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

Chapter 14: Embraced

The day began well enough. Everything went as planned. He ascended the throne. Seon Woo and the hwarang arrived and bowed before him. They pledged their allegiance to King Jin Heung, claiming him as the ruler they chose. After Minister Park stepped forward to interrupt the pageantry to announce that he and the royal council had chosen another king. Jin Heung's own cousin and most faithful friend, Seon Woo. But due to the warrior's faithfulness to the king, Jin Heung's deadliest enemy had his power ripped away from him as his treasonous plot was unveiled. Even as it unraveled.

Then the queen dowager abdicated. And Jin Heung was crowned king. With the full support of both the council and the hwarang. And Seon Woo had proven to be his righthand man. Giving up his own right to Silla's throne.

But the euphoria that had filled Jin Heung during those victorious moments in the throne room soon died away later in the day as he faced some of the most difficult news of his entire life. A great personal tragedy.

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Jin Heung came to his room that night with an oddly vulnerable expression on his face. He didn't greet Eun Sook but crossed the room silently. But, as he passed her, that tenderness in his countenance drew her heart towards him.

She reached out to still him as her hand touched his arm gently.

"Jijin? What's wrong?" she gasped. After a quiet moment, she probed, "Is it your mother?"

His eyes met hers, and his face suddenly crumpled. He paused for a moment before admitting, "She's gone."

Then he reached for her. She melted against him, her arms coming up to slip around his waist and pull him close. She squeezed him tight. Feeling the same overwhelming depth of sorrow that she'd felt a few nights ago when he'd told her his mother had been poisoned. Again tonight, she was overcome by the desire to bury him within a bubble of peace, completely surrounded by her heart. Invulnerable to the world and all its pain.

Her heart overflowed her mouth as she exclaimed softly, "Oh, Jijin! I'm so sorry!"

He buried his face in the crook of her neck and sobbed against her skin as he had the other night. He craved her comfort, but he didn't attempt to kiss her this time. She'd made it abundantly clear that she didn't desire his kiss. So he would have to make do with her embrace. He stood for a long time, burying his grief in her shoulder. He felt her warm hand moving slowly side to side against his back, her sweet attempt to soothe him.

And, oddly, it worked. He didn't feel so alone anymore. It did, in fact, seem that he had gained a special friend. In addition to the crown. And Seon Woo's allegiance. And the support of the hwarang.

In some ways, today had been an excellent day. His worst enemy defeated. His best friend firmly established. The rallying of many of his fellows around him. The comfort of this woman's arms and her sweet words. If only he could completely bury himself in her and let her absorb all his grief....

"Stay with me tonight," he murmured. "I don't want to be alone. I need you to help me sleep."

Though, right now he wasn't sure he'd ever sleep again. The weight of an entire kingdom had fallen squarely on his shoulders today. And even with Seon Woo's help, he knew that this challenge would continue to trouble him for a very long time. Until he had made a lasting peace with the neighboring kingdoms, Goguryeo and Baekje, he would not be able to rest.

He wasn't even certain that one of her stories would help him tonight.

"Come," he tugged on her, pulling her towards the bed with him.

She was even more in love with him now than she'd been the last time he'd coaxed her into his bed. She was terrified that she'd do something stupid if she stepped into his room with him. Wildly, she glanced up into his face. But what she saw displayed there stilled her racing heart. He appeared to be the tiniest of boys tonight. That aching vulnerability had broken afresh in both his countenance and his eyes. Suddenly, she didn't fear him. Not one bit. She sought only to comfort him.