked the tickets once more, looking up at the room numbers before stopping to turn and look back at Seonghwa.

“It’s this one,” you said softly as Charlotte opened one of the doors and you peered inside. Alfred squeezed past Seonghwa to help Charlotte with the few smaller bags brought onto the train. The larger luggage had already been hauled on board while you and Seonghwa went through inspection. You sat down by the window, looking out onto the platform as Seonghwa sat across from you.

Once the bags had been properly stowed away, Charlotte leant down, whispering something to you Seonghwa couldn’t hear. You shook your head, waving your hand simply. “Would you like me to get you anything, sir?” Seonghwa glanced up before shaking his head no.

He turned to look at you, taking in your focused expression. The door shut with a soft click as Charlotte took her seat beside you. Alfred, no doubt, went to find the facilities so when the time came, he wouldn’t have to ask or check. Seonghwa watched as Charlotte fidgeted in her seat, looking around the compartment at everything except him or you for that matter.

Seonghwa glanced at you again, noticing the way you watched the people outside the window with intense scrutiny. He wondered what was going on in that head of yours, attempting to hide a smile and failing. He cleared his throat, turning to Charlotte. “Could you get Y/N something to drink?” he asked kindly.

Thankful for something to do, Charlotte nodded and jumped up, opening the door before disappearing past the window as the door shut with another soft click. You let out a sigh as Seonghwa turned back to face you.

“What is it?” he asked, now that you were alone. You turned to look at him, a look of shock as you realized you were now alone in the compartment together. “Where did—”

“Facilities and tea,” Seonghwa answered simply. “What were you looking at?” he asked, turning to look out the window. You shook your head, settling back in your seat as you laced your fingers together, placing your hands on your lap.

Seonghwa smiled as he watched you, studying your movements. “What’s wrong?” he asked, brow furrowing when he noticed your slightly worried expression. You looked up, your look of concern fading instantly. “Nothing,” you answered. “Nothing’s wrong.”

Seonghwa leaned forward, taking your hands and pulling them apart. “We don’t have to do this,” he reminded you. “We can just go back, get married, and then start our lives. We don’t have to go through with this,” he added. You smiled, giving his hands a gentle squeeze.

“I know,” you replied. “But it’s going to be fun!” you added, a wave of excitement coursing through you. It was infectious. Your excitement for adventure and thirst for knowledge. It was one of your many qualities Seonghwa found extremely endearing.

But despite the excitement that seemed to roll off you at the prospect of adventure and exploration, there was a lurking feeling of dread inside him. He wanted so many times to call off this trip. To let the tickets go to waste. He’d tried in vain to get you to reconsider. He’d even suggested you take the train ride but stay in the city rather than go on this backpacking adventure.

The trip had been a gift from your father and had been announced at your engagement party.

[The sound of a fork tapping against a glass rang out over the dinner table, the tinkling sound drawing the attention of everyone in attendance as your father stood, at one end of the table. 

“I’d like to start by thanking everyone for coming to this special celebration,” he started, holding his champagne glass as more were filled around the table. “My darling daughter,” he continued, smiling down at where you sat in the middle of the table across from Seonghwa. “Is getting married.”

Applause rang out around the table as the guests cooed and awed, making you smile bashfully.

“To a fine, young gentleman who I have no doubts will make her happy,” your father continued. “Seonghwa, who comes from a wonderful family, is an upstanding man who has made a name for himself not only in the business circle but also in matters of the heart. Y/N has made it clear she is head over heels in love with you and I couldn’t be happier that my daughter has made such a perfect match.”

He raised his glass as the rest of the guests picked up theirs. “To Y/N and Seonghwa, we wish you every happiness!” your father cheered. 

“To Y/N and Seonghwa!”

After dinner, the party started, the live quartet your father had hired playing in the corner of the room on a raised platform as couples took to the floor to dance. You refrained from dancing, instead talking with your father’s guests, showing off the ring, and talking about wedding preparations.

Seonghwa on the other hand had few conversations and kept them short as he walked around the ballroom opposite you, keeping his eyes on his soon-to-be bride as he walked around. He nodded politely, thanking guests when they congratulated him but his goal was not to be ensnared in meaningless conversation but instead to ensnare you.

As your paths crossed, he stepped in front of you, blocking your path as the first dance ended. Wordlessly, he held out his hand for you to take, raising an eyebrow as a lopsided grin spread. You couldn’t help the smile that spread across your face as you placed your hand in his palm and allowed him to guide you to the dance floor.

“Having fun?” he asked softly as you moved about. “Not nearly as much as my parents are,” you replied, peering over his shoulder where your parents were telling a very animated story though you couldn’t be certain of the subject.

“Are you?” you asked, looking back at him. Seonghwa grimaced. “To tell you the truth,” he started. “I’ve never really enjoyed parties like this. The dancing, the music, the people,” he continued, spinning you. “It’s never really appealed to me.”

You smiled up at him. “One of the many things I admire about you,” you said softly. “You don’t like being in the spotlight.” Seonghwa chuckled. “No,” he shook his head. “I really don’t. You don’t mind it, though,” he added. You shrugged. “I don’t mind it, seeing as I’m the only girl in my family, I tend to get a lot of attention.”

Seonghwa smiled as he pulled you slightly closer. “If you want to throw parties after we’re married,” he started. “I won’t mind. But please do not expect me to attend for longer than necessary.” You shook your head. “I would much rather go out to a party than host one,” you explained. “That way when we’re tired, we can just leave.”

Seonghwa let out a laugh, startling a few of the nearby guests. “I would much rather spend time at home with you anyway,” you said softly. Seonghwa’s eyes met yours and you felt your cheeks start to grow warm before looking away. You felt his knuckle under your chin, tilting your head back to look at him. “Don’t hide,” he said softly. “Always look at me.”

The song ended and the crowd applauded. Through it all, Seonghwa could see your father making his way over to the two of you. “I have a surprise for you,” he said in a low tone. “Come,” he added, gesturing. You kept a tight hold on Seonghwa, linking your arms with his as you followed your father out of the ballroom and through the house to the study.

Once inside and the door was shut, your father turned, beaming at the two of you. “Wow,” he exclaimed. “You do really make a handsome pair,” he said. “You said you had something for us?” you asked, which Seonghwa was thankful for. “I do!” your father said, clapping his hands together and moving to his desk.

You watched as he opened one of the drawers and pulled out a large green envelope. He undid the fastener and pulled out a sheet as he walked around the desk to stand before you again. He held out the sheet of paper which Seonghwa hesitantly took.

Reading over it, Seonghwa was confused so he handed the page to you, allowing you to read it. “The Library of Illusion Expedition?” you said softly, reading the title at the top before you looked up at your father. “They’ve found it?” you asked, your voice quivering.

Your father nodded. “There’s an expedition that’s said to have discovered the location of it and I know how much you loved the tales and lore as a child. I’ve managed to secure a team to take the two of you deep into the Carpathian Mountains of Romania to visit the location,” he said with a smile.

Seonghwa could feel your excitement rolling off you but deep in his gut, all he could feel was uncertainty, dread, fear. He couldn’t place why exactly, but going on this trip felt like it might be the end of something. He didn’t want to go but he knew how much this meant to you.

“What’s the itinerary?” he asked, keeping his voice calm and even.

“You depart next Tuesday from Charing Cross and take a train to Dover. From there, a ferry will take you to Calais where you will catch a train to Paris and board the Orient Express,” he explained. Your eyes lit up as you looked up from the paper. “The Orient Express?” you asked before looking at Seonghwa. “The Orient Express?!”

Your father nodded, smiling. “The very one. It takes a little over three days to travel from Paris to Istanbul on the train but you will be exiting the train before that. You’ll meet the expedition team in Paris on Tuesday night and depart on the Orient Express the following morning.”

“This is the trip of a lifetime,” you said, rushing to your father to hug him. “Thank you so much, Papa!” You turned to look at Seonghwa, positively beaming at him. “Isn’t this exciting?” you asked. Seonghwa knew he couldn’t break your spirit in front of your father and would have to just talk to you in private about it. He forced a smile. “It is,” he said with a nod.

“Indeed, a trip of a lifetime.”]

Seonghwa looked out the window as the train started to roll. He pulled his watch out to check the time. ‘Seven am,’ he thought as he read the time before closing the cap over the face and returning the watch to his pocket. “Right on time,” he whispered.

The train pulled out of the station, gaining momentum and speed as Charlotte fixed your tea before offering some to Seonghwa who declined. He wasn’t in the mood for tea. As the day wore on, Seonghwa spent the time going over some of the current deals for his business. He was in the market to expand and looking over options.

You had started to occupy the time with reading. Seonghwa glanced at the cover and read the title. “The Picture of Dorian Gray?” he asked, causing you to look up. You nodded slowly. “What sort of book is it?” he asked as Alfred put away the portfolio for the last company.

“It’s… philosophical,” you said, hesitating. “Oh?” Seonghwa asked as Alfred opened another portfolio, placing it on the tray in front of him. “What’s it about?” he asked, glancing down but still listening as you spoke. 

“It’s about a man named Dorian Gray. His friend, who is a painter and is infatuated with Dorian’s beauty, paints a portrait of him. When the main character realizes beauty will fade in time, he wants to sell his soul to stay young and attractive forever,” you replied.

Seonghwa glanced up at the book before looking at you. “Is he a vampire?” he jokingly asked. You shook your head, chuckling. “No,” you replied. “He sells his soul to… something,” you say. “Instead of aging, the portrait ages.”

Seonghwa stared at you for a moment. “Is it good?” he asked, noticing you were about three quarters of the way into the book. You nodded, looking down at the pages. “It’s really good,” you answered. “Who’s the author?” Seonghwa asked.

He looked up to find you watching him with a curious look. “What?” he asked. “If it’s a good read, I’d like to have a copy picked up when we return.” You smiled and shut the book before handing it over. “I’ve read it already,” you said as you leaned forward. “Multiple times.”

Seonghwa hesitantly took the book from you, inspecting the cover. “Thank you,” he said as you settled back into your seat while Charlotte perused through your bag. “I think there’s one of those Sherlock Holmes books in here,” she said softly. “It’s alright, Lottie,” you said, patting her arm.

“I’ll just watch the scenery.”

The train ride to Dover was long but by nearly ten in the morning, the train pulled into the station. Seonghwa had finished going over the portfolios, having separated the prospects from the ones he definitely didn’t want. There was a short ride from the station to the ferry and as soon as you arrived and went through inspection, you were allowed to board the boat, your luggage being stowed and you were shown to a private room.

Seonghwa had started the novel, reading the first few pages and being immediately drawn in. There was more to the story than you had previously let on. The ride by ferry only took a few hours and soon, you were disembarking, getting into yet another carriage. Seonghwa’s attention was focused entirely on the book, reading it and absorbing the contents as you sat across from him while Charlotte and Alfred made sure your luggage was accounted for and secured. You gently nudged his shoe with your foot.

Seonghwa looked up from the book as you looked at him before holding out your hand. Uncertain what you were silently asking for, Seonghwa took your hand anyway and let out a chuckle as you pulled him forward, sitting up and leaning in. “We’re in public,” he said softly as you reached up, cupping his cheek. “I don’t really care,” you whispered before leaning in, pressing your lips to his.

Before Seonghwa could fully appreciate the gesture, you pulled away as footsteps announced the arrival of Charlotte and Alfred at the carriage door. They both climbed in and the carriage set off as you settled back in your seat, Seonghwa in his.

The carriage arrived in no time at the Calais train station and per the itinerary, you boarded the train bound for Paris. You chose to sit next to Seonghwa this time, ignoring the raised brow look of Alfred as he took a seat beside Charlotte who sat opposite you beside the window with a knowing smile on her face.

You chose to sit next to Seonghwa so you could lean against him, finding comfort in the warmth emanating from his body as he silently read your book, eyes scanning the page before turning to the next one. It was quiet in the compartment until a conductor came by to announce that a late lunch was being served.

Seonghwa looked at you and you nodded, prompting him to mark his place in the novel and shut it. “I think we’ll join,” he said simply. Charlotte and Alfred accompanied the both of you to the dining car, taking one of the tables in the back corner. You sat across from Seonghwa, next to the window. You liked watching the scenery change as you got closer and closer to Paris.

For lunch, there were a few options. You chose something light, knowing you would get dinner in Paris. As you waited for your meals, you glanced at Seonghwa. “How do you like the novel?” you asked, trying to keep the conversation light as well.

“You were right,” he said, turning his head to look at you after having stared out the window for so long. “It’s very good.” You nodded understandingly, picking up the wine glass in front of you. “What do you think of the main character?”

Seonghwa watched as you took a sip before realizing you were waiting for an answer. “Of Dorian?” he asked. He lowered his eyes to his own glass. “I think he’s… lost.” You looked up at him, watching his fingers drum lightly on the table as he seemed lost in thought.

“He’s seemed to have lost himself to this ideal of beauty, doing things that no one should do and he’s doing them simply because he can,” he continued. You let out a hum as you mulled over his words. “That’s one way of looking at it, I suppose,” you answered. Seonghwa let out a light laugh as he looked up to meet your gaze. “How would you describe him?” he asked.

You leaned forward, resting your chin on your hands, lacing your fingers together. “He’s depraved for sure but I think that depravity comes from somewhere deep within him,” you said softly. “Like he was always depraved, he just decided to let it all out since nothing would happen to him anyway.”

Seonghwa nodded as he processed your words. “Would you do it?” he asked suddenly, making you look up at him. “If you could sell your soul and anything that happened to you happened to a portrait of you, would you do the same thing he did? Go absolutely mad?”

You laughed heartily at his question before shaking your head. “No,” you answered. “I would make better use of my time,” you added. “I might pursue more academic or scientific endeavors. I wouldn’t visit opium dens, or take part in such debauchery.”

Seonghwa watched as you turned, eyes lighting up as your meals arrived at the table at long last. He thanked the server as they set his plate down before him before looking at you, catching your gaze. “I would. Only if a little,” he said with a smirk.

Your eyes widened but you were unable to inquire further as you immediately dug into your lunch.

After finishing the delicious meal, you returned to the compartment and sat between your fiance and the window while he read some more from the book. Alfred was reading from a small book , Charlotte working on an embroidery piece when you felt the urge to use the restroom. You sat up, prompting Seonghwa to look up from the book.

“I need to use the facilities,” you announced softly. Charlotte made to get up but you dismissed her with a wave and polite smile. “I won’t be long,” you added as you opened the door, stepping out into the hall and shutting it again.

You headed down the hall, passing door after door, some with the shades up and some with them down as you made your way to the back of the train car. You were thankful the women’s stall was empty and immediately stepped in, closing and locking the door before starting to gather your skirts.

It wasn’t extremely difficult normally to do this on your own but in such a small confined space, it was definitely proving to be much more difficult. You somehow managed and flushed the toilet before moving to wash your hands. Once cleaned and dry, you moved to open the door and ran into a man as you tried to exit.

“Oh!” you said, stumbling backwards. He gave you a warm smile but the gesture did not reach his eyes; eyes that were now starting to travel, roaming up and down your figure. “I am so sorry,” you said breathlessly. “My apologies.”

You tried to side step him but he blocked your path. “A young lady like you should not be running about, unattended,” he said. His words sounded concerned but his tone was anything other than that. You swallowed thickly. “I’m not unattended,” you replied. “I was just using the facilities. My attendants are in my compartment.”

You tried once more to move past but instead of stepping in front of you, you felt him grab your upper arm very tightly, causing you to wince and let out a small gasp of pain. “Unhand me,” you said, attempting to pull away but he was much stronger.

“Do you have any idea how easy it would be to drag you into an empty compartment?” he asked, his voice dangerously low as he leaned in to whisper in your ear. “I could cover your mouth, lock the door, and shut the shades and no one would be any wiser.” You opened your mouth to respond but a voice cut through.

“If you do not take your hand off my fiancee right now, I’ll show you how easy it would be to kick you from the back of a moving train.”

The man holding your arm turned and you felt relief wash over you at the sight of Seonghwa standing in the hallway behind the man. “We’re talking here,” the man started. Seonghwa took a single step forward. “Did you not hear me?” he asked, tilting his head slowly. “I said take your hand off my fiancee.”

The man looked down at you and pulled his hand back as if he’d been burned. You took that opportunity to stomp on his toes, hard, as you pushed past him and immediately grabbed Seonghwa’s arm. You tried to turn him and lead him away but instead he stared at the man until he finally slunk away.

You looked up at Seonghwa as he blinked and then looked down at you, his expression softened. “Are you alright?” he asked, taking your chin in his hand and checking to make sure you had no marks. “I’m alright,” you answered. “That was something,” you added, looking to the empty hall and back. “It was nothing,” Seonghwa answered as you started back down the hall to your compartment. “On the contrary,” you said as you stopped, turning to look at him.

“It was extremely attractive. You’re so… seductive when you’re mad.”

The rest of the train ride passed without incident and soon, the train was pulling into the station in Paris. You disembarked, following Charlotte to the carriage with Seonghwa in tow while Alfred made sure your luggage was collected promptly.

After securing all the bags, the carriage took you to a nearby hotel where you would be staying the night before boarding the Orient Express in the morning. You checked into the hotel and were shown to a large suite with two rooms where you could change before dinner.

At the hotel, on the ground floor, was a restaurant where you would be dining. The atmosphere was cozy but chic with small round tables covered in white table cloths. This was the first time you would be dining with Seonghwa without either of your attendants and it suddenly felt much more… intimate.

The maitre d’ was a tall, well dressed man who smiled as he spoke in French and showed you to your table. You thanked him as Seonghwa moved to pull out your chair for you, leaving both you and the maitre d’ speechless. Once Seonghwa sat down, he wasted no time in ordering a bottle of wine, something sweet because he knew your pallet by this point.

Afterwards, the server came to explain the specials and the menu. There were quite a few options to choose from but you ended up choosing the chicken entree while Seonghwa opted for the lamb. You both picked an appetizer to share and the server was gone, leaving you alone.

“This is the first time we’ve been out in public without our valets,” Seonghwa said as he lifted his glass of wine, swirling it gently. You hummed in response, staring at him, watching as he took a sip of the wine. “How is it?” you asked. He smiled as he looked at you. “Delicious,” he answered, setting the glass down. “Very sweet.”

You picked up your own glass and took a sip, savoring the sweetness. There was a tart bite to it as well that you equally enjoyed. “And when we leave the inn in the village outside Sinaia, we’ll be on our own as well,” you reminded him. Seonghwa looked up at you, a darkness to his eyes you’d never seen before.

Well, not never, but very rarely.

“How will we survive?” he joked, breaking the tension.

Your conversation continued, chatting about a few different things. Seonghwa was almost finished with the first half of the book so you continued to ask him about his thoughts until your food arrived.

Everything on your plates was made to perfection, seasoned perfectly and beyond your expectations. As dinner wound down, Alfred arrived. The bill was paid and Seonghwa helped you up as his valet walked over.

“You’re meant to meet the rest of the expedition team, sir,” Alfred said under his breath. Seonghwa nodded. “Where are they?” Seonghwa asked. “At the pub across the street,” Alfred replied. You glanced between them as Seonghwa frowned. “Very well. Could you please escort Y/N back to the room and —”

“No,” you said firmly. “I’m part of this expedition, I want to meet the people my father hired.” Seonghwa gave you a look, brows raised before he conceded. “As you wish,” he said, gesturing for Alfred to lead the way.

Stopping to grab your coats, you followed the two men to the hotel lobby door and out onto the busy street. Crossing the street proved to be much more difficult than you had expected but you managed to make it, pulling your coat tighter around you as Alfred opened the door to what you assumed was the pub.

Seonghwa carefully guided you in, keeping you close as you entered. Alfred took the lead, heading towards the bar. It wasn’t at all what you were picturing. You had expected it to be loud, full of rowdy drunk people and while it was loud, it was mainly due to the quartet playing on a small stage where a very beautiful woman in a red dress was singing.

You turned away as Seonghwa took your arm, guiding you to where a group of men were sitting. “Alfred!” one of the men shouted, clearly excited to see Seonghwa’s valet. “Come to join us for a round?” Alfred offered a polite smile before he declined. 

“I’ve come to introduce Mr. Park,” he said, gesturing to Seonghwa. “And Miss Y/L/N.” One of the other men snorted as he raised his glass to drink his beer. “Who cares?” he said, receiving a smack to the back of the head from the man who had spoken first. He coughed as he choked on his beer, earning a laugh from another man. 

“Ahh pay him no mind, ma’am,” the man who smacked the other. “Charley doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut.” You forced a smile. “Especially when he sees a pretty woman,” a sultry voice from beside you said. You turned in time to see the woman who had been on stage walking past you as she joined the group.

Alfred cleared his throat before speaking. “Miss Y/L/N’s father is the one funding this expedition,” he explained. A murmur went around the table with Charley apologizing.

“So,” you started. “What are your names?”

The man who had hit Charley upside the back of the head sat up. He was a younger bright-eyed fellow. “Thom,” he said immediately. “The name’s Thom. This is Charlie,” he pointed to Charley who nodded his head. “Everett, Enoch, and Adelaide,” he continued, pointing to each person until he got to the woman who had been singing. 

“You can call me Della,” she said as two more women appeared with trays of shots and set them down. “This is Sophronia,” Thom said, gesturing at the blonde who lightly hit his shoulder. “I told you I hate being called that!” she whined before looking up ato give you a smile. “Sophie is just fine,” she added. 

“And I’m Euphemia,” the other woman, one with short brown curls said. “Effie is fine,” she added with a smile. “Y/N,” you replied in an attempt to introduce yourself. “Oh you have such a pretty name!” Della squealed as she sat next to Thom. “Thank you,” you said, cheeks growing warm.

“And who is this tall, handsome man?” Della asked, walking around you to Seonghwa, and leaning against the table to fix him with a very seductive smile. “Mr. Park—” Alfred started, only for Seonghwa to interrupt. “Seonghwa Park,” he answered. “Y/N is my fiancee,” he added, which made Della perk up.

“My apologies,” she said, moving back around to sit next to an Asian man sitting on the end. “And this,” Everett started, pointing at the man. “Is our ninja, Hiro.”

The man made a move to hit him but just laughed it off. “Hiro Tadasaki,” he said, standing up and bowing. Seonghwa returned the bow. “Konbanwa,” you said, also bowing. Hiro looked surprised but pleasantly so as he sat back down. “Join us,” Effie said excitedly. 

You smiled apologetically. “I’m afraid I must decline,” you said softly. “I don’t really drink. Just wine with dinner and champagne on special occasions.” Effie nodded in understanding as the guys grabbed for the shots. 

“Moderation is good,” Della said as she picked up her glass. “Not that any of these idiots would understand,” she added, making you laugh and sending a wink your way as she sipped her cocktail.

“I’ll stay,” Seonghwa said suddenly, taking you and the table by surprise. He turned to Alfred. “Please escort Y/N back to the suite,” Seonghwa said as he removed his coat, hanging off the back of one of the chairs. You glanced at Alfred before gently taking his hand.

“Are you sure about this? I don’t think I could sleep knowing you aren’t in the next room.” Seonghwa gave you a reassuring smile. “I won’t stay long. I just need to relay some information and then I’ll be back to the hotel room. I promise.”

You nodded as he took a seat and Alfred held out his hand, gesturing towards the exit. You allowed him to lead you back outside, across the street and into the hotel. The lift ride up to the third floor was uneventful and soon you were approaching the door to the suite.

“I shall return to Master Park,” Alfred said as you opened the door. “I will see to it that he leaves at an appropriate time,” he added. You gave him a small relieved smile. “Thank you Alfred,” you said softly.

He turned and walked back to the elevator as you shut the door and walked into the room where Charlotte was working on her embroidery. “Miss?” she said as she stood up. “Could I get some tea, Lottie?” you asked to which she nodded and moved the door as you sat down.

Some time passed and she returned, shutting the door and walking over. “Would you like to get out of your dinner dress?” she asked, prompting you to look up at her. “Oh, yes,” you said, getting to your feet and walking into the room you would be sharing with Charlotte for the night. 

She helped you out of your dress and put on your nightgown. You pulled on your dressing gown and headed back out into the living area of the suite to wait for the tea to arrive. It did so only several minutes later and Charlotte prepared it for you.

“It’s bedtime, Miss,” Charlotte announced in a soft voice, taking your empty cup that had been in your hand. “I think I’m going to stay up until they return,” you said, stifling a yawn. Charlotte nodded, giving you a small curtsy. “May I be excused to go to bed?” You nodded silently, resting your head in your hand as Charlotte bid you goodnight.

You had no idea how much time passed or when you fell asleep but you woke to the sound of the door being fiddled with and then the sound of someone attempting to unlock the door. You stood up carefully as the door opened and Seonghwa came in, half carrying Alfred.

“Oh my goodness,” you said as you started forward. Seonghwa shut the door with a laugh before guiding Alfred over to the couch and letting the man plop down, a laugh escaping him as well.

You looked down at Alfred and up at your fiance as he removed his coat and crossed the room to hang it up. “Are you drunk?” you asked, narrowing your eyes. Seonghwa turned to look at you. “Drunk?” he repeated.

“No,” he added as he walked over. “No, no, no.” He stopped to look down at Alfred. “But I think he is,” he added, attempting to stifle his laughter as he rounded the couch, taking your hand. “And I am only slightly drunk. Tipsy, I think is what they called it,” he continued, bringing your hand up to his face, pressing a kiss to the back. 

“You look pretty,” he said, holding your arm out and taking a step back to look you over with a look of adoration. “I’m in my dressing gown,” you said with a laugh as he made you spin before pulling you closer, his hands moving towards your waist.

“Dressing gown?” he said with a scoff. “That won’t do.” He leaned in, pressing a kiss to your cheek. “How are you going to sleep in that?” he asked, his hands sliding to your hips. “How are you going to sleep in any of this?” he whispered, fingers toying with the silky material of your gowns.

“Should just sleep naked,” he continued. You giggled as he kissed your neck. “Seonghwa,” you whispered, glancing over to where Alfred lay on the couch. “Anyone could see,” you added. He pulled back to look at you, taking your face in his hands.

“Then let’s change the scenery,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to your lips. Your hands moved to his chest, feeling him through the material as he parted your lips with his, his tongue slipping into your mouth. It wasn’t like Seonghwa had never kissed you like this before.

It just wasn’t a regular occurrence. You whimpered into the kiss as his hands slid down to your neck, one continuing down your back to pull you against him. “Seonghwa,” you whispered as he broke the kiss, leaving a trail of them down the other side of your neck.

“Hmm?” he hummed as his kisses continued further still. “Shouldn’t we leave this until the wedding night?” you whispered, voice shaking. He pulled back to look up at you. “If that’s what you want,” he started, caressing your cheek gently. “Then of course.”

“But,” he continued. “We could always just take this to my room.” You felt excitement and fear bubble in your stomach. On one hand, you wanted to do just that but on the other, you felt like it was wrong. You’d been told all your life that premarital sex was wrong and sex should only be between a husband and wife.

“I think we should take a step back,” you whispered. Seonghwa sighed but smiled at you all the same. “Of course, sweetheart,” he said, taking your face in his hands once more and kissing the tip of your nose before kissing you on the lips. “I’ll let Alfred sleep it off out here,” he added as he walked you to your door. 

“I’ll see you in the morning,” he said, leaning against the door frame as you opened the door and turned to him. “Goodnight, Seonghwa,” you said softly. He cupped your cheek, leaning in to kiss you. “Goodnight, petal,” he said softly. He stepped backwards before turning to walk back to his room.

“Hwa?” you called out as he reached the middle of the room and turned to look at you. “I love you,” you said softly. A smile spread across his face. “I love you too, Blossom.”

The following morning, you awoke when Charlotte gently shook you, telling you breakfast was going to be delivered to the room. She moved to open the curtains, letting light into the room as you sat up, stretching and yawning.

“Is Seonghwa awake?” you asked as Charlotte came to your side of the bed and set a pair of house slippers on the floor for you to put on. “Mr. Park got up early,” she told you. “He went for a jog and came back to shower. He’s sitting in the common area, reading over the itinerary.”

You inhaled deeply before letting out a sigh and rolling your neck before pulling back the covers and scooting to the edge of the mattress. “He was up awfully early for someone who was half drunk last night,” you murmured. Charlotte looked up as she slid one of the slippers onto your feet.

“Drunk?” she asked. You looked down as she grabbed the second slipper. “I was sitting in the common room after you left. I must have dozed off but I heard the door open and Seonghwa came in with Alfred who was particularly…” you trailed off, wondering if you should continue your train of thought.

“Sloshed?” Charlotte asked, raising a brow. Your lips spread into a smirk before you forced it away. “Very,” you answered. Charlotte held back a smile as she finished and stood, moving to your trunk and opening it as you stood, grabbing your dressing gown.

“Which one would you like to wear today, ma’am?” Charlotte asked, looking up as you approached. “I think the black skirt with the white blouse,” you answered. “With the black and gold belt.” Charlotte smiled and started to pull out the articles of clothing you mentioned. 

“Would you like the matching coat, miss?” You nodded as you moved to the vanity, watching Charlotte set the clothes aside in the reflection of the oval mirror before walking over to where you sat. “Could you do light makeup today, please,” you said as you looked at her through the reflection. “We’re traveling all day today and I really don’t want to overdo it.” Charlotte gave you a smile and nodded as she opened the small cosmetic bag and got to work.

Once finishing your makeup and hair, Charlotte helped you into your blouse and skirt before helping you put on your boots over your stockings. She grabbed your jacket and handed it to you before moving to pack away your things as you headed out into the common area where Seonghwa was standing by the window, using the natural light to read over a sheet of paper. He looked up as you entered, smiling at you.

“Good morning,” you said as you walked over to sit at the table, making sure to drape your jacket over the back of your seat. Seonghwa folded the paper and tucked it back into an envelope, handing it to Alfred and asking him to put it back in his luggage for safekeeping. You thanked the kitchen staff as they set a plate on the table before you and moved to pour tea into your cup.

“Morning, blossom,” Seonghwa said as he moved around the table, leaning down to press a kiss to your cheek before moving to take his seat. “How did you sleep?” he asked, settling into his chair as the server finished pouring your tea. She moved to pour some for Seonghwa but he dismissed her politely, asking instead for coffee.

“I slept alright,” you answered as you picked up the small ceramic creamer and poured a small amount of cream into your tea before picking up the spoon in the sugar dish and added it to your tea as well, stirring it with your own tea spoon. You looked up at Seonghwa and noticed that despite his late night revelry, he looked well rested.

“I should be asking you that,” you continued, drawing his attention. “Hmm?” he hummed, as he picked up the newspaper brought with breakfast. “Why is that?” he asked.You took a sip of your tea as the server finished setting Seonghwa’s plate before him. “You came in so late last night,” you noted as you set your tea down and grabbed your knife, dipping the tip into the butter spread.

Seonghwa let out a soft chuckle as he looked back down at the paper. “It wasn’t that late,” he replied. “But I went straight to bed after you,” he continued. “Slept very well, in fact.” He glanced up at you. “Until Alfredo woke me,” he added as his valet returned to the room, carrying Seonghwa’s coat. He set the coat down and walked over to the table. “I will fetch the bellhop and have your luggage taken down to the carriages,” he announced.

You looked up from spreading jam on your croissant before looking at Seonghwa. “Carriages? As in more than one?” you asked. Seonghwa looked up at you before turning to Alfred. “Thank you, Alfred,” he said before turning back to you. Alfred walked to the door, following the service cart out and leaving you and your fiance alone.

“For whatever reason,” Seonghwa started as he folded the paper and set it down. “We’re taking two carriages to the Gare de l’Est,” he continued, picking up his coffee and taking a sip before making a face and setting it back down. “Would you pass me the cream? I don’t know why I always expect the coffee to taste anything but bitter,” he added as you nodded, picking up the creamer and moving it closer.

“Why are we taking two carriages?” you wondered aloud. “We took one from the train to the ferry and then from the ferry to the train in Calais.” Seonghwa shook his head as he poured some of the white cream into his cup before picking up a teaspoon and stirring it. “I don’t know why,” he explained. “But the hotel service sent for two. Perhaps it is because we aren’t married yet.” You settled back in your seat, picking at your food.

“I suppose,” you murmured. Seonghwa took another sip of coffee after stirring in some sugar to go with the cream. “Besides,” he said as he set the cup down and glanced up at you. “I don’t think I could sit in such close, confined quarters with you and keep my hands to myself.”

Your eyes widened as you quickly turned to make sure Charlotte was still in your room, behind closed doors packing your things before turning back to Seonghwa. “Keep your voice down!” you whispered, trying to fight the smile that wanted to overtake your face. Seonghwa gave you a smirk as he started into his own breakfast.

“You can’t fault me for having these urges,” he said softly. “Not when you look so enticing every day.” Your cheeks grew warm as you looked down at your food, avoiding his gaze. “Look at me,” he said softly. You looked up at him, cheeks burning even more as you met his gaze. “I mean it when I say that once we are married, I have no intention of keeping separate rooms,” he continued.

“That’s not proper,” you whispered. Seonghwa tilted his head with a confident smile. “I don’t care what’s proper,” he added. “When we’re married, you’ll be my wife and I your husband. Unless you absolutely want to, we’re not sleeping in separate beds. My parents never slept in separate beds,” he stated. “Rules be damned, I’m sleeping with my wife.” You let out a giggle, cutting it short as the door behind you opened and Charlotte appeared.

“I’ve packed your things, Miss,” she said in a soft voice. “Thank you, Lottie,” you said, keeping your eyes on your fiance as he stared at you. Seonghwa held your gaze until the door to the hall opened and Alfred returned with two bellhops. “All the luggage from both bedrooms,” Alfred instructed. “Are Miss Y/L/N’s things packed?” he asked Charlotte who nodded enthusiastically.

“Take them down to the carriages waiting outside, please,” Alfred added as the bellhops nodded and headed into the two bedrooms. You continued eating as they carried the items out of the rooms and from the suite. Seonghwa had resumed reading the paper and you busied yourself with your croissant and tea.

Once the rooms had been cleared and breakfast consumed, the service cart returned to clear the table while Charlotte helped you into your coat while Seonghwa finished reading, thanking the service attendant and stood up, taking his coat from Alfred and pulling it on himself. You walked towards the door, Charlotte in tow and exited only after Seonghwa gestured for you to.

The hall was alive with activity as patrons were checking out of their rooms, luggage piled onto carts to be taken down to the lobby. You stood beside Seonghwa as you waited for one of the lifts which arrived promptly. Once inside, you stood quietly as the lift lowered down, stopping at the lobby to let you out.

The grand lobby was also buzzing with chatter and a frenzy of staff zoomed around as patrons checked out and some lounged around, no doubt waiting for carriages to take them to their destinations. Outside the hotel was a much different atmosphere than it had been the night before. The street was lit by the rising sun, light hitting the cobblestone roads at an angle.

Two black carriages, pulled by beautiful black stallions, stood waiting for you to board. Seonghwa stopped by the first one as the footman opened the door. “Your carriage,” Seonghwa said with an amused smile on his face, making you want to roll your eyes. You took the hand he offered and stepped up onto the carriage step and inside.

Charlotte followed, also assisted by your fiance. You leaned into the window after the door shut. “I wish you didn’t have to ride separately,” you said softly, making him smile. “I’ll see you at the station,” he replied, giving you a wink before he turned and made his way to the second carriage. You sat back in your seat across from Charlotte with a huff.

Amused by your small fit, Charlotte leaned forward, patting your hand. “Soon you’ll be married and it won’t matter anymore,” she said softly. You gave her a small smile, nodding, before you looked out the window. After a few moments, the carriage lurched forward, the sound of hooves clopping against the cobblestone rang out as you were on your way.

The ride to the Gare de l’Est station wasn’t long, thankfully, and soon you were pulling up to the entrance. The carriage door opened and you climbed out, thanking the footman who helped you down as men immediately started to unload your luggage. 

Seonghwa joined you as you looked up at the station while Afred instructed the attendants on where to put the luggage. Your eyes traveled over the stone facade of the building, admiring the architecture and details. “Shall we?” you heard Seonghwa ask from beside you, taking your attention away from the building. Nodding, you took the arm he offered and walked forward into the station.

You were prompt and on time to go through inspection and check-in. Once through, you were directed to a place to wait for the boarding process to begin. You took a seat at a small bistro table, Seonghwa sitting across from you while Charlotte sat next to you and Alfred went to oversee the luggage and make sure it made it to the correct rooms.

“There he is!” a voice called, making you look up to see the team you had met yesterday walking towards your table. Seonghwa smiled, standing up as you watched him interact with the group. Thom turned to look at you, giving you a small bow of the head. “Miss,” he greeted you. “Your fiance can certainly hold his own when it comes to shots,” he said, pointing at Seonghwa who tried to dismiss his compliments.

You forced a polite smile at the man before glancing at Seonghwa. You looked away as he caught your eye and busied yourself with the small menu on the table while the group chatted with your fiance. You tuned out what they were saying as you stared intently at the menu but not really reading it. You just wanted something to look at.

“Are you alright, miss?” Charlotte asked, placing a hand on your shoulder, a hint of concern in her voice. “Yes, Lottie,” you said a little more forcefully than you intended. You placed your hand over hers in a silent apology. “I’m fine,” you added.

“Blossom?” Seonghwa’s voice asked as he took a seat beside you. “Everything alright?” You nodded, not looking up as the group continued to chatter amongst each other. “We’re going to get a couple drinks at the bar,” Charley announced, making Seonghwa look up. “Care to join us?” Seonghwa glanced back at you but you didn’t look up to meet his gaze.

You half expected him to accept but when he declined, citing maybe on the train, you felt both a bit surprised but also extremely relieved. Charley followed the group and you let out a sigh. Seonghwa asked Charlotte to go ask for something for you to drink and once you were alone, Seonghwa tilted your head back to look at him.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked, eyes searching your face. “We don’t have to do this,” he reminded you once more. “We can turn around and go back home.” You shook your head. “I want to do this,” you replied. “I want to go on this trip.” Seonghwa studied your face for a moment before conceding. “As you wish,” he said softly, dropping his hand as Charlotte returned with a glass of water.

Time ticked by as you waited. About ten minutes before you were due to start boarding, Alfred returned, a look of frustration on his face. “We have a problem,” he said in a low voice meant only for Seonghwa to hear but you heard it, too. “A problem?” you asked, looking up. Seonghwa told you to wait a moment as he got up and walked with Alfred, who led him over to a short, official looking man with a conductor’s coat and hat.

The three of them spoke quickly in a hushed tone but you were too far from them to pick up on what they were saying, even if they spoke in normal voices. Seonghwa looked positively furious at what the conductor was saying and after a few back and forths with the man, Seonghwa conceded and returned with Alfred.

You looked at him as he sat back down, muttering under his breath. “What’s wrong?” you asked, glancing from him to Alfred and back. “There’s been a mix up with the rooms on the train,” Alfred explained. “They’ve mistakenly assumed you were a married couple and given away one of the rooms to a contessa.”

You stared in disbelief at him. “What?” you asked softly. “I am terribly sorry,” Alfred said, bowing his head. “This is outrageous,” Seonghwa said, clearly upset with the situation. You placed a hand over his. “It’s going to be alright,” you said softly. “You and Charlotte still have your bunks, correct?” you asked, looking up at Alfredo who nodded.

“Of course,” he replied. We are next door to one another,” Alfred answered. You turned to Seonghwa. “Unless someone doesn’t show up, we’ll just have to grin and bear it,” you said reassuringly. “It’s going to be fine. What’s the worst that can happen?”

Half an hour later, you were escorted to the train and once on board, Charlotte and Alfred were shown to their rooms while you and your fiance were shown to your private room by one of the conductors. You thanked him as Seonghwa looked around the room. “Will you be requiring anything?” the conductor asked Seonghwa who didn’t answer. You turned and smiled.

“No, thank you,” you replied. The conductor nodded and headed back down the hall, shutting the door in the process. “See?” you said softly. “It’s not so bad. We’re going to be married soon anyway, so what does it matter?” you asked, moving to turn Seonghwa to face you.

“It matters because I don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” he said softly. “Last night we —” 

He was interrupted by a knock and reluctantly turned to face the door. “Come in,” he said in a calm tone despite the panicked voice he’d just had when speaking to you. The food opened and Alfred peered in. “Is everything to your liking?” he asked. Seonghwa nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “If you could just give us a moment?” Alfred nodded, stepping out and shutting the door.

“We’ll discuss this later,” he said softly, stopping only when you gently grabbed his hand and pulled him back towards you. “We will be fine,” you reminded him. “I know what almost happened last night and we’ll just have to exercise restraint,” you said softly, cupping his cheek. “I know we can do that.”

Seonghwa nodded wordlessly, his expression a mix between frustration and solemnity. You leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. “We’ll be fine,” you repeated.

The rest of the train filled up quickly and as the conductor said, it was a full train. You had opted to stay in your compartment while Seonghwa went to speak to Alfred about your schedules while on board the train. You had retrieved one of your books from your luggage and were in the process of reading when Seonghwa returned, closing the door and taking a seat beside you on the couch.

You could tell he was upset about something, marking the page you were on and setting the book on the table between your end of the couch and the small partition between the couch and the bedroom area. “What’s wrong?” you asked, turning to look at him. Seonghwa glanced at you, arms crossed over his chest and looking every bit of a sullen child.

“It’s nothing,” he said, turning to stare out the window across from where you both sat. After a moment of silence, you sighed, reaching over and grabbing his arm. You tugged gently, trying to pull him closer. Seonghwa looked at you, giving you a look of confusion before you gestured for him to lay down. He hesitated before finally giving in, lying on his back, resting his head on your lap.

“If you don’t want to talk about it, I won’t ask,” you said in a gentle tone, running your fingers through his soft hair as you spoke. “But I want you to forget about it or at the very least put it at the back of your mind and just be here, in this moment.” Seonghwa stared up at you as you combed through his hair. He conceded, shutting his eyes and letting out a sigh.

You sat like that in silence for a while before he finally spoke.

“I’m sorry,” he finally said quietly. “For what?” you asked, continuing to stroke his hair, looking down at him with a deep fondness in your heart. Your fondness for him had only grown since he first opened up to you when he was courting you after you had turned him down out of fear.

It was true in the beginning that you had been very apprehensive about Seonghwa. He’d pursued you with a tenacity that scared you initially. You feared he was only interested in you for your looks and social standing but you learned that while his physical attraction to you was true, he’d heard about your interests and your hobbies and wanted to know more.

He proved himself to be interested in getting to know your mind and heart and that had been the final push you needed to accept his attempts to court you. Your parents had always wanted you to make a good match but they also wanted you to be happy with your choice. They were never going to force you to marry a man you didn’t or couldn’t love.

“For all of this,” he said, waving his hand around the cabin. Your brows knitted together. “It’s not your fault,” you reminded him, smoothing his hair down. “The staff just assumed we were married already. It’s really not a problem. It’ll just help us prepare for sharing a bed when we are married.” Seonghwa’s eyes opened and he looked up at you.

“I suppose you’re right,” he said as he looked up at you with the same fondness you felt in your chest. “Since I don’t plan on keeping separate beds once we’re married,” he added as he sat up and turned to face you. “I suppose we can use this trip to help us prepare for married life.” You nodded, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek. Instead of letting you pull away, Seonghwa pulled you back in for a kiss.

He let out a groan of frustration when there was a knock on the door. “What is it?” he asked loudly as you fought the urge to smile at his annoyance. The door opened and one of the conductors looked into the room. “Lunch is being served, sir,” he announced. “Thank you,” Seonghwa said, dismissing the conductor and turning back to you. “Would you like to join the dining car or would you prefer to take lunch in your private cabin?”

Seonghwa gave you a look before turning. “In here would be best,” he answered. “Then please look over the menu and make a decision. I will send a server to come get your orders soon.” The conductor shut the door and left you and your fiance alone once more. Seonghwa got up from the couch and grabbed the small menu that sat on the table.

You watched as his eyes narrowed as he read over it. “Anything good?” you asked as he read the options to himself. He stared a little longer before handing it to you. You took it from him, reading over the menu. “Some chicken and beef options and… fish?” you said, sounding mildly surprised. You looked up at him. “On a train?” you asked before chuckling.

Seonghwa snorted. “I don’t know if I would trust the fish,” he added. You chuckled to yourself as you read the menu once more. “Let’s just order something simple for lunch and then for dinner, we can always get something more—”

“Complex?” Seonghwa asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Precisely,” you said, looking up at him. “You choose,” Seonghwa said as he took his seat beside you with a sigh. “I’m not particular.”

You ended up choosing a salad, the beef bourguignon with boiled potatoes, and small chocolate mousse cups for dessert. After ordering, you resumed your book while waiting, Seonghwa resumed laying on the couch with his head resting in your lap as you read quietly.

“What are you reading?” he finally asked. “Sherlock Holmes,” you answered as you turned the page. “Which one?” You glanced down at him. “A Study in Scarlet,” you answered, looking back up at the page. “Haven’t you read that one?” Seonghwa asked, watching your face as you read. “Mhmm,” you hummed. “Many times,” you added.

“Would you read some to me?” he asked, making you look away from the page again. “You want me to read to you?” you asked, feeling slightly amused at the idea of reading to your soon-to-be husband. “Yes, please,” he replied, shutting his eyes as he rested. You took a deep breath and looked back up to the page. “Very well,” you answered.

“‘I  had neither kith nor kin in England, and was therefore as free as air—or as free as an income of eleven shillings and sixpence a day will permit a man to be,’” you read from the page. “‘Under such circumstances, I naturally gravitated to London, that great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers of the Empire are irresistibly drained.”

You continued to read the opening of Watson’s account of his first interaction with the Detective until there was a knock at the door, indicating the food had arrived. You marked the page and shut it as Seonghwa sighed and sat up. “Will we always continue to be interrupted?” he asked softly as he ran his fingers through his hair before getting up and answering the door.

Lunch had arrived and as you took your seat, you were grateful for the small reprieve. Seonghwa sat across from you as the staff set the table and served the dishes. You thanked them, picking up your salad fork and digging in, feeling particularly ravenous. It had been a while since your early breakfast. Seonghwa took amusement at your eagerness to consume your food.

“Hungry?” he asked, his voice mirroring his expression. “Very,” you replied. “Aren’t you?” Seonghwa looked up from the table, giving you a look you recognized. It was one he’d given you twice before: once when you’d shown up to a social party wearing a very figure flattering green dress and again last night when he returned to the suite slightly intoxicated. You could guess what that expression meant.

“Oh I am,” he replied before looking back down at his food. “But not entirely for beef bourguignon.”

Your cheeks burned as you turned your attention back to your food, finishing your salad so you could get the main portion of your meal. Seonghwa had fallen silent as he ate so you felt the need to fill the silence. “Would you like me to resume reading after lunch?” You noticed the smile that appeared on his face before he looked up and looked at you with that same look as before.

“If it pleases you to do so,” he said softly. “Then it pleases me.”

The statement was so simple and yet so much was said with those few words. Seonghwa had never once put his own pleasure or wants before yours. He only proceeded with the proposal after he had discussed it and marriage in length with you. He wanted to make sure that whatever you both did, that you were the happiest. He had often said he would give up everything for you though you saw no need for him to go to such lengths. All you wanted in life was your books and him.

That’s all you needed.

When lunch concluded and the table cleared, Seonghwa was about to return to the couch but instead, you removed your shoes and moved to the bed, settling over the covers against the pillows and patted the bed beside you. He hesitated only for a moment before joining you, removing his shoes before crawling onto the bed and settling down against the pillows beside you.

You resumed reading, reading the entirety of chapters one through four before glancing over at Seonghwa, finding him fast asleep. With a smile, you marked the page and shut the book softly before setting it on the bedside table and turning to face your fiance only to find he had woken up.

“Why’d you stop?” he asked softly. You reached out, brushing his hair out of his eyes. “I thought you were asleep,” you replied. “No,” he said, clearing his throat. “Just had my eyes closed.” You smiled and scooted closer, pressing a kiss to his lips. “If you’re tired, you should sleep.” Seonghwa grumbled. “I’m not tired.”

You giggled as his arms encircled you, pulling you against him as he rested his head against your chest. “But maybe a nap wouldn’t be such a bad idea.” You laughed again as he nuzzled against you. “Or maybe you could wake me up?” he asked, looking up at you. “How would I do that?” you asked, letting out a squeak as he rolled you onto your back, hovering over you.

His hips slotted between your thighs, pressing your skirt against you as he looked down at your face, studying it carefully. “S-Seonghwa,” you whispered, cheeks burning under his heated gaze. He leaned in, lips inches from yours as he stared into your eyes. “Do you want me to stop?” he whispered.

You shook your head, staring back up at him with wide and curious but excited eyes. Seonghwa closed the distance, pressing his lips to yours. The moment he kissed you, a moan sounded from the back of your throat. Seonghwa swallowed it eagerly, rolling his hips and pressing into you.

Your hands moved to his shoulders and he pulled back to look at you. “Are you alright?” he asked softly. You nodded. “I’m fine,” you said, voice shaking. “This is just new to me.” Seonghwa’s expression softened. “I know we’re meant to wait until we’re married,” he started, leaning down to kiss you softly, leaving a trail of light kisses across your cheek until his lips were next to your ear.

“But I really want to undress you and take you right here.”

Your stomach fluttered, the feeling of butterflies erupting tickling you at his admission. It was the same feeling you got when he kissed you for the very first time or when he got down on one knee and proposed to you right after the two of you had gotten caught in the rain. 

You had been on a walk and it was a dreary day but you still hadn’t expected the skies to open and rain to come pouring down. Alfred and Charlotte had been following behind and when the rain started, they took shelter while you and Seonghwa had taken shelter further down under a small overhang. Laughter escaped the two of you as you stood staring at one another, completely drenched.

Seonghwa had pulled you in, kissing you and not caring who saw before he told you that he loved you and got down on one knee to propose. It was completely impromptu. He didn’t even have the ring on him. Instead there had been an entire dinner planned where he was going to ask you in front of all your family and friends but instead, he did it right there. You, of course, had said yes without hesitation.

The same feeling you had then in your stomach had you giving into him as he kissed your neck, one of his hands sliding down the outside of your thigh to grab the hem of your skirt and start dragging it up. You let out a gasp as you felt his fingers against your skin. “If you want me to stop,” he whispered against your skin. “Just tell me,” he added. “And I will.”

You shook your head, grabbing his hand and guiding it up your thigh. “Don’t stop touching me,” you whispered, fingers curling into his dark locks. “I want you—”

A series of knocks at the door made Seonghwa sit up, a look of pure anger on his face. “I am getting really sick of this,” he grumbled as he got off the bed and walked over to the door while you sat up, pulling your skirt down. He pulled open the door, about to tell off whoever had knocked when he noticed Charlotte standing there with a small case in her hands.

“Apologies Mr. Park,” she said softly. “But I need to give Miss Y/N her medication.” Seonghwa sighed and stood back as you moved to the foot of the bed. Charlotte came in, an apologetic look on her face. “I’m real sorry, Miss,” she started as she moved to where you sat. “It’s quite alright, Lottie,” you replied. “You have instructions. I know.”

Lottie set the case down and moved to pour a glass of water before returning to you. “And when I’m not around, one of you is going to have to remember to do this,” she added as you nodded. “How does your head feel?” Charlotte asked as Seonghwa moved to watch her. She was right. One of the two of you was going to have to remember to do this for future reference. “It’s not too bad,” you said softly. “At this point, it’s preemptive.” Charlotte frowned as she opened a small pouch in the case and pulled out a little white pill. 

“The doctor’s orders were clear,” Charlotte said as she handed the pill to you, holding the glass of water. “Once a day and one more if the headache persists.” You nodded as you put the pill on your tongue and took the glass from her, gulping down enough to swallow the pill whole. You made a gagging noise as you handed the water back. “I hate taking pills.” Charlotte pushed the water back. “Drink all of it. And if the headache comes back, send for me,” she added, turning her head to look at Seonghwa.

As she packed up the case, Seonghwa stopped her. “You can leave it,” he said. “Just in case it comes while you’re asleep. We can handle it ourselves.” Charlotte looked from him to you and back. “It’s fine, Lottie,” you said as you finished your water. “Just leave the case here.”

Charlotte nodded and headed for the door, thanking Seonghwa when he opened it. Once it was shut, Seonghwa turned to look at you as you got up, setting your water glass on the table. He walked over, one arm encircling your back as he reached up to cup your cheek. “Will we ever have an uninterrupted moment?” he muttered as his thumb moved, brushing over your bottom lip. 

“If things keep going the way they have been,” you started, voice barely above a whisper. “Then I fear the answer is a resounding no.” Seonghwa sighed, leaning in as his hand slid down to the side of your neck. Before he could press his lips against yours, there was yet another knock at the door. He fought the urge to groan. As he tried turning away, you stopped him, pulling him back to you. 

“Don’t,” you said softly. “Just ignore it.” He chuckled, pressing a short kiss to your lips. The small intimate gesture left you wanting more as he pulled back. “It could be important,” he said softly. “It could also just be Alfred or Charlotte bothering us,” you retorted, making him laugh softly. “It could also be the wait staff coming to ask if we will be joining the rest of the train for dinner,” he countered.

“Would you say that constitutes an emergency?” you asked, one of your hands sliding down his chest, skimming over his stomach. Just as your fingertips reached the waistband of his pants, he grabbed your wrist and another series of knocks rang out, followed by the familiar voice of Alfred. Seonghwa pressed a kiss to your forehead before letting go of your hand and turning to answer the door.

“Sorry to disrupt sir,” Alfred started. “But the staff have asked if you and Miss Y/L/N will be joining the dining car for dinner or if you will be dining in your car instead.” Seonghwa turned to look back at you for a brief moment before he turned back to Alfred. “You can tell them we will join the dining car,” he answered. Your stomach sank slightly in disappointment. “Would you kindly send for Charlotte?” Seonghwa asked. “She can help Y/N dress for dinner.”

You moved towards the bed and sat on the edge as Seonghwa shut the door and turned to face you. “I was hoping you might tell him that we wanted to dine in here,” you said softly as he approached you, a tone of disappointment in your voice. He knelt in front of you, smiling up at you. “We’ll go play society for a couple hours and then come back here tonight and it’ll just be us,” he explained as he took your hand, thumb playing with the ring on your finger.

“Just a couple hours out in public and then we can come back here and you can have me all to yourself,” he added. “Besides,” he said standing up as there was another knock on the door, presumably Charlotte, come to help you dress. “We should probably get to know the rest of the expedition crew before we’re meant to spend days on end with just them in the forest.”

You forced a smile as he let go of your hand and walked to open the door for Charlotte before he turned to look at you. “Yeah,” you said with a heavy sigh, feeling a sense of dread in the pit of your stomach for the night to come, knowing it probably wasn’t going to end as well as your fiance predicted.

Dinner was a much more grand affair than lunch had been. There were bottles of wine, being opened left and right, an array of appetizers being served and the main courses were simply mouthwatering. You had selected a dish with duck that was served with a porcini mushroom risotto. Everything you ate was delicious. 

Your table consisted of you, Seonghwa, Alfred, and Charlotte. Once the meal had been finished, Thom had invited Alfred and Seonghwa to join them for drinks and despite your hopes that Seonghwa would not agree, he did and you sat with Charlotte, poking at your dessert, a small ramekin of creme brulee. 

Charlotte watched your mood sour and darken as time passed and when one of the servers came by a fourth time to ask if you were finished with your dessert, she took the initiative and had them clear the table and take away the dessert before you stabbed your fork through the ceramic.

“Would you like some coffee, miss?” Charlotte asked softly, her voice barely audible over the raucous laughter coming from several tables down. You could see the members of the crew were laughing at something someone said and while what you were sure they said was quite humorous indeed, the sight of your fiance sitting with them left a bad taste in your mouth and without the creme brulee to combat it, you were ready to return to your suite.

“No, Lottie,” you answered, setting your fork down at last and turning your gaze away from the scene as you forced a smile. “I think I’m ready to retire for the evening.” Charlotte glanced over to the table before looking back at you. “Are you sure you don’t want to let Mr. Park know—” You waved your hand, dismissing her question before she even finished it.

“I’m sure he’ll find his way back to our room at some point in the night at which point, I will most certainly be asleep,” you answered, grabbing the white cloth napkin that rested atop your lap and threw it down onto the table as Charlotte stood up, helping you up as well. Without sparing a second glance, you turned away from the crew and your fiance and started to walk back towards the passenger compartments, Charlotte on your heel.

Unbeknownst to you, Seonghwa noticed the movement out of the corner of his eye and turned to see you and Charlotte getting up and walking out the back of the dining compartment but his attention was quickly diverted back to the conversation at hand.

“What about you, Al?” Charley asked, taking a large swig of his drink and looking at Alfred. “Surely, you’ve seen combat. Probably even killed a few men.” Seonghwa glanced at his valet who shook his head. “I’m not at liberty to say, I’m afraid,” he said as he fought the urge to smirk. The table erupted into laughter again as more alcohol was poured into shot glasses.

“And what about you?” Everett asked, catching Seonghwa’s attention. “Combat?” Seonghwa asked. He shook his head. “No,” he answered. “I’ve never been in war,” he added. Charley snorted. “Why would you even ask that, Ev?” he asked. “This fairy has probably never even thrown a punch in his life.” Seonghwa felt a slight burn of anger. He picked up the glass before him, downing the alcohol in one go.

“If you really feel that way, let’s prove your theory,” Seonghwa snapped, drawing the attention of everyone seated at the tables. Alfred’s humorous demeanor shifted instantly as his valet role kicked in. “I don’t think that is wise, Master Park,” he said in a low tone. Seonghwa stood up, removing his jacket and draping it over the back of his chair. “Nonsense, Alfred,” Seonghwa answered as he undid the cuffs of his sleeves and started to roll them back.

Charley looked around at the rest of the group, both dumbfounded and perhaps even a little put off by Seonghwa’s sudden surge of confidence. “I… But—” Charley stammered as he looked around for help. Seonghwa waited for the man to move. “Shall I take this as a sign of your capitulation?” he asked. Charley looked up at him. “What?” he asked, looking bewildered.

Seonghwa sighed. “Are you yielding before we even start?” Charley stood up quickly before stumbling into Everett who caught him. “Oi, don’t do it Charley. You’re fuckin’ knackered. Just apologize to the man before he knocks you out.” Charley protested as he ripped his own jacket off and threw it down, looking up to face Seonghwa. Alfred got to his feet but Seonghwa held up a hand to stop him.

“This is between Charley and I,” Seonghwa said as he stood before the very drunk man. While Everett was trying to make Charley back down, the others were encouraging him to step up to the challenge. “Clearly Everett is the only one with sense,” Seonghwa said to himself as he raised his hands up in an open position. Charley shook Everett off who sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, annoyed with his friend’s behavior. “No cry when I bruise that pretty face,” Charley said as he raised his fists.

Seonghwa smirked as he waited for Charley to strike. “I’ll be a gentleman and offer to replace any teeth I knock out,” he retorted, enjoying the look of shock on not only Charley’s face but also on the others. Seonghwa may not look like much to those who didn’t know him but he spent a greater portion of his youth learning martial arts and joining underground fighting rings. He knew a thing or two about fighting.

And soon, he’d prove it to those around him.

Upon returning to your room, Charlotte helped you undress and get ready for bed. Once you were in your nightgown, you got into the bed, grabbing your book to read for a while before you finally laid down and slept. You wanted something to keep your mind of how you thought earlier. Once you’d had time to process it, you felt rather silly that you were acting so… jealous.

You knew that with where you were going and what you were about to do, it was vital to establish a relationship of sorts with the people you would be spending a lot of time with but while Seonghwa was a natural at speaking to people, you on the other hand had a harder time opening up to people. With social events back in London, it was easier because most of the people you interacted with were people you’d known almost your entire life.

Seonghwa was the first stranger you met as an adult and opening up to him had been quite difficult for you not just because of your fears about his sincerity but because of your anti-social nature. It made you feel insecure in some ways that he was able to strike up a conversation with just about anyone while you were stuck scrambling to even greet yourself.

It was one of the reasons you enjoyed reading so much. You got to meet new people without ever having said a word. You got to know them as they went on an adventure and sailed the seas, solved crimes, or traveled to a mystical realm. Characters in a book were much easier than a group of strangers on a train.

As you continued to read the second part of Holmes’ crime solving with Watson, you heard the door handle jiggle and looked up as the door opened and your fiance came in, shutting the door with a sigh. He tossed his jacket onto the couch as he moved through the cabin before he looked up and noticed you sitting there, book in hand and bedside lamp on.

“Oh,” he said softly as he went to remove his shoes. “I didn’t realize you were still awake,” he continued as he started to undress. Your eyes widened and you looked away, clearing your throat. Seonghwa looked up to notice you were looking down, face buried in your book. “Would you like me to change somewhere else?” he asked, an amused tone in his voice.

You looked up at him, the dim, golden glow of your bedside lamp illuminating him more now. Your eyes widened, a soft gasp escaping you as your eyes lingered on the cut in his bottom lip. You immediately threw A Study in Scarlet aside and scrambled up, crawling across the bed until you were in front of him. Seonghwa watched you with a bewildered look as you took his face in your hands.

“What happened to you?” you asked, beginning to inspect the rest of his face for marks. He tried to pull away, letting out a chuckle. “I’m alright,” he said as he grabbed your wrists. “Really,” he added as he held your wrists together and stared into your eyes. “You should see the other guy,” he joked.

Seonghwa let go of you and started to finish undressing, sitting on the edge of the bed in front of you. “What happened?” you demanded as you sat back on your heels and watched him. “Oh, you know. Men being men. One of the guys said I most likely didn’t know how to throw a punch, not realizing I spent a great amount of time during my youth taking martial arts.” You stared at him as he removed his socks, letting them fall to the floor.

Your expression went from shocked to anger to pain. You balled your hand into a fist and hit his shoulder. It wasn’t very hard but it wasn’t a light hit either. “Ah! Why are you hitting me?” he asked, sounding slightly alarmed but also amused as you hit him again. “You’re an idiot, Seonghwa Park!” you said, fighting back tears.

He turned around, catching your hands before they made contact again. “Sweetheart,” he said calmly as you struggled against his hold. “I’m fine,” he reminded you. “It isn’t that serious!” he continued but you weren’t having it. You struggled against him, making small grunts of effort. Seonghwa finally threw all of his weight into it, pushing you back onto the mattress and pinning your hands down on either side of your head as he hovered over you.

“Y/N, stop it,” he said in a commanding tone you’d never heard before but it sent a wave of arousal throughout your body and immediately, you submitted to him, staring up at him with wide but curious eyes, heat forming in your cheeks and other parts of your body as well.

The movement had caused the hem of your nightgown to ride up as well as the force at which he flipped you back, made it rise above your knee, sliding up your thighs. You felt extremely exposed because at any moment, he could pull back and see your lack of undergarments. Silence filled the space as time passed. Seconds ticked by, punctuated only by the sound of your shallow breathing.

Seonghwa stared down at you, eyes flickering between yours and your lips. Without hesitation, he closed the distance, pressing his lips to yours. You let out a small whimper as you felt his thigh press into you, pressing the soft fabric of your nightgown against your core. He pulled back to look into your eyes. “Have I ever told you how absolutely beautiful you are like this?” he asked, moving one of his hands to cup your cheek, the pad of his thumb brushing over your heated skin.

“No makeup, no dresses, just you,” he continued, pressing a kiss to your cheek. He released your other hand as one of his slid down past the outside of your thigh to your knee and pulled your leg up around his waist as he settled his hips between your thighs. “Hwa,” you whined as he started kissing down the side of your neck. “So.” kiss. “Fucking.” kiss. “Beautiful.”

Your chest rose and fell with each labored breath as he continued to kiss down to your collar, reaching the neckline of your nightgown before looking up to meet your gaze. “Hwa,” you started, letting out  a gasp followed by a moan as he rolled his hips against you, grinding into your already soaked center. 

“You’re drunk,” you tried to continue. “I'm not drunk, Y/N,” he answered, pulling back to look at you. “I drank, yes. But I'm not drunk.” You stared back at him, cheeks heating up as he devoured you with his eyes. “Then why are you—” you started.

“Because I want you,” he interjected. “I want you so bad and each time we've been interrupted has felt like a punch to my stomach. I want everything,” he continued, lips ghosting over yours. “I want to hold you down while I make you mine.”

“I want to taste you,” he continued, eyes dipping to look at your parted lips as he rolled his hips again, grinding his hardening cock against you, the fabric of his pants giving you the smallest amount of friction. You let out a small whimper as you felt his breath against your ear. 

“I want to be inside you.”

You let out a gasp, whispering his name as he kissed down the side of your neck once more, mouth ghosting over the material of your dress as he traveled further and further. He glanced up, meeting your gaze with a mischievous smirk as he pushed your skirt back and parted your knees.

Instinctively you tried to cover yourself up but Seonghwa wouldn’t let you, letting out an impatient grunt. Your cheeks burned as his gaze lowered until his eyes met the place between your thighs, lips parting as he exhaled slowly. You watched as the tip of his tongue peeked out, wetting his lips before he glanced back up at you. “If you want me to stop,” he said in a steady voice. “Just say so,” he added.

“I will not do anything that you don’t want me to. I want your full consent to touch you,” he continued. Your eyes flickered from his face to his hands resting atop your knees. Slowly, you pushed yourself up, propping your body up on one elbow as you reached for one of his hands.

Once you had it in yours, you slid both your hands down the inside of your thigh until his fingers brushed against your wet folds. You let out a shaky gasp at the feeling, keeping your eyes locked on his face as he watched your hand guide his. 

“I want you to touch me,” you whispered, drawing your fiance’s gaze away from your glistening sex. “I want you to taste me,” you continued, moving your hand up his arm as you sat up further. Your hand ghosted over the bulge in his pants, testing the waters and gauging his reaction before firmly pressing your hand against him. 

His eyes fluttered shut as you very slowly, almost torturously so, massaged him. Seonghwa managed to force his eyes open and looked up, meeting your gaze. With his attention on you once again, you delivered what you felt was the killing blow. “I want you inside me.”

Seonghwa let out a growl, lurching forward as he pinned you back against the bed, capturing your lips in a heated kiss as his hand snaked between your bodies, finding your folds and pressing the pads of his fingers past them, working up and down, finding the sensitive bundle of nerves with ease.

You were no stranger to pleasure and had often taken care of it yourself but this was the first time anyone else had ever touched you so intimately. Seonghwa had never spoken about his sexual prowess before because it didn’t matter what he’d done in the past before meeting you but based on the expert way his fingers circled your clit and dipped down to tease your slit gave you the idea that he definitely had some idea of what he was doing.

As he pulled back, he slid a finger into your warmth, enjoying the way your brows furrowed in pleasure, a small gasp escaping your lips, breath hot against his skin as you lost yourself in the feeling. He moved slowly, pumping a single finger in and out of you, watching the change in your expression go from uncertainty to ecstasy. He murmured an apology when you winced, whimpering as he added a second finger and curled them both into the soft spot inside you.

He enjoyed the way you mewled, back arching off the bed as he continued to stimulate that same spot over and over, and the way your thighs started to shake as he drew you closer and closer to your climax. Before you could tumblr over the edge, he pulled away, withdrawing his fingers from your cunt despite your whines of protest. 

Resisting the urge to chuckle, Seonghwa lowered himself, settling on the mattress with his head between your thighs. Licking his lips, he spread your folds, taking in the mess between your legs before giving your clit a very slow, deliberate lick, making your body jump. He was quick to hold you down by the hips as his mouth devoured you. He switched between light sucking and flicking his tongue, making your legs shake as you threw your head back against the sheets.

“Oh merciful heavens,” you gasped, letting out a moan as he flattened his tongue, moving it expertly against your clit. You were wrong yet again from your assumptions: he knew very well what he was doing. He was definitely more than practiced at this. The slight jealousy you felt at the thought of him being intimate with anyone else died as your orgasm drew closer and closer.

One of your hands flew down to grasp his hair while the other dug into the sheets, gripping them tightly as the wave of your climax washed over you, sending ripples of pleasure throughout your body, legs shaking as they tried to close around your fiance’s head. Seonghwa was much stronger than he looked, stronger than you gave him credit for, as he held your legs open while he helped you ride out your high.

Heat, white hot and intense, radiated throughout your body as wave after wave of bliss rolled over you, each one less strong as the one before until you were pulling at Seonghwa’s hair, urging him to stop as you trembled and shook, your body jerking with each pass of his tongue over your swollen and overly sensitive clit. He finally pulled away, lips coated with your essence as he looked up and met your gaze.

You weakly pushed yourself up enough to grab the front of his shirt, pulling him up. A chuckle left his lips as he followed your movements, crawling up over you, allowing you to pull him into a kiss. The taste of yourself on his lips and tongue had you moaning into his mouth as your hands moved, fumbling with his pants. Seonghwa’s own hands grabbed yours, stopping you as he pulled away.

“What are you doing?” he whispered as you tried to free your hands, determined to get his pants off him. “I want you,” you replied, pulling your hands from his and trying once more to undress him. Seonghwa chuckled against your lips as he grabbed your wrists, pinning your hands to the bed. “Do you even know what that means?” he asked, lips brushing against yours.

You nodded eagerly. “Yes,” you answered. “I want you to make love to me.” Seonghwa let out a groan, pressing a long, languid kiss to your lips. “I would love nothing more than to do just that, my love,” he said softly. “But I think this is enough for tonight.” You whined in protest, grabbing his shirt as he tried to pull back. “Please, Seonghwa,” you begged, tightening your thighs around his waist as your fingers curled into the placket of his shirt, trying to pull him down into a kiss.

Once again, you underestimated his strength as he didn’t even move, smiling down at your feeble attempt to pull him to you. He would love to let you seduce him, but tonight was not that night. “No, sweetheart,” he murmured, at least giving in and kissing you. “No more tonight. I would really like to take my time with you,” he continued. “It’s getting late and we’re on a schedule,” he added as he wrapped his hands around yours and pulled them from his shirt.

“When we get back after this trip, I promise I will spend hours, days even if that’s what you want, making love to you. We won’t even leave the bed. I’ll make love to you in the morning, at lunch, at dinner, and all throughout the night,” he continued between kisses. “But we have to get through this trip first.”

You whined into his mouth. “This is the only time we’ll be alone until we wed,” you reminded him. Seonghwa chuckled, nuzzling your nose with his before pressing another kiss to your lips. “Is that really so bad?” he asked softly. “Waiting until we’re married?” You pouted up at him. “I want you now,” you retorted. Seonghwa chuckled again. “Patience, blossom,” he whispered.

“But Hwa,” you whined again, using a nickname you knew made him pliant. Whenever you used it, you usually got what you wanted. “Oh blossom,” he said with an amused tone. “That won’t work on me.” You pouted again, tightening your thighs around his waist as you wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him down to whisper in his ear. “But I’m so wet. I bet you’d slide right in.”

You heard Seonghwa groan, burying his face into your neck. “Please, Hwa? Please?” you whimpered, moving your hips to grind against his cock which was still hard in his pants. “If you keep doing that, I’m not going to be able to stop,” Seonghwa groaned, his voice muffled by your skin as you continued to grind against him, the mess between your thighs no doubt smearing against the material of his pants.

You felt him start to move, matching your pace and meeting your movements. One of his hands moved down to grab your ass, fingers digging into the plush skin of your backside as he started to take control, grinding against you. “Hwa, please, baby, please.” You felt him groan into your shoulder. “If you keep that up,” he said as he lifted his head. “I won’t hold back. I’ll rip that pretty little nightgown off you and take you right here.”

He said it as a threat but in reality, that’s exactly what you wanted. You could feel his cock through his pants and you wanted to feel it inside of you. You want to feel full of nothing but him as he claimed you for himself and ruined all other men, not that you would ever be with anyone else. You wanted him to get possessive, take your virtue, love you with his words and body.

You needed it.

Seonghwa let out a shaky moan as he continued to rut against you. With great difficulty, you managed to snake your hands between your bodies and start to undo his pants. Seonghwa’s hips slowed as he pulled back to look at you. “Sweetheart,” he started. “If we start this, I don’t think I can stop.” You nodded, trying to pull his pants down past his hips. “I know,” you whispered, taking advantage of his lapse in focus to roll both of you over so you were now on top of him.

You pulled his pants down past his hips with ease, freeing his cock which bounced up, settling against his abdomen. With his pants half removed, you sat back, taking in the sight of him lying before you. Quickly, Seonghwa sat up, grabbing your hand and guided you to straddle his lap.

“Before you take it inside you,” he said breathlessly as he laid back and started to pull your nightgown up, holding the hem up. “Just sit down. I want you to feel it.” He gently pushed you down onto his lap, the underside of his cock pressing between your folds and meeting your slit. “Here,” he said softly, grabbing your hips and moving them forwards and backwards, making your wet pussy slide against the shaft of his cock, coating it in your arousal.

It was much different than his fingers or his tongue. For one, his cock was much thicker, and for two, it was hotter, radiating heat as it throbbed and twitched under you. Seonghwa’s head fell back against the pillows, Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed thickly, groaning while you grinded against him.

You rested your hands on his chest, leaning over slightly as you moved, letting out a gasp when you felt your clit rub against the underside of his cock. You let out a shuddering breath as you moved, guided by his weak grasp and his words of praise. You could tell he was getting close, the chest rising and falling as he struggled to breathe evenly. “Oh, fuck,” he hissed as he bucked his hips, making you cry out.

“I can’t,” he gasped. “I’m close.” You sped up, your wet pussy gliding messily over his cock. “I need to be inside you,” he said suddenly as you chased your high with a whine. “Come here,” he instructed, reaching up to grab the back of your neck and pull you down so your chest was flush against his. His hand snaked between your bodies as he took himself in his hand, stroking a few times before he guided the head of his cock to your slit and pushed the tip into you.

The stretch stung but you couldn’t stop the moan that flowed out of you as he pushed your hips down, sheathing himself inside you in one slow motion, letting out a trembling breath, followed by a moan as he bottomed out. “Oh, God,” he gasped, eyes fluttering shut. “Feels so good.” You moaned, walls clenching around him. “S-Seonghwa,” you whimpered as the pain of the sting gave way to a dull ache.

“What is it, my petal?” he asked softly, kissing your cheek, lips, jaw, whatever he could reach. “Please make love to me,” you begged. Seonghwa moaned as you tried to start moving but he stilled you as you winced. “You need time to adjust, my love,” he said softly. “This is much different. Just be patient.” 

You rested against him, laying your head on his chest as your walls contracted around him repeatedly. “That’s it, love,” he said softly as he stroked your back, the fluttering of your walls lessening as your body slowly accommodated the intrusion.

When Seonghwa felt that you were fully adjusted to the feeling of his cock filling your walls, he pulled your hips up before he gave you a slow, tentative thrust, testing your limits. His cock slid back into you with ease, forcing out a moan from the back of your throat. He gave you another before he rolled you onto your back, his cock slipping into you further.

With one hand he carefully and slowly pulled your nightgown up and until he had tugged the garment off you and tossed it aside before kicking his pants off and removing his own shirt. Once you were both completely naked, he grabbed your thigh, pushing it up and spreading your legs even more to allow himself to slot between your legs, his cock throbbing inside you.

“I’m gonna take it slow,” he whispered, cupping your cheek, thumb brushing over your bottom lip. He pressed slightly, silently asking for entrance and you granted it, parting your lips and taking his thumb in your mouth, sucking on it as he started to thrust into you slowly. You moaned, his thumb pressing against your tongue as he increased his speed. The room filled with the sound of his skin against yours, drowned out only by the sound of your moans of pleasure.

There was another sound that accompanied it. A knocking sound. It must have been the sound of the bed against the wall but then you remembered you were on a train and the bed was built in. There was no way nor nothing for the bed to knock into except the wall of the train it was fixed to.

Another series of knocks rang out and you awoke with a start.

The shades were still closed from when you had drawn them last night before bed. You could see a minute amount of morning light peeking through at the bottom and you groaned, letting your head fall back against the pillows. You felt an arm tighten around your midsection, making your eyes snap open. You looked over your shoulder at your fiance who was fast asleep but slowly waking up from the knocking that you just realized was coming from the door.

You carefully pulled the sheets back, removing Seonghwa’s arm as you climbed out of the bed, grabbing your dressing gown and pulling it on over your nightgown that was on your body and not on the floor, confirming further that you had been dreaming and that the entire exchange last night had been one, intense dream. You tied the sash and reached the door, unlocking and opening it to find yourself face to face with Alfred. “Morning, Miss,” he greeted.

Light filtering in from the windows in the compartment hall blinded you for a moment and you blinked trying to adjust to the change. “What time is it?” you asked, raising a hand to shield your eyes. “It’s just past eight twenty two in the morning,” Alfred answered. “Would you like me to send for breakfast?” 

It took you a moment to register what Alfred had said and you nodded once you processed the words. “Yes please. I haven’t had a chance to look over the menu,” you admitted. “We’ve only just woken up.” Alfred nodded. “Not to worry, Miss,” he replied. “Shall I have Miss Charlotte choose for you?” You nodded. “Yes please, thank you Alfred,” you answered. He gave you a small bow of the head before he turned and walked down the compartment towards the dining car.

You shut the door, blinking away the bright light as your eyes started to adjust to the darkness of the room once more. You walked back over to the bed and sighed, taking a seat on the edge of the mattress. You heard a soft groan and the sheets behind you rustled before the bed shifted. You looked up in the dim light peeking through from under the shades to see Seonghwa had gotten up. He walked into the rest of the suite, stopping to open the furthest shade halfway and let some light into the room.

Seonghwa returned to the bed, leaning down as he placed a hand on your neck, pressing a kiss to your cheek. “Morning, sweetheart,” he said softly before moving to pull out his clothes for the day. You looked away as he started to dress, noticing that he wore his pajama pants but he had not worn the matching shirt and was therefore shirtless. You wondered if he had put on the shirt to sleep but in the middle of the night gotten too hot and removed it.

Either way, you kept your eyes turned away as he dressed. He chuckled when he noticed you avoiding his direction. “Could you send for Charlotte when you’re finished,” you finally asked, still not looking up at him. Seonghwa let out a huff that sounded an awful lot like a laugh. “You know I can help you,” he said softly as he finished buttoning his shirt and grabbed his waistcoat.

“We’re not married,” you reminded him. Seonghwa sent a glance your way as he did the buttons before he turned and walked towards where you sat, leaning over, forcing you backwards, managing to catch yourself on your elbows as he hovered over you, eyes looking between yours and studying your face. “Why would we need to be married for me to help you dress?” he asked softly.

Your cheeks burned as you stammered, struggling for the right words.

It- w-would be improper. Inappropriate,” you said, your voice quiet. A smirk started to form on your fiance’s face. “And why exactly would it be inappropriate?” he asked and you couldn’t believe it. He was acting so weird. “Because we haven’t… you haven’t… we…” Your words failed each time you tried to answer, your rambling only made Seonghwa’s smirk grow wider.

“You don’t remember what happened last night, do you?” he asked, inspecting your face. Your heart stopped as you stared back at him. “N-no?” you asked. Seonghwa tilted his head curiously. “I was the one that drank, why don’t you remember anything?” he asked. You stared at him, eyes wide. “Wh-what do you remember?” you asked.

He leaned in closer, lips inches from yours. “I remember my head between your thighs and you making the most exquisite sounds,” he mumbled, his lips ghosting over yours. “Wh-what?” you asked, leaning back to look up at him. “You really don’t remember that?” he asked, a look of concern crossing his face. “I came back from the dining car, you noticed my split lip,” he said and your eyes traveled down to the small cut in his bottom lip which looked a bit better in the daylight.

“Then you kept hitting me, I stopped you, there was kissing, I told you I wanted you, and you asked me to touch you,” he said, repeating the things that had happened at the beginning of your dream. ‘Was it not a dream then?’ You stared at him, a look of mild horror on your face. “You really don’t remember?” he asked, sounding disappointed. You shook your head. “No, I do,” you clarified. “I just thought it was a dream…”

Seonghwa tilted his head, leaning down to catch your gaze as you looked down at your nightgown. “Why would you think it was a dream?” he asked, tilting your head back to look up at him. “Did we… do anything else?” you asked, gulping quietly. Seonghwa chuckled, pressing a kiss to your lips before standing up straight. “No,” he answered. “You wanted to,” he added, looking at you as he finished dressing. “Wanted it really bad but I said no. Promised to treat you as you deserve when we return to London.”

You tore your gaze from him. “When did I fall asleep?” you asked, looking back up as he moved to your trunk. “Just after I told you to be patient. You were almost incoherent,” he added. “Let’s get your day started,” he said as he opened the trunk lid and lifted one of the trays. “How do you feel about charcoal?” he asked, turning to look at you. 

You stared inquisitively at him as he showed you one of the traveling suits Charlotte had packed for you. “Charcoal is fine,” you replied. Seonghwa set it aside and closed the trunk. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s get you washed up.”

After washing and pulling on your tea gown, breakfast arrived and you ate in silence while Seonghwa thanked the service staff and joined you. He kept his eyes on you, watching you eat. As you finished, Seonghwa was tempted to pick you up the moment the staff finished clearing the table and carry you back to bed. Last night, he had proven to himself that he couldn’t not resist you for much longer. 

Not when you begged him oh so sweetly to make you his. He had said that it would have to wait until you both returned to London, but truth be told, Seonghwa wasn’t sure if he could wait that long. Now that he’s had a taste, he wanted all of you. It was going to be a long couple of days in such close proximity to you.

An hour later you were buttoning up your jacket when there was a knock at the door. Seonghwa answered it and Charlotte looked surprised to see you were dressed. Your fiance let her in and she walked over quickly as he shut the door and returned to your side. “You should have sent for me,” Charlotte whispered as Seonghwa helped you with the buttons on your sleeves. “It’s fine, Lottie,” you answered, picking up your gloves.

“Seonghwa helped me.”

At this Charlotte looked positively appalled. “He’s not your husband yet, Miss Y/N,” she whispered, her eyes widening. “Did he do anything… untoward to y—?” Seonghwa, who had just pulled on his jacket, cleared his throat, causing you to look past your lady’s maid at him and her to turn abruptly and look at him. “What goes on in the privacy of this bedroom is between Y/N and I,” Seonghwa said, giving Charlotte a stern look.

“I understand that, Mr. Park, but Miss Y/N is—”

“My wife-to-be,” Seonghwa interjected.

“But she’s not yet your wife. You shouldn’t be…” her words failed her as Seonghwa’s gaze turned steely. “Charlotte,” you said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “It’s fine. Seonghwa is going to be my husband as soon as we return to London. The engagement isn’t going anywhere,” you explained.

“But it’s not proper, Miss!” Charlotte replied. A frown overtook your features. “When have I ever been overly proper, Lottie?” you asked, raising a brow. She stared at you, nibbling on her bottom lip. “Please just focus on attending to me. What happens behind that door is between Seonghwa and I. If we’re going to be sharing a bed in a few weeks as a married couple, why would it be such a problem if we share a bed now?” Charlotte muttered something under her breath.

Whatever she said, Seonghwa didn’t hear but you did. “I don’t care,” you snapped. “You know I don’t share the same faith as you, Lottie. I never have. Seonghwa and I are committed to one another and that isn’t going to change. If we want to start acting as a married couple, we are entitled to do so. I don’t need anyone, lest not you, judging me. Keep it up and you’ll find yourself facing unemployment.”

Charlotte gave a small curtesy. “Sorry, ma’am. Will you be requiring anything else?” You shook your head. “No,” you replied. “That will be all.” Charlotte bowed her head again and moved towards the door, giving the same bow to Seonghwa before she opened the door and left. Your fiance turned to look at you with raised brows. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you go off like that before,” he said with a chuckle as you moved to join him near the door, grabbing your book from the table.

“Shall we?” you asked, looking up at him. Seonghwa nodded, offering his arm which you took as he opened the door and led you out into the hallway of the compartment. Outside the windows you could see you were surrounded by snow capped mountains, rushing through the countryside.

You spent most of the day in one of the many observation cars. You read while Seonghwa kept you company, enjoying the scenery. Some of the crew appeared, sitting with you and chatting with Seonghwa. You got a good look at Charley and could see that Seonghwa had been right.

Charley had it a lot worse than your fiance did.

Lunch time you took your meals in the dining car before retiring to your private rooms to relax before dinner came. As last night, you joined the dining car but this time, Seonghwa didn’t join the others for drinks. Instead, he accompanied you back to the cabin, dismissing Alfred and Charlotte early so he could have plenty of alone time with you.

The urge to touch each other was strong but you both managed to keep your hands to yourselves for the rest of the night and into the morning. When Seonghwa woke you up the following morning, he informed you that he’d already ordered breakfast to be served in the room as he traced his fingertips along your arm, tickling you. He woke you up with kisses until there was a knock at the door, signaling your food had arrived. He also decided the two of you would stay in your cabin for the day and lunch, only appearing for dinner.

He asked you to read the rest of A Study in Scarlet to him which you followed with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. By the time dinner rolled around, you had been lounging with each other all day and Seonghwa didn’t see the need to join the rest of the passengers. Instead, he sent word for your dinner to be served in your cabin.

“‘But they were in the well,”’ Alice said to the Dormouse, not choosing to notice this last remark,” you read as Seonghwa watched your face, leaning against the pillows beside you. You chose to ignore his stare, a smirk forming on his face as you continued.

“‘Of course they were,’” said the Dormouse; “‘—well in.’” You felt Seonghwa’s hand slide up your stomach, stopping to rest just under your bust. A shiver went up your spine but you didn’t want to give in so easily. “This answer so confused poor Alice, that she let the Dormouse go on for some time without interrupting it,” you continued to read from the page.

Seonghwa’s hand appeared, gently grasping the book and pulling it from you. “What’re you doing?” you asked as he shut the book and set it aside, rolling onto you and settling between your thighs. “Seonghwa, what are you doing?” you asked again as he kissed your cheek, peppering kisses all over your face before taking you in a searing, passionate kiss.

You moaned into it as his hand slid down the outside of your thigh, grabbing the hem of your skirt and pulling it up slowly. “H-hwa?” you whimpered as his lips left a wet trail of kisses down the side of your neck. He pulled back, reaching up to undo the front of your wrapper. “Don’t worry,” he said softly. 

“I just want another taste,” he added as he started pushing the material aside, exposing your collar to his kisses. You combed your fingers through his hair as he kissed his way down your body, thankful at your lack of corset. You let out a moan as he pushed your thighs apart, also thankful for the invention of split drawers. One less layer he would have to remove.

It was impressive, and slightly embarrassing, how quickly he was able to bring you to the brink of orgasm with just his tongue. After making you cum twice, he kissed his way back up to your lips, slotting himself between your legs, rolling his hips against yours and grinding his cock against you. “Do you think this is a dream too?” he whispered. You shook your head, moaning loudly as he continued to rut against you. “Good,” he retorted, reaching down to slide his hand between your bodies, fingers toying with your slit. As he pushed two fingers into you, he froze when your own hand slipped into his pants and made contact with his hard cock.

“What’re you doing?” he asked through a groan as your fingers wrapped around the shaft of his cock. “You’ve made me feel good multiple times,” you explained as you started to stroke him. “Let me return the favor.” Seonghwa let out a choked groan as you continued to jerk him off. “Since you won’t fuck me.” The moment the words left your lips, Seonghwa let out a strangled groaning sound before you felt his hand clamp over your mouth.

“Where did you learn such filthy language?” he asked. “Did someone teach you that?” You shook your head, eyes wide, but your hand never faltered. Seonghwa’s eyes fluttered shut as he gave in to your touch, bucking his hips to match your pace. “Shit,” he hissed, curling his fingers inside you, making you mewl. “Keep going,” he whispered. “Just like that, darling.”

You tried to focus on his pleasure which he made hard every time he curled his fingers inside you or his thumb brushed over your clit. He was lost in his own pleasure but he didn’t want you to miss out, even if his hand stilled from time to time as you sent him hurtling towards the edge. “Please tell me you’re close,” he moaned, burying his face in your chest.

“Mhm,” you whimpered, speeding up your movements as he bucked into your hand, hips chasing his high as he continued to pump his fingers in and out of you. “That’s it,” you heard him groan as your walls tightened around his fingers. “Let go. I’m there too, Blossom,” he whispered. 

He pressed his thumb against your clit and that was the final push you needed to go over the edge, taking him with you with a loud moan as he continued to thrust into your hand until you felt something warm and sticky coat your skin. You both continued to massage and stroke each other to help the other come down until Seonghwa finally collapsed on top of you before rolling off. 

You withdrew your hand from his pants and inspected the white substance as he quickly got up and headed to the private en suite to grab a small hand towel which he then dipped into some water and returned, taking your wrist and cleaning your hand. “What is that?” you asked curiously as he wiped the white fluid away. “Semen,” he answered truthfully. He glanced at your confused expression.

“How much has your mother prepared you for your conjugal duties?” he asked as he took the cloth, folding it so the semen was trapped inside and carefully wiped your folds. “Not much,” you answered as he finished and helped you close your wrapper. He got up and dropped the towel in the hamper before undoing his pants and pulling them off to put on his pajama pants and undoing his shirt to pull on his nightshirt.

He returned to the bed, laying back against the pillows and beckoned you to join him, letting you settle into his arms before he started speaking. “What has your mother told you?” he asked. “Just that when we’re married, I have to do my duty to give you children.” Seonghwa nodded as he took one of your hands, lacing his fingers with yours. “Did she tell you how?”

You turned your head to look at him. “Just that I will have to lay with you a lot until I find out I’m pregnant. I know intercourse is involved,” you added, noticing the look on his face. “I’m not that helpless. “Well, that is correct but there’s more to it than just being physically intimate. What I cleaned off your hand just now,” he said, holding the hand in question up.

“Was semen, right?” you asked. Seonghwa nodded. “What is that exactly?” you asked. “It’s a relatively newer concept but in your body, you have these tiny little eggs,” he said, reaching down and gently poking your side. “And inside mine, I have these tiny little things called sperm.” You looked up at him as he explained how the two are essential to fertilization and that for you to get pregnant, he has to deposit sperm into your body and then it has to fertilize an egg.

“It’s still not fully understood,” he said softly, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “But that is the basics.” You tilted your head back to look at him. “So when we have intercourse, how does it get inside me?” you asked. Seonghwa chuckled, cupping your cheek. “I think you know, blossom,” he said softly. You stared up at him, the fresh memory of the semen on your hand and your cheeks burned. “Will you explain it to me anyway?” you asked, leaning into him further.

He continued to explain in detail what you had already surmised, taking great enjoyment in your reactions. Dinner was served not long after and after eating, you resumed reading to Seonghwa while he went over some details of a business proposal. You finished chapter eleven when you yawned, drawing your fiance’s attention. “I think it’s bedtime,” he said, removing his eyeglasses and closing the folder.

You looked up at him as he set his glasses aside and reached over, grabbing your book, shutting it, and setting it aside. “You need to put on your nightgown,” he added. You whined, stretching as he smiled, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you into him. “Our last night sharing a bed,” he whispered. “How do you want to commemorate it?” you asked, looking up at him.

Seonghwa chuckled, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “How do you want to commemorate it?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. You rolled into him, hiding your face in his chest. “I think I actually just want to sleep,” you murmured. Seonghwa laughed, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “Then sleep it is,” he answered. “You still need to put on your nightgown though.”

The following morning, Seonghwa let you sleep in as he got up and dressed for the day. Once he was dressed and breakfast ordered, he walked over to your side of the bed and sat down, leaning over to press a soft kiss to your cheek before he caressed your skin gently. Your brows furrowed in your sleep and he resisted the urge to laugh at how cute you looked.

“Y/N,” he said softly, caressing your cheek once more. “It’s time to get up, sweetheart.” You murmured in your sleep, attempting to turn away from him. Seonghwa stopped you, turning you back carefully. “Y/N, darling, it’s time to get up,” he said a little louder, gently shaking you. Your eyes fluttered open and in the dim light peeking through the window from under the shades, meeting Seonghwa’s.

He smiled sweetly as your eyes met and you mimicked the same expression. “Morning, Blossom,” he said leaning down, pulling the blanket from your face and pressing a kiss to your lips. “Breakfast should be here soon. It’s our last day on the train,” he continued. “We should probably go out and play society so Charlotte and Alfred can pack up our things.”

You frowned, pouting as you looked up at him. “Do we have to?” you whined as Seonghwa smiled at you. “Yes, I’m afraid we do, darling,” he answered. “But first things first,” he added as he sat back up. “Breakfast.” As if on cue, there was a knock at the door and Seonghwa got up to answer it. He stood back as the staff set the trays on the table while your fiance thanked and dismissed them.

Once the door was shut, he walked over to the table, lifting a lid on one of the trays before picking it up by the handles and walking over as you sat up, leaning against the pillows. “I can get up,” you protested as he sat down, setting the tray on his side of the bed. “Take your time, Blossom,” he said cupping your chin and leaning in to place a kiss on your lips.

He got up and headed towards the table. “Aren’t you going to eat?” you asked, looking up at him. He smiled, turning his head to meet your gaze. “I’ve already eaten,” he replied. “I wanted you to sleep in. Enjoy your breakfast, I’m going to speak to Alfred.” He walked the short distance to the door and opened it. “I’ll be back, Blossom,” he said before stepping out and shutting the door.

You looked down at the tray, stomach making a small growling sound. There were two fried eggs, a few sausages, back bacon, pan seared tomatoes and mushrooms, beans, two fried cuts of blood sausage, and one slice of fried bread. A proper full breakfast. 

You got up, moving to the table to fix yourself some tea, adding cream and sugar to the cup. As you started back, you saw a small glass of juice and grabbed it. You took your time eating, enjoying a bit of everything on your plate. It wasn’t often that you had a full breakfast, especially at home where the cook was prone to experimenting with various cuisines.

Knowing it would be a while since you got to enjoy such a meal, you made sure to savor it all, especially the beans and tomatoes. As you were finishing your meal, there was a knock at the door. “Come in,” you called, hoping it was Seonghwa but Charlotte appeared when the door opened. “Morning, Miss,” Charlotte said as she shut the door, setting a hot kettle on the table, and moved to open the rest of the shades.

“Have you finished eating?” Charlotte asked, moving towards the bed as you nodded, sipping at your tea. She looked down and let out a whistle. “You must have been hungry,” she noted to which you nodded. “I didn’t realize I was so hungry,” you answered as she started to clean up. “Finish your tea, then wash up, and we’ll get you dressed,” Charlotte said with a smile as she started to clean up.

“Would you like to wear the purple travel suit today, ma’am?” Charlotte asked, turning to look at you. With your nod of approval, Charlotte opened the trunk and pulled out the purple dress and matching accessories. She set it out for you, returning the tray to the trunk. “Mr. Park was up early,” she noted as she walked over, taking your now empty tea cup.

“Yes,” you responded, swinging your legs over the edge of the bed and getting to your feet. You moved over to the wash basin where Charlotte poured some of the hot water into a pitcher for you to start washing. You scrubbed thoroughly your arms, legs, chest, face, adding soap to get really clean before wiping yourself down. You had washed your hair yesterday so you saw no reason to do so again.

Once you were finished with your routine, adding powder to your skin and brushing your teeth, Charlotte helped you dress into your undergarments, lacing up your corset snugly. You then put on the next layers, buttoning up your corset cover while Charlotte buttoned the first of your petticoats into place. After another two petticoats were added, she helped you into your traveling suit.

Once you were dressed, shoes buttoned and gloves on, you thanked Charlotte and exited the suite while Charlotte started cleaning and packing up your things. With your book in hand, you headed for the lounge car, passing through sleeper car four to reach the first class lounge. You had expected your fiance to be there but didn’t see him anywhere. Not feeling brave enough to go searching for him, you picked a seat near a window and sat down, opening your book and resuming your reading.

You weren’t sure how much time passed but some time later, someone sat across from you. Glancing up you saw it was a young girl with blonde hair, braided into twin tails. She wore a dark blue dress, the hem reaching just past her knees. She was young, very young. You looked around at the other passengers before turning back to her. She stared at you with bright blue eyes.

The way she was staring at you was starting to unsettle you. There was no expression on her face. You were about to speak when you heard a woman’s voice. “Marta!” You glanced up as an equally blonde woman in a dark green dress came forward, grabbing the girl’s hand. She muttered an apology and all but dragged the child away as she headed for the door that led to the first class saloon.

You watched them disappear before returning to your book to finish the final chapter. When you did, you finally decided to get up, intent on finding your fiance. You tucked your book under your arm and headed for the next door. Inside the first class bar car, you saw many of the first class passengers but Seonghwa was nowhere in sight.

You dreaded searching more of the train but you were getting antsy and wanted to see him. Gathering your courage, you passed through the third class sleeper cars and staff car where you ended up in the bar car that was meant for everyone on board. It was much louder in here than it had been in the saloon car. You noticed several of the team members sitting at the bar along with—

“Tell us another one, Park,” Thom said as he lifted his glass to his lips.

Your fiance was nestled between the crew, sipping from a short crystal glass with an amber liquid in it. Anger started in your stomach. He’d gotten up early, eaten breakfast, and left you alone to come out here to what? Play society with these people? As the anger in your stomach started to rise, you felt a gentle hand on your arm.

You turned to find the three other women of the crew were standing. Adelaide had already taken a seat leaving you standing with Euphemia and Sophronia. “Join us,” Euphemia said, a kind smile on her face. You glanced back at the bar, noticing your fiance chatting animatedly before you turned back to them and nodded wordlessly. You sat across from Adelaide as Euphemia took the seat beside her and Sophronia sat next to you.

“So, Y/N is it?” Adelaide asked as she pulled a small silver case from her bag and opened it, revealing several hand rolled cigarettes. She pulled one out, grabbing a silver lighter but Euphemia stopped her. “Not everyone likes it when you smoke around them, Della,” she said in a low voice. Adelaide looked up and sighed, putting her cigarette back in its case and snapping it shut.

Sophronia cleared her throat as a server came by to take your drink orders. “Absinthe,” Adelaide said as she put her case and lighter back in her clutch. “A martini,” Sophronia said, looking across her to Euphemia. “I’ll take a Jack Rose,” Euphemia said before the three looked at you. You felt put on the spot and froze. “I uh…” you looked around at them staring at you expectantly.

“She doesn’t drink,” a familiar voice said, coming from behind you. The server nodded and walked over to the bar to put in the orders. You turned in your seat to find your fiance standing there, hands in his pockets as he smiled down at you. “For a while I thought you had gone back to sleep,” he said softly as he grabbed a chair from one of the tables behind yours and pulled it up, sitting down.

“I was in the lounge,” you said softly, not looking back at him. “I didn’t see you in there,” he said, leaning in to whisper in your ear. “I was reading after Charlotte helped me dress,” you replied just as quietly. You felt your fiance’s hand on your waist just out of sight of the women sitting across from you. “I’m sorry I didn’t stay to help instead,” he said softly. “But I figured I’d come out here and get to know the rest of the team a little more.”

You locked eyes with Adelaide as the server returned, setting their drink orders down. Before he could walk away, you called out to him. “I’m sorry,” you said softly. “Could I actually get something?” The server nodded with a smile. “What can I get for you?” he asked. “A Bijou, please.” A small smirk appeared on Adelaide’s face as the server nodded and turned to speak to the bartender.

“What are you doing?” Seonghwa asked softly. “I’m nervous as hell,” you replied. “I need to calm down. And besides,” you continued. “It’s one drink. What’s the worst that can happen?”

When the train arrived in Sinaia, Romania, you were glad to finally disembark and be back on stable land again. The staff unloaded your belongings, piling them onto the back of one of the many stagecoaches that waited to take you to your destination. You were glad to be sharing a coach once again with Seonghwa while the rest of the team split up accordingly.

Charlotte sat across from you while your fiance and his valet stood outside, talking to Hiro and Everett while the luggage was packed on. “Hey, Y/N,” a voice said and you looked up, looking out the window beside you. Adelaide was looking up at you, a cigarette between her fingers. “Could I ask you something?” she asked, exhaling a cloud of smoke. You nodded wordlessly as Charlotte looked from you to the blonde woman and back.

“What did your fiance mean when he said you don’t drink?” she asked curiously. You chuckled and shook your head. “I normally don’t drink,” you replied. “I’m really not supposed to,” you added. “Makes the medication less effective.” Adelaide’s expression shifted from curiosity to alarm. “Medication?” she asked, her voice mimicking her face. “For wha—”

“Adelaide, come on! We’re ready to go!” Thom called from a few coaches down. Adelaide dropped her cigarette on the cobblestone and stamped it out with the toe of her boot. “Alright, alright, keep your pants on!” Adelaide called back to him before looking up at you. “We’ll talk about this later, yeah?”

As Adelaide walked away, the door to the stagecoach opened and Seonghwa climbed in, followed by Alfred. The door shut and one by one, the coaches pulled away from the Sinaia station. You peered out the window, looking at the mountains that rose above the village and the vast forest that sat at the base, a new kind of excitement taking over as you were one step closer.

You pulled back and turned to Seonghwa, practically bouncing in your seat. It was finally hitting you that you were about to look for the Library of Illusion and hopefully with the help of the team, actually find it.

The ride out of the town was smooth and as soon as you left the limits, the ground turned into a dirt road. You tried to busy yourself with another book but all of the books you had brought, you had read before and knew almost entirely by heart. Their contents were not enough to mask your excitement and anxiety as you left Sinaia behind and headed for the small town where you would meet your guide.

Around lunch time, the stage coaches stopped at a small house where a couple lived and served hot meals for travelers. There you feasted on a delicious meat and white bean stew and thick slices of fresh bread. You lost count on how many bowls you had but it was amazing and when you climbed back into the stagecoach, you were full and ready for a nap.

The ride to the village was going to take the rest of the day and you were supposed to arrive just after sunset. You ended up sleeping off your lunch by resting your head on Seonghwa’s shoulder. You woke with a start as the stagecoach rocked, hearing the driver call out to the horses in Romanian. Seonghwa was fully awake, looking outside the window as if lost in thought.

“What is it?” you asked, startling him. “I didn’t realize you were awake,” he admitted softly. You looked across at your attendants. Charlotte was asleep, her head resting against the side of the seat and Alfred was also asleep, his head tilted back as he snored softly. “Have you been awake this whole time?” you asked. Seonghwa nodded. “We’re almost there,” he said, looking back out the window.

You glanced out your window and noticed you had entered the forest, driving on a very wide dirt path cut through the trees. “How can you tell?” you asked, turning back to look at Seonghwa. “The sun is setting,” he explained. “And we’re supposed to be there just after sunset.” You sighed, trying to stretch your arms and legs but there wasn’t much room to stretch with Charlotte sitting across from you.

“Do you need to stop and get out?” Seonghwa asked, turning towards you, a look of concern on his face. You shook your head. “No. I’ll be fine.” He watched as you settled back into your seat. “May I ask you something?” he said after a few moments of silence. You turned to him expectantly. He hesitated before clearing his throat. “Do we really have to do this?” he asked softly.

Your smile fell as you looked back at him. “I know this was a gift from your father but it just feels…” he trailed off, looking out the window as silence filled the coach, save for Alfred’s gentle snoring. “What is it?” you asked softly. “Why are you so against this?” Seonghwa clicked his tongue before shaking his head. “Nothing,” he finally said. He turned, giving you a smile.

“Forget I said anything.”

You tried to forget it but as hard as you tried, you couldn’t. You didn’t understand why Seonghwa was so against this trip. You also could place your finger on what was wrong. It wasn’t like he was acting scared. More… apprehensive, though you still couldn’t tell what his reasoning for that was.

The rest of the ride was mainly in silence and as you got further and further into the forest, the sun descended behind the mountains, casting a deep, dark shadow over the land. Seonghwa gently took your hand and you found comfort in his touch just as you were sure he found comfort in yours.

As the sky grew darker and darker still, you finally reached the edge of a small village partially surrounded by a meter tall wooden fort. You were welcomed in by the gatekeeper and directed to the inn where you would spend the night. Charlotte and Alfred had been woken up when the coaches stopped at the gate and were now twisting about in their seats to peer out the window as the line of coaches headed for the inn.

One by one, they reached the inn and stopped. Alfred was the first out of your coach, Seonghwa following. You went next, taking your fiance’s hand and stepping down onto the step and then onto the ground. You looked around in the dim light radiating from behind the mountain as well as the few oil lamps that lit the pathway through the village.

You joined the rest of the crew as the owner of the inn came out. The last coach had a small staff of attendants, no doubt hired by your father. They climbed out and set to work unloading all the luggage and trunks, matching them up to their owners in small piles. You took Seonghwa’s arm as he offered it and started towards the inn door.

Thom had already introduced the team and when you and your fiance strolled up, Thom introduced your fiance as well but you noticed that he didn’t say your name. “Ah, Mr. Park,” the proprietor said in a thick accent. “It is good to meet you,” he added with a bow. “Thank you, this is my—” Seonghwa started to introduce you but was cut off. “Mrs. Park, wonderful to meet you as well,” the innkeeper said, giving you another deep bow as he had to Seonghwa.

“Thank you for your patronage,” the innkeeper started, looking around at everyone. “If you will follow me, I will show you to your rooms.” Seonghwa glanced at Thom who gestured for Seonghwa to go first so the two of you followed the innkeeper through the front door.

Just inside the door was a moderately sized vestibule with various hooks, boots, and a few random pieces of equipment ranging from riding crops to what looked to be gardening tools. There was a door to the left that was shut. In front of you was another door, this one propped open. Through this door was the main area of the inn and it was loud.

To your right were tables full of patrons who were eating, drinking, cheering, and some even singing. At the back wall behind the tables was a massive hearth with a huge fire roaring and providing ample warmth. Standing in the corner on a small wooden platform was a string quartet but rather than the music you were used to at the balls and soirees back in London, the music was much more upbeat, faster even. In front of the platform was a small area cleared of tables and chairs where a few couples were dancing to the lively music.

On the left side of the entrance was a bar that spanned a large part of the width of the building. Behind it were a few barmaids and a bartender who were busy filling large quantities of mugs with golden and dark brown liquids. Across from the door you entered was a massive wooden staircase. Next to it, in a small bump out in the wall was a large wooden box on its side. It looked like a crude elevator.

The innkeeper led you to the stairs. “I put you on the first floor,” he said as he started up the steps. “The elevator is for luggage only.” You followed Seonghwa, using the railing of the stairs to climb until you reached a long hallway. “There are six rooms on this floor,” he continued, pulling out a set of keys from his pocket and pulling one of the keys off. He started to unlock the door. “You have five of them.”

He opened the door and stepped in. “This is one of the men’s rooms,” he explained. Charley, Everett and Thom walked in. “I will have your luggage brought up here, write your names on this and hang it outside on the hook,” he explained, pointing at a small slate. “The staff will match your luggage with your rooms. He handed the key over to Thom. “You will return the key to me tomorrow morning before you leave. I will make sure no one comes in to touch your things.” Thom thanked him and took the key.

The innkeeper showed the next room, unlocking it with another key which he handed to Hiro. “This is the other room for the men,” he explained. The next room was for Sophronia, Adelaide, and Euphemia. The next room, the fourth one, was made up for Charlotte and Alfred and consisted of two smaller rooms with a small hall between their doors.

“And this one,” the innkeeper said, unlocking and opening the last door at the end of the hall. It was a little bit larger than the others and had a massive four poster bed against the outside wall with two windows on either side. Against the inside wall was a fireplace with a fire already crackling. “Couples who pass through on their honeymoon use this room,” he explained. “Since you are married, you share a room.” You expected Seonghwa to speak up, to say something but instead, he simply thanked the innkeeper, taking the key from him when offered.

“Once you are ready, come downstairs and get some supper. I have a private dining room set up for you and your friends,” the innkeeper said as he walked to the door and shut it, leaving you and Seonghwa alone. You turned to him, a laugh escaping you. He joined you in your humor and the two of you devolved into hysterical laughter. “Why does everyone assume we’re already married?” you asked as you sat on the edge of the bed. “I don’t know,” Seonghwa said as he wiped a tear from his eye.

“I’m not going to complain,” he added as he walked over. “Are you hungry?” he asked. You nodded, taking his hand when he offered it. “Let’s go see what’s for dinner then, shall we?”

Out in the hall, Seonghwa locked the door and you joined the rest of the crew, heading down to the ground level. Alfred stopped Seonghwa, pulling him aside to speak to him in a hushed tone as Charlotte joined you and you filled her in on the room arrangements. She offered to speak to the innkeeper on your behalf but you shook your head, telling her it was fine.

Seonghwa joined you moments later and despite your inquiry, he shook it off and led you towards a door where the innkeeper was standing, beaming widely at you. “This is the private dining hall,” he said, gesturing into the room. Inside there was a table that seated at least 12. There were baskets of fresh bread already on the table and opposite from where you entered was another doorway.

“We will bring your dinner to you,” the innkeeper said as you moved to take a seat, settling next to Euphemia who gave you a kind smile. Seonghwa under normal circumstances would have sat across from you but he could sense your apprehension and instead sat on the other side of you. Once the table was full, several of the inn staff started bringing in plates of food and tall mugs of ale. You opted for wine which they thankfully had.

“So,” Euphemia said part of the way through the meal, catching your attention. “Are you married already or does the staff of every establishment think you are?” she asked, trying to break the ice with a joke which thankfully did make you chuckle. “I guess they think we’re already married,” you replied. “But you really aren’t?” she asked to which you shook your head. “Not yet,” you answered. “The wedding is in a couple months.” Euphemia smiled but on the other side of her, Adelaide spoke up.

“And you’re actually looking forward to it?” she asked, not bothering to keep her voice down. You felt Seonghwa stiffen next to you and raise his eyes, as did everyone around the table, now completely focused on your conversation. You cleared your throat. “I actually am,” you replied. “I’ve wanted to get married since I was young.” Adelaide let out a bitter laugh.

“Indoctrinated from a young age, made to believe your only purpose is getting married and popping out kids,” she said, shaking her head. You felt an anger settling in the pit of your stomach but pushed it down. “I’m not,” you replied. “Sure, it’s something that is preached to us when we’re young but I actually want to get married and start a family. I don’t see it as my duty but as a life I’m choosing to have.”

The entire table had their eyes on you at this point. “Before I met Seonghwa, I thought I may never get married. Most of the men attempting to court me were either much too old or very… superficial,” you continued. “I wanted something more than just a smart match that gave me security. I wanted love. Before I met Seonghwa, I had given up on the idea of love. Sure, my parents had a marriage full of love but not everyone is so lucky. But then I met him and he changed everything. He showed me that it was possible to have it and has shown me nothing but love since he asked me to marry him.”

You felt him take your hand gently. You turned to look at Adelaide. “I’m sorry for whatever has happened to you that makes you think that marriage is the worst possible thing that can happen to a woman but it’s not. There are much worse fates.”

There was a murmur of agreement and everyone went back to their food, chatting softly while the music and loud chatter outside the room continued on. Seonghwa gave your hand a gentle squeeze before he went back to his meal. Afterwards, the men gathered and asked Seonghwa if he wanted to join him but he declined. You had Charlotte ask for a bath to be drawn in your room so you could bathe fully before your trip into the forest began.

As you started for the stairs, you felt a hand on your arm stop you and turned to find Adelaide.

“I wanted to apologize,” she said softly. “I didn’t realize you had something special with your fella.” You smiled softly. “I do,” you replied. “He’s probably one of the best men I know,” you added. “He comes from a well to do family but he’s also wealthy in his own right. He makes smart business decisions not just for expanding his business but so he can take care of his workers.”

Adelaide gave you a look of shock. “He’s very progressive when it comes to labor laws and wants what’s best for the people who work for him. That’s why he pays fair wages and refuses to let children work in the dangerous parts of the factories. He has regular inspections to make sure the equipment is working properly and listens when the workers complain about something. He’s a great listener,” you continued, smiling fondly as you spoke about your fiance.

“That’s rare,” Adelaide said softly. “He sounds like a real keeper,” she added. You nodded, giggling when she lightly nudged you. “Oh!” she said quickly. “What were you saying earlier? Before we left the station?” she asked. “Oh, about my medication?” you asked, smiling when she nodded, looking concerned. “I have frequent headaches and I have to take medication to relieve them,” you explained. Adelaide’s look of concern diminished as a look of understanding came over her.

“Oh,” she replied. “That makes sense, I suppose.”

You bid her goodnight and headed upstairs to your room where a large tub sat full of steaming hot water. Seonghwa was nowhere to be seen. Charlotte smiled as she set a robe on a chair beside the tub. “I asked Mr. Park to step out while you get undressed,” she explained, moving to help you get ready for the bath. “I have your soaps and oils,” she continued as she helped you with your jacket and removed it, setting it aside. “And as requested, I packed your most comfortable clothes into a rucksack,” she explained as you unbuttoned your petticoats, one by one.

“Did you pack my morning corset?” you asked to which she nodded. “We’ll have to pack this one as well,” Charlotte said but you stopped her. “I can’t take the corsets, Lottie,” you said softly. “It wouldn’t be practical for me to be traipsing around the forest in a corset. I’m not even going to be wearing dresses.” Charlotte looked appalled as you sat down once your corset had been removed.

You removed your shoes and stockings and looked up. “Could you please send for some tea?” you asked softly. I’ll take it after my bath.” Charlotte nodded and gave you a small curtsey before heading to the door and shutting it behind her so you could finish stripping before climbing into the tub. You let out a sigh of bliss as you submerged your body in the hot water, eyes sliding shut as you relaxed, sitting back against the high back of the tub.

You heard the door open and shut and sighed. “Charlotte, I said I’ll take tea after my bath,” you called as footsteps headed towards you slowly, stopping behind you. “I’m sure she’ll be back with it,” Seonghwa’s voice said and you looked up quickly. “Hwa!” you said, cheeks burning as you tried to cover yourself in the water. He chuckled and moved to the side of the tub to kneel. “Relax, sweetheart,” he said softly, reaching out to take your chin gently in his hand.

“I’ve already seen most of it,” he reminded you, making your cheeks burn even more. “I wish I had known you wanted to take a bath, I would have asked for it and then we could have taken one together. Saved on hot water,” he said with a wink, as he let his fingers dip past the surface.

“You could still get in,” you said softly, not looking up at him. His eyes had a look in them. That look. You jumped when there was a knock on the door. Seonghwa got up and walked over to answer it. “Oh, Mr. Park,” Charlotte said, sounding surprised. “Is Miss Y/N still in the bath?”

“She is,” your fiance answered. “I have her tea,” Charlotte announced. “Perfect,” Seonghwa replied. “I’ll take it.” A moment of silence was followed by the sound of china clinking softly as Charlotte no doubt handed the tray to Seonghwa. “Thank you, Charlotte,” he said. “I’ll help Y/N out of the tub when she’s ready,” he continued. “Could you finish packing her bag for the trip into the forest. She has a very practical wardrobe picked out. And please make sure to remove the corsets, she won’t be able to wear them except for the morning one.”

“Oh and one last thing,” he said. “Please pack her books. I’m sure she’ll want to read when we stop to make camp.” You heard the door shut and footsteps of Seonghwa approaching. He passed the tub, setting the tray on the table and turned to look at you. “You still want me to join you?” he asked. You peeked over the edge of the tub at him, eyes scanning up and down his body before you nodded.

He started to walk forward but you shook your head, making him stop in his tracks. “Undress over there,” you said softly. “Give me a show.” Seonghwa let out a laugh. “A show?” he asked as he started to undo his tie. “Am I getting paid?” he asked as he pulled the now strip of material from his collar and dropped it onto the floor. You shrugged, giggling as he started to undo the buttons of his waistcoat.

“If you put on a good show,” you answered, giggling again as he hesitated, tilting his head and giving you a heated stare before he continued. Once the waistcoat was undone, he shrugged it off, adding it to the floor. He pulled down the straps of his suspenders, letting them fall to the sides of his thighs as he started to unbutton his shirt. Your eyes followed his hands as they moved down.

Once the shirt was mostly undone, his hands moved to his pants but you stopped him again. “Come here,” you said, your tone much more seductive than you knew possible. Seonghwa didn’t hesitate, instead he walked over to the side of the tub. You sat up, moving your hands to the front of his trousers. “What are you doing, Blossom?” he asked as you undid the button at the front of his pants, looking up at him through your lashes.

“Returning the favor.”

Seonghwa tried to speak but you were quick to tug his pants down, freeing his cock which had started to harden. Without hesitation, you took it in your hand, stroking slowly as you looked up at him. Seonghwa let out a hissed curse, eyes fluttering shut as your hand moved, working his cock and bringing him to his full length.

“F-fuck,” he hissed, his hips starting to thrust into your hand as you sped up. You looked up, taking in the view of his head thrown back as you stroked him. Testing the waters, so to speak, you opened your mouth, taking the head of his cock past your lips. Immediately, Seonghwa swore loudly, hips bucking forward but he was quick to pull you back so he didn’t hurt you.

“You can’t just do that, Blossom,” he gasped. “Warn me next time, alright?” He stroked your cheek gently before he let go and stood back up straight. You nodded, looking up at him. Taking a steadying breath, you resumed your earlier motions, stroking his shaft slowly, watching the way his eyes fluttered shut as he gave in to pleasure.

Keeping your eyes on his face you took the tip of his cock back into your mouth, Seonghwa letting out a low moan. You focused on your breathing as you tried to take more of him in your mouth. Every time you pulled back, you noticed his hips moved forward, chasing the feeling of your mouth around him. It was an entirely new experience for you but you wanted to do for him what he’d done for you a few times now. 

You wanted to make him feel good.

Your jaw was starting to ache but you tried to power through it. “Oh fuck,” Seonghwa hissed, thrusting slowly into your mouth as your head bobbed to meet his movements. “Just like that, sweetheart. Keep going,” he whispered. The only sound in the room other than the crackling of the fire was the sound of your wet mouth.

You felt his hand move to the back of your head. “Just a little further,” he groaned, coaxing you to take more of his cock into your mouth which you were happy to oblige. Your lips and chin were wet with your own spit and it was starting to drip down onto your chest but you couldn’t be bothered. Not when your fiance was making some of the most erotic sounds you’d ever heard.

His hips thrusted a little harder, making the head of his cock hit the back of your throat. You let out a muffled gag but instead of letting him pull back, you grabbed his hips, holding him still as you repeated the action, gagging again. It didn’t bother you as much as you thought it would, after all, even brushing your teeth made you gag but this was somehow different.

You pulled back enough to take a deep breath in through your nose before taking him deep into your mouth until he hit the back but instead of stopping there, you pressed forward, allowing the head of his cock into your throat. Seonghwa let out a strained moan as your throat flexed, squeezing around the tip. You stayed there despite your lungs starting to beg for air. You swallowed experimentally and Seonghwa lost his composure, carefully attempting to pull you back but he was too late.

He came with a low deep moan, his release spilling into your mouth and down the back of your throat. You tried to swallow what you could, brows furrowing at the salty taste. Seonghwa carefully pulled back, his cock falling from your mouth and starting to grow soft. He didn’t bother tucking himself back into his pants, instead, he dropped to his knees, grabbing you by the back of the head and pulled you into a messy kiss.

Your bath sat forgotten as he pulled back and grabbed the towel on the chair to wipe your face and chest before he threw it to the floor and took your hand, guiding you to stand up before he helped you out. Once your feet were on the floor, he very hastily dried you off before guiding you over to the bed, making you sit down as he finished stripping his clothes from his body.

He moved you to the middle of the bed as he climbed onto the mattress, making you lay back as he hovered over you, pressing soft kisses to your chest and collar before taking you into another deep kiss. One of his hands moved up to your neck as he parted your lips with his, allowing his tongue to slip into your mouth. You whined against his lips.

Pleasuring him earlier had sent an aching heat to your cunt and you were in desperate need of some relief. One thing you were starting to like about this new side you were learning of your fiance was that he seemed to be in tune to what your body wanted. Sensing what you wanted, Seonghwa let his hand slide down to your chest, cupping your breast, his palm hot against your skin.

He kneaded, massaging gently and slowly as he kissed his way down the side of your neck until he was level with your other breast, tongue darting out to lap cautiously at your nipple. You let out a sigh, carding your fingers through his hair as he wrapped his lips around it. His hand slid from your chest, moving down your stomach, drawing closer and closer to your wet folds.

You glanced down at him, finding his eyes shut as he focused on teasing your pert nipple with his tongue. You felt his fingers press into you, thumb grazing over your clit and making you gasp, hips bucking involuntarily into his touch. You felt him smile against your skin as his fingers traveled further, finding your slit and pressing into you slowly, stretching your hole.

Your thighs parted further to give him more access. It occurred to you that you were more exposed to him now than you ever had been. He’d always touched, kissed, and pleasured you with your nightgown on. Your cheeks grew warm as this realization hit you. It was quickly squashed as his fingers started to move, pumping in and out of you, slowly at first but starting to gain momentum quickly.

“Seonghwa,” you whimpered, hips moving against his hand, begging for more. “Please,” you whined. “I need you.” Seonghwa chuckled against your skin before lifting his head. “Patience, Blossom,” he said softly. “We have all night.” He kissed down your chest and stomach, removing his fingers from your heat as he settled on the bed, head hovering above your sex.

He glanced up at you before lowering his head, planting soft, wet kisses along the inside of your thigh. You whined, rolling your hips up for his touch. He shook his head before sinking his teeth very quickly into the plush flesh of your inner thigh, making you gasp. As quickly as he’d done it, he was kissing back down the inside of your thigh, skipping over the place you wanted his mouth the most to kiss the inside of the opposite thigh. You whine for him again, combing your fingers through his hair.

“Please, baby, please,” you begged. Seonghwa chuckled again, kissing back down towards your cunt. As he drew level, he looked up to meet your gaze, giving you a smirk as he lowered his mouth, tongue slipping out to meet your clit. He wasn’t forgiving or slow with his movements, instead going right into flicking the sensitive nub with the tip of his tongue.

You gasped, head falling back against the pillows as he licked and sucked like he was starved. Your back arched off the mattress as he moved his head, tongue massaging and drawing circles around your clit. “Ah-! F-fuck,” you hissed. It wasn’t considered proper to curse but if your fiance was fine with cursing when you had his cock down your throat, you figured it would be fine for you to curse when he was making you feel this good.

You felt his tongue prod at your hole momentarily before it returned to your sensitive clit. “Feels s-so good,” you whispered breathily. Seonghwa hummed in response, the resulting vibrations making you moan loudly. Your hips started to move on their own, grinding against your fiance’s tongue but he paid no mind. Instead, he let you, holding his head in place so you could find your own rhythm and pleasure.

He only let it last for a few moments before he pinned your hips down, going back to his own pace, flattening his tongue against you and shaking his head. It wasn’t unlike the way he’d done this before and he clearly had a few tricks still left to show you but you couldn’t think about that when he sucked on your clit and everything happened at once. Your thighs squeezed around his head as you came, back arching off the bed with a moan as he coaxed you through your orgasm.

Your body shuddered, an intense heat, white and blinding, spreading throughout your limbs as stars clouded your vision. Your climax was strong and while it felt familiar, it had never been as potent as this. Seonghwa’s movements never faltered as he continued to guide you through it, lapping at your clit until you breathlessly begged him to stop, weakly pulling at his dark tresses.

He finally lifted his head, wiping his lips and chin with the back of his hand as he crawled over you, pressing sporadic kisses up your stomach and chest until his lips met yours in a soft, languid kiss that was nothing but tongue. You tasted yourself on his tongue and it was much like when you had swallowed his seed earlier.

You felt something hard prodding at your thigh and without looking you knew it was his cock. He’d grown hard while eating you out and now it stood at attention and ready. “Hwa,” you whined as he broke the kiss to nuzzle against your cheek. “I want you,” you whispered. “I know, sweetheart,” he replied just as softly. “I need you,” you reiterated.

Seonghwa nodded as he sighed, his hot breath fanning over your skin. “I know, baby,” he answered. “I said we would wait until our return to London,” he started, pulling back to look into your eyes. “But if I’m being honest, I don’t think I can wait that long.” You shook your head. “Then don’t,” you said softly, reaching up to cup his cheek. “I want to feel you inside me.”

Seonghwa leaned in, pressing his lips to yours. “Alright,” he murmured. “I’ll go slow.” You nodded as he took himself in his hand, giving a few strokes before you felt the tip of his head press against your wet folds, sliding up and down to gather your arousal. He spread as much of it as he could. You watched as he let a drop of spit fall from his mouth onto his cock which he then also spread.

He looked up, meeting your gaze once more. “Are you ready?” he asked, to which you nodded. “Yes,” you answered. “Please. I want you to make love to me.” Seonghwa let out a chuckle, leaning in to press a chaste kiss against your lips in contrast to his cock about to enter you. “You don’t need to beg anymore, petal,” he said softly. “Though I do like how you sound when you do.”

You opened your mouth to respond to him but a moan slipped out instead as he pressed into you, the head of his cock sliding into you and stretching your walls. Seonghwa paused, a look of concern on his beautiful face. “Blossom? Are you all right?” he asked softly. You nodded. “Yes, I’m fine,” you answered, brushing his hair back and smiling at him. He studied your face briefly before pushing further into you.

The head of his cock hadn’t provided much pain but as he slowly filled you, the sting you had felt the first time he fingered you had returned. You let out a sharp gasp, grabbing his bicep. Immediately, he stilled, watching your face as you winced. “Do you want me to stop?” he asked, pressing a couple soft kisses to your lips and cheek. “Just give me a moment. It’s new. It feels… different.”

Seonghwa obliged, letting your body adjust to the intrusion of his cock. He kissed your face, offering sweet words of praise as you slowly relaxed. “That’s it, darling,” he whispered as he felt the squeeze of your walls lessen. “Just relax and let me in,” he added as he slid further, pushing deeper into you than he’d ever been. You let out a sigh, forcing your body to go lax as his hips finally stopped.

It still stung but you could feel it was starting to be replaced with an ache as the pain ebbed away slowly. Seonghwa waited, letting you adjust more as he kept kissing you, giving you encouraging words. “That’s it. Good girl. You’re doing so well, sweetheart.”

His words made your heart flutter with appreciation. You’d never felt like that when you were praised but most of the praise you had received in your life had been about your looks, never about accomplishments or how you behaved. It was odd but you enjoyed it greatly. The next words out of Seonghwa’s mouth had the same feeling bubbling in your chest but also made your walls squeeze around him.

“Look at you. Taking my cock so well.”

You were taken by surprise and unable to formulate a proper response. Seonghwa didn’t seem to notice your stunned silence as he took that moment to pull out slightly before giving you a tentative thrust. Your confoundment dissipated immediately, a moan leaving your lips. Taking your response as the go ahead, Seonghwa quickly set a steady pace, thrusting into you without being too rough.

“Talk to me, blossom,” he said breathlessly. “Are you okay?”

You nodded fervently, moans increasing in pitch and volume as he sped up. You let out a particularly loud one and Seonghwa shushed you, covering your mouth gently. “You’re going to get us in trouble,” he said softly. Your cheeks burned as he reminded you that the others could potentially hear you. “As much as I would love to hear those beautiful sounds, you’re going to have to keep quiet.”

You nodded, nibbling on your bottom lip as you tried to keep your voice down. Small whimpers and moans sounded from the back of your throat with each thrust. Seonghwa let out a strained groan, burying his face in your neck. You could feel his hips slow slightly. “What’s wrong?” you asked, breathlessly. “I don’t know how much longer I can last,” he replied, hips stilling as he tried to stave off his orgasm.

You ran your fingers through his hair, your heart beating against your chest. “I have an idea,” Seonghwa murmured, lifting his head. You felt him slip out of you, leaving you feeling empty and clenching around nothing. “Here,” he said softly, gently rolling you over onto your stomach. “What’re you doing?” you asked, resting on your forearms as you peered over your shoulder.

You felt his hands part your legs, spreading your thighs apart. “Raise your hips for me, love,” Seonghwa said, reaching over you and grabbing one of the pillows. You did as he asked, lifting your hips off the mattress. You felt Seonghwa slip the pillow, now folded in half, under you. Once he did, you rested against the pillow. “What’s this for?” you asked, tugging lightly at the pillow case.

You felt Seonghwa lean over you, pressing light kisses along your spine and up to your shoulder, his body pressing against yours. You could feel his cock rubbing against your cunt as he teased your neck with a couple kisses before whispering into your ear. “Something to keep your hips up,” he said softly. “Why?” you asked. Seonghwa chuckled, his hot breath hitting your skin.

You felt the head of his cock slide back into you unrestrained and you moaned into the sheets as he bottomed out. “Still want me to answer that?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. You shook your head quickly as he thrust into you from behind, setting a slow but steady pace with languid thrusts. Each rock inside you had your toes curling, muffled moans disappearing into the sheets.

The pace started to pick up and the only sounds you could hear was the wet sound of his cock entering you, the sound of his skin against yours and his low, restrained moans. “Fucking hell,” you heard him curse under his breath. “You’re so tight.” Your walls clenched around him, like a warm tight hug, sucking him back in each time he tried to pull back.

“Is,” you gasped, choking back a moan as you raised your head. “Is that good?”

Seonghwa let out a breathy laugh. “Yes,” he replied simply. “It is.”

Your attempts to bite back were cut short when he gave you a hard thrust, pounding into you. You were unable to shield your face in time and let out a loud cry of pleasure before muffling your sounds with the linens. “Oh to hell with it,” Seonghwa cursed. You felt his hand cup your throat, pulling your head up. “Don’t hold back,” he whispered in your ear, slamming into you now. “Let me hear you. I don’t care who else hears us now,” he groaned. “I want to hear that beautiful cry again.”

Without the sheets to muffle your sounds, unrestrained and wanton moans left your lips, intermingled with cries of pleasure that bordered almost on screams. There was no doubt in your mind that everyone on the floor, let alone maybe the whole inn, could hear you and knew exactly what you were doing. Your thoughts didn’t focus on the embarrassment or shame for long as your mind cleared, giving way to the pleasure your fiance was giving you.

“Wait, wait,” Seonghwa groaned, pulling out of you suddenly, making you whine in protest but he was quick to roll you over, lifting your hips and placing the pillow back under you, raising your hips off the mattress once more. He quickly pushed back into you, grabbing your hips and resuming the same, unrelenting pace as before. 

Your fingers dug into the sheets, trying to hold onto something as your fiance pounded into you. Each thrust had you crying out in bliss. Your mind was full of nothing but the euphoria that was flowing through your body. Your hips moved to match his pace and he groaned, hips stilling for a moment. “Fuck, oh fuck,” Seonghwa gasped, leaning over you. “I won’t last much longer,” he moaned. 

You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him down so you were chest to chest. “Don’t stop,” you moaned. “Please.” Seonghwa groaned into your neck, hips moving fervently as he muttered praise into your skin. “I’m going to cum,” you heard him gasp. He tried to pull away but your grip on him tightened, thighs squeezing around his waist and arms tightening.

“Blossom, I need to pull out or I’ll—”

“Do it,” you interjected. “Cum inside me.”

Seonghwa’s response was delayed as he processed your words. He let out a groan, cock thrusting into you harshly as you felt it twitch. It was like when he came in your hand. His cock was hot, throbbing, and you felt the first surge of his release spill inside your walls. His cock continued to twitch as he came, releasing everything into you in short bursts, his hips thrusting a few times more before he finally stilled, pushing his cock as far into you as he could with a shaky moan.

Your own orgasm washed over you as he came undone, walls fluttering around him as you moaned, his name sounding like a mantra you were fine with saying for the rest of your life. Seonghwa collapsed on top of you, head resting on your chest as he tried to catch his breath. You were just as winded as he was, trembling under him as you both came down from your respective climaxes.

You lay like that for a while, uncertain of how much time had passed by. You became aware of something warm and sticky squeezing out of you and you finally had to rouse your fiance.

“Seonghwa?” you asked, your voice slightly hoarse. “Hmm?” he mumbled. “Something is warm and wet,” you announced. He pulled back, sitting back and looking down between your legs. “Oh, that’s gonna be a mess,” he said, quickly getting up and grabbing one of the towels Charlotte had brought in for your bath. He returned to the bed, climbing onto the mattress and started wiping your skin, cleaning it of whatever mess he had mentioned.

You lay there, watching him and taking in how truly beautiful he was. His golden skin with a thin layer of sweat, his messy black hair as he pushed it back from his face and focused with brows furrowed on cleaning your sex. Once he was satisfied you were clean, he tossed the towel aside and crawled over you, pressing feather light kisses up your stomach, chest, and to your lips. 

“We should probably get cleaned up,” you finally said as your breathing was starting to return to normal. Seonghwa hummed in response as he pulled the pillow out from under you, tossing it to the floor and pulling back the sheets, maneuvering around you until he had the covers pulled down.

“We’re really dirty now,” you said as he pulled the covers up over the both of you and he settled into the bed next to you. “Mhm,” he answered, pulling you against him, not caring about your nudity or the sweat on either of your bodies. “We really should clean up,” you murmured again. Seonghwa nodded, placing kisses to your lips. “Okay, Blossom,” he said, hiding you tightly.

“Whatever you want, my princess.”

©️ kwanisms 2018 - 2025 | all written and artistic works on this blog are protected under copyright. reposts, continuations, and translations of my works are not permitted. All graphics made by me.

[kwanisms]

"IT WAS ONLY SUPPOSED TO BE A ONESHOT!!!" i scream, desperately clawing at the floor, as the fic drags me back into The Depths to continue writing against my will for the rest of eternity

[kwanisms]

Hey. I hope you're doing well. I just need clarification on something.

I read the note on your fic homecoming. And maybe it's because I've binged Library of Illusions for hours on end and haven't gotten enough sleep, but it isn't over yet, right? There's something that comes after Of Hellfire and Saints and before Homecoming right?

I should go to sleep now 🥱

Hi there! So there's actually a LOT that happens between Of Hellfire & Saints and Homecoming ꒰｡•◡•｡꒱ the chronological order of the series is as follows:

Prequels

The Witch & the Lamb – hongjoong prequel pt 1 Of Hellfire & Saints – hongjoong prequel pt 2, 2 parts Hunt for the Library – seonghwa prequel, 2 parts

Series One, aka the OG Series

The Lobby – introduction Shelter from the Storm – science fiction Arachnophobia – horror Lord of the Castle on the Hill – history Amateur Sleuth – crime/mystery The Woodland Guard – fantasy The Temple Guardian – adventure Keeper of the Keys – free reign The Restricted Section – taboo subject

Series Two, aka the Sequel

Titles TBA (I want these to be a surprise so I didn't include the titles but there are 9 of them, just like the OG series)

After Series Two

As We Were (not yet posted) Homecoming

there are also some drabbles and short oneshots that take place in between but those haven't been written yet so I haven't posted any details about them. in total, there are eight of these drabbles that take place during the prequels but they're just scenes i didn't include in the main story.

[kwanisms]

Hunt for the Library 01 — p.seonghwa

Seonghwa never wanted to leave the comfort of the city but his fiancée was adamant about this excursion. She wanted to find the famed Library of Illusion. He should have convinced her to forget it. He had a bad feeling about the expedition but nothing could have prepared him for what they would end up finding deep in the forests of the Carpathian Mountains. businessman!Seonghwa × heiress!Reader 

«« previous || library of illusion m.list || taglist || next »» ❑ WORDCOUNT — 29.9k (total: 55810. don't ask. idk anymore) ❑ WARNINGS — adult dialogue, female reader, historical period setting (think Victorian era but make it fantasy), sexual content (18+ mdni) mentions of: food & alcohol consumption, major & minor character deaths (heed this warning, I’m serious. This part is pretty dark), medical issues, prescription drug use, animal attack, blood, viscera, etc., religious practices; see smut warnings under the cut! ❑ CONTENT — angst, slight fluff, smut; fantasy, horror, supernatural, biblical & demonic themes, historical setting, established relationship; non idol au, Victorian au, demon au, vampire au ❑ NOTES — I said I was going to write a backstory for Hongjoong AND Seonghwa, so here’s the latter's! This goes into what MC discovered in the Restricted Section after reading about the priests. Just like Hongjoong’s, this is kind of lengthy so it's been split into two parts. Do not ignore the warnings in this, they are there for a reason. Thank you so much for reading and as always, this is a work of fiction and all characters are not reflective of their respective irl counterparts. for entertainment purposes only. 

MINORS WILL BE BLACKLISTED & BLOCKED. AGELESS BLOGS WILL BE BLOCKED. 

❑ SMUT WARNINGS  — scene 1: unprotected sex (don’t do), grinding, slight dirty talk, fingering (f receiving), oral (f receiving), piv sex, finger sucking, use of pet names (hers: sweetheart, my love, blossom, my petal/petal, etc.; his: Hwa, baby, etc.), and that should be all here! — scene 2: oral (f receiving), fingering (f receiving), handjob (m receiving), dirty talk, use of pet names (darling, Blossom), and that is all there is in this scene. — scene 3: mild stripping (lol), unprotected sex (wrap it), oral (m receiving, f receiving), mild face fucking (f receiving), deepthroating, fingering (f receiving), piv sex, first time penetration, dirty talk, cum inside, use of pet names (hers: Blossom, sweetheart, baby, petal, darling, love, princess; his: Hwa, baby), and that’s all here!

Train stations had never been one of Seonghwa’s favorite places to visit. They were busy, loud, and often filthy but he knew they were necessary for long distance travel. He would just have to get over the shrill blasting of the train whistles and the whine of the steam engines as he followed you towards the first class compartments. 

He glanced behind him at his valet, Alfred, before looking ahead to where you were walking with your own lady’s maid, Charlotte. The station around him was crowded, save for the small gap between the edge of the platform and the throngs of people waiting to board and go through inspection.

“It’s this one right here, sir,” Alfred said, gesturing to the compartment as he came to a stop. 

Seonghwa looked up as the door opened, he gestured for you to go before him, waiting patiently as you and Charlotte climbed the steps up to the compartment. Seonghwa followed, Alfred following as they boarded the train.

The train was starting to fill up as you led the way to your assigned rooms. They weren’t too far back in the compartment. You checked the tickets once more, looking up at the room numbers before stopping to turn and look back at Seonghwa.

“It’s this one,” you said softly as Charlotte opened one of the doors and you peered inside. Alfred squeezed past Seonghwa to help Charlotte with the few smaller bags brought onto the train. The larger luggage had already been hauled on board while you and Seonghwa went through inspection. You sat down by the window, looking out onto the platform as Seonghwa sat across from you.

Once the bags had been properly stowed away, Charlotte leant down, whispering something to you Seonghwa couldn’t hear. You shook your head, waving your hand simply. “Would you like me to get you anything, sir?” Seonghwa glanced up before shaking his head no.

He turned to look at you, taking in your focused expression. The door shut with a soft click as Charlotte took her seat beside you. Alfred, no doubt, went to find the facilities so when the time came, he wouldn’t have to ask or check. Seonghwa watched as Charlotte fidgeted in her seat, looking around the compartment at everything except him or you for that matter.

Seonghwa glanced at you again, noticing the way you watched the people outside the window with intense scrutiny. He wondered what was going on in that head of yours, attempting to hide a smile and failing. He cleared his throat, turning to Charlotte. “Could you get Y/N something to drink?” he asked kindly.

Thankful for something to do, Charlotte nodded and jumped up, opening the door before disappearing past the window as the door shut with another soft click. You let out a sigh as Seonghwa turned back to face you.

“What is it?” he asked, now that you were alone. You turned to look at him, a look of shock as you realized you were now alone in the compartment together. “Where did—”

“Facilities and tea,” Seonghwa answered simply. “What were you looking at?” he asked, turning to look out the window. You shook your head, settling back in your seat as you laced your fingers together, placing your hands on your lap.

Seonghwa smiled as he watched you, studying your movements. “What’s wrong?” he asked, brow furrowing when he noticed your slightly worried expression. You looked up, your look of concern fading instantly. “Nothing,” you answered. “Nothing’s wrong.”

Seonghwa leaned forward, taking your hands and pulling them apart. “We don’t have to do this,” he reminded you. “We can just go back, get married, and then start our lives. We don’t have to go through with this,” he added. You smiled, giving his hands a gentle squeeze.

“I know,” you replied. “But it’s going to be fun!” you added, a wave of excitement coursing through you. It was infectious. Your excitement for adventure and thirst for knowledge. It was one of your many qualities Seonghwa found extremely endearing.

But despite the excitement that seemed to roll off you at the prospect of adventure and exploration, there was a lurking feeling of dread inside him. He wanted so many times to call off this trip. To let the tickets go to waste. He’d tried in vain to get you to reconsider. He’d even suggested you take the train ride but stay in the city rather than go on this backpacking adventure.

The trip had been a gift from your father and had been announced at your engagement party.

[The sound of a fork tapping against a glass rang out over the dinner table, the tinkling sound drawing the attention of everyone in attendance as your father stood, at one end of the table. 

“I’d like to start by thanking everyone for coming to this special celebration,” he started, holding his champagne glass as more were filled around the table. “My darling daughter,” he continued, smiling down at where you sat in the middle of the table across from Seonghwa. “Is getting married.”

Applause rang out around the table as the guests cooed and awed, making you smile bashfully.

“To a fine, young gentleman who I have no doubts will make her happy,” your father continued. “Seonghwa, who comes from a wonderful family, is an upstanding man who has made a name for himself not only in the business circle but also in matters of the heart. Y/N has made it clear she is head over heels in love with you and I couldn’t be happier that my daughter has made such a perfect match.”

He raised his glass as the rest of the guests picked up theirs. “To Y/N and Seonghwa, we wish you every happiness!” your father cheered. 

“To Y/N and Seonghwa!”

After dinner, the party started, the live quartet your father had hired playing in the corner of the room on a raised platform as couples took to the floor to dance. You refrained from dancing, instead talking with your father’s guests, showing off the ring, and talking about wedding preparations.

Seonghwa on the other hand had few conversations and kept them short as he walked around the ballroom opposite you, keeping his eyes on his soon-to-be bride as he walked around. He nodded politely, thanking guests when they congratulated him but his goal was not to be ensnared in meaningless conversation but instead to ensnare you.

As your paths crossed, he stepped in front of you, blocking your path as the first dance ended. Wordlessly, he held out his hand for you to take, raising an eyebrow as a lopsided grin spread. You couldn’t help the smile that spread across your face as you placed your hand in his palm and allowed him to guide you to the dance floor.

“Having fun?” he asked softly as you moved about. “Not nearly as much as my parents are,” you replied, peering over his shoulder where your parents were telling a very animated story though you couldn’t be certain of the subject.

“Are you?” you asked, looking back at him. Seonghwa grimaced. “To tell you the truth,” he started. “I’ve never really enjoyed parties like this. The dancing, the music, the people,” he continued, spinning you. “It’s never really appealed to me.”

You smiled up at him. “One of the many things I admire about you,” you said softly. “You don’t like being in the spotlight.” Seonghwa chuckled. “No,” he shook his head. “I really don’t. You don’t mind it, though,” he added. You shrugged. “I don’t mind it, seeing as I’m the only girl in my family, I tend to get a lot of attention.”

Seonghwa smiled as he pulled you slightly closer. “If you want to throw parties after we’re married,” he started. “I won’t mind. But please do not expect me to attend for longer than necessary.” You shook your head. “I would much rather go out to a party than host one,” you explained. “That way when we’re tired, we can just leave.”

Seonghwa let out a laugh, startling a few of the nearby guests. “I would much rather spend time at home with you anyway,” you said softly. Seonghwa’s eyes met yours and you felt your cheeks start to grow warm before looking away. You felt his knuckle under your chin, tilting your head back to look at him. “Don’t hide,” he said softly. “Always look at me.”

The song ended and the crowd applauded. Through it all, Seonghwa could see your father making his way over to the two of you. “I have a surprise for you,” he said in a low tone. “Come,” he added, gesturing. You kept a tight hold on Seonghwa, linking your arms with his as you followed your father out of the ballroom and through the house to the study.

Once inside and the door was shut, your father turned, beaming at the two of you. “Wow,” he exclaimed. “You do really make a handsome pair,” he said. “You said you had something for us?” you asked, which Seonghwa was thankful for. “I do!” your father said, clapping his hands together and moving to his desk.

You watched as he opened one of the drawers and pulled out a large green envelope. He undid the fastener and pulled out a sheet as he walked around the desk to stand before you again. He held out the sheet of paper which Seonghwa hesitantly took.

Reading over it, Seonghwa was confused so he handed the page to you, allowing you to read it. “The Library of Illusion Expedition?” you said softly, reading the title at the top before you looked up at your father. “They’ve found it?” you asked, your voice quivering.

Your father nodded. “There’s an expedition that’s said to have discovered the location of it and I know how much you loved the tales and lore as a child. I’ve managed to secure a team to take the two of you deep into the Carpathian Mountains of Romania to visit the location,” he said with a smile.

Seonghwa could feel your excitement rolling off you but deep in his gut, all he could feel was uncertainty, dread, fear. He couldn’t place why exactly, but going on this trip felt like it might be the end of something. He didn’t want to go but he knew how much this meant to you.

“What’s the itinerary?” he asked, keeping his voice calm and even.

“You depart next Tuesday from Charing Cross and take a train to Dover. From there, a ferry will take you to Calais where you will catch a train to Paris and board the Orient Express,” he explained. Your eyes lit up as you looked up from the paper. “The Orient Express?” you asked before looking at Seonghwa. “The Orient Express?!”

Your father nodded, smiling. “The very one. It takes a little over three days to travel from Paris to Istanbul on the train but you will be exiting the train before that. You’ll meet the expedition team in Paris on Tuesday night and depart on the Orient Express the following morning.”

“This is the trip of a lifetime,” you said, rushing to your father to hug him. “Thank you so much, Papa!” You turned to look at Seonghwa, positively beaming at him. “Isn’t this exciting?” you asked. Seonghwa knew he couldn’t break your spirit in front of your father and would have to just talk to you in private about it. He forced a smile. “It is,” he said with a nod.

“Indeed, a trip of a lifetime.”]

Seonghwa looked out the window as the train started to roll. He pulled his watch out to check the time. ‘Seven am,’ he thought as he read the time before closing the cap over the face and returning the watch to his pocket. “Right on time,” he whispered.

The train pulled out of the station, gaining momentum and speed as Charlotte fixed your tea before offering some to Seonghwa who declined. He wasn’t in the mood for tea. As the day wore on, Seonghwa spent the time going over some of the current deals for his business. He was in the market to expand and looking over options.

You had started to occupy the time with reading. Seonghwa glanced at the cover and read the title. “The Picture of Dorian Gray?” he asked, causing you to look up. You nodded slowly. “What sort of book is it?” he asked as Alfred put away the portfolio for the last company.

“It’s… philosophical,” you said, hesitating. “Oh?” Seonghwa asked as Alfred opened another portfolio, placing it on the tray in front of him. “What’s it about?” he asked, glancing down but still listening as you spoke. 

“It’s about a man named Dorian Gray. His friend, who is a painter and is infatuated with Dorian’s beauty, paints a portrait of him. When the main character realizes beauty will fade in time, he wants to sell his soul to stay young and attractive forever,” you replied.

Seonghwa glanced up at the book before looking at you. “Is he a vampire?” he jokingly asked. You shook your head, chuckling. “No,” you replied. “He sells his soul to… something,” you say. “Instead of aging, the portrait ages.”

Seonghwa stared at you for a moment. “Is it good?” he asked, noticing you were about three quarters of the way into the book. You nodded, looking down at the pages. “It’s really good,” you answered. “Who’s the author?” Seonghwa asked.

He looked up to find you watching him with a curious look. “What?” he asked. “If it’s a good read, I’d like to have a copy picked up when we return.” You smiled and shut the book before handing it over. “I’ve read it already,” you said as you leaned forward. “Multiple times.”

Seonghwa hesitantly took the book from you, inspecting the cover. “Thank you,” he said as you settled back into your seat while Charlotte perused through your bag. “I think there’s one of those Sherlock Holmes books in here,” she said softly. “It’s alright, Lottie,” you said, patting her arm.

“I’ll just watch the scenery.”

The train ride to Dover was long but by nearly ten in the morning, the train pulled into the station. Seonghwa had finished going over the portfolios, having separated the prospects from the ones he definitely didn’t want. There was a short ride from the station to the ferry and as soon as you arrived and went through inspection, you were allowed to board the boat, your luggage being stowed and you were shown to a private room.

Seonghwa had started the novel, reading the first few pages and being immediately drawn in. There was more to the story than you had previously let on. The ride by ferry only took a few hours and soon, you were disembarking, getting into yet another carriage. Seonghwa’s attention was focused entirely on the book, reading it and absorbing the contents as you sat across from him while Charlotte and Alfred made sure your luggage was accounted for and secured. You gently nudged his shoe with your foot.

Seonghwa looked up from the book as you looked at him before holding out your hand. Uncertain what you were silently asking for, Seonghwa took your hand anyway and let out a chuckle as you pulled him forward, sitting up and leaning in. “We’re in public,” he said softly as you reached up, cupping his cheek. “I don’t really care,” you whispered before leaning in, pressing your lips to his.

Before Seonghwa could fully appreciate the gesture, you pulled away as footsteps announced the arrival of Charlotte and Alfred at the carriage door. They both climbed in and the carriage set off as you settled back in your seat, Seonghwa in his.

The carriage arrived in no time at the Calais train station and per the itinerary, you boarded the train bound for Paris. You chose to sit next to Seonghwa this time, ignoring the raised brow look of Alfred as he took a seat beside Charlotte who sat opposite you beside the window with a knowing smile on her face.

You chose to sit next to Seonghwa so you could lean against him, finding comfort in the warmth emanating from his body as he silently read your book, eyes scanning the page before turning to the next one. It was quiet in the compartment until a conductor came by to announce that a late lunch was being served.

Seonghwa looked at you and you nodded, prompting him to mark his place in the novel and shut it. “I think we’ll join,” he said simply. Charlotte and Alfred accompanied the both of you to the dining car, taking one of the tables in the back corner. You sat across from Seonghwa, next to the window. You liked watching the scenery change as you got closer and closer to Paris.

For lunch, there were a few options. You chose something light, knowing you would get dinner in Paris. As you waited for your meals, you glanced at Seonghwa. “How do you like the novel?” you asked, trying to keep the conversation light as well.

“You were right,” he said, turning his head to look at you after having stared out the window for so long. “It’s very good.” You nodded understandingly, picking up the wine glass in front of you. “What do you think of the main character?”

Seonghwa watched as you took a sip before realizing you were waiting for an answer. “Of Dorian?” he asked. He lowered his eyes to his own glass. “I think he’s… lost.” You looked up at him, watching his fingers drum lightly on the table as he seemed lost in thought.

“He’s seemed to have lost himself to this ideal of beauty, doing things that no one should do and he’s doing them simply because he can,” he continued. You let out a hum as you mulled over his words. “That’s one way of looking at it, I suppose,” you answered. Seonghwa let out a light laugh as he looked up to meet your gaze. “How would you describe him?” he asked.

You leaned forward, resting your chin on your hands, lacing your fingers together. “He’s depraved for sure but I think that depravity comes from somewhere deep within him,” you said softly. “Like he was always depraved, he just decided to let it all out since nothing would happen to him anyway.”

Seonghwa nodded as he processed your words. “Would you do it?” he asked suddenly, making you look up at him. “If you could sell your soul and anything that happened to you happened to a portrait of you, would you do the same thing he did? Go absolutely mad?”

You laughed heartily at his question before shaking your head. “No,” you answered. “I would make better use of my time,” you added. “I might pursue more academic or scientific endeavors. I wouldn’t visit opium dens, or take part in such debauchery.”

Seonghwa watched as you turned, eyes lighting up as your meals arrived at the table at long last. He thanked the server as they set his plate down before him before looking at you, catching your gaze. “I would. Only if a little,” he said with a smirk.

Your eyes widened but you were unable to inquire further as you immediately dug into your lunch.

After finishing the delicious meal, you returned to the compartment and sat between your fiance and the window while he read some more from the book. Alfred was reading from a small book , Charlotte working on an embroidery piece when you felt the urge to use the restroom. You sat up, prompting Seonghwa to look up from the book.

“I need to use the facilities,” you announced softly. Charlotte made to get up but you dismissed her with a wave and polite smile. “I won’t be long,” you added as you opened the door, stepping out into the hall and shutting it again.

You headed down the hall, passing door after door, some with the shades up and some with them down as you made your way to the back of the train car. You were thankful the women’s stall was empty and immediately stepped in, closing and locking the door before starting to gather your skirts.

It wasn’t extremely difficult normally to do this on your own but in such a small confined space, it was definitely proving to be much more difficult. You somehow managed and flushed the toilet before moving to wash your hands. Once cleaned and dry, you moved to open the door and ran into a man as you tried to exit.

“Oh!” you said, stumbling backwards. He gave you a warm smile but the gesture did not reach his eyes; eyes that were now starting to travel, roaming up and down your figure. “I am so sorry,” you said breathlessly. “My apologies.”

You tried to side step him but he blocked your path. “A young lady like you should not be running about, unattended,” he said. His words sounded concerned but his tone was anything other than that. You swallowed thickly. “I’m not unattended,” you replied. “I was just using the facilities. My attendants are in my compartment.”

You tried once more to move past but instead of stepping in front of you, you felt him grab your upper arm very tightly, causing you to wince and let out a small gasp of pain. “Unhand me,” you said, attempting to pull away but he was much stronger.

“Do you have any idea how easy it would be to drag you into an empty compartment?” he asked, his voice dangerously low as he leaned in to whisper in your ear. “I could cover your mouth, lock the door, and shut the shades and no one would be any wiser.” You opened your mouth to respond but a voice cut through.

“If you do not take your hand off my fiancee right now, I’ll show you how easy it would be to kick you from the back of a moving train.”

The man holding your arm turned and you felt relief wash over you at the sight of Seonghwa standing in the hallway behind the man. “We’re talking here,” the man started. Seonghwa took a single step forward. “Did you not hear me?” he asked, tilting his head slowly. “I said take your hand off my fiancee.”

The man looked down at you and pulled his hand back as if he’d been burned. You took that opportunity to stomp on his toes, hard, as you pushed past him and immediately grabbed Seonghwa’s arm. You tried to turn him and lead him away but instead he stared at the man until he finally slunk away.

You looked up at Seonghwa as he blinked and then looked down at you, his expression softened. “Are you alright?” he asked, taking your chin in his hand and checking to make sure you had no marks. “I’m alright,” you answered. “That was something,” you added, looking to the empty hall and back. “It was nothing,” Seonghwa answered as you started back down the hall to your compartment. “On the contrary,” you said as you stopped, turning to look at him.

“It was extremely attractive. You’re so… seductive when you’re mad.”

The rest of the train ride passed without incident and soon, the train was pulling into the station in Paris. You disembarked, following Charlotte to the carriage with Seonghwa in tow while Alfred made sure your luggage was collected promptly.

After securing all the bags, the carriage took you to a nearby hotel where you would be staying the night before boarding the Orient Express in the morning. You checked into the hotel and were shown to a large suite with two rooms where you could change before dinner.

At the hotel, on the ground floor, was a restaurant where you would be dining. The atmosphere was cozy but chic with small round tables covered in white table cloths. This was the first time you would be dining with Seonghwa without either of your attendants and it suddenly felt much more… intimate.

The maitre d’ was a tall, well dressed man who smiled as he spoke in French and showed you to your table. You thanked him as Seonghwa moved to pull out your chair for you, leaving both you and the maitre d’ speechless. Once Seonghwa sat down, he wasted no time in ordering a bottle of wine, something sweet because he knew your pallet by this point.

Afterwards, the server came to explain the specials and the menu. There were quite a few options to choose from but you ended up choosing the chicken entree while Seonghwa opted for the lamb. You both picked an appetizer to share and the server was gone, leaving you alone.

“This is the first time we’ve been out in public without our valets,” Seonghwa said as he lifted his glass of wine, swirling it gently. You hummed in response, staring at him, watching as he took a sip of the wine. “How is it?” you asked. He smiled as he looked at you. “Delicious,” he answered, setting the glass down. “Very sweet.”

You picked up your own glass and took a sip, savoring the sweetness. There was a tart bite to it as well that you equally enjoyed. “And when we leave the inn in the village outside Sinaia, we’ll be on our own as well,” you reminded him. Seonghwa looked up at you, a darkness to his eyes you’d never seen before.

Well, not never, but very rarely.

“How will we survive?” he joked, breaking the tension.

Your conversation continued, chatting about a few different things. Seonghwa was almost finished with the first half of the book so you continued to ask him about his thoughts until your food arrived.

Everything on your plates was made to perfection, seasoned perfectly and beyond your expectations. As dinner wound down, Alfred arrived. The bill was paid and Seonghwa helped you up as his valet walked over.

“You’re meant to meet the rest of the expedition team, sir,” Alfred said under his breath. Seonghwa nodded. “Where are they?” Seonghwa asked. “At the pub across the street,” Alfred replied. You glanced between them as Seonghwa frowned. “Very well. Could you please escort Y/N back to the room and —”

“No,” you said firmly. “I’m part of this expedition, I want to meet the people my father hired.” Seonghwa gave you a look, brows raised before he conceded. “As you wish,” he said, gesturing for Alfred to lead the way.

Stopping to grab your coats, you followed the two men to the hotel lobby door and out onto the busy street. Crossing the street proved to be much more difficult than you had expected but you managed to make it, pulling your coat tighter around you as Alfred opened the door to what you assumed was the pub.

Seonghwa carefully guided you in, keeping you close as you entered. Alfred took the lead, heading towards the bar. It wasn’t at all what you were picturing. You had expected it to be loud, full of rowdy drunk people and while it was loud, it was mainly due to the quartet playing on a small stage where a very beautiful woman in a red dress was singing.

You turned away as Seonghwa took your arm, guiding you to where a group of men were sitting. “Alfred!” one of the men shouted, clearly excited to see Seonghwa’s valet. “Come to join us for a round?” Alfred offered a polite smile before he declined. 

“I’ve come to introduce Mr. Park,” he said, gesturing to Seonghwa. “And Miss Y/L/N.” One of the other men snorted as he raised his glass to drink his beer. “Who cares?” he said, receiving a smack to the back of the head from the man who had spoken first. He coughed as he choked on his beer, earning a laugh from another man. 

“Ahh pay him no mind, ma’am,” the man who smacked the other. “Charley doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut.” You forced a smile. “Especially when he sees a pretty woman,” a sultry voice from beside you said. You turned in time to see the woman who had been on stage walking past you as she joined the group.

Alfred cleared his throat before speaking. “Miss Y/L/N’s father is the one funding this expedition,” he explained. A murmur went around the table with Charley apologizing.

“So,” you started. “What are your names?”

The man who had hit Charley upside the back of the head sat up. He was a younger bright-eyed fellow. “Thom,” he said immediately. “The name’s Thom. This is Charlie,” he pointed to Charley who nodded his head. “Everett, Enoch, and Adelaide,” he continued, pointing to each person until he got to the woman who had been singing. 

“You can call me Della,” she said as two more women appeared with trays of shots and set them down. “This is Sophronia,” Thom said, gesturing at the blonde who lightly hit his shoulder. “I told you I hate being called that!” she whined before looking up ato give you a smile. “Sophie is just fine,” she added. 

“And I’m Euphemia,” the other woman, one with short brown curls said. “Effie is fine,” she added with a smile. “Y/N,” you replied in an attempt to introduce yourself. “Oh you have such a pretty name!” Della squealed as she sat next to Thom. “Thank you,” you said, cheeks growing warm.

“And who is this tall, handsome man?” Della asked, walking around you to Seonghwa, and leaning against the table to fix him with a very seductive smile. “Mr. Park—” Alfred started, only for Seonghwa to interrupt. “Seonghwa Park,” he answered. “Y/N is my fiancee,” he added, which made Della perk up.

“My apologies,” she said, moving back around to sit next to an Asian man sitting on the end. “And this,” Everett started, pointing at the man. “Is our ninja, Hiro.”

The man made a move to hit him but just laughed it off. “Hiro Tadasaki,” he said, standing up and bowing. Seonghwa returned the bow. “Konbanwa,” you said, also bowing. Hiro looked surprised but pleasantly so as he sat back down. “Join us,” Effie said excitedly. 

You smiled apologetically. “I’m afraid I must decline,” you said softly. “I don’t really drink. Just wine with dinner and champagne on special occasions.” Effie nodded in understanding as the guys grabbed for the shots. 

“Moderation is good,” Della said as she picked up her glass. “Not that any of these idiots would understand,” she added, making you laugh and sending a wink your way as she sipped her cocktail.

“I’ll stay,” Seonghwa said suddenly, taking you and the table by surprise. He turned to Alfred. “Please escort Y/N back to the suite,” Seonghwa said as he removed his coat, hanging off the back of one of the chairs. You glanced at Alfred before gently taking his hand.

“Are you sure about this? I don’t think I could sleep knowing you aren’t in the next room.” Seonghwa gave you a reassuring smile. “I won’t stay long. I just need to relay some information and then I’ll be back to the hotel room. I promise.”

You nodded as he took a seat and Alfred held out his hand, gesturing towards the exit. You allowed him to lead you back outside, across the street and into the hotel. The lift ride up to the third floor was uneventful and soon you were approaching the door to the suite.

“I shall return to Master Park,” Alfred said as you opened the door. “I will see to it that he leaves at an appropriate time,” he added. You gave him a small relieved smile. “Thank you Alfred,” you said softly.

He turned and walked back to the elevator as you shut the door and walked into the room where Charlotte was working on her embroidery. “Miss?” she said as she stood up. “Could I get some tea, Lottie?” you asked to which she nodded and moved the door as you sat down.

Some time passed and she returned, shutting the door and walking over. “Would you like to get out of your dinner dress?” she asked, prompting you to look up at her. “Oh, yes,” you said, getting to your feet and walking into the room you would be sharing with Charlotte for the night. 

She helped you out of your dress and put on your nightgown. You pulled on your dressing gown and headed back out into the living area of the suite to wait for the tea to arrive. It did so only several minutes later and Charlotte prepared it for you.

“It’s bedtime, Miss,” Charlotte announced in a soft voice, taking your empty cup that had been in your hand. “I think I’m going to stay up until they return,” you said, stifling a yawn. Charlotte nodded, giving you a small curtsy. “May I be excused to go to bed?” You nodded silently, resting your head in your hand as Charlotte bid you goodnight.

You had no idea how much time passed or when you fell asleep but you woke to the sound of the door being fiddled with and then the sound of someone attempting to unlock the door. You stood up carefully as the door opened and Seonghwa came in, half carrying Alfred.

“Oh my goodness,” you said as you started forward. Seonghwa shut the door with a laugh before guiding Alfred over to the couch and letting the man plop down, a laugh escaping him as well.

You looked down at Alfred and up at your fiance as he removed his coat and crossed the room to hang it up. “Are you drunk?” you asked, narrowing your eyes. Seonghwa turned to look at you. “Drunk?” he repeated.

“No,” he added as he walked over. “No, no, no.” He stopped to look down at Alfred. “But I think he is,” he added, attempting to stifle his laughter as he rounded the couch, taking your hand. “And I am only slightly drunk. Tipsy, I think is what they called it,” he continued, bringing your hand up to his face, pressing a kiss to the back. 

“You look pretty,” he said, holding your arm out and taking a step back to look you over with a look of adoration. “I’m in my dressing gown,” you said with a laugh as he made you spin before pulling you closer, his hands moving towards your waist.

“Dressing gown?” he said with a scoff. “That won’t do.” He leaned in, pressing a kiss to your cheek. “How are you going to sleep in that?” he asked, his hands sliding to your hips. “How are you going to sleep in any of this?” he whispered, fingers toying with the silky material of your gowns.

“Should just sleep naked,” he continued. You giggled as he kissed your neck. “Seonghwa,” you whispered, glancing over to where Alfred lay on the couch. “Anyone could see,” you added. He pulled back to look at you, taking your face in his hands.

“Then let’s change the scenery,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to your lips. Your hands moved to his chest, feeling him through the material as he parted your lips with his, his tongue slipping into your mouth. It wasn’t like Seonghwa had never kissed you like this before.

It just wasn’t a regular occurrence. You whimpered into the kiss as his hands slid down to your neck, one continuing down your back to pull you against him. “Seonghwa,” you whispered as he broke the kiss, leaving a trail of them down the other side of your neck.

“Hmm?” he hummed as his kisses continued further still. “Shouldn’t we leave this until the wedding night?” you whispered, voice shaking. He pulled back to look up at you. “If that’s what you want,” he started, caressing your cheek gently. “Then of course.”

“But,” he continued. “We could always just take this to my room.” You felt excitement and fear bubble in your stomach. On one hand, you wanted to do just that but on the other, you felt like it was wrong. You’d been told all your life that premarital sex was wrong and sex should only be between a husband and wife.

“I think we should take a step back,” you whispered. Seonghwa sighed but smiled at you all the same. “Of course, sweetheart,” he said, taking your face in his hands once more and kissing the tip of your nose before kissing you on the lips. “I’ll let Alfred sleep it off out here,” he added as he walked you to your door. 

“I’ll see you in the morning,” he said, leaning against the door frame as you opened the door and turned to him. “Goodnight, Seonghwa,” you said softly. He cupped your cheek, leaning in to kiss you. “Goodnight, petal,” he said softly. He stepped backwards before turning to walk back to his room.

“Hwa?” you called out as he reached the middle of the room and turned to look at you. “I love you,” you said softly. A smile spread across his face. “I love you too, Blossom.”

The following morning, you awoke when Charlotte gently shook you, telling you breakfast was going to be delivered to the room. She moved to open the curtains, letting light into the room as you sat up, stretching and yawning.

“Is Seonghwa awake?” you asked as Charlotte came to your side of the bed and set a pair of house slippers on the floor for you to put on. “Mr. Park got up early,” she told you. “He went for a jog and came back to shower. He’s sitting in the common area, reading over the itinerary.”

You inhaled deeply before letting out a sigh and rolling your neck before pulling back the covers and scooting to the edge of the mattress. “He was up awfully early for someone who was half drunk last night,” you murmured. Charlotte looked up as she slid one of the slippers onto your feet.

“Drunk?” she asked. You looked down as she grabbed the second slipper. “I was sitting in the common room after you left. I must have dozed off but I heard the door open and Seonghwa came in with Alfred who was particularly…” you trailed off, wondering if you should continue your train of thought.

“Sloshed?” Charlotte asked, raising a brow. Your lips spread into a smirk before you forced it away. “Very,” you answered. Charlotte held back a smile as she finished and stood, moving to your trunk and opening it as you stood, grabbing your dressing gown.

“Which one would you like to wear today, ma’am?” Charlotte asked, looking up as you approached. “I think the black skirt with the white blouse,” you answered. “With the black and gold belt.” Charlotte smiled and started to pull out the articles of clothing you mentioned. 

“Would you like the matching coat, miss?” You nodded as you moved to the vanity, watching Charlotte set the clothes aside in the reflection of the oval mirror before walking over to where you sat. “Could you do light makeup today, please,” you said as you looked at her through the reflection. “We’re traveling all day today and I really don’t want to overdo it.” Charlotte gave you a smile and nodded as she opened the small cosmetic bag and got to work.

Once finishing your makeup and hair, Charlotte helped you into your blouse and skirt before helping you put on your boots over your stockings. She grabbed your jacket and handed it to you before moving to pack away your things as you headed out into the common area where Seonghwa was standing by the window, using the natural light to read over a sheet of paper. He looked up as you entered, smiling at you.

“Good morning,” you said as you walked over to sit at the table, making sure to drape your jacket over the back of your seat. Seonghwa folded the paper and tucked it back into an envelope, handing it to Alfred and asking him to put it back in his luggage for safekeeping. You thanked the kitchen staff as they set a plate on the table before you and moved to pour tea into your cup.

“Morning, blossom,” Seonghwa said as he moved around the table, leaning down to press a kiss to your cheek before moving to take his seat. “How did you sleep?” he asked, settling into his chair as the server finished pouring your tea. She moved to pour some for Seonghwa but he dismissed her politely, asking instead for coffee.

“I slept alright,” you answered as you picked up the small ceramic creamer and poured a small amount of cream into your tea before picking up the spoon in the sugar dish and added it to your tea as well, stirring it with your own tea spoon. You looked up at Seonghwa and noticed that despite his late night revelry, he looked well rested.

“I should be asking you that,” you continued, drawing his attention. “Hmm?” he hummed, as he picked up the newspaper brought with breakfast. “Why is that?” he asked.You took a sip of your tea as the server finished setting Seonghwa’s plate before him. “You came in so late last night,” you noted as you set your tea down and grabbed your knife, dipping the tip into the butter spread.

Seonghwa let out a soft chuckle as he looked back down at the paper. “It wasn’t that late,” he replied. “But I went straight to bed after you,” he continued. “Slept very well, in fact.” He glanced up at you. “Until Alfredo woke me,” he added as his valet returned to the room, carrying Seonghwa’s coat. He set the coat down and walked over to the table. “I will fetch the bellhop and have your luggage taken down to the carriages,” he announced.

You looked up from spreading jam on your croissant before looking at Seonghwa. “Carriages? As in more than one?” you asked. Seonghwa looked up at you before turning to Alfred. “Thank you, Alfred,” he said before turning back to you. Alfred walked to the door, following the service cart out and leaving you and your fiance alone.

“For whatever reason,” Seonghwa started as he folded the paper and set it down. “We’re taking two carriages to the Gare de l’Est,” he continued, picking up his coffee and taking a sip before making a face and setting it back down. “Would you pass me the cream? I don’t know why I always expect the coffee to taste anything but bitter,” he added as you nodded, picking up the creamer and moving it closer.

“Why are we taking two carriages?” you wondered aloud. “We took one from the train to the ferry and then from the ferry to the train in Calais.” Seonghwa shook his head as he poured some of the white cream into his cup before picking up a teaspoon and stirring it. “I don’t know why,” he explained. “But the hotel service sent for two. Perhaps it is because we aren’t married yet.” You settled back in your seat, picking at your food.

“I suppose,” you murmured. Seonghwa took another sip of coffee after stirring in some sugar to go with the cream. “Besides,” he said as he set the cup down and glanced up at you. “I don’t think I could sit in such close, confined quarters with you and keep my hands to myself.”

Your eyes widened as you quickly turned to make sure Charlotte was still in your room, behind closed doors packing your things before turning back to Seonghwa. “Keep your voice down!” you whispered, trying to fight the smile that wanted to overtake your face. Seonghwa gave you a smirk as he started into his own breakfast.

“You can’t fault me for having these urges,” he said softly. “Not when you look so enticing every day.” Your cheeks grew warm as you looked down at your food, avoiding his gaze. “Look at me,” he said softly. You looked up at him, cheeks burning even more as you met his gaze. “I mean it when I say that once we are married, I have no intention of keeping separate rooms,” he continued.

“That’s not proper,” you whispered. Seonghwa tilted his head with a confident smile. “I don’t care what’s proper,” he added. “When we’re married, you’ll be my wife and I your husband. Unless you absolutely want to, we’re not sleeping in separate beds. My parents never slept in separate beds,” he stated. “Rules be damned, I’m sleeping with my wife.” You let out a giggle, cutting it short as the door behind you opened and Charlotte appeared.

“I’ve packed your things, Miss,” she said in a soft voice. “Thank you, Lottie,” you said, keeping your eyes on your fiance as he stared at you. Seonghwa held your gaze until the door to the hall opened and Alfred returned with two bellhops. “All the luggage from both bedrooms,” Alfred instructed. “Are Miss Y/L/N’s things packed?” he asked Charlotte who nodded enthusiastically.

“Take them down to the carriages waiting outside, please,” Alfred added as the bellhops nodded and headed into the two bedrooms. You continued eating as they carried the items out of the rooms and from the suite. Seonghwa had resumed reading the paper and you busied yourself with your croissant and tea.

Once the rooms had been cleared and breakfast consumed, the service cart returned to clear the table while Charlotte helped you into your coat while Seonghwa finished reading, thanking the service attendant and stood up, taking his coat from Alfred and pulling it on himself. You walked towards the door, Charlotte in tow and exited only after Seonghwa gestured for you to.

The hall was alive with activity as patrons were checking out of their rooms, luggage piled onto carts to be taken down to the lobby. You stood beside Seonghwa as you waited for one of the lifts which arrived promptly. Once inside, you stood quietly as the lift lowered down, stopping at the lobby to let you out.

The grand lobby was also buzzing with chatter and a frenzy of staff zoomed around as patrons checked out and some lounged around, no doubt waiting for carriages to take them to their destinations. Outside the hotel was a much different atmosphere than it had been the night before. The street was lit by the rising sun, light hitting the cobblestone roads at an angle.

Two black carriages, pulled by beautiful black stallions, stood waiting for you to board. Seonghwa stopped by the first one as the footman opened the door. “Your carriage,” Seonghwa said with an amused smile on his face, making you want to roll your eyes. You took the hand he offered and stepped up onto the carriage step and inside.

Charlotte followed, also assisted by your fiance. You leaned into the window after the door shut. “I wish you didn’t have to ride separately,” you said softly, making him smile. “I’ll see you at the station,” he replied, giving you a wink before he turned and made his way to the second carriage. You sat back in your seat across from Charlotte with a huff.

Amused by your small fit, Charlotte leaned forward, patting your hand. “Soon you’ll be married and it won’t matter anymore,” she said softly. You gave her a small smile, nodding, before you looked out the window. After a few moments, the carriage lurched forward, the sound of hooves clopping against the cobblestone rang out as you were on your way.

The ride to the Gare de l’Est station wasn’t long, thankfully, and soon you were pulling up to the entrance. The carriage door opened and you climbed out, thanking the footman who helped you down as men immediately started to unload your luggage. 

Seonghwa joined you as you looked up at the station while Afred instructed the attendants on where to put the luggage. Your eyes traveled over the stone facade of the building, admiring the architecture and details. “Shall we?” you heard Seonghwa ask from beside you, taking your attention away from the building. Nodding, you took the arm he offered and walked forward into the station.

You were prompt and on time to go through inspection and check-in. Once through, you were directed to a place to wait for the boarding process to begin. You took a seat at a small bistro table, Seonghwa sitting across from you while Charlotte sat next to you and Alfred went to oversee the luggage and make sure it made it to the correct rooms.

“There he is!” a voice called, making you look up to see the team you had met yesterday walking towards your table. Seonghwa smiled, standing up as you watched him interact with the group. Thom turned to look at you, giving you a small bow of the head. “Miss,” he greeted you. “Your fiance can certainly hold his own when it comes to shots,” he said, pointing at Seonghwa who tried to dismiss his compliments.

You forced a polite smile at the man before glancing at Seonghwa. You looked away as he caught your eye and busied yourself with the small menu on the table while the group chatted with your fiance. You tuned out what they were saying as you stared intently at the menu but not really reading it. You just wanted something to look at.

“Are you alright, miss?” Charlotte asked, placing a hand on your shoulder, a hint of concern in her voice. “Yes, Lottie,” you said a little more forcefully than you intended. You placed your hand over hers in a silent apology. “I’m fine,” you added.

“Blossom?” Seonghwa’s voice asked as he took a seat beside you. “Everything alright?” You nodded, not looking up as the group continued to chatter amongst each other. “We’re going to get a couple drinks at the bar,” Charley announced, making Seonghwa look up. “Care to join us?” Seonghwa glanced back at you but you didn’t look up to meet his gaze.

You half expected him to accept but when he declined, citing maybe on the train, you felt both a bit surprised but also extremely relieved. Charley followed the group and you let out a sigh. Seonghwa asked Charlotte to go ask for something for you to drink and once you were alone, Seonghwa tilted your head back to look at him.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked, eyes searching your face. “We don’t have to do this,” he reminded you once more. “We can turn around and go back home.” You shook your head. “I want to do this,” you replied. “I want to go on this trip.” Seonghwa studied your face for a moment before conceding. “As you wish,” he said softly, dropping his hand as Charlotte returned with a glass of water.

Time ticked by as you waited. About ten minutes before you were due to start boarding, Alfred returned, a look of frustration on his face. “We have a problem,” he said in a low voice meant only for Seonghwa to hear but you heard it, too. “A problem?” you asked, looking up. Seonghwa told you to wait a moment as he got up and walked with Alfred, who led him over to a short, official looking man with a conductor’s coat and hat.

The three of them spoke quickly in a hushed tone but you were too far from them to pick up on what they were saying, even if they spoke in normal voices. Seonghwa looked positively furious at what the conductor was saying and after a few back and forths with the man, Seonghwa conceded and returned with Alfred.

You looked at him as he sat back down, muttering under his breath. “What’s wrong?” you asked, glancing from him to Alfred and back. “There’s been a mix up with the rooms on the train,” Alfred explained. “They’ve mistakenly assumed you were a married couple and given away one of the rooms to a contessa.”

You stared in disbelief at him. “What?” you asked softly. “I am terribly sorry,” Alfred said, bowing his head. “This is outrageous,” Seonghwa said, clearly upset with the situation. You placed a hand over his. “It’s going to be alright,” you said softly. “You and Charlotte still have your bunks, correct?” you asked, looking up at Alfredo who nodded.

“Of course,” he replied. We are next door to one another,” Alfred answered. You turned to Seonghwa. “Unless someone doesn’t show up, we’ll just have to grin and bear it,” you said reassuringly. “It’s going to be fine. What’s the worst that can happen?”

Half an hour later, you were escorted to the train and once on board, Charlotte and Alfred were shown to their rooms while you and your fiance were shown to your private room by one of the conductors. You thanked him as Seonghwa looked around the room. “Will you be requiring anything?” the conductor asked Seonghwa who didn’t answer. You turned and smiled.

“No, thank you,” you replied. The conductor nodded and headed back down the hall, shutting the door in the process. “See?” you said softly. “It’s not so bad. We’re going to be married soon anyway, so what does it matter?” you asked, moving to turn Seonghwa to face you.

“It matters because I don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” he said softly. “Last night we —” 

He was interrupted by a knock and reluctantly turned to face the door. “Come in,” he said in a calm tone despite the panicked voice he’d just had when speaking to you. The food opened and Alfred peered in. “Is everything to your liking?” he asked. Seonghwa nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “If you could just give us a moment?” Alfred nodded, stepping out and shutting the door.

“We’ll discuss this later,” he said softly, stopping only when you gently grabbed his hand and pulled him back towards you. “We will be fine,” you reminded him. “I know what almost happened last night and we’ll just have to exercise restraint,” you said softly, cupping his cheek. “I know we can do that.”

Seonghwa nodded wordlessly, his expression a mix between frustration and solemnity. You leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. “We’ll be fine,” you repeated.

The rest of the train filled up quickly and as the conductor said, it was a full train. You had opted to stay in your compartment while Seonghwa went to speak to Alfred about your schedules while on board the train. You had retrieved one of your books from your luggage and were in the process of reading when Seonghwa returned, closing the door and taking a seat beside you on the couch.

You could tell he was upset about something, marking the page you were on and setting the book on the table between your end of the couch and the small partition between the couch and the bedroom area. “What’s wrong?” you asked, turning to look at him. Seonghwa glanced at you, arms crossed over his chest and looking every bit of a sullen child.

“It’s nothing,” he said, turning to stare out the window across from where you both sat. After a moment of silence, you sighed, reaching over and grabbing his arm. You tugged gently, trying to pull him closer. Seonghwa looked at you, giving you a look of confusion before you gestured for him to lay down. He hesitated before finally giving in, lying on his back, resting his head on your lap.

“If you don’t want to talk about it, I won’t ask,” you said in a gentle tone, running your fingers through his soft hair as you spoke. “But I want you to forget about it or at the very least put it at the back of your mind and just be here, in this moment.” Seonghwa stared up at you as you combed through his hair. He conceded, shutting his eyes and letting out a sigh.

You sat like that in silence for a while before he finally spoke.

“I’m sorry,” he finally said quietly. “For what?” you asked, continuing to stroke his hair, looking down at him with a deep fondness in your heart. Your fondness for him had only grown since he first opened up to you when he was courting you after you had turned him down out of fear.

It was true in the beginning that you had been very apprehensive about Seonghwa. He’d pursued you with a tenacity that scared you initially. You feared he was only interested in you for your looks and social standing but you learned that while his physical attraction to you was true, he’d heard about your interests and your hobbies and wanted to know more.

He proved himself to be interested in getting to know your mind and heart and that had been the final push you needed to accept his attempts to court you. Your parents had always wanted you to make a good match but they also wanted you to be happy with your choice. They were never going to force you to marry a man you didn’t or couldn’t love.

“For all of this,” he said, waving his hand around the cabin. Your brows knitted together. “It’s not your fault,” you reminded him, smoothing his hair down. “The staff just assumed we were married already. It’s really not a problem. It’ll just help us prepare for sharing a bed when we are married.” Seonghwa’s eyes opened and he looked up at you.

“I suppose you’re right,” he said as he looked up at you with the same fondness you felt in your chest. “Since I don’t plan on keeping separate beds once we’re married,” he added as he sat up and turned to face you. “I suppose we can use this trip to help us prepare for married life.” You nodded, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek. Instead of letting you pull away, Seonghwa pulled you back in for a kiss.

He let out a groan of frustration when there was a knock on the door. “What is it?” he asked loudly as you fought the urge to smile at his annoyance. The door opened and one of the conductors looked into the room. “Lunch is being served, sir,” he announced. “Thank you,” Seonghwa said, dismissing the conductor and turning back to you. “Would you like to join the dining car or would you prefer to take lunch in your private cabin?”

Seonghwa gave you a look before turning. “In here would be best,” he answered. “Then please look over the menu and make a decision. I will send a server to come get your orders soon.” The conductor shut the door and left you and your fiance alone once more. Seonghwa got up from the couch and grabbed the small menu that sat on the table.

You watched as his eyes narrowed as he read over it. “Anything good?” you asked as he read the options to himself. He stared a little longer before handing it to you. You took it from him, reading over the menu. “Some chicken and beef options and… fish?” you said, sounding mildly surprised. You looked up at him. “On a train?” you asked before chuckling.

Seonghwa snorted. “I don’t know if I would trust the fish,” he added. You chuckled to yourself as you read the menu once more. “Let’s just order something simple for lunch and then for dinner, we can always get something more—”

“Complex?” Seonghwa asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Precisely,” you said, looking up at him. “You choose,” Seonghwa said as he took his seat beside you with a sigh. “I’m not particular.”

You ended up choosing a salad, the beef bourguignon with boiled potatoes, and small chocolate mousse cups for dessert. After ordering, you resumed your book while waiting, Seonghwa resumed laying on the couch with his head resting in your lap as you read quietly.

“What are you reading?” he finally asked. “Sherlock Holmes,” you answered as you turned the page. “Which one?” You glanced down at him. “A Study in Scarlet,” you answered, looking back up at the page. “Haven’t you read that one?” Seonghwa asked, watching your face as you read. “Mhmm,” you hummed. “Many times,” you added.

“Would you read some to me?” he asked, making you look away from the page again. “You want me to read to you?” you asked, feeling slightly amused at the idea of reading to your soon-to-be husband. “Yes, please,” he replied, shutting his eyes as he rested. You took a deep breath and looked back up to the page. “Very well,” you answered.

“‘I  had neither kith nor kin in England, and was therefore as free as air—or as free as an income of eleven shillings and sixpence a day will permit a man to be,’” you read from the page. “‘Under such circumstances, I naturally gravitated to London, that great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers of the Empire are irresistibly drained.”

You continued to read the opening of Watson’s account of his first interaction with the Detective until there was a knock at the door, indicating the food had arrived. You marked the page and shut it as Seonghwa sighed and sat up. “Will we always continue to be interrupted?” he asked softly as he ran his fingers through his hair before getting up and answering the door.

Lunch had arrived and as you took your seat, you were grateful for the small reprieve. Seonghwa sat across from you as the staff set the table and served the dishes. You thanked them, picking up your salad fork and digging in, feeling particularly ravenous. It had been a while since your early breakfast. Seonghwa took amusement at your eagerness to consume your food.

“Hungry?” he asked, his voice mirroring his expression. “Very,” you replied. “Aren’t you?” Seonghwa looked up from the table, giving you a look you recognized. It was one he’d given you twice before: once when you’d shown up to a social party wearing a very figure flattering green dress and again last night when he returned to the suite slightly intoxicated. You could guess what that expression meant.

“Oh I am,” he replied before looking back down at his food. “But not entirely for beef bourguignon.”

Your cheeks burned as you turned your attention back to your food, finishing your salad so you could get the main portion of your meal. Seonghwa had fallen silent as he ate so you felt the need to fill the silence. “Would you like me to resume reading after lunch?” You noticed the smile that appeared on his face before he looked up and looked at you with that same look as before.

“If it pleases you to do so,” he said softly. “Then it pleases me.”

The statement was so simple and yet so much was said with those few words. Seonghwa had never once put his own pleasure or wants before yours. He only proceeded with the proposal after he had discussed it and marriage in length with you. He wanted to make sure that whatever you both did, that you were the happiest. He had often said he would give up everything for you though you saw no need for him to go to such lengths. All you wanted in life was your books and him.

That’s all you needed.

When lunch concluded and the table cleared, Seonghwa was about to return to the couch but instead, you removed your shoes and moved to the bed, settling over the covers against the pillows and patted the bed beside you. He hesitated only for a moment before joining you, removing his shoes before crawling onto the bed and settling down against the pillows beside you.

You resumed reading, reading the entirety of chapters one through four before glancing over at Seonghwa, finding him fast asleep. With a smile, you marked the page and shut the book softly before setting it on the bedside table and turning to face your fiance only to find he had woken up.

“Why’d you stop?” he asked softly. You reached out, brushing his hair out of his eyes. “I thought you were asleep,” you replied. “No,” he said, clearing his throat. “Just had my eyes closed.” You smiled and scooted closer, pressing a kiss to his lips. “If you’re tired, you should sleep.” Seonghwa grumbled. “I’m not tired.”

You giggled as his arms encircled you, pulling you against him as he rested his head against your chest. “But maybe a nap wouldn’t be such a bad idea.” You laughed again as he nuzzled against you. “Or maybe you could wake me up?” he asked, looking up at you. “How would I do that?” you asked, letting out a squeak as he rolled you onto your back, hovering over you.

His hips slotted between your thighs, pressing your skirt against you as he looked down at your face, studying it carefully. “S-Seonghwa,” you whispered, cheeks burning under his heated gaze. He leaned in, lips inches from yours as he stared into your eyes. “Do you want me to stop?” he whispered.

You shook your head, staring back up at him with wide and curious but excited eyes. Seonghwa closed the distance, pressing his lips to yours. The moment he kissed you, a moan sounded from the back of your throat. Seonghwa swallowed it eagerly, rolling his hips and pressing into you.

Your hands moved to his shoulders and he pulled back to look at you. “Are you alright?” he asked softly. You nodded. “I’m fine,” you said, voice shaking. “This is just new to me.” Seonghwa’s expression softened. “I know we’re meant to wait until we’re married,” he started, leaning down to kiss you softly, leaving a trail of light kisses across your cheek until his lips were next to your ear.

“But I really want to undress you and take you right here.”

Your stomach fluttered, the feeling of butterflies erupting tickling you at his admission. It was the same feeling you got when he kissed you for the very first time or when he got down on one knee and proposed to you right after the two of you had gotten caught in the rain. 

You had been on a walk and it was a dreary day but you still hadn’t expected the skies to open and rain to come pouring down. Alfred and Charlotte had been following behind and when the rain started, they took shelter while you and Seonghwa had taken shelter further down under a small overhang. Laughter escaped the two of you as you stood staring at one another, completely drenched.

Seonghwa had pulled you in, kissing you and not caring who saw before he told you that he loved you and got down on one knee to propose. It was completely impromptu. He didn’t even have the ring on him. Instead there had been an entire dinner planned where he was going to ask you in front of all your family and friends but instead, he did it right there. You, of course, had said yes without hesitation.

The same feeling you had then in your stomach had you giving into him as he kissed your neck, one of his hands sliding down the outside of your thigh to grab the hem of your skirt and start dragging it up. You let out a gasp as you felt his fingers against your skin. “If you want me to stop,” he whispered against your skin. “Just tell me,” he added. “And I will.”

You shook your head, grabbing his hand and guiding it up your thigh. “Don’t stop touching me,” you whispered, fingers curling into his dark locks. “I want you—”

A series of knocks at the door made Seonghwa sit up, a look of pure anger on his face. “I am getting really sick of this,” he grumbled as he got off the bed and walked over to the door while you sat up, pulling your skirt down. He pulled open the door, about to tell off whoever had knocked when he noticed Charlotte standing there with a small case in her hands.

“Apologies Mr. Park,” she said softly. “But I need to give Miss Y/N her medication.” Seonghwa sighed and stood back as you moved to the foot of the bed. Charlotte came in, an apologetic look on her face. “I’m real sorry, Miss,” she started as she moved to where you sat. “It’s quite alright, Lottie,” you replied. “You have instructions. I know.”

Lottie set the case down and moved to pour a glass of water before returning to you. “And when I’m not around, one of you is going to have to remember to do this,” she added as you nodded. “How does your head feel?” Charlotte asked as Seonghwa moved to watch her. She was right. One of the two of you was going to have to remember to do this for future reference. “It’s not too bad,” you said softly. “At this point, it’s preemptive.” Charlotte frowned as she opened a small pouch in the case and pulled out a little white pill. 

“The doctor’s orders were clear,” Charlotte said as she handed the pill to you, holding the glass of water. “Once a day and one more if the headache persists.” You nodded as you put the pill on your tongue and took the glass from her, gulping down enough to swallow the pill whole. You made a gagging noise as you handed the water back. “I hate taking pills.” Charlotte pushed the water back. “Drink all of it. And if the headache comes back, send for me,” she added, turning her head to look at Seonghwa.

As she packed up the case, Seonghwa stopped her. “You can leave it,” he said. “Just in case it comes while you’re asleep. We can handle it ourselves.” Charlotte looked from him to you and back. “It’s fine, Lottie,” you said as you finished your water. “Just leave the case here.”

Charlotte nodded and headed for the door, thanking Seonghwa when he opened it. Once it was shut, Seonghwa turned to look at you as you got up, setting your water glass on the table. He walked over, one arm encircling your back as he reached up to cup your cheek. “Will we ever have an uninterrupted moment?” he muttered as his thumb moved, brushing over your bottom lip. 

“If things keep going the way they have been,” you started, voice barely above a whisper. “Then I fear the answer is a resounding no.” Seonghwa sighed, leaning in as his hand slid down to the side of your neck. Before he could press his lips against yours, there was yet another knock at the door. He fought the urge to groan. As he tried turning away, you stopped him, pulling him back to you. 

“Don’t,” you said softly. “Just ignore it.” He chuckled, pressing a short kiss to your lips. The small intimate gesture left you wanting more as he pulled back. “It could be important,” he said softly. “It could also just be Alfred or Charlotte bothering us,” you retorted, making him laugh softly. “It could also be the wait staff coming to ask if we will be joining the rest of the train for dinner,” he countered.

“Would you say that constitutes an emergency?” you asked, one of your hands sliding down his chest, skimming over his stomach. Just as your fingertips reached the waistband of his pants, he grabbed your wrist and another series of knocks rang out, followed by the familiar voice of Alfred. Seonghwa pressed a kiss to your forehead before letting go of your hand and turning to answer the door.

“Sorry to disrupt sir,” Alfred started. “But the staff have asked if you and Miss Y/L/N will be joining the dining car for dinner or if you will be dining in your car instead.” Seonghwa turned to look back at you for a brief moment before he turned back to Alfred. “You can tell them we will join the dining car,” he answered. Your stomach sank slightly in disappointment. “Would you kindly send for Charlotte?” Seonghwa asked. “She can help Y/N dress for dinner.”

You moved towards the bed and sat on the edge as Seonghwa shut the door and turned to face you. “I was hoping you might tell him that we wanted to dine in here,” you said softly as he approached you, a tone of disappointment in your voice. He knelt in front of you, smiling up at you. “We’ll go play society for a couple hours and then come back here tonight and it’ll just be us,” he explained as he took your hand, thumb playing with the ring on your finger.

“Just a couple hours out in public and then we can come back here and you can have me all to yourself,” he added. “Besides,” he said standing up as there was another knock on the door, presumably Charlotte, come to help you dress. “We should probably get to know the rest of the expedition crew before we’re meant to spend days on end with just them in the forest.”

You forced a smile as he let go of your hand and walked to open the door for Charlotte before he turned to look at you. “Yeah,” you said with a heavy sigh, feeling a sense of dread in the pit of your stomach for the night to come, knowing it probably wasn’t going to end as well as your fiance predicted.

Dinner was a much more grand affair than lunch had been. There were bottles of wine, being opened left and right, an array of appetizers being served and the main courses were simply mouthwatering. You had selected a dish with duck that was served with a porcini mushroom risotto. Everything you ate was delicious. 

Your table consisted of you, Seonghwa, Alfred, and Charlotte. Once the meal had been finished, Thom had invited Alfred and Seonghwa to join them for drinks and despite your hopes that Seonghwa would not agree, he did and you sat with Charlotte, poking at your dessert, a small ramekin of creme brulee. 

Charlotte watched your mood sour and darken as time passed and when one of the servers came by a fourth time to ask if you were finished with your dessert, she took the initiative and had them clear the table and take away the dessert before you stabbed your fork through the ceramic.

“Would you like some coffee, miss?” Charlotte asked softly, her voice barely audible over the raucous laughter coming from several tables down. You could see the members of the crew were laughing at something someone said and while what you were sure they said was quite humorous indeed, the sight of your fiance sitting with them left a bad taste in your mouth and without the creme brulee to combat it, you were ready to return to your suite.

“No, Lottie,” you answered, setting your fork down at last and turning your gaze away from the scene as you forced a smile. “I think I’m ready to retire for the evening.” Charlotte glanced over to the table before looking back at you. “Are you sure you don’t want to let Mr. Park know—” You waved your hand, dismissing her question before she even finished it.

“I’m sure he’ll find his way back to our room at some point in the night at which point, I will most certainly be asleep,” you answered, grabbing the white cloth napkin that rested atop your lap and threw it down onto the table as Charlotte stood up, helping you up as well. Without sparing a second glance, you turned away from the crew and your fiance and started to walk back towards the passenger compartments, Charlotte on your heel.

Unbeknownst to you, Seonghwa noticed the movement out of the corner of his eye and turned to see you and Charlotte getting up and walking out the back of the dining compartment but his attention was quickly diverted back to the conversation at hand.

“What about you, Al?” Charley asked, taking a large swig of his drink and looking at Alfred. “Surely, you’ve seen combat. Probably even killed a few men.” Seonghwa glanced at his valet who shook his head. “I’m not at liberty to say, I’m afraid,” he said as he fought the urge to smirk. The table erupted into laughter again as more alcohol was poured into shot glasses.

“And what about you?” Everett asked, catching Seonghwa’s attention. “Combat?” Seonghwa asked. He shook his head. “No,” he answered. “I’ve never been in war,” he added. Charley snorted. “Why would you even ask that, Ev?” he asked. “This fairy has probably never even thrown a punch in his life.” Seonghwa felt a slight burn of anger. He picked up the glass before him, downing the alcohol in one go.

“If you really feel that way, let’s prove your theory,” Seonghwa snapped, drawing the attention of everyone seated at the tables. Alfred’s humorous demeanor shifted instantly as his valet role kicked in. “I don’t think that is wise, Master Park,” he said in a low tone. Seonghwa stood up, removing his jacket and draping it over the back of his chair. “Nonsense, Alfred,” Seonghwa answered as he undid the cuffs of his sleeves and started to roll them back.

Charley looked around at the rest of the group, both dumbfounded and perhaps even a little put off by Seonghwa’s sudden surge of confidence. “I… But—” Charley stammered as he looked around for help. Seonghwa waited for the man to move. “Shall I take this as a sign of your capitulation?” he asked. Charley looked up at him. “What?” he asked, looking bewildered.

Seonghwa sighed. “Are you yielding before we even start?” Charley stood up quickly before stumbling into Everett who caught him. “Oi, don’t do it Charley. You’re fuckin’ knackered. Just apologize to the man before he knocks you out.” Charley protested as he ripped his own jacket off and threw it down, looking up to face Seonghwa. Alfred got to his feet but Seonghwa held up a hand to stop him.

“This is between Charley and I,” Seonghwa said as he stood before the very drunk man. While Everett was trying to make Charley back down, the others were encouraging him to step up to the challenge. “Clearly Everett is the only one with sense,” Seonghwa said to himself as he raised his hands up in an open position. Charley shook Everett off who sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, annoyed with his friend’s behavior. “No cry when I bruise that pretty face,” Charley said as he raised his fists.

Seonghwa smirked as he waited for Charley to strike. “I’ll be a gentleman and offer to replace any teeth I knock out,” he retorted, enjoying the look of shock on not only Charley’s face but also on the others. Seonghwa may not look like much to those who didn’t know him but he spent a greater portion of his youth learning martial arts and joining underground fighting rings. He knew a thing or two about fighting.

And soon, he’d prove it to those around him.

Upon returning to your room, Charlotte helped you undress and get ready for bed. Once you were in your nightgown, you got into the bed, grabbing your book to read for a while before you finally laid down and slept. You wanted something to keep your mind of how you thought earlier. Once you’d had time to process it, you felt rather silly that you were acting so… jealous.

You knew that with where you were going and what you were about to do, it was vital to establish a relationship of sorts with the people you would be spending a lot of time with but while Seonghwa was a natural at speaking to people, you on the other hand had a harder time opening up to people. With social events back in London, it was easier because most of the people you interacted with were people you’d known almost your entire life.

Seonghwa was the first stranger you met as an adult and opening up to him had been quite difficult for you not just because of your fears about his sincerity but because of your anti-social nature. It made you feel insecure in some ways that he was able to strike up a conversation with just about anyone while you were stuck scrambling to even greet yourself.

It was one of the reasons you enjoyed reading so much. You got to meet new people without ever having said a word. You got to know them as they went on an adventure and sailed the seas, solved crimes, or traveled to a mystical realm. Characters in a book were much easier than a group of strangers on a train.

As you continued to read the second part of Holmes’ crime solving with Watson, you heard the door handle jiggle and looked up as the door opened and your fiance came in, shutting the door with a sigh. He tossed his jacket onto the couch as he moved through the cabin before he looked up and noticed you sitting there, book in hand and bedside lamp on.

“Oh,” he said softly as he went to remove his shoes. “I didn’t realize you were still awake,” he continued as he started to undress. Your eyes widened and you looked away, clearing your throat. Seonghwa looked up to notice you were looking down, face buried in your book. “Would you like me to change somewhere else?” he asked, an amused tone in his voice.

You looked up at him, the dim, golden glow of your bedside lamp illuminating him more now. Your eyes widened, a soft gasp escaping you as your eyes lingered on the cut in his bottom lip. You immediately threw A Study in Scarlet aside and scrambled up, crawling across the bed until you were in front of him. Seonghwa watched you with a bewildered look as you took his face in your hands.

“What happened to you?” you asked, beginning to inspect the rest of his face for marks. He tried to pull away, letting out a chuckle. “I’m alright,” he said as he grabbed your wrists. “Really,” he added as he held your wrists together and stared into your eyes. “You should see the other guy,” he joked.

Seonghwa let go of you and started to finish undressing, sitting on the edge of the bed in front of you. “What happened?” you demanded as you sat back on your heels and watched him. “Oh, you know. Men being men. One of the guys said I most likely didn’t know how to throw a punch, not realizing I spent a great amount of time during my youth taking martial arts.” You stared at him as he removed his socks, letting them fall to the floor.

Your expression went from shocked to anger to pain. You balled your hand into a fist and hit his shoulder. It wasn’t very hard but it wasn’t a light hit either. “Ah! Why are you hitting me?” he asked, sounding slightly alarmed but also amused as you hit him again. “You’re an idiot, Seonghwa Park!” you said, fighting back tears.

He turned around, catching your hands before they made contact again. “Sweetheart,” he said calmly as you struggled against his hold. “I’m fine,” he reminded you. “It isn’t that serious!” he continued but you weren’t having it. You struggled against him, making small grunts of effort. Seonghwa finally threw all of his weight into it, pushing you back onto the mattress and pinning your hands down on either side of your head as he hovered over you.

“Y/N, stop it,” he said in a commanding tone you’d never heard before but it sent a wave of arousal throughout your body and immediately, you submitted to him, staring up at him with wide but curious eyes, heat forming in your cheeks and other parts of your body as well.

The movement had caused the hem of your nightgown to ride up as well as the force at which he flipped you back, made it rise above your knee, sliding up your thighs. You felt extremely exposed because at any moment, he could pull back and see your lack of undergarments. Silence filled the space as time passed. Seconds ticked by, punctuated only by the sound of your shallow breathing.

Seonghwa stared down at you, eyes flickering between yours and your lips. Without hesitation, he closed the distance, pressing his lips to yours. You let out a small whimper as you felt his thigh press into you, pressing the soft fabric of your nightgown against your core. He pulled back to look into your eyes. “Have I ever told you how absolutely beautiful you are like this?” he asked, moving one of his hands to cup your cheek, the pad of his thumb brushing over your heated skin.

“No makeup, no dresses, just you,” he continued, pressing a kiss to your cheek. He released your other hand as one of his slid down past the outside of your thigh to your knee and pulled your leg up around his waist as he settled his hips between your thighs. “Hwa,” you whined as he started kissing down the side of your neck. “So.” kiss. “Fucking.” kiss. “Beautiful.”

Your chest rose and fell with each labored breath as he continued to kiss down to your collar, reaching the neckline of your nightgown before looking up to meet your gaze. “Hwa,” you started, letting out  a gasp followed by a moan as he rolled his hips against you, grinding into your already soaked center. 

“You’re drunk,” you tried to continue. “I'm not drunk, Y/N,” he answered, pulling back to look at you. “I drank, yes. But I'm not drunk.” You stared back at him, cheeks heating up as he devoured you with his eyes. “Then why are you—” you started.

“Because I want you,” he interjected. “I want you so bad and each time we've been interrupted has felt like a punch to my stomach. I want everything,” he continued, lips ghosting over yours. “I want to hold you down while I make you mine.”

“I want to taste you,” he continued, eyes dipping to look at your parted lips as he rolled his hips again, grinding his hardening cock against you, the fabric of his pants giving you the smallest amount of friction. You let out a small whimper as you felt his breath against your ear. 

“I want to be inside you.”

You let out a gasp, whispering his name as he kissed down the side of your neck once more, mouth ghosting over the material of your dress as he traveled further and further. He glanced up, meeting your gaze with a mischievous smirk as he pushed your skirt back and parted your knees.

Instinctively you tried to cover yourself up but Seonghwa wouldn’t let you, letting out an impatient grunt. Your cheeks burned as his gaze lowered until his eyes met the place between your thighs, lips parting as he exhaled slowly. You watched as the tip of his tongue peeked out, wetting his lips before he glanced back up at you. “If you want me to stop,” he said in a steady voice. “Just say so,” he added.

“I will not do anything that you don’t want me to. I want your full consent to touch you,” he continued. Your eyes flickered from his face to his hands resting atop your knees. Slowly, you pushed yourself up, propping your body up on one elbow as you reached for one of his hands.

Once you had it in yours, you slid both your hands down the inside of your thigh until his fingers brushed against your wet folds. You let out a shaky gasp at the feeling, keeping your eyes locked on his face as he watched your hand guide his. 

“I want you to touch me,” you whispered, drawing your fiance’s gaze away from your glistening sex. “I want you to taste me,” you continued, moving your hand up his arm as you sat up further. Your hand ghosted over the bulge in his pants, testing the waters and gauging his reaction before firmly pressing your hand against him. 

His eyes fluttered shut as you very slowly, almost torturously so, massaged him. Seonghwa managed to force his eyes open and looked up, meeting your gaze. With his attention on you once again, you delivered what you felt was the killing blow. “I want you inside me.”

Seonghwa let out a growl, lurching forward as he pinned you back against the bed, capturing your lips in a heated kiss as his hand snaked between your bodies, finding your folds and pressing the pads of his fingers past them, working up and down, finding the sensitive bundle of nerves with ease.

You were no stranger to pleasure and had often taken care of it yourself but this was the first time anyone else had ever touched you so intimately. Seonghwa had never spoken about his sexual prowess before because it didn’t matter what he’d done in the past before meeting you but based on the expert way his fingers circled your clit and dipped down to tease your slit gave you the idea that he definitely had some idea of what he was doing.

As he pulled back, he slid a finger into your warmth, enjoying the way your brows furrowed in pleasure, a small gasp escaping your lips, breath hot against his skin as you lost yourself in the feeling. He moved slowly, pumping a single finger in and out of you, watching the change in your expression go from uncertainty to ecstasy. He murmured an apology when you winced, whimpering as he added a second finger and curled them both into the soft spot inside you.

He enjoyed the way you mewled, back arching off the bed as he continued to stimulate that same spot over and over, and the way your thighs started to shake as he drew you closer and closer to your climax. Before you could tumblr over the edge, he pulled away, withdrawing his fingers from your cunt despite your whines of protest. 

Resisting the urge to chuckle, Seonghwa lowered himself, settling on the mattress with his head between your thighs. Licking his lips, he spread your folds, taking in the mess between your legs before giving your clit a very slow, deliberate lick, making your body jump. He was quick to hold you down by the hips as his mouth devoured you. He switched between light sucking and flicking his tongue, making your legs shake as you threw your head back against the sheets.

“Oh merciful heavens,” you gasped, letting out a moan as he flattened his tongue, moving it expertly against your clit. You were wrong yet again from your assumptions: he knew very well what he was doing. He was definitely more than practiced at this. The slight jealousy you felt at the thought of him being intimate with anyone else died as your orgasm drew closer and closer.

One of your hands flew down to grasp his hair while the other dug into the sheets, gripping them tightly as the wave of your climax washed over you, sending ripples of pleasure throughout your body, legs shaking as they tried to close around your fiance’s head. Seonghwa was much stronger than he looked, stronger than you gave him credit for, as he held your legs open while he helped you ride out your high.

Heat, white hot and intense, radiated throughout your body as wave after wave of bliss rolled over you, each one less strong as the one before until you were pulling at Seonghwa’s hair, urging him to stop as you trembled and shook, your body jerking with each pass of his tongue over your swollen and overly sensitive clit. He finally pulled away, lips coated with your essence as he looked up and met your gaze.

You weakly pushed yourself up enough to grab the front of his shirt, pulling him up. A chuckle left his lips as he followed your movements, crawling up over you, allowing you to pull him into a kiss. The taste of yourself on his lips and tongue had you moaning into his mouth as your hands moved, fumbling with his pants. Seonghwa’s own hands grabbed yours, stopping you as he pulled away.

“What are you doing?” he whispered as you tried to free your hands, determined to get his pants off him. “I want you,” you replied, pulling your hands from his and trying once more to undress him. Seonghwa chuckled against your lips as he grabbed your wrists, pinning your hands to the bed. “Do you even know what that means?” he asked, lips brushing against yours.

You nodded eagerly. “Yes,” you answered. “I want you to make love to me.” Seonghwa let out a groan, pressing a long, languid kiss to your lips. “I would love nothing more than to do just that, my love,” he said softly. “But I think this is enough for tonight.” You whined in protest, grabbing his shirt as he tried to pull back. “Please, Seonghwa,” you begged, tightening your thighs around his waist as your fingers curled into the placket of his shirt, trying to pull him down into a kiss.

Once again, you underestimated his strength as he didn’t even move, smiling down at your feeble attempt to pull him to you. He would love to let you seduce him, but tonight was not that night. “No, sweetheart,” he murmured, at least giving in and kissing you. “No more tonight. I would really like to take my time with you,” he continued. “It’s getting late and we’re on a schedule,” he added as he wrapped his hands around yours and pulled them from his shirt.

“When we get back after this trip, I promise I will spend hours, days even if that’s what you want, making love to you. We won’t even leave the bed. I’ll make love to you in the morning, at lunch, at dinner, and all throughout the night,” he continued between kisses. “But we have to get through this trip first.”

You whined into his mouth. “This is the only time we’ll be alone until we wed,” you reminded him. Seonghwa chuckled, nuzzling your nose with his before pressing another kiss to your lips. “Is that really so bad?” he asked softly. “Waiting until we’re married?” You pouted up at him. “I want you now,” you retorted. Seonghwa chuckled again. “Patience, blossom,” he whispered.

“But Hwa,” you whined again, using a nickname you knew made him pliant. Whenever you used it, you usually got what you wanted. “Oh blossom,” he said with an amused tone. “That won’t work on me.” You pouted again, tightening your thighs around his waist as you wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him down to whisper in his ear. “But I’m so wet. I bet you’d slide right in.”

You heard Seonghwa groan, burying his face into your neck. “Please, Hwa? Please?” you whimpered, moving your hips to grind against his cock which was still hard in his pants. “If you keep doing that, I’m not going to be able to stop,” Seonghwa groaned, his voice muffled by your skin as you continued to grind against him, the mess between your thighs no doubt smearing against the material of his pants.

You felt him start to move, matching your pace and meeting your movements. One of his hands moved down to grab your ass, fingers digging into the plush skin of your backside as he started to take control, grinding against you. “Hwa, please, baby, please.” You felt him groan into your shoulder. “If you keep that up,” he said as he lifted his head. “I won’t hold back. I’ll rip that pretty little nightgown off you and take you right here.”

He said it as a threat but in reality, that’s exactly what you wanted. You could feel his cock through his pants and you wanted to feel it inside of you. You want to feel full of nothing but him as he claimed you for himself and ruined all other men, not that you would ever be with anyone else. You wanted him to get possessive, take your virtue, love you with his words and body.

You needed it.

Seonghwa let out a shaky moan as he continued to rut against you. With great difficulty, you managed to snake your hands between your bodies and start to undo his pants. Seonghwa’s hips slowed as he pulled back to look at you. “Sweetheart,” he started. “If we start this, I don’t think I can stop.” You nodded, trying to pull his pants down past his hips. “I know,” you whispered, taking advantage of his lapse in focus to roll both of you over so you were now on top of him.

You pulled his pants down past his hips with ease, freeing his cock which bounced up, settling against his abdomen. With his pants half removed, you sat back, taking in the sight of him lying before you. Quickly, Seonghwa sat up, grabbing your hand and guided you to straddle his lap.

“Before you take it inside you,” he said breathlessly as he laid back and started to pull your nightgown up, holding the hem up. “Just sit down. I want you to feel it.” He gently pushed you down onto his lap, the underside of his cock pressing between your folds and meeting your slit. “Here,” he said softly, grabbing your hips and moving them forwards and backwards, making your wet pussy slide against the shaft of his cock, coating it in your arousal.

It was much different than his fingers or his tongue. For one, his cock was much thicker, and for two, it was hotter, radiating heat as it throbbed and twitched under you. Seonghwa’s head fell back against the pillows, Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed thickly, groaning while you grinded against him.

You rested your hands on his chest, leaning over slightly as you moved, letting out a gasp when you felt your clit rub against the underside of his cock. You let out a shuddering breath as you moved, guided by his weak grasp and his words of praise. You could tell he was getting close, the chest rising and falling as he struggled to breathe evenly. “Oh, fuck,” he hissed as he bucked his hips, making you cry out.

“I can’t,” he gasped. “I’m close.” You sped up, your wet pussy gliding messily over his cock. “I need to be inside you,” he said suddenly as you chased your high with a whine. “Come here,” he instructed, reaching up to grab the back of your neck and pull you down so your chest was flush against his. His hand snaked between your bodies as he took himself in his hand, stroking a few times before he guided the head of his cock to your slit and pushed the tip into you.

The stretch stung but you couldn’t stop the moan that flowed out of you as he pushed your hips down, sheathing himself inside you in one slow motion, letting out a trembling breath, followed by a moan as he bottomed out. “Oh, God,” he gasped, eyes fluttering shut. “Feels so good.” You moaned, walls clenching around him. “S-Seonghwa,” you whimpered as the pain of the sting gave way to a dull ache.

“What is it, my petal?” he asked softly, kissing your cheek, lips, jaw, whatever he could reach. “Please make love to me,” you begged. Seonghwa moaned as you tried to start moving but he stilled you as you winced. “You need time to adjust, my love,” he said softly. “This is much different. Just be patient.” 

You rested against him, laying your head on his chest as your walls contracted around him repeatedly. “That’s it, love,” he said softly as he stroked your back, the fluttering of your walls lessening as your body slowly accommodated the intrusion.

When Seonghwa felt that you were fully adjusted to the feeling of his cock filling your walls, he pulled your hips up before he gave you a slow, tentative thrust, testing your limits. His cock slid back into you with ease, forcing out a moan from the back of your throat. He gave you another before he rolled you onto your back, his cock slipping into you further.

With one hand he carefully and slowly pulled your nightgown up and until he had tugged the garment off you and tossed it aside before kicking his pants off and removing his own shirt. Once you were both completely naked, he grabbed your thigh, pushing it up and spreading your legs even more to allow himself to slot between your legs, his cock throbbing inside you.

“I’m gonna take it slow,” he whispered, cupping your cheek, thumb brushing over your bottom lip. He pressed slightly, silently asking for entrance and you granted it, parting your lips and taking his thumb in your mouth, sucking on it as he started to thrust into you slowly. You moaned, his thumb pressing against your tongue as he increased his speed. The room filled with the sound of his skin against yours, drowned out only by the sound of your moans of pleasure.

There was another sound that accompanied it. A knocking sound. It must have been the sound of the bed against the wall but then you remembered you were on a train and the bed was built in. There was no way nor nothing for the bed to knock into except the wall of the train it was fixed to.

Another series of knocks rang out and you awoke with a start.

The shades were still closed from when you had drawn them last night before bed. You could see a minute amount of morning light peeking through at the bottom and you groaned, letting your head fall back against the pillows. You felt an arm tighten around your midsection, making your eyes snap open. You looked over your shoulder at your fiance who was fast asleep but slowly waking up from the knocking that you just realized was coming from the door.

You carefully pulled the sheets back, removing Seonghwa’s arm as you climbed out of the bed, grabbing your dressing gown and pulling it on over your nightgown that was on your body and not on the floor, confirming further that you had been dreaming and that the entire exchange last night had been one, intense dream. You tied the sash and reached the door, unlocking and opening it to find yourself face to face with Alfred. “Morning, Miss,” he greeted.

Light filtering in from the windows in the compartment hall blinded you for a moment and you blinked trying to adjust to the change. “What time is it?” you asked, raising a hand to shield your eyes. “It’s just past eight twenty two in the morning,” Alfred answered. “Would you like me to send for breakfast?” 

It took you a moment to register what Alfred had said and you nodded once you processed the words. “Yes please. I haven’t had a chance to look over the menu,” you admitted. “We’ve only just woken up.” Alfred nodded. “Not to worry, Miss,” he replied. “Shall I have Miss Charlotte choose for you?” You nodded. “Yes please, thank you Alfred,” you answered. He gave you a small bow of the head before he turned and walked down the compartment towards the dining car.

You shut the door, blinking away the bright light as your eyes started to adjust to the darkness of the room once more. You walked back over to the bed and sighed, taking a seat on the edge of the mattress. You heard a soft groan and the sheets behind you rustled before the bed shifted. You looked up in the dim light peeking through from under the shades to see Seonghwa had gotten up. He walked into the rest of the suite, stopping to open the furthest shade halfway and let some light into the room.

Seonghwa returned to the bed, leaning down as he placed a hand on your neck, pressing a kiss to your cheek. “Morning, sweetheart,” he said softly before moving to pull out his clothes for the day. You looked away as he started to dress, noticing that he wore his pajama pants but he had not worn the matching shirt and was therefore shirtless. You wondered if he had put on the shirt to sleep but in the middle of the night gotten too hot and removed it.

Either way, you kept your eyes turned away as he dressed. He chuckled when he noticed you avoiding his direction. “Could you send for Charlotte when you’re finished,” you finally asked, still not looking up at him. Seonghwa let out a huff that sounded an awful lot like a laugh. “You know I can help you,” he said softly as he finished buttoning his shirt and grabbed his waistcoat.

“We’re not married,” you reminded him. Seonghwa sent a glance your way as he did the buttons before he turned and walked towards where you sat, leaning over, forcing you backwards, managing to catch yourself on your elbows as he hovered over you, eyes looking between yours and studying your face. “Why would we need to be married for me to help you dress?” he asked softly.

Your cheeks burned as you stammered, struggling for the right words.

It- w-would be improper. Inappropriate,” you said, your voice quiet. A smirk started to form on your fiance’s face. “And why exactly would it be inappropriate?” he asked and you couldn’t believe it. He was acting so weird. “Because we haven’t… you haven’t… we…” Your words failed each time you tried to answer, your rambling only made Seonghwa’s smirk grow wider.

“You don’t remember what happened last night, do you?” he asked, inspecting your face. Your heart stopped as you stared back at him. “N-no?” you asked. Seonghwa tilted his head curiously. “I was the one that drank, why don’t you remember anything?” he asked. You stared at him, eyes wide. “Wh-what do you remember?” you asked.

He leaned in closer, lips inches from yours. “I remember my head between your thighs and you making the most exquisite sounds,” he mumbled, his lips ghosting over yours. “Wh-what?” you asked, leaning back to look up at him. “You really don’t remember that?” he asked, a look of concern crossing his face. “I came back from the dining car, you noticed my split lip,” he said and your eyes traveled down to the small cut in his bottom lip which looked a bit better in the daylight.

“Then you kept hitting me, I stopped you, there was kissing, I told you I wanted you, and you asked me to touch you,” he said, repeating the things that had happened at the beginning of your dream. ‘Was it not a dream then?’ You stared at him, a look of mild horror on your face. “You really don’t remember?” he asked, sounding disappointed. You shook your head. “No, I do,” you clarified. “I just thought it was a dream…”

Seonghwa tilted his head, leaning down to catch your gaze as you looked down at your nightgown. “Why would you think it was a dream?” he asked, tilting your head back to look up at him. “Did we… do anything else?” you asked, gulping quietly. Seonghwa chuckled, pressing a kiss to your lips before standing up straight. “No,” he answered. “You wanted to,” he added, looking at you as he finished dressing. “Wanted it really bad but I said no. Promised to treat you as you deserve when we return to London.”

You tore your gaze from him. “When did I fall asleep?” you asked, looking back up as he moved to your trunk. “Just after I told you to be patient. You were almost incoherent,” he added. “Let’s get your day started,” he said as he opened the trunk lid and lifted one of the trays. “How do you feel about charcoal?” he asked, turning to look at you. 

You stared inquisitively at him as he showed you one of the traveling suits Charlotte had packed for you. “Charcoal is fine,” you replied. Seonghwa set it aside and closed the trunk. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s get you washed up.”

After washing and pulling on your tea gown, breakfast arrived and you ate in silence while Seonghwa thanked the service staff and joined you. He kept his eyes on you, watching you eat. As you finished, Seonghwa was tempted to pick you up the moment the staff finished clearing the table and carry you back to bed. Last night, he had proven to himself that he couldn’t not resist you for much longer. 

Not when you begged him oh so sweetly to make you his. He had said that it would have to wait until you both returned to London, but truth be told, Seonghwa wasn’t sure if he could wait that long. Now that he’s had a taste, he wanted all of you. It was going to be a long couple of days in such close proximity to you.

An hour later you were buttoning up your jacket when there was a knock at the door. Seonghwa answered it and Charlotte looked surprised to see you were dressed. Your fiance let her in and she walked over quickly as he shut the door and returned to your side. “You should have sent for me,” Charlotte whispered as Seonghwa helped you with the buttons on your sleeves. “It’s fine, Lottie,” you answered, picking up your gloves.

“Seonghwa helped me.”

At this Charlotte looked positively appalled. “He’s not your husband yet, Miss Y/N,” she whispered, her eyes widening. “Did he do anything… untoward to y—?” Seonghwa, who had just pulled on his jacket, cleared his throat, causing you to look past your lady’s maid at him and her to turn abruptly and look at him. “What goes on in the privacy of this bedroom is between Y/N and I,” Seonghwa said, giving Charlotte a stern look.

“I understand that, Mr. Park, but Miss Y/N is—”

“My wife-to-be,” Seonghwa interjected.

“But she’s not yet your wife. You shouldn’t be…” her words failed her as Seonghwa’s gaze turned steely. “Charlotte,” you said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “It’s fine. Seonghwa is going to be my husband as soon as we return to London. The engagement isn’t going anywhere,” you explained.

“But it’s not proper, Miss!” Charlotte replied. A frown overtook your features. “When have I ever been overly proper, Lottie?” you asked, raising a brow. She stared at you, nibbling on her bottom lip. “Please just focus on attending to me. What happens behind that door is between Seonghwa and I. If we’re going to be sharing a bed in a few weeks as a married couple, why would it be such a problem if we share a bed now?” Charlotte muttered something under her breath.

Whatever she said, Seonghwa didn’t hear but you did. “I don’t care,” you snapped. “You know I don’t share the same faith as you, Lottie. I never have. Seonghwa and I are committed to one another and that isn’t going to change. If we want to start acting as a married couple, we are entitled to do so. I don’t need anyone, lest not you, judging me. Keep it up and you’ll find yourself facing unemployment.”

Charlotte gave a small curtesy. “Sorry, ma’am. Will you be requiring anything else?” You shook your head. “No,” you replied. “That will be all.” Charlotte bowed her head again and moved towards the door, giving the same bow to Seonghwa before she opened the door and left. Your fiance turned to look at you with raised brows. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you go off like that before,” he said with a chuckle as you moved to join him near the door, grabbing your book from the table.

“Shall we?” you asked, looking up at him. Seonghwa nodded, offering his arm which you took as he opened the door and led you out into the hallway of the compartment. Outside the windows you could see you were surrounded by snow capped mountains, rushing through the countryside.

You spent most of the day in one of the many observation cars. You read while Seonghwa kept you company, enjoying the scenery. Some of the crew appeared, sitting with you and chatting with Seonghwa. You got a good look at Charley and could see that Seonghwa had been right.

Charley had it a lot worse than your fiance did.

Lunch time you took your meals in the dining car before retiring to your private rooms to relax before dinner came. As last night, you joined the dining car but this time, Seonghwa didn’t join the others for drinks. Instead, he accompanied you back to the cabin, dismissing Alfred and Charlotte early so he could have plenty of alone time with you.

The urge to touch each other was strong but you both managed to keep your hands to yourselves for the rest of the night and into the morning. When Seonghwa woke you up the following morning, he informed you that he’d already ordered breakfast to be served in the room as he traced his fingertips along your arm, tickling you. He woke you up with kisses until there was a knock at the door, signaling your food had arrived. He also decided the two of you would stay in your cabin for the day and lunch, only appearing for dinner.

He asked you to read the rest of A Study in Scarlet to him which you followed with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. By the time dinner rolled around, you had been lounging with each other all day and Seonghwa didn’t see the need to join the rest of the passengers. Instead, he sent word for your dinner to be served in your cabin.

“‘But they were in the well,”’ Alice said to the Dormouse, not choosing to notice this last remark,” you read as Seonghwa watched your face, leaning against the pillows beside you. You chose to ignore his stare, a smirk forming on his face as you continued.

“‘Of course they were,’” said the Dormouse; “‘—well in.’” You felt Seonghwa’s hand slide up your stomach, stopping to rest just under your bust. A shiver went up your spine but you didn’t want to give in so easily. “This answer so confused poor Alice, that she let the Dormouse go on for some time without interrupting it,” you continued to read from the page.

Seonghwa’s hand appeared, gently grasping the book and pulling it from you. “What’re you doing?” you asked as he shut the book and set it aside, rolling onto you and settling between your thighs. “Seonghwa, what are you doing?” you asked again as he kissed your cheek, peppering kisses all over your face before taking you in a searing, passionate kiss.

You moaned into it as his hand slid down the outside of your thigh, grabbing the hem of your skirt and pulling it up slowly. “H-hwa?” you whimpered as his lips left a wet trail of kisses down the side of your neck. He pulled back, reaching up to undo the front of your wrapper. “Don’t worry,” he said softly. 

“I just want another taste,” he added as he started pushing the material aside, exposing your collar to his kisses. You combed your fingers through his hair as he kissed his way down your body, thankful at your lack of corset. You let out a moan as he pushed your thighs apart, also thankful for the invention of split drawers. One less layer he would have to remove.

It was impressive, and slightly embarrassing, how quickly he was able to bring you to the brink of orgasm with just his tongue. After making you cum twice, he kissed his way back up to your lips, slotting himself between your legs, rolling his hips against yours and grinding his cock against you. “Do you think this is a dream too?” he whispered. You shook your head, moaning loudly as he continued to rut against you. “Good,” he retorted, reaching down to slide his hand between your bodies, fingers toying with your slit. As he pushed two fingers into you, he froze when your own hand slipped into his pants and made contact with his hard cock.

“What’re you doing?” he asked through a groan as your fingers wrapped around the shaft of his cock. “You’ve made me feel good multiple times,” you explained as you started to stroke him. “Let me return the favor.” Seonghwa let out a choked groan as you continued to jerk him off. “Since you won’t fuck me.” The moment the words left your lips, Seonghwa let out a strangled groaning sound before you felt his hand clamp over your mouth.

“Where did you learn such filthy language?” he asked. “Did someone teach you that?” You shook your head, eyes wide, but your hand never faltered. Seonghwa’s eyes fluttered shut as he gave in to your touch, bucking his hips to match your pace. “Shit,” he hissed, curling his fingers inside you, making you mewl. “Keep going,” he whispered. “Just like that, darling.”

You tried to focus on his pleasure which he made hard every time he curled his fingers inside you or his thumb brushed over your clit. He was lost in his own pleasure but he didn’t want you to miss out, even if his hand stilled from time to time as you sent him hurtling towards the edge. “Please tell me you’re close,” he moaned, burying his face in your chest.

“Mhm,” you whimpered, speeding up your movements as he bucked into your hand, hips chasing his high as he continued to pump his fingers in and out of you. “That’s it,” you heard him groan as your walls tightened around his fingers. “Let go. I’m there too, Blossom,” he whispered. 

He pressed his thumb against your clit and that was the final push you needed to go over the edge, taking him with you with a loud moan as he continued to thrust into your hand until you felt something warm and sticky coat your skin. You both continued to massage and stroke each other to help the other come down until Seonghwa finally collapsed on top of you before rolling off. 

You withdrew your hand from his pants and inspected the white substance as he quickly got up and headed to the private en suite to grab a small hand towel which he then dipped into some water and returned, taking your wrist and cleaning your hand. “What is that?” you asked curiously as he wiped the white fluid away. “Semen,” he answered truthfully. He glanced at your confused expression.

“How much has your mother prepared you for your conjugal duties?” he asked as he took the cloth, folding it so the semen was trapped inside and carefully wiped your folds. “Not much,” you answered as he finished and helped you close your wrapper. He got up and dropped the towel in the hamper before undoing his pants and pulling them off to put on his pajama pants and undoing his shirt to pull on his nightshirt.

He returned to the bed, laying back against the pillows and beckoned you to join him, letting you settle into his arms before he started speaking. “What has your mother told you?” he asked. “Just that when we’re married, I have to do my duty to give you children.” Seonghwa nodded as he took one of your hands, lacing his fingers with yours. “Did she tell you how?”

You turned your head to look at him. “Just that I will have to lay with you a lot until I find out I’m pregnant. I know intercourse is involved,” you added, noticing the look on his face. “I’m not that helpless. “Well, that is correct but there’s more to it than just being physically intimate. What I cleaned off your hand just now,” he said, holding the hand in question up.

“Was semen, right?” you asked. Seonghwa nodded. “What is that exactly?” you asked. “It’s a relatively newer concept but in your body, you have these tiny little eggs,” he said, reaching down and gently poking your side. “And inside mine, I have these tiny little things called sperm.” You looked up at him as he explained how the two are essential to fertilization and that for you to get pregnant, he has to deposit sperm into your body and then it has to fertilize an egg.

“It’s still not fully understood,” he said softly, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “But that is the basics.” You tilted your head back to look at him. “So when we have intercourse, how does it get inside me?” you asked. Seonghwa chuckled, cupping your cheek. “I think you know, blossom,” he said softly. You stared up at him, the fresh memory of the semen on your hand and your cheeks burned. “Will you explain it to me anyway?” you asked, leaning into him further.

He continued to explain in detail what you had already surmised, taking great enjoyment in your reactions. Dinner was served not long after and after eating, you resumed reading to Seonghwa while he went over some details of a business proposal. You finished chapter eleven when you yawned, drawing your fiance’s attention. “I think it’s bedtime,” he said, removing his eyeglasses and closing the folder.

You looked up at him as he set his glasses aside and reached over, grabbing your book, shutting it, and setting it aside. “You need to put on your nightgown,” he added. You whined, stretching as he smiled, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you into him. “Our last night sharing a bed,” he whispered. “How do you want to commemorate it?” you asked, looking up at him.

Seonghwa chuckled, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “How do you want to commemorate it?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. You rolled into him, hiding your face in his chest. “I think I actually just want to sleep,” you murmured. Seonghwa laughed, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “Then sleep it is,” he answered. “You still need to put on your nightgown though.”

The following morning, Seonghwa let you sleep in as he got up and dressed for the day. Once he was dressed and breakfast ordered, he walked over to your side of the bed and sat down, leaning over to press a soft kiss to your cheek before he caressed your skin gently. Your brows furrowed in your sleep and he resisted the urge to laugh at how cute you looked.

“Y/N,” he said softly, caressing your cheek once more. “It’s time to get up, sweetheart.” You murmured in your sleep, attempting to turn away from him. Seonghwa stopped you, turning you back carefully. “Y/N, darling, it’s time to get up,” he said a little louder, gently shaking you. Your eyes fluttered open and in the dim light peeking through the window from under the shades, meeting Seonghwa’s.

He smiled sweetly as your eyes met and you mimicked the same expression. “Morning, Blossom,” he said leaning down, pulling the blanket from your face and pressing a kiss to your lips. “Breakfast should be here soon. It’s our last day on the train,” he continued. “We should probably go out and play society so Charlotte and Alfred can pack up our things.”

You frowned, pouting as you looked up at him. “Do we have to?” you whined as Seonghwa smiled at you. “Yes, I’m afraid we do, darling,” he answered. “But first things first,” he added as he sat back up. “Breakfast.” As if on cue, there was a knock at the door and Seonghwa got up to answer it. He stood back as the staff set the trays on the table while your fiance thanked and dismissed them.

Once the door was shut, he walked over to the table, lifting a lid on one of the trays before picking it up by the handles and walking over as you sat up, leaning against the pillows. “I can get up,” you protested as he sat down, setting the tray on his side of the bed. “Take your time, Blossom,” he said cupping your chin and leaning in to place a kiss on your lips.

He got up and headed towards the table. “Aren’t you going to eat?” you asked, looking up at him. He smiled, turning his head to meet your gaze. “I’ve already eaten,” he replied. “I wanted you to sleep in. Enjoy your breakfast, I’m going to speak to Alfred.” He walked the short distance to the door and opened it. “I’ll be back, Blossom,” he said before stepping out and shutting the door.

You looked down at the tray, stomach making a small growling sound. There were two fried eggs, a few sausages, back bacon, pan seared tomatoes and mushrooms, beans, two fried cuts of blood sausage, and one slice of fried bread. A proper full breakfast. 

You got up, moving to the table to fix yourself some tea, adding cream and sugar to the cup. As you started back, you saw a small glass of juice and grabbed it. You took your time eating, enjoying a bit of everything on your plate. It wasn’t often that you had a full breakfast, especially at home where the cook was prone to experimenting with various cuisines.

Knowing it would be a while since you got to enjoy such a meal, you made sure to savor it all, especially the beans and tomatoes. As you were finishing your meal, there was a knock at the door. “Come in,” you called, hoping it was Seonghwa but Charlotte appeared when the door opened. “Morning, Miss,” Charlotte said as she shut the door, setting a hot kettle on the table, and moved to open the rest of the shades.

“Have you finished eating?” Charlotte asked, moving towards the bed as you nodded, sipping at your tea. She looked down and let out a whistle. “You must have been hungry,” she noted to which you nodded. “I didn’t realize I was so hungry,” you answered as she started to clean up. “Finish your tea, then wash up, and we’ll get you dressed,” Charlotte said with a smile as she started to clean up.

“Would you like to wear the purple travel suit today, ma’am?” Charlotte asked, turning to look at you. With your nod of approval, Charlotte opened the trunk and pulled out the purple dress and matching accessories. She set it out for you, returning the tray to the trunk. “Mr. Park was up early,” she noted as she walked over, taking your now empty tea cup.

“Yes,” you responded, swinging your legs over the edge of the bed and getting to your feet. You moved over to the wash basin where Charlotte poured some of the hot water into a pitcher for you to start washing. You scrubbed thoroughly your arms, legs, chest, face, adding soap to get really clean before wiping yourself down. You had washed your hair yesterday so you saw no reason to do so again.

Once you were finished with your routine, adding powder to your skin and brushing your teeth, Charlotte helped you dress into your undergarments, lacing up your corset snugly. You then put on the next layers, buttoning up your corset cover while Charlotte buttoned the first of your petticoats into place. After another two petticoats were added, she helped you into your traveling suit.

Once you were dressed, shoes buttoned and gloves on, you thanked Charlotte and exited the suite while Charlotte started cleaning and packing up your things. With your book in hand, you headed for the lounge car, passing through sleeper car four to reach the first class lounge. You had expected your fiance to be there but didn’t see him anywhere. Not feeling brave enough to go searching for him, you picked a seat near a window and sat down, opening your book and resuming your reading.

You weren’t sure how much time passed but some time later, someone sat across from you. Glancing up you saw it was a young girl with blonde hair, braided into twin tails. She wore a dark blue dress, the hem reaching just past her knees. She was young, very young. You looked around at the other passengers before turning back to her. She stared at you with bright blue eyes.

The way she was staring at you was starting to unsettle you. There was no expression on her face. You were about to speak when you heard a woman’s voice. “Marta!” You glanced up as an equally blonde woman in a dark green dress came forward, grabbing the girl’s hand. She muttered an apology and all but dragged the child away as she headed for the door that led to the first class saloon.

You watched them disappear before returning to your book to finish the final chapter. When you did, you finally decided to get up, intent on finding your fiance. You tucked your book under your arm and headed for the next door. Inside the first class bar car, you saw many of the first class passengers but Seonghwa was nowhere in sight.

You dreaded searching more of the train but you were getting antsy and wanted to see him. Gathering your courage, you passed through the third class sleeper cars and staff car where you ended up in the bar car that was meant for everyone on board. It was much louder in here than it had been in the saloon car. You noticed several of the team members sitting at the bar along with—

“Tell us another one, Park,” Thom said as he lifted his glass to his lips.

Your fiance was nestled between the crew, sipping from a short crystal glass with an amber liquid in it. Anger started in your stomach. He’d gotten up early, eaten breakfast, and left you alone to come out here to what? Play society with these people? As the anger in your stomach started to rise, you felt a gentle hand on your arm.

You turned to find the three other women of the crew were standing. Adelaide had already taken a seat leaving you standing with Euphemia and Sophronia. “Join us,” Euphemia said, a kind smile on her face. You glanced back at the bar, noticing your fiance chatting animatedly before you turned back to them and nodded wordlessly. You sat across from Adelaide as Euphemia took the seat beside her and Sophronia sat next to you.

“So, Y/N is it?” Adelaide asked as she pulled a small silver case from her bag and opened it, revealing several hand rolled cigarettes. She pulled one out, grabbing a silver lighter but Euphemia stopped her. “Not everyone likes it when you smoke around them, Della,” she said in a low voice. Adelaide looked up and sighed, putting her cigarette back in its case and snapping it shut.

Sophronia cleared her throat as a server came by to take your drink orders. “Absinthe,” Adelaide said as she put her case and lighter back in her clutch. “A martini,” Sophronia said, looking across her to Euphemia. “I’ll take a Jack Rose,” Euphemia said before the three looked at you. You felt put on the spot and froze. “I uh…” you looked around at them staring at you expectantly.

“She doesn’t drink,” a familiar voice said, coming from behind you. The server nodded and walked over to the bar to put in the orders. You turned in your seat to find your fiance standing there, hands in his pockets as he smiled down at you. “For a while I thought you had gone back to sleep,” he said softly as he grabbed a chair from one of the tables behind yours and pulled it up, sitting down.

“I was in the lounge,” you said softly, not looking back at him. “I didn’t see you in there,” he said, leaning in to whisper in your ear. “I was reading after Charlotte helped me dress,” you replied just as quietly. You felt your fiance’s hand on your waist just out of sight of the women sitting across from you. “I’m sorry I didn’t stay to help instead,” he said softly. “But I figured I’d come out here and get to know the rest of the team a little more.”

You locked eyes with Adelaide as the server returned, setting their drink orders down. Before he could walk away, you called out to him. “I’m sorry,” you said softly. “Could I actually get something?” The server nodded with a smile. “What can I get for you?” he asked. “A Bijou, please.” A small smirk appeared on Adelaide’s face as the server nodded and turned to speak to the bartender.

“What are you doing?” Seonghwa asked softly. “I’m nervous as hell,” you replied. “I need to calm down. And besides,” you continued. “It’s one drink. What’s the worst that can happen?”

When the train arrived in Sinaia, Romania, you were glad to finally disembark and be back on stable land again. The staff unloaded your belongings, piling them onto the back of one of the many stagecoaches that waited to take you to your destination. You were glad to be sharing a coach once again with Seonghwa while the rest of the team split up accordingly.

Charlotte sat across from you while your fiance and his valet stood outside, talking to Hiro and Everett while the luggage was packed on. “Hey, Y/N,” a voice said and you looked up, looking out the window beside you. Adelaide was looking up at you, a cigarette between her fingers. “Could I ask you something?” she asked, exhaling a cloud of smoke. You nodded wordlessly as Charlotte looked from you to the blonde woman and back.

“What did your fiance mean when he said you don’t drink?” she asked curiously. You chuckled and shook your head. “I normally don’t drink,” you replied. “I’m really not supposed to,” you added. “Makes the medication less effective.” Adelaide’s expression shifted from curiosity to alarm. “Medication?” she asked, her voice mimicking her face. “For wha—”

“Adelaide, come on! We’re ready to go!” Thom called from a few coaches down. Adelaide dropped her cigarette on the cobblestone and stamped it out with the toe of her boot. “Alright, alright, keep your pants on!” Adelaide called back to him before looking up at you. “We’ll talk about this later, yeah?”

As Adelaide walked away, the door to the stagecoach opened and Seonghwa climbed in, followed by Alfred. The door shut and one by one, the coaches pulled away from the Sinaia station. You peered out the window, looking at the mountains that rose above the village and the vast forest that sat at the base, a new kind of excitement taking over as you were one step closer.

You pulled back and turned to Seonghwa, practically bouncing in your seat. It was finally hitting you that you were about to look for the Library of Illusion and hopefully with the help of the team, actually find it.

The ride out of the town was smooth and as soon as you left the limits, the ground turned into a dirt road. You tried to busy yourself with another book but all of the books you had brought, you had read before and knew almost entirely by heart. Their contents were not enough to mask your excitement and anxiety as you left Sinaia behind and headed for the small town where you would meet your guide.

Around lunch time, the stage coaches stopped at a small house where a couple lived and served hot meals for travelers. There you feasted on a delicious meat and white bean stew and thick slices of fresh bread. You lost count on how many bowls you had but it was amazing and when you climbed back into the stagecoach, you were full and ready for a nap.

The ride to the village was going to take the rest of the day and you were supposed to arrive just after sunset. You ended up sleeping off your lunch by resting your head on Seonghwa’s shoulder. You woke with a start as the stagecoach rocked, hearing the driver call out to the horses in Romanian. Seonghwa was fully awake, looking outside the window as if lost in thought.

“What is it?” you asked, startling him. “I didn’t realize you were awake,” he admitted softly. You looked across at your attendants. Charlotte was asleep, her head resting against the side of the seat and Alfred was also asleep, his head tilted back as he snored softly. “Have you been awake this whole time?” you asked. Seonghwa nodded. “We’re almost there,” he said, looking back out the window.

You glanced out your window and noticed you had entered the forest, driving on a very wide dirt path cut through the trees. “How can you tell?” you asked, turning back to look at Seonghwa. “The sun is setting,” he explained. “And we’re supposed to be there just after sunset.” You sighed, trying to stretch your arms and legs but there wasn’t much room to stretch with Charlotte sitting across from you.

“Do you need to stop and get out?” Seonghwa asked, turning towards you, a look of concern on his face. You shook your head. “No. I’ll be fine.” He watched as you settled back into your seat. “May I ask you something?” he said after a few moments of silence. You turned to him expectantly. He hesitated before clearing his throat. “Do we really have to do this?” he asked softly.

Your smile fell as you looked back at him. “I know this was a gift from your father but it just feels…” he trailed off, looking out the window as silence filled the coach, save for Alfred’s gentle snoring. “What is it?” you asked softly. “Why are you so against this?” Seonghwa clicked his tongue before shaking his head. “Nothing,” he finally said. He turned, giving you a smile.

“Forget I said anything.”

You tried to forget it but as hard as you tried, you couldn’t. You didn’t understand why Seonghwa was so against this trip. You also could place your finger on what was wrong. It wasn’t like he was acting scared. More… apprehensive, though you still couldn’t tell what his reasoning for that was.

The rest of the ride was mainly in silence and as you got further and further into the forest, the sun descended behind the mountains, casting a deep, dark shadow over the land. Seonghwa gently took your hand and you found comfort in his touch just as you were sure he found comfort in yours.

As the sky grew darker and darker still, you finally reached the edge of a small village partially surrounded by a meter tall wooden fort. You were welcomed in by the gatekeeper and directed to the inn where you would spend the night. Charlotte and Alfred had been woken up when the coaches stopped at the gate and were now twisting about in their seats to peer out the window as the line of coaches headed for the inn.

One by one, they reached the inn and stopped. Alfred was the first out of your coach, Seonghwa following. You went next, taking your fiance’s hand and stepping down onto the step and then onto the ground. You looked around in the dim light radiating from behind the mountain as well as the few oil lamps that lit the pathway through the village.

You joined the rest of the crew as the owner of the inn came out. The last coach had a small staff of attendants, no doubt hired by your father. They climbed out and set to work unloading all the luggage and trunks, matching them up to their owners in small piles. You took Seonghwa’s arm as he offered it and started towards the inn door.

Thom had already introduced the team and when you and your fiance strolled up, Thom introduced your fiance as well but you noticed that he didn’t say your name. “Ah, Mr. Park,” the proprietor said in a thick accent. “It is good to meet you,” he added with a bow. “Thank you, this is my—” Seonghwa started to introduce you but was cut off. “Mrs. Park, wonderful to meet you as well,” the innkeeper said, giving you another deep bow as he had to Seonghwa.

“Thank you for your patronage,” the innkeeper started, looking around at everyone. “If you will follow me, I will show you to your rooms.” Seonghwa glanced at Thom who gestured for Seonghwa to go first so the two of you followed the innkeeper through the front door.

Just inside the door was a moderately sized vestibule with various hooks, boots, and a few random pieces of equipment ranging from riding crops to what looked to be gardening tools. There was a door to the left that was shut. In front of you was another door, this one propped open. Through this door was the main area of the inn and it was loud.

To your right were tables full of patrons who were eating, drinking, cheering, and some even singing. At the back wall behind the tables was a massive hearth with a huge fire roaring and providing ample warmth. Standing in the corner on a small wooden platform was a string quartet but rather than the music you were used to at the balls and soirees back in London, the music was much more upbeat, faster even. In front of the platform was a small area cleared of tables and chairs where a few couples were dancing to the lively music.

On the left side of the entrance was a bar that spanned a large part of the width of the building. Behind it were a few barmaids and a bartender who were busy filling large quantities of mugs with golden and dark brown liquids. Across from the door you entered was a massive wooden staircase. Next to it, in a small bump out in the wall was a large wooden box on its side. It looked like a crude elevator.

The innkeeper led you to the stairs. “I put you on the first floor,” he said as he started up the steps. “The elevator is for luggage only.” You followed Seonghwa, using the railing of the stairs to climb until you reached a long hallway. “There are six rooms on this floor,” he continued, pulling out a set of keys from his pocket and pulling one of the keys off. He started to unlock the door. “You have five of them.”

He opened the door and stepped in. “This is one of the men’s rooms,” he explained. Charley, Everett and Thom walked in. “I will have your luggage brought up here, write your names on this and hang it outside on the hook,” he explained, pointing at a small slate. “The staff will match your luggage with your rooms. He handed the key over to Thom. “You will return the key to me tomorrow morning before you leave. I will make sure no one comes in to touch your things.” Thom thanked him and took the key.

The innkeeper showed the next room, unlocking it with another key which he handed to Hiro. “This is the other room for the men,” he explained. The next room was for Sophronia, Adelaide, and Euphemia. The next room, the fourth one, was made up for Charlotte and Alfred and consisted of two smaller rooms with a small hall between their doors.

“And this one,” the innkeeper said, unlocking and opening the last door at the end of the hall. It was a little bit larger than the others and had a massive four poster bed against the outside wall with two windows on either side. Against the inside wall was a fireplace with a fire already crackling. “Couples who pass through on their honeymoon use this room,” he explained. “Since you are married, you share a room.” You expected Seonghwa to speak up, to say something but instead, he simply thanked the innkeeper, taking the key from him when offered.

“Once you are ready, come downstairs and get some supper. I have a private dining room set up for you and your friends,” the innkeeper said as he walked to the door and shut it, leaving you and Seonghwa alone. You turned to him, a laugh escaping you. He joined you in your humor and the two of you devolved into hysterical laughter. “Why does everyone assume we’re already married?” you asked as you sat on the edge of the bed. “I don’t know,” Seonghwa said as he wiped a tear from his eye.

“I’m not going to complain,” he added as he walked over. “Are you hungry?” he asked. You nodded, taking his hand when he offered it. “Let’s go see what’s for dinner then, shall we?”

Out in the hall, Seonghwa locked the door and you joined the rest of the crew, heading down to the ground level. Alfred stopped Seonghwa, pulling him aside to speak to him in a hushed tone as Charlotte joined you and you filled her in on the room arrangements. She offered to speak to the innkeeper on your behalf but you shook your head, telling her it was fine.

Seonghwa joined you moments later and despite your inquiry, he shook it off and led you towards a door where the innkeeper was standing, beaming widely at you. “This is the private dining hall,” he said, gesturing into the room. Inside there was a table that seated at least 12. There were baskets of fresh bread already on the table and opposite from where you entered was another doorway.

“We will bring your dinner to you,” the innkeeper said as you moved to take a seat, settling next to Euphemia who gave you a kind smile. Seonghwa under normal circumstances would have sat across from you but he could sense your apprehension and instead sat on the other side of you. Once the table was full, several of the inn staff started bringing in plates of food and tall mugs of ale. You opted for wine which they thankfully had.

“So,” Euphemia said part of the way through the meal, catching your attention. “Are you married already or does the staff of every establishment think you are?” she asked, trying to break the ice with a joke which thankfully did make you chuckle. “I guess they think we’re already married,” you replied. “But you really aren’t?” she asked to which you shook your head. “Not yet,” you answered. “The wedding is in a couple months.” Euphemia smiled but on the other side of her, Adelaide spoke up.

“And you’re actually looking forward to it?” she asked, not bothering to keep her voice down. You felt Seonghwa stiffen next to you and raise his eyes, as did everyone around the table, now completely focused on your conversation. You cleared your throat. “I actually am,” you replied. “I’ve wanted to get married since I was young.” Adelaide let out a bitter laugh.

“Indoctrinated from a young age, made to believe your only purpose is getting married and popping out kids,” she said, shaking her head. You felt an anger settling in the pit of your stomach but pushed it down. “I’m not,” you replied. “Sure, it’s something that is preached to us when we’re young but I actually want to get married and start a family. I don’t see it as my duty but as a life I’m choosing to have.”

The entire table had their eyes on you at this point. “Before I met Seonghwa, I thought I may never get married. Most of the men attempting to court me were either much too old or very… superficial,” you continued. “I wanted something more than just a smart match that gave me security. I wanted love. Before I met Seonghwa, I had given up on the idea of love. Sure, my parents had a marriage full of love but not everyone is so lucky. But then I met him and he changed everything. He showed me that it was possible to have it and has shown me nothing but love since he asked me to marry him.”

You felt him take your hand gently. You turned to look at Adelaide. “I’m sorry for whatever has happened to you that makes you think that marriage is the worst possible thing that can happen to a woman but it’s not. There are much worse fates.”

There was a murmur of agreement and everyone went back to their food, chatting softly while the music and loud chatter outside the room continued on. Seonghwa gave your hand a gentle squeeze before he went back to his meal. Afterwards, the men gathered and asked Seonghwa if he wanted to join him but he declined. You had Charlotte ask for a bath to be drawn in your room so you could bathe fully before your trip into the forest began.

As you started for the stairs, you felt a hand on your arm stop you and turned to find Adelaide.

“I wanted to apologize,” she said softly. “I didn’t realize you had something special with your fella.” You smiled softly. “I do,” you replied. “He’s probably one of the best men I know,” you added. “He comes from a well to do family but he’s also wealthy in his own right. He makes smart business decisions not just for expanding his business but so he can take care of his workers.”

Adelaide gave you a look of shock. “He’s very progressive when it comes to labor laws and wants what’s best for the people who work for him. That’s why he pays fair wages and refuses to let children work in the dangerous parts of the factories. He has regular inspections to make sure the equipment is working properly and listens when the workers complain about something. He’s a great listener,” you continued, smiling fondly as you spoke about your fiance.

“That’s rare,” Adelaide said softly. “He sounds like a real keeper,” she added. You nodded, giggling when she lightly nudged you. “Oh!” she said quickly. “What were you saying earlier? Before we left the station?” she asked. “Oh, about my medication?” you asked, smiling when she nodded, looking concerned. “I have frequent headaches and I have to take medication to relieve them,” you explained. Adelaide’s look of concern diminished as a look of understanding came over her.

“Oh,” she replied. “That makes sense, I suppose.”

You bid her goodnight and headed upstairs to your room where a large tub sat full of steaming hot water. Seonghwa was nowhere to be seen. Charlotte smiled as she set a robe on a chair beside the tub. “I asked Mr. Park to step out while you get undressed,” she explained, moving to help you get ready for the bath. “I have your soaps and oils,” she continued as she helped you with your jacket and removed it, setting it aside. “And as requested, I packed your most comfortable clothes into a rucksack,” she explained as you unbuttoned your petticoats, one by one.

“Did you pack my morning corset?” you asked to which she nodded. “We’ll have to pack this one as well,” Charlotte said but you stopped her. “I can’t take the corsets, Lottie,” you said softly. “It wouldn’t be practical for me to be traipsing around the forest in a corset. I’m not even going to be wearing dresses.” Charlotte looked appalled as you sat down once your corset had been removed.

You removed your shoes and stockings and looked up. “Could you please send for some tea?” you asked softly. I’ll take it after my bath.” Charlotte nodded and gave you a small curtsey before heading to the door and shutting it behind her so you could finish stripping before climbing into the tub. You let out a sigh of bliss as you submerged your body in the hot water, eyes sliding shut as you relaxed, sitting back against the high back of the tub.

You heard the door open and shut and sighed. “Charlotte, I said I’ll take tea after my bath,” you called as footsteps headed towards you slowly, stopping behind you. “I’m sure she’ll be back with it,” Seonghwa’s voice said and you looked up quickly. “Hwa!” you said, cheeks burning as you tried to cover yourself in the water. He chuckled and moved to the side of the tub to kneel. “Relax, sweetheart,” he said softly, reaching out to take your chin gently in his hand.

“I’ve already seen most of it,” he reminded you, making your cheeks burn even more. “I wish I had known you wanted to take a bath, I would have asked for it and then we could have taken one together. Saved on hot water,” he said with a wink, as he let his fingers dip past the surface.

“You could still get in,” you said softly, not looking up at him. His eyes had a look in them. That look. You jumped when there was a knock on the door. Seonghwa got up and walked over to answer it. “Oh, Mr. Park,” Charlotte said, sounding surprised. “Is Miss Y/N still in the bath?”

“She is,” your fiance answered. “I have her tea,” Charlotte announced. “Perfect,” Seonghwa replied. “I’ll take it.” A moment of silence was followed by the sound of china clinking softly as Charlotte no doubt handed the tray to Seonghwa. “Thank you, Charlotte,” he said. “I’ll help Y/N out of the tub when she’s ready,” he continued. “Could you finish packing her bag for the trip into the forest. She has a very practical wardrobe picked out. And please make sure to remove the corsets, she won’t be able to wear them except for the morning one.”

“Oh and one last thing,” he said. “Please pack her books. I’m sure she’ll want to read when we stop to make camp.” You heard the door shut and footsteps of Seonghwa approaching. He passed the tub, setting the tray on the table and turned to look at you. “You still want me to join you?” he asked. You peeked over the edge of the tub at him, eyes scanning up and down his body before you nodded.

He started to walk forward but you shook your head, making him stop in his tracks. “Undress over there,” you said softly. “Give me a show.” Seonghwa let out a laugh. “A show?” he asked as he started to undo his tie. “Am I getting paid?” he asked as he pulled the now strip of material from his collar and dropped it onto the floor. You shrugged, giggling as he started to undo the buttons of his waistcoat.

“If you put on a good show,” you answered, giggling again as he hesitated, tilting his head and giving you a heated stare before he continued. Once the waistcoat was undone, he shrugged it off, adding it to the floor. He pulled down the straps of his suspenders, letting them fall to the sides of his thighs as he started to unbutton his shirt. Your eyes followed his hands as they moved down.

Once the shirt was mostly undone, his hands moved to his pants but you stopped him again. “Come here,” you said, your tone much more seductive than you knew possible. Seonghwa didn’t hesitate, instead he walked over to the side of the tub. You sat up, moving your hands to the front of his trousers. “What are you doing, Blossom?” he asked as you undid the button at the front of his pants, looking up at him through your lashes.

“Returning the favor.”

Seonghwa tried to speak but you were quick to tug his pants down, freeing his cock which had started to harden. Without hesitation, you took it in your hand, stroking slowly as you looked up at him. Seonghwa let out a hissed curse, eyes fluttering shut as your hand moved, working his cock and bringing him to his full length.

“F-fuck,” he hissed, his hips starting to thrust into your hand as you sped up. You looked up, taking in the view of his head thrown back as you stroked him. Testing the waters, so to speak, you opened your mouth, taking the head of his cock past your lips. Immediately, Seonghwa swore loudly, hips bucking forward but he was quick to pull you back so he didn’t hurt you.

“You can’t just do that, Blossom,” he gasped. “Warn me next time, alright?” He stroked your cheek gently before he let go and stood back up straight. You nodded, looking up at him. Taking a steadying breath, you resumed your earlier motions, stroking his shaft slowly, watching the way his eyes fluttered shut as he gave in to pleasure.

Keeping your eyes on his face you took the tip of his cock back into your mouth, Seonghwa letting out a low moan. You focused on your breathing as you tried to take more of him in your mouth. Every time you pulled back, you noticed his hips moved forward, chasing the feeling of your mouth around him. It was an entirely new experience for you but you wanted to do for him what he’d done for you a few times now. 

You wanted to make him feel good.

Your jaw was starting to ache but you tried to power through it. “Oh fuck,” Seonghwa hissed, thrusting slowly into your mouth as your head bobbed to meet his movements. “Just like that, sweetheart. Keep going,” he whispered. The only sound in the room other than the crackling of the fire was the sound of your wet mouth.

You felt his hand move to the back of your head. “Just a little further,” he groaned, coaxing you to take more of his cock into your mouth which you were happy to oblige. Your lips and chin were wet with your own spit and it was starting to drip down onto your chest but you couldn’t be bothered. Not when your fiance was making some of the most erotic sounds you’d ever heard.

His hips thrusted a little harder, making the head of his cock hit the back of your throat. You let out a muffled gag but instead of letting him pull back, you grabbed his hips, holding him still as you repeated the action, gagging again. It didn’t bother you as much as you thought it would, after all, even brushing your teeth made you gag but this was somehow different.

You pulled back enough to take a deep breath in through your nose before taking him deep into your mouth until he hit the back but instead of stopping there, you pressed forward, allowing the head of his cock into your throat. Seonghwa let out a strained moan as your throat flexed, squeezing around the tip. You stayed there despite your lungs starting to beg for air. You swallowed experimentally and Seonghwa lost his composure, carefully attempting to pull you back but he was too late.

He came with a low deep moan, his release spilling into your mouth and down the back of your throat. You tried to swallow what you could, brows furrowing at the salty taste. Seonghwa carefully pulled back, his cock falling from your mouth and starting to grow soft. He didn’t bother tucking himself back into his pants, instead, he dropped to his knees, grabbing you by the back of the head and pulled you into a messy kiss.

Your bath sat forgotten as he pulled back and grabbed the towel on the chair to wipe your face and chest before he threw it to the floor and took your hand, guiding you to stand up before he helped you out. Once your feet were on the floor, he very hastily dried you off before guiding you over to the bed, making you sit down as he finished stripping his clothes from his body.

He moved you to the middle of the bed as he climbed onto the mattress, making you lay back as he hovered over you, pressing soft kisses to your chest and collar before taking you into another deep kiss. One of his hands moved up to your neck as he parted your lips with his, allowing his tongue to slip into your mouth. You whined against his lips.

Pleasuring him earlier had sent an aching heat to your cunt and you were in desperate need of some relief. One thing you were starting to like about this new side you were learning of your fiance was that he seemed to be in tune to what your body wanted. Sensing what you wanted, Seonghwa let his hand slide down to your chest, cupping your breast, his palm hot against your skin.

He kneaded, massaging gently and slowly as he kissed his way down the side of your neck until he was level with your other breast, tongue darting out to lap cautiously at your nipple. You let out a sigh, carding your fingers through his hair as he wrapped his lips around it. His hand slid from your chest, moving down your stomach, drawing closer and closer to your wet folds.

You glanced down at him, finding his eyes shut as he focused on teasing your pert nipple with his tongue. You felt his fingers press into you, thumb grazing over your clit and making you gasp, hips bucking involuntarily into his touch. You felt him smile against your skin as his fingers traveled further, finding your slit and pressing into you slowly, stretching your hole.

Your thighs parted further to give him more access. It occurred to you that you were more exposed to him now than you ever had been. He’d always touched, kissed, and pleasured you with your nightgown on. Your cheeks grew warm as this realization hit you. It was quickly squashed as his fingers started to move, pumping in and out of you, slowly at first but starting to gain momentum quickly.

“Seonghwa,” you whimpered, hips moving against his hand, begging for more. “Please,” you whined. “I need you.” Seonghwa chuckled against your skin before lifting his head. “Patience, Blossom,” he said softly. “We have all night.” He kissed down your chest and stomach, removing his fingers from your heat as he settled on the bed, head hovering above your sex.

He glanced up at you before lowering his head, planting soft, wet kisses along the inside of your thigh. You whined, rolling your hips up for his touch. He shook his head before sinking his teeth very quickly into the plush flesh of your inner thigh, making you gasp. As quickly as he’d done it, he was kissing back down the inside of your thigh, skipping over the place you wanted his mouth the most to kiss the inside of the opposite thigh. You whine for him again, combing your fingers through his hair.

“Please, baby, please,” you begged. Seonghwa chuckled again, kissing back down towards your cunt. As he drew level, he looked up to meet your gaze, giving you a smirk as he lowered his mouth, tongue slipping out to meet your clit. He wasn’t forgiving or slow with his movements, instead going right into flicking the sensitive nub with the tip of his tongue.

You gasped, head falling back against the pillows as he licked and sucked like he was starved. Your back arched off the mattress as he moved his head, tongue massaging and drawing circles around your clit. “Ah-! F-fuck,” you hissed. It wasn’t considered proper to curse but if your fiance was fine with cursing when you had his cock down your throat, you figured it would be fine for you to curse when he was making you feel this good.

You felt his tongue prod at your hole momentarily before it returned to your sensitive clit. “Feels s-so good,” you whispered breathily. Seonghwa hummed in response, the resulting vibrations making you moan loudly. Your hips started to move on their own, grinding against your fiance’s tongue but he paid no mind. Instead, he let you, holding his head in place so you could find your own rhythm and pleasure.

He only let it last for a few moments before he pinned your hips down, going back to his own pace, flattening his tongue against you and shaking his head. It wasn’t unlike the way he’d done this before and he clearly had a few tricks still left to show you but you couldn’t think about that when he sucked on your clit and everything happened at once. Your thighs squeezed around his head as you came, back arching off the bed with a moan as he coaxed you through your orgasm.

Your body shuddered, an intense heat, white and blinding, spreading throughout your limbs as stars clouded your vision. Your climax was strong and while it felt familiar, it had never been as potent as this. Seonghwa’s movements never faltered as he continued to guide you through it, lapping at your clit until you breathlessly begged him to stop, weakly pulling at his dark tresses.

He finally lifted his head, wiping his lips and chin with the back of his hand as he crawled over you, pressing sporadic kisses up your stomach and chest until his lips met yours in a soft, languid kiss that was nothing but tongue. You tasted yourself on his tongue and it was much like when you had swallowed his seed earlier.

You felt something hard prodding at your thigh and without looking you knew it was his cock. He’d grown hard while eating you out and now it stood at attention and ready. “Hwa,” you whined as he broke the kiss to nuzzle against your cheek. “I want you,” you whispered. “I know, sweetheart,” he replied just as softly. “I need you,” you reiterated.

Seonghwa nodded as he sighed, his hot breath fanning over your skin. “I know, baby,” he answered. “I said we would wait until our return to London,” he started, pulling back to look into your eyes. “But if I’m being honest, I don’t think I can wait that long.” You shook your head. “Then don’t,” you said softly, reaching up to cup his cheek. “I want to feel you inside me.”

Seonghwa leaned in, pressing his lips to yours. “Alright,” he murmured. “I’ll go slow.” You nodded as he took himself in his hand, giving a few strokes before you felt the tip of his head press against your wet folds, sliding up and down to gather your arousal. He spread as much of it as he could. You watched as he let a drop of spit fall from his mouth onto his cock which he then also spread.

He looked up, meeting your gaze once more. “Are you ready?” he asked, to which you nodded. “Yes,” you answered. “Please. I want you to make love to me.” Seonghwa let out a chuckle, leaning in to press a chaste kiss against your lips in contrast to his cock about to enter you. “You don’t need to beg anymore, petal,” he said softly. “Though I do like how you sound when you do.”

You opened your mouth to respond to him but a moan slipped out instead as he pressed into you, the head of his cock sliding into you and stretching your walls. Seonghwa paused, a look of concern on his beautiful face. “Blossom? Are you all right?” he asked softly. You nodded. “Yes, I’m fine,” you answered, brushing his hair back and smiling at him. He studied your face briefly before pushing further into you.

The head of his cock hadn’t provided much pain but as he slowly filled you, the sting you had felt the first time he fingered you had returned. You let out a sharp gasp, grabbing his bicep. Immediately, he stilled, watching your face as you winced. “Do you want me to stop?” he asked, pressing a couple soft kisses to your lips and cheek. “Just give me a moment. It’s new. It feels… different.”

Seonghwa obliged, letting your body adjust to the intrusion of his cock. He kissed your face, offering sweet words of praise as you slowly relaxed. “That’s it, darling,” he whispered as he felt the squeeze of your walls lessen. “Just relax and let me in,” he added as he slid further, pushing deeper into you than he’d ever been. You let out a sigh, forcing your body to go lax as his hips finally stopped.

It still stung but you could feel it was starting to be replaced with an ache as the pain ebbed away slowly. Seonghwa waited, letting you adjust more as he kept kissing you, giving you encouraging words. “That’s it. Good girl. You’re doing so well, sweetheart.”

His words made your heart flutter with appreciation. You’d never felt like that when you were praised but most of the praise you had received in your life had been about your looks, never about accomplishments or how you behaved. It was odd but you enjoyed it greatly. The next words out of Seonghwa’s mouth had the same feeling bubbling in your chest but also made your walls squeeze around him.

“Look at you. Taking my cock so well.”

You were taken by surprise and unable to formulate a proper response. Seonghwa didn’t seem to notice your stunned silence as he took that moment to pull out slightly before giving you a tentative thrust. Your confoundment dissipated immediately, a moan leaving your lips. Taking your response as the go ahead, Seonghwa quickly set a steady pace, thrusting into you without being too rough.

“Talk to me, blossom,” he said breathlessly. “Are you okay?”

You nodded fervently, moans increasing in pitch and volume as he sped up. You let out a particularly loud one and Seonghwa shushed you, covering your mouth gently. “You’re going to get us in trouble,” he said softly. Your cheeks burned as he reminded you that the others could potentially hear you. “As much as I would love to hear those beautiful sounds, you’re going to have to keep quiet.”

You nodded, nibbling on your bottom lip as you tried to keep your voice down. Small whimpers and moans sounded from the back of your throat with each thrust. Seonghwa let out a strained groan, burying his face in your neck. You could feel his hips slow slightly. “What’s wrong?” you asked, breathlessly. “I don’t know how much longer I can last,” he replied, hips stilling as he tried to stave off his orgasm.

You ran your fingers through his hair, your heart beating against your chest. “I have an idea,” Seonghwa murmured, lifting his head. You felt him slip out of you, leaving you feeling empty and clenching around nothing. “Here,” he said softly, gently rolling you over onto your stomach. “What’re you doing?” you asked, resting on your forearms as you peered over your shoulder.

You felt his hands part your legs, spreading your thighs apart. “Raise your hips for me, love,” Seonghwa said, reaching over you and grabbing one of the pillows. You did as he asked, lifting your hips off the mattress. You felt Seonghwa slip the pillow, now folded in half, under you. Once he did, you rested against the pillow. “What’s this for?” you asked, tugging lightly at the pillow case.

You felt Seonghwa lean over you, pressing light kisses along your spine and up to your shoulder, his body pressing against yours. You could feel his cock rubbing against your cunt as he teased your neck with a couple kisses before whispering into your ear. “Something to keep your hips up,” he said softly. “Why?” you asked. Seonghwa chuckled, his hot breath hitting your skin.

You felt the head of his cock slide back into you unrestrained and you moaned into the sheets as he bottomed out. “Still want me to answer that?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. You shook your head quickly as he thrust into you from behind, setting a slow but steady pace with languid thrusts. Each rock inside you had your toes curling, muffled moans disappearing into the sheets.

The pace started to pick up and the only sounds you could hear was the wet sound of his cock entering you, the sound of his skin against yours and his low, restrained moans. “Fucking hell,” you heard him curse under his breath. “You’re so tight.” Your walls clenched around him, like a warm tight hug, sucking him back in each time he tried to pull back.

“Is,” you gasped, choking back a moan as you raised your head. “Is that good?”

Seonghwa let out a breathy laugh. “Yes,” he replied simply. “It is.”

Your attempts to bite back were cut short when he gave you a hard thrust, pounding into you. You were unable to shield your face in time and let out a loud cry of pleasure before muffling your sounds with the linens. “Oh to hell with it,” Seonghwa cursed. You felt his hand cup your throat, pulling your head up. “Don’t hold back,” he whispered in your ear, slamming into you now. “Let me hear you. I don’t care who else hears us now,” he groaned. “I want to hear that beautiful cry again.”

Without the sheets to muffle your sounds, unrestrained and wanton moans left your lips, intermingled with cries of pleasure that bordered almost on screams. There was no doubt in your mind that everyone on the floor, let alone maybe the whole inn, could hear you and knew exactly what you were doing. Your thoughts didn’t focus on the embarrassment or shame for long as your mind cleared, giving way to the pleasure your fiance was giving you.

“Wait, wait,” Seonghwa groaned, pulling out of you suddenly, making you whine in protest but he was quick to roll you over, lifting your hips and placing the pillow back under you, raising your hips off the mattress once more. He quickly pushed back into you, grabbing your hips and resuming the same, unrelenting pace as before. 

Your fingers dug into the sheets, trying to hold onto something as your fiance pounded into you. Each thrust had you crying out in bliss. Your mind was full of nothing but the euphoria that was flowing through your body. Your hips moved to match his pace and he groaned, hips stilling for a moment. “Fuck, oh fuck,” Seonghwa gasped, leaning over you. “I won’t last much longer,” he moaned. 

You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him down so you were chest to chest. “Don’t stop,” you moaned. “Please.” Seonghwa groaned into your neck, hips moving fervently as he muttered praise into your skin. “I’m going to cum,” you heard him gasp. He tried to pull away but your grip on him tightened, thighs squeezing around his waist and arms tightening.

“Blossom, I need to pull out or I’ll—”

“Do it,” you interjected. “Cum inside me.”

Seonghwa’s response was delayed as he processed your words. He let out a groan, cock thrusting into you harshly as you felt it twitch. It was like when he came in your hand. His cock was hot, throbbing, and you felt the first surge of his release spill inside your walls. His cock continued to twitch as he came, releasing everything into you in short bursts, his hips thrusting a few times more before he finally stilled, pushing his cock as far into you as he could with a shaky moan.

Your own orgasm washed over you as he came undone, walls fluttering around him as you moaned, his name sounding like a mantra you were fine with saying for the rest of your life. Seonghwa collapsed on top of you, head resting on your chest as he tried to catch his breath. You were just as winded as he was, trembling under him as you both came down from your respective climaxes.

You lay like that for a while, uncertain of how much time had passed by. You became aware of something warm and sticky squeezing out of you and you finally had to rouse your fiance.

“Seonghwa?” you asked, your voice slightly hoarse. “Hmm?” he mumbled. “Something is warm and wet,” you announced. He pulled back, sitting back and looking down between your legs. “Oh, that’s gonna be a mess,” he said, quickly getting up and grabbing one of the towels Charlotte had brought in for your bath. He returned to the bed, climbing onto the mattress and started wiping your skin, cleaning it of whatever mess he had mentioned.

You lay there, watching him and taking in how truly beautiful he was. His golden skin with a thin layer of sweat, his messy black hair as he pushed it back from his face and focused with brows furrowed on cleaning your sex. Once he was satisfied you were clean, he tossed the towel aside and crawled over you, pressing feather light kisses up your stomach, chest, and to your lips. 

“We should probably get cleaned up,” you finally said as your breathing was starting to return to normal. Seonghwa hummed in response as he pulled the pillow out from under you, tossing it to the floor and pulling back the sheets, maneuvering around you until he had the covers pulled down.

“We’re really dirty now,” you said as he pulled the covers up over the both of you and he settled into the bed next to you. “Mhm,” he answered, pulling you against him, not caring about your nudity or the sweat on either of your bodies. “We really should clean up,” you murmured again. Seonghwa nodded, placing kisses to your lips. “Okay, Blossom,” he said, hiding you tightly.

“Whatever you want, my princess.”

©️ kwanisms 2018 - 2025 | all written and artistic works on this blog are protected under copyright. reposts, continuations, and translations of my works are not permitted. All graphics made by me.

[kwanisms]

[kwanisms]

yum. I love glazed donuts

guys it’s not just hyunjin tonight but they are all a bunch of glazed donuts

[kwanisms]

a totally valid crashout. I can't tell you how many times I've had to lay on the carpet, facedown, and scream because of this hellsite lmao and yet, I still refuse to leave, like a gremlin with my shiny rock collection. my blog is my cave and my fics are my rocks. I'm not going 🎉 anywhere 🎉

Ayo I'm so fucking tired of editing a draft and when I go to save as a draft, it instantly posts instead oml

[kwanisms]

yeah, so I'm overly cautious when saving drafts now because of that. I don't wanna accidentally post stuff 😭 it's happened before and I had to completely delete the post and start over 🙃 pls [tumblr], don't do me like this 💀

hehe 🥰 almost twins~ 🩷

Ayo I'm so fucking tired of editing a draft and when I go to save as a draft, it instantly posts instead oml

[kwanisms]

@itsseohannbin huh, I guess it's just [tumblr] being dumblr as usual. I know sometimes when I have a draft with a read more and I click on the read more, hit edit, and then save, it posts for some odd reason. I HATE that tumblr does that

on a completely unrelated note, we have similar icons lol, even down to the backgrounds and poses of the idol

Ayo I'm so fucking tired of editing a draft and when I go to save as a draft, it instantly posts instead oml

[kwanisms]

@itsseohannbin did it have a read more on it?

Ayo I'm so fucking tired of editing a draft and when I go to save as a draft, it instantly posts instead oml

[kwanisms]

is it usually a new draft, like one you just started or is it one that was already in your drafts?

Ayo I'm so fucking tired of editing a draft and when I go to save as a draft, it instantly posts instead oml

[kwanisms]

I have never related to something more in my life

Ayo I'm so fucking tired of editing a draft and when I go to save as a draft, it instantly posts instead oml

[kwanisms]

The Rose are really amazinggg

the show was incredible and inside this really old theater in Chicago. our seats were really good. I just feel bad cause Woosung was sick and trying to sing. he did his best and the staff ended up bringing him some hot tea to help with his throat and coughing. Dojoon was goofy asf and I was thriving. Hajoon looked so freakin good too with his wavy long hair. And Taegyeom 😩 Woosung accidentally called him Jaehyeong and Taegyeom went back to his mic and said "Jaehyeong's dead" and the entire theater died laughing. It was such an incredible show and I'm so glad I got to see them live. I bought the tickets as a gift for my best friend @yoonguurt cause we already had tickets to see Stray Kids in ATL at Truist Park but when I saw the Rose was going on tour AND I had just gotten my income tax refund, I was like "bet. I'm getting tickets."

[kwanisms]

I haven't really posted my cats on here as I tend to keep things on here strictly writing but I have to share this:

look at my baby. look at him lil teefies 🥺 I love his little fangs. him eepy 🩷