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

Chapter 12: Not Until Today

He returned before nightfall. Just as he had promised. Again. This morning. Before he'd left for the day.

Eun Sook was waiting for him. She'd bathed. She'd even washed her hair. She'd dressed in clean clothes. And written down a new story. She was prepared to tell him more of the king's tale.

But when he first came into his rooms, he heaved a sigh and pulled off his tunic. She could tell that he was weary.

"Have you eaten dinner?" she queried.

He glanced up at her. And shook his head.

"Would you like me to order you something?"

His eyebrows flew up in surprise. "You? Order me something?" He scoffed. "That's always been my job."

She shrugged.

"I already ordered you dinner. Did a maid bring it?" He sharpened his gaze on her. "Have you eaten?"

She nodded. "A couple hours ago. It was another excellent meal. I guess the palace chef doesn't know how to make anything other than extraordinary."

He smiled faintly at her before walking into his room and collapsing onto his bed. "I'm exhausted."

This being king business really took it out of a guy. Not to mention his worry over his mother's health. He'd never felt this tired in his whole life. Maybe it was all the uncertainties involved. And the realization that even if everything went according to plan, he still had many more challenges to face. Like how to make peace with Goguryeo.

She followed him into his room and glanced down at his bed. He was lying still. His eyes closed.

"Do you want me to tell you a story?" she queried.

"Yes," he replied emphatically, his eyes still closed. "The one about the king."

"Ah, yes." She sat down on the end of his bed. He felt it shift near his feet. "The king."

"And the councilman's daughter."

"Oh!" she responded in surprise. "Did you think she was someone important to the plot?"

His eyes opened. "Isn't she?" he asked as he gazed at her.

"Perhaps," she rejoined noncommittally.

He chuckled. "Cagey girl. Always leading me on."

"Of course. That's what the best storytellers do. Otherwise, you wouldn't return to hear more. I must leave little breadcrumbs of intrigue along the path to tempt you, mustn't I?" Her lips flipped up in a teasing smile.

But it was the light in her indigo eyes that tested him most. How could he be attracted to two women at once? And wouldn't that just further complicate his already convoluted existence?

She suddenly scooted up the bed until she was leaning against the wall again. She set her head back against that wall and closed her eyes. Then she began to continue her story.

"The king parted ways with the pretty girl all too soon. With not one word of becoming further acquainted with her.

"The girl sighed as she watched him walk away. Disappointed that he wouldn't be following her home tonight. Then she shook her head at herself. The whole scenario had been too good to be true. There was no way that she'd capture the interest of such a gorgeous man for very long. Surely. She'd been foolish to allow her hopes to rise. She sighed in reconciliation to the inevitable.

"She was headed home after her shopping was done. Alone. To face her appa. And his friends.

"She'd probably have to endure talk about what a suitable bride she'd make for one of their sons.