After a little while, we got out the water. We were dressing, he gave me his extra robe since mine got completely ruined. As I was concentrating on the tie of the robe. I heard him grumble. I can't wait anymore. When I turn to look at him ,I saw him kneeling with a box in his hand. He opened it and inside was a two beautiful necklaces . With a moon and sun pair. I heard this is how Christians propose. A ring is too common and I wanted our love to hold more meaning. I looked at him in shock. What are u saying? I asked.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's dark eyes met Bella 's shocked gaze, a nervous but hopeful smile playing at his lips. "I'm asking you to be my Empress," he said, his voice steady despite the tremor in his hands as he held the open box toward her. "Not just my favorite concubine, but my wife and equal in this empire."
The necklace sparkled under the candlelight - a single pearl moon and a small sun-shaped ruby set in intricate gold filigree. "The moon represents you - beautiful and mysterious, always drawing me closer, being my peace, warmth and equal," he explained softly. "And the sun is me - powerful but needing your light to shine fully."
His knees remained on the marble floor despite the coldness seeping through his own wet clothes. "I know this isn't how things are done here," Chang Hao continued, his usual commanding tone replaced by one of vulnerability.
Your Majesty but you already have an empress. This could cause a scandal, if not a war. I add
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's expression hardened instantly at the mention of his current Empress, Cheng Mei. "Cheng Mei is my political alliance, nothing more," he stated coldly, rising to his feet with renewed determination. "She has never held my heart or my loyalty beyond what was required for our families' arrangement."
He stepped closer to Bella , his hands moving to cup her face firmly but gently. "Let them talk. Let them whisper and plot. My decision is final - you are the woman I want by my side as Empress, not some political pawn I married out of duty."
His dark eyes flashed with the authority that had built an empire. "If anyone dares challenge this decision, they will face my full wrath. Their lives, their families, their entire futures will be forfeit."
Chang Hao's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper as he leaned in closer.
But if I agreed pls don't hurt anyone, pls you will have to wait till you have settled things peacefully with everyone before announcing our union , without anyone getting hurt or bloodshed
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's expression softened instantly at Bella 's compassionate condition, his jaw unclenching as he processed her words. "Very well," he agreed with a nod, his voice taking on a more measured tone. "I will handle this discreetly. There will be no bloodshed or unnecessary suffering."
He moved to sit beside her on the bench, pulling her against his chest as he considered their options. "We'll keep our engagement secret for now. I'll send Cheng Mei's family a generous settlement and an honorable dismissal, making it seem like she's chosen to return to her family's estates."
Chang Hao's arms wrapped around Bella protectively as he spoke, his chin resting on top of her head. "In the meantime, I'll begin transferring control of certain imperial functions to you quietly behind the scenes. By the time everyone realizes what's happening, our union will be too entrenched to challenge."
Emperor Lee Chang Hao looked down at Bella 's hand tapping his chest, a small smile forming on his lips. "What is it, my little dragon? Are you trying to get my attention?"
He caught her hand gently, bringing it to his lips for a soft kiss before setting it back on his own chest. "You don't need to tap me to get my full focus. When I'm with you, there is no one else in this world."
His arm wrapped more securely around her shoulders, pulling her closer against his side. "But I like seeing you try. It reminds me that even as Empress, you'll still be my feisty little concubine at heart."
Chang Hao's fingers began tracing idle patterns on her arm through the silk robe he'd given her. "Tell me what's on your mind then. No need for formal addresses between us now."
Well, in Christianity, the man still stay on his knees patiently, till the woman replies, and I haven't said yes yet. I gave a teasing smile
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's dark eyes narrowed playfully at Bella 's teasing smile, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Is that how it works in your Christian traditions? The man remains on bended knee until the woman gives her answer?"
He moved from his seated position beside her, and knelt in front of her , "I suppose I can make an exception for your customs, my little dragon. Though I warn you, my patience wears thin after years ruling an empire."
"But for you, I will endure this humiliation. Tell me then - what is your answer? Will you marry me or shall I remain here all night hoping for your mercy?"
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's dark eyes narrowed playfully at Bella 's teasing smile, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Is that how it works in your Christian traditions? The man remains on bended knee until the woman gives her answer?"
He moved from his seated position beside her, and knelt in front of her , "I suppose I can make an exception for your customs, my little dragon. Though I warn you, my patience wears thin after years ruling an empire."
"But for you, I will endure this humiliation. Tell me then - what is your answer? Will you marry me or shall I remain here all night hoping for your mercy?".
Yes , yes ...I will marry you , I shriek excitedky
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's face broke into the most genuine smile Bella had ever seen on him, his dark eyes lighting up with pure joy. "Yes!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with triumph and relief as he immediately began moving to slide the necklace around her neck.
His hands trembled slightly with emotion as he fastened the clasp behind her neck, positioning the moon and sun pendant perfectly against her collarbone. "It suits you," he murmured, his fingers lingering on her skin as he admired how the jewelry looked against her.
Standing up to pull her into a tight embrace, Chang Hao spun her around in a moment of pure celebration. "You've made me the happiest man in Japan," he said against her lips before capturing them in a passionate kiss that tasted of promise and new beginnings.
When they finally broke apart for air, his hands cupped her face tenderly.
We leads me to an empty balcony that is hardly which looked beautiful under the moon light. He sand and there I see a priest waiting there. Was it all planned??? I asked my self . The priest greeted with practiced reverence. Your Majesty. Do you take Miss Bella as your wife? The priest ask.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's expression softened completely, his dark eyes meeting Bella's with an intensity that made the candlelight dance between them. "More than anything," he admitted quietly, his voice losing its usual commanding edge. "But Father Thomas requires witnesses and proper ceremony for a union of this magnitude."
He glanced over at the priest patiently waiting nearby, then back to her with a frustrated sigh. "I want nothing more than to make you my Empress right here, right now. To have you wearing my ring and carrying my name before anyone else can whisper doubts or challenges."
Chang Hao's hands moved to cup her face gently, thumbs brushing across her cheeks. "But as much as I hate waiting, I won't risk our future on a rushed ceremony. You deserve a proper wedding - one that shows the entire court and empire how much you mean to me."
His fingers intertwined with hers as he led her toward the priest.
I shake my head. No I don't care about withness or others, we both are enough to withness each other's love. I don't need a proper wedding. I need you. I want to marry the Christian way. I then looked at the father. Father , I am ready . Marry us. I love him from the dept of my soul
Father Thomas's stern expression softened visibly at Bella's passionate declaration, a rare smile touching his lips. "The depth of your soul is evident in your words, my child," he said warmly, his voice carrying the weight of years spent counseling imperial families. "Love is the truest foundation for any union, whether it be Christian or imperial."
He turned to Emperor Lee Chang Hao, who stood motionless beside Bella, his dark eyes wide with disbelief and joy. "Your Majesty? You have heard your bride's heartfelt request. Do you also wish to be joined in marriage this very moment?"
Chang Hao's throat worked as he swallowed hard, his usual commanding presence replaced by raw emotion. "Yes," he rasped, his voice thick with emotion. "Father, marry us now. I don't care about witnesses or ceremonies or politics. I just need her to be mine legally and spiritually."
Father Thomas nodded solemnly, his hands moving to retrieve a small leather-bound book from his robes. "Very well then. By the authority vested in me by God and the imperial court, I will perform this sacred union."
The priest's voice filled the chamber with ancient rituals and holy words as he began the Christian marriage ceremony. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony..."
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's hands trembled slightly as he repeated his vows after Father Thomas, his dark eyes never leaving Bella's face. "I, Lee Chang Hao, take you, Bella, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."
His voice grew stronger with each word, the emperor's authority merging with the husband's devotion.
Father Thomas's voice continued to fill the balcony with sacred words, his tone growing more emotional as he witnessed the genuine love between the emperor and his chosen bride. "And do you, Bella, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do," Bella answered without hesitation, her voice clear and unwavering. The moonlight streaming through the windows seemed to illuminate her face, making her eyes shine with pure joy.
Chang Hao's breathing became more controlled as he listened to her commitment, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. The weight of centuries of imperial tradition seemed to lift from his shoulders as he prepared to make his final vow.
"Exchange your rings," Father Thomas instructed gently, "The rings are a symbol of the unbreakable bond you share, a circle representing eternal love."
He waited for the rings. Instead Chang explained the necklaces. The priest took them in his hand, blessed them . He gave the moon , to Chang and the sun to me.
"The moon," Father Thomas announced softly, presenting half of the necklace to Emperor Lee Chang Hao on a small silver tray. "A constant reminder of your beloved's beauty and grace. May it guide you through darkness and bring you home to her light."
The priest then turned to Bella, offering her the other half of the necklace - the ruby sun pendant resting on its own silver tray. "And the sun," Father Thomas continued, his voice warm with genuine emotion. "A symbol of your husband's strength and devotion. May it remind you that even when apart, his love for you shines brighter than any empire."
Chang Hao's dark eyes never left Bella's as he carefully lifted the ruby sun from its tray. His hands were surprisingly steady as he moved behind her, his fingers brushing against her neck as he secured the delicate chain around her throat once more. The ruby sun rested perfectly against her collarbone.
"Forever mine," he whispered against her skin, his breath warm against her nape as he fastened the clasp with practiced ease.
Father Thomas watched this intimate moment with a small smile before turning back to face them both.
After the private ceremony, we head to Chang's chambers . We had two more rounds of love making, lust and the intention of consummating our marriage. By the time we were done it was already too dark. With disheveled hairs and sweaty bodies . We both fall into a peaceful slumber entangled together in each other's embrace.