18th century… When Catherine took her steps out of the palace, she inhaled a deep breath that filled her lungs. When the wind ran its icy fingers through her hair, she grinned through chapped lips. She was where she wanted to be. She felt alive after so many years, it was just her, the wind, and the heavy breaths. She got herself back as her Yeji called her from behind. “Your majesty. Everything is ready.” Catherine rolled her eyes around. Everything was ready. Horses were lined up in a row, on them the horsemen, the warrior and a new face, his eyes held downward. She started to take steps towards them, everyone bowed to her. They couldn't take their eyes down from her except the unknown one. As Catherine shifted her eyes uneasily, they averted their obvious gazes. Catherine's personal maids were following her from behind. She stole a glance at the horses, scanning her horse, "My personal secretary Yeji will go with us in the horse cart. Alex, my current warrior teacher will go wi
18th century… The horses were running very fast, creating beats on the empty streets. The heavy breeze was making Catherine's hair messy. Atlas rolled his eyes and stole a glance at her. But he quickly turned his face as his breath started becoming heavier, "You should be more careful. Why did you tie your hair like this? You should have just covered your hair with something." "I know. You'll not know this feeling. It's kinda fun." Catherine smiled. Atlas furrowed his forehead, "What?" They were talking loudly. Alex looked back at Atlas as he heard his loud voice. He is crazy, right? Catherine tilted her head in confusion. What's wrong with this man? Why is he this cold? "Maybe, I will catch a cold soon. Why are you being so cold to me? You are not even using honorifics. Why?" She asked. Atlas heaved a deep sigh. "I'm not using honorifics but I am not being disrespectful, right? I am always the same. I am not using honorifics because I am older than you. I know, I should honor t
18th century… "Atlas?" A skinny girl shouted as if she was very shocked. Catherine took a glance at the girl first who was standing not so far away from them. Then she looked at Atlas who was getting off from his horse. They left Yeongnam in the morning and arrived at their next destination "village Yeongdong." Atlas was announcing that to everyone. It was already crowded with villagers. Catherine asked Atlas when she saw that girl was glancing at him for a long time, "Atlas, do you know her?" Atlas looked at Catherine and then he started looking around searching, "Who?" Catherine pointed out that girl with her finger. Atlas's gaze followed her finger. As he saw the girl, he said with widened eyes, "Suzy." Alex looked at Suzy and ran to her, "Yea. Suzy." Suzy smiled, "Hi handsome." Atlas blinked his eyes and murmured, "Why is this girl here?" Catherine looked at Atlas with curiosity, "You know her!" As Suzy grinned, Atlas came to the girl. Catherine followed him. Seeing the futur
18th century… "Yah. What's wrong? Why are you sweating? You don't look good." Atlas opened his eyes when he heard a familiar voice. It was Catherine. He quickly got up and looked at Catherine who was standing beside his bed. Before he could react, Catherine again asked worriedly, "Are you okay?" He was sweating and struggling in sleep. Catherine was passing by his room. When she heard some noise, she came into his room and saw him sleeping. Atlas realized his past was just bothering him in his dream. He sighed and teased, "Why do you care? I thought you are too busy to care about anyone." Catherine's expression darkened, she smiled weakly, "Ah. That's right. I was just passing by. I heard some noise. So I came in. And your door was open." Atlas nodded and sighed, "Can I ask you a question?" Catherine nodded, "Ask." Atlas looked deep into her eyes and asked, "You really didn't miss me? You aren't happy to see me?" Catherine gulped, her eyes welled up as she looked deep into his eyes
18th century... "It almost 5 days you're so quiet. What happened? What's wrong with you? Everything was normal when we arrived at Yeongseo." Daniel asked Atlas with a concerned voice. Atlas's sudden calmness worried him. Atlas was standing beside the window in their room, looking outside mindlessly. They were currently in Gwangdang village(village of that time). Daniel sighed as he didn't reply, again avoided him like he avoided these questions from 5 days. Daniel put his hand on Atlas's shoulder and gently shook him, "Are you okay?" Atlas came back to his senses and looked at Daniel blankly for some time. After realizing what he asked, he nodded as he made his way to the door, opening it. Daniel said frustratedly, "You are not okay. You were like this before you met the Queen. Again you're behaving like before. Why??" His sudden change after meeting the Queen shocked him. Atlas was smiling, laughing, joking. He was totally different. So, he was happy for Atlas. At the same time, he
18th century Atlas felt something wet on his skin. He pulled away from her a little to check if she is crying or not. Catherine looked at him with her teary eyes. Before Atlas could ask her something, a gasp of shock was heard. Both of them widened their eyes and turned their head to that direction where Yeji was standing, looking at them shockingly. As Catherine stood straight, Atlas's expression went blank. Well, when he thought about it... Yeji already knew he likes her. She already noticed it that day when he was staring at her intensely. The reason that shocked her was Catherine who was hugging him back. "I'm sorry. Your majesty. I should go now." Yeji quickly averted her gaze from them and made her way to the house. Atlas sighed in frustration. Atlas looked at Catherine worriedly knowing she was nervous. He cupped her face, asking with concern, "Are you okay?" Catherine also looked at him and nodded, "I'm alright." Atlas pressed his forehead with hers, "I'll talk with he
18th century "Catherine." Atlas knocked on the door. A wide smile curled up on his face as the door was opened. Atlas's heart always started to beat fastly whenever this woman was near him. Every time he sees her, he falls for her deeper and deeper. "Atlas." Catherine smiled seeing him. She checked around to see if anyone was seeing them or not. As she saw no one around she grabbed his hand, pulled him into her room. "What??" Atlas asked surprisingly. He widened his eyes as she closed the door behind them. She is crazy. She is brave. She is so pure. I missed her so damn much. Catherine sat on the bed and looked at him. "I want to know where have you been these years? With your grandmother?" In these years, she tried to find out something about him. But nobody could help her. Atlas shook his head as he sat beside her. "No. I live with her for 2 years. I lived in Giho." Catherine raised her brows. He lives in Giho before? With whom? She titled her head. "I want to see the place you
[This chapter contains mature content] 18th century... 8 years ago... "Atlas, Why are we in the church?" Catherine looked around and got confused when Atlas removed his hands from her eyes. Atlas smiled cheekily. "You'll see." He pulled her to the chancel and stood beside her. Catherine titled her head confusingly, "Are we here to pray for something?" Catherine bit her lower lip as he shook his head, "Then why?" After taking a deep breath Atlas kneel down in front of her. "Park Catherine. Will you give me the honor of being my wife?" Atlas knew he loves this girl, he wants her to be his wife. He wants to spend his whole life with this sweet girl. Catherine looked at him like she saw a ghost. She didn't understand why he is doing this. "Oppa. Michyaesseo?" "No. I'm serious." Atlas shook his head, still kneeling in front of her. He sighed when she didn't reply. "Yea. My knee hurt. Answer me. Will you marry me?" Catherine giggled now, she didn't expect him to do it now. "Yes. I'