The Voice: A Sequel to Hwarang: The Saga of the Sooks Book #1

Chapter 2: Crystal Eyes

She found herself unceremoniously dropped onto a bed a moment later. Without a word. Then the mysterious man took a step backwards and removed his tunic. To reveal his undershirt and pants. Thankfully, he stopped there.

He crossed to the doors of his bedroom and shut them. Then, he alarmed her greatly as he approached the side of the bed and drew back the covers before sliding between them. He had deposited her on the other side of the bed.

Her heart pounding in her chest, she flew off the bed. And ran for the doors. But as she tugged on their handles, she found them locked. She was trapped in a bedroom with this strange man.

Still facing the doors, she gasped, "Please. Let me leave."

"No," came his soft and incomprehensible answer. But his tone of voice wasn't menacing.

It sounded again. From that bed that he'd crawled into. "Come. Lie down with me."

Terrified, she leaned backwards while pulling on those handles with all her might. She tugged with every bit of her strength, but they didn't budge. Not one centimeter.

She didn't scream. She knew that there was no point. And she might enrage him if she made too much noise. So she decided to beg him again.

"Please. Please let me go." A sob broke through, escaping her lips a few seconds later. And filling the silence behind her.

"You needn't fear me. I'm not going to touch you. I just want you to spin me a tale while I lie here in the dark."

Stunned, she froze. Then, slowly, she turned around to face him. "What?" Her strange violet eyes had flown wide again.

He sighed. "I have a terrible time sleeping. But I find your voice soothing. I'm hoping that it will lull me to sleep. It's worked before, you see."

She stared at him incredulously. "You really just want me to tell you a story?"

He bobbed his head. "I swear it," he murmured solemnly.

"Does it matter which one?"

"Yes. I want to know what happens to the king."

"The king?" she played dumb.

"The terribly handsome, terribly romantic, terribly clever king," he teased her with humor rumbling his vocal cords. "I want to know how his story ends." Suddenly, the chuckle died, and a sober tone overtook his voice. "How does he outwit all his enemies?"

His curiosity drew her to him. She moved closer, peering down at him. She really hated her inability to see clearly. She bent over him, coming within a few inches of his face, her eyes studying his serious countenance for several long moments as she remained silent.

He really was breathtakingly beautiful. He had two bold, nearly flat eyebrows. A straight, sculpted nose. Two inviting lips. Gorgeous, dark eyes. But...it was the vulnerability in his countenance – and most especially in those compelling eyes – that drew her towards him. His eyes seemed sad. Why would this man – who really appeared more like an overgrown boy – be so melancholy?

She swallowed. She still didn't like the idea of sharing that big bed with him tonight. She straightened and glanced frantically around the room.

"What are you looking for?" he muttered.

"Somewhere to sit," she responded reluctantly.

He patted the bed next to him. "Right here. Come. This bed is quite comfortable. I can assure you that it's more comfortable than wherever you normally sleep."