Betrothed To The Prince...

It's decided

Ae rushed in the direction of Pete's chamber caring less to look at the people who were calling him and trying to stop him. He just knew one thing, he needed Pete and he couldn't let him just leave. He will be devastated if Pete chose to dissolve this marriage.

The guards outside Pete's chamber tried to stop him but Ae shoved them aside before he pushed open the door and stepped in. Pete was talking to Hom and Phailin who had just finished packing his belongings.

"Leave...." Ae ordered and the maids looked up at Pete in horror. Pete just nodded in assurance letting the maids walk out. As soon as they were out, the doors were close letting Ae talk to Pete.

"Why??? Why are you doing this?" Ae asked in pleading tone. "It is mae's decision Ae. I can't stop it." Pete explained. "You can ask her for some time... Tell her that you want to stay..." Ae said. "I can't Ae... I have asked her myself to let me go back. And this was before the accident. I would have left that day itself if the person hadn't attacked. She is fulfilling her promise. And I think it's better for all." Pete spoke.

"Better for whom Pete? You?? Me?? Or the rest of the people?" Ae asked. "For me... I won't have any more bitter memories... For you... You won't have to fight all time and you can go back to those concubines any time. Now there is no one to stop you. And for all, it will relieve their stress, they won't have to face any consequences for helping me." Pete replied.

Those words were like daggers thrown at Ae which pierced his heart injuring him severely. "I am sorry... I am sorry... I am really sorry Pete..." Ae began to apologise as he got down on his knees pleadingly.

"Please don't leave... Please... I need you...." Ae begged. "I can't Ae... I need to go.... Let me go... I had come here with excitement to start my life with you. To live my life with you and have all the happy moments where you will love me and cherish me. This was the only thing that I have expected from you. And what I got was hate. I have suffered enough Ae. Please let me go back. I promise that I will never return to interfere in your life." Pete said.

"Don't say that!! I don't want you to leave. Please... Stay with me... I am begging you..." Ae began to cry while pleading. He was ready to do anything that would hold Pete back. "I am sorry Ae.... But I will have to go." Pete said.

Inside the courtroom:

All the higher officials have already walked out of the courtroom after having heard some heart wrecking news. They were sad when the empress announced the departure of Pete. They all wished Pete to stay since they could see things were getting better in his presence. But now... God only knows what will happen.

"Love, you were harsh." The emperor said to his wife. "I wasn't.... Ae needs to know... Pete is not a toy to play with." She replied. "I agree... But didn't you see?? Ae has fallen in love with him. It won't be right to call off the marriage." The emperor tried to convince.

"I don't believe that you are saying these words." The woman said in disapproval. "I am saying it... because I can see the sincerity in his eyes and his actions. He has dissolved the concubine system. And I can see that he is really trying to prove himself. You shouldn't let him get broken." The emperor explained.

"You are just thinking about your son. What about Pete? Have you thought about him? What if he doesn't want to stay with Ae? We shouldn't force him." The empress spoke. "I agree but love, think over it. If Pete didn't want this marriage, why would he hide the fact that Ae was sneaking into his room. It's been days now but he didn't tell anyone. It only means that he too is willing to give Ae another chance." The emperor tried to point out.

"Then what do you want me to do? Ask him not to leave?" the empress questioned. "Well, let Pete choose. It should be his decision if he wants this marriage or not. And also about leaving, let it be his decision only. Don't try to influence him. Let him make the choice." The emperor suggested.